Starting five for 2025-26

[Son of Robert]

Improvement is one thing, expecting a player to become something they are not is another.

This isn't a correct statement, go back and watch some film. Jalen's game coming into UConn was full of creativity and iso moves. From what I saw he played more at the 4, more midrange and transition offensive play, rebounding and quick post move putbacks, plenty of iso, a good shooter as well. His game has not completely transitioned to the college level; he is more so taking what the defense gives him, threes, open shots, some transition and putbacks etc., vs looking to create and score, imposing his will on some level, as well as having plays run for him which I have not seen a lot of. I guess we'll all know when we see it, it's probably the difference between him starting at the 3, or Mullins finding his way there. Needless to say, if he gets it going we will be a much stronger team.

 

[Lafayette]

I think what people have to realize is that Mullins seems to be a wonderful defensive player who picks up a lot of steals

And is 6'6" at last measurement.....

 

[444JR]

This is the kind of stuff that always sets up for disappointment. Stew hasn’t once in his UConn career been a kid to put the ball on the floor. Can you think of one instance in his entire UConn career where he took the ball on the perimeter and beat his man on the floor to the rim? So now he’s going to become that? He isn’t that. Wishful thinking. It’s not his profile.

So what, now we want 4 guys on the floor that can’t create their own shot and Silas? AK was a disaster putting it on floor last year, it was cringe worthy. It was the same shoulder pump at the 3pt line, head down charge forward thing every time, telegraphed. Solo looks about as natural as the tin man going to the rim. Solo could get better but I’d say will still have a ceiling.

Key next year will be exactly how good is Mullins? I think we know what we are getting in Silas, but who is going to that other guy that can create their shot and put pressure on the defense not to extend?

McNeeley shot 39.5/34.5% btw. Nothing to write home about but not nearly as bad as what was suggested above.

Solo/Stew/AK handicap our lineup together as 3 poor dribble drive guys. Stew feels far more a 4 in the making than a 3. It will be the same stuff we saw last year as none are going to become penetrators, I’m sorry. We need two on the floor at all times. Maybe Stew starts the season there but my guess is large minute assortments will have 2 of Mullins/Malachi/Silas/new portal guy on floor. Can’t go back to what didn’t work last year.

Gross assessment.

 

[willie99]

8 guys can play 25 minutes. 10 guys can play 20 minutes. I suppose those minutes may vary from game to game, more about situations and biorhythms

I don't care who starts, and I'll leave the allocation of minutes up to our very knowledgeable coaching staff. I'm just here to scream at the James Breedings of this world. That's my purpose in life

 

[Horatio]

PG was the biggest issue, which was really just an Aidan issue. That was clearly a mis-evaluation, and we've already corrected that this offseason by bringing in a true point to backup Demary. As of right now Furphy is probably the 3rd string PG....I'd like to bring in a big and a combo guard to fill out the roster. If I'm greedy, I'd like a 4/3 as well.

That’s my point. I think we need 2-3 more players before we start evaluating the roster. I think we only have one 5. I think Reibe is a 4.
I think we were 2-3 players short and it wore Hassan out and Alex out. That’s all.

 

[UCLJ0211]

It’s nice to have depth at PG again

 

[3rdbass]

That’s my point. I think we need 2-3 more players before we start evaluating the roster. I think we only have one 5. I think Reibe is a 4.
I think we were 2-3 players short and it wore Hassan out and Alex out. That’s all.

Why do you think that? Just because he isn't a traditional 5 doesn't mean he isn't one in today's game. 5's that shoot the ball out to the 3 is the new norm. I know he doesn't have the strength now but let's see what he looks like when the season starts with an offseason to strengthen himself. It would be nice if we can find a 4-5 with strenght but also who could shoot the 3 but I doubt we get anyone but practice level at this time. I also think if you put him at the 4 the normal college PF will just blow past him too much that is why I see most of his time being at the 5.

 

[3rdbass]

Pros and cons to each

If Mullins starts, our front 3 is small and weak defensively, but we have LIGHTS OUT shooting. If this is it, that means we’re aiming to outscore everyone

If Stewart starts, we have a versatile guy to plug holes, but we lose offensive firepower so it has to be made up by Stewart’s defense. If this is it, that means we’re putting all of our playmaking ability on Silas and Solo and letting Stewart fit into whatever the game needs at the time

Neither is a bad option. Personally I’d like to see Silas/Solo/Mullins/AK/Reed start with Stewart splitting 20 minutes a game at backup SF and PF

Stewart didn't come back to play only 20 minutes a game. I feel Stewart has untapped potential offensively and is an ideal wing size wise in the college game. He has the skills but he needs the mindset to be really good. Hopefully he beccomes a lot more assertive on offense with the increased playing time. Of course if we get the Stewart we saw for good chunk of the seaason who we barely noticed on offense and saw having issues on D he won't play much. If we get the Maui or last 10 of the games of the season Stewart with added assertiveness on offense and improved defense then he will play more than the 20 minutes. I have faith in Stewart in starting at the 3 and making an impact. He is one of my favorite players so I hope he proves me right.

 

[Mooch82]

Why do you think that? Just because he isn't a traditional 5 doesn't mean he isn't one in today's game. 5's that shoot the ball out to the 3 is the new norm. I know he doesn't have the strength now but let's see what he looks like when the season starts with an offseason to strengthen himself. It would be nice if we can find a 4-5 with strenght but also who could shoot the 3 but I doubt we get anyone but practice level at this time. I also think if you put him at the 4 the normal college PF will just blow past him too much that is why I see most of his time being at the 5.

Yeah I think Reibe is definitely a 5 but does tend to drift to the outside a bit. He's also a freshman and isn't going to be a Clingan type freshman. Just would feel much more comfortable in the event of injury (hope not) and foul trouble (inevitable) if we have a real 3rd string center. Especially since we're a bit light at the 4 and don't really have a true backup there either.

 

[thekollieman]

This is the kind of stuff that always sets up for disappointment. Stew hasn’t once in his UConn career been a kid to put the ball on the floor. Can you think of one instance in his entire UConn career where he took the ball on the perimeter and beat his man on the floor to the rim? So now he’s going to become that? He isn’t that. Wishful thinking. It’s not his profile.

So what, now we want 4 guys on the floor that can’t create their own shot and Silas? AK was a disaster putting it on floor last year, it was cringe worthy. It was the same shoulder pump at the 3pt line, head down charge forward thing every time, telegraphed. Solo looks about as natural as the tin man going to the rim. Solo could get better but I’d say will still have a ceiling.

Key next year will be exactly how good is Mullins? I think we know what we are getting in Silas, but who is going to that other guy that can create their shot and put pressure on the defense not to extend?

McNeeley shot 39.5/34.5% btw. Nothing to write home about but not nearly as bad as what was suggested above.

I’m doubling down for fun now: Jaylin Stewart will have multiple blow by poster dunks next season and then bark like a dog, “ruff ruff,” into the camera each time.

 

[Lambeau]

BY board wildly overestimated Stewart last preseason, and is at it once more; I agree with Ruff, Mullins at 3 is the key.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

I'd be shocked if he didn't backup the 2 and 3 to start the season. If Stew is also seeing time at the four there is plenty of time to be had between the two.

We won a championship 2023 without a single player playing 30 minutes
The 5 playing 28. That team was at its peak in April.
That leaves 50+ minutes to distribute
Stewart plays the 3-4
So unless your moving Ball to the 3
That’s a possible 20 minutes available at the three
Plus another 10 at the 2
So the you could have a bench player conceivably playing 30 minutes , not likely but hypothetically.
Ray Allen started 0 games as a freshman but was the 2nd leading scorer
Boock came off the bench as freshman until season ending injuries to Polley and Akok. If this kids comparable to them I’m already salivating . The board has a fixation with starting which to some kids is critical but to a real mature confident kid it’s about PT and contributing.
My and Hurley’s concern is minutes during contested times . The reality they’re human and humans have good nights and not so good plus injuries always loom in the background. The key to success is to have players ready to step in. Last year an injury was pretty detrimental . The year before we survived with key injuries to Castle and Clingan on a team with questionable depth .Every year is different a kid or multiple kids may prove to be huge . Joey C abd Diarra became Huskie’s legends as bench superstars . That’s what great about college basketball each year is completely different from the last in team personality.
I am already excited . This years team is going to be very good .

 

[jibsey]

No one dissing or underestimating Mullins. Let’s see what he’s got defensively in the BE. We should know a lot by Jan 1.

 

[AdamaNation]

Mullins is the wild card. A kid that highly rated more than likely will earn a starting role so the three is going to be interesting.

I really think Mullins is a special talent. His release is so quick and he just looks like he is going to become way better of the dribble because he squares up and releases the ball so quickly.

Karaban, Reed Jr, Ball and Demary have to be locks to start. I see Mullins and Stewart in a competition for the last spot in the starting five.

If we get a 4/5 player in the portal like most think we will plus Stewart, Smith, Reibe, and Ross….here we go again.

Another team that will look really deep on paper.

He’s our Rex Chapman.

 

[SwampYankee]

No one dissing or underestimating Mullins. Let’s see what he’s got defensively in the BE. We should know a lot by Jan 1.

Mullins is projected as a strong defender by most scouts. Per Adam Finkelstein: "The other area of the game in which Mullins is a true standout is on the defensive end. He's quick laterally, very active with his hands (1.4 steals per game), and competitive with a scrappy mentality." There's only one reason these defensive issues keep getting raised on the BY, and it's a pretty tired one. Meanwhile, according to Evan Miya, JStew and Solo are barely on the right side of a negative defensive rating, trailing Reed, Diarra, McNeeley, Johnson, Karaban, and yes, even Mahaney.

 

[jibsey]

Mullins is projected as a strong defender by most scouts. Per Adam Finkelstein: "The other area of the game in which Mullins is a true standout is on the defensive end. He's quick laterally, very active with his hands (1.4 steals per game), and competitive with a scrappy mentality." There's only one reason these defensive issues keep getting raised on the BY, and it's a pretty tired one. Meanwhile, according to Evan Miya, JStew and Solo are barely on the right side of a negative defensive rating, trailing Reed, Diarra, McNeeley, Johnson, Karaban, and yes, even Mahaney.

Mullins is 190 lbs. but I’m glad he’s rating that highly. As I said, we will know much more Dec end. I gotta see against tough BE forwards. Eye test.

 

[SwampYankee]

Pros and cons to each

If Mullins starts, our front 3 is small and weak defensively, but we have LIGHTS OUT shooting. If this is it, that means we’re aiming to outscore everyone

If Stewart starts, we have a versatile guy to plug holes, but we lose offensive firepower so it has to be made up by Stewart’s defense. If this is it, that means we’re putting all of our playmaking ability on Silas and Solo and letting Stewart fit into whatever the game needs at the time

Neither is a bad option. Personally I’d like to see Silas/Solo/Mullins/AK/Reed start with Stewart splitting 20 minutes a game at backup SF and PF

The biggest indicator that Mullins and Solo are both likely to start is the fact that our number one portal target was always going to be a jumbo PG. Silas will run the offense while guarding the best wing on the opposing team. He's intended to cover any size issues that comes from have two true shooting guards on the floor for long stretches.

 

[Lafayette]

Mullins is 190 lbs. but I’m glad he’s rating that highly. As I said, we will know much more Dec end. I gotta see against tough BE forwards. Eye test.

190 lbs? I see it mostly at 180 or 185 everywhere but UConn's site at 190. Also seeing his height anywhere from 6'4" to 6'6" so who really knows.

 

[SwampYankee]

Mullins is 190 lbs. but I’m glad he’s rating that highly. As I said, we will know much more Dec end. I gotta see against tough BE forwards. Eye test.

Mullins is a standout offensive player. He's also a standout defensive player. That's why he's a 10-15 range prospect. And yet, we don't hear "well, gotta see how he shoots against BE defenders." Instead, there's a fixation on his defense. There's only one reason why that comes up from Boneyarders who aren't knowledgeable about his game and as I said, it's tired.

 

[Lafayette]

Mullins will start or begin to start ~8 games in. He is basically as prized by UConn as Liam was coming in. Different position though.

Speaking of rosters: Diaby is listed on UConn's athletic roster since he sat out as a partial qualifier last year, I believe he is our 6'5" guard for practices and some minutes should we need him.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

You are assuming no improvement next year and I am hoping there is, especially for Solo and Stew. For Mullins his time on the court will be predicated on defense

Mullins is the best shooter/scorer in the entire 2025 freshman class, and you think Hurley recruited him for defense?

 

[jibsey]

Mullins is a standout offensive player. He's also a standout defensive player. That's why he's a 10-15 range prospect. And yet, we don't hear "well, gotta see how he shoots against BE defenders." Instead, there's a fixation on his defense. There's only one reason why that comes up from Boneyarders who aren't knowledgeable about his game and as I said, it's tired.

What’s tired is you thinking Stewart came back to be a backup. Reed was better than Johnson and Johnson started the whole season.
Mullins if that great will play equal minutes to Stew and along side of him but you would bet your life on him starting over Stew? Uh no you wouldn’t.

 

[Marat]

Mullins is the best shooter in the entire 2025 freshman class, and you think Hurley recruited him for defense?

Hopefully he will be lights out for us. Still our success and championship contender status will be determined by our team defense ability. A top 10 offense and top 100 defense will not win us a title. If Mullins is quick on defense laterally than great.

 

[SwampYankee]

What’s tired is you thinking Stewart came back to be a backup. Reed was better than Johnson and Johnson started the whole season.
Mullins if that great will play equal minutes to Stew and along side of him but you would bet your life on him starting over Stew? Uh no you wouldn’t.

I have no idea what Stewart's thought process was. Maybe he figured Karaban would go pro and guessed wrong. I haven't seen anything from the past two years that should have convinced him he's guaranteed 20 minutes a night just because he came back. The more important point is, you're out of your mind if you think the best HS player in Indiana (of all places) got lured to UConn to ride the pine. Would I bet my life he doesn't get beat out? No. That's insane. But Hurley better give him every opportunity if he wants to keep getting the top prospects.

 

[jibsey]

I have no idea what Stewart's thought process was. Maybe he figured Karaban would go pro and guessed wrong. I haven't seen anything from the past two years that should have convinced him he's guaranteed 20 minutes a night just because he came back. The more important point is, you're out of your mind if you think the best HS player in Indiana (of all places) got lured to UConn to ride the pine. Would I bet my life he doesn't get beat out? No. That's insane. But Hurley better give him every opportunity if he wants to keep getting the top prospects.

Look, we both want him to excel. McNeeley was a lights out 3 point shooter…..until he was welcomed to the Big East. Big strong bodies in your face when you shoot kinda does that.
Hope he proves to be as good on both ends as you think he will.