Anyone else worried about the roster?

[boog204]

Not worried, just curious what backup means. Like are these impactful backups who can legit play some minutes or are they bodies in the Millender/Koroma sense.

I would like to see someone of some impact to help mitigate Solo. I worry about trusting freshmen, outside of those top, top guys, to be impactful. Braylon has as much talent as anyone and he had some struggles adjusting. Expecting two freshmen, rated below him, in what’s known as a weaker recruiting class, is a little worrisome.

 

[GlastonTim]

Not worried but still think team needs a 6’9”-6’10” junior forward that can drain the 3, rebound, and pass the ball to play 20 minutes starting or off the bench. Too much of an ask?

 

[ARIDE]

Paul McNeil is going to be a 1st Team BE superstar

Does he play defense,rebound or get his own shot?? I don't think so..not a good fit..

 

[RuffRuff]

Not worried but still think team needs a 6’9”-6’10” junior forward that can drain the 3, rebound, and pass the ball to play 20 minutes starting or off the bench. Too much of an ask?

I’m predicting a Euro somewhere.

 

[Inyatkin]

I think we'll ultimately be fine, but if someone says we're replacing Solo with Mullins, that just raises the question of, who replaces Mullins?
We're losing three big-time starters in Reed, Karaban and Ball. It's a lot of points to make up.
I'd feel a lot better if Solo were playing, or a replacement for him was found.

 

[Umami Zen]

If a solid CG that can provide ball handling/support County as a back up to Silas vs a straight up PG is the priority? How about Christian Bliss-Delaware-originally from Queens. 6'4" CG 16.7 pts/game.. 5.9 assists/game 5.2 rebs/game.. 39.2% from 3 .84.5% FT. 2 steals/game Has three years of eligibility left. Incoming mature sophomore but would have to level up to our competition. Initially could be a solid bench piece and useful in future seasons.

 

[BIIIG]

Demary and Mullins are both going to take massive leaps next year...I PROMISE! When has ole BIIIG ever steered you wrong

 

[UCfor3]

I wasn't worried until the Solo injury. Now, in addition to the bench pieces we need, I think we need someone else that can get buckets. If Mullins has a bad shooting game, it could get rough. We are counting on huge sophomore leaps from Hines and Nik in an entirely new system. We are also counting on Landrew to be good right out of the shoot. Does he look capable? Yes. Is it a gimme? Nope. We are counting on these 3 players to replace the production of Reed, Alex and Solo. Think about that for a sec. Not having Reed to throw the ball into alone will be a big adjustment. Also have a feeling we will grow to appreciate Alex even more now that he's gone. Mullins leap in production will help a bit but that's a big gap to bridge. Silas is going to have to be more offensive minded next year for sure. Some of our weaknesses from last year(yeah I know we made the finals) still exist. Lack of shot creators, athleticism, size/length for defensive matchups. I also anticipate with this roster construction so far that we may still struggle against pressure defenses that are long and athletic both in the full and half court. We will be good but I'm pumping the breaks on top 5 until I see how the rest of the offseason unfolds both for us and others.

 

[Horatio]

That's not the point. You think he'll be sitting in his room? He will be at all the practices, team meetings, workouts, and travelling with the team like all redshirt do. And once his wrist is safely healed, he will be full on practicing with the team.

He will still be looked at as a veteran by his teammates and respected accordingly. I honestly wouldn't even be suprised if he is team captain or co-captain with Silas. The continuity we are talking about is culture, and him not playing won't matter in this case.

The thread is about the “ Roster” for next years team. I approached it from an “ on the court” continuity standpoint, actual playing time standpoint. So, unfortunately, Solo isn’t playing and we need about 5-6 more players.

 

[Son of Robert]

I think we'll ultimately be fine, but if someone says we're replacing Solo with Mullins, that just raises the question of, who replaces Mullins?
We're losing three big-time starters in Reed, Karaban and Ball. It's a lot of points to make up.
I'd feel a lot better if Solo were playing, or a replacement for him was found.

Reed, Reibe, Karaban, Ball, Malachi Smith, and Stewart. Brought in Hines, Khamenia, County, and Landrew. Missing 2 or 3 players who will get minutes here for different spots. Can't plan for injuries as well, we need quality depth 1-5.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

No.

Here's 2026 BPR for comparison:

I'd love to hear how the modeling ended up predicting that Silas' BPR will go down for next season vs. what he provided this year.

Same with Ross. BPR predicted to go down by over 2? Ross is going play a more active role in the offensive sets this year vs. more of a decoy/option of last resort. And I think he'll look real good doing it.

EvanMiya Nonsense.

 

[boog204]

If a solid CG that can provide ball handling/support County as a back up to Silas vs a straight up PG is the priority? How about Christian Bliss-Delaware-originally from Queens. 6'4" CG 16.7 pts/game.. 5.9 assists/game 5.2 rebs/game.. 39.2% from 3 .84.5% FT. 2 steals/game Has three years of eligibility left. Incoming mature sophomore but would have to level up to our competition. Initially could be a solid bench piece and useful in future seasons.

I know nothing about that guy other than impressive numbers. But here’s where it gets complicated. That guy could probably transfer to VA Tech or someone like that, be a starter, get paid, and then potentially increase stock. Why would he want to come here to play 10mpg, get paid less, and likely be recruited over immediately? It’s fun to play fantasy college basketball, but guys won $$ and PT so they can get more $$ and PT.

 

[Scoe]

Not worried in the grand scheme of things, after all this isn't my job. Hurley has earned the benefit of the doubt. Am I a little annoyed at the moment yes. Going onto Storrs Central and seeing 3 notifications is annoying.

 

[RuffRuff]

If we're looking at the top 5-6 teams going into next year, which are basically the top 5-6 teams this year, it's fairly amazing how well these programs are retaining their talent. Somehow Golden is keeping everyone, Dusty, Underwood, Scheyer. Right now it really feels like these programs that can retain good talent are what separates the realy players from the non.

 

[Beowulf]

I am not worried but we are still missing contributors from next years team. Need some beef at the very least. You’d love a guy who could score and/or dribble too

Sounds like they are very comfortable with county being backup pg and landrew getting real minutes. So I’m guessing back up big bois and then maybe a guard slightly better than millender was

 

[huskeynut]

Yeah the Big East UConn relationship is a one way street IMO, it’s time to go to ACC or Big 12 …better for basketball style of play, football and most importantly TV revenue ACC more than 2X per team Big 12 almost 5X per team vs Big East….the sooner the better

The only problem with your post is - we have to be invited. As of now, there is nothing on the horizon.

 

[Umami Zen]

I know nothing about that guy other than impressive numbers. But here’s where it gets complicated. That guy could probably transfer to VA Tech or someone like that, be a starter, get paid, and then potentially increase stock. Why would he want to come here to play 10mpg, get paid less, and likely be recruited over immediately? It’s fun to play fantasy college basketball, but guys won $$ and PT so they can get more $$ and PT.

First of all-I don't know what Hurley's priority is re: the guard spot as back up to County and Silas. Why I asked the rhetorical question to start the post. Secondly-There seems to be a BY concern about ball handling beyond Silas/County. Bliss is a CG that handled the ball as a freshman and averaged almost 6 assists a game. Delaware's schedule is nowhere near as challenging as ours but this is a NYC kid(originally) and Kimani/Dan like NYC toughness in their guards. Have no idea about the potential for mutual interest but I do believe that he would be a more affordable NIL ask than many other high major CG portal alternatives.Multiple Yarders have said we need more shooters for next year. Shot 39.2% from 3-Is a 84.5% FT shooter. Simple as that. Waiting for the next roster domino to fall.

 

[navery12]

Not worried but still think team needs a 6’9”-6’10” junior forward that can drain the 3, rebound, and pass the ball to play 20 minutes starting or off the bench. Too much of an ask?

Realistically, it probably is. Because what you described is a top 10 player in the country

 

[RuffRuff]

The only problem with your post is - we have to be invited. As of now, there is nothing on the horizon.

Been a ton of Locked On types wanting UConn to the B12 since the NC game, in seeing how the B12 disappointed in the Tourney. I saw at least 3. With the way CFB is moving, the B12 has absolutely zero, I mean zero shot of every making a mark again. It will be B10 and SEC. With the B10 now really moving in on hoops, maybe Yormark sees it as the last place to maintain relevancy.

 

[boog204]

First of all-I don't know what Hurley's priority is re: the guard spot as back up to County and Silas. Why I asked the rhetorical question to start the post. Secondly-There seems to be a concern about ball handling beyond Silas/County. Bliss is a CG that handled the ball as a freshman and averaged almost 6 assists a game. Delaware's schedule is nowhere near as challenging as ours but this is a NYC kid(originally) and Kimani/Dan like NYC toughness in their guards. Have no idea about the potential for mutual interest but I do believe that he would be a more affordable NIL ask than many other high major CG portal alternatives.Multiple Yarders have said we need more shooters for next year. Shot 39.2% from 3-Is a 84.5% FT shooter. Simple as that. Waiting for the next roster domino to fall.

I agree with your rationale 100% and he’d probably be a great get. But again, why would a guy who probably has P5 interest to be a starter (more $$ and PT) come here to compete for minutes and risk being recruited over? You know we are going to target top PGs and SGs next year.

 

[B1GEast]

All I'm hoping for is more athletic sized guys

We need a Robert Horrey 6-10 of that can shoot from the outside and a 6-10 plus 250 lb space eating center with good hands and footwork

 

[smAAAll]

All I'm hoping for is more athletic sized guys

We need a Robert Horrey 6-10 of that can shoot from the outside and a 6-10 plus 250 lb space eating center with good hands and footwork

That's it...that's all we need. Just two NBA big men

 

[Umami Zen]

I agree with your rationale 100% and he’d probably be a great get. But again, why would a guy who probably has P5 interest to be a starter (more $$ and PT) come here to compete for minutes and risk being recruited over? You know we are going to target top PGs and SGs next year.

In this day and age of CBB-NIL/free agency- I just look at player decisions from season to season. Dan has successfully convinced our first two portal adds (as entering sophomores) to come to Storrs and enjoy the ride/development. We're now focusing on bench strength/depth per his statements. Our two Zoom calls this week with centers is a perfect example of solid guys who played starter minutes and could benefit from our Program. That's the pitch. I see Bliss in the same category. Affordable quality bench strength. My casual opinion.

 

[HW611]

Here's 2026 BPR for comparison:
View attachment 119907

I'd love to hear how the modeling ended up predicting that Silas' BPR will go down for next season vs. what he provided this year.

Same with Ross. BPR predicted to go down by over 2? Ross is going play a more active role in the offensive sets this year vs. more of a decoy/option of last resort. And I think he'll look real good doing it.

EvanMiya Nonsense.

Actually had to do a presentation not too long ago about all the flaws in these models and how they calculate it.

It’s something, but man there’s so much room for improvement that people really shouldn’t be using it as an end all be all.

 

[Palatine]

Rosterwise we don't much quantity but we have quality. Everything on the roster is top shelf.

Won't be worried about filling out the roster until after the summer.

 

[boog204]

In this day and age of CBB-NIL/free agency- I just look at player decisions from season to season. Dan has successfully convinced our first two portal adds (as entering sophomores) to come to Storrs and enjoy the ride/development. We're now focusing on bench strength/depth per his statements. Our two Zoom calls this week with centers is a perfect example of solid guys who played starter minutes and could benefit from our Program. That's the pitch. I see Bliss in the same category. Affordable quality bench strength. My casual opinion.

Agree with everything except the difference here between being the backup 5 where the expectation is getting 10-20mpg, vs the CG where, if things go right, you barely play at all. Our 1-3 includes Demary, Mullins, County, Ross, and Landrew. Two of those guys are 30-32mlg guys. Two od them are 20ish guys at a minimum. Any CG coming here will have to compete and beat out Mich bigger names guys. The backup 5 doesn’t.

 

[controlfade]

Not sure why this is so difficult for everyone to figure out. Landrew/Ross platoon at the 3.

I'm not checking off the possibility that Hines plays a little 4. He's mobile enough, and could be useful that way with some of these FC's. Keeping an eye on the 5 quality - if they splurge, that's where it is. There ain't s@#$t left in the portal at PF unless we pay up for Graves or the Iowa St kid, ain't happening.

My guess:

Cheap shooter
Cheap PG
Cheap PF
Legit 5

That gets us to 11. Pad the back end with some euros, a third 5 in case of injury.

im with you, i would pony up for the big and let Hines play some 4, but Hurley has forgotten more than i know

 

[RuffRuff]

im with you, i would pony up for the big and let Hines play some 4, but Hurley has forgotten more than i know

Guess I'm wondering if he may be of the same mindset, as he has a ton of traditional rim protectors out there and he brought in the agile 6'10" guy. I'm thinking Hurley may get creative this year to offset some of the trends without having to buy into the pool of bigs.

How much $$ does UF have - I'd have to think keeping Haugh, Condon and Chen on the books ain't cheap.

 

[3rdbass]

im with you, i would pony up for the big and let Hines play some 4, but Hurley has forgotten more than i know

Hines isn't playing the 4. Where do people get these ideas? He doesn't have any skills to play a 4 in Hurley's system.

 

[RuffRuff]

Hines isn't playing the 4. Where do people get these ideas? He doesn't have any skills to play a 4 in Hurley's system.

You don't think there is any chance Hurley adapts to some of the new trends with bigs? Do you think Hurley is stagnant in his philosophy as the game evolves? If the top 3-4 teams/coaches are going back out there with stacked front courts, do you think Hurley's only ammo to contest with a first year undersized 4? I wouldn't be so closed minded to it.