There is an area of concern and that is that a kid like Hawkins didn’t sign up with UCONN to play 12 minutes a game. We know he has talent and we know he is not meeting Hurley’s expectations yet he desperately wants to be out there for a lot more PT than he is getting. It’s always a fine line for coaches trying to win every game.
I think it's rarely a fine line.
I'd be very surprised if any of our freshmen disagree that they haven't earned coach's trust in coach's terms. I'm also certain coach has spelled out to them every day what it takes to get that initial major game PT.
Every kid desperately wants to be out there.
There's a very clear hurdle to clear defensively that will not be overlooked by coach because you give up free points. Offensively there's a longer leash. Heck, all Niels Giffey did for 1 year was hold the ball and pivot but he played because he learned the defense and could cover.
I have never been concerned about kids leaving as freshmen. If the advent of the portal proves to change things for some, fine. Those kids either see the handwriting on the wall and head for a smaller program or have some other issues.
Hawk's troubles are tough to watch but I have complete faith in our staff to keep him pushing and lifting his head up.
It's a rare kid that doesn't overcome freshman jitters.