Is this kid not on our radar? Seems like a great fit

[jibsey]

What kind of certainty does Alex have as to his draft position? Is that position likely within say 5 spots and is he first round pick or very early second round?

 

[Fishy]

AK is a fringe draft pick at this point; this past year did nothing to help his draft stock.

The make up of the team hurt his game - he’s best when he’s in motion and we had a two-pronged effort in keeping him from doing that this year. First, we really did not have a natural point guard to keep things moving and second, we had a bunch of guys who were spot up shooters who would become anchored in place which meant Alex had to stop moving. (Liam often settled in the right corner which would often bring most of the motion to a halt.)

I am not sold on him as an NBA player - I think he might be just barely below that level, but I do think there’s a chance that next year’s team, with two good guards and Solo’s progress, really could free Alex up and let him be more of the player who drew NBA attention to start with.

Plus, he’d likely make more money here next year.

 

[navery12]

Doesn’t address the legit concern regarding guys who might be interested in starting at UConn if Alex leaves but that might not enter the portal in time if Alex doesn’t publicly announce at least a few days before it closes. Unless you’re confident staff is tampering with any potential future transfers. We also coulda landed Hall or Watts already.

There's no reason to think they're not doing this, especially when the staff has all but come out and said they're prepared for every outcome

 

[NJHusky]

AK is a fringe draft pick at this point; this past year did nothing to help his draft stock.

The make up of the team hurt his game - he’s best when he’s in motion and we had a two-pronged effort in keeping him from doing that this year. First, we really did not have a natural point guard to keep things moving and second, we had a bunch of guys who were spot up shooters who would become anchored in place which meant Alex had to stop moving. (Liam often settled in the right corner which would often bring most of the motion to a halt.)

I am not sold on him as an NBA player - I think he might be just barely below that level, but I do think there’s a chance that next year’s team, with two good guards and Solo’s progress, really could free Alex up and let him be more of the player who drew NBA attention to start with.

Plus, he’d likely make more money here next year.

It really doesn't seem like he has much benefit to going pro this year v next. As you said, he'll make more money @Uconn.

He's not a lead dog, and trying to turn him into one did him no favors, nor did not having adequate PG play. He's best in the flow of the offense facilitating and taking his shots in the flow.

I don't really understand the benefit of leaving...other than being a year older. Would that hurt his status that much, especially if he had a better year with a more balanced team around him?

 

[Huskyforlife]

At some point there just aren’t that many forward options left, that’s how long we’ve been waiting. It’s this dude and Darrion Williams for power forwards, and Williams is probably gonna be in that 2.5 range I doubt we’ll dabble in.

Curious to see what the plan is if Alex does declare.

 

[Fishy]

There's no reason to think they're not doing this, especially when the staff has all but come out and said they're prepared for every outcome

Yep.

We have no idea what’s going on - I’m sure their plans have plans and backup plans.

I’m guessing none of it involves panicking because some kid from Robert Morris is in the portal.

 

[TheChamps990411]

We are so impatient here ! If Hurley truly doesn't know yet, then AK deserves some patience from us for his commitment/time/success to the program. As Tom said, unless something is public - assume he is staying. With the addition of the new guards, and NIL $, don't be surprised .

I think hes a player we should go after regardless of AKs decision. Hes just such a great fit. If Ak stays he can come off the bench at a school where he`ll get a lot of minutes, have a chance at a title and can look to start as a senior. Its just a great fit. Dan Hurley should be on him but again what do i know?

 

[Umami Zen]

Seems to me that AK's decision is more financial than going pro this year or next. He will make more money in college than where he is being projected in the pros. Right team-right coach-right role-might work for him. That's a long shot. His athleticism- for the pros-is average.

This year's roster makeup will allow him to fine- tune some deficiencies and showcase his skills. His coach and teammates respect what he brings to the table as a player and leader. This team has the potential for FF with Alex on board. Apparently we've got to get his agent on board for a return. He'll land on his feet either way.

 

[boog204]

I think hes a player we should go after regardless of AKs decision. Hes just such a great fit. If Ak stays he can come off the bench at a school where he`ll get a lot of minutes, have a chance at a title and can look to start as a senior. Its just a great fit. Dan Hurley should be on him but again what do i know?

Because he can go and be a starter and make more $$ going somewhere else now. Not that hard to figure out.

 

[RuffRuff]

Since we're hand-wringing and speculating, I'll float another entirely plausible theory while hopefully staying within BY rules:

Perhaps Alex has decision options "A" and "B" made already. Can't say them out loud due to BY rules but you can figure what they could be.

"A" and "B" may be equally "good" decisions in Alex's and the staff's mind. Which one eventually chosen depends on outcomes of ongoing portal inquiries/activities that are not public yet (since our staff is great at radio silence activity).

Dominos could fall really quickly.

All of you chicken littles that think the staff is just sitting there doing nothing while Alex's decision-making process is going on and players are entering/exiting the portal haven't really been paying any attention to recruiting methods and outcomes during the Hurley era.

You're 100% right, but the staff should know we fans like to be in the know

 

[mauconnfan]

AK is a fringe draft pick at this point; this past year did nothing to help his draft stock.

The make up of the team hurt his game - he’s best when he’s in motion and we had a two-pronged effort in keeping him from doing that this year. First, we really did not have a natural point guard to keep things moving and second, we had a bunch of guys who were spot up shooters who would become anchored in place which meant Alex had to stop moving. (Liam often settled in the right corner which would often bring most of the motion to a halt.)

I am not sold on him as an NBA player - I think he might be just barely below that level, but I do think there’s a chance that next year’s team, with two good guards and Solo’s progress, really could free Alex up and let him be more of the player who drew NBA attention to start with.

Plus, he’d likely make more money here next year.

Spot on Fishy agree!!

 

[FearThePups]

I think hes a player we should go after regardless of AKs decision. Hes just such a great fit. If Ak stays he can come off the bench at a school where he`ll get a lot of minutes, have a chance at a title and can look to start as a senior. Its just a great fit. Dan Hurley should be on him but again what do i know?

I believe you are right. We seem to have an abundance of SF and few PF. Whether Alex stays or goes we do need another PF.

 

[Slim Marlo]

AK is a fringe draft pick at this point; this past year did nothing to help his draft stock.

The make up of the team hurt his game - he’s best when he’s in motion and we had a two-pronged effort in keeping him from doing that this year. First, we really did not have a natural point guard to keep things moving and second, we had a bunch of guys who were spot up shooters who would become anchored in place which meant Alex had to stop moving. (Liam often settled in the right corner which would often bring most of the motion to a halt.)

I am not sold on him as an NBA player - I think he might be just barely below that level, but I do think there’s a chance that next year’s team, with two good guards and Solo’s progress, really could free Alex up and let him be more of the player who drew NBA attention to start with.

Plus, he’d likely make more money here next year.

This is just untrue I