ESPN Way Too Early Top 25 and Questions for Each Team

[HooperScooper]

Since it's close enough to the new season shouldn't this be the Too Early Top 25 instead of the Way Too Early Top 25?

3. UConn Huskies​

Previous ranking: 3

Can Hassan Diarra make the step up to the starting lineup? In addition to all the NBA talent the Huskies have produced the past couple of years, Dan Hurley has also had one of the best bench guards in the country in Diarra. Last season's Big East Sixth Man Award winner started just four games the past two seasons, but he should have the ball in his hands in 2024-25.

Projected starting lineup

Hassan Diarra (6.1 PPG)
Aidan Mahaney (13.9 PPG at Saint Mary's)
Liam McNeeley (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (13.3 PPG)
Samson Johnson (5.4 PPG)

Men's WTE Top 25: The biggest question for each ranked team

Can Kansas find the right combo? Can Flagg prove he's the best player in the country? Here are key questions for each top-25 team two months before the season.

www.espn.com

 

[jibsey]

It’s a nice lineup and with massive bench behind them. Reed and Stew would start on many good teams.

 

[husky429]

In a lot of ways, I think our fortunes may go with Diarra this year. We're very deep at guard if he takes the leap we expect.

 

[Waquoit]

We were running plays for Hass by the end of the season. I think he makes the leap.

 

[Blue Blood]

I know im in the minority here but im still in the camp of hass is the perfect 6th man and should stay in that role. Just when the other teams legs are getting a little heavy he comes in and sparks big runs. The minutes would be virtually the same but I'd start solo let Hass continue to create havoc 6 minutes in.

 

[bendm]

In a lot of ways, I think our fortunes may go with Diarra this year. We're very deep at guard if he takes the leap we expect.

i agree. i think our floor is going to be set by Diarra, Liam, and AK. our 3 most important players that we need to show up every game. I think Aidan, Ball, and Stew will set our ceiling. if they are playing good bball then we'll be very hard to beat.

 

[jibsey]

We were running plays for Hass by the end of the season. I think he makes the leap.

He’s a 2 time national champion. He’s already made the leap and he can be used in a variety of ways.

 

[gsmooth]

I know im in the minority here but im still in the camp of hass is the perfect 6th man and should stay in that role. Just when the other teams legs are getting a little heavy he comes in and sparks big runs. The minutes would be virtually the same but I'd start solo let Hass continue to create havoc 6 minutes in.

I agree he is a perfect 6th man which is why he rightfully earned and was awarded 6th of the year for the Big East. The question then is if he does not start, who does? I don't think you can start Nowell. As good as I think Nowell will be, it's a tough ask for him to start as a freshman PG in the rough and rugged Big East. Maybe Mahaney? I think he will get some minutes at PG depending on who the other 4 on the floor are.

Also, keep in mind Hass has good leadership qualities and I think those will shine even more this year. If I had to pick a player who is the dark horse on this team, for me, it's Tarris Reed.

This will be Hurley and the coaching staff when looking at possible lineup combinations:

 

[RuffRuff]

Would be shocked if Hass didn’t start and wasn’t a primary player. He’s graduated from 6th man, should be a foundational piece of the starting rotation. One of the reasons this team was so efficient last year is because we had a vet PG that knew how to run the offense. And as mentioned, a leader, and a defensive dawg to boot. The whole 6th man thing is overrated in my book. Set the tone with your best right out of the gates. Can easily see Amad assuming that role this year. I may be higher on him than most, but I see Hassan as a guy who makes an all BE team.

 

[TroyHall98]

If that starting 5 holds, the defense of Mahaney, McNeeley, and SJ is the big question.

 

[uconnfan68]

I know im in the minority here but im still in the camp of hass is the perfect 6th man and should stay in that role. Just when the other teams legs are getting a little heavy he comes in and sparks big runs. The minutes would be virtually the same but I'd start solo let Hass continue to create havoc 6 minutes in.

Solo can also be the next 6th man award winner.

 

[bendm]

If that starting 5 holds, the defense of Mahaney, McNeeley, and SJ is the big question.

true but Diarra is our best perimeter defender so it will be an even bigger question if Diarra isnt starting

 

[Huskyforlife]

Idk what kind of breakout people expect for Diarra? Would people be disappointed if he’s just last years player, but more minutes?

I think we need a Ball or Stewart breakout to actually live up to the one seed expectations. That projected lineup is severely lacking in athleticism and defensive ability on paper.

 

[TroyHall98]

true but Diarra is our best perimeter defender so it will be an even bigger question if Diarra isnt starting

Can’t imagine he would come back if he wasn’t starting.

 

[superjohn]

Idk what kind of breakout people expect for Diarra? Would people be disappointed if he’s just last years player, but more minutes?

I think we need a Ball or Stewart breakout to actually live up to the one seed expectations. That projected lineup is severely lacking in athleticism and defensive ability on paper.

Going into last season people here were saying our starting lineup was lacking athleticism.

 

[HooperScooper]

Can’t imagine he would come back if he wasn’t starting.

I'm sure Hurley didn't promise him anything. Got to work for it and earn it. I'm guessing Hass thought he would earn it because he was very good last year and now he's in his 5th year of college and 3rd year at UConn.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Idk what kind of breakout people expect for Diarra? Would people be disappointed if he’s just last years player, but more minutes?

I think we need a Ball or Stewart breakout to actually live up to the one seed expectations. That projected lineup is severely lacking in athleticism and defensive ability on paper.

I think in starter’s minutes he can give us a 10-5-4 line, which I would be very happy with.

 

[lonsharkin51]

Am I the only who thinks that Solo Ball is getting massively overlooked? If there's someone we want making a leap this year, we could do a lot worse than Solo. He has the tools to be every bit the lockdown defender Steph was, and if he gets a little confidence shooting and attacking the rim, I think he has a way higher ceiling than Mahaney.

 

[Blue Blood]

Am I the only who thinks that Solo Ball is getting massively overlooked? If there's someone we want making a leap this year, we could do a lot worse than Solo. He has the tools to be every bit the lockdown defender Steph was, and if he gets a little confidence shooting and attacking the rim, I think he has a way higher ceiling than Mahaney.

I think solo can be a really good defender but Steph is top 3 perimeter defender in UConn history that is a lofty target

 

[bendm]

Am I the only who thinks that Solo Ball is getting massively overlooked? If there's someone we want making a leap this year, we could do a lot worse than Solo. He has the tools to be every bit the lockdown defender Steph was, and if he gets a little confidence shooting and attacking the rim, I think he has a way higher ceiling than Mahaney.

you arent alone. i'm expecting massive leaps from ball and stew but i still think aidan and liam will start over them. ball and stew breaking out will raise our ceiling exponentially.

 

[Waquoit]

Am I the only who thinks that Solo Ball is getting massively overlooked?

If so, it's due to his late season performance when he looked less plug-and-play than others coming off the bench. I'm pretty sure the staff isn't overlooking him.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I'm not worried about Hass. We've got options with Nowell and Ball. Mahaney is back there as a veteran player. Ross can handle the ball. I'm less concerned about any one player than about finding the mix. Who complements Samson vs Reed? Which combinations work best?

 

[navery12]

I've given up on trying to figure out or even justify a starting lineup. Diarra, Nowell, Ball, Mahaney, McNeeley, Stewart, Karaban, Johnson, Reed are all going to play significant minutes and be very good.

I expect the same 5 to start all year but the minutes and closing lineups I can see being changed game to game

 

[AllHusky]

Solo can also be the next 6th man award winner.

That would mean incredible things happened this year(again)!!

Love the thought of that for Ball.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Going into last season people here were saying our starting lineup was lacking athleticism.

They were right. Clingan and our general size covered it up enough, most people think our backcourt will be 2 dudes under 6’3, and average at best athletes on the wing. If Hurley can build a top 10 defense outa that, he’s the greatest coach to ever live.

We also lost maybe the best perimeter defender, and rim protector in the sport. I think it’s fair to have defensive questions.