Courant article about 24/25 roster

[WrenchFan69]

Dan Hurley commits to UConn’s future, starts construction of 2024-25 roster as he hunts ‘three-peat’

Where UConn’s roster stands as a handful of players face potential NBA options and how coach Dan Hurley, committed to return, is building his next roster.

www.courant.com

Couple great articles in the Courant today but this quote stood out to me:

“What (Diarra) envisions for himself next year in terms of role has got to be aligned with what ours is,” Hurley said. “I think what’s been effective for us the last two years is that the level of honesty has created great rosters. Because the players that didn’t align with what we viewed for them, they left, we brought in appropriate players in both years and then we won back-to-back championships. We’re just gonna tell the truth with players about where we see them, but we would like to return as many of the players as we can.”

I think most if not all of us have Diarra penciled in as a starter should he return. Slightly wondering if Hurley feels differently

 

[husky429]

Dan Hurley commits to UConn’s future, starts construction of 2024-25 roster as he hunts ‘three-peat’

Where UConn’s roster stands as a handful of players face potential NBA options and how coach Dan Hurley, committed to return, is building his next roster.

www.courant.com

Couple great articles in the Courant today but this quote stood out to me:

“What (Diarra) envisions for himself next year in terms of role has got to be aligned with what ours is,” Hurley said. “I think what’s been effective for us the last two years is that the level of honesty has created great rosters. Because the players that didn’t align with what we viewed for them, they left, we brought in appropriate players in both years and then we won back-to-back championships. We’re just gonna tell the truth with players about where we see them, but we would like to return as many of the players as we can.”

I think most if not all of us have Diarra penciled in as a starter should he return. Slightly wondering if Hurley feels differently

He and Nowell are going to battle. Best man wins. Would it be UConn basketball if anyone was handed PT?

Nowell is really, really fricken good. Doesn't mean it will translate to college. But I'm sure Diarra knows the work is ahead of him and is ready to do it.

 

[TheHorde]

Dan Hurley commits to UConn’s future, starts construction of 2024-25 roster as he hunts ‘three-peat’

Where UConn’s roster stands as a handful of players face potential NBA options and how coach Dan Hurley, committed to return, is building his next roster.

www.courant.com

Couple great articles in the Courant today but this quote stood out to me:

“What (Diarra) envisions for himself next year in terms of role has got to be aligned with what ours is,” Hurley said. “I think what’s been effective for us the last two years is that the level of honesty has created great rosters. Because the players that didn’t align with what we viewed for them, they left, we brought in appropriate players in both years and then we won back-to-back championships. We’re just gonna tell the truth with players about where we see them, but we would like to return as many of the players as we can.”

I think most if not all of us have Diarra penciled in as a starter should he return. Slightly wondering if Hurley feels differently

I envision Diarra starting at the beginning of the year but Nowell gradually taking on a larger and larger role. I can see Diarra playing 23-25 minutes a game most nights on average. I don’t think the 30th or so ranked recruit in the country would anticipate playing only 15-20 minutes a night especially during the second half of the season. Nowell is only ranked around 20 spots lower than Castle was. Everyone expected Castle to be starting before long after he got here.

 

[runner11]

I think I like Hass as a spark plug off the bench. 20 mpg type. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he surprises me and I am also higher on SJ than most. I don’t see Hass as being as effective in the half court but he has done nothing but prove doubters wrong. I can’t believe how good he has become at finishing contested fastbreak layups. Think we see more pick and roll and maybe he thrives there.

 

[FlockOfLambs]

Even if Nowell is the better player, I would have to imagine it takes him a few month minimum to get up to speed with our offense. Having a veteran guy like Hass will be extremely valuable to run the offense while he adjusts.

 

[7774]

If Hass comes back, and Nowell is somehow good enough right away to be the starter, then the reality is we’re just going to play them together a ton. Hass is an elite perimeter defender and causes havoc all the time. Everything else is solid or better. He’s going to get starter’s minutes.

 

[LIuconn]

Hass isn’t a classic PG. he makes too many head scratching mistakes. Can’t win championships with that as your primary ball handler.

He’s a good bench player and spark plug

 

[aceboon]

Hass isn’t a classic PG. he makes too many head scratching mistakes. Can’t win championships with that as your primary ball handler.

He’s a good bench player and spark plug

I don't know if he can be a high level starter but "too many head scratching mistakes" doesn't apply to his 23-24 season.

 

[EBonz30]

Hass isn’t a classic PG. he makes too many head scratching mistakes. Can’t win championships with that as your primary ball handler.

He’s a good bench player and spark plug

To make these declarations seeing what the entire program including Diarra has been able to accomplish over the last two years is irresponsible & disingenuous. I thought Hurley, the coaching staff, & all the players over the last two years has taught us differently.

 

[Mr. French]

I have wondered if Coach might like him in his exact role.

Guys can definitely improve, and Hass has, but it’s also true that uptick in responsibility doesn’t always translate perfectly.

He may just be the perfect 6th man. His best qualities are the ones that make a great backup PG/6th man.

 

[jibsey]

We need Hass. Helped us win 2 titles. He has a pretty big role.

 

[gsmooth]

Dan Hurley commits to UConn’s future, starts construction of 2024-25 roster as he hunts ‘three-peat’

Where UConn’s roster stands as a handful of players face potential NBA options and how coach Dan Hurley, committed to return, is building his next roster.

www.courant.com

Couple great articles in the Courant today but this quote stood out to me:

“What (Diarra) envisions for himself next year in terms of role has got to be aligned with what ours is,” Hurley said. “I think what’s been effective for us the last two years is that the level of honesty has created great rosters. Because the players that didn’t align with what we viewed for them, they left, we brought in appropriate players in both years and then we won back-to-back championships. We’re just gonna tell the truth with players about where we see them, but we would like to return as many of the players as we can.”

I think most if not all of us have Diarra penciled in as a starter should he return. Slightly wondering if Hurley feels differently

Feel free to disagree with me folks, but I think players and fans like ourselves get too caught up in who is starting versus coming off the bench. Hass played 20 minutes a game this year and won the BE 6th MOY award, deservedly so. Whether he starts next year or comes off the bench seems like a technical description more than a meaningful one. He is going to get his fair share of playing time and probably more next year. Hass will be a big contributor next year, too.

 

[AdamaNation]

He and Nowell are going to battle. Best man wins. Would it be UConn basketball if anyone was handed PT?

Nowell is really, really fricken good. Doesn't mean it will translate to college. But I'm sure Diarra knows the work is ahead of him and is ready to do it.

Diarra will still get equal too or more minutes

 

[willie99]

I love Hass, I think he'll be a critical part of next year's team just like he has been for our last two championships

You win with experience

When I said he would play 15 minutes a game this year, I was mostly laughed at. I think he's a big time starter next year, but Hurley will not make any promises

 

[husky429]

Diarra will still get equal too or more minutes

You have no idea if that's the case. Is it likely? Sure. Is it guaranteed? No.

Which is the entire point I'm making. Nothing is guaranteed.

Do you disagree with that? I don't really have any idea why you responded to me, honestly

 

[Agent0]

If Hass comes back, and Nowell is somehow good enough right away to be the starter, then the reality is we’re just going to play them together a ton. Hass is an elite perimeter defender and causes havoc all the time. Everything else is solid or better. He’s going to get starter’s minutes.

I would hope they don’t share the court together. We would be so small defensively

 

[Lefty2one]

I don't know if he can be a high level starter but "too many head scratching mistakes" doesn't apply to his 23-24 season.

Funny, I mentioned to my old man during the national semi-final that I couldn't remember the last time Diarra made a dumb play/mistake. He was lights out this year and his mistakes were few and far between.

 

[husky429]

I would hope they don’t share the court together. We would be so small defensively

Probably matchup dependent.

 

[Sole]

I think Diarra and Nowell both start from day 1

 

[UCTitleTown]

We need more than one ball handler. It's not either or with AN and HD. We need both.

 

[husky429]

We need more than one ball handler. It's not either or with AN and HD. We need both.

A lot will depends in the next perimeter player we bring in. If they're a less-than-stellar ballgandler (a la McNeeley) we'll see tons of Ahmad and Diarra breaking presses together.

 

[uconn_jack]

I would hope they don’t share the court together. We would be so small defensively

Boat and Shabazz say hello.

 

[Huskyforlife]

My guess is Diarra just needs to be comfortable handing the reins over if it's clear we're better with Nowell.

 

[Husky68]

I would hope they don’t share the court together. We would be so small defensively

Bazz and Boat and Florida/Kentucky might want you to rethink that small thing. Also look at Houston and their crazy good D with Snead and Cryer both listed at 6'1" (don't think they are that tall even in sneakers).

 

[UCPharma11]

I think just like our first of 2 natties had Clingan backing up Sanogo, Hurley likes to have a competent "2nd level core of players" that can sub in with little to no drop-off that complement the starters. Reed and SJ would complement each other nicely (Reed being a bigger/bruiser type while Samson is the gazelle. Nowell would be a beast of a freshman and the ball would prob be best in his hands in end of game situations while Diarra is a more steady as we go and pushing our fast-paced transition guard. From their we will in the pieces. AK at the 4 with Roumoglou backing him up would be my preference. I know I've seen a large enough sample size to want more playing minutes dedicated to him. He as a beautiful arc-ing shot and has showed flashes of good defense albeit in garbage time. I'd love for him to really round into a Giffey-type. I really hope Solo can make a huge Soph leap and be more consistent version of his North Carolina game. I hear great things about Jaylin and likewise hope for a great Sophomore campaign. He has shown great flashes of his 3-pt prowess and willingness to run out on transition and face up on defense. Would like to see more from Singare and Ross.

 

[inWV]

Bazz and Boat and Florida/Kentucky might want you to rethink that small thing. Also look at Houston and their crazy good D with Snead and Cryer both listed at 6'1" (don't think they are that tall even in sneakers).

Small guards who have quick feet can really get into opposing guards on D.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Hass isn’t a classic PG. he makes too many head scratching mistakes. Can’t win championships with that as your primary ball handler.

He’s a good bench player and spark plug

Have to agree. Some guys just fit certain roles and he is not only good as that first guard off the bench he is GREAT at it. He absolutely killed teams this past season. He was either sparking a run or putting an end to the opponents run with a couple of steals that would sometimes turn into points instantly. That is just far too valuable to mess with.

 

[aburks41]

Bazz and Boat and Florida/Kentucky might want you to rethink that small thing. Also look at Houston and their crazy good D with Snead and Cryer both listed at 6'1" (don't think they are that tall even in sneakers).

Small guards aren’t an issue unless you run into a Newton/Castle combo (and just gonna say it, but the Harrison twins were nowhere near as good as Tristen and Steph so that doesn’t count)

Thankfully I don’t think anyone will have a 6’5” consensus first team AA and a 6’6” top 3 pick in their starting backcourt next year so we should be fine haha

 

[UConnSwag11]

Small guards who have quick feet can really get into opposing guards on D.

But big guards can shut down smaller guards. See UConn 2024

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Dan Hurley commits to UConn’s future, starts construction of 2024-25 roster as he hunts ‘three-peat’

Where UConn’s roster stands as a handful of players face potential NBA options and how coach Dan Hurley, committed to return, is building his next roster.

www.courant.com

Couple great articles in the Courant today but this quote stood out to me:

“What (Diarra) envisions for himself next year in terms of role has got to be aligned with what ours is,” Hurley said. “I think what’s been effective for us the last two years is that the level of honesty has created great rosters. Because the players that didn’t align with what we viewed for them, they left, we brought in appropriate players in both years and then we won back-to-back championships. We’re just gonna tell the truth with players about where we see them, but we would like to return as many of the players as we can.”

I think most if not all of us have Diarra penciled in as a starter should he return. Slightly wondering if Hurley feels differently

Diarra's role next year is really dependent on so many other variables that we aren't close to establishing yet.

For this season, he was a perfect energy spark plug off the bench who could fill in any backcourt position.

Next year, he could reprise the same role; he could start at PG role w/ Nowell off the bench; he could start alongside Nowell at the 2-guard w/ a microwave scorer spelling him off the bench...too many variables to count now.

Bottom line, Diarra is a championship caliber player and does so many things well and I sure hope he's a part of next year's roster.