Anybody aware of any potential grad transfers that could be added?

[jfuchs91]

My only issue with him is that he takes a fair number of threes for someone who makes very few of them (28/104 last year). He's still reasonably efficient on offense because he gets to the line a lot, and he was great from the line last year (83%). If he can either cut down on those threes or get his success rate around 34% or so, he'll be a really valuable player.

I actually don't mind that. I'd take a capable shooter that takes too many 3s over someone who's just not a threat from deep. First, he was Cornell's go-to player, and often those players have less efficient numbers from the field because they're relied upon for bail out shots. Miller would not have that same role in our offense, and his ability to hit a 3 would greatly help our offensive spacing, which is critical with all of the slashers we have on our team.

Someone who can play the 4, hit some shots from beyond the arc, and rebound at a high level sounds like the perfect fit for our roster. I hope we make a serious run at him.

 

[champs99and04]

@James @BLUEDOGHOUSE I'd never even heard of the kid before today, but I don't think anybody here would dispute that - for the second season in a row - the four is the biggest question mark heading into next year. The acquisition wouldn't by any stretch render kids like Facey or Lubin useless, but it would give us a much needed insurance policy against the possibility that those two do not get demonstrably better. Enoch? I have no idea.

As @CallMeBruce points out, 27% from three isn't ideal, especially when you're hoisting 3.5 per game. But, I think context is important here - Cornell ranked 309th in the country in offensive efficiency, which likely diluted the shot quality of the entire offense. Many of those looks were probably tightly contested, but if he came here, there is reason to believe he could shoot it at the aforementioned 34-35% clip. He won't be Niels Giffey, but teams will probably have to guard him...which is more than we can currently say about any of our other four men.

With Miller, though, I'm more intrigued by what he offers at the other end. Cornell ranked 79th in defensive efficiency, and given Miller ranked first in the Ivy League in defensive rating and swatted two shots per game, it's probably safe to say he was their anchor.

And perhaps most importantly of all, he can go get 'in ball off the backboard. I don't know if his shot blocking and scoring will translate...but rebounding is a skill that tends to be fairly reliable, and this team is desperately in need of a four who can rebound. That way, we can better live with rebounding deficiencies of our centers without compromising the infrastructure of our defense to do so (Hamilton can't guard fours and Facey still doesn't know where to be).

Again, all I can do on Miller is pour over his statistics, and I have no idea if there is mutual or even one-way interest. But this is the type of player - or at least the type of player I have created with my imagination - that is so critical to the teams success next season. He may only be an average AAC player, but even an average player can be valuable if they are able to stabilize the surrounding roster.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

@James @BLUEDOGHOUSE I'd never even heard of the kid before today, but I don't think anybody here would dispute that - for the second season in a row - the four is the biggest question mark heading into next year. The acquisition wouldn't by any stretch render kids like Facey or Lubin useless, but it would give us a much needed insurance policy against the possibility that those two do not get demonstrably better. Enoch? I have no idea.

As @CallMeBruce points out, 27% from three isn't ideal, especially when you're hoisting 3.5 per game. But, I think context is important here - Cornell ranked 309th in the country in offensive efficiency, which likely diluted the shot quality of the entire offense. Many of those looks were probably tightly contested, but if he came here, there is reason to believe he could shoot it at the aforementioned 34-35% clip. He won't be Niels Giffey, but teams will probably have to guard him...which is more than we can currently say about any of our other four men.

With Miller, though, I'm more intrigued by what he offers at the other end. Cornell ranked 79th in defensive efficiency, and given Miller ranked first in the Ivy League in defensive rating and swatted two shots per game, it's probably safe to say he was their anchor.

And perhaps most importantly of all, he can go get 'in ball off the backboard. I don't know if his shot blocking and scoring will translate...but rebounding is a skill that tends to be fairly reliable, and this team is desperately in need of a four who can rebound. That way, we can better live with rebounding deficiencies of our centers without compromising the infrastructure of our defense to do so (Hamilton can't guard fours and Facey still doesn't know where to be).

Again, all I can do on Miller is pour over his statistics, and I have no idea if there is mutual or even one-way interest. But this is the type of player - or at least the type of player I have created with my imagination - that is so critical to the teams success next season. He may only be an average AAC player, but even an average player can be valuable if they are able to stabilize the surrounding roster.

Hi 99ando4,

Facey & Lubin would become the immediate insurance policy IMO. I knew of the kid from perusing Ivy rosters and reading preseason league previews. When our resident Hall of Famer TCF (sp) broke this scoop it became apparent to me immediately that this young man could be an immediate difference maker for all of the reasons you so articulately express in your post. I think he would be Third Team all AAC. Harvard was legit this year again. His #'s against them were insane. 24 and 15. That translates as immediate impact per Ammaker himself. Hopefully we are in on this kid because I am bearish on Facey/Lubin.

 

[James]

I think he grew 2-3 inches in college, all the recruiting sites had him listed around 6'4. I'm bullish on Enoch and his ability to command minutes, however I just changed my tune and believe this shon miller would be a fabulous addition.

Just read this nyt piece on the end of his ivy career, doesn't really sound like he is super excited to leave cornell or compete elsewhere. However I would ( if i were KO) tell him this is his chance to compete at the very highest level in college hoops, to test himself and see if he can compete night in and out at the 4 slot for uconn. he is super competitive according to his coach, i have a hard time believing he wont bite on the challenge if presented.

 

[AstarIsBorn31]

Shooting the 3 at the that percentage is not great but doesnt worry me..With someone like that it is not hard for the school/coach he decides to go to instruct him and assist him to improve that aspect of his game in order to stretch the floor..

 

[mauconnfan]

I'm heading to OC, MD to play some golf and returning Tuesday. Between golf and watching NCAA games at the Green Turtle, Seacrets amongst others I will not be on here more than likely so I hope to return to some great news about some senior transfer, any kind of transfer or recruit when I return. See what you can get me Zionn unlike others I trust in you!! LOL

 

[aceboon]

Jeff Goodamn
@GoodmanESPN

Virginia Tech's Adam smith is transferring. Should be an in-demand guy. Eligible immediately.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/57129/adam-smith

 

[CallMeBruce]

He's an interesting one. He played on the ball a fair amount last year, but this past year was almost exclusively at the 2. Dynamite shooter, but I'm not sure he's a great fit for us.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

When you can add the father of modern economics to your roster, you do it.

 

[rip7774]

Dynamite shooter, but I'm not sure he's a great fit for us.

I know nothing about him, but dynamite shooter...not a great fit??? what am I missing?

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Wow. If that happens...I get the feeling people will start to better appreciate how good of a coach Cal is.

Look at the kids pre LSU workouts. Also his mindset in the documentary as it relates to his approach to basketball. Good to have the resources for this type of training...

 

[CTBasketball]

Kahlil Dukes, USC SG, announced he is transferring. 2.1 pts/game this year but is a very good 3 pt shooter and ball handler.

Also from Hartford.

 

[Horatio]

With all the coaching changes, all the transfer kids being listed on this site and the remaining undeclared kids, if we don't get what we need for next year it would be disappointing .

 

[Stainmaster]

Keep in mind almost none of these kids are going to be absolute studs à la Purvis - unless it's a coach firing or a graduate, odds are these kids are leaving because there's either a skill deficiency in some area that prevented them from being successful at their previous level or an attitude issue that rendered them incompatible with their previous coach. Even the grad transfers have a couple of flaws in their games too. We're not going to be the answers to all of our problems from transfers; I think a Lasan Kromah type is the best we can hope for.

 

[CTBasketball]

Keep in mind almost none of these kids are going to be absolute studs à la Purvis - unless it's a coach firing or a graduate, odds are these kids are leaving because there's either a skill deficiency in some area that prevented them from being successful at their previous level or an attitude issue that rendered them incompatible with their previous coach. Even the grad transfers have a couple of flaws in their games too. We're not going to be the answers to all of our problems from transfers; I think a Lasan Kromah type is the best we can hope for.

He's not active next year, but I think Kahlil Dukes could be that guy. Especially with 3 years under KO.

 

[Walker11]

Keep in mind almost none of these kids are going to be absolute studs à la Purvis - unless it's a coach firing or a graduate, odds are these kids are leaving because there's either a skill deficiency in some area that prevented them from being successful at their previous level or an attitude issue that rendered them incompatible with their previous coach. Even the grad transfers have a couple of flaws in their games too. We're not going to be the answers to all of our problems from transfers; I think a Lasan Kromah type is the best we can hope for.

There have been names mentioned who would start and put up double-digit points for us. It depends on the kid. A number of grad transfers leave because they want to play on a bigger stage, not because of a skill deficiency or attitude problem.

 

[Stainmaster]

There have been names mentioned who would start and put up double-digit points for us. It depends on the kid. A number of grad transfers leave because they want to play on a bigger stage, not because of a skill deficiency or attitude problem.

I know. I'm addressing the general transfer speculation that's gone on in this thread as well.

 

[Stainmaster]

He's not active next year, but I think Kahlil Dukes could be that guy. Especially with 3 years under KO.

We already have so many projects on the team. A transfer should be coming in ready to make an impact, especially as a junior as Dukes would be.

 

[Horatio]

Keep in mind almost none of these kids are going to be absolute studs à la Purvis - unless it's a coach firing or a graduate, odds are these kids are leaving because there's either a skill deficiency in some area that prevented them from being successful at their previous level or an attitude issue that rendered them incompatible with their previous coach. Even the grad transfers have a couple of flaws in their games too. We're not going to be the answers to all of our problems from transfers; I think a Lasan Kromah type is the best we can hope for.

Lasan Kromah would've started a lot of games this season and would probably start next year. Just bring in an experienced PG that can at least allow KO to sit Adams down a few minutes and do some in - game coaching.

 

[UCweCONN]

He's not active next year, but I think Kahlil Dukes could be that guy. Especially with 3 years under KO.

What do you mean? Is he injured? I checked his numbers in two years at USC and he's barely played.

 

[RMoore1999]

I'm heading to OC, MD to play some golf and returning Tuesday. Between golf and watching NCAA games at the Green Turtle, Seacrets amongst others I will not be on here more than likely so I hope to return to some great news about some senior transfer, any kind of transfer or recruit when I return. See what you can get me Zionn unlike others I trust in you!! LOL

Bayside and Lighthouse are two of the must-plays down there if you can fit them in. Baywood Greens and Rum Pointe are also very good.

 

[CTBasketball]

We already have so many projects on the team. A transfer should be coming in ready to make an impact, especially as a junior as Dukes would be.

What do you mean? Is he injured? I checked his numbers in two years at USC and he's barely played.

Coach doesn't like him. He was not Andy Enfield's recruit, he was recruited by Kevin O'Neill. Enfield recruited a player he didn't like and then signed a McDonald's AA and he was relegated to 3rd guard. He's not bad.

He shoots well from 3 and can handle the ball well. He's better than giving a scholarship to Dan Guest or Lenehan...

 

[Stainmaster]

Coach doesn't like him. He was not Andy Enfield's recruit, he was recruited by Kevin O'Neill. Enfield recruited a player he didn't like and then signed a McDonald's AA and he was relegated to 3rd guard. He's not bad.

He shoots well from 3 and can handle the ball well. He's better than giving a scholarship to Dan Guest or Lenehan...

Guest doesn't have a scholarship.

Lenehan and Amilo were given a scholarship at the end of August 2014, when school had already started and the team could not add any more scholarship players from the outside. The scholarships would've gone unused if Lenehan and Amilo didn't have them. They did not prevent us from adding more players.

Also, Dukes was ranked as 3 stars by TOS and Rivals and 2 stars by ESPN. He had only one P5 offer; his runners-up include UTEP, Drexel, Ohio, FIU, and Loyola Marymount. The "coach doesn't like him" argument doesn't work here because you're just assuming that he's good without anything to back it up. One good game against Arizona State doesn't cut it.

I would much rather have a Derrick Gordon-type senior who can provide leadership, or maybe even Stanford Robinson who spent much of his freshman year starting for a B1G team.

 

[UConnDad]

I'm heading to OC, MD to play some golf and returning Tuesday. Between golf and watching NCAA games at the Green Turtle, Seacrets amongst others I will not be on here more than likely so I hope to return to some great news about some senior transfer, any kind of transfer or recruit when I return. See what you can get me Zionn unlike others I trust in you!! LOL

Stop by Mother's Cantina. Good fried fish tacos and wings!

 

[CTBasketball]

Guest doesn't have a scholarship.

Lenehan and Amilo were given a scholarship at the end of August 2014, when school had already started and the team could not add any more scholarship players from the outside. The scholarships would've gone unused if Lenehan and Amilo didn't have them. They did not prevent us from adding more players.

Also, Dukes was ranked as 3 stars by TOS and Rivals and 2 stars by ESPN. He had only one P5 offer; his runners-up include UTEP, Drexel, Ohio, FIU, and Loyola Marymount. The "coach doesn't like him" argument doesn't work here because you're just assuming that he's good without anything to back it up. One good game against Arizona State doesn't cut it.

I would much rather have a Derrick Gordon-type senior who can provide leadership, or maybe even Stanford Robinson who spent much of his freshman year starting for a B1G team.

Of course we'd rather have those type of players, but if we have an open scholarship or he's willing to walk on, we should take him.

 

[James]

in a pick up game i would rather scoop guest over dukes. we don't need a fringe guard who doesn't impact both sides of the ball, thats not a need IMO. its stretch 4/ banger 4 or die... or maybe a legit wing over 6'5. anything else in grad transfer form is unnecessary and wont impact the overall success of the team next season.

 

[Fishy]

Khalil Dukes is not even close to this level.

The MAAC was his ceiling until Enfield was desperate enough to offer a scholarship.

 

[Fishy]

Junior Etou is bailing on Rutgers.

He's an excellent defensive forward - good rebounder - a little messy offensively and a little moody.

But still...interesting player with two years remaining.

 

[Inyatkin]

Guest doesn't have a scholarship.

Lenehan and Amilo were given a scholarship at the end of August 2014, when school had already started and the team could not add any more scholarship players from the outside. The scholarships would've gone unused if Lenehan and Amilo didn't have them. They did not prevent us from adding more players.

This is turning into one of those unkillable stories, how we'd have been set this year if only our walk-ons didn't have scholarships.

 

[Fishy]

Another kid with some promise is transferring - Keyshawn Woods, from Charlotte.

41-88 on threes this season.