Backup Point Guard Seeks Redemption in 2nd Final Four, Redux

[Tenspro2002]

Last year Diarra was our 9th man, was inserted into our Final Four game against Miami in the first half and promptly turned it over, leading to a fast break dunk. He played 3 minutes with 1 rebound and 1 turnover as his only stats. He didn't play a meaningful minute in Houston after that.

The last time a UConn backup point guard had a truly forgettable Final Four performance, he shot 1-5 from the field and 3-9 from the line with 4 turnovers and 4 fouls in a disappointing loss. But he would get another chance. That fellow's name? Kemba Walker. He made good on it.

In addition to the "been there, done that" dominance of Newton, Karaban, and Clingan, and the hunger of first-timers Spencer and Castle, the chance for Diarra (and to a lesser extent, Johnson) to newly make a mark in their return visit is an important part of our story this weekend.

 

[AdamaNation]

Well stated. And Sam is as new to this as cam and Steph. He never saw the floor. He’s going for double digits in this semifinal.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Last year Diarra was our 9th man, was inserted into our Final Four game against Miami in the first half and promptly turned it over, leading to a fast break dunk. He played 3 minutes with 1 rebound and 1 turnover as his only stats. He didn't play a meaningful minute in Houston after that.

The last time a UConn backup point guard had a truly forgettable Final Four performance, he shot 1-5 from the field and 3-9 from the line with 4 turnovers and 4 fouls in a disappointing loss. But he would get another chance. That fellow's name? Kemba Walker. He made good on it.

In addition to the "been there, done that" dominance of Newton, Karaban, and Clingan, and the hunger of first-timers Spencer and Castle, the chance for Diarra (and to a lesser extent, Johnson) to newly make a mark in their return visit is an important part of our story this weekend.

If I hadn't seen Isaiah Whaley's UConn career, I'd have argued against even the possibility of something like Hassan Diarra's improved overall play this year.

He's an indispensable ingredient, one of six, "He's my favorite player" guys on the team.