Basketball observations

I did a couple of these after the first few games so I guess I'll do one when things dont look so good.

UCONN looked bigger, stronger, faster, longer, more athletic pretty much outclassed us in every aspect. But some of this is to be expected with such a young team in their first real test. Tonight we really struggled in transition especially defensively. The team did not seem ready or did not look like they expected UCONN to take it to the hole like they did. In the half court we slowed them down some with the zone. I think that this will be good to use when we are at an obvious disadvantage down low as was the case tonight. Offensively - too much dribbling not enough ball movement. Guys trying to do too much on their own

Individually:

Chris Bass: should be the starting point guard on this team. Is faster, a better ball handler, and makes better decisions than Spencer. His play was a bright spot tonight.

Bo Spencer: first hopefully the injury is not too bad. Secondly, he needs to reel himself in some. Yes he might be the best scorer on the team but that does not mean he needs to do it all himself. When he is not shooting well he needs to look to create opportunities for other people off the drive. UCONN simply crashed in on his drives and the ball did not have a chance to get to the rim.

Taz: Taz is best when he steps into a shot or makes a one or two bounce move. He should not be handling the ball extensively and it was evidenced tonight. We need to find a way to feed him on the block or in the post where he can be most effective. I just don't see him being as effective hanging around the perimeter.

Storm: is the best player on the team at this point. Obviously needs to watch the fouls but that a result of the energy and effort he plays with. I can't say anything that I haven't said before. Storm looks great.

Harris and Green: Harris disappeared tonight. Got outmuscled and positioned down low. Green was a little better from a defensive standpoint bc he's a little thicker but his offense still leaves much to be desired.

Dotson: really doesn't bring much to the table at this point. At the least he needs to start being able to hit the open 3. I see Bass starting soon

Ludwig: when he first came in he played like a boy among men. Was completely outmanned physically and shyed away from it all. However, as the game progressed Eddie definitely got more aggressive and played with a little bit of attitude. He ended up making a few good plays. Still shows hesitancy to take the ball up strong but I think he grew up some tonight regardless

Overall a poor performance obviously. UCONN just used their size and aggressiveness to dominate us. This team will grow up a lot throughout the season and this will serve as a great learning experience. I expect to see some great progression and an exciting year ahead. We need to take care of the small things and play within ourselves and we'll be fine