Roster Hopes

[navery12]

If AK comes back and we get Liam, aren’t we overly forward centric? Or can Ross or Liam play the 2? If not, and we bring in another G, will Ross/Abraham be ok with minimal playing time?

I'm not sure there's much playing time for Ross or Abraham anyway if we bring in McNeeley and no other guard, so hopefully they're OK with that

 

[Ricker]

If AK comes back and we get Liam, aren’t we overly forward centric? Or can Ross or Liam play the 2? If not, and we bring in another G, will Ross/Abraham be ok with minimal playing time?

The objective has to be to put the best team possible on the court and let the chips fall where they may. I think a team with 4 guards, 5 forwards, and 3 centers is about what you want in any year, with a 13th player being an extra in any of the categories. They have to expect competition. I think Ross could be disappointed given that Karaban, Stewart, McNeeley is a solid rotation at the 3/4. He needs to hit his open shots to deserve being disappointed, but if he is deserving, the odds are there will be some minutes to shine with 4 players at those 2 positions. We had Newton, Hawkins, Jackson, Diarra, Alleyne, and Calcaterra as 6 quality players for 3 positions. Abraham has to expect a year investment before he gets a real chance. If he is a good enough defender he might find some minutes to shutdown an opponent with size. I want everybody happy, but if Hurley is as honest with the guys as he claims, they know talent is being recruited and want guys on board to go after #7. If the team isn't having success and they aren't getting a chance, ....

 

[444JR]

Roster wants + hopes

G Diarra / Ball / Nowell
F Stewart / Ross / Abraham
C Reed Jr / Johnson / Singare

Additions
F McNeeley
G Brea
G Traore

Returners
Karaban and/or Andrew Hurley back

Stairway to Seven.

 

[bendm]

Roster wants + hopes

G Diarra / Ball / Nowell
F Stewart / Ross / Abraham
C Reed Jr / Johnson / Singare

Additions
F McNeeley
G Brea
G Traore

Returners
Karaban and/or Andrew Hurley back

Stairway to Seven.

this is something i'd expect to see on rupp's rafters haha

 

[444JR]

this is something i'd expect to see on rupp's rafters haha

Glad you found it enjoyable @bendm. OP said "Roster Hopes" and one can always hope. 13 scholarships, that's 13 players + Andrew Hurley.

• McNeeley is on a visit right now
• Brea just announced UConn in his top 5
• Traore is a highly touted, uncommitted guard (you yourself posted that the roster needs a starting level guard)

I will not be surprised if Karaban stays in the draft, but I hope he comes back because he plays the four spot in a way that Stewart, Abraham, and potential commit McNeeley do not.

Was my post "something you'd expect to see on rupp's rafters" because you don't think the combination of those 3 players committing and Karaban returning is a realistic expectation?

I usually enjoy your posts and roster takes, not sure why you felt the kentucky stray was called for.

 

[bendm]

Was my post "something you'd expect to see on rupp's rafters" because you don't think the combination of those 3 players committing and Karaban returning is a realistic expectation?

I usually enjoy your posts and roster takes, not sure why you felt the kentucky stray was called for.

right before i read your post my kentucky-fan friend had taken a rupps rafters screenshot of someone's dream roster for next season and i had a nice laugh. some of them think theyre getting Brea and McNeeley based on his zoom call if you can believe it. so hoping for McNeeley, Bea, Traore, and AK brought me back, that's all. we'd def threepeat tho that's for sure!

 

[Tyler2Rings]

Karaban and/or Andrew Hurley back

Huge difference between and, and or in that scenario

 

[444JR]

Huge difference between and, and or in that scenario

I want both back for sure. I said and/or with the thought that, if Karaban stays in the draft, having Andrew Hurley return would still provide some continuity, at least in the locker room and on the bench, from the last two championship teams.

 

[444JR]

right before i read your post my kentucky-fan friend had taken a rupps rafters screenshot of someone's dream roster for next season and i had a nice laugh. some of them think theyre getting Brea and McNeeley based on his zoom call if you can believe it. so hoping for McNeeley, Bea, Traore, and AK brought me back, that's all. we'd def threepeat tho that's for sure!

Lol cheers bro. I think they’re going to have a major identity crisis meltdown in Lexington over the next few seasons. The portal will help, but how potent of a draw will they have now? I’ve seen some astonishingly disconnected takes on twitter.

Could be a truly remarkable haul for UConn. Probably too many mouths to feed from the names I listed, but what a profound statement of strength it would be to grab those two 5* freshman and the best shooter in the country after coming off back to back championships!

Realistic want is for the McNeeley commitment, AK, and a cg that can handle and shoots 37%+ from 3.

 

[Ricker]

Mahaney thread sucks so bad, (thanks to many), that I decided to post my actual Mahaney thoughts here in comparison to other players.
I have to admit I am indifferent about getting him. Statistically I think Shulga shows more as a value add to this team. Hurley might put a greater value on having Mahaney potentially being here for 2 years, and possibly might infer greater loyalty to a program given that we would be Shulga's 3rd school after Utah St and VCU. I'll just point out a few measurables based on 2023-2024 season only.

Mahaney played 33.2 min over 34 games listed 6'3 180lbs
Shulga 32.9 min in 37 games listed 6'4 200lbs
Spencer 32.8 min in 40 games listed 6'4 205lbs
Brea 29.1 min in 33 games listed 6'6 205lbs
Diarra 19.4 min in 40 games listed 6'2 190lbs (his raw stats in -14 min per game than the others)

FT
Mahaney was 52-64 FT 81.3%
Shulga was 141-161 FT 87.6% which suggests attempting to be much more impactful with the ball
Spencer was only 82-90 91.1% for comparison
Brea 14-16 shows a spot up 3 point shooter only
Diarra 46-59 78% nearly as many attempts as Mahaney in 14 less minutes per game but 6 more games

3pointers
Mahaney 83-234 = 35.5%
Shulga 86-207 = 41.5%
Brea 100-201 = 49.8%
Spencer 99-225 = 44%
Diarra 25-70 = 35.7% (in far less minutes)

2 pt + overall FG %
Mahaney least efficient by far 168-435 38.6% 85-201 2pt
Shulga 146-327 44.6% 60-120 2pt (less attempts because went to FT more)
Spencer 196-405 48.4% 97-176 2pt
Brea 125-246 51.2% only 25-45 from 2 pt = 3 point specialist
Diarra 86-178 48.3% 61-108 from 2 point is way more efficient than 85-201 Mahaney

Assists per Game
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 3.6 Spencer 3.6 Diarra 2.4 in 14 less min per game than the others, Brea 1.2 (not his game)

Rebounds
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 4.6 Spencer 4.9 Brea 3.8 Diarra 3.0 (Mahaney least but may not have been asked to do as much)

Turnovers all between 1-2 per game does not distinguish anybody +/-

Who looks like they offer the most on paper? Mahaney?

 

[FreeKlaiber]

Mahaney thread sucks so bad, (thanks to many), that I decided to post my actual Mahaney thoughts here in comparison to other players.
I have to admit I am indifferent about getting him. Statistically I think Shulga shows more as a value add to this team. Hurley might put a greater value on having Mahaney potentially being here for 2 years, and possibly might infer greater loyalty to a program given that we would be Shulga's 3rd school after Utah St and VCU. I'll just point out a few measurables based on 2023-2024 season only.

Mahaney played 33.2 min over 34 games listed 6'3 180lbs
Shulga 32.9 min in 37 games listed 6'4 200lbs
Spencer 32.8 min in 40 games listed 6'4 205lbs
Brea 29.1 min in 33 games listed 6'6 205lbs
Diarra 19.4 min in 40 games listed 6'2 190lbs (his raw stats in -14 min per game than the others)

FT
Mahaney was 52-64 FT 81.3%
Shulga was 141-161 FT 87.6% which suggests attempting to be much more impactful with the ball
Spencer was only 82-90 91.1% for comparison
Brea 14-16 shows a spot up 3 point shooter only
Diarra 46-59 78% nearly as many attempts as Mahaney in 14 less minutes per game but 6 more games

3pointers
Mahaney 83-234 = 35.5%
Shulga 86-207 = 41.5%
Brea 100-201 = 49.8%
Spencer 99-225 = 44%
Diarra 25-70 = 35.7% (in far less minutes)

2 pt + overall FG %
Mahaney least efficient by far 168-435 38.6% 85-201 2pt
Shulga 146-327 44.6% 60-120 2pt (less attempts because went to FT more)
Spencer 196-405 48.4% 97-176 2pt
Brea 125-246 51.2% only 25-45 from 2 pt = 3 point specialist
Diarra 86-178 48.3% 61-108 from 2 point is way more efficient than 85-201 Mahaney

Assists per Game
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 3.6 Spencer 3.6 Diarra 2.4 in 14 less min per game than the others, Brea 1.2 (not his game)

Rebounds
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 4.6 Spencer 4.9 Brea 3.8 Diarra 3.0 (Mahaney least but may not have been asked to do as much)

Turnovers all between 1-2 per game does not distinguish anybody +/-

Who looks like they offer the most on paper? Mahaney?

I like Shulga more other than only one year vs 2 left for Mahaney. He's got more height and has that European game sensibility

 

[superjohn]

Mahaney thread sucks so bad, (thanks to many), that I decided to post my actual Mahaney thoughts here in comparison to other players.
I have to admit I am indifferent about getting him. Statistically I think Shulga shows more as a value add to this team. Hurley might put a greater value on having Mahaney potentially being here for 2 years, and possibly might infer greater loyalty to a program given that we would be Shulga's 3rd school after Utah St and VCU. I'll just point out a few measurables based on 2023-2024 season only.

Mahaney played 33.2 min over 34 games listed 6'3 180lbs
Shulga 32.9 min in 37 games listed 6'4 200lbs
Spencer 32.8 min in 40 games listed 6'4 205lbs
Brea 29.1 min in 33 games listed 6'6 205lbs
Diarra 19.4 min in 40 games listed 6'2 190lbs (his raw stats in -14 min per game than the others)

FT
Mahaney was 52-64 FT 81.3%
Shulga was 141-161 FT 87.6% which suggests attempting to be much more impactful with the ball
Spencer was only 82-90 91.1% for comparison
Brea 14-16 shows a spot up 3 point shooter only
Diarra 46-59 78% nearly as many attempts as Mahaney in 14 less minutes per game but 6 more games

3pointers
Mahaney 83-234 = 35.5%
Shulga 86-207 = 41.5%
Brea 100-201 = 49.8%
Spencer 99-225 = 44%
Diarra 25-70 = 35.7% (in far less minutes)

2 pt + overall FG %
Mahaney least efficient by far 168-435 38.6% 85-201 2pt
Shulga 146-327 44.6% 60-120 2pt (less attempts because went to FT more)
Spencer 196-405 48.4% 97-176 2pt
Brea 125-246 51.2% only 25-45 from 2 pt = 3 point specialist
Diarra 86-178 48.3% 61-108 from 2 point is way more efficient than 85-201 Mahaney

Assists per Game
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 3.6 Spencer 3.6 Diarra 2.4 in 14 less min per game than the others, Brea 1.2 (not his game)

Rebounds
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 4.6 Spencer 4.9 Brea 3.8 Diarra 3.0 (Mahaney least but may not have been asked to do as much)

Turnovers all between 1-2 per game does not distinguish anybody +/-

Who looks like they offer the most on paper? Mahaney?

Basketball games aren't played on paper.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Mahaney thread sucks so bad, (thanks to many), that I decided to post my actual Mahaney thoughts here in comparison to other players.
I have to admit I am indifferent about getting him. Statistically I think Shulga shows more as a value add to this team. Hurley might put a greater value on having Mahaney potentially being here for 2 years, and possibly might infer greater loyalty to a program given that we would be Shulga's 3rd school after Utah St and VCU. I'll just point out a few measurables based on 2023-2024 season only.

Mahaney played 33.2 min over 34 games listed 6'3 180lbs
Shulga 32.9 min in 37 games listed 6'4 200lbs
Spencer 32.8 min in 40 games listed 6'4 205lbs
Brea 29.1 min in 33 games listed 6'6 205lbs
Diarra 19.4 min in 40 games listed 6'2 190lbs (his raw stats in -14 min per game than the others)

FT
Mahaney was 52-64 FT 81.3%
Shulga was 141-161 FT 87.6% which suggests attempting to be much more impactful with the ball
Spencer was only 82-90 91.1% for comparison
Brea 14-16 shows a spot up 3 point shooter only
Diarra 46-59 78% nearly as many attempts as Mahaney in 14 less minutes per game but 6 more games

3pointers
Mahaney 83-234 = 35.5%
Shulga 86-207 = 41.5%
Brea 100-201 = 49.8%
Spencer 99-225 = 44%
Diarra 25-70 = 35.7% (in far less minutes)

2 pt + overall FG %
Mahaney least efficient by far 168-435 38.6% 85-201 2pt
Shulga 146-327 44.6% 60-120 2pt (less attempts because went to FT more)
Spencer 196-405 48.4% 97-176 2pt
Brea 125-246 51.2% only 25-45 from 2 pt = 3 point specialist
Diarra 86-178 48.3% 61-108 from 2 point is way more efficient than 85-201 Mahaney

Assists per Game
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 3.6 Spencer 3.6 Diarra 2.4 in 14 less min per game than the others, Brea 1.2 (not his game)

Rebounds
Mahaney 2.6 Shulga 4.6 Spencer 4.9 Brea 3.8 Diarra 3.0 (Mahaney least but may not have been asked to do as much)

Turnovers all between 1-2 per game does not distinguish anybody +/-

Who looks like they offer the most on paper? Mahaney?

So we may go after the Big Toe?

I like it!

 

[nomar]

You willed Karaban onto the team and for that you'll forever be part of Boneyard "lore" and may even be granted a waiver of the Five Year Rule for early entry into the Boneyard Hall of Fame.

Having said that, there are some sticklers that are resisting the waiver but could be swayed if you deliver McNeeley..........ball's in your court and many of us are rooting for you!

I want @Ricker to will Karaban onto the 2024-25 roster

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Sweet Jesus.

Sorry. I was reacting to another Cooper reference.

 

[ec33]

Mahaney thread sucks so bad, (thanks to many), that I decided to post my actual Mahaney thoughts here in comparison to other players.
I have to admit I am indifferent about getting him. Statistically I think Shulga shows more as a value add to this team. Hurley might put a greater value on having Mahaney potentially being here for 2 years, and possibly might infer greater loyalty to a program given that we would be Shulga's 3rd school after Utah St and VCU. I'll just point out a few measurables based on 2023-2024 season only.

Which one makes a better point guard if necessary? Because I am guessing that is the distinguishing characteristic at play here.

I am with you in that I won't be broken hearted if Shulga somehow finds his way onto the team - but they are looking at something different here when accessing their options.