This week in the bag of mail we search for a silver lining in Warde Manuel’s departure, look forward to Amida Brimah’s return and give you bourbon shopping advice which you’ll need if UConn loses any more one-possession games. Onward!
Remember: If your question wasn’t answered or you’ve been living under a rock and are just hearing about this, you can submit your questions here or on Twitter (@ADimeBack).
Mike in Illinois asks via email: Do we have to pretend that Warde Manuel is Susan Herbst’s strategically planted mole at Michigan, helping propel UConn into the B1G? Or could this realistically help our chances?
Nah, it’s all good. Look, Warde isn’t pulling a Randy Edsall, peacing out without so much as a goodbye for a program that isn’t demonstrably better than UConn’s. Warde is a Michigan alum, he played football for the university and he started his career there. Aside from which, the AD gig at the University of Michigan is one of the most prestigious jobs in all of college athletics. And, more importantly, Warde is leaving UConn having done lots of positives. He hired KO (and then signed him to a long-term contract, which he then extended), hired Bob Diaco and Mike Cavanaugh, and extended Geno’s contract. He got the basketball practice facility finished. And from what we can tell, he’s well liked and respected by the coaches, staff and boosters. So we’ve got nothing but love for Warde, and we wish him all the best in Michigan. His leaving isn’t a knock on UConn, and it’s important to remember that. Warde shilling for UConn to get into the B1G probably isn’t on the top of his to do list right now, but it certainly doesn’t hurt that someone with a UConn connection has a ton of clout in the B1G. It is worth noting that in his press conference today, Warde said that UConn deserves to be in a P5, and soon. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it helps our chances, but I also don’t think it hurts them. More importantly, Susan Herbst is on top of this. She’s got former Big East Commissioner and friend of UConn Mike Tranghese under contract to advise her on all matters athletics. He’ll certainly have a role in selecting a new AD. There are lots of names being thrown around, but if UConn hires someone with solid P5 connections and some serious fundraising skills, we’ll be fine. The next AD probably won’t have to hire a coach for a major sport in the very near future, so he or she can focus on moving to a P5 conference. So here at ADB, we’re raising a glass of bourbon to Warde and wishing him well in his new role.
Mike asks: am I crazy to think that we’re going to be ok? Brimah back soon, strong defense all year, close losses. Maybe I’m just a believer.
You’re not wrong, though it’s practically tradition to freak the hell out after a close lose so you are a bit of a Charlatan in this case. Amida Brimah’s absence has been felt significantly on offense. Daniel Hamilton looks like a shell of his former self without his favorite target chilling under the rim. If Brimah’s main impact upon his return is getting Hamilton straightened out, that would be good enough.
I do think people underestimate Brimah’s offensive game however — as our friend Sameer pointed out last night. Brimah’s true shooting percentage (a single metric that combines two-point, three-point and free show shooting) is a team-leading 74.3 percent. He dunks. He makes his foul shots (though it’d be cool if he got to the line more), and he extends the depth chart, lessening the reliance on Kentan Facey and Phil Nolan. This should be a significantly improved offensive team once Brimah returns.
Nick asks: what’s your favorite cheaper bottle of bourbon right now? I don’t try to break the bank usually?
My colleagues would almost certainly recommend Bulleit Bourbon, and while I certainly have no problem with Bulleit and have kept it around my house at times, I believe that variety is the spice of life. I almost never buy the same bottle twice in a row unless it’s something special. I think, “cheap,” is relative. There’s actual cheap, which is a bottle somewhere from $25-$30 (I refuse to recommend anything that comes in a plastic bottle), and then there’s value cheap which is something that has great quality for a relatively low sum. I’ll give you 3 for each.
Actual Cheap
1. Jack Daniels – Not Bourbon! But it basically is. It tastes decent. It’s not offensive. It’s perfectly acceptable to use in a cocktail. It gets a bad rap from many in the bourbon aficionado community (LOL), but many slag it off without actually tasting it.
2. Old Grand-dad – Food critic Morgan Murphy said, “The sweet corn of this whiskey is hot on the lips but has a mild finish of vanilla and baking spices.” This food critic says:
Seriously, though. It tastes pretty good…similar to JD and is very cheap. It’s actually a reference to Basil Hayden Sr. It’s also the brother to Old Overholt Rye, which is a necessity in every liquor cabinet and can usually be found for under $20.
3. Bulleit – Can usually be found for $25 a bottle and its quality should put it closer to $35. Tastes good and the bottle is pretty classy. There’s also a 10 year for ~$40 that is delicious.
Value for the money
1. Willet – This is an excellent bourbon sold in an old bong. It can usually be found for ~$38. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’d pay $65 for it. There is also a Willet Rye which is one of my favorite whiskeys, period. I say that as someone who enjoys bourbon, rye, and single malt Scotch. If you see it, BUY IT. Can usually be found for ~$35.
My go to ‘cheap’ bourbon is regular old Buffalo Trace. Shouldn’t be paying over $30 for it, ~$25 is a good price.
Step it up with good old Blanton’s at $50. Though if you are twisting my arm, I’ll take FRSB over it, and it’s cheaper.
When we lose? Booker’s.
But you should be drinking #SeaHuskies before the game. Switch to the hard stuff when the game starts going downhill.