Jalen likely returning

[Huskyforlife]

 

[Storrs South]

This is the best news Husky fans have received since Jalen decided to return last year

 

[UCFan1513]

Now we need to make sure that the rats and scavengers don’t try to sway him to the NBA

 

[UCDaveD]

Awesome news.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Time to Shabazz your way into the first round of the draft next year Jalen... tourney run and everything!

 

[UConnNick]

Will he change his mind if Ollie gets the axe?

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Can’t wait for #year4hunnid

 

[lange10]

He'll be stoked when he finds out Hurley will be his coach.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Will he change his mind if Ollie gets the axe?

I hate myself for saying this but I’d want KO back if it meant Jalen was coming back. I don’t know what their relationship is though.

 

[husky429]

I hate myself for saying this but I’d want KO back if it meant Jalen was coming back. I don’t know what their relationship is though.

No player is worth that. Jalen has potential if a real coach holds him accountable when he turns into a pouty bonehead.

 

[80shusky]

That would be nice. It would at least be good to have one position be solid going into next season. Also he would help as a mentor to Akinjo to an extent. If nothing else, the team needs at least four guards minimum.

 

[nychuskyfan]

This will disappoint the posters who think getting rid of our best player is the key to a successful 2019.

 

[3rdbass]

That would be nice. It would at least be good to have one position be solid going into next season. Also he would help as a mentor to Akinjo to an extent. If nothing else, the team needs at least four guards minimum.

I hope your four guards don't include Gilbert as that is what we had going into this year. We need at least 5 especially since we like to run small ball with 3 guards. Can't count on Gilbert with his injury history.

 

[intlzncster]

I hate myself for saying this but I’d want KO back if it meant Jalen was coming back. I don’t know what their relationship is though.

Me neither, but if he's considering returning it's probably pretty good.

 

[Huskyforlife]

So early 2018 lineup projection:

PG: Adams-Gilbert/Akinjo
SG: Vital-Gilbert/Akinjo
SF: Polley-Mathews
PF: Wilson-Diarra
C: Carlton-Cobb

After that we have:

Whaley
Williams
Kisunas

Those three can work their way onto the court and into the rotation with strong off-seasons.

How do we feel about that team?

 

[JMick]

If Adams comes back and we have a new coach we might be back sooner than I thought was possible.

 

[80shusky]

I hope your four guards don't include Gilbert as that is what we had going into this year. We need at least 5 especially since we like to run small ball with 3 guards. Can't count on Gilbert with his injury history.

Agreed, why I said minimum. Without Adams, we're down to three with Gilbert. No bueno. I suppose you could move Wilson to SG in a pinch.

 

[Storrs South]

So early 2018 lineup projection:

PG: Adams-Gilbert/Akinjo
SG: Vital-Gilbert/Akinjo
SF: Polley-Mathews
PF: Wilson-Diarra
C: Carlton-Cobb

After that we have:

Whaley
Williams
Kisunas

Those three can work their way onto the court and into the rotation with strong off-seasons.

How do we feel about that team?

On paper that's a squad, but we've also said that 4 years running now and only have 1 NCAA tournament appearance to show for it.

 

[3rdbass]

Agreed, why I said minimum. Without Adams, we're down to three with Gilbert. No bueno. I suppose you could move Wilson to SG in a pinch.

I still think it is needs to be 5 at a minimum or we will run into the same issues again if we need to run small ball. I know Emmit Mathews could play some guard but he looks better suited to play SF. I rather Wilson play up from too.

 

[intlzncster]

So early 2018 lineup projection:

PG: Adams-Gilbert/Akinjo
SG: Vital-Gilbert/Akinjo
SF: Polley-Mathews
PF: Wilson-Diarra
C: Carlton-Cobb

After that we have:

Whaley
Williams
Kisunas

Those three can work their way onto the court and into the rotation with strong off-seasons.

How do we feel about that team?

While it's a nice thought exercise, until we see what's happening with the coaching and subsequent player movement, it's kinda moot.

I'd switch up your lineups though.

PG: Adams-Gilbert/Akinjo
SG: Vital-Mathews-Adams
SF: Polley-Wilson
PF: Diarra-Williams
C: Carlton-Diarra/Williams

Bench:
Cobb
Whaley
Kisunas

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

I think Adams will be the player we thought he could be next year. Test the waters and then put in a summer of work that he failed to do up till now. Good chance we are looking at the All American we all hoped for. Kid loves UConn/KO. It is what it is...

 

[intlzncster]

On paper that's a squad, but we've also said that 4 years running now and only have 1 1st round NCAA Tournament win to show for it.

If Jalen was a soph this year, and you had that squad in 2 years time, you'd have something. They'll still be pretty green next year.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

On paper that's a squad, but we've also said that 4 years running now and only have 1 1st round NCAA Tournament win to show for it.

We need to add a Big on the Grad Transfer market. IF we do...

 

[Jaker]

While it's a nice thought exercise, until we see what's happening with the coaching and subsequent player movement, it's kinda moot.

I'd switch up your lineups though.

PG: Adams-Gilbert/Akinjo
SG: Vital-Mathews-PG
SF: Polley-Wilson
PF: Diarra-Williams
C: Carlton-Diarra/Williams

Bench:
Cobb
Whaley
Kisunas

Need to find someone that can shoot consistently to join that group.

 

[Danzz]

I hope your four guards don't include Gilbert as that is what we had going into this year. We need at least 5 especially since we like to run small ball with 3 guards. Can't count on Gilbert with his injury history.

Akinjo is a PG and will allow Jalen to play off the ball and fill in at PG much the way Ben Gordon was used. If Gilbert stays healthy all the better. It isn't likely that we will sign another guard at this late date.