Do we have a "best" player?

[XLCenterFan]

Was discussing this with a friend of mine (also a huge fan/total UConn hoops nutcase) and we concluded that we do not have one. That is the best part about this team. On any given night someone can go off, or any two/three players can go off, or any one or two players can be in foul trouble, or have an off night. Talk about having Ferraris in the garage! IMO we have 4 contenders for "best" player, but there cannot be just one. Thoughts?

 

[tcf15]

Yes, Adama Sanogo is the best player on this team.

 

[XLCenterFan]

Yes, Adama Sanogo is the best player on this team.

This is subjective, no? The fact that this is debatable, makes me lean "no." I'm sure others will say someone else. Adama may be the "most important," but not sure the "best." Is there even a difference?

 

[Letsgohuskies11]

Coming into season I would have said Sanogo. I think the margin in which he is the best is getting thinner, very thin. I dont think we have 1 guy you need to stop though, which is what makes us so dangerous.

 

[REB1094]

Adama Sanogo

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Yes, Adama Sanogo is the best player on this team.

I get it, but a big argument can be made that he’s not the most impactful.

The game changes a lot when DC is in the game. The same happens with Andre Jackson too. It’s hard to feel like someone is our best player when we seem to consistently play better when he comes off the floor.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I think that we lose the most without Ajax. If Adama, Hawk, or Cling has a bad night/foul trouble we do not miss a beat. What Ajax does is less replaceable. I don't think anyone has the title of "best" right now though.

 

[navery12]

This is subjective, no? The fact that this is debatable, makes me lean "no." I'm sure others will say someone else. Adama may be the "most important," but not sure the "best." Is there even a difference?

There’s definitely a difference between most important and best. Most important is debatable, best I don't think is. It's Sanogo. And the objective measures say the same thing

 

[XLCenterFan]

There’s definitely a difference between most important and best. Most important is debatable, best I don't think is. It's Sanogo. And the objective measures say the same thing

What are the "objective measures" that make Sanogo our "best?"

 

[navery12]

What are the "objective measures" that make Sanogo our "best?"

Sanogo is currently in the conversation for NPOY. KenPom has him at #4 in the country and the leader for BE POY. Granted Clingan is #2 in the BE, but Sanogo has been unbelievable

 

[tcf15]

What are the "objective measures" that make Sanogo our "best?"

Here’s where he ranks in the Big East in just a few metrics

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

 

[aburks41]

Here’s where he ranks in the Big East in just a few metrics
View attachment 81803

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

Jesus

 

[HooperScooper]

Coming into season I would have said Sanogo. I think the margin in which he is the best is getting thinner, very thin. I dont think we have 1 guy you need to stop though, which is what makes us so dangerous.

The best part about this is that this isn't because Sanogo is worse than expected. He's been just as we thought he would be. But the margin has gotten thinner because the others have raised their game. Which is all good for the Huskies!

 

[businesslawyer]

This is subjective, no? The fact that this is debatable, makes me lean "no." I'm sure others will say someone else. Adama may be the "most important," but not sure the "best." Is there even a difference?

Of course it's subjective. That just means everyone is entitled to their opinion. But Sanogo has, so far, played up to his preseason player of the year status. Hawkins has to date been vastly improved but inconsistent, AJ is great at everything but scoring but that is a big but (as opposed to a big butt) and Clingan can't qualify playing 16 minutes a game.

 

[fatlucy]

Jesus

He’s good too, but a little old to be truly effective.

 

[superjohn]

Here’s where he ranks in the Big East in just a few metrics
View attachment 81803

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

They aren't including Clingan because of his minutes per game but he blows Sanogo out of the water on some of these stats. It's crazy what we have at the center position.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I've been silenced. Nice work boys. Adama is our best player.

 

[wheelerdog]

I get it, but a big argument can be made that he’s not the most impactful.

The game changes a lot when DC is in the game. The same happens with Andre Jackson too. It’s hard to feel like someone is our best player when we seem to consistently play better when he comes off the floor.

This is not meant in any way to diminish what Clingan is doing, but he has the safety of knowing that if he fails to perform, Sanogo is right there

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Yes we have a 'best player'. The thing is who it us may change from game to game.

It's a good problem to have.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Why are people tying themselves in knots to try to say Adama isn’t our best player? He’s averaging 18 points in 24 mpg and is a rock on defense.

 

[RichZ]

They aren't including Clingan because of his minutes per game but he blows Sanogo out of the water on some of these stats. It's crazy what we have at the center position.

PT aside, the jury is still tentative in judging Clingan, because he hasn't faced much real competition yet. As we step into the league schedule which will see us facing a strong team 2 games out of every three, he will have the opportunity to prove his mettle. Creighton will likely be his litmus test.

Meanwhile, Adama is our top guy, but if Hawkins trajectory continues in the direction he appears headed, he might just pass Adama by tourney time.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Here’s where he ranks in the Big East in just a few metrics
View attachment 81803

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's Big East Conference Season Summary

www.sports-reference.com

I’m curious what this is based on when we consistently watch us go on runs when he goes on the bench (not that we’re losing with him in the game).

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I’m curious what this is based on when we consistently watch us go on runs when he goes on the bench (not that we’re losing with him in the game).

My guess is that it's based on data as opposed to random anecdotal message board musings.

 

[awfuldan]

I’m curious what this is based on when we consistently watch us go on runs when he goes on the bench (not that we’re losing with him in the game).

Part of the reason we go on runs when Sanogo sits is that the other teams' starters are also sitting. We have an incredible 2nd unit led by the best back-up center in the country so naturally we dominate the minutes when it is bench vs. bench.

 

[superjohn]

PT aside, the jury is still tentative in judging Clingan, because he hasn't faced much real competition yet. As we step into the league schedule which will see us facing a strong team 2 games out of every three, he will have the opportunity to prove his mettle. Creighton will likely be his litmus test.

Meanwhile, Adama is our top guy, but if Hawkins trajectory continues in the direction he appears headed, he might just pass Adama by tourney time.

I only meant they don't have Clingan listed in some of these stats. For instance they have Sanogo leading the conference in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) at 33.9, they have #2 in the conference Kalkbrenner at 29.7 PER. Clingan's PER is 42.3 and he leads the country in PER, Sanogo is 4th in the country.