UConn picked to finish 7th by the coaches, definitely warranted. Shows quite a bit of respect from the coaches of the league to vote UConn that high in only the third year of being in HE.
Could be, I don't follow the specifics of the UConn roster close enough to know where they'll rise or falter beyond the top performers. That said, I do know Maine, UMass, and UNH have BAD rosters, it should not require much effort to finish above those three. Also, no team in the five below UConn has anyone nearly as talented as Thompson and Letunov. Of course any roster can underperform and fall from their predicted finish, but from a sheer talent perspective UConn is solidly in the 7 spot of the league on paper.You have to agree this will only happen if the Jr class steps up and improves. If they falter it will be tough to finish here.
It will be interesting to see Payusov and Huska. I have heard some good stuff about Payusov from a former player who was working out with the team on campus.Could be, I don't follow the specifics of the UConn roster close enough to know where they'll rise or falter beyond the top performers. That said, I do know Maine, UMass, and UNH have BAD rosters, it should not require much effort to finish above those three. Also, no team in the five below UConn has anyone nearly as talented as Thompson and Letunov. Of course any roster can underperform and fall from their predicted finish, but from a sheer talent perspective UConn is solidly in the 7 spot of the league on paper.
I think Payusov has a chance to play on the top line with Letunov and Thompson.It will be interesting to see Payusov and Huska. I have heard some good stuff about Payusov from a former player who was working out with the team on campus.