Ollie

[Dominicfrank]

So I was at the SMU game with a Memphis grad friend of mine. I go to his SMU/Memphis games and he goes to my SMU/uconn games each year.....

Each year we talk about Memphis maybe never being a real team to beat again and for the first time it was also a talk about UCONN being possibly there as well.

I spent 45mins having to try and defend the over the top negative style of Ollie, defend his berating of the players at every turn, explain why Miller and Moore never really talk to him during the game, why those two are the only ones really doing any coaching........keep in mind these were my friends observations not mine. in between those observations we couldnt stop talking about the unreal lack of any kind of offense while SMU looked like a well piled machine right up to their short white kid walk on which the crowd was egging on to get points against the mighty Huskies.........

Thats us fella's, the "lets get the walk on some points" team......................

I have commented at the head shaking, sulking,etc.....that we all see on TV but being there in person was an unfortunate experience.

I loved the idea of Ollie, love him as a former player and incredible ambassador for the school in the NBA but I think the time has come for us all to take a step back and call this what it is. He is not a good HC. Something has to change, he will no doubt get one more year but can we all agree thats all it should be ?

 

[andersonfro]

These guys practice for days prepping for a team. The coaches have meetings from early am to late night getting on the same page. By the time the game rolls around very few words need to be spoken between coaches. If you see Miller talking KO's ear off during a game he's probably dictating his resignation.

Miller & Moore are supposed to be coaching the kids, Ollie is supposed to be coaching the team. These are well defined roles.

As far as KO's attitude goes idk, I think it plays different as a visual. He always has a gas face, but his comments are always positive. As a matter of fact a lot of criticism comes at him in the form of his not being as negative as JC. "Why no quick hook, why no technical fouls" etc, now you have kind of the opposite observation.

It's easy to seek validation after a couple of bad games without context. We knew this was going to be a rough season, they should have won that Georgetown game but context: Brimah played 6 minutes. We knew this game was a matchup problem and a potential blowout and context: Jalen was flat, can't win that way.

Some things go on the coaching staff. Why couldn't they figure out how to communicate with Rodney that he needed to operate within the offense? Don't know the answer but Purv has always been that way, he's a black hole. It was to the point where Ollie clearly told the guards they weren't allowed to shoot until Kentan touched the ball.

I think it's ironic that KO's positivity is what built everyone's expectations for what could be accomplished in such a short period of time. He said it was going to take a while & people should expect to be patient (talking about a young, healthy team) but all anyone remembers is his Rodney the Ferrari comment.

I do not agree that he is heading into a do or die year. At the same time I understand and accept that people like you will feel validated if next year they don't live up to your expectations. What I believe is that KO is do or die for Uconn basketball. Your next coach will not be able to recruit the talent, and the fate of the program will be sealed in mediocrity. That's my opinion of what happens if KO doesn't succeed, so the rope needs to be adjusted accordingly.

 

[Shaggydog84]

A-fro
I definitely lean heavily towards your comments, although another rough year would be tough to shake out. I agree that if KO doesn't work out, we then become, at best, a stepping stone for younger up-n-comers who want to get to the big stage. I would say after this season, i'm a 2 year guy for KO, but will always have love for him.

Dom, i hear ya on all your comments. I've asked myself some of the same questions you & your friend is asking. I honestly hate KO's constant look on the sidelines but if we were winning i'd hate it less

But, i've been adament about KO having to work out for UC. Because the alternative for us IMHO is not where we want to go.
I can vividly remember JC coached teams who had no sense of an offensive flow...and there were many in the earlier years. It's all about composition and it comes down to having 3 ball handlers & more than 1 outside shooter, again IMHO.

Frustrating, but my rope is still loose.

 

[CaNOLEE]

Everyone makes fair points in this thread.

Although, predicting the next hypothetical coach will be a step down without knowing who it Will be, is witch craft. If you're going to call Dionne Warwick's 900 line, my advice would be to use it on powerball #'s. That's what friends are for.

 

[andersonfro]

It's more of an assumption or an almost-not-quite educated guess than a prediction. Based on conference, current record and what (an apparent) lot of people would consider a quick hook given the hand KO was dealt. We're showing what I consider to be a surprising lack of patience which could factor into interest level by potential candidates. & I don't see too many coaches pulling these types of classes.

 

[Dominicfrank]

Anderson I can see your points. In fact I am fine if he stay forever because I think winning like we did with JC was as rare as rare gets so chasing that is pretty much impossible. No other program has had the NC's we have had in the 2000's right ? Ollie last ship was more JC's than his but I did think Ollie would ride that longer than the bus ride home.

Truth is that UCONN only makes it back if Ollie is the guy so my hope and prayer is for him to fix it. I guess I should be happy that Randy is back with the football team as it shows that the AD and school as a whole will stick with what works or kinda works.......

I'll rephrase my rant that started this thread to this..............Ollie has next year to keep me and a lot of the die hards faith that we will not be a once in 20 year final four team as opposed to once every 4 years. I have already lost faith that he recruits the right players based on his players never having good chemistry, no rhythm on offense and his kids just don't get better for the most part.

 

[andersonfro]

You know, I'm just not certain you're a person I should take seriously.

 

[Dominicfrank]

You know, I'm just not certain you're a person I should take seriously.

I couldnt give two ..........

 

[TRUCONN76]

Anyone who thinks any coach could win with this roster is as delusional as Bob Diaco. The only chance this team had once Larrier went down was for Durham to develope faster than reasonably possible. Enoch's inability to progress keeps them at mediocre. If they all come back from injuries next year will be a different story.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Yeah, I think the same. The line between winning and losing is very thin and team chemistry and roles can be dramatically altered by a few injuries and guys unable to adjust to different roles. Health and another year of experience will make a huge difference.

 

[USNA90]

Hopefully the guys who are injured come back fully healthy, at their pre-injury form and haven't regressed. I'm also hoping that the scholarships get filled this year.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

By the way, Kevin Ollie's boss on Team USA summer, head coach Shaka Smart, is 7-12 at Texas, this after Smart indefinitely suspended Tevin Mack, Texas's best player, for violating team rules and other conduct detrimental to the team. Things have not gone so well for Shaka, since the time he and Kevin competed for the UConn job. Ollie actually beat Smart at Texas last year, but this year Texas has really had all kinds of problems and also has a bunch of bad losses.

 

[the Blades]

The problem with everything will be fine next year is there's alot of if's ......this team looked mediocre when they had a full squad in 3 out of the first 4 games ( 2 exhibitions and 2 losses to mediocre/bad mid majors). Vance and Jalen (NBA ?) are legit ballers, Durham looks like he has upside...but can he board? .. CV is a gamer who could be a surprise..but if we have to wait another 3 and half years for some of these newbies to develop like Facey...what will the excuses be then ? .Larrier looked like a scorer but forced alot of shots ( good % though) and we have to hope he comes back healthy and he'll need to board ... I'm hoping Rique's injury problem ( 3rd time) doesn't become chronic and the word is MAL can't shoot.....So everything will have to come together and the biggest X- factor could be if Enoch can make huge strides this summer ? If not where is anything that looks like shot blocking or at least strong D and rebounding gonna come from down low? ( any other non-project bigs out there, that Uconn is involved with ? ...maybe a grad transfer ? )

On the recruiting front it looks like Tyler Polley #131 and Josh Carlton #169 aren't top kids in the national composites rankings, so they could be projects too. Let's hope they aren't. Uconn is a long way from the Top 20 rankings that some of the national experts started em' out with. And if this team didn't have bad luck this year they'd have none at all. But KO's gonna have to earn that $3.1 Mil a year he's banking and alot of things will have to go right.....

 

[Shaggydog84]

Everyone makes fair points in this thread.

Although, predicting the next hypothetical coach will be a step down without knowing who it Will be, is witch craft. If you're going to call Dionne Warwick's 900 line, my advice would be to use it on powerball #'s. That's what friends are for.

Canolee, my point is more that yes, we'll find a good, young coach who elevates the program....but then what? How can we keep him in the AAC? He's moving on. So, where i think we can bring in some very good coaches, i don't see it as helping this program in the long run cuz we will be more of a stepping stone program...dare i say.

But if KO can learn & keep working hard & figure things out (again, let's remember he's only been a HC for 4 yrs) i think we'll be much better off in the long run as he bleeds husky blue. Just MHO.

 

[the Blades]

Things have not gone so well for Shaka, since the time he and Kevin competed for the UConn job. .

I don't think Shaka or Brad ever competed for the Uconn job except on this board..... And I called it back then that Shaka changes zip codes more than his sox and him
and Stevens ( another one people where throwing around ) would have no loyalty being here and both would have new jobs in about 3 years or less.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

UConn

where is anything that looks like shot blocking or at least strong D and rebounding gonna come from down low? ( any other non-project bigs out there, that Uconn is involved with ? ...maybe a grad transfer ? )

I see this as a potential HUGE problem for next year that has to be fixed. In recent games when Brimah had to sit due to foul trouble, the opposing teams attacked the rim ruthlessly. SMU had a guy drive the lane for an uncontested two hand hammer dunk right after Brimah went out with his 3rd foul. This will happen on a regular basis next year unless they find someone to clog the lane. It can't be that hard to find a big guy who can clog up the lane and block some shots and board. As long as he can do that, I do not even care about the offense at all. I gotta think the coaches see this too. Ollie must address it right away!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shaggydog84]

The problem with everything will be fine next year is there's alot of if's ......this team looked mediocre when they had a full squad in 3 out of the first 4 games ( 2 exhibitions and 2 losses to mediocre/bad mid majors). Vance and Jalen (NBA ?) are legit ballers, Durham looks like he has upside...but can he board? .. CV is a gamer who could be a surprise..but if we have to wait another 3 and half years for some of these newbies to develop like Facey...what will the excuses be then ? .Larrier looked like a scorer but forced alot of shots ( good % though) and we have to hope he comes back healthy and he'll need to board ... I'm hoping Rique's injury problem ( 3rd time) doesn't become chronic and the word is MAL can't shoot.....So everything will have to come together and the biggest X- factor could be if Enoch can make huge strides this summer ? If not where is anything that looks like shot blocking or at least strong D and rebounding gonna come from down low? ( any other non-project bigs out there, that Uconn is involved with ? ...maybe a grad transfer ? )

On the recruiting front it looks like Tyler Polley #131 and Josh Carlton #169 aren't top kids in the national composites rankings, so they could be projects too. Let's hope they aren't. Uconn is a long way from the Top 20 rankings that some of the national experts started em' out with. And if this team didn't have bad luck this year they'd have none at all. But KO's gonna have to earn that $3.1 Mil a year he's banking and alot of things will have to go right.....

Agreed Blades. Only think i can do now is suck it up & support the boys this season & keep that hope alive for next year. Thought i saw Polley at around #80 & Carlton move up inside 150 at like 125...maybe in Rivals? I think Polley will help b4 Carlton, but at UConn we never used to HAVE to rely on frosh...but times have a changed.

 

[Shaggydog84]

UConn


I see this as a potential HUGE problem for next year that has to be fixed. In recent games when Brimah had to sit due to foul trouble, other teams attacked the rim ruthlessly. SMU had a guy drive the lane for an uncontested two hand hammer dunk right after Brimah went out with his 3rd foul. This will happen on a regular basis next year unless they find someone to clog the lane. It can't be that hard to find a big guy who can clog up the lane and block some shots and board. As long as he can do that, I do not even care about the offense at all. I gotta think the coaches see this too. Ollie must address it right away!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it would be nice for our starting center to play at least 30 minutes in more than 3 games this deep in the season. Although, i'm worried less about a shot blocker and more about having 5 players with high IQ's on the court. Love AB but at some point we can't possibly think he could be drafted in the late 1st round, if at all. 4 years to perfect 1 low post move, 4 years to figure out a center cannot try to take a charge at half court, 4 years to figure out how to use his body to box out, 4 years to stop complaining every single time he gets called for a foul. He just hasn't worked out - no other way to describe it.

 

[the Blades]

Canolee, my point is more that yes, we'll find a good, young coach who elevates the program....but then what? How can we keep him in the AAC? He's moving on. So, where i think we can bring in some very good coaches, i don't see it as helping this program in the long run cuz we will be more of a stepping stone program...dare i say.

But if KO can learn & keep working hard & figure things out (again, let's remember he's only been a HC for 4 yrs) i think we'll be much better off in the long run as he bleeds husky blue. Just MHO.

Agree Shaggy, that was my whole point 5 years ago B4 he got the job...he checked off alot of boxes.....but he also shook down Warde with the NBA rumors and if he turns it around it's a double edge sword that we've seen in the past.... which brings us back to the P-5 thing and P-5 money that we've discussed on this board ad nauseam...another 5 year plus discussion that body slammed us again this fall...

 

[the Blades]

Agreed Blades. Only think i can do now is suck it up & support the boys this season & keep that hope alive for next year. Thought i saw Polley at around #80 & Carlton move up inside 150 at like 125...maybe in Rivals? I think Polley will help b4 Carlton, but at UConn we never used to HAVE to rely on frosh...but times have a changed.

Yeah I think Rivals had them higher ......"The 247Sports Composite is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings and ratings listed in the public domain by the major media recruiting services, creating the industry's most comprehensive and unbiased prospect and team rankings."

 

[CaNOLEE]

Shaggy, I realize we are in the American currently, but uconn is still a prestigious job and are paying the coach 3 million a year. And It's not like we were winning these ships before recruits were born. These kids grew up watching Kemba, Lamb, Bazz and Daniels cut down the net on the seasons last night.

Mark Few has hung around Gonzaga for 18 years and that place is like Siberia compared to us now. He's a rarity, but if the university is committed to winning and has the resources to pay, keeping a winning coach and a healthy program shouldn't be a problem. Furthermore, The days of Calhoun, Boheim and coach K staying at a school for 25 years plus is most likely a thing of the past.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Don't be surprised if Gonzaga does not do some damage in the NCAA tourney this year. They have been consistently very good for 18 years running, just have not had a lot of luck. They are a fundamentally sound team. And their center is an absolute monster.

 

[Shaggydog84]

Canole (I'm Italian & don't pronounce the e)
I'm hearin ya. I would counter with...I can't imagine they would pay an up-n-comer $3m & I really don't think we're in a position to take on a veteran heavy weight coach unless he's been fired from somewhere else.

All one has to do is look at NBA rosters & UConn is becoming less significant. So, where I think they still have staying power, it's stAting to diminish. I hate to even say that & im not a negative person by trait, but take s look at attendance. Take a look at last year. Kemba is big, Drummind huge, but we just don't have the presence...at least right now. So, where I hear everything u r saying, I'm still gonna respectfully disagree. Hope I'm wrong. The longer we stay outside the P5, the harder it will be to keep up, first financially, which will trickle down to coaches salaries, recruiting dollars & then ultimately recruits. IMHO

If u r a coach right now with zero UConn roots, yes UC is still a great HC gig. But I'm just saying that success for the new HC will land him in the ACC etc.

 

[the Blades]

Canole (I'm Italian & don't pronounce the e)
I'm hearin ya. I would counter with...I can't imagine they would pay an up-n-comer $3m & I really don't think we're in a position to take on a veteran heavy weight coach unless he's been fired from somewhere else.

All one has to do is look at NBA rosters & UConn is becoming less significant. So, where I think they still have staying power, it's stAting to diminish. I hate to even say that & im not a negative person by trait, but take s look at attendance. Take a look at last year. Kemba is big, Drummind huge, but we just don't have the presence...at least right now. So, where I hear everything u r saying, I'm still gonna respectfully disagree. Hope I'm wrong. The longer we stay outside the P5, the harder it will be to keep up, first financially, which will trickle down to coaches salaries, recruiting dollars & then ultimately recruits. IMHO
If u r a coach right now with zero UConn roots, yes UC is still a great HC gig. But I'm just saying that success for the new HC will land him in the ACC etc.

I think we're all in agreement on some different points, Uconn used to run 10-15 guys a year in the NBA, now we're down to 5. Both the prestige and the money is heading
in the wrong direction. But it's happened many times with programs around the country and a HOF coach is a tough act to follow, especially for the ticket buying public..... We thought we had a coach and who could pull a Memphis in C-USA scenario but KO hasn't come close...(finished- 3rd, 5th, 6th...???? ) and that's what sells tickets during the regular season.

With Benedict's former COO background we can see where this is going. It's fun to be a internet/TV fan and I know alot don't live close enough( out of state) to come out, but who actually goes to games ? even on this board ? The arena's have no energy anymore and we have a $ 3.1 mil coach ( up to $3.4 mil+ with incentives) who even his boy Donny Marshall is sniveling about this current Uconn job now. Which I find a half truth because even though it's not the old Big East ( nothing is) KO ( in 4 years) is making alot more than Calhoun ever did and the school just built a brand new $40 mil BB facility to recruit to that JC never had..

The fact that KO is getting paid that kind of money in the AAC can't sit well with the AD, especially with guys like Donny ( a BOT member) complaining about the AAC on national TV. Especially when our $3 mil+ man, KO has a 6 man staff to handle 11 scholly players. While our new/ former FB coach is "only" making $1 mil a year + incentives with an 11 man staff for 85 players in the sport that drives the bus..So what Benedict did with his FB hire is a clue. And speaking of who makes what : Mens-basketball | Coach | Salaries ... KO doubles out a guy like Mark Few.

So where does this go? I think you have to follow the money trail now. I used to think KO could be a life' er but now I think it'll only be on his own terms, once the NBA rumors start again if he does turn this around. A non P-5 school can't afford to compete with the NBA or his alimony payments. And Uconn in the AAC can't afford to pay a coach that type of salary , when he's sending the numbers in this direction:

Uconn Basketball
2000-01 18/ 12543
2001-02 15/ 13709
2002-03 16/ 13229
2003-04 18/ 13549
2004-05 17/ 13771
2005-06 16/ 13948
2006-07 20/ 13012
2007-08 17/ 11887
2008-09 16/ 12518
2009-10 19/ 11685
2010-11 17/ 11569
2011-12 17/ 12640
2012-13 16/ 10728 ( Final Big East year, first KO year)
2013-14 18/ 10134 ( First year AAC, National Champs)
2014-15 16/ 10957 ( Championship bump)
2015-16 17/ 10413
2016-17... 9/ 8489

 

[CaNOLEE]

Shaggy, lol. I'm half Italian(the good half) and my screen name is regrettable, but I'm too lazy to change it and I do Fsu OL/DL breakdowns because I'm a moron/loser?

I think what your talking about is legitimate and why Blades and I, along with some other posters have expressed urgency about getting this turned around. Rock bottom works for some people in AA, but we may never get up if we hit the basement. This year has been a terrible abberation injury wise. But outside of '13/14, the two other years were really average and we didn't captilize on a national title run/momentum.

As for $, it's everything in this country, but the big east schools manage without the cash cow( football). I'm sure they have a sweet tv deal, but recruiting 12 athletes and a staff is a lot more doable than 85 without unlimited resources.

Blades, I used to goto one/maybe two game(s) a year in the vintage years. I went last year, but only because it was a Christmas gift. Unfortunately, the product right now is not worth driving up from Norwalk in the cold after a long work week, especially now with a 4 year and a 4 month old. If we start playing good, exciting, consistent basketball again, I'll be back. Hopefully that's next year. I've seen some encouraging signs, but I'm cautiously optimistic.