Here’s the stream of consciousness from coach Kevin Ollie following the game:
“Nobody said it was going to be easy and it wasn’t easy out there tonight. And I praise AIC for coming out there and giving us a good game. But now we’ve got a foundation to build upon.”
“We came together and we learned today and that’s what it’s all about.”
“I know these kids are going to respond the right way. And that’s how we want to play – we want to play the right way. I keep stressing that, because it’s the only thing I believe. The only thing I knew was hard work and effort was going to be seen on tape. And that’s what I want these guys to do. When we watch the tape I want to see effort. Forget about making shots. I want to see your effort.”
“Omar [Calhoun] played basketball. He read his defender. He made shots – that’s always a good thing. He knows how to play basketball and he kept his composure. Now, I stressed to him, ‘don’t lay on your successes. Don’t lay on them, build upon them. I told him to stay humble. I don’t like those little gestures after layups and showing [the opponent] up. No, that’s not who we are. He’s going to learn that.”
“When you [start the game] 1 f0r 9 I’m like, ‘man, this may be my only time I’m out there.’ But it worked out. The guys paid attention. Then I had my captains – Shabazz [Napier], Tyler Olander and Boatright – they kept our group together. And then R.J. came in, I’ve been praising R.J. and he is still that rock that I look to. He came in and settled us in and we started playing better basketball.”
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4 Responses to UConn 78, AIC 63: Kevin Ollie’s Take
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Great game. UConn played like a different squad after Olender checked in about 10 minutes into the first half. They started to look more smooth. Good effort. U gotta love a scrappy team.
Thank you Kevin Ollie UConn represents all of us Nutmeggers and we DON’T show up our opponents after a made basket. It takes more than ONE basket to win a game. CLass Mr Ollie, Class. Thank you. This is what I expect from MY team.
AIC great effort. You are NEVER expected to give UConn such as tough game–but you did. Congratulations.
So far, so good…not too concerned with the record this year…it is a rebuilding year. Looking more for attitudes and growth. Like what I’m hearing from KO so far…positive, disciplined. Good stuff.
Of course an exhibition game doesn’t necessarily translate into the regular season, but I was happy to see UConn having more steals than AIC and a decent FT%. I don’t know how many more games UConn might have won last season if Drummond could have hit even half of his FTs. He was brutal from the line–30%. If your opponents know you can’t hit the FTs, they’ll grab you when you’re close to the hoop and trade the foul for the ball. So I’m happy to see some players who can hit their free throws. Keep it up, guys!