The Roster Jam -- Four Possible Solutions

[nycscooby]

Whaley a backup? He’s emerged as a major force and he’s doing a 5th year. Hurley is way more loyal than that. Akok has to prove himself, though our expectations are sky high. Is he sturdy enough to rebound and bang down low? Sanogo is a starter with Whaley. Not sure Jackson is a starter yet. So- Whaley, Sanogo, Cole Martin and Gaffney. Mark that down.

Zero chance that AJax isn’t starting.

 

[nycscooby]

I will say Cole, Martin, AJax, Whaley and Sanogo starting Game 1. Akok first one off the bench. Diggins and Hawkins could definitely get some run. Hoping Gaff steps up though.

 

[DayDayTFS]

UConn finally has a full roster of good players and fans don't know how to deal with it.

^

 

[Chin Diesel]

Whaley a backup? He’s emerged as a major force and he’s doing a 5th year. Hurley is way more loyal than that. Akok has to prove himself, though our expectations are sky high. Is he sturdy enough to rebound and bang down low? Sanogo is a starter with Whaley. Not sure Jackson is a starter yet. So- Whaley, Sanogo, Cole Martin and Gaffney. Mark that down.

An entire front court of which none can make a 3???? Yeah, that ain't happening.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I will say Cole, Martin, AJax, Whaley and Sanogo starting Game 1. Akok first one off the bench. Diggins and Hawkins could definitely get some run. Hoping Gaff steps up though.

One average shooter for his position and four who can't shoot. Nope. Not gonna happen.

 

[Kenny11]

Akok has the type of game that theoretically would fit better alongside Sanogo in the starting lineup. But Whaley recently said he wants to be the national defensive player of the year. You don’t have those type of goals if you think you may come off the bench. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. The good thing is that if Whaley isn’t a starter he will handle it well.

 

[Kenny11]

One average shooter for his position and four who can't shoot. Nope. Not gonna happen.

I think that’s a very possible starting lineup. Hurley has shown so far that his starting lineups are based on who’s doing well in practice rather than optimal spacing or chemistry.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I think that’s a very possible starting lineup. Hurley has shown so far that his starting lineups are based on who’s doing well in practice rather than optimal spacing or chemistry.

Is that an endorsement or indictment of his coaching?

 

[mauconnfan]

I hope you are not referring this to my post prior to yours where I have Whaley coming off the bench for Sanogo. I have the utmost respect for IW. He is a warrior on the court, I just don't want to see 2 tough players (Sanogo and Whaley) on the court at the start of the game before there is any flow to it. That is where the senseless fouls are usually called. Starting does not equate to less minutes coming off the bench. Plus IW can get better perspective of how the game is going when he comes in. Again, just my opinion.

Not singling any one poster out there’s many more than I thought. He deserves to start and will he’s been that good. He and Sanogo together it’s up to others to win the other 3 whether it’s Cole, AJ and Martin or another trio we will see. Certainly need people to put it in the hole but need to defend and rebound as well. Will be interesting but I can’t see a lineup without Whaley in it he’s been so solid.

 

[NJHoops]

I think that’s a very possible starting lineup. Hurley has shown so far that his starting lineups are based on who’s doing well in practice rather than optimal spacing or chemistry.

I’m not sure that’s accurate, especially when everyone‘s showing the same energy/commitment level. With the notable exception of working in a freshman when he’s ready (James would have started from the beginning, but you know…), the preference is for defined roles for both starters and reserves as early as possible. They’re past the days of interchangeable mediocrity when intangibles might earn a guy something. The talent is separating itself within this group, that’s who you’ll see.

 

[lange10]

I’m amazed with the little respect Whaley gets here. He’s a damn good player and dependable now, he’s getting lots of minutes.

Was healthy Akok even better than the Whaley we saw last season + in the 2H of 2019-2020 season? I don't think so...

I love Akok and hope he crushes it in his return, but you said it best - Whaley deserves a lot more respect here.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Not singling any one poster out there’s many more than I thought. He deserves to start and will he’s been that good. He and Sanogo together it’s up to others to win the other 3 whether it’s Cole, AJ and Martin or another trio we will see. Certainly need people to put it in the hole but need to defend and rebound as well. Will be interesting but I can’t see a lineup without Whaley in it he’s been so solid.

If Whaley is going to get minutes alongside Sanogo he absolutely has to be assertive in shooting the pick and pop 3 pointer.
Sanogo has shown to be a more efficient inside scorer and there isn't room for both Whaley and Sanogo in the post. Sanogo is the primary post player and offensive threat when he is in the game.

I was a big fan last year of Whaley taking 3's. His percentage wasn't great but the offensive sets gave home 3-5 solid looks where he would catch with his feet set and shoulders squared up. I'm not expecting him to come off screens and be shooting 3's on the move. Bit he can be an effective stationary shooter. If Whaley can't do that his time on the floor with Sanogo will go down.

I also fully expect several games where Sanogo is in foul trouble and is riding the bench. Whaley will get games with 35 minutes. I think his normal playing time this year is 25-28 minutes.

He is obviously a plus rim protector and phenomenal defender on pick and roll. He's also real good on offensive glass and running the floor.

His FT shooting and post play in half court sets will affect his playing time at end of games. Can easily see offense/defense substitutions with Sanogo and him at end of games.

 

[SubbaBub]

Half the incoming guys won't play much. Half the guys didn't play much last year, won't play much this year. Guys who aren't all in won't play much,

It will sort itself out one way or another, no need to come up with some plan to force guys onto the floor.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Don’t look for Springs or Sanogo to play much. Injuries and who’s the hot hand will play out. If Gaffney plays the same as last year the guys behind him will get the minutes.

Did you mean to reference Samson Johnson instead of Sanogo? Sanogo is going to be playing for 1st team all BE this year

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

We could just go big or small platoons.

PG: Jackson
SG: Akok
SF: Whaley
PF: Sanogo
C: Johnson

PG: Sool
SG: Cole
SF: Gaffney
PF: Floyd
C: Hawkins

Colin Gillespie says bring on the small platoon

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

I’m not sure that’s accurate, especially when everyone‘s showing the same energy/commitment level. With the notable exception of working in a freshman when he’s ready (James would have started from the beginning, but you know…), the preference is for defined roles for both starters and reserves as early as possible. They’re past the days of interchangeable mediocrity when intangibles might earn a guy something. The talent is separating itself within this group, that’s who you’ll see.

Each position has a guy better…and younger the next. What a position to be in.

 

[Umami Zen]

We'll be fine. These Huskies should all be hungry for PT and W's

 

[SubbaBub]

Zero chance Whaley isn't starting >80% of the games. How many games did KFree and Adrien start on the bench as seniors?

 

[I Bleed Blue]

Colin Gillespie says bring on the small platoon

CFJ vs Gillespie 1v1 in the paint playing bully ball. I’m here for it!

 

[bendm]

how many games out of 10 might be won by the 'second' 5+1 in a head-to-head.

if it's top 6 v bottom 6 in a scrimmage i'd guess the second string could take 2 out of 10 games due to the front court disparity

cole v digg
gaff v hawk
martin v jackson
whaley v johnson
sanogo v springs

B=akok v polley

 

[jibsey]

Martin gets no respect here. We know his shooting is average or below but his experience, inside points, defense, rebounding and toughness keep him on the floor.

 

[bendm]

An entire front court of which none can make a 3???? Yeah, that ain't happening.

sanogo, whaley, and martin were the starting frontcourt last year so what do you propose instead? jackson over martin doesnt help with shooting and neither does akok over whaley.

polley or hawkins over martin is the easy answer but i'm not betting on it. hopefully hawk eventually starts but he might replace gaffney at SG not martin at SF.

 

[Tampahusky]

Did you mean to reference Samson Johnson instead of Sanogo? Sanogo is going to be playing for 1st team all BE this year

Yes I made the correction a couple of posts later. I like Sanogo.

 

[Husky Alien]

sanogo, whaley, and martin were the starting frontcourt last year so what do you propose instead? jackson over martin doesnt help with shooting and neither does akok over whaley.

polley or hawkins over martin is the easy answer but i'm not betting on it. hopefully hawk eventually starts but he might replace gaffney at SG not martin at SF.

 

[Chin Diesel]

sanogo, whaley, and martin were the starting frontcourt last year so what do you propose instead? jackson over martin doesnt help with shooting and neither does akok over whaley.

polley or hawkins over martin is the easy answer but i'm not betting on it. hopefully hawk eventually starts but he might replace gaffney at SG not martin at SF.

You realize that front court resulted in a first round upset lost, correct?

 

[TheChamps990411]

Sorry I meant Samson…I think Sanogo is our best offensive weapon

I figured that was what you meant. No way someone could be that insane even on this board. lol. I agree to an extent. I dont think Springs will see much pt and Samson will get more than you think.

 

[TheChamps990411]

You realize that front court resulted in a first round upset lost, correct?

You realize that front court got us into the first round correct?

 

[bendm]

You realize that front court resulted in a first round upset lost, correct?

i'm not expecting much more this season...next year is when we take the big leap. i take it you think polley and/or hawkins will be the starting SFs? where do you expect the automatic improvement in shooting is coming from otherwise?

 

[husky429]

I’m not sure that’s accurate, especially when everyone‘s showing the same energy/commitment level. With the notable exception of working in a freshman when he’s ready (James would have started from the beginning, but you know…), the preference is for defined roles for both starters and reserves as early as possible. They’re past the days of interchangeable mediocrity when intangibles might earn a guy something. The talent is separating itself within this group, that’s who you’ll see.

Was about to say something similar. Hurley clearly wants a guy with an Akok-type skillset at the 4. Whaley is just this weird enigma where he's obviously too good to sit but also not quite skilled enough to play the 4. Unique guy and I imagine the battle for minutes at the 4 will be intense.

If whaley can take 3-4 or more shots from deep a game and hit 35%, he's the starter.

 

[husky429]

Put me in the "a terrible first round exit is hardly something to be excited over" camp. Our front court was great getting on the boards and Sanogo is a future star.... but we ished the bed vs Maryland. Players, coaching staff, even the damn ball boy. Really everyone but Gaff.

Front court clearly had issues. Martin couldn't shoot, Akok was half of himself, and Whaley was too afraid to shoot despite being pretty good. Whoever of Martin, Whaley, Akok and Samson can shoot the best should get the minutes. Especially if we're expecting big mimures for Jackson at the 3. We know 3/4 of those guys can defend. All about spacing to open up driving lanes and easy kick outs. And especially to give Sanogo space to operate 1v1. NO ONE is stopping him in the post alone.