I am not nor have I ever been a believer in "good losses". As Jim Boeheim said in a post-game interview " This team always finds a way to win." That is why the Orange are 29-1 and the Huskies are 7-9 in the Big East and precariously atop the bubble. I also do not subscribe to the oft repeated line (Dicky V. was very guilty of this yesterday) this UConn team is much better than their record; No! they have not beaten any of the top 6 teams in the Big East because the truth is this is a mediocre Husky team. I cannot remember a UConn team in recent years that allowed so many opposing players drive right down the lane to the hoop- that is just not UConn basketball. Yesterday was disgraceful as several Orange players drove to the hoop virtually unchallenged. In addition, they do not play consistently with hustle and their half court offense has regressed to virtually no movement off the ball. The loss of scholarships resulting from recruiting violations as left them with no depth on the bench.
Despite this, give them credit for an effort and hustle level yesterday that they have not shown in weeks. They overcame a 17 point deficit to tie the game and had the ball out of bounds down two with 13 seconds left to play. Grandma Moses could have figured out that the Huskies were going to try to put the ball in Jeremy Lamb's hands and when he got the ball Boeheim had him triple teamed so he had to make a desperation pass to Roscoe Smith whose off balance shot was blocked. I think they should have either had Lamb coming off double or triple screens to shoot a jumper or use him as a decoy and go inside. Giving him the ball up top and letting him try to make his own shot was a disastrous strategy.
Jeremy Lamb had a nice game and led the scoring with 19, followed by Drummond with 15boatright with 14 and Roscoe Smith in his best outing of the year with 13.
I do think that it is hard to evaluate how much Calhoun's absense has delayed this team's development- certainly it is a huge factor. Calhoun is scheduled to have back surgery on Monday and we wish him well.
UConn now has two games left - Providence and Pitt; if they win both they are 9-9 in the BigEast and are in the Big Dance. If they split and are 8-10 it would be awfully hard for the committee to justify an invitation to the Big Dance.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve
Steve: Keep the faith. Last year at this juncture, you had UConn winning "one game, if that, in the Big East Tournament." This year's team is, arguably, better suited than last year's squad. Our front court lost only Okwandu, while gaining Drummond along with a year's worth of experience for Oriakhi, Olander and Smith. The backcourt, with Napier, Lamb and Boatright can be among the nation's best. Daniels and Giffey can each spell a few valuable minutes if needed. AND... Saint James returns to practice as soon as Thursday. With Calhoun's genius at the helm and this talented roster to work with, simply fasten your seat belt and enjoy another Calhoun tournament run - because just like last year - the run is coming. I will save a seat for you on the bandwagon and look forward to seeing you after few wins. It is going to get crowded.
ReplyDeleteJohn as a long time Husky & Bison fan, I hope you are right. However, I'd rather have Bucknell facing this year's team in the first round than last years team which whomped us good.
DeleteJohn, thanks for the comment and I hope you are right, but I just don't think so. Let's not forget that Walker was one of the best players in UConn history and there is no one like that on this year's team.
ReplyDeleteI do think that if, and it is a big if, with back surgery Calhoun can come back it will make a difference, particularly in X and O guy.
Again, I just do not see a run this year but as a fan I am not giving up hope.
Steve
something got left out- I said that I was disappointed in blaney's end of game strategy and he surely has lost his fire.
ReplyDelete