I apologize for the lack of write-ups of the last two games but this reporter is away on special assignment at an undisclosed location for a non-sports related assignment. Enough said? As a result, I was unable to see either game in its entirety but saw snippets and spoke to some followers.
The Huskies lost a double overtime contest to Louisville by one point then were beaten, at home by Syracuse.On Monday, the Huskies were still #6 and #7 in both major polls but the loss to Syracuse might drop them out of the top 10. While I will not go into detail for each game I will make some mid-season observations.
First off, this team has already far exceeded expectations on the strength of Walker's indivdual play, very good defense and hustle, and the outstanding play of two of the five Freshmen (Lamb and Napier) On the downside, Walker is being shut down by tough Big East defenses which are double and triple teaming him when he has the ball. Roscoe Smith has been very inconsistent, flashes of real ability mixed with poor shooting and Wednesday's disappearing act against Syracuse (0 points).I am beginning to feel that Alex Oriakhi's upside was over rated in the early season. He is very inconsistent and has games where he seems inexplicably passive; he just doesn't have strong offensive instincts and he is a poor shooter. Finally, the Huskies are just very thin up front and are getting little scoring in the paint. The lack of a big man who can shoot and score killed them against Syracuse's vaunted 2-3 zone. One way to beat this zone comes off a first or second pass to a big man at the foul line. You need someone who can turn and shoot ( an easy 15 footer) or drive to the hoop. Lacking this, the Orange dropped off either Oriakhi or Oakwondo when they got the ball at the foul line and continued to smother outlet passes to Walker, Lamb or Napier.
I think the Huskies will remain an exciting, hustling, but inconsistent team for the rest of the season. They will definitely go to the Big Dance and I think move into the Sweet 16. From there, it is anyone's guess- If Oriakhi plays like he did in Hawaii and Walker gets hot they could go to the Final Four, but it is a long shot.
I don't think they have a real chance at the National Title because they are just too thin up front.
"YOU Heard it here First"
Steve
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Syracuse's zone D was impressive and the Huskies could not penentrate it. Lots of passes whizzing around the perimeter in vein and several shot clock violations or bad shots right at the buzzer. It was a great formula against UCONN, but I don't know if other teams can replicate it so easily. Maybe.
Adjustments are key. Teams have figured out how to slow down Walker, now UCONN has to figure out how to free him up again. This team has shown the ability to morph and develop so far this year. Look at the rise of Lamb and Nappier.
I think Calhoun might have a few tricks up his sleeve yet.
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