Huskies Interior Defense Collapses in baffling 81-66 loss to Providence

Yes, the Huskies suffered a let-down after their big win over Texas against a tough Big East opponent on the road on Wednesday, however, this baffling collapse can best be explained by a total breakdown of the interior defense in the second half. Providence out rebounded UCONN 53-38 and 24-12 off the offensive glass. In the post-game interview Associate head coach George Blaney observed that the Friar's plethora of three point shooters forced the Husky back court to pick them up behind the three point arc. This allowed the Providence guards to penetrate at will in the second half causing the Husky big men to come out early, leaving open lanes for the Friar front court to crash the boards for put backs. In my mind the Huskies inconsistency keeps coming back to something I said in my very first blog this year; we are three players short, a banger inside, a reliable three point shooter ( Dyson was 4-13 on treys) and a good back up guard. With Dyson playing poorly after Saturday's career best game, Blaney had no one to put in to pick things up. With Majok completely ineffective on Wednesday, again, Blaney was left a man short up front.
This game had a very strange rhythm; UCONN started off looking good and took a 29-19 lead 14 minutes into the first half. Providence started draining threes and left the court up 36-35 at the break. With 9:16 in the game the Huskies led 58-55 and looked like they were about to take control when Providence posted 14 unanswered parts as part of a 20-3 run to salt things away. During this stretch they just ate the Huskies alive off the offensive boards.
Mid-season road loss to a tough Big East opponent or an indication that the fundamental shortcomings of this team limit their upside? Let's hear some opinions.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve

Huskies #19 in both polls; this reporter on short list for two major awards

On the strength of last weeks two wins both polls, ESPN/Coaches and the
AP Poll, the Huskies moved up to #19 in both. If you read last nights write up of the Texas game you know that is exactly what this reporter predicted
I received another call from the National Sportwriter's Assn. last night informing me that I am now on the short list for their two major awards for the 2009/2010 season. I have been asked to plan to be at the final Four for the awards presentation.
This week the Huskies take on Providence, away, on Wednesday night and Marquette at home on Saturday. These are two unranked but perenially tough Big East Squads; if the Huskies are headed the way we hope they should win both.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve

Jerome Roars, Stanley Soars as Huskies Topple #1 ranked Texas 88-74

In a scintillating display of "HUSKY BASKETBALL", UCONN overcame an eight point first half deficit with a thrilling second half display of pressing defense, countless steals, fast break points, and thunerderous dunks. Dyson and Walker applied intense defensive pressure and cut their own turnovers from 16 in the first half to three in the second. The Huskies had runs of 15-0, and 26-6 ,and outscored the Longhorns by 22 in the second half leading to a decisive 88-74 upset win. I can't remember the last time I was this excited by the Huskies play. The win will certainly move the Huskies back into the top 25 in both polls, possibly as high as #19.
An uninspiring first half, with 16 turnovers (6 by Walker) ended with the Longhorns up by eight. They came at UCONN in waves using 12 players (9 scored) and were pounding the boards on the offensive end. Nothing that happened in the first half suggested what was to come. At the end of the first half I was disheartened by what seemed like a regression to too much dribbling by the Husky backcourt and too many turnovers. I would love to have heard what Temporary Head Coach George Blaney said at the half to help turn things around, but the over dribbling stopped, the first passes started going inside with nice kick outs as Dyson drained 4 shots from three point land. Dyson ended up with a career high of 32 points, Walker had 19 with 10 assists and Robinson scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds. Edwards added 11 points and Ater Majok played 31 very effective minutes, scored 5 points, had 6 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.
Once again Blaney's calm demeanor seemed effective for the Huskies. Interestingly, he used a tight 6 man rotation, did not yank players in and out at every mistake and used Ater Majok for 31 minutes. There were so many positives in this game that we can only hope this is a real turn around rather than two good games in a row. To begin with, Dyson played at "superstar" level in this game, meaning he showed the ability to take over the game at a crucial times to insure the win. He has shown signs many times this year of jumping a level to "Superstar" so let's hope this is a permanent change. Walker showed the qualities that have led many people to think he will end up as a top five in the country point guard. His defensive quickness is amazing and when on his game he triggers the Huskies ability to push the offense up court before the defense can set-up. I have never seen Robinson come out from the opening tap so clearly ready to play. He was sensational in the first half, keeping the Huskies within striking distance. Two plays, one in each half, made me begin to reassess my concerns about his hands and athleticism. The plays were identical. Robinson started from behind the 3 point arc on the weak side; he cut hard under the basket to the strong side, went up for a pass and when he caught the ball he turned sharply 180 degress in midair resulting in layups. Wow!
The play of Gavin Edwards and Ater Majok was very encouraging. Edwards was very steady in 23 minutes, scored 11 on 3-4 shooting, presented himself well for passes down low and seems to have a good feel for finding the perimeter players in good shooting position. Majok is beginning to look like he could be a major contributor this season. In addition to his stats, he looked more comfortable on the court, fought hard for loose balls and was relentless on the offensive boards; dispite his thin frame he is a very tough customer.
If the improvement the Huskies have manifested in the last two games stick, this team may surprise some people come March. I just may order that 50" HDTV to set up at the SteepHill dome.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve

News and notes I think that Verne Lundquist may have taken "laughing gas" before Saturday's telecast. How many times did he guffaw at the bland, inane observations of Clark Kellogg. There is a rumor that on his way up to Gampel Pavillion he stopped for a "Orthodontic consultation" at the offices of highly regarded orthodontist Dr. Joel Beaman. When I called Beaman and asked him about it by phone he sent me what looked like a computer enhanced photo of a Jack Crevalle that he claims he caught surf casting in Florida on Saturday.

Big East quiz

Do you know the team names for the 16 big East teams, i.e. Kentucky Wildcats, or Michigan Wolverines. Winner receives a prize- answers can only be submitted on blog site. Winner receives a "You Heard it here First" souvenir.
Steve





Cincinnati
Connecticut
DePaul Blue
Georgetown
Louisville
Marquette
Notre Dame
Pittsburgh
Providence
Rutgers
Seton Hall
South Florida
St. John's
Syracuse
Villanova
West Virginia

By George he's got it! UCONN 75-St. John's 59

In tonights tilt at the Hartford-XL Center, with encouraging performances by the Big Three(Dyson, Walker and Robinson), the UCONN Huskies snapped a three game losing streak with a decisive 75-59 win over St. John's. In Coach Jim Calhoun's absence, due to an undisclosed medical issue, Associate Head Coach George Blaney put his stamp on the Huskies improved half-court offense evident in tonight's win. Blaney had clearly put two distinct changes in place; there was dramatically less dribbling by Walker and Dyson as both gave the ball up more frequently resulting in better passing around the perimeter. In addtion, both guards regularly made their first pass inside resulting in some nice opportunities for the big men up front, as well as some nice kick outs to the perimeter shooters. Dyson, Walker and Robinson all benefitted and were able to launch three pointers while square to the hoop. Each connected twice from three point land for a total of six three pointers, a huge improvement. Clearly Blaney had also instructed his guards to look more for Edwards inside; ironically, Edwards who has been the Huskies most consistent player all year seemed tight as a result and had a mediocre game. Nevertheless, I think continuing looks to Edwards inside will pay dividents; he has some nice inside moves and his kick out passes seem to find the perimeter shooters in good positions to spot up.
The improved half-court play resulted in some really nice plays. Early in the game Edwards found Coombs-Mcdaniel in the corner for a trey; at 4:14 of the first half Okwandu scored on a beautiful pick and roll and with 8:09 left in the game Dyson found Robby under the hoop with a beautiful look away pass and "Sticks" finished it with a dunk. Could the 91% shooting at the charity stripe resulted from a more relaxed squad under Blaney's less volatile sideline style?
The offense was led by Dyson with 21, Robinson with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Walker with 17 points and 6 assists. This Saturday the Huskies take on the #1 ranked team in the country, Texas in a non-conference game at the Gampel Pavillion. Tonights win brought the Huskies to 3-3 in league play; with their difficult strength of schedule a .500 Big East record will get them a "Dance Card" in March.

news and notes Did anyone notice the frequent references by the announcers and half time broadcast team to Calhoun's "stress", strenghtening my feeling that Calhoun is depressed.
Speaking of broadcast teams I thought that the SNY team of play by play man Bob Picozzi and color men Bob Wenzel(former coach at UWV and Rutgers), and Andy Katz did a really fine job. Picozzi is succinct and to the point and at breaks in the action
asked excellent questions leading to incisive, knowledgeable and informative comments by both Wenzel and Katz.
Well, the sun will shine tomorrow in Huskyland as things may be looking up.
"You Heard it Here First"
Steve

Expect a Husky win tonight

Despite the fact that the St.John Redmen (12-5 overall, 2-3 in the Big East) are an improving team( last two games wins over Cincinnatti and Depaul) I expect a decisive UCONN win tonight.
I think they will be extra motivated for several reasons. First the "win one for the Gipper " syndrome for Calhoun. Paradoxically, I think they will also be motivated that they can win without him. Finally, my very inside sources tell me that many of the players like the steadier, more even tempered George Blaney to the explosive Calhoun. Tune in at 7:00 PM tonight on SNY
"you heard it here first"
Steve

Is Calhoun in a Depression?

University representatives quoted Coach Calhoun's Doctors this morning. In effect, he is not dealing with any issues related to past medical issues. Of course, this could mean a new medical issue has emerged, however, I was struck by his statement after the loss to Pitt. Calhoun was quoted as saying " I am not used to coming down the stretch of a close game and not have my team take control. It is very hard for me." That statement combined with my observation is that he seemed subdued in the last two games.
He certainly has many personality traits when combined with certain stresses could cause a Depression. He has a tremedous amount of internally generated pressure to win,he is very demanding of himself, and he is a very angry man.(evident when you see him argue with refs on every call or rip into one of his players when they make a mistake) If someone like this turns their anger of themselves because they feel they are not living up you have the seeds of a Depression. If UCONN explains the leave as due to "stress" that is code of Depression.
"You heard it here first"
Steve