Not sure the minutes but I am excited for the answer to these 3 things-
1. Akok, Bouknight, Gaffney, and Springs are the first core group of Hurley guys evaluated and identified by this staff to be the first foundation of their tenure. How will they do? How is their skill level? Most important thing heading into the season because it will tell us if the staff is the real deal or not.
2. Can Gilbert last a full season and be an all conference type player? Can he make a jump in consistency? Make better decisions? Protect his body on the court?
3. Will Carlton and Polley make a jump in their 3rd year? Carlton won most improved last year. He needs to continue that trend and be more consistent. Polley hit some big 3's and would have games where he couldn't buy a shot. Can he be a consistent 3 point dagger shooter?
There's been a lot of debate about Whaley vs Springs but I doubt the season will hinge on either. We know what we will get from Vital. A guy that will play hard, take some shots that drive us crazy that will either go in or be like having a turnover and end up with like 15-18 points during it all. Total question marks are Adams and Wilson. Adams dropped off pretty big late last year after a promising start. I hope that was more due to the Jalen/AG injuries and just being overwhelmed and asked to do too much. Hurley did recruit him at URI and bring him to Storrs so he must like something. Hurley just doesn't strike me as being too high on Sid. Just a vibe I get.
Starters- Gilbert, Vital, Carlton, Akok, Polley
Big minutes off bench- Bouknight and Gaffney
Will get some minutes, still a question mark how much- Wilson and Adams
Emergency depth when frontcourt gets foul trouble or an injury- Whaley and Springs