Andre Jackson returning for 2 seasons

[Huskyforlife]

Underclassmen have been saying this kind of thing for a long time, and they almost always go into the draft the same year. Caron Butler wanted to come back, I remember Calhoun basically had to force him to declare because he was a projected lottery pick.

Andre doesn’t have NBA money waiting for him though. They aren’t comparable situations.

 

[husky429]

I’m treating Alleyne as if he’s gone. Celebrated senior night, instagram post from the team said it was their last ride or something to that effect. Hope he does take it though.

Starting-caliber SG who is a lights out shooter from the portal instead of Alleyne. We have enough size, rebounding, athleticism and passing that we don't need to worry about those so much. Find some guy who's a lights out shooter from a <.500 P5 school that wants a shot at Final Four. There are PLENTY of guys like that available.

AJ Storr is one that comes to mind if he leaves SJU.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Starting-caliber SG who is a lights out shooter from the portal instead of Alleyne. We have enough size, rebounding, athleticism and passing that we don't need to worry about those so much. Find some guy who's a lights out shooter from a <.500 P5 school that wants a shot at Final Four. There are PLENTY of guys like that available.

AJ Storr is one that comes to mind if he leaves SJU.

I’m the captain of the AJ Storr ship. It just makes to much sense.

 

[husky429]

I’m the captain of the AJ Storr ship. It just makes to much sense.

I think he would have been with Karaban at IMG for the 6 months he was there. Karaban never ended up playing there, but maybe a positive. Storr has also played all over the country in HS (Arizona, Florida, now NY for college), so I don't think being away from home would be too much of a factor.

 

[metsfan2323]

Great news! If UCONN basketball were a stock it would have just jumped 5%.

I look forward to seeing his number retired.

 

[DW1361]

I don’t want to come across as condescending, but barring injury Jackson will have a fine NBA career. I think some get stuck with what they can’t see today could not get better. The word of the day is “development”. He has huge potential and could be drafted this year just on that. Jackson had a great developmental year and he will continue to develop. The sky is the limit with this young man.

 

[Sibeerian]

I’m the captain of the AJ Storr ship. It just makes to much sense.

i don't love the transfers within the conference but would make an exception here. I mean, the guy's name sounds like Andre's mailing address.

 

[navery12]

I doubt Jackson means two years. Just another way of saying he will be back next year. He will hone in his skills and declare for the draft next year. Jackson is not going anywhere but the NBA. Every skill he lacks can be worked on. His athletics is off the charts and he already knows how to use that.

If it was a one time comment I can see that. But this is not the first time he's made a comment like this. I'll have to try and find the article but there was a comment from a weeks ago talking about Jackson staying for his full eligibility. Glossed over it at the time but now it's come up multiple times

 

[Huskyforlife]

I don’t want to come across as condescending, but barring injury Jackson will have a fine NBA career. I think some get stuck with what they can’t see today could not get better. The word of the day is “development”. He has huge potential and could be drafted this year just on that. Jackson had a great developmental year and he will continue to develop. The sky is the limit with this young man.

He’s had 3 years to develop role player level offense. I think we all know what he is at this point, a very good college player.

 

[Tenspro2002]

He's probably not going to stay 2 more years, but this completely fits the vibe of a guy who enjoys the college experience and is not in a hurry to leave. The anti-Daniel Hamilton.

 

[Deleted at users request]

He’s had 3 years to develop role player level offense. I think we all know what he is at this point, a very good college player.

In his defense, this is the first year he’s been asked to do much offensively outside of being essentially a 3 and D guy. We’ve really seen him grow figuring out how to best attack on offense.

 

[businesslawyer]

Alleyne is coming back?

I thought the opportunity for him and Castle to play together was part of both of them coming here. But if I'm misremembering, my bad.

 

[JB75]

I think only 2 players who have used thier eligibility is joey c and newton. Newton might have one more Covid year tho

 

[Rico444]

Andre doesn’t have NBA money waiting for him though. They aren’t comparable situations.

I get that, but my point is at this point of the year the player is always going to have the mindset that they'll be back. Andre could come in next year and have a much better jump shot and put up a huge season; at that point, he wouldn't say "I want to try to go get drafted, but I said in a postgame interview last year that I was staying two more years, so I guess I have no choice but to come back."

 

[HeGotGame]

Obviously, Andre coming back improves the outlook greatly. On paper, that looks like a starting five of Clingan, Karaban, Jackson, Alleyne and Castle. With a bench of Diarra, hopefully Johnson and the other frosh. If Castle is who many hope he is, that’s a heck of a starting five.

Is the assumption at this point Adama leaves?

 

[NotADime89]

I thought the opportunity for him and Castle to play together was part of both of them coming here. But if I'm misremembering, my bad.

The two families are close, I think that did play into his decision and I believe it was the initial plan. I could definitely see Nahiem staying another year and thriving with a year of BE experience under his belt.

 

[Dove]

Andre for 2 more years...

 

[bendm]

That being said, we need to relentlessly recruit shooters. Next year, we may have only 1 40%ish shooter on the team that sees minutes (Karaban). Castle, Stewart, Ball are all streaky and low 30s. Ross is probably not playing.... spacing will be a concern.

we have good shooters this year but no penetrators. next year is looking like the exact opposite. some balance would be nice.

 

[MDHuskFan]

I think only 2 players who have used thier eligibility is joey c and newton. Newton might have one more Covid year tho

Newton has a Covid year still if he chooses

 

[HailUConn]

my heart says hallelujah for 2years of Andre,
But my head tells me that he will be gone after next year. He will works his tail off to add offensive game to his repertoire, and get on the express bus to NBA. Age will work against him if he ever wants to play in the league. Regardless, we are blessed to have you as Husky l!

 

[Storrs South]

If it was a one time comment I can see that. But this is not the first time he's made a comment like this. I'll have to try and find the article but there was a comment from a weeks ago talking about Jackson staying for his full eligibility. Glossed over it at the time but now it's come up multiple times

Here's the article. I love his enthusiasm for this program university and happy that the fanbase has finally started to appreciate him as a player again and credit him and staff for making him a better player.

That being said, if any team says they are interested him late first round after this year (or next for that matter) I know Hurley will tell him to go and he should.

I don't view these comments as a firm commitment but would obviously love him to come back

I view the goal of this program to win championships and get guys to the next level. I know Hurley has been and continue to be a great advisor to him and look out for his best interests so I know Andre will do what's best for him.

He has been an incredible ambassador for this university and so happy he chose the University of Connecticut.

 

[3rdbass]

I wonder if the NIL money is a big part of this decision. If he can get close or make up for any income he'd make overseas, there's no reason to leave.

That being said, we need to relentlessly recruit shooters. Next year, we may have only 1 40%ish shooter on the team that sees minutes (Karaban). Castle, Stewart, Ball are all streaky and low 30s. Ross is probably not playing.... spacing will be a concern.

I thought Stewart was known for his shooting?

 

[metsfan2323]

Andre wants to threepeat.

 

[3rdbass]

Obviously, Andre coming back improves the outlook greatly. On paper, that looks like a starting five of Clingan, Karaban, Jackson, Alleyne and Castle. With a bench of Diarra, hopefully Johnson and the other frosh. If Castle is who many hope he is, that’s a heck of a starting five.

Is Alleyne really coming back? Or are people just guessing based on his relationship with Castle?

 

[3rdbass]

I doubt Jackson means two years. Just another way of saying he will be back next year. He will hone in his skills and declare for the draft next year. Jackson is not going anywhere but the NBA. Every skill he lacks can be worked on. His athletics is off the charts and he already knows how to use that.

I don't see Jackson making the NBA. He lacks the biggest skill you need shooting. Nice kid and works his ass off and proud he is on the team but even he realizes he is G-league or Euro at best so why not keep enjoying UCONN with good NIL agreements.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Just another case of Jackson saying and doing the right things. He has worked on his deficiencies and continues to get better. He bleeds blue and selfishly I hope he stays for the two more years he has left, but realistically with his work ethic and determination he may only need one.

 

[husky429]

I thought Stewart was known for his shooting?

He's a volume shooter that takes pretty tough attempts, but not an excellent shooter (yet). He shot 31% in EYBL.

Ross shot 35%... I think by the time he's an upperclassmen, could be a Polley-esque shooter.
Solo shot 25%

I can't find Castle's stats on UA, but I'd guess he was in the 30-33% range. He was hot an cold in AAU, absolutely terrible at USA basketball. The jury is probably still out on his likely shooting %.

Karaban shot 36% from deep in AAU in 8 games in 2021 fwiw.

 

[RipCity]

He might frustrate me at times, but he’s my favorite personality of any player we’ve had since KEA. Embodies this program perfectly

 

[Jaydumo20]

Apart from the overall goal of winning games there are always 2 subplots I follow: the progression of AJ and NA. I hope they both come back. They are what I love about college ball. I also agree with @husky429 We need solid shooters next year. Ross doesnt appear to be that guy yet and I hope NA smooths it out if he stays

 

[Edward Sargent]

I wonder if the NIL money is a big part of this decision. If he can get close or make up for any income he'd make overseas, there's no reason to leave.

That being said, we need to relentlessly recruit shooters. Next year, we may have only 1 40%ish shooter on the team that sees minutes (Karaban). Castle, Stewart, Ball are all streaky and low 30s. Ross is probably not playing.... spacing will be a concern.

NIL yes but I also would add in that he might look forward to mentoring and playing with next years incoming. Andre may be looking at a coaching career