Akok's first few of buckets kept UConn from another absolutely disastrous start. In previous games he deferred to Gilbert, Vital and others to get things going. Tonight, either consciously or subconsciously, Akok was not going to let UConn pi$$ away the first 5 minutes.
Game started with Carlton missing an easy layup (he should have scored at least 20 if he put together a whole game), a horrible AG turnover, a Carlton turnover, a couple of Buffalo dunks. Myself and likely many others were in "here we go again mode". Then Akok took over and scored the 1st 7 points. Would have been a tough hole to dig out of if AG and Vital started to force things.
Bouk has us all excited. His game reminds me of Rip with a better handle. Using screens and having the mid range game. He also has that natural rebounding instinct. So much of Bouk's game is not teachable. He will be a special player. Hurley is making him earn the time and pay his penance for this personal error, but his minutes will no doubt increase dramatically.
By the way, 9 players with over 10 minutes and 1 with 8 minutes. A bench that is 10 deep with Cole and Springs using 2 scholarships. Team should be amazingly deep next year with the recruits coming in.