Hurley’s Deepest UConn Team

[RuffRuff]

A deep bench to me means you have at least 3-4 Division 1 ready players, preferably with in-game experience. Also bench being Big East ready is what's most important, and its in our Conference play how we determine our bench strength.

We've seen so often come January (Conference) our rotations shorten and many bench players separate themselves from the pack. Our bench players have a 2 month window to earn PT, especially the freshman.

Just saying, we only need 3 or so bench players to make us Championship material, the others can be used for limited and certain game situations.

Lets see which 3 rise to the top.

Hurley has two templates to raging success right now. One is a depth and having a second wave that can blitz you, 2023. The other is having two shut down defenders that can basically lock you up entirely, 2024. He knows it’s really d@mn hard to find defenders at the quality of Castle/Clingan so I’m guessing he’ll being looking to replicate the 23 model more often than not.

The thing about depth is that your second wave needs to be better than the other teams backups, and/or changes pace to wear out tired starters. That 23 team got to a point where they could bring in 3 high level fresh guys along with super fit players like Ajax/Hawk and just run by you for 5 minutes.

It really feels like we will have a second unit this year, Smith/Reibe/Stew and maybe Furphy/Ross. How good that group plays collectively will be interesting to watch.

 

[RichCTBB]

Quality depth can help overcome weaknesses in the main rotation. If our 2nd line is better than everyone else’s we can wear opponents down. The 23-24 team just kept on hitting in waves and eventually broke them by midway through the 2nd half.

 

[HuskyHawk]

The team was mostly bigger faster and stronger than everyone else. We had a 6’5 PG and a legit 2 way NBA 2 guard in Hawkins and then Andre. Size wise and athletically, there was no one in the country matching up against us on the perimeter.

Add in Sanogo being a brick house and Clingan off the bench, we were just physically better than everyone else and asserted our will.

It’s not the same this year as the only position we’ll have a clear physical advantage is PG. Solo will be small for a 2G and Mullins will be smaller for a 3.

It’s why I’m pushing for Ross so hard because he helps us get a size an athletic advantage at that 3 spot (and why I push for PG Solo because he’s an athletic advantage there and a disadvantage as a 2). Not going back and forth about this but he looked like one of our best defenders once he started staying on his feet during the second half of the season. Don’t really care what the metrics say when I watched something closely with my own eyes.

Mullins played a lot of 2-3 defense in HS I think so I assume they’ll be a learning curve on understanding Hurley’s man defense.

Demary isn't a big as we thought. Reed has size/strength advantage. New look Alex might too. Stewart at the 3 has a size/strength advantage. Ross is very slight. Mullis is a little undersized at the 3, but will play some SG and is oversized there. Solo isn't tall, but has a big strength advantage at SG, even though he hasn't used it so far and seems allergic to contact inside. He can absolutely bully other guards if he wants to.

 

[NickDanger]

we said this last year too lol

Because it was wrong last year does not mean it is wrong this year lol

 

[RuffRuff]

Demary isn't a big as we thought. Reed has size/strength advantage. New look Alex might too. Stewart at the 3 has a size/strength advantage. Ross is very slight. Mullis is a little undersized at the 3, but will play some SG and is oversized there. Solo isn't tall, but has a big strength advantage at SG, even though he hasn't used it so far and seems allergic to contact inside. He can absolutely bully other guards if he wants to.

Hmmmmmm. Don't really agree with most of this.

Ross is not slight, kid is pretty jacked up in fact. You can tell he's put a lot of effort working on his body the last couple years. We'll see with him - the one aspect of him I'll hold out hope on is that he's a kid that grew late, could simply be a late bloomer figuring out how to use his body.

Demary may not be as long as listed, but he's also built like a brick #$#house. He may not have that high end length to deter 3's, but he'll be up in grills. I'm honestly not sure I'd call Mullins that undersized at the 3 - he's listed at 6'6", probably closer to 6'5" or so. Kneuppel played the 3 for Duke last year, noted for having an NBA sized roster, was listed at 6'5". Mullins is listed as the same general height as Ajax & Castle, who also played the 3. The 3 in today's world is much more of a guard than a forward. I'm expecting him to be something special by end of year, as he strikes me as a kid that is locked in and with good instincts. Has Castle vibes in that he'll do what it takes to win early, and blossom into a bigger role offensively as the year progresses.

Not sure I agree on Solo/strength - he played much more of a finesse game last year than a strength game, really couldn't body up guys well or take to the rim strong. He is built up top, but has coffee stirrers for legs & is pretty top heavy. I can't think of one instance last year where he actually bullied anyone. He's a jump shooter at this point.

Stew may have a size advantage at the 3, but he's just not a 3 profile in today's world as a bit slow footed and without a great dribble game. So there is a trade off liability at the three on both ends of the floor. Him getting bigger/stronger, and his frame can definitely carry it, only pushes him closer to the 4 profile. I will continue to see him as our future 4 than I see him as a really productive 3.

We underestimate how much of a bulldozer Tarris can be - I think he can be the single most dominant 5 physically in the country this year if he can learn how reign it in. I can't think of one player even close to him in the regard, maybe Zubi, but even Zubi couldn't handle Tarris last year physically. I'm expecting him to dominate in stretches this year as a focused starter with another year in the system.

 

[jibsey]

Hmmmmmm. Don't really agree with most of this.

Ross is not slight, kid is pretty jacked up in fact. You can tell he's put a lot of effort working on his body the last couple years. We'll see with him - the one aspect of him I'll hold out hope on is that he's a kid that grew late, could simply be a late bloomer figuring out how to use his body.

Demary may not be as long as listed, but he's also built like a brick #$#house. He may not have that high end length to deter 3's, but he'll be up in grills. I'm honestly not sure I'd call Mullins that undersized at the 3 - he's listed at 6'6", probably closer to 6'5" or so. Kneuppel played the 3 for Duke last year, noted for having an NBA sized roster, was listed at 6'5". Mullins is listed as the same general height as Ajax & Castle, who also played the 3. The 3 in today's world is much more of a guard than a forward. I'm expecting him to be something special by end of year, as he strikes me as a kid that is locked in and with good instincts. Has Castle vibes in that he'll do what it takes to win early, and blossom into a bigger role offensively as the year progresses.

Not sure I agree on Solo/strength - he played much more of a finesse game last year than a strength game, really couldn't body up guys well or take to the rim strong. He is built up top, but has coffee stirrers for legs & is pretty top heavy. I can't think of one instance last year where he actually bullied anyone. He's a jump shooter at this point.

Stew may have a size advantage at the 3, but he's just not a 3 profile in today's world as a bit slow footed and without a great dribble game. So there is a trade off liability at the three on both ends of the floor. Him getting bigger/stronger, and his frame can definitely carry it, only pushes him closer to the 4 profile. I will continue to see him as our future 4 than I see him as a really productive 3.

We underestimate how much of a bulldozer Tarris can be - I think he can be the single most dominant 5 physically in the country this year if he can learn how rein it in. I can't think of one player even close to him in the regard, maybe Zubi, but even Zubi couldn't handle Tarris last year physically. I'm expecting him to dominate in stretches this year as a focused starter with another year in the system.

Well I hope we got strong enough to not get bullied and pushed around by SJ , Marquette or other top BE teams. From knowing other rosters will that be the case? I’m not worried about our offensive skills but we MUST dominate the glass.

 

[prankster]

Well I hope we got strong enough to not get bullied and pushed around by SJ , Marquette or other top BE teams. From knowing other rosters will that be the case? I’m not worried about our offensive skills but we MUST dominate the glass.

I don't believe that we will be "bullied and pushed around" by other BE teams.

But BE refs, on the other hand....

Cannot get out of the BE fast enough to suit.me...

 

[FfldCntyFan]

But BE refs, on the other hand....

This.

What other BE schools have been able to get away with against us is borderline criminal.

 

[RuffRuff]

Well I hope we got strong enough to not get bullied and pushed around by SJ , Marquette or other top BE teams. From knowing other rosters will that be the case? I’m not worried about our offensive skills but we MUST dominate the glass.

You think Big Ben Gold is gonna bully us? We got bullied last year when we had one of the most inefficient rebounding centers in the country, a small/hurt PG, a finesse SG starting for the first time, a freshmen we were expecting to lead us and a 4 trying to be something he wasn't. Even so, I wouldn't say we got bulled much outside of StJ, we were just a slow footed & bad defensive team. Getting bullied is not something I anticipate this year.

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

Hmmmmmm. Don't really agree with most of this.

Ross is not slight, kid is pretty jacked up in fact. You can tell he's put a lot of effort working on his body the last couple years. We'll see with him - the one aspect of him I'll hold out hope on is that he's a kid that grew late, could simply be a late bloomer figuring out how to use his body.

Demary may not be as long as listed, but he's also built like a brick #$#house. He may not have that high end length to deter 3's, but he'll be up in grills. I'm honestly not sure I'd call Mullins that undersized at the 3 - he's listed at 6'6", probably closer to 6'5" or so. Kneuppel played the 3 for Duke last year, noted for having an NBA sized roster, was listed at 6'5". Mullins is listed as the same general height as Ajax & Castle, who also played the 3. The 3 in today's world is much more of a guard than a forward. I'm expecting him to be something special by end of year, as he strikes me as a kid that is locked in and with good instincts. Has Castle vibes in that he'll do what it takes to win early, and blossom into a bigger role offensively as the year progresses.

Not sure I agree on Solo/strength - he played much more of a finesse game last year than a strength game, really couldn't body up guys well or take to the rim strong. He is built up top, but has coffee stirrers for legs & is pretty top heavy. I can't think of one instance last year where he actually bullied anyone. He's a jump shooter at this point.

Stew may have a size advantage at the 3, but he's just not a 3 profile in today's world as a bit slow footed and without a great dribble game. So there is a trade off liability at the three on both ends of the floor. Him getting bigger/stronger, and his frame can definitely carry it, only pushes him closer to the 4 profile. I will continue to see him as our future 4 than I see him as a really productive 3.

We underestimate how much of a bulldozer Tarris can be - I think he can be the single most dominant 5 physically in the country this year if he can learn how rein it in. I can't think of one player even close to him in the regard, maybe Zubi, but even Zubi couldn't handle Tarris last year physically. I'm expecting him to dominate in stretches this year as a focused starter with another year in the system.

Solo is athletic - has hops with a long wingspan. Definitely not a strength guy. I honestly expected him to be a better defender though, he just had so much trouble staying in front of guys last year despite how quick he is. Wouldn’t be surprised if this year he puts it all together.

 

[RuffRuff]

Solo is athletic - has hops with a long wingspan. Definitely not a strength guy. I honestly expected him to be a better defender though, he just had so much trouble staying in front of guys last year despite how quick he is. Wouldn’t be surprised if this year he puts it all together.

Not sure quick is the word I’d use to describe
Solo. As athletic as he is, seems to lack some burst. He’s more of a long and smooth athlete than explosive, maybe that changes this year.

 

[jibsey]

You think Big Ben Gold is gonna bully us? We got bullied last year when we had one of the most inefficient rebounding centers in the country, a small/hurt PG, a finesse SG starting for the first time, a freshmen we were expecting to lead us and a 4 trying to be something he wasn't. Even so, I wouldn't say we got bulled much outside of StJ, we were just a slow footed & bad defensive team. Getting bullied is not something I anticipate this year.

OK but that SJ treatment left a bad taste and I want us to be the ones punishing them.

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

Not sure quick is the word I’d use to describe
Solo. As athletic as he is, seems to lack some burst. He’s more of a long and smooth athlete than explosive, maybe that changes this year.

Maybe not quick, but he did show glimpses of that explosiveness/burst with some of those devastating blocks last year. Defensively, with his length and athleticism, he should have the ability to guard most SGs in the country, or at the very least not be a liability on defense. It almost seemed like he saved all his energy for offense last year.

I think he has a lot to prove this year. He should be an NBA prospect if you look at his measurables and shooting ability. Luckily, his NBA prospects and us winning are pretty directly correlated. Hoping he makes another huge jump in year 3.

 

[RuffRuff]

Maybe not quick, but he did show glimpses of that explosiveness/burst with some of those devastating blocks last year. Defensively, with his length and athleticism, he should have the ability to guard most SGs in the country, or at the very least not be a liability on defense. It almost seemed like he saved all his energy for offense last year.

I think he has a lot to prove this year. He should be an NBA prospect if you look at his measurables and shooting ability. Luckily, his NBA prospects and us winning are pretty directly correlated. Hoping he makes another huge jump in year 3.

We'll see - really curious to what version of Solo shows up this year. What we know is that any gaps won't be for a lack of effort as the kid works his tail off, seems very aware of where his growth areas are. He did come on a bit in other areas of his game towards end of year (defense/passing/rebounding), but his shooting also fell off a bit (was like 29% from three in his last 6). It's definitely a big time prove it year for him. At his size, he has to show he can stay in front of players, and also has to show more versatility offensively. He's not going to be a commodity in the NBA as a pure jumpshooter that can't defend.

I remember last year, based on some of the measurables posted online (vertical jump, wingspan), we were comparing him to Russ Westbrook. With a year of watching him in volume, pretty clear that was a really bad comp as he doesn't have the jets Russ has and a very different profile. I'm going to be really curious to see what the three big returners show this year in terms of growth. I like that Alex has hit the weights as he had to change something, and adding strength is a great place to start. Tarris with a year in the system and in a starter role, and Solo with an offseason to work on key areas all things to tune in for.

 

[HW611]

We'll see - really curious to what version of Solo shows up this year. What we know is that any gaps won't be for a lack of effort as the kid works his tail off, seems very aware of where his growth areas are. He did come on a bit in other areas of his game towards end of year (defense/passing/rebounding), but his shooting also fell off a bit (was like 29% from three in his last 6). It's definitely a big time prove it year for him. At his size, he has to show he can stay in front of players, and also has to show more versatility offensively. He's not going to be a commodity in the NBA as a pure jumpshooter that can't defend.

I remember last year, based on some of the measurables posted online (vertical jump, wingspan), we were comparing him to Russ Westbrook. With a year of watching him in volume, pretty clear that was a really bad comp as he doesn't have the jets Russ has and a very different profile. I'm going to be really curious to see what the three big returners show this year in terms of growth. I like that Alex has hit the weights as he had to change something, and adding strength is a great place to start. Tarris with a year in the system and in a starter role, and Solo with an offseason to work on key areas all things to tune in for.

He said he was working more on his playmaking this summer. I really hope that includes some serious work to his handle.

Will boggle my mind if that's not better with his work ethic. Its such an easy skill to work on.

 

[RuffRuff]

He said he was working more on his playmaking this summer. I really hope that includes some serious work to his handle.

Will boggle my mind if that's not better with his work ethic. Its such an easy skill to work on.

Let's see! Seemed his middy game was coming along by EOY. Really needs to find a way to get to the rim because we know defenses are going to be face guarding him this year. While the Hurley offense will find him space coming off picks/sets, would be great to see him be able to soften the d up with an ability to take a defender off the dribble if they're blanketing him.

My biggest concern with Solo is he doesn't have exceptional quick feet, so how much dribble burst & defense he can develop would seem limited.

 

[jibsey]

Let's see! Seemed his middy game was coming along by EOY. Really needs to find a way to get to the rim because we know defenses are going to be face guarding him this year. While the Hurley offense will find him space coming off picks/sets, would be great to see him be able to soften the d up with an ability to take a defender off the dribble if they're blanketing him.

My biggest concern with Solo is he doesn't have exceptional quick feet, so how much dribble burst & defense he can develop would seem limited.

Solo has the vertical leaping capability to explode at the rim. Let him do this, draw fouls and get to the line.

 

[husky429]

Hmmmmmm. Don't really agree with most of this.

Ross is not slight, kid is pretty jacked up in fact. You can tell he's put a lot of effort working on his body the last couple years. We'll see with him - the one aspect of him I'll hold out hope on is that he's a kid that grew late, could simply be a late bloomer figuring out how to use his body.

Demary may not be as long as listed, but he's also built like a brick #$#house. He may not have that high end length to deter 3's, but he'll be up in grills. I'm honestly not sure I'd call Mullins that undersized at the 3 - he's listed at 6'6", probably closer to 6'5" or so. Kneuppel played the 3 for Duke last year, noted for having an NBA sized roster, was listed at 6'5". Mullins is listed as the same general height as Ajax & Castle, who also played the 3. The 3 in today's world is much more of a guard than a forward. I'm expecting him to be something special by end of year, as he strikes me as a kid that is locked in and with good instincts. Has Castle vibes in that he'll do what it takes to win early, and blossom into a bigger role offensively as the year progresses.

Not sure I agree on Solo/strength - he played much more of a finesse game last year than a strength game, really couldn't body up guys well or take to the rim strong. He is built up top, but has coffee stirrers for legs & is pretty top heavy. I can't think of one instance last year where he actually bullied anyone. He's a jump shooter at this point.

Stew may have a size advantage at the 3, but he's just not a 3 profile in today's world as a bit slow footed and without a great dribble game. So there is a trade off liability at the three on both ends of the floor. Him getting bigger/stronger, and his frame can definitely carry it, only pushes him closer to the 4 profile. I will continue to see him as our future 4 than I see him as a really productive 3.

We underestimate how much of a bulldozer Tarris can be - I think he can be the single most dominant 5 physically in the country this year if he can learn how reign it in. I can't think of one player even close to him in the regard, maybe Zubi, but even Zubi couldn't handle Tarris last year physically. I'm expecting him to dominate in stretches this year as a focused starter with another year in the system.

Mullins is going to be slight for a 3. He's 200lbs now and will have a playing weight under. Castle, Ajax, and Kneuppel as college players all had 15lbs on him.

 

[husky429]

My biggest concern with Solo is he doesn't have exceptional quick feet, so how much dribble burst & defense he can develop would seem limited.

Plenty of dudes with slow feet manage to get to the rim--it's a skill Solo can learn. I have faith.

And I don't even think it's his foot speed or hands that are holding Solo back as much as his footWORK. He doesn't have a natural negative step going to either side and doesn't seem to have a sense for how to get low in his torse and hips and seek contact.

 

[RuffRuff]

Mullins is going to be slight for a 3. He's 200lbs now and will have a playing weight under. Castle, Ajax, and Kneuppel as college players all had 15lbs on him.

True but has a great frame, still filling out. I don’t get the sense his lack of weight is going to be that limiting as his game is more about being springy and light on this feet. I think Steph was around 200 in HS.

 

[CL82]

You wanna talk depth I have a story for you.

Does it begin with "I never thought this would happen to me?"

 

[Iluvsuebird]

This season cannot start soon enough. This team has depth and high end talent. The question here is will we be better on ball defenders? Folks, last year was misery not because of offense. We were much, much better than fine offensively. We missed expectations because we could not defend the point of attack, or the wings, for that matter. The ironic aspect is that we have the athletes. Stewart and Ross are incredible athletes. We improved our D at the point, we have a veteran, athletic team coming back, we still have a big Bear down below, and our HC is pissed over how much we sucked defensively. I heard him say that "that s---wont happen again to one of his teams". And there is a reason he can say that: being a good defensive team is mostly about will and desire. I am convinced this team will be top 25 defensively, which means that we will be top 5 all year long.

 

[prankster]

This season cannot start soon enough. This team has depth and high end talent. The question here is will we be better on ball defenders? Folks, last year was misery not because of offense. We were much, much better than fine offensively. We missed expectations because we could not defend the point of attack, or the wings, for that matter. The ironic aspect is that we have the athletes. Stewart and Ross are incredible athletes. We improved our D at the point, we have a veteran, athletic team coming back, we still have a big Bear down below, and our HC is pissed over how much we sucked defensively. I heard him say that "that s---wont happen again to one of his teams". And there is a reason he can say that: being a good defensive team is mostly about will and desire. I am convinced this team will be top 25 defensively, which means that we will be top 5 all year long.

We began 24/25 from a very low performance level.

Ups and downs throughout the year and ultimately gave the eventual national championship everything they could handle in the se end round of the NCAAT.

I have some confidence we might have pulled out #7, had we had enough gas in the tank to have put Florida away.

Anyway...trust the syste., trust the staff.

Starting from a higher level this year than last.... 7 and 7 is...

 

[RuffRuff]

Mullins is going to be slight for a 3. He's 200lbs now and will have a playing weight under. Castle, Ajax, and Kneuppel as college players all had 15lbs on him.

True but has a great frame, still filling out. I don’t get the sense his lack of weight is going to be that limiting as his game is more about being springy and light on this feet. I think Steph was around 200 in HS.

 

[HooperScooper]

5. UConn​

Projected starting lineup

• G Silas Demary Jr.
• G Solo Ball
• G Braylon Mullins
• F Alex Karaban
• C Tarris Reed Jr.

Top reserves: F Jaylin Stewart, G Malachi Smith, F Eric Reibe, G/F Jayden Ross, G Jacob Furphy

Biggest preseason battle: Stewart and Mullins are battling for that final spot, and they make UConn have two vastly different pitches. Mullins is a tried-and-true sniper who shreds nets for a living. There are high hopes for the 6-6, five-star freshman shooting guard. Stewart provides Dan Hurley with some jumbo lineups. The 6-7, 225-pound forward can stretch the floor and put the ball on the deck a bit, but UConn becomes a massive handful on the glass when Stewart is on the floor with Reed at the same time. Stewart can also guard those burly forwards. Mullins is the favorite to win the starting gig, but Stewart is going to play early and often.

College basketball rankings: Projected starting lineup for every Top 25 And 1 team heading into 2025-26 season

Here are updated depth charts for the projected best teams in the country as preseason practices get underway

www.cbssports.com

 

[jibsey]

This guy doesn’t know Hurley? Or why he will start Stewart for his program loyalty? I mean he may only hold the starting spot for 3 games but Stew is definitely starting the season opener.

 

[NJHoops]

Hurley’s ideal minutes distribution was his 16-17 team, 10 guys averaging double digit minutes and no one over 30 per game and they won.

But, things happen and rosters get shorter and tighter as the stakes get raised.

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

Hurley’s ideal minutes distribution was his 16-17 team, 10 guys averaging double digit minutes and no one over 30 per game and they won.

But, things happen and rosters get shorter and tighter as the stakes get raised.

I can definitely see Karaban and Solo averaging over 30 minutes. Most likely, it’ll be an 8 man rotation come March.

 

[jibsey]

I can definitely see Karaban and Solo averaging over 30 minutes. Most likely, it’ll be an 8 man rotation come March.

They should be well rested for the big games on schedule. Hurley will play everybody early on against cupcakes.

 

[gtcam]

They should be well rested for the big games on schedule. Hurley will play everybody early on against cupcakes.

yes he will play everyone but he loves those blowout early games and ends up not playing his bench enough minutes to help them become productive at the end of the season. yeah, the kids get to practice against the starters but its not real game experience. Dan Hurley has to change that this season.