From UConn MBB Twitter: First Practice in the books

[UConnKev]

 

[AntG168]

I’m pumped for Gaffney this season

 

[superjohn]

We should be getting a bunch of Jon Rothstein updates from today's practice.

 

[superjohn]

Jon Rothstein on Twitter: "Instant physical observations at UConn: 1. Josh Carlton is down at least 20 pounds. 2. Jalen Gaffney has added 10-15 pounds of muscle. 3. Huskies' front line is loaded. Deepest surplus of bigs since Drummond, Oriakhi, Olander, Roscoe Smith." / Twitter

 

[navery12]

 

[navery12]

 

[ucawn]

I love Bouk pulling springs up by the threads

 

[UConnKev]

 

[UConnKev]

 

[UConnKev]

 

[donyell34]

Carolina or Kentucky caliber athleticism, like we haven't had that before. I know what he meant but found that comment strange.

 

[bill6319]

Go Time!!

 

[superjohn]

I actually think he's probably nailed it with this. Jackson is going to be too good to keep off the floor. If RJ gets the start over Gaffney, Gaff is first up off the bench and splitting a ton of minutes at the 1 and 2.

 

[navery12]

This is the best lineup prediction I've seen from any of the national media guys for UConn

 

[Chin Diesel]

Mistaken observation saying Jackson is 6'8"??

Even the UConn website which has updated weights, lists him as 6'6". If there is any way Jackson is closer to 6'8" than 6'6", that is a big bit of information.

 

[Son of Robert]

Go Time!!

So this must be the bizarre side of things.

 

[Fatroony5]

This is the best lineup prediction I've seen from any of the national media guys for UConn

People love to give Rothstein crap, but the guy is well connected, coaches respect him, and he’s really knowledge. Sure, he has some opinions I don’t love but he’s great for the game, he’s passionate about it, and his content is just funny. If Jackson is starting for the season opener, look out. Means he’s way ahead of schedule with his development beating out that many other players.

 

[jibsey]

Carlton is down 20 pounds and he’s not starting? 4 year player. Hasn’t he started the last 2 years?

 

[Chin Diesel]

People love to give Rothstein crap, but the guy is well connected, coaches respect him, and he’s really knowledge. Sure, he has some opinions I don’t love but he’s great for the game, he’s passionate about it, and his content is just funny. If Jackson is starting for the season opener, look out. Means he’s way ahead of schedule with his development beating out that many other players.

Until this week, I was convinced Jackson was going to be a spark plug off the bench and cause all sorts of havoc with his wing span, speed and open court vision and finishing.
I was also expecting Jackson to have some turd games where physicality and pace make him less effective. It's happened to the best of UConn's all-time greats, so it's not a slight but a reality of freshmen adapting to college games.
DH's comment this week about Jackson having the chance to be one of the best freshmen guards in the country leads me to believe Jackson is really pushing in to starting lineup and being more of an impact than I was expecting.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Carlton is down 20 pounds and he’s not starting? 4 year player. Hasn’t he started the last 2 years?

Josh's starting the past two seasons was as much a function of there not being any other options as much as it was Josh's ability. Players like Whaley have continued to improve while Josh has pretty much plateaud. Josh's skills are the same now as they were the beginning of his sophomore year.

 

[Fatroony5]

Until this week, I was convinced Jackson was going to be a spark plug off the bench and cause all sorts of havoc with his wing span, speed and open court vision and finishing.
I was also expecting Jackson to have some turd games where physicality and pace make him less effective. It's happened to the best of UConn's all-time greats, so it's not a slight but a reality of freshmen adapting to college games.
DH's comment this week about Jackson having the chance to be one of the best freshmen guards in the country leads me to believe Jackson is really pushing in to starting lineup and being more of an impact than I was expecting.

I hear you and something I noticed as well from DH. I’m tempering my expectations tho, it’s hard for a true freshman to come in and make such a big impact from the start of the season. If he can come in and impact the game without scoring with his length, defense; rebounding etc he’ll be fine.

I said this before but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Sanogo have a bigger impact to start. His style of play should translate well. But who knows, just exciting to have some promising young players again and so much buzz surrounding the program. No doubt it feels different.

 

[superjohn]

I hear you and something I noticed as well from DH. I’m tempering my expectations tho, it’s hard for a true freshman to come in and make such a big impact from the start of the season. If he can come in and impact the game without scoring with his length, defense; rebounding etc he’ll be fine.

I said this before but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Sanogo have a bigger impact to start. His style of play should translate well. But who knows, just exciting to have some promising young players again and so much buzz surrounding the program. No doubt it feels different.

Jackson is also an excellent passer, probably has the best vision on the team.

 

[BGesus4]

Jon Rothstein on Twitter: "Instant physical observations at UConn: 1. Josh Carlton is down at least 20 pounds. 2. Jalen Gaffney has added 10-15 pounds of muscle. 3. Huskies' front line is loaded. Deepest surplus of bigs since Drummond, Oriakhi, Olander, Roscoe Smith." / Twitter

Lol he still hasn't given up on Olander

 

[Rocktheworld]

Lol he still hasn't given up on Olander

I mean he DOES have twice as many championships as Carmelo Anthony

 

[Fatroony5]

Jackson is also an excellent passer, probably has the best vision on the team.

He has playmaking ability no doubt. He’ll have to learn how to play within himself and within the game. He’s just going to have some Wow plays in a good and bad way I’m sure, especially if he’s handling the ball on offense. Just don’t want to get ahead of myself with him, takes time for most guys. He’s a great talent tho, excited to see him suit up.

Seems like there’s less pressure on a guy like Sanogo. He doesn’t need the ball much, he can impact the game rebounding, playing defense, spacing, screens, dump off layups etc. that’s why I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play well early on. I’m just ready to see some games.