complete transcript.
1) Is Uconn still a squad predicated on defense?
What do they run schematically in that regard? Yes the squad is definitely still predicated on defense. Adama Sanogo and Isaiah Whaley are really stout down low and on the perimeter Andre Jackson, RJ Cole, Tyrese Martin are all strong defenders in their own ways.
2) Talk about the emergence of Sanogo.
He's a force now. He is absolutely a force on both sides of the ball. Sanogo's a solid passer with great back to the basket moves and a decent touch on short-range shots. Defensively he's been a rebounding and shot-blocking machine, particularly lately. The sophomore big man is one of the best players in the Big East.
3) Is Cole, besides being the trigger man a team leader?
Yes he's very much the heart and soul of the team. UConn needs him on the court as much as possible and his absence is notable when he does take breaks. UConn has turned out to have slightly less dependable depth behind him at point guard, as Jalen Gaffney and Rahsool Diggins were expected to offer a little bit more.
4) Who is this hyper athletic guy Jackson? What's his story?
Jackson is a sophomore who grew up on a military base in Europe before his family moved to New York, where he finished his high school career. He missed a lot of time last season due to injuries and showed flashes of extraordinary play but also many freshman mistakes. This year he has been more consistent for the most part and has continued to show off his explosiveness in transition. He's a very exciting player to watch and a nice piece to have on this year's team with lots of upside as well as he continues to develop.
5) Offensively how does Uconn skin the cat?
I will defer to an editor on my team Dan Madigan for this answer:Sanogo is the main option early, the goal is to get him looks either on the block or somewhere in the paint. He's also a capable passer out of there. If that doesn't work, Cole is expected to take his shot or try to make something happen. Martin and Jackson are primarily transition options but Martin is the third scorer/option if there is one. Polley has a lot plays run for him off the bench and is technically the most efficient player (per KenPom ORtg) but can really spread defenses when he's on with his shooting ability.
6) How has Hurley grown as a coach and what else can he improve on?
The team's moving in the right direction so I'm not inclined to question too much overall. Some have criticized his lineup strategy, calling for certain guys to play more, but I'm sure he's got reasons for how it has shaken out, including lingering injuries and that this is only January and not March. Others have criticized his on-court strategy, particularly situational coaching, which may be fair. There are some moments that could have been handled better, but again I think overall he's doing quite well.
1) Is Uconn still a squad predicated on defense?
What do they run schematically in that regard? Yes the squad is definitely still predicated on defense. Adama Sanogo and Isaiah Whaley are really stout down low and on the perimeter Andre Jackson, RJ Cole, Tyrese Martin are all strong defenders in their own ways.
2) Talk about the emergence of Sanogo.
He's a force now. He is absolutely a force on both sides of the ball. Sanogo's a solid passer with great back to the basket moves and a decent touch on short-range shots. Defensively he's been a rebounding and shot-blocking machine, particularly lately. The sophomore big man is one of the best players in the Big East.
3) Is Cole, besides being the trigger man a team leader?
Yes he's very much the heart and soul of the team. UConn needs him on the court as much as possible and his absence is notable when he does take breaks. UConn has turned out to have slightly less dependable depth behind him at point guard, as Jalen Gaffney and Rahsool Diggins were expected to offer a little bit more.
4) Who is this hyper athletic guy Jackson? What's his story?
Jackson is a sophomore who grew up on a military base in Europe before his family moved to New York, where he finished his high school career. He missed a lot of time last season due to injuries and showed flashes of extraordinary play but also many freshman mistakes. This year he has been more consistent for the most part and has continued to show off his explosiveness in transition. He's a very exciting player to watch and a nice piece to have on this year's team with lots of upside as well as he continues to develop.
5) Offensively how does Uconn skin the cat?
I will defer to an editor on my team Dan Madigan for this answer:Sanogo is the main option early, the goal is to get him looks either on the block or somewhere in the paint. He's also a capable passer out of there. If that doesn't work, Cole is expected to take his shot or try to make something happen. Martin and Jackson are primarily transition options but Martin is the third scorer/option if there is one. Polley has a lot plays run for him off the bench and is technically the most efficient player (per KenPom ORtg) but can really spread defenses when he's on with his shooting ability.
6) How has Hurley grown as a coach and what else can he improve on?
The team's moving in the right direction so I'm not inclined to question too much overall. Some have criticized his lineup strategy, calling for certain guys to play more, but I'm sure he's got reasons for how it has shaken out, including lingering injuries and that this is only January and not March. Others have criticized his on-court strategy, particularly situational coaching, which may be fair. There are some moments that could have been handled better, but again I think overall he's doing quite well.