Maybe so, but if I'm the best sixth man in the league and the guys starting in front of me are gone I would hope I get a good look at the starting job.
If Reed starts over Johnson, it is more about defense/foul management than either of their offense IMO. Should be a heck of a battle, though I expect a relatively even minutes split regardless of who starts.
You could be right I think it’s a toss up with he and McNeeley. Then again no Alex, he and Liam start more than likely.
I really think Stewart needs to start. I think he is going to show out this upcoming season.
I'm not sure Stewart is the starter in game 1, but can see him becoming a starter later in the season. Lots of talent on the roster. The starting lineup will sort itself out during practices. Coach Hurley has a chance to do something unprecedented in the modern era. He is going to do everything in his power to make that happen.
I think Diarra starts based on being the only guard left from two championship seasons and Hurley needs him just for continuity. Especially if AK doesn’t come back. I don’t think the coaching staff wants to start off with an entirely new starting five.
I haven’t watched much of Reed, but one reason not to start SJ (based on last season) is his propensity to pick up quick fouls.
Storrs Central says it’s 50/50.
Yeah I'm hoping the staff will have worked on that this offseason and with some additional strength and footwork he can come back better on keeping himself in front of the player and basket without fouling. If not I agree he will eventually be a backup Center again.
He also has to stop the moving screens
Maybe. But he's old for a junior. He's looking at probably playing at least 5 fewer minutes a game. There's no small ball 5 minutes now and Stewart/Alex/McNeeley each need 20+ and can only play the two F positions. I don't think it will be an easy choice for him.
Good logic. Kind of like what was done this year with having some many options of players and schemes that opponents couldn’t plan their defense and offense strategies.
I really don’t know how NIL is allocated, but assuming that the better players are allocated more than the lesser players, it stands to reason that Alex will earn more at UConn than if he’s a second round pick that may not even make a roster. Now if it appears he will be drafted in the first round, all bets are off. In any case, I’m curious about how he and his family will base the decision to stay or go. And as far as playing in Europe, won’t that always be an option for him?
I would flip flop Samson and Reed so that his minutes align with Hass'. They are really complimentary and have great chemistry.
I think in this case their per 40's is the better comp. Samson and solo were both restricted due to playing the same position as lottery picks.
I honestly can't imagine him getting minutes unless Karaban leaves. I think he would be the backup for McNeeley at the 3 in that case.
Which, if SJ's proven propensity in 23/24 to accumulate fouls at an astonishing rate is any indication of what to expect, Reed Jr just might as well start.
No way is Ball or Mahaney a true PG. I think Hass will start but Mahaney might be playing the SG too. Hurley likes having two ball handlers in at the same time to run the offense at least to start. I think Ball is the first guard off the bench unless he improves his handle and driving skills. Either way I don't see a lineup at least of the start of the season where Hass isn't our starting PG.
