- Joined
- Aug 17, 2011
- Messages
- 14,511
- Reaction Score
- 80,227
Connecticut Huskies
Last NCAA appearance: 2016
Key nonconference opponents: Oregon (Nov. 23), Michigan State/DePaul (Nov. 24), Arizona (Dec. 21), Auburn (Dec. 23), Villanova (Jan. 20)
The Huskies have a tendency to disappoint when expectations are high, but that's not the case this season. Sure, Kevin Ollie's team is absolutely expected to take big steps forward after injuries torpedoed any chance of making the 2017 Big Dance, but there's still a lot of wait-and-see with UConn.
If anything, UConn fans are counting on Jalen Adams being the alpha, with plenty of support from Alterique Gilbert in the backcourt. Gilbert missed most of last season, as did Terry Larrier, who I think will be UConn's most important player this season. If those three produce near all-league levels and UConn can get a bump in production from sophomore guard Christian Vital, then Ollie should get this team to the NCAAs with room to spare. UConn gets a good shot for needed nonconference conquests in the Nike-sponsored PK80 tournament.
10 hoops teams ready to make NCAA Tournament after missing out last year
I guess playing Syracuse just doesn't help these days.
Last NCAA appearance: 2016
Key nonconference opponents: Oregon (Nov. 23), Michigan State/DePaul (Nov. 24), Arizona (Dec. 21), Auburn (Dec. 23), Villanova (Jan. 20)
The Huskies have a tendency to disappoint when expectations are high, but that's not the case this season. Sure, Kevin Ollie's team is absolutely expected to take big steps forward after injuries torpedoed any chance of making the 2017 Big Dance, but there's still a lot of wait-and-see with UConn.
If anything, UConn fans are counting on Jalen Adams being the alpha, with plenty of support from Alterique Gilbert in the backcourt. Gilbert missed most of last season, as did Terry Larrier, who I think will be UConn's most important player this season. If those three produce near all-league levels and UConn can get a bump in production from sophomore guard Christian Vital, then Ollie should get this team to the NCAAs with room to spare. UConn gets a good shot for needed nonconference conquests in the Nike-sponsored PK80 tournament.
10 hoops teams ready to make NCAA Tournament after missing out last year
I guess playing Syracuse just doesn't help these days.
