UConn Beat Writer Says UConn Looking to Schedule SU

[DoctorBombay]

Personally, there was a time when I could sympathize with UConn fans. I liked the old rivalry and what I assumed was mutual respect from both fanbases. But once UConn got left behind suddenly SU became the punching bag for their fanbase.
Our program was "nothing" compared to theirs, and we were "scared" to play them, and they were the "Kings of the old BE"...blah blah blah. Just a lot of vitriolic hot air from a butt-hurt fanbase looking to lash out at the Cuse.
I was banned on that board long ago for speaking truth to facts- but the amen corner over there sticks to their delusions no matter what.
I became a member of the ' UConn fan club after that, and haven't looked back. They're dead to me.

 

[normaliswear]

There's no reason to play UConn. GTown, St John's and Nova are in areas we want to continue to recruit. We have NE covered with BC for recruiting, no need to throw them a lifeline. The continued debate over how UConn will do is interesting. UConn will be fine... depending what you mean by fine. They aren't going to drop completely off the face of the earth, at least in basketball, but for 20 years they've been one of the top ten programs in the nation and without question (barring a power conf bid) that will end. They could be one of the best mid-majors around... but the days of elite status are over.

 

[sdhusky]

There's no reason to play UConn. GTown, St John's and Nova are in areas we want to continue to recruit. We have NE covered with BC for recruiting, no need to throw them a lifeline. The continued debate over how UConn will do is interesting. UConn will be fine... depending what you mean by fine. They aren't going to drop completely off the face of the earth, at least in basketball, but for 20 years they've been one of the top ten programs in the nation and without question (barring a power conf bid) that will end. They could be one of the best mid-majors around... but the days of elite status are over.

I think you are underestimating how good the AAC will likely be.

Cincy, Memphis & Temple are pretty good programs. The others won't be much different than DePaul, PC, Seton Hall once their SOS improves by losing to the first teams.

Houston has been to 5 FF - more than any ACC program not named Duke or UNC. Who knows what is possible with them.

If we can maintain the solid OOC schedule, I think we'll be able to maintain a SOS similar to the down years of the BE (not the recent years) from the "UCONN carried the BE" period

Ollie played for or coached with:
Jim Calhoun, George Blaney, Don Nelson, Chuck Daly, Rick Adelman, Larry Brown, Byron Scott, Bill Cartwright, Isaiah Thomas, George Karl, Nate McMillan, Paul Silas, Jim O'Brien, Maurice Cheeks, Randy Wittman, Kevin McHale and Scotty Brooks

 

[longtimefan]

I think you are underestimating how good the AAC will likely be.

Cincy, Memphis & Temple are pretty good programs. The others won't be much different than DePaul, PC, Seton Hall once their SOS improves by losing to the first teams.

Houston has been to 5 FF - more than any ACC program not named Duke or UNC. Who knows what is possible with them.

If we can maintain the solid OOC schedule, I think we'll be able to maintain a SOS similar to the down years of the BE (not the recent years) from the "UCONN carried the BE" period

Ollie played for or coached with:
Jim Calhoun, George Blaney, Don Nelson, Chuck Daly, Rick Adelman, Larry Brown, Byron Scott, Bill Cartwright, Isaiah Thomas, George Karl, Nate McMillan, Paul Silas, Jim O'Brien, Maurice Cheeks, Randy Wittman, Kevin McHale and Scotty Brooks

Lots to disagree with here, but I'm lazy, so I'll just say the Houston comment is disingenuous, to say the least. When did they last make the FF? Thirty years ago. And they made it twice with Elvin Hayes and three times with Olajuwon. So all they need is a top-50 all-time player, and those Cougars will be right back in the FF.

 

[normaliswear]

I think you are underestimating how good the AAC will likely be.

Cincy, Memphis & Temple are pretty good programs. The others won't be much different than DePaul, PC, Seton Hall once their SOS improves by losing to the first teams.

Houston has been to 5 FF - more than any ACC program not named Duke or UNC. Who knows what is possible with them.

If we can maintain the solid OOC schedule, I think we'll be able to maintain a SOS similar to the down years of the BE (not the recent years) from the "UCONN carried the BE" period

Ollie played for or coached with:
Jim Calhoun, George Blaney, Don Nelson, Chuck Daly, Rick Adelman, Larry Brown, Byron Scott, Bill Cartwright, Isaiah Thomas, George Karl, Nate McMillan, Paul Silas, Jim O'Brien, Maurice Cheeks, Randy Wittman, Kevin McHale and Scotty Brooks

I'm sorry but this just seems like you're being dishonest with us or yourself. You've already dropped from the elite level of program so the idea that UConn will actually improve as they move into the ACK seems like wishful thinking at best. If you can be Butler you should be grateful as slipping into UMass territory is at least as likely.

 

[pearl31]

I'm sorry but this just seems like you're being dishonest with us or yourself. You've already dropped from the elite level of program so the idea that UConn will actually improve as they move into the ACK seems like wishful thinking at best. If you can be Butler you should be grateful as slipping into UMass territory is at least as likely.

Well said.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Lots to disagree with here, but I'm lazy, so I'll just say the Houston comment is disingenuous, to say the least. When did they last make the FF? Thirty years ago. And they made it twice with Elvin Hayes and three times with Olajuwon. So all they need is a top-50 all-time player, and those Cougars will be right back in the FF.

Let's not forget that those guys had some pretty good help with guys named Don Chaney and Clyde Drexler. None of those four guys are walking through Houston's door these days and neither is anyone as talented as Theodis Lee either.

Yukon has a big uphill climb to face at this point. Plus no one knows squat about the YAK conference which doesn't help their cause.

 

[sdhusky]

I'm sorry but this just seems like you're being dishonest with us or yourself. You've already dropped from the elite level of program so the idea that UConn will actually improve as they move into the ACK seems like wishful thinking at best. If you can be Butler you should be grateful as slipping into UMass territory is at least as likely.

How can you say we aren't at an elite level? We've won 3 NC's since '99 and in the last 5 years, we've been to 2 FF's and have a 1 NC (to compare to the entire SU history = 3 FF's and 1 NC).

If that isn't elite, what program has been better over the last decade?

 

[realorange]

How can you say we aren't at an elite level? We've won 3 NC's since '99 and in the last 5 years, we've been to 2 FF's and have a 1 NC (to compare to the entire SU history = 3 FF's and 1 NC).

If that isn't elite, what program has been better over the last decade?

That's what you did.
What have you done lately? What will you do now?
We'll all have to wait and see, but you aren't playing in an elite conference, so how do you think you have much, if any, chance of being termed elite?

 

[normaliswear]

How can you say we aren't at an elite level? We've won 3 NC's since '99 and in the last 5 years, we've been to 2 FF's and have a 1 NC (to compare to the entire SU history = 3 FF's and 1 NC).

If that isn't elite, what program has been better over the last decade?

Seriously? The last three years of the BE UConn finished 9th, 10th, and 7th. UConn hasn't had a top 20 recruiting class since 2010. They lost their HOF coach at the same moment they were banned from postseason play for a year and now they're entering a mid-major conference. No question UConn WAS once an elite level program for about 20 years. But again... that's over unless you find a way into a power five conf.

 

[sdhusky]

That's what you did.
What have you done lately? What will you do now?
We'll all have to wait and see, but you aren't playing in an elite conference, so how do you think you have much, if any, chance of being termed elite?

Lately? The last 5 years isn't lately? LOL.

We will play an elite schedule this upcoming year - not much different than a BE schedule - and have the talent for a FF run. I expect we'll be top 10 for much of the season.

 

[sdhusky]

Seriously? The last three years of the BE UConn finished 9th, 10th, and 7th. UConn hasn't had a top 20 recruiting class since 2010. They lost their HOF coach at the same moment they were banned from postseason play for a year and now they're entering a mid-major conference. No question UConn WAS once an elite level program for about 20 years. But again... that's over unless you find a way into a power five conf.

In the last 3 years, we have a National title and have sent Andre Drummond, Lamb and Kemba Walker to the NBA. I honestly take that over a FF and an elite 8. But that's me.

Ollie is absolutely killing it on the recruiting trail. Despite not being able to hit the road until well into the summer and other restrictions, he brought in a great class. Purvis and Hamilton are National Championship calibre players. We have never been involved with so many top players... ever.

Give him a whole year to build relationships and I think we'll probably recruit at a higher level than Calhoun.

 

[pearl31]

I expect we'll be top 10 for much of the season.

:rolling:

 

[pearl31]

Ollie is absolutely killing it on the recruiting trail..

the level of delusion is... well... comical

 

[sdhusky]

the level of delusion is... well... comical

1) Forgive me if I trust Calhoun over you re: Purvis:
“He’ll be in the NBA within 2 years. He’s the most talented, a Ben Gordon/Rip Hamilton-like player. He can dunk, run full speed up the floor and stop and shoot”.

2) Hamilton seems to be a real gem too. He is rated around the same spot as your top guy. Who knows who really will be better?

3) Beating Pitino and Billy D for a recruit is also pretty good. That makes me feel pretty good about Cassel.

So, I guess, it depends on who you believe. I'm trusting Calhoun, Billy D and Pitino - 8 NC's - and you are trusting the recruiting services, but I'm delusional?

 

[pearl31]

throwing out a million offers and landing one top-flight talent (Hamilton) is "killing it" apparently.
and when are you clowns going to finally drop the idea of transfers being recruits?

 

[AlaskaSU]

UCon is in a unique situation. There has never been such a storied program in a mid-major conference. This is a crucial time. If you stumble it will be very hard to recover. If you don't stumble during the next couple of years you might continue be a strong contender. Time will tell. You might be better off as an indy. To be an optimist, Notre Dame thrives as a football independent. However, the AAC is akin to the old Conf USA. You kid yourself if you think that it will become a good conference. The Ville did OK but was not top echelon until it joined the Big East and Memphis has not been able to take the next step.

Your biggest concern should be your football team. It is likely to be the dregs and that will make you less attractive to a major conference. Conferences are driven by money and football is the cash machine. Unless you relocate your campus to an area that we recruit it is unlikely that we will play you, unless it is in NYC. If you were located in NYC, Philly or DC we would have already been schedualed. Even if Notre Dame fully joins the ACC causing the ACC to expand, given your lack of cable TV footprint, and a hollowed out football team, you will not get an invite to a major conference.

College athletics is not very collegiate. Your fanbase has been sophomoric and ill mannered. It leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Goodbye.

 

[sdhusky]

:rolling:

throwing out a million offers and landing one top-flight talent (Hamilton) is "killing it" apparently.
and when are you clowns going to finally drop the idea of transfers being recruits?

Again, I'm going to take Calhoun's opinion over your regarding Purvis.

I'm not saying Calhoun is right, just that I think he is better at evaluating talent than you.

 

[sdhusky]

UCon is in a unique situation. There has never been such a storied program in a mid-major conference. This is a crucial time. If you stumble it will be very hard to recover. If you don't stumble during the next couple of years you might continue be a strong contender. Time will tell. You might be better off as an indy. To be an optimist, Notre Dame thrives as a football independent. However, the AAC is akin to the old Conf USA. You kid yourself if you think that it will become a good conference. The Ville did OK but was not top echelon until it joined the Big East and Memphis has not been able to take the next step...

It leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Goodbye.

Good analysis. I don't think indy is an option and the AAC is much better than C-USA if only because UCONN is in it.

The Ville did better when it got Pitino. UCONN did better when it got Calhoun.

I still maintain that if Ollie is better than the successor to JB, we'll have more success despite ACC vs. AAC.

Coaching is the great equalizer in collegiate sports. There are plenty of crappy ACC programs.

 

[cuseattle]

I would take Mike Hopkins in a heartbeat over Ollie. Great recruiter, loyal to a fault, and the kids coming in know the succession plan.
I think our next 25 years look pretty rosie bouie.

And there is no AAC vs. ACC. We are once again in the best basketball conference in the country.

 

[normaliswear]

[quote="sdhusky, post: 771996, member: Good analysis. I don't think indy is an option and the AAC is much better than C-USA if only because UCONN is in it.

The Ville did better when it got Pitino. UCONN did better when it got Calhoun.

I still maintain that if Ollie is better than the successor to JB, we'll have more success despite ACC vs. AAC.

Coaching is the great equalizer in collegiate sports. There are plenty of crappy ACC programs.[/quote]
Again... zero top 20 classes since 2010. Your're now a top notch mid-major, but not an elite program. The momwntum is headed downwatd. Thats not guarenteed to continue, but Ollie better change it fast or you WILL be UMass. Either way, without a conf change UConn is done as an elite program.

 

[Orange Barrel]

Ollie played for or coached with:
Jim Calhoun, George Blaney, Don Nelson, Chuck Daly, Rick Adelman, Larry Brown, Byron Scott, Bill Cartwright, Isaiah Thomas, George Karl, Nate McMillan, Paul Silas, Jim O'Brien, Maurice Cheeks, Randy Wittman, Kevin McHale and Scotty Brooks

If we were discussing a former Syracuse player with that many coaches on his resume, the UCon dorks would be saying it's because he sucks.

 

[Noexcuse]

How can you say we aren't at an elite level? We've won 3 NC's since '99 and in the last 5 years, we've been to 2 FF's and have a 1 NC (to compare to the entire SU history = 3 FF's and 1 NC).

If that isn't elite, what program has been better over the last decade?

SU has 5 Final Fours as well. 1975, 1987, 1996, 2003 and 2013.

 

[sdhusky]

"Again... zero top 20 classes since 2010. Your're now a top notch mid-major, but not an elite program. "

Considering that our 2010 class had 3 guys who played big minutes on a National Championship team & one guy turned into a lottery pick NBA draft and another guy is the top returning point guard in the country, it was better than mid-major.

2011 class had one lottery pick already (a guy who looks like he'll out perform any current SU NBA player not named Carmello) and another guy who has a good shot to go lottery this year, I would say that it was better than most mid-majors (or in terms of NBA, most SU classes).

The class Ollie is signing is interesting to compare to SU. SU was coming off a FF and UCONN, a post season ban. SU has a HOF coach (one of the best ever) and Ollie has one season, SU is going to the ACC and UCONN to the AAC, SU had no restrictions and UCONN had severe restrictions until into the summer.

McCullough seems to be rated a bit higher than Hamilton by most services, but Purvis was rated higher than Joseph pretty much across the board. Seems like UCONN is a bit better? or very close. At this point, the most credible thing to say is that they ratings of them is very, very close.

Now Cassell didn't play the summer circuit this year but he was recruited by Pitino and Billy D so I take that as more credible than where his ranking is.

 

[pearl31]

another guy is the top returning point guard in the country

seriously, where do you get this sh__? I'll take Ennis RIGHT NOW over chucker nappier