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Message: [QUOTE="ChocRaisins, post: 3310665, member: 9141"] Started off talking about Hurley's health and how he's feeling, etc. Discussed the 3 freshmen (Gaffney, Akok and Bouknight). Gaffney is still hindered by the ankle injury but may be able to go for the exhibition. Akok is the most ready of the 3 and he all but said he would start. He highlighted Akok playing close to 30 minute sin the secret scrimmage and was solid on defense. "His offense will come but the fact we can have him out there for that many minutes and not be a liability on defense is huge". Bouknight's off court issue is a heavy weight for a Freshmen. "It's been a dark couple weeks for him but when his UConn story is told, hopefully it will be about his role in championships and his redemption back from an ugly start:" Basketball wise, Hurley said the ceiling is high for him..."Makes the game look easy". Carlton had a solid scrimmage. "Josh should be getting the ball once every 3 or 4 times down the court. He is a weapon". Last year scrimmaging Harvard, Josh couldn't match up with their guy down low, this year is was a 180 flip. Whaley had a conversation with Hurley at the end of last year where he was told "The only way your going to be able to help this team going forward is if you lock yourself in the gym this summer and commit yourself. If not, it may benefit you to look at other options". and he did commit himself. "He's worked his tail off and can play the backup role we are looking for him to play." Polley was so weak when he came into college he really was at a disadvantage trying to play his needed role. He can really shoot but "we need him to rebound more" but "his Junior and Senior year on this trajectory could be very solid". Al is super quick and athletic guard who can penetrate so guys have to be ready to catch and shoot. Vital is on the "Mount Rushmore of guys who play hard every day". Before Al and Jalen went out last year, his efficiency was close to 45% from the field. They talked about the schedule, Buffalo, Florida (potentially twice), etc.being a step up. Lots of if's but IF's (can Josh be 14&8 guy, can Al and CV be one of the top back courts, can Tyler be as good as we think he can, can the freshmen step in and help when they need to" but feels like the potential is there to make a run at the American in the final season. This year compared to last year, better communication, higher level of talent, more connected, even the scrimmage looked like a better team. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach