Yes exhibition... but still | Page 4 | The Boneyard

Yes exhibition... but still

husky429 said:
Agreed. Cobb is maybe 6'7. Definitely shorter than larrier. At every position but PG we had a size disadvantage.
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And I'm not even talking about height. Outside of Cobb all our guys look slight.
 
WingU-Conn said:
We should be out recruiting kids like their freshman Ashton-Langford. Imagine him in our backcourt instead of Anderson. Why is Ollie focusing on grad transfers instead of kids like that?
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Did we even offer him? If not, Ollie should be fired.
 
boog204 said:
Thought this game was tomorrow! Balls. But then just put it on and we are down 25. Nice. Anything redeemable from this?
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Saw a few good moves by Cobb and Carlton. I think they can make a good contribution once the rotation is settled. Cobb is pretty mobile and looked pretty trim. Horrendous officiating. I think we were over the 10 foul bonus in both halves with 10 minutes to go in each half. Providence missed a few in the beginning but after that they were great at shooting and nothing we put up went in. It was like Uconn 29% from the floor at one point and 2-12 from 3pt land and Providence was shooting 67% Fg and the same from 3 pt land at one point. Providence players looked very muscular compared to Uconn except for Cobb and Vitale. Larrier was pushed around pretty good; he is wiry but has no weight. Over all I thought that most of the players were hustling and late in the game the guards were moving things pretty well and their sheer numbers (4) were taking a toll. Had a decent amount of the shots fallen (object of the game) it could have been a good game. I think we have to give them a chance to keep plugging away and find a rotation. I am much more pleased with the effort and potential of this team vs. last year and hopefully they won't be plagued with injuries this year. They played well when they really pressured PC. Even if they broke the press and got a few easy buckets they showed that they could get steals and upset the tempo. Would like to see more of this
and rotating guys in and out until they get the eight or so that get most of the minutes.
 
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Sad to see posters talking about Providence as a team out of UConns league now. So great we shouldn't expect UConn to come close to competing.

Hope UConn schedules more games at Mohegan in future. Fun place to watch a game. Maybe not schedule such college basketball juggernaut to make it a little more enjoyable next time.
 
PC didn’t need anymore help taking our recruits, but they just got it.
 
Kemba2Rememba said:
Biggest takeaway? Kwin Williams may end up being an afterthought this year. Played least minutes and looked outmatched under the glass (but, to be fair, it was such a small sample size that it could be negligible). I know there was serious sentiment on the board that he could possibly even start, but that may need to be thrown out the window quick.
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One thing on Kwintin — According to his Instagram story he is back in the gym on campus right now (close to midnight) putting in work. Could tell he was frustrated by the game tonight but instead of sulking like a lot of guys would do, he took it as an opportunity to get better. The raw skills are clearly there so the fact that he seemingly has the work ethic to go along with that athleticism is a step in the right direction.
 
4xChamps said:
One thing on Kwintin — According to his Instagram story he is back in the gym on campus right now (close to midnight) putting in work. Could tell he was frustrated by the game tonight but instead of sulking like a lot of guys would do, he took it as an opportunity to get better. The raw skills are clearly there so the fact that he seemingly has the work ethic to go along with that athleticism is a step in the right direction.
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I literally saw him play for like 1 minute in the first half. Don't know how much he played in the second cuz I turned it off somewhat early, but why would KO not give him a little more run. Seems like a front court by committee right now, give em all a shot.
 
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I was at the game, and I really don't think it was as bad as people are making it out to be.
Frustrating to watch, for sure, and reminiscent of last season. But let's remember some important things.

This UConn team was thrown together, with what, 4 returning players who played on the team last season? A team that had a losing record, nonetheless. Providence is an established team, with all five returning starters from a very good Big East team that went to the NCAA tournament.

The two most concerning things, to me, were shot making and defensive rotations.
We have to make wide open shots. Ollie needs to determine who the best 3pt shooters are, and where their spots are. It is inexcusable to start a game shooting 1-10 or whatever it was from 3.

Defensively, I didn't think effort was necessarily the problem (especially in an exhibition game), but rather player's lack of communication and knowing where to be and when to help. PC were allowed waaaaay too many wide open 3s. (PC also shot the lights out tonight). Some of the freshmen/big guys were way too slow on their feet, and used their hands too much rather than defending straight up with their chest. And please stop falling for every pump fake and leaving your feet on every shot. The amount of fouls called were mind-numbing.

Ollie didn't use a consistent lineup, because he was rotating like 11 guys so they could all get experience in an exhibition game. That did not help against a good PC team. Once the season starts there will be more defined roles.

A huge positive with this team is the shear fact that there is much more muscle and depth down low than the previous couple years. Oh, and Anderson is an excellent on-ball defender.
 
It was not a good showing. If we improve from here, it will be meaningless.
I'm still amazed at the posters who, until two months ago, couldn't stop telling us how much the team and coaches sucked, and are now highly offended that we looked bad. Or, who demanded that we be a top 25 team this year without adding a single player other than Kwinton.

Our shooting was horrible, our defense was confused. But the bright spots for me were Anderson, Polley, Cobb and (still) Vital.
 
RayIsTheGOAT said:
I was at the game, and I really don't think it was as bad as people are making it out to be.
Frustrating to watch, for sure, and reminiscent of last season. But let's remember some important things.

This UConn team was thrown together, with what, 4 returning players who played on the team last season? A team that had a losing record, nonetheless. Providence is an established team, with all five returning starters from a very good Big East team that went to the NCAA tournament.

The two most concerning things, to me, were shot making and defensive rotations.
We have to make wide open shots. Ollie needs to determine who the best 3pt shooters are, and where their spots are. It is inexcusable to start a game shooting 1-10 or whatever it was from 3.

Defensively, I didn't think effort was necessarily the problem (especially in an exhibition game), but rather player's lack of communication and knowing where to be and when to help. PC were allowed waaaaay too many wide open 3s. (PC also shot the lights out tonight). Some of the freshmen/big guys were way too slow on their feet, and used their hands too much rather than defending straight up with their chest. And please stop falling for every pump fake and leaving your feet on every shot. The amount of fouls called were mind-numbing.

Ollie didn't use a consistent lineup, because he was rotating like 11 guys so they could all get experience in an exhibition game. That did not help against a good PC team. Once the season starts there will be more defined roles.

A huge positive with this team is the shear fact that there is much more muscle and depth down low than the previous couple years. Oh, and Anderson is an excellent on-ball defender.
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If Larrier is one of our 3 point shooters that’s trouble, not to say he can’t make one but he should stay midrange. Gilbert, Adams, and Vital have to be the ones until someone else shows up. The 3 point shot is kind of necessary in MCBB in case anyone has noticed lately. Jalen and Christian who are going to be gassed by game ends from everything else they do are going to need help in that department. Gilbert made one yesterday so let’s hope that continues.
 
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RayIsTheGOAT said:
I was at the game, and I really don't think it was as bad as people are making it out to be.
Frustrating to watch, for sure, and reminiscent of last season. But let's remember some important things.

This UConn team was thrown together, with what, 4 returning players who played on the team last season? A team that had a losing record, nonetheless. Providence is an established team, with all five returning starters from a very good Big East team that went to the NCAA tournament.

The two most concerning things, to me, were shot making and defensive rotations.
We have to make wide open shots. Ollie needs to determine who the best 3pt shooters are, and where their spots are. It is inexcusable to start a game shooting 1-10 or whatever it was from 3.

Defensively, I didn't think effort was necessarily the problem (especially in an exhibition game), but rather player's lack of communication and knowing where to be and when to help. PC were allowed waaaaay too many wide open 3s. (PC also shot the lights out tonight). Some of the freshmen/big guys were way too slow on their feet, and used their hands too much rather than defending straight up with their chest. And please stop falling for every pump fake and leaving your feet on every shot. The amount of fouls called were mind-numbing.

Ollie didn't use a consistent lineup, because he was rotating like 11 guys so they could all get experience in an exhibition game. That did not help against a good PC team. Once the season starts there will be more defined roles.

A huge positive with this team is the shear fact that there is much more muscle and depth down low than the previous couple years. Oh, and Anderson is an excellent on-ball defender.
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Thanks, helpful.

Not a particularly good entertainment product on display, and certainly too small a sample size for me to draw conclusions, but thankful to see names, faces, and bodies in motion.
 
Stairmaster said:
He's going to use it to continue pitching that they are the superior program. And look at what he's already done with the MAL tampering and getting Reeves and Duke.
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Although I feel like this game doesn't mean much, other than if anything it just gave us experience against a high level veteran talented team, Cooley will try to use this against us don't make any mistake about it.
 
Watched on my phone using the Foxgo app so I couldn't see well enough to ref the game, but my takeaways...

Carlton will play a bigger role than I imagined. A lot of big guys start a bit rough fouling etc, but I thought he had good instincts and did okay with the ball in his hands. he seems like an intelligent poised player that will get better and better. He has a frame and attitude to get stronger and stronger as well. I'm pleased with his first action.

Polley made that particularly great move that was impressive, and hit free throws confidently. I couldn't see well enough to watch his defense, but I have great hopes for him.

I don't think Diarra got in until the last few minutes, but I thought that was a mistake. He went after the ball harder than anybody and moved quick and confidently on defense. I think we need what he brings. He can defend the post with quickness when the guards extend defense to the 3 pt line.

Larrier didn't just play poorly, I thought he was the cause of both our falling behind, and our early wipeout in the second half. An earlier poster thought he didn't play in the second half, so maybe my little screen had me not seeing accurately. It seemed like we wanted to offensively 'go to' larrier, or, at least that he believes that. Bad misses without moving the ball more, led to flurries of PC baskets it seemed. I think he should be a player that just takes his good opportunities rather than be a 'go to' player. He seemed physically overmatched.

Whaley didn't do anything special I saw, but I also I did not note negative plays. I had no expectations for him coming in to the season so I am impressed he has found his way into playing time over a kid like Polley, and seemed to have significant playing time.

I thought a particularly awful lineup was 3 guards, Larrier, and Whaley. Anderson is a solid guard and plays hard defensively. I couldn't form an opinion on Cobb. Williams clearly hasn't earned time. Was Onourah available or get in?

Obviously, shooting sucked, but I think there is plenty to work with and there will be much improvement. The biggest issue for this team is that they can't afford early season losses while they get better.
 
Ricker said:
Watched on my phone using the Foxgo app so I couldn't see well enough to ref the game, but my takeaways...

Carlton will play a bigger role than I imagined. A lot of big guys start a bit rough fouling etc, but I thought he had good instincts and did okay with the ball in his hands. he seems like an intelligent poised player that will get better and better. He has a frame and attitude to get stronger and stronger as well. I'm pleased with his first action.

Polley made that particularly great move that was impressive, and hit free throws confidently. I couldn't see well enough to watch his defense, but I have great hopes for him.

I don't think Diarra got in until the last few minutes, but I thought that was a mistake. He went after the ball harder than anybody and moved quick and confidently on defense. I think we need what he brings. He can defend the post with quickness when the guards extend defense to the 3 pt line.

Larrier didn't just play poorly, I thought he was the cause of both our falling behind, and our early wipeout in the second half. An earlier poster thought he didn't play in the second half, so maybe my little screen had me not seeing accurately. It seemed like we wanted to offensively 'go to' larrier, or, at least that he believes that. Bad misses without moving the ball more, led to flurries of PC baskets it seemed. I think he should be a player that just takes his good opportunities rather than be a 'go to' player. He seemed physically overmatched.

Whaley didn't do anything special I saw, but I also I did not note negative plays. I had no expectations for him coming in to the season so I am impressed he has found his way into playing time over a kid like Polley, and seemed to have significant playing time.

I thought a particularly awful lineup was 3 guards, Larrier, and Whaley. Anderson is a solid guard and plays hard defensively. I couldn't form an opinion on Cobb. Williams clearly hasn't earned time. Was Onourah available or get in?

Obviously, shooting sucked, but I think there is plenty to work with and there will be much improvement. The biggest issue for this team is that they can't afford early season losses while they get better.
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Onuorah was out with a hip injury.

Agreed that Larrier lost them this one, but apparently KO was willing to accept that to get him exposure against a good team. He and Gilbert were clearly very rusty, but as long as they don’t lose confidence, this was good experience for them. Hopefully they look sharper in the next two exhibitions.

Agreed that there is plenty to work with and there is a lot of improvement in this team’s future. Wilson gaining eligibility would also be huge.
 
RayIsTheGOAT said:
This UConn team was thrown together, with what, 4 returning players who played on the team last season?
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This is the kind of stuff that bothers me. It reminds me of Anne Donovan, coach of the CT Sun. She runs off a few players and a few others leave because they don't like the situation she created. She then used the excuse of having a team full of new players to explain poor performance.
 
The one thing Calhoun squads always had were shooters to get us out of trouble in the half court set. Today's players are all so concerned about what set to run and they play like robots rather than having a natural feel for the game. We have lost that from our squads the last few years. We can't expect to just turn it on when we need a bucket. It doesn't work that way when we can't shoot the ball...yikes...
 
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Waquoit said:
This is the kind of stuff that bothers me. It reminds me of Anne Donovan, coach of the CT Sun. She runs off a few players and a few others leave because they don't like the situation she created. She then used the excuse of having a team full of new players to explain poor performance.
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Is this what KO "does"? The last time this happened KO led the team to 20 wins and then followed that up with a title. Or are you comparing a WNBA coach to a Yarder?

This is a unique situation, admittedly one largely of KO's making. We're coming off the worst season in the post-Perno era and we lost a number of quality players. But regardless of who's to blame, the fact is we need to give the team substantial time to gel, and anyone who was expecting the team to hum right off the bat was living in Disneyland.
 
nomar said:
Is this what KO "does"? The last time this happened KO led the team to 20 wins and then followed that up with a title. Or are you comparing a WNBA coach to a Yarder?

This is a unique situation, admittedly one largely of KO's making. We're coming off the worst season in the post-Perno era and we lost a number of quality players. But regardless of who's to blame, the fact is we need to give the team substantial time to gel, and anyone who was expecting the team to hum right off the bat was living in Disneyland.
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People still don't seem to get it, we don't have time to gel. We look like absolute cr@p again to start this season and miss the tournament again and that's a wrap for Ollie.
 
Doctor Hoop said:
He is coming off an ACL. I can tell you that it will take a while for his knee to be back to normal even if there's no swelling, no pain, and no instability. Typically after an ACL reconstruction players are not themselves again until year 2.
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Well, if that's true it looks like he won't be going anywhere next year despite expectations from so many. That would be good for the team and him and help get us back to respectability as his recovery continues.
 
superjohn said:
People still don't seem to get it, we don't have time to gel. We look like absolute cr@p again to start this season and miss the tournament again and that's a wrap for Ollie.
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Agree. But we do have time. We have 5 more exhibition games, and plenty of more practice time. This is why teams normally keep these kinds of scrimmages private. We don't normally see our teams against this level of comp this early in the process. Its unfair to judge them off of this game. Give the team and the coaches the necessary time to prepare for the games that count. They haven't had that time yet

Correction: 2 exhibition games
 
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AntG168 said:
Agree. But we do have time. We have 5 more exhibition games, and plenty of more practice time. This is why teams normally keep these kinds of scrimmages private. We don't normally see our teams against this level of comp this early in the process. Its unfair to judge them off of this game. Give the team and the coaches the necessary time to prepare for the games that count. They haven't had that time yet
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Two more exhibition games but yes agree with your point
 
superjohn said:
People still don't seem to get it, we don't have time to gel. We look like absolute cr@p again to start this season and miss the tournament again and that's a wrap for Ollie.
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You don't seem to grasp the full reality of the situation.

We need time to gel. And we do have time to gel. Not a lot of time, but time.

Anyone who thought this team would play well right off the bat should have their head checked. Because that notion was crazy.

I agree that the team needs to have a decent enough record to compete for an NCAA berth, or Ollie's on the chopping block. But if we get there, it's going to be because the team improves over time, not because it's magically great right out of the box.

I really can't tell you how silly I think it is for anybody who's been watching college basketball for longer than 2 months to have thought that this team would be playing well in November.
 
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