Reasons to be optimistic for next year

[sirjames]

I feel next year will be better than most expect simply because Jordan Hawkins/Sanogo/Karaban are going to be unreal, however other factors need to happen to pull the whole puzzle together:
1) Dan Hurley employs a mentor to help him with the issues that have become apparent and will not improve on it's own.
2) All the young guys get appreciable playing time beyond end of game minutes vs the early season cupcakes. Why worry about the rankings early in the season when injuries and fatigue come to haunt you later in the season. I would rather be unranked through December than fizzle in February and March - especially in March.
3) Sanogo has to become a basketball player. He needs to work on a midrange game, he needs to hone his on floor recognition/passing skills and needs to learn when to dunk and that he needs to see the rim with every shot and that the backboard is his friend.
4) Clingan has to see the floor immediately and everyone has to overlook any early season hiccups. You cannot coach 7'2" and he can only improve. Sanogo is not a 5 and will never play 5 in the NBA if he gets that far.
5) AJ cannot be the PG, neither can Gaffney. Sool is the only true PG on the roster and he was damn good coming in to UConn but all he did was hold Andrew Hurley's hand on the bench. I've seen him in practice and see what he can do, Hurley has spoken to his abilities yet he doesn't play - yeah he has had a few rough minutes in actual game - I will bet my house that if this kid was at Houston he would be playing and giving productive minutes. I don't think, from what I have seen, Floyd is really a PG. He is a very solid player and he loves to mix it up. I see him in the mold of a Ben Gordon - a solid scorer and would spell Hawk at the 2 and slip Hawk to the 3 when UConn goes small.
6) Alex Karaban is a talent that UConn hasn't seen in quite a while if ever - he has size 6'8" (needs a bit of muscle) yet can play nearly any position on the floor - he came this winter with a great midrange shooting game and has over the time improved his 3 pt shooting greatly. His biggest weakness is that he is not the quickest and needs to hit the boards with better positioning. He is too good not to play. He should be the 4 or 3 depending who else is on the court.
7) No way do you go xfer portal for a PG - why recruit and do this? As far as I am concerned, the portal is to overcome issues not addressed in recruitment. Dan Hurley can recruit and has done so, he needs to develop players.

I would like to see a lineup in December of:

1) Sool/Floyd/Gaff
2) Hawkins/Floyd/Gaff
3) Karaban/AJ 50/50 PT
4)Sanogo/Karaban/Johnson
5)Clingan/Johnson/Sanogo

I agree - we need to give the guys we recruited a chance or we aren’t going to keep getting them to come.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I agree - we need to give the guys we recruited a chance or we aren’t going to keep getting them to come.

Seriously, the only guys who’s had a chance to lead that are Hurley recruits is Bouknight and kinda Sanogo.

I am looking forward to seeing the much more talented Hawkins and Jackson step into that leadership role. Will be interesting to see how Jackson plays when he can’t fall back on Cole and Martin anymore and it’ll be on him.

 

[Jre2000]

I understand that kids deserve to be rewarded for performing in practice, but I think it's important Hurley changes his ways a bit to match next season's young roster. Hawkins, Jackson, Sanogo should get 30+ minutes a game. After that, I think virtually everyone should split time... at least leading up to conference play. Everyone deserves a shot to prove themselves in-game and should have the time to play through mistakes and growing pains. After the big 3 getting 30+ minutes. I think minutes should look like this: Diggins, Gaffney, and Floyd at 12-18 mpg each. Akok, Johnson, and Karaban all between 14-18 mpg. And then Clingan gets 6-8 mpg, or simply whenever Sanogo isn't on the floor. Everyone after the big 3 should be getting substantial minutes and in-game opportunities leading up to conference play. Then once we get into BE play, we can actually form more of a set rotation based on who earned it from their play. This will be a very young team that needs to get legit minutes, especially against that preseason competition so they won't have those growing pains in january.

 

[Fatroony5]

Can we stop projecting minutes for players in this thread? We have no idea what the roster will even look like lol. Reasons to be optimistic: Hurley will likely add more talent to the roster.

 

[HooperScooper]

I agree - we need to give the guys we recruited a chance or we aren’t going to keep getting them to come.

Wasn't UConn 1 of only 3 D1 schools not to take a transfer this past year (I thought I read that on here)? So all these other schools aren't worried about that?

I don't think Hurley should take multiple transfers but taking 1 once in a while to fill in a hole in the roster isn't a bad idea. If Cole leaves it seems pretty risky to rely on Gaffney and Diggins next season. They may be good but it is a risk. Adding another guard into the mix isn't going to kill Diggins' development. There's still lots of playing time available and if Gaffney and/or Diggins are worthy then they will play.

 

[Icehawk]

I'm optimistic - it'll be a tough 8mos otherwise.

This year we had a somewhat similar situation as last year - one main player and too much focus on them doing their thing. Sanogo cannot be the sole scoring funnel with nothing else around, we saw what happens - he gets stifled and we lose. He's not going to touch the NBA as a 5 he's way too short - and we saw 7'ers dominating him several times. He's still new to the game and I think there is unrealized upside but I hope they have him try working the 4 during the offseason, if he could shift there that could really help bring a new face to the Huskies gameplay.

I do think we should look at the portal along with developing our existing young guns. Hurley needs to a win BE, BET, or at least a weekend if he doesn't want to see torches and pitchforks outside - bearing in mind of course that fiscally he's probably locked in Ewings-style for at least 2 more years if not more.

 

[August_West]

He's not going to touch the NBA as a 5 he's way too short - and we saw 7'ers dominating him several times. He's still new to the game and I think there is unrealized upside but I hope they have him try working the 4 during the offseason, if he could shift there that could really help bring a new face to the Huskies gameplay.

It doesn't matter that hes not a 5 in the NBA. He's not a 4 in college. Never will be. Can't be. Would be disastrous to even try. He's a pure 5. I'm sure we will see bits of Clingan and Sanogo on the floor together by happenstance, but not often and not long.

 

[August_West]

Can we stop projecting minutes for players in this thread? We have no idea what the roster will even look like lol. Reasons to be optimistic: Hurley will likely add more talent to the roster.

Actually we have a better idea than about 330 schools in regards to what our roster will look like.

 

[bigknight3]

We were 9-3 with 3 OT losses once Gaffney took the reigns as PG fyi... He wasn't a great scorer throughout that time either. He just did an amazing job facilitating. Something Cole wasn't the best at and another reason I personally look forward to next year fit wise.

How was Gaffney at facilitating 2 years later..?

 

[Deleted at users request]

How was Gaffney at facilitating 2 years later..?

We haven’t asked him to be a lead guard since.

 

[jibsey]

We need a 2 guard, who can get his own shot and make 3 pointers. Because we don't know if we have enough next year with what we have. When will we know who is coming back?

 

[PAHusky]

LOL stop it. Our best player is returning (Sanogo). AJax will improve drastically and the offense that Hawk, Karaaban and Floyd will bring to the table will make us a realistic threat in the tourney

Sanogo is our best player but if this year didn't convince you that having your best player be a traditional center isn't working in today's game unless he's surrounded by a bunch of shooters, not sure what to tell you.

I think Hawkins, Karaban and Floyd will all be great eventually, but saying two borderline top 100 recruits who haven't played a minute and a guy who showed flashes this year but was inconsistent are going to not only get us to the tourney but make us a realistic threat is asking a lot.

 

[Horatio]

Because of the roster uncertainty, right now I’m thinking we’re gonna take one step back and move forward the following season. If certain players come back and we use the portal, that will change

 

[bigknight3]

We haven’t asked him to be a lead guard since.

That's not true. Thru the middle of Big East play we asked him plenty of times to be the lead guard when Cole needed a rest around the 12:00 min mark. Teams would pressure him and or offense would stall and Hurley had to bring Cole back in sooner than anticipated.

Latest in the season it was apparent that Jackson was better suited for the job.

 

[Deleted at users request]

That's not true. Thru the middle of Big East play we asked him plenty of times to be the lead guard when Cole needed a rest around the 12:00 min mark. Teams would pressure him and or offense would stall and Hurley had to bring Cole back in sooner than anticipated.

Latest in the season it was apparent that Jackson was better suited for the job.

There’s a difference between being a consistent starter knowing guys and the coaches trust you and getting 10-15 minutes off the bench knowing you can get subbed out if mistakes happen. Confidence is important. We saw Jordan Hawkins get affected by the same thing. Gaffney has looked like one of our best players when he plays confidently and aggressively ie the tournament last year.

It’s part of the reason I’m looking forward to seeing if guys can play up to how they looked at time next year with consistent starter minutes like how Cole and Martin did this year.

@navery12 I get it you’re not a fan of any of my opinions. Lol

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Next year is a total rebuild. Goal should be NIT

 

[Marat]

Next year is a total rebuild. Goal should be NIT

What would you call the year Hurley took over?

 

[August_West]

Sanogo is our best player but if this year didn't convince you that having your best player be a traditional center isn't working in today's game unless he's surrounded by a bunch of shooters, not sure what to tell you.

That and then if your best player is a traditional center he damn well better shoot 10 percentage points higher.

 

[Colin G]

I like both kids but if UConn is relying on Gaff and Akok for major contributions next season, they’re in trouble.

Agreed, I bet those 2 are the least used starters if they start at all. Ajax is enough of a facilitator that I bet we see floyd/hawkins/jackson lineups, with sool taking minutes too. Samson will play big minutes at the 4, so could karaban so we'll see, wouldnt say major contributions, but based on the past i bet this is the lineup hurley will go with, he plays his more experienced players at the moment.

 

[Fatroony5]

Agreed, I bet those 2 are the least used starters if they start at all. Ajax is enough of a facilitator that I bet we see floyd/hawkins/jackson lineups, with sool taking minutes too. Samson will play big minutes at the 4, so could karaban so we'll see, wouldnt say major contributions, but based on the past i bet this is the lineup hurley will go with, he plays his more experienced players at the moment.

If gaff and Akok are starters, they’re in trouble.

 

[Colin G]

If gaff and Akok are starters, they’re in trouble.

Eh it could be worse, would prefer Samson emerging and a transfer pg for sure, but I still think gaff can show more than what he had this past year.

 

[Fatroony5]

Eh it could be worse, would prefer Samson emerging and a transfer pg for sure, but I still think gaff can show more than what he had this past year.

Maybe so, but I certainly would not be comfortable with those two being starters at this point. They seem like great young men, but for whatever reasons, it just hasn’t come together. It happens. But no way they should go into the season banking on major minutes and contributions from Gaff or Akok next season, major risk doing that.

 

[jdb50]

Can not run our offense through Adama next year. He has to be one of the players on the court that can score while we run an offense that uses every player. The missed layups with no one near the rim to get an offensive rebound really hurt us.

 

[GotNets?]

Can not run our offense through Adama next year. He has to be one of the players on the court that can score while we run an offense that uses every player. The missed layups with no one near the rim to get an offensive rebound really hurt us.

He does do that a lot, but watching Carlton, I remember him doing that a lot too. Sanogo has way better touch naturally but if he keeps improving the footwork, maybe he’ll stop the bad misses.

 

[tentoes4rings]

What do you mean East West game?

That was the whole thing with Gaff that was such a great fit that year. He didn’t do too much. He ran offense, didn’t turn it over, and took what was given to him. Craig Austrie with more athleticism.

Gaffney isn’t a scorer though, he’s a facilitator. Hard to ask a guy like that to make an impact off the bench if he’s expected to come in and score consistently IMO.

I get the feeling you’ve watched a different Jalen Gaffney than us the past 3 years.

 

[Deleted at users request]

He does do that a lot, but watching Carlton, I remember him doing that a lot too. Sanogo has way better touch naturally but if he keeps improving the footwork, maybe he’ll stop the bad misses.

Hey man your profile picture makes me think of the 09 team that was a favorite. AJ Price was such a great, dependable, clutch guard for us. They were so fun to watch when healthy.

We had such great talent from 2004-2011. Crazy to think AJ could’ve been the missing piece to 06 and the Dyson injury cost us another ring in 09. The 09 team was the best team in the country until dyson went down. Still got to the Final 4.

 

[Mr. French]

I’ve read through a lot of this, and agreed with a ton of what’s been said.

It all boils down, to me, to the fact we’ll have a really talented core of Jackson, Sanogo and Hawkins. Any of those guys can be a game changer/all-conference type player. Then we have LOADS of depth, though unproven.

Basketball is interesting because fit and chemistry can matter a ton, and you only need 1-3 studs and the rest can be good supporting cast.

We have the talent to be that, the ceiling is there. That’s what to be optimistic about. If guys develop right, especially in today’s college BBall atmosphere, they can absolutely become dangerous and have a great year.

Look at Arizona this year or any other of a million examples every year. We’ll have tons of talent at every spot. That potential should be exciting rather than worrying, for fans.

 

[caw]

If gaff and Akok are starters, they’re in trouble.

More worried about Gaff than Akok. Akok can be a good player if healthy (big question).

If you can pencil in AJax, Sanogo and Hawkins, UConn should be decent.

If Akok starts at the four and stays healthy, UConn should be good.

PG and bench depth are the big questions. So many unknowns off the bench, but a ton of talent as well.

 

[metsfan2323]

Reasons to be excited about next year:

Hawkins
Jackson
Sanogo
Akok

and the return of some talented underclassman plus we have two scholarships open. Hopefully Cole fills one.

 

[UConnDad]

I’ve read through a lot of this, and agreed with a ton of what’s been said.

It all boils down, to me, to the fact we’ll have a really talented core of Jackson, Sanogo and Hawkins. Any of those guys can be a game changer/all-conference type player. Then we have LOADS of depth, though unproven.

Basketball is interesting because fit and chemistry can matter a ton, and you only need 1-3 studs and the rest can be good supporting cast.

We have the talent to be that, the ceiling is there. That’s what to be optimistic about. If guys develop right, especially in today’s college BBall atmosphere, they can absolutely become dangerous and have a great year.

Look at Arizona this year or any other of a million examples every year. We’ll have tons of talent at every spot. That potential should be exciting rather than worrying, for fans.

I just don’t see the wealth of talent at guard. Without RJ we have no evidence of even one quality backcourt performer. I’d love to be optimistic but we need guards.