UConn Practice Video

[Bucket Getter]

I’m amazed at the all-out energy and laser focus of this guy. He honestly might be the best (most demanding) coach in America today. Or he might be nuts. You decide. The one thing I’d bet is true, Woody doesn’t go quite this hard. Listen carefully to his comment about coaching until 65 just so you can make a bunch of money. Direct shot?

Hurley Practice

 

[GThomas]

Woody doesn’t go quite this hard.

That's bullshit. Have you not seen him go to town on cigars and wine? Quite impressive.

 

[VanPastorMan]

I’m amazed at the all-out energy and laser focus of this guy. He honestly might be the best (most demanding) coach in America today. Or he might be nuts. You decide. The one thing I’d bet is true, Woody doesn’t go quite this hard. Listen carefully to his comment about coaching until 65 just so you can make a bunch of money. Direct shot?

Hurley Practice

We are all living in Coach Hurleys world now.

 

[hookyIU1990]

That's pretty intense. I wonder if that's the entire time or if it was a little over the top for the cameras.

 

[T.M.P.]

I’m amazed at the all-out energy and laser focus of this guy. He honestly might be the best (most demanding) coach in America today. Or he might be nuts. You decide. The one thing I’d bet is true, Woody doesn’t go quite this hard. Listen carefully to his comment about coaching until 65 just so you can make a bunch of money. Direct shot?

Hurley Practice

*yawn*

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

he's like RMK on too many red bulls...

 

[IUNorth]

There's less chance of this happening, because he's obviously a very good basketball coach. But now that he's experienced ultimate success, I would worry how he'll handle having a group of players that don't respond well to his style and approach?? I could see him doing something that gets him "cancelled". It can happen very quickly in today's world. He's got a little bit of a leash right now, but an injury or two, a few recruits not being able to handle his manic style...struggles on the court as a result... those moments of him pushing players mid game, saying some of the things he says...well we know first hand how all that can wear people out. And our experience with it was over 20 years ago!! Today, you're literally one slip up away from being on the outside looking in.

For maybe that reason, or others like NBA jobs, I doubt he's the coach at UConn 5 years from now.

 

[abraxis]

There's less chance of this happening, because he's obviously a very good basketball coach. But now that he's experienced ultimate success, I would worry how he'll handle having a group of players that don't respond well to his style and approach?? I could see him doing something that gets him "cancelled". It can happen very quickly in today's world. He's got a little bit of a leash right now, but an injury or two, a few recruits not being able to handle his manic style...struggles on the court as a result... those moments of him pushing players mid game, saying some of the things he says...well we know first hand how all that can wear people out. And our experience with it was over 20 years ago!! Today, you're literally one slip up away from being on the outside looking in.

For maybe that reason, or others like NBA jobs, I doubt he's the coach at UConn 5 years from now.

Sounds like a lot of wishful thinking on your part. He could just as easily win 5 of the next 7 national championships.

Bob WHO? Wasn’t he the bully who got fired?

 

[Middawg]

John Fanta of the Field of 68 on their B1G preview show talked about how impressed he was with the intensity of the Hoosiers practice.

 

[dbmhoosier]

There's only one man who can compete...

 

[Bucket Getter]

*yawn*

Perfect jackass response. Keep it up son; you’re hitting 1,000.

 

[Pryght]

John Fanta of the Field on their B1G preview show talked about how impressed he was with the intensity of the Hoosiers practice.

True, Fanta said it was one of the hardest practices he had ever seen. His comments are more believable than most sources, given that he and his cohosts are not fans of IU and/or Woodson.

 

[Bippy]

There's less chance of this happening, because he's obviously a very good basketball coach. But now that he's experienced ultimate success, I would worry how he'll handle having a group of players that don't respond well to his style and approach?? I could see him doing something that gets him "cancelled". It can happen very quickly in today's world. He's got a little bit of a leash right now, but an injury or two, a few recruits not being able to handle his manic style...struggles on the court as a result... those moments of him pushing players mid game, saying some of the things he says...well we know first hand how all that can wear people out. And our experience with it was over 20 years ago!! Today, you're literally one slip up away from being on the outside looking in.

For maybe that reason, or others like NBA jobs, I doubt he's the coach at UConn 5 years from now.

What NBA players will put up with that?
And it was this type of "behavior" that undid RMK after this great teams in the 70's

 

[LifelongIU77]

What NBA players will put up with that?
And it was this type of "behavior" that undid RMK after this great teams in the 70's

Um...1981...1987

 

[LifelongIU77]

I’m amazed at the all-out energy and laser focus of this guy. He honestly might be the best (most demanding) coach in America today. Or he might be nuts. You decide. The one thing I’d bet is true, Woody doesn’t go quite this hard. Listen carefully to his comment about coaching until 65 just so you can make a bunch of money. Direct shot?

Hurley Practice

Direct shot?...are you serious?....do you think Woodson is the only coach in his 60's? I guess stupid doesn't come with an off switch. Carry on

 

[IUNorth]

What NBA players will put up with that?
And it was this type of "behavior" that undid RMK after this great teams in the 70's

Not many NBA players will. But he was offered a pretty high profile gig last offseason. He'll get more of them.

I predict he'll be the Knicks or Nets coach within the next few years.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

John Fanta of the Field on their B1G preview show talked about how impressed he was with the intensity of the Hoosiers practice.

This. He said woody pushed them hard. Hes seen a lot of practices too.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Hurley was trash until he got his offensive coordinator. He was about to get fired. When his guy leaves we will see how good he really is. Murray won’t be there much longer.

 

[IUNorth]

Hurley was trash until he got his offensive coordinator. He was about to get fired. When his guy leaves we will see how good he really is. Murray won’t be there much longer.

Lets hire Murray?! It'd be fun to have a Ghostbuster walking around our games!

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Lets hire Murray?! It'd be fun to have a Ghostbuster walking around our games!

I’m in. We could have Murray character night. I’d just hope we don’t get munsoned.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Eh, Hurley is leading the program that is dominating right now, and part of that is getting his staff hires right.

Hopefully he goes to the league soon.

 

[IUNorth]

I’m in. We could have Murray character night. I’d just hope we don’t get munsoned.

Top 2-3 Murray characters...great reference. Damn it, I need to watch that movie now.

Maybe Ernie McCracken is related to Branch?

 

[Seyton]

There's less chance of this happening, because he's obviously a very good basketball coach. But now that he's experienced ultimate success, I would worry how he'll handle having a group of players that don't respond well to his style and approach?? I could see him doing something that gets him "cancelled". It can happen very quickly in today's world. He's got a little bit of a leash right now, but an injury or two, a few recruits not being able to handle his manic style...struggles on the court as a result... those moments of him pushing players mid game, saying some of the things he says...well we know first hand how all that can wear people out. And our experience with it was over 20 years ago!! Today, you're literally one slip up away from being on the outside looking in.

For maybe that reason, or others like NBA jobs, I doubt he's the coach at UConn 5 years from now.

I love the demands, but the impatience, screaming and vitriol for no reason are something that will turn 180 degrees immediately as soon as they go 20-10. Not every kid coming in is wired the way these past two teams were - and they may not even be as good. We've seen it firsthand. When it worked it was beautiful, and everything's all good that ends good. But when it didn't it work it was absolutely miserable, and it doesn't work more often than not. Who would put up with that? You can work your ass off, be held accountable and win big without the misery of people being flat out dicks.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Direct shot?...are you serious?....do you think Woodson is the only coach in his 60's? I guess stupid doesn't come with an off switch. Carry on

I'm stealing that line:
'Stupid doesn't come with an off switch"....

 

[Hatchets7times]

All I see is National Championships....
And getting stud recruits in Woodson's backyard...

 

[Vern Pain]

This. He said woody pushed them hard. Hes seen a lot of practices too.

But but but, we have a highly knowledgeable connected poster on here who has "friends" with inside info. His source told him IU doesn't practice nearly as hard as Purdue. And this guy absolutely DOES NOT have a Purdue fetish.

 

[GeorgeStrait IU]

*yawn*

Your favorite team, Uconn.

 

[CL82]

I would worry how he'll handle having a group of players that don't respond well to his style and approach?

Connecticut fan here.

I think that risk is mitigated given to how he recruits. Hurley isn't just looking for the best available guy on the board. He chooses recruits pretty carefully. He is quick to say that if NIL is the primary concern of a kid, he doesn't want them. Likewise, he evaluates the parents. If they are over involved and the process, critical of prior coaches and referees, that's a red flag.

He has repeatedly said that Storrs, Connecticut is a serious place for serious people. If you are committed to becoming your best as basketball player and want to be pushed to help that happen, he's a guy who can do that for you. That argument becomes an easy one to make given the recent championships in the success of Connecticut players in the draft. Kids who come to Connecticut know what to expect and are seeking that level of intensity out.

The comment that you guys should look to hire Luke Murray as your head coach isn't a bad one. He's well paid at Connecticut and Hurley has indicated that his assistance are in a position that they would only move to a major program. By all accounts, he is intense and hyper focused. Constantly searching for things he can adapt to the team. He spends a lot of time watching European games, which may be a reason why Connecticut basketball has a European feel to it.

 

[Vern Pain]

Your favorite team, Uconn.

They were my favorite team on a Monday night in early April.

 

[hookyIU1990]

They were my favorite team on a Monday night in early April.

We were all rooting for the Huskies that night. Well, except for smitty.

 

[BA47591]

Connecticut fan here.

I think that risk is mitigated given to how he recruits. Hurley isn't just looking for the best available guy on the board. He chooses recruits pretty carefully. He is quick to say that if NIL is the primary concern of a kid, he doesn't want them. Likewise, he evaluates the parents. If they are over involved and the process, critical of prior coaches and referees, that's a red flag.

He has repeatedly said that Storrs, Connecticut is a serious place for serious people. If you are committed to becoming your best as basketball player and want to be pushed to help that happen, he's a guy who can do that for you. That argument becomes an easy one to make given the recent championships in the success of Connecticut players in the draft. Kids who come to Connecticut know what to expect and are seeking that level of intensity out.

The comment that you guys should look to hire Luke Murray as your head coach isn't a bad one. He's well paid at Connecticut and Hurley has indicated that his assistance are in a position that they would only move to a major program. By all accounts, he is intense and hyper focused. Constantly searching for things he can adapt to the team. He spends a lot of time watching European games, which may be a reason why Connecticut basketball has a European feel to it.

I respect your take on most if not all topics, but you have to admit, the talent disparity on this team compared to last year is significant. You have one returning starter and the top hs player coming in is very similar positionally to Karaban. I think it will be quite the accomplishment if either of the teams in last year's championship game can get to the second weekend. For IU, if this year's team was coached by the UConn staff I think we would be a final 4 lock. I don't trust Woody with the bigs. If there was a case for throwing talent at it gets you to the 3rd weekend, this is that team, but.....smh.

I think I like Gonzaga to catch a couple of breaks and win it this year.

 

[steelyvan]

I respect your take on most if not all topics, but you have to admit, the talent disparity on this team compared to last year is significant. You have one returning starter and the top hs player coming in is very similar positionally to Karaban. I think it will be quite the accomplishment if either of the teams in last year's championship game can get to the second weekend. For IU, if this year's team was coached by the UConn staff I think we would be a final 4 lock. I don't trust Woody with the bigs. If there was a case for throwing talent at it gets you to the 3rd weekend, this is that team, but.....smh.

I think I like Gonzaga to catch a couple of breaks and win it this year.

the zags????
not gonna happen

 

[IUNorth]

I respect your take on most if not all topics, but you have to admit, the talent disparity on this team compared to last year is significant. You have one returning starter and the top hs player coming in is very similar positionally to Karaban. I think it will be quite the accomplishment if either of the teams in last year's championship game can get to the second weekend. For IU, if this year's team was coached by the UConn staff I think we would be a final 4 lock. I don't trust Woody with the bigs. If there was a case for throwing talent at it gets you to the 3rd weekend, this is that team, but.....smh.

I think I like Gonzaga to catch a couple of breaks and win it this year.

I'm usually not high on teams that are largely led by freshmen...but Duke might be a little different this year. Cooper Flagg, for certain, is different. So is Kon Kneuppel. Kansas and Duke would get my early votes for most likely to win it all.

 

[Al Bino]

Sounds like a lot of wishful thinking on your part. He could just as easily win 5 of the next 7 national championships.

Bob WHO? Wasn’t he the bully who got fired?

5 of the next 7?

I don't think that he could easily do that but if he does WOW.

 

[abraxis]

5 of the next 7?

I don't think that he could easily do that but if he does WOW.

I think what I meant, stated in twist, was it’s about as likely the now successful Hurley screws up (IUNorth goes on to give examples) as it is IU wins a lot of banners, neither being likely.

 

[CL82]

I respect your take on most if not all topics, but you have to admit, the talent disparity on this team compared to last year is significant. You have one returning starter and the top hs player coming in is very similar positionally to Karaban. I think it will be quite the accomplishment if either of the teams in last year's championship game can get to the second weekend. For IU, if this year's team was coached by the UConn staff I think we would be a final 4 lock. I don't trust Woody with the bigs. If there was a case for throwing talent at it gets you to the 3rd weekend, this is that team, but.....smh.

I think I like Gonzaga to catch a couple of breaks and win it this year.

I actually think this year's team has more depth than last year. While there may be less talent than last year, there still is plenty. Karabsn and McNeely are likely first rounders in the nba draft. Solo Ball looks terrific this year. Aidan Mahoney and Taris Reed, Jr. were great portal additions. Freshman sharpshooter Ahmad Nowell will stretch the floor. Keep in mind that this years teams doesn't necessarily need to be better than last years team. They just need to be better than everyone else.

 

[kkott]

I'm usually not high on teams that are largely led by freshmen...but Duke might be a little different this year. Cooper Flagg, for certain, is different. So is Kon Kneuppel. Kansas and Duke would get my early votes for most likely to win it all.

I'll take Bama. Most of their starting 5 are 5th year guys and they went out and got Cliff O to anchor their D and got what I thought was a really solid PG in Holloway (torched us last year!). I'd say the only F4 team that kept most key players and added even more talent.