Did Uconn do enough to this off-season?

[dennismenace]

Heres the thing. I recently saw a clip of an interview with Geno where hes talking about how players are more athletic and skilled today than ever but you get those guys on a court with 4 other guys and a lot of them struggle. Which got me thinking about what has made these two national title winning teams so good. Sure we may not have five 5* burger boys starting but what we have had are guys who are talented who completely buy into the system and the culture. You add to that Hurley being a top tier coach on defense and is now running an offense ahead of what anyone else in the country is doing and these are the results you get. I think Dan Hurley and his staff are simply miles ahead of every other coaching staff and theyre all scrambling to catch up. Will the rest of the country catch up and figure out what Dan Hurley and start running their own versions? Sure but when? Even if they do it takes time to get it running to the level Dan Hurley has. I think this staff is simply better than everyone and until the rest of the country catches up Uconn will continue to be a force in March.

YES!!!!

 

[uconnyankee]

This is D1 basketball you bring in the best available players. You can't worry about your players getting mad if you bring in another player. If so they need to improve more if they don't want to be replaced. I want to get another title you have to keep recruiting because other top teams are recruiting to beat you ! This is not Kiddy ball !

Disagree…. It’s a balance.
You cant chase off developing players for upper classmen or graduates. If you do, you risk too much dependence on portal.
Hurley seems to have that balance right now. Recruits have ability to develop, staff gets missing pieces from portal.
I don’t know that Hurley and staff can continue to always get the exact piece they need from portal, but so far they have done just that. We’ll have to see how this years transfers blend and excel.

 

[navery12]

If Alex leaves, the answer is No. We need a consistent wing shooter/scorer to have any shot at a threepeat.

That guy is on the roster already. His name is Jaylin Stewart

 

[RichCTBB]

Disagree…. It’s a balance.
You cant chase off developing players for upper classmen or graduates. If you do, you risk too much dependence on portal.
Hurley seems to have that balance right now. Recruits have ability to develop, staff gets missing pieces from portal.
I don’t know that Hurley and staff can continue to always get the exact piece they need from portal, but so far they have done just that. We’ll have to see how this years transfers blend and excel.

100%. The fact that we lost none of our impact underclassmen will bode well for the culture. Our systems are so complex that having players that already know the system will help perpetuate and advance it to keep us ahead of the rest of the country.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Yes. Hurley and the staff could have gotten any single player they wanted in the portal. They specifically targeted Reed, Mahaney, and I’ll include McNeeley here too even though he’s not a transfer. They went 3/3 on those guys. They clearly think those guys are enough to run it back, so I do too.

I said elsewhere that one of Hurley's biggest accomplishments was not only going 3/3 on Reed, McNeeley, and Mahaney, but going 4/4 on retaining Diarra, Stewart, Ball, and Ross. That depth raises the floor on what we can achieve even if other guys don't pan out (recruits or transfers were overrated -- it happens sometimes) or get hurt.

But Karaban is a big wildcard. I'm sure Hurley has a plan if he doesn't come back, but so far, that would be a big gap.

 

[tennmike]

I did say at this stage. We could see us become 3 peat possible after a couple months.

Think you missed my point. Of the more than 300 NCAA teams entering the season, only one has won the last two national championships and therefore has an opportunity to three peat. We might as well root like hell for that to happen. It's possible.

 

[auror]

If Alex leaves, the answer is No. We need a consistent wing shooter/scorer to have any shot at a threepeat.

Enter: Liam McNeeley.

 

[HooperScooper]

Some people are forgetting about the rising sophomores just because we haven't seen what they can do.

“A lot of people don’t really know how good we can be, because they don’t really see what goes on at practice,” Stewart said. “I feel like a lot of people are doubting us right now, but that is fine. We are going to be ready when the time comes.”

“Solo is an athletic freak,” Stewart said. “I don’t think anybody really understands that part of his game. He has a 45-inch vertical, flying the highest on the team. With his shooting and his size at that position, it is crazy.

“Jayden is a great guy, and he may be an even greater player. He does everything. He is 6-8, but he can shoot the ball. We had a lot of talented people on our team this past year so he couldn’t really showcase his skills, but this year he will open a lot of eyes.”

Hurley to re-invest in sophomores

STORRS - Even as UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley was counting on other players to carry the Huskies to their second national championship in a row this past season, he was re-recruiting his freshman class to make sure the majority returned to become super sophomores. While other coaches a

www.rep-am.com

None of the paywall websites seem to work on this newspaper. Anyone with more technological ability than I have want to try to get through the paywall on this article? It has a bunch of good quotes from the rising sophomores and from Hurley.

 

[boog204]

That guy is on the roster already. His name is Jaylin Stewart

I really hope so... He was 10-37 from 3 this year. If you take the Depaul and Marquette games he's 4-29. We're all banking on him to improve those #'s a great deal. And I think he will. But, I still would like to have another shooter for that last schollie.

 

[navery12]

I really hope so... He was 10-37 from 3 this year. If you take the Depaul and Marquette games he's 4-29. We're all banking on him to improve those #'s a great deal. And I think he will. But, I still would like to have another shooter for that last schollie.

I hope we fill that last scholarship too, but whoever it is isn't gonna play so it doesn't really make a difference unless we get killed with injuries

 

[boog204]

I hope we fill that last scholarship too, but whoever it is isn't gonna play so it doesn't really make a difference unless we get killed with injuries

I’m okay with that. I mean there’s gotta be someone in the portal who can play a little who I’d think would like to come here for a year. Just super depth piece. Maybe a pipe dream. I just know Kentucky is about to pull an underrated FDU guy to be a backup/depth piece and I’m curious if we’re looking for the same.

 

[metsfan2323]

I hope we fill that last scholarship too, but whoever it is isn't gonna play so it doesn't really make a difference unless we get killed with injuries

People said that about Joey California too. These assumptions that our coach has no intention of filling Karaban's roster spot with a competent player are beyond bizarre. Our recruiting prowess has never been better than it is now, but let's not even try to find someone who can help us do something legendary. It makes no sense.

 

[Mr. French]

I really hope so... He was 10-37 from 3 this year. If you take the Depaul and Marquette games he's 4-29. We're all banking on him to improve those #'s a great deal. And I think he will. But, I still would like to have another shooter for that last schollie.

We need to look at THIS year, not last year. That’s what’s important and what Hurley is doing.

No one should expect a frosh on a national title team to show the same things as a sophomore with another year of development and more playing time and good looks available.

Solo, Stewart, Ross, McNeeley won’t be automatic anything, but we have to assume they’re showing the ability. The fun is watching it happen. They’re putting in the work, we just aren’t watching it daily.

 

[CL82]

People said that about Joey California too. These assumptions that our coach has no intention of filling Karaban's roster spot with a competent player are beyond bizarre. Our recruiting prowess has never been better than it is now, but let's not even try to find someone who can help us do something legendary. It makes no sense.

Hurley said in one of his many interviews that he would probably fill it with a developmental piece. I agree any player he picks up will be "competent" but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will play much next year.

 

[navery12]

People said that about Joey California too. These assumptions that our coach has no intention of filling Karaban's roster spot with a competent player are beyond bizarre. Our recruiting prowess has never been better than it is now, but let's not even try to find someone who can help us do something legendary. It makes no sense.

I'm sure the spot will be filled, I'd just expect Ross and Abraham to beat out whoever it is for minutes if Karaban leaves. Anyone saying that about Calcaterra was dumb, it was obvious from the second he committed he'd play on a team that was severely lacking shooting

 

[metsfan2323]

I'm sure the spot will be filled, I'd just expect Ross and Abraham to beat out whoever it is for minutes if Karaban leaves. Anyone saying that about Calcaterra was dumb, it was obvious from the second he committed he'd play on a team that was severely lacking shooting

and the current roster sans Karaban seems short on rebounding. We have nothing but question marks. A little veteran leadership wouldn't hurt either for this very young team.

 

[navery12]

and the current roster sans Karaban seems short on rebounding. We have nothing but question marks. A little veteran leadership wouldn't hurt either for this very young team.

I won't be worried about UConn's rebounding until Tom Moore retires. Until that happens it's not a concern and guys will step up

 

[bendm]

That guy is on the roster already. His name is Jaylin Stewart

you hope* that guy is on the roster.

Hurley wasnt even sure this year's team was championship caliber until he saw Cam and Steph in summer camp, but at least we had known commodities in Tristen, AK, and Clingan returning. Next year Diarra and Samson are the only known commodities. Aiden and Tarris are new to the team, Ball/Stew averaged 10 mpg, and McNeeley/Nowell/Abraham are freshmen. None of them are known commodities like Tristen, AK, and Clingan were going into this past year.

I'm sure the spot will be filled, I'd just expect Ross and Abraham to beat out whoever it is for minutes if Karaban leaves. Anyone saying that about Calcaterra was dumb, it was obvious from the second he committed he'd play on a team that was severely lacking shooting

are you talking about the 12th or 13th spot? if you're talking about the 12th spot then ross isn't a PF and we cant pencil Abraham in to play 10-15mpg. Those are HUGE minutes that you cant realistically expect a frosh to fill unless they're a borderline 5* or better (castle/liam/nowell).

 

[REB1094]

I think UConn did exactly what they wanted in the offseason. I don’t remember any transfers that we were really going after and didn’t get

It seems the strategy was to get players that filled positional needs. Our needs were a strong guard, a big, a wing, and shooting. We got a double digit scoring guard who can shoot left, a big body P5 starter C, and a 5 star lights out shooter wing. Along with another year from our 23 top recruiting class, multiple years of eligibility on everyone

We didn’t go after any of the superstar transfers, so it seems the strategy was based on needs and eligibility. Enough to 3 peat? Without Karaban, I don’t think so. With Karaban, maybe

 

[auror]

People said that about Joey California too. These assumptions that our coach has no intention of filling Karaban's roster spot with a competent player are beyond bizarre. Our recruiting prowess has never been better than it is now, but let's not even try to find someone who can help us do something legendary. It makes no sense.

Joey C was the 11th scholarship (really 10th if you consider Springs). Yari Hasson and Apostolos were #12 and #13. There is room for #11 to play, especially with injuries and such. Not as likely for 12 and 13.

Karaban's scholly is #12. Hurley may bring someone of starter quality or playable development in, but that's pushing someone else into that 12th "slot".

 

[bendm]

Joey C was the 11th scholarship (really 10th if you consider Springs). Yari Hasson and Apostolos were #12 and #13. There is room for #11 to play, especially with injuries and such. Not as likely for 12 and 13.

Karaban's scholly is #12.

if AK leaves the hope is that the 12th spot is filled w/ a rotation player or at least someone that challenges Abraham for the backup PF role, it doesnt have to mean it's filled w/ the 12th best player:

1-8: Diarra / Nowell / Aiden / Ball / Liam / Stew / Reed / Johnson
9: TRANSFER
10: Ross
11: Abraham
12: Singare

 

[Waquoit]

I really hope so... He was 10-37 from 3 this year. If you take the Depaul and Marquette games he's 4-29.

Why would you take out his two best games?

 

[navery12]

you hope* that guy is on the roster.

Hurley wasnt even sure this year's team was championship caliber until he saw Cam and Steph in summer camp, but at least we had known commodities in Tristen, AK, and Clingan returning. Next year Diarra and Samson are the only known commodities. Aiden and Tarris are new to the team, Ball/Stew averaged 10 mpg, and McNeeley/Nowell/Abraham are freshmen. None of them are known commodities like Tristen, AK, and Clingan were going into this past year.

are you talking about the 12th or 13th spot? if you're talking about the 12th spot then ross isn't a PF and we cant pencil Abraham in to play 10-15mpg. Those are HUGE minutes that you cant realistically expect a frosh to fill unless they're a borderline 5* or better (castle/liam/nowell).

I'm talking about the 12th spot if Karaban leaves. Ross is not a PF, but if Karaban leaves that means Stewart and McNeeley are playing more minutes at the 4 and then all of a sudden more minutes for Ross are available at the 3. Abraham with his defense can easily step in and play 10 minutes a game, the offense might be a work in progress but the defense is going to be there from day 1

 

[bendm]

if Karaban leaves that means Stewart and McNeeley are playing more minutes at the 4

does Liam play PF or are we just hoping he can? i'm assuming he does not b/c Flagg is on his team. i dont recall seeing him block a shot in any of his highlights.

 

[Karmacop]

I don't understand why people are discounting the possibility of bringing in a high-level PF who can play 20-25 minutes per game if Karaban stays in the draft, instead of just a "developmental" piece.

If Karaban came back, he'd be averaging AT LEAST those minutes (probably more) and would be one of the top 2-3 players on the team. In that scenario, presumably everyone here and on the team would be thrilled.

But to replace Karaban with a like player through the portal would somehow be different? I don't get it. Stewart would be in the same position whether it's Karaban returning or a Karaban-level starter transferred in, but we and he are happy with the former and upset about the latter?

There are two really good PFs still in the portal that are testing the NBA waters but who might return: Coleman Hawkins and Jaylen Wells. I don't see why we wouldn't at least investigate those guys if Karaban leaves. Because it'd be the same difference as far as playing time and roles regardless of which of these three we have next year.

 

[boog204]

Why would you take out his two best games?

Meaning 60% of his makes occurred in two games this year. He was 6-8 in those games.

 

[August_West]

I don't understand why people are discounting the possibility of bringing in a high-level PF who can play 20-25 minutes per game if Karaban stays in the draft, instead of just a "developmental" piece.

If Karaban came back, he'd be averaging AT LEAST those minutes (probably more) and would be one of the top 2-3 players on the team. In that scenario, presumably everyone here and on the team would be thrilled.

But to replace Karaban with a like player through the portal would somehow be different? I don't get it. Stewart would be in the same position whether it's Karaban returning or a Karaban-level starter transferred in, but we and he are happy with the former and upset about the latter?

There are two really good PFs still in the portal that are testing the NBA waters but who might return: Coleman Hawkins and Jaylen Wells. I don't see why we wouldn't at least investigate those guys if Karaban leaves. Because it'd be the same difference as far as playing time and roles regardless of which of these three we have next year.

If you don't know why we wouldn't investigate Coleman Hawkins, I don't know what to tell you. It's like people don't even pay attention to what Hurley says and does.

 

[McLovin]

I don't know, the 2023 squad's ceiling was really high. That team's ceiling was just about as high as the 2024 team's ceiling, with maybe a sliver of difference. It's only the 2-6 January that is the blemish for the 2023 team.

FWIW, IMO, just enjoy the ride of the 2024-2025 season with slightly lower expectations. This upcoming team will do very well, I am sure of it.

Obviously, looking back now it’s easy to feel that way about that squad. But going into that year I don’t think any of us expected all 3 of Hawkins / Jackson / Sanogo to have the seasons they had and go pro.

I feel like looking at this team for next season, even without Karaban there are probably 2 draft picks next year and possibly up to 5 future NBA guys on the roster.

Stewart, McNeeley and Ball all have lotto potential. Nowell and Abraham are the type of athletes Hurley can mold into NBA guys eventually.

We are pretty stacked and getting a 4 seed or better with some momentum heading into March to make a deep run is certainly doable with this roster.

I agree, let’s all enjoy the ride, but I think next years team has a legit shot to get back to the Final Four. I’m expecting at least a Sweet 16 (which is what I think we all expected of that 22-23 team).

 

[navery12]

does Liam play PF or are we just hoping he can? i'm assuming he does not b/c Flagg is on his team. i dont recall seeing him block a shot in any of his highlights.

I think he's more than capable of playing the 4 just like Karaban did. Karaban was listed at 6'7 190 in high school and McNeeley is listed as 6'7 210. The 3 and the 4 are pretty interchangeable so I feel like he'd be fine at either spot

 

[navery12]

I don't understand why people are discounting the possibility of bringing in a high-level PF who can play 20-25 minutes per game if Karaban stays in the draft, instead of just a "developmental" piece.

If Karaban came back, he'd be averaging AT LEAST those minutes (probably more) and would be one of the top 2-3 players on the team. In that scenario, presumably everyone here and on the team would be thrilled.

But to replace Karaban with a like player through the portal would somehow be different? I don't get it. Stewart would be in the same position whether it's Karaban returning or a Karaban-level starter transferred in, but we and he are happy with the former and upset about the latter?

There are two really good PFs still in the portal that are testing the NBA waters but who might return: Coleman Hawkins and Jaylen Wells. I don't see why we wouldn't at least investigate those guys if Karaban leaves. Because it'd be the same difference as far as playing time and roles regardless of which of these three we have next year.

I think it's a bit naive to think everyone on the team would be thrilled in both scenarios. Especially the second one where Hurley is actively choosing to recruit over guys who committed to the program twice.

It's one thing to walk up to Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart and say one of the best players from last year's team is coming back but we're gonna do X,Y,Z to make it work and get you on the floor for the 1 year overlap. But it's a whole different story to go out and bring in someone brand new to create a minutes issue and tell those guys you don't think they're ready