Athletic Has UConn preseason #2 in Big East

[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.