247Sports Updated 2025 and 2026 Recruiting Rankings

[RuffRuff]

It's not out of the realm of possibility. I'm just not convinced he'd go with guaranteed money. There are a ton of great college players who just don't have a league skillset. I'm also not a GM, so we'll see!

Still feels like he needs to show a little more explosion and strength at his size. That said a kid like Reed Sheppard went third last year, mainly on his 3pt shooting (52%).

 

[husky429]

Still feels like he needs to show a little more explosion and strength at his size. That said a kid like Reed Sheppard went third last year, mainly on his 3pt shooting (52%).

I hear that. The league values shooting so much they just may overlook Solo's weaknesses.

To play Devil's advocate, Reed will have been 18 months younger, 4.5 vs 1.4 AST, shot 6% better from 3, was a better 2pt shooter, and graded out as a much better defender.

 

[superjohn]

JoeyCalif, Alleyne, Hawkins, Newton, Diarra, Jackson seems like 6 to me
Mahaney, Ball, Nowell, Furphy, Adams, Mullins is also 6

Furphy has guard skills but he's listed as a small forward on most of the recruiting services and that's where Hurley envisions him. Playing the three and being a connector/shooter/playmaker. Mullins will start at the 3 even though he's a prototypical shooting guard because we have Solo.

HuskyHawk was under the impression UConn will never carry 6 guards because they haven't had 6 guards since '99. We've had a bunch of 6 guard teams, I looked at the rosters since 2009-

2023- Tristen, Hawkins, Jackson, Hass, Joey C, Alleyne

2022- Cole, Jackson, Hawkins, Tyrese, Gaffney, Diggins

2021- Cole, Bouknight, Tyrese, Andre Jackson, Gaffney, Brendan Adams

2020- Alterique, Vital, Bouknight, Gaffney, Brendan Adams, Sidney Wilson

2019- Jalen Adams, Alterique Gilbert, Christian Vital, Tarin Smith, Sidney Wilson, Brendan Adams

2016- Gibbs, Jalen Adams, Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Omar Calhoun, Sam Cassell Jr.

2015- Boat, Purvis, Daniel Hamilton, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel, Sam Cassell Jr.

2014- Bazz, Boat, Niels, Kromah, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel

2009- Price, Dyson, Kemba, Austrie, Beverly, Haralson

Some of those guys over the years played small forward to get them on the court and because of need, hell Niels was a jackkife and even played some power forward and center out of necessity but every one of those players was listed as a guard on our roster.

 

[RuffRuff]

Furphy has guard skills but he's listed as a small forward on most of the recruiting services and that's where Hurley envisions him. Playing the three and being a connector/shooter/playmaker. Mullins will start at the 3 even though he's a prototypical shooting guard because we have Solo.

HuskyHawk was under the impression UConn will never carry 6 guards because they haven't had 6 guards since '99. We've had a bunch of 6 guard teams, I looked at the rosters since 2009-

2023- Tristen, Hawkins, Jackson, Hass, Joey C, Alleyne

2022- Cole, Jackson, Hawkins, Tyrese, Gaffney, Diggins

2021- Cole, Bouknight, Tyrese, Andre Jackson, Gaffney, Brendan Adams

2020- Alterique, Vital, Bouknight, Gaffney, Brendan Adams, Sidney Wilson

2019- Jalen Adams, Alterique Gilbert, Christian Vital, Tarin Smith, Sidney Wilson, Brendan Adams

2016- Gibbs, Jalen Adams, Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Omar Calhoun, Sam Cassell Jr.

2015- Boat, Purvis, Daniel Hamilton, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel, Sam Cassell Jr.

2014- Bazz, Boat, Niels, Kromah, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel

2009- Price, Dyson, Kemba, Austrie, Beverly, Haralson

Some of those guys over the years played small forward to get them on the court and because of need, hell Niels was a jackkife and even played some power forward and center out of necessity but every one of those players was listed as a guard on our roster.

I really like Furphy - I think once he gets up to speed on the system and speed of the game, he is going to be a really good player. He looks like he has the mental part down, always in right spot. And while not jumping out of the gym, love his size. I get a strong tingle with this specific Jedi. Just feel like he has the “it” factor.

 

[Umami Zen]

Furphy-by his own admission- needs to improve on his strength and athleticism. Our SnC program should be of tremendous value to him as he adjusts to the speed and athletes he'll face in CBB/BE while he's in Storrs.

 

[DogMania]

If our plan at PG next year is Nowell, Mahaney, and Adams my head might explode.

My guess, which I've posted somewhere else, is Hurley will try to bring in a long physical & athletic PG/Combo who can defend, execute the offense, high poise under pressure, good cultural fit and a 3 level scorer. The problem with that is one that does all that at a high level usually enters the draft. With that said, finding a Newton type talent who either played at a midmajor or middle to bottom major conference program, who showed that type of developing game seems to materialize in the Portal.

 

[Scrutineer]

Jacob Furphy just dropped 41points 8 rebounds 4 assists in a losing effort

Somebody needs to tell Geno about Victoria. She must be pretty good to beat Furphy's team.........

 

[Scrutineer]

Furphy in terms of size, sure. But he's ridiculously slow right now.

Just curious as to what you're basing that judgement on?

 

[husky429]

Just curious as to what you're basing that judgement on?

I watched his games, highlights, and read some of the scouting reports. He'd be slower than anyone but the walk-ons right now. His feet look like they're stuck in sand.

Give him a couple years of S&C to maximize his ability to keep up and that elite skill he brings will shine.

This is the best competition level he faced so far (ish). They were playing EYBL teams. You can see that he doesn't have the speed of some of the USA players, but he's got skill... layups with both hands, 3s, handles, passing. Kid has a ton to his game.

 

[DogMania]

The main need has to be a big PG. There's no way around that. Relying on Nowell to go from 2mpg to being a starting-caliber PG on a team with championship aspirations would be insane. It's possible, but that kind of leap is unlikely. Even Hurley has talked about the PG problem.

Not sure if anyone else has pointed this out, I'm a little concerned about Nowell's durability. He's been sidelined with two different injuries that has kept him out of the lineup where he probably would have been given some run.

I like him. He's quick, can drive the seams and showed he has a very good 3 Pt shot. We've not seen enough how well he can run the offense. He's small, so unless he can be a pest on the ball, he'll likely struggle and need help on D.

Depending on who returns, Mahaney, Ball, one or two of the incoming freshman and maybe even Ross as a fill ins at the 1.

As I and others have already posted, Hurley will likely try to find a big, long, strong, physical PG/Combo that can learn, lead and execute the motion offense who is a 3 level scorer and plus defender. None of the new or returning players fits that description. Tough to find, but that would seem to be the primary missing piece to what looks like a deep and talented 2025/26 team.

 

[RuffRuff]

Not sure if anyone else has pointed this out, I'm a little concerned about Nowell's durability. He's been sidelined with two different injuries that has kept him out of the lineup where he probably would have been given some run.

I like him. He's quick, can drive the seams and showed he has a very good 3 Pt shot. We've not seen enough how well he can run the offense. He's small, so unless he can be a pest on the ball, he'll likely struggle and need help on D.

Depending on who returns, Mahaney, Ball, one or two of the incoming freshman and maybe even Ross as a fill ins at the 1.

As I and others have already posted, Hurley will likely try to find a big, long, strong, physical PG/Combo that can learn, lead and execute the motion offense who is a 3 level scorer and plus defender. None of the new or returning players fits that description. Tough to find, but that would seem to be the primary missing piece to what looks like a deep and talented 2025/26 team.

Was kinda the Acadian Lewis profile, albeit he’s not that big.

 

[husky429]

I watched his games, highlights, and read some of the scouting reports. He'd be slower than anyone but the walk-ons right now. His feet look like they're stuck in sand.

Give him a couple years of S&C to maximize his ability to keep up and that elite skill he brings will shine.

This is the best competition level he faced so far (ish). They were playing EYBL teams. You can see that he doesn't have the speed of some of the USA players, but he's got skill... layups with both hands, 3s, handles, passing. Kid has a ton to his game.

I will add though, I honestly think he's better than that #138 ranking he got. Folks just haven't seen him play enough. I see a 50-75 player based on size and skill alone.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Are you counting a guy like McNeeley as a guard? I'd count him as one even though he plays the 3. Even Ross I'd throw in there.

No, I'm counting both as wing/SF. Including next year for Ross. I don't see Mullins like McNeeley. I'm not sure he's strong enough to play the 3 next to Ball at the 2.

Of course we have guys like Castle and McNeeley who can be a guard or SF. I'm just saying we don't normally have more than 4, 5 at the most, guards who aren't really flex players like that. Guys who are only 1s and 2s. Next year we already have 5 of those guys. That doesn't count Ross.

 

[superjohn]

I really like Furphy - I think once he gets up to speed on the system and speed of the game, he is going to be a really good player. He looks like he has the mental part down, always in right spot. And while not jumping out of the gym, love his size. I get a strong tingle with this specific Jedi. Just feel like he has the “it” factor.

Me too, he's super skilled and has good size. I'm a little worried about bin adjusting to the speed of the highest major college game but he's probably a Cam level of run and jump athlete so it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[RuffRuff]

Me too, he's super skilled and has good size. I'm a little worried about bin adjusting to the speed of the highest major college game but he's probably a Cam level of run and jump athlete so it shouldn't be too bad.

Def in the cam mode, not quick but has nice footwork and knows how to uses the slow pause. Kid uses both hands, plays inside out, great stroke. Just looks headsy.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Furphy has guard skills but he's listed as a small forward on most of the recruiting services and that's where Hurley envisions him. Playing the three and being a connector/shooter/playmaker. Mullins will start at the 3 even though he's a prototypical shooting guard because we have Solo.

HuskyHawk was under the impression UConn will never carry 6 guards because they haven't had 6 guards since '99. We've had a bunch of 6 guard teams, I looked at the rosters since 2009-

2023- Tristen, Hawkins, Jackson, Hass, Joey C, Alleyne

2022- Cole, Jackson, Hawkins, Tyrese, Gaffney, Diggins

2021- Cole, Bouknight, Tyrese, Andre Jackson, Gaffney, Brendan Adams

2020- Alterique, Vital, Bouknight, Gaffney, Brendan Adams, Sidney Wilson

2019- Jalen Adams, Alterique Gilbert, Christian Vital, Tarin Smith, Sidney Wilson, Brendan Adams

2016- Gibbs, Jalen Adams, Daniel Hamilton, Purvis, Omar Calhoun, Sam Cassell Jr.

2015- Boat, Purvis, Daniel Hamilton, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel, Sam Cassell Jr.

2014- Bazz, Boat, Niels, Kromah, Omar Calhoun, Terrence Samuel

2009- Price, Dyson, Kemba, Austrie, Beverly, Haralson

Some of those guys over the years played small forward to get them on the court and because of need, hell Niels was a jackkife and even played some power forward and center out of necessity but every one of those players was listed as a guard on our roster.

Jackson played almost exclusively small forward. Wilson was never a guard. Daniel Hamilton? He was never a guard. Brendan Adams mostly played 3, so did Calhoun. Haralson was never a guard. Even Alleyne spent some time at the 3, although not ideal.

When I say guards, I'm talking players who lack the size to play SF. Guys who are 1s and 2s only. We have five such players next year unless Mullins gets stronger.

 

[DogMania]

I watched his games, highlights, and read some of the scouting reports. He'd be slower than anyone but the walk-ons right now. His feet look like they're stuck in sand.

Give him a couple years of S&C to maximize his ability to keep up and that elite skill he brings will shine.

This is the best competition level he faced so far (ish). They were playing EYBL teams. You can see that he doesn't have the speed of some of the USA players, but he's got skill... layups with both hands, 3s, handles, passing. Kid has a ton to his game.

I'm not so sure you can tell that he's slow from those clips. He looks smooth and under control and might just have another gear. He reminds me a little like Newton who wasn't a blazer, but made up for it with a plus handle, excellent first step and change of direction and knew how to use his long body to get good shots off. He did just fine.

Furphy has put up good numbers against international competition, so I doubt he's a subpar athlete. I think he's going to be the biggest surprise of this upcoming class. Whatever he might lack in athleticism, he's going to make up with elite BBIQ, solid 3 level scoring and deadly deep marksmanship. I think his modest ranking is the result of few seeing him play in person and against a consistent portion of high level competition, which is tough when he's from Tasmania, known more for short nasty lightening fast spiraling critters. Let's see how many here get that one, likely the older farts in this forum.

Maybe I'll be proven wrong about all this, so let's revisit this at some point next season.

 

[superjohn]

Jackson played almost exclusively small forward. Wilson was never a guard. Daniel Hamilton? He was never a guard. Brendan Adams mostly played 3, so did Calhoun. Haralson was never a guard. Even Alleyne spent some time at the 3, although not ideal.

When I say guards, I'm talking players who lack the size to play SF. Guys who are 1s and 2s only. We have five such players next year unless Mullins gets stronger.

You clearly didn't read my post.

Every single one of those players I listed as guards were listed as guards at UConn. As I stated some of them played the three out of necessity/roster construction. Niels even played some 4 and 5 out of necessity. Braylon will be our starting 3 next season.

My post explains all of this. You said we haven't had 6 guards since '99 and you were way off. You don't think we need to bring in a portal point guard for next season, you're way off on that too.

 

[DogMania]

Was kinda the Acadian Lewis profile, albeit he’s not that big.

I thought about Lewis who was a target for the 1 at one point, but as you pointed out he's a very similar player.

My guess is Hurley felt the same and decided it would be better to pass on him and try to bring in a bigger and more experienced lead guard. Seeing the struggles they've endured with backups at that position, it's a good thing they didn't pull the trigger on him, and see if they can address the need in the Portal.

 

[RuffRuff]

I thought about Lewis who was a target for the 1 at one point, but as you pointed out he's a very similar player.

My guess is Hurley felt the same and decided it would be better to pass on him and try to bring in a bigger and more experienced lead guard. Seeing the struggles they've endured with backups at that position, it's a good thing they didn't pull the trigger on him, and see if they can address the need in the Portal.

They’re already leaning heavily on frosh, and committing that early leaves you no flex to see how season plays out l.

 

[navery12]

Jackson played almost exclusively small forward. Wilson was never a guard. Daniel Hamilton? He was never a guard. Brendan Adams mostly played 3, so did Calhoun. Haralson was never a guard. Even Alleyne spent some time at the 3, although not ideal.

When I say guards, I'm talking players who lack the size to play SF. Guys who are 1s and 2s only. We have five such players next year unless Mullins gets stronger.

That's fine if you want to use that definition, but then Mullins and Ball don't fit that definition and we have 3 "guards"

 

[Scrutineer]

I watched his games, highlights, and read some of the scouting reports. He'd be slower than anyone but the walk-ons right now. His feet look like they're stuck in sand.

Give him a couple years of S&C to maximize his ability to keep up and that elite skill he brings will shine.

This is the best competition level he faced so far (ish). They were playing EYBL teams. You can see that he doesn't have the speed of some of the USA players, but he's got skill... layups with both hands, 3s, handles, passing. Kid has a ton to his game.

Thanks.

As I see him handle the ball, he seems to have what the best offensive players have.....the ability to get where he wants to go with the ball in his hands. Like Kadary Richmond today. Or Kemba, or Shabazz.

As I think about it though, KEA had the "slow" label on him. The ball was on a string for him, he could make shots from everywhere, great passer, saw the floor. Is Furphy perhaps a larger version of KEA?