Athletic Has UConn preseason #2 in Big East

[Fatroony5]

Thanks. He’s got a very good chance of being back to his bouncy self, if they’ve got his legs built back up. It will have been 18 months since the injury by fall. There’s a lot of atrophied muscle to rebuild, but that should be enough time to get that back and train the quick-twitch necessary.

What is harder is not playing in games for 18 months. That will take more time, the game will seem too fast for him at first. I’d expect after the first 10 games he’ll be where we would all like him.

It’s encouraging to see Kevin Durant and Breanna Stewart playing at an elite level 2 years removed from their respective injuries. They’re the closest I can think of in terms of similar body composition to AA that sustained the same injury in recent years. Excited to see how he plays and how he looks physically this year, I think we’ll see him round into form as the season progresses.

 

[bendm]

wut??

5 is the general minimum in a bad year. Last year was the worst year of the conference since the reformation which followed the best year of the post-reformation where 8 teams were in the discussion of making the tournament until the very end of the season. Literally every team in the conference received AP votes during the 19-20 season and 7 teams were likely going to the tourney (just like 2 years prior).


My prediction this year:

Nova, UConn, Xavier, Hall will all make the tournament.

Prov, MU, Butler, Georgetown all have a shot as well, but more likely only 1 of 4 will make it.


I say with confidence though, that 5-6 teams will make it this year, even though the conference is still in a slump since the 19-20 season.

i'm happy with an average of 5.5 teams in per year

 

[Deleted at users request]

I agree, it's a good problem to have. But I'll disagree politely on Whaley vs. Akok. Maybe Akok should be better, but as it stands that's not the case. Whaley is a great defender both on the perimeter and in the paint. He is a little shorter, but has long arms and great timing. Akok is also very good in the paint, but we'll have to see how he hedges and disrupts on the perimeter, which Whaley does exceptionally well. Whaley also makes his shots inside, has good strong hands grabbing rebounds on both ends, and can hit out to the 3 point line - so much so that the coaches wanted him shooting those more. If you're right, then we're blessed with two very dangerous players that can play 4 or 5 depending on matchups.

Having them both on the floor with RJ and AJ can be a nightmare for teams offenses… The more and more I think about it this season will really rest on just how good AJ can be. If he can be the go to go like Bouknight was that opens up so many things we’ll be able to do offensively and defensively. I’m hoping for a Rudy Gay type of year from him where he does a little bit of everything.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

Having them both on the floor with RJ and AJ can be a nightmare for teams offenses… The more and more I think about it this season will really rest on just how good AJ can be. If he can be the go to go like Bouknight was that opens up so many things we’ll be able to do offensively and defensively. I’m hoping for a Rudy Gay type of year from him where he does a little bit of everything.

He has a very good handle for a guy his size, his athleticism is out of this world, and he sees the floor. But I think expecting him, like Bouknight, to create his own shot either getting all the way to the hole or knocking down pullups and stepbacks is a tall order, considering his offensive limitations last year. He needs to be a slasher off the wing, and reliably knock down 15-18 footers when open, and both of those opportunities should be mostly off the ball.

 

[Rich]

I have a hard enough time keeping track of the players on our roster. I can't cope with 10 other teams, LOL. Plus the transfer portal means that all of this will change next season anyway. I've moved from reading these summaries with a fine tooth comb to skimming them for high level truly important stuff.

I truly miss the days when these kids stuck around for 3-4 years; Mutombo, Mourning, Tate, Cliff, Hamilton, Mike Williams at P.C., Zendon Hamilton, Felipe Lopez, Shaheen Holloway, Rony Seikaly.....

 

[Storrs South]

I truly miss the days when these kids stuck around for 3-4 years; Mutombo, Mourning, Tate, Cliff, Hamilton, Mike Williams at P.C., Zendon Hamilton, Felipe Lopez, Shaheen Holloway, Rony Seikaly.....

Given the current environment of college basketball, it's crazy to note that since 2016, UConn has had only two players leave without spending a minimum 3 years in Storrs and those were Javonte Brown & Kwintin Williams (excludes grad transfers and NBA draft picks, Sid Wilson & Terry Larrier only played two seasons but were in Storrs for three).

The last time UConn lost a quality player due to transferring was the KO years in 2017 with the mass exodus of Vance, Enoch, and Durham (also MAL decomitting).

It speaks volumes about what Hurley is building at UConn.

 

[Deleted at users request]

He has a very good handle for a guy his size, his athleticism is out of this world, and he sees the floor. But I think expecting him, like Bouknight, to create his own shot either getting all the way to the hole or knocking down pullups and stepbacks is a tall order, considering his offensive limitations last year. He needs to be a slasher off the wing, and reliably knock down 15-18 footers when open, and both of those opportunities should be mostly off the ball.

I agree for the most part. I would expect someone with his size and athleticism to be able to get to the hole with a year of training. I guess my comparison would be Kemba’s sophomore year when he went from only being able to drive to being able to drive and make the occasional 3 as well. With all of Andre’s talents his development as a scorer is crucial because he has the tools to be THE offense. Can’t have a passer like with the athleticism he was playing off the ball as a spot up shooter. Seems like a waste. But it’s on him to make that jump.

He made some beautiful drives to the rim last year with some sweet finishes. Would mostly just like to see that on a consistent basis. He’s way too talented not to be able to.

 

[Deleted at users request]

Given the current environment of college basketball, it's crazy to note that since 2016, UConn has had only two players leave without spending a minimum 3 years in Storrs and those were Javonte Brown & Kwintin Williams (excludes grad transfers and NBA draft picks, Sid Wilson & Terry Larrier only played two seasons but were in Storrs for three).

The last time UConn lost a quality player due to transferring was the KO years in 2017 with the mass exodus of Vance, Enoch, and Durham (also MAL decomitting).

It speaks volumes about what Hurley is building at UConn.

Ollie’s biggest failure here was player retention. He couldn’t pay guys to stay. It’s refreshing to see Hurley having to kick guys like Bouknight out the door and getting all his seniors back compared to Ollie having guys like DHam leave before they’re ready and a whole freshman class of bigs transfer out with nothing but PT in front of them.

 

[MU in MKE]

Given the current environment of college basketball, it's crazy to note that since 2016, UConn has had only two players leave without spending a minimum 3 years in Storrs and those were Javonte Brown & Kwintin Williams (excludes grad transfers and NBA draft picks, Sid Wilson & Terry Larrier only played two seasons but were in Storrs for three).

The last time UConn lost a quality player due to transferring was the KO years in 2017 with the mass exodus of Vance, Enoch, and Durham (also MAL decomitting).

It speaks volumes about what Hurley is building at UConn.

I think this is an extremely telling statistic and one that people will take note of more and more now that the world of transfers is changing so drastically. Even without the COVID rules change, not many players were sitting in the last couple years. The coaches that can retain the most players for the longest period of time are going to have a huge advantage. Obviously, they'll still need to be a good coach as well, but this new dynamic will play very large dividends.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

I agree. I can't see Seton Hall finishing any lower than fourth.

My tiers:

#1: Nova
#2-#5: Xavier, UConn, Seton Hall, Georgetown
#6-#8: Marquette, Creighton, Butler
#9-#10: Providence, St. John's
#11: DePaul

Yes, Butler has a lot of players returning, but this was a 10-15 team last year. I believe in Chuck Harris but with his awful outside shooting, I see Aaron Thompson as a net negative player and personally, if I were a Butler fan, I'd be happier if he didn't return for a fifth year to allow a starting five of Tate, Harris, Bolden, Nze and Golden.

I predict teams #1-#4 make the tournament.

New tiers after Garcia transferring:

#1: Nova
#2-#4: Xavier, UConn, Seton Hall,
#5-#8: Providence, Butler, Georgetown, Creighton
#9-#10: Marquette, St. John's
#11: DePaul

Trending up:

Providence: I'm calling bias in my initial ranking. Put too much stock in David Duke going pro: Yes, he was their bucket-getter, but his 38.7 fg% makes me feel his 16.8 ppg can be "replaced" with a combination Allyn Breed's potential sophomore jump (5.5 ppg last year) and Indiana transfer Al Durham coming in (11.3p, 38 3p%).

60% of their scoring returns with the help of Nate Watson (16.9p, 6.7r) and Noah Horchler (6.7p, 5.7r, 41.9 3p%) returning for their extra year. South Carolina transfer Justin Minaya (7p, 6.3r, 1.8a) is a good plug-and-play replacement for Greg Gantt (4p, 3.1r). Hate to say it, but this team is better than I originally thought.

Butler: I bumped them up from #8 to #6. Not an exciting team, but they have six seniors (four of which are super-seniors) and return 93% of their scoring. Adding to the mix is versatile 6'8 Eastern Michigan grad transfer Ty Groce (15.2p, 6.9r, 2a, 1.3s, 34 3p%) while their highest rated '20 recruit, Scooby Johnson, will make his debut after sitting out last year w/ an ACL tear. Aaron Thompson can't shoot, but he's a poised, tough leader who might be the best perimeter defender in the Big East.

Trending down:

Georgetown: I overhyped their incoming freshman class. They still can be a very good team, but they return just two players who averaged 10+ mpg last season (Dante Harris and Donald Carey). Only 27% of their scoring returns and it'll be hard to replace last year's leader Jahvon Blair (15.4 ppg) and starters Wahab and Pickett will be replaced by a freshman and two grad transfers. Will be an exciting team, though: an exciting freshman class led by Mohammed and Mutombo plus they bring in two interesting transfer pieces.

 

[glastonbury50]

New tiers after Garcia transferring:

#1: Nova
#2-#4: Xavier, UConn, Seton Hall,
#5-#8: Providence, Butler, Georgetown, Creighton
#9-#10: Marquette, St. John's
#11: DePaul

Trending up:

Providence: I'm calling bias in my initial ranking. Put too much stock in David Duke going pro: Yes, he was their bucket-getter, but his 38.7 fg% makes me feel his 16.8 ppg can be "replaced" with a combination Allyn Breed's potential sophomore jump (5.5 ppg last year) and Indiana transfer Al Durham coming in (11.3p, 38 3p%).

60% of their scoring returns with the help of Nate Watson (16.9p, 6.7r) and Noah Horchler (6.7p, 5.7r, 41.9 3p%) returning for their extra year. South Carolina transfer Justin Minaya (7p, 6.3r, 1.8a) is a good plug-and-play replacement for Greg Gantt (4p, 3.1r). Hate to say it, but this team is better than I originally thought.

Butler: I bumped them up from #8 to #6. Not an exciting team, but they have six seniors (four of which are super-seniors) and return 93% of their scoring. Adding to the mix is versatile 6'8 Eastern Michigan grad transfer Ty Groce (15.2p, 6.9r, 2a, 1.3s, 34 3p%) while their highest rated '20 recruit, Scooby Johnson, will make his debut after sitting out last year w/ an ACL tear. Aaron Thompson can't shoot, but he's a poised, tough leader who might be the best perimeter defender in the Big East.

Trending down:

Georgetown: I overhyped their incoming freshman class. They still can be a very good team, but they return just two players who averaged 10+ mpg last season (Dante Harris and Donald Carey). Only 27% of their scoring returns and it'll be hard to replace last year's leader Jahvon Blair (15.4 ppg) and starters Wahab and Pickett will be replaced by a freshman and two grad transfers. Will be an exciting team, though: an exciting freshman class led by Mohammed and Mutombo plus they bring in two interesting transfer pieces.

If champagnie comes back no way stj stays in that tier.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I’ll believe it when I see it in a game against a real team. Too many guys have looked great in the gym in June and ended up on the bench in January.

The most time in the gym is the janitor but that don’t mean he’s helping the team win games. We’ve heard stories of off season shooting, growth and development to the “next level” for decades at UCONN that did not come close to panning out for those players. Shall we list?

A kudos for the first of you two to provide a list of 5.

Not so much doubting as challenging you both to step up in the value-added game. Let's see what you've got...

 

[BigTenFan]

Would have loved to see UConn in the Gavitt
Big Ten v Big East matchups

 

[Hey Adrien!]

New tiers after Champagnie stayed for another year @ St. John's.

#1: Nova
#2-#3: UConn, Xavier
#4-#6: St. John's, Butler, Seton Hall
#7: Providence,
#8-#9 Creighton, Georgetown
#10: Marquette
#11: DePaul

Trending up since last tiers:

St. John's: Champagnie is #1, but Posh Alexander has reportedly trimmed 15 pounds from 205 to 190. One of the better transfer classes in the country, with a five man.

Butler: I missed the fact that Bo Hodges has two more years of eligibility remaining. That makes seven of Butler's top scorers returning, fifteen total scholarship players and seven players that are are least seniors. I also expect jumps from Chuck Harris (who I love) and Myles Tate entering their sophomore years.

Trending down:

Seton Hall: I had the Hall at #4 before. I love their experience, but I'm not totally confident on who is their point guard: Is Kadary Richmond a true point guard? Jamir Harris was more of an off-guard at American, so was Aiken at Harvard.

 

[businesslawyer]

Having them both on the floor with RJ and AJ can be a nightmare for teams offenses… The more and more I think about it this season will really rest on just how good AJ can be. If he can be the go to go like Bouknight was that opens up so many things we’ll be able to do offensively and defensively. I’m hoping for a Rudy Gay type of year from him where he does a little bit of everything.

There is close to a zero per cent chance that AJ bears any resemblance whatsoever to being the go to like Bouk was this year. Seriously, I don’t even think that’s the goal of what we want from him.

If the offense has a focal point down the stretch when you need a big hoop, it’s going to come from Sanogo posting up and them good ball movement when the double team comes.

 

[jibsey]

Yes I saw this. Awesome.

Show me a 2 minute video of him shooting from the outside from the 3 point line and in with no defenders.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Early Big East men's basketball rankings: Villanova, UConn look like the top teams

Many Big East programs have undergone dramatic roster renovations during the offseason.

theathletic.com

RJ, Andre, Rese, Whaley, and Sanogo is not a feasible starting lineup... but the rest of what they say seems reasonable. That’s just not enough shooters AT ALL.

My guess?

RJ, Gaffney, Rese, Whaley, Sanogo.

Hawkins and Andre replacing Gaffney/Rese by the middle of the season if they play well, but no guarantees.

I don't think we know if it is or isn't. It could also be Gaff on the bench, and Martin playing with Andre. Not sure what the staff is seeing from Andre and Martin as far as outside shooting. But ultimately, all three will play quite a bit.

 

[rollskies]

Rothstein has us 2 behind Nova

 

[CL82]

Big East Breakout Players
Andre Jackson, UConn
Adama Sanogo, UConn

Impact Big East Freshmen
Rahsool Diggins, UConn
Jordan Hawkins, UConn
Samson Johnson, UConn

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

The most time in the gym is the janitor but that don’t mean he’s helping the team win games. We’ve heard stories of off season shooting, growth and development to the “next level” for decades at UCONN that did not come close to panning out for those players. Shall we list?

No need to list.
Just take another bite of your sandwich.

 

[CL82]

The most time in the gym is the janitor but that don’t mean he’s helping the team win games.

I don't know, a slippery gym floor can lead to injuries.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

This. We have a ton of talent, but I’m not sure how well all the pieces fit.

The only lineup prediction I'd make is that a quality opposing squad could be fielded from the remaining players not chosen, no matter the combination.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

RJ
Gaffney
Jackson
Akok
Sanogo

 

[CL82]

RJ
Gaffney
Jackson
Akok
Sanogo

How do you justify Gaffney over Martin? I'm not saying that you are wrong, but I just don't see it based on last year.

 

[navery12]

How do you justify Gaffney over Martin? I'm not saying that you are wrong, but I just don't see it based on last year.

Shooting. If you insert Martin in that lineup that's easily the worst shooting lineup in college basketball with Cole and 4 guys who can't shoot

 

[CL82]

Shooting. If you insert Martin in that lineup that's easily the worst shooting lineup in college basketball with Cole and 4 guys who can't shoot

Martin has a better shooting % overall (.440 vs .410). Gaff has an advantage from deep but not as much as you'd think (JG hit 17 of 47 vs. 16 of 50 for Martin). I like Jalen, but I'm not sure the loss of Martin's physicality is compensated by Jalen's nominally better shooting and better handle.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

How do you justify Gaffney over Martin? I'm not saying that you are wrong, but I just don't see it based on last year.

Gaffney is our best finisher not named Jackson or Sanogo. He sees the floor well and can handle. I like Martin but he is just so hot or cold. Case in point: wasn’t he like 2/17 in the last two games?

 

[navery12]

View attachment 68758
Martin has a better shooting % overall (.440 vs .410). Gaff has an advantage from deep but not as much as you'd think (JG hit 17 of 47 vs. 16 of 50 for Martin). I like Jalen, but I'm not sure the loss of Martin's physicality is compensated by Jalen's nominally better shooting and better handle.

Using pure shooting percentages isn't a good comparison considering the different types of shots they take. TS% and EFG% are better gauges and Gaffney is better in both (.554 vs .511 and .490 vs .482), though close still.

Martin is going to be an important player but with that lineup you're talking about 4 guys on the court the defense is packing the paint and daring to shoot from 3. I just don't see how that puts anyone in the best position to succeed, and to be clear I'm not suggesting Gaffney starts as much as I'm saying we need someone who can shoot at the 2

 

[husky429]

View attachment 68758
Martin has a better shooting % overall (.440 vs .410). Gaff has an advantage from deep but not as much as you'd think (JG hit 17 of 47 vs. 16 of 50 for Martin). I like Jalen, but I'm not sure the loss of Martin's physicality is compensated by Jalen's nominally better shooting and better handle.

Martin's overall 3pt% doesn't tell the whole story. He came out blazing hot and finished the last 10 games 2/17 from 3. He isn't as good of a shooter as his %s indicate yet. Hopefully that's changing this summer.

If I were to guess, I think Gaffney starts because coach expects Hawkins to be a starter by January. Our style of play with Gaffney is closer to Hawkins, so it makes sense to put him in there and develop a more consistent team identity.

I also just think that Martin would thrive in a 6th man role better than Gaff. He's mentally tough. Jalen is not. Maybe making Jalen the starter would finally start to boost his confidence a little and get him to play aggressively as the off-ball scorer we need.

 

[auror]

Martin's overall 3pt% doesn't tell the whole story. He came out blazing hot and finished the last 10 games 2/17 from 3. He isn't as good of a shooter as his %s indicate yet. Hopefully that's changing this summer.

If I were to guess, I think Gaffney starts because coach expects Hawkins to be a starter by January. Our style of play with Gaffney is closer to Hawkins, so it makes sense to put him in there and develop a more consistent team identity.

I also just think that Martin would thrive in a 6th man role better than Gaff. He's mentally tough. Jalen is not. Maybe making Jalen the starter would finally start to boost his confidence a little and get him to play aggressively as the off-ball scorer we need.

Yeah I think Gaffney, but also Hurley will likely start Martin over Jackson until Hawkins/Jackson prove themselves in games.

Jackson has more energy, should be the best 6th man we have until he can prove he's too good to sit.