2025 Recruiting: Amarri Monroe: UConn in final 6

[nomar]

And Demary had two assists and 10 turnovers against St. John’s. So looks like we arent exactly targeting St. John’s killers in the portal.

Wise. They’ll have a new team anyway.

And then Pitino decided to recruit him

 

[Gurleyman]

Respectfully, pass. Looks good. We don’t need good. We need “special” in some way that makes us separate from good. There are lots of good.

Sometimes what makes a team special is that you have the right “good” around the great. Samson and Hassan were great changes of pace last year backing up DC and Clingan. JoeyC and Alleyne were great in their roles. In some ways, AK was great at being good but not all that good at being great.

I’m not necessarily feeling Monroe as a starting 4 … unless he can adjust to being an efficient cog as opposed to the main guy forcing things. And maybe he can. But as a frontcourt piece? Someone who can maybe battle 5s and switch on wings and rebound and hit open 3s on pick and pops? If our staff sees that in him, I’d be on board. We have a lot of needs right now - versatility, depth, rebounding, defense, etc.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I’m not necessarily feeling Monroe as a starting 4 … unless he can adjust to being an efficient cog as opposed to the main guy forcing things.

Just to be clear, he is 100% being recruited to be a lower usage complementary player, which he has done in the past at QU. His usage was very high last year. There’s no scenario where it would even come close to that at UConn.

 

[mauconnfan]

Surprised at his first step quickness turning the corner to the basket and ability to finish pretty strong. He wouldn’t be shooting a lot of 3s in Storrs so his percentage will improve for that reason alone. Nice piece with his rebounding ability. Don’t think he’s 6’7 closer to 6’5 but so was KFree.

 

[Husky25]

He’s not going to transfer to come off the bench. I’d assume his spot is possibly open

Tough to say. According to @tcf15 's grid, the roster needs 5 more players minimum (Karaban dependent). I'm projecting 2-3 walk-ons, but with so many open slots it is tough to project a rotation, let alone the starting 5 right now, other than a 4G, 1F(C) lineup. Hurley has a long history of avoiding two centers at the same time, so they need players in the 6'-7" - 6'-9" range. More importantly, players to guard other teams' players in that range.

Monroe would get 6th man minutes, at a minimum, on this team in its present form.

 

[PNolanFan]

Tough to say. According to @tcf15 's grid, the roster needs 5 more players minimum (Karaban dependent). I'm projecting 2-3 walk-ons, but with so many open slots it is tough to project a rotation, let alone the starting 5 right now, other than a 4G, 1F(C) lineup. Hurley has a long history of avoiding two centers at the same time, so they need players in the 6'-7" - 6'-9" range. More importantly, players to guard other teams' players in that range.

Monroe would get 6th man minutes, at a minimum, on this team in its present form.

I would think that at the moment we would be running a starting lineup of Silas/Ball/stewart/karaban/reed with mullins/adams/reibe/furphy as the first 4 of the bench. In my opinion this kid would be a great pickup but do feel like the minutes really only work if karaban is gone. I am assuming that the freshman collectively are gonna get 60ish minutes a game. I suppose if Hurley does not believe that these guys are gonna be contributors from day 1 then maybe that changes things but i really dont think there is any point of bringing a 5 star in if your not gonna play them since they are pretty much gonna transfer out 100% of the time if they dont get minutes from day 1

 

[GHSWolverines]

I would think that at the moment we would be running a starting lineup of Silas/Ball/stewart/karaban/reed with mullins/adams/reibe/furphy as the first 4 of the bench. In my opinion this kid would be a great pickup but do feel like the minutes really only work if karaban is gone. I am assuming that the freshman collectively are gonna get 60ish minutes a game. I suppose if Hurley does not believe that these guys are gonna be contributors from day 1 then maybe that changes things but i really dont think there is any point of bringing a 5 star in if your not gonna play them since they are pretty much gonna transfer out 100% of the time if they dont get minutes from day 1

True. A lot will depend if Karaban stays. If he stays, get a solid backup at the 4. That is, one that has experience and not a 4/5 star according to the transfer portal. If Karaban leaves, get a 4/5 star at that position. I hope he makes his decision soon.

 

[3rdbass]

I would think that at the moment we would be running a starting lineup of Silas/Ball/stewart/karaban/reed with mullins/adams/reibe/furphy as the first 4 of the bench. In my opinion this kid would be a great pickup but do feel like the minutes really only work if karaban is gone. I am assuming that the freshman collectively are gonna get 60ish minutes a game. I suppose if Hurley does not believe that these guys are gonna be contributors from day 1 then maybe that changes things but i really dont think there is any point of bringing a 5 star in if your not gonna play them since they are pretty much gonna transfer out 100% of the time if they dont get minutes from day 1

Not sure Adams is the back-up PG. He needs a couple years to develop. The rest of the Freshmen should get time for sure. I think we will search for a back-up PG and I'm fine with Monroe coming in but not sure he is a starter in our system due to how iffy his 3 point shot is.

 

[Husky25]

I would think that at the moment we would be running a starting lineup of Silas/Ball/stewart/karaban/reed with mullins/adams/reibe/furphy as the first 4 of the bench. In my opinion this kid would be a great pickup but do feel like the minutes really only work if karaban is gone. I am assuming that the freshman collectively are gonna get 60ish minutes a game. I suppose if Hurley does not believe that these guys are gonna be contributors from day 1 then maybe that changes things but i really dont think there is any point of bringing a 5 star in if your not gonna play them since they are pretty much gonna transfer out 100% of the time if they dont get minutes from day 1

I don't think Hurley too concerned with keeping a player beyond the upcoming year. Particularly six months before First Night (It was so much better when it was Midnight Madness). He wants hardware and will put what he thinks is the best combination on the floor, without regard to recruiting stars. After all, if they can't hack practice, they haven't earned the privilege of wearing a jersey with 6 gold stars on the back collar (NCAA Hockey thing, but whatever).

I have much less concern vis a vie '25-'26 if The Tomahawk stays and I would peg it at 6/5 for. He is a tweener and I unfortunately do not think he passed the requisite eye test this past season, after again getting feedback following the 2nd title.

On the other hand, he is an older redshirt. Karaban will be 24 years old not long after his rookie season tips in pro ball.

 

[Husky25]

True. A lot will depend if Karaban stays. If he stays, get a solid backup at the 4. That is, one that has experience and not a 4/5 star according to the transfer portal. If Karaban leaves, get a 4/5 star at that position. I hope he makes his decision soon.

I think he is talking about the freshmen.

 

[InKembaITrust]

Watching his highlights, I'm really impressed with his passing ability and athleticism. He would fit very nicely into our offense. A potential "glue guy".

We are missing the "glue-guy" role, the Andre Jackson "do-it-all" ingredient. If we can add that to the current roster, we'll be looking very similar to the 23' title team:

Silas-Newton
Solo-Hawk
? -Andre
Alex? -Alex
Reed-Sanogo

Reibe-Clingan.....understand this one is a stretch, but it's not far off.

Stew could fill this spot if he takes a massive leap over the summer, but matching what AJ did for us will be difficult to say the least...

 

[RichCTBB]

We are missing the "glue-guy" role, the Andre Jackson "do-it-all" ingredient. If we can add that to the current roster, we'll be looking very similar to the 23' title team:

Silas-Newton
Solo-Hawk
? -Andre
Alex? -Alex
Reed-Sanogo

Reibe-Clingan.....understand this one is a stretch, but it's not far off.

Stew could fill this spot if he takes a massive leap over the summer, but matching what AJ did for us will be difficult to say the least...

I can’t think of a single comp for Andre Jackson. The BBIQ, athleticism, work ethic, impact that doesn’t show up in the box score, leadership….i feel like he is a unicorn

 

[3rdbass]

When does Karaban decide?

We hope soon but Alex has earned the right to wait to be sure.

 

[HooperScooper]

When does Karaban decide?

I think he's already decided. He just hasn't told us all yet.

 

[PNolanFan]

Not sure Adams is the back-up PG. He needs a couple years to develop. The rest of the Freshmen should get time for sure. I think we will search for a back-up PG and I'm fine with Monroe coming in but not sure he is a starter in our system due to how iffy his 3 point shot is.

If adams needs a few years to develop as a Mcdonalds All american than we were wrong to recruit him in the first place. I am not saying we should give him minutes just cause he is a 5 star recuit. I am saying it would be dumb to recruit a 5 star freshman who is not ready to play as a freshman

 

[3rdbass]

If adams needs a few years to develop as a Mcdonalds All american than we were wrong to recruit him in the first place. I am not saying we should give him minutes just cause he is a 5 star recuit. I am saying it would be dumb to recruit a 5 star freshman who is not ready to play as a freshman

Well that depends if he doesn't mind developing as taking on a bigger role in year 2 and Year 3. I see him as a 3 year guy college player at least. Our recruiting class had to many players that are skilled and not too athletic which has me scratching my head a little. Hurley is going to have to balance that out with Athletic transfers in the portal like Demary.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

If adams needs a few years to develop as a Mcdonalds All american than we were wrong to recruit him in the first place. I am not saying we should give him minutes just cause he is a 5 star recuit. I am saying it would be dumb to recruit a 5 star freshman who is not ready to play as a freshman

High school recruiting stars don't matter much - and wasn't Adams considered a high 4/low 5 anyways? It's about the fit and a shared sense of what the player's first year role will likely be. I'm sure Hurley was straight up with Adams as he is with all players in terms of "you've gotta come in here and earn your minutes".

 

[NJHusky]

I think he's already decided. He just hasn't told us all yet.

But has he told Hurley?

 

[Ha Who]

But has he told Hurley?

No but he did tell this guy

 

[BrysonDeMan]

Yeah. He did not look good. Needs muscle.

almost the same as RIP and Donyell in their McD's game

 

[mauconnfan]

Alex has the right but he’s been around Storrs long enough to know Danny and the staff have the right to know what they need. Fine line but I’m guessing its known or someone knows the lean.

 

[Sole]

I think we need a player who is a little bigger then Monroe.. someone who can play power forward and center.. we only have two centers if Reed comes back

 

[3rdbass]

I think we need a player who is a little bigger then Monroe.. someone who can play power forward and center.. we only have two centers if Reed comes back

Hopefully Karaban comes back and this all of this is mute and Monroe can be a key bench piece for us. Karaban also gives us good post defense which we will lose some of that with the help defense from Johnson leaving.

 

[gtcam]

If Monroe comes to Storrs he will want to start. UConn probably won’t pay him starter $ to sit on the bench during the opening tap. It’s a tweaner situation. Would love get a legit 6’10” kid with a handle and can hit jumpers

 

[Husky25]

If Monroe comes to Storrs he will want to start. UConn probably won’t pay him starter $ to sit on the bench during the opening tap. It’s a tweaner situation. Would love get a legit 6’10” kid with a handle and can hit jumpers

Magic Johnson is 65 years old and I don't think he has any remaining eligibility.

 

[HooperScooper]

But has he told Hurley?

Yes. Hurley knows what Karaban is going to do. Which might be just test the NBA process like he did last year and then make a decision after that.

 

[jibsey]

What I want is rebounding, defense and toughness. Hurley’s moving offense will take care of the rest.

 

[Aar684]

If Monroe comes to Storrs he will want to start. UConn probably won’t pay him starter $ to sit on the bench during the opening tap. It’s a tweaner situation. Would love get a legit 6’10” kid with a handle and can hit jumpers

Kevin Durant is in the NBA.

 

[Fan1978]

I'd like to think we're recruiting this kid for the versatility of backing up the 3/4. I'd be nervous if he's starting for us personally.

Kid comes from a long line of p5 quality transfers recruited by coach mcauley at Wofford.

List includes:

Klesmit Wisconsin
Godwin Oklahoma
Pavletski Iowa State
Pringle Alabama
Storm Murphy vtech
Cattoor vtech


Kid overcame rough family life including name change per my friend who is brother of coach mcauley.

Seems like a guy we want

 

[Edward Sargent]

What is Alex going to learn testing the waters again? I think he is making his decision without testing