This Year’s Lineup

[imno1]

Reed
Mullins
Alex
Jaylin
Demary

Bench:
Solo
Reibe
Smith
Furphy
Ross
Koroma
Millender

Deep team this year. My only concern is not having another 5 but I love what we have.
Reed is gonna take a big jump this year easy double-double guy hope he can stay outta fouls trouble
Mullins has potential to avg 14ppg & if he can with good shooting % and at 6’5 he can’t possibly play defense any worse than solo so that would allow UConn to start Stew giving them a big starting line up without the loss of scoring
6’10 - 6’7 - 6’7- 6’5 - 6’5
Looks a lot similar to the championship teams
I understand Ball off the bench is gonna ruffle feathers … this is just my opinion not what I think is gonna actually happen Hurley is too loyal to do that (IE Samson over Reed)

So start a player who has the potential to score 14ppg over a proven 14+ ppg player?

 

[RuffRuff]

Hopefully Coach Dan does not have wishful thinking and uber-loyalty to Ross like he did last season w/SJ as the starting center, and Aidan at PG, then we should be OK.

However, if Ross has an improvement like Hass did between the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, then he would surely be in the mix for minutes.

My fear exactly - he becomes an ill-played binky at the sake of the ceiling of the team's potential. If it works out great, but would quiver at the thought of dialing back another player for the sake of loyalty and not meritocracy/team potential (Furphy).

 

[PAHusky]

So start a player who has the potential to score 14ppg over a proven 14+ ppg player?

Nah it’s even worse than that since the dude doubled down and tried to say it’s Solo’s defense that will keep him off the court when we don’t have any idea what Mullins will bring on that end and I don’t think he projects as a defensive stopper or anything like that.

I’m pretty sure the clown just typed out his three paragraph long fantasy lineup and realized after he was done that he’d left Solo off so started rationalizing.

 

[6&counting]

The staff are anticipating Solo being a captain this year (Hurley gives the team a say in that, so it's not a fully unilateral decision by him). All but guaranteed now. Would be a bold move to bench the captain/previous year's leading scorer/best shooter. It would tank the culture and split the locker room.

But I'm not the coach, maybe Hurley will do it anyway.

 

[superjohn]

My fear exactly - he becomes an ill-played binky at the sake of the ceiling of the team's potential. If it works out great, but would quiver at the thought of dialing back another player for the sake of loyalty and not meritocracy/team potential (Furphy).

Once the games started he recognized pretty quickly Mahaney wasn't it and he was out of the starting lineup after our first game OT loss to Memphis in Maui. Ross got his chances especially with McNeeley out but Hurley went to Jaylin a lot more because he produced more. Reed is better than Samson but Samson is probably Hurley's favorite kid ever at UConn. It's not like Samson didn't produce but Reed should've started and gotten more minutes than the even split. That's my only quibble.

Mahaney was just a scouting/fit problem which happens and Hurley fixed it quickly.

 

[HooperScooper]

The staff are anticipating Solo being a captain this year (Hurley gives the team a say in that, so it's not a fully unilateral decision by him). All but guaranteed now. Would be a bold move to bench the captain/previous year's leading scorer/best shooter. It would tank the culture and split the locker room.

But I'm not the coach, maybe Hurley will do it anyway.

Will they have 2 captains this season? Better be because there is no way Karaban isn't a captain.

 

[Umami Zen]

My two cents- Furphy and Mullins are going to be pushing established/experienced players for minutes. They may not be getting starter minutes at the beginning of the season but they'll be knocking on the door by mid-season.

 

[Umami Zen]

Will they have 2 captains this season? Better be because there is no way Karaban isn't a captain.

Karaban/Reed/Ball as captains

 

[6&counting]

Will they have 2 captains this season? Better be because there is no way Karaban isn't a captain.

Yep. Like the Ajax/Sanogo captain year.

I don't believe Reed is in the mix to be a captain, but you never know

 

[husky429]

Will they have 2 captains this season? Better be because there is no way Karaban isn't a captain.

2 is typical

 

[TheShot1990]

Many of last year’s summer predictions didn’t quite pan out like we all expected when the real competition began. Look at the post from 8/3/24 “observations from open practice” if you don’t believe me.

Abraham and Nowell were gonna be studs…..

So, could either Stewie or Ross (or both) elevate to another level and take playing time from a highly touted recruit who has never faced BE level players? Maybe.

 

[alphasigko]

Many of last year’s summer predictions didn’t quite pan out like we all expected when the real competition began. Look at the post from 8/3/24 “observations from open practice” if you don’t believe me.

Abraham and Nowell were gonna be studs…..

So, could either Stewie or Ross (or both) elevate to another level and take playing time from a highly touted recruit who has never faced BE level players? Maybe.

Concluding from past performances: Good chance of that by Stewie; not so much for Ross. (unless Ross did one hell of a lot of work this summer)

 

[Son of Robert]

Can we not spend all summer knocking down Ross. He came back to compete for playing time against several really good players and that took some balls and confidence too. I'll give the man my respect and hope he finds his way into the rotation.

 

[Mr. French]

Finkelstein is very high on Mullins' defense, just FYI - he said on a pod that Mullins was considered one of the better defenders in the state of Indiana as a junior, even before he blew up and became known as a great shooter.

I'd be surprised if he wasn't on the Castle/McNeeley trajectory and being one of the main cogs in the lineup. He brings athleticism, shooting and defending at a combination that no one else on the team really does.

 

[husky429]

he said on a pod that Mullins was considered one of the better defenders in the state of Indiana as a junior, even before he blew up and became known as a great shooter.

I really have no idea where this information comes from. I think Finkelstein may be parroting without watching to have a talking point.

Braylon was not exactly guarding SGA in an Indiana public league. And his team throws him at the top of a 1-2-2 to generate fast break dunks.

He's super athletic and hustles out there so the potential is real, but in all the games I watched he didn't really have much opportunity to demonstrate defensive IQ. His team just doesn't run the kind of high level help defense and on-ball physicality he'll need in D1.

 

[Colin G]

28 Silas 12 furphy
29 Solo 11 Braylon
15 braylon 10 Stewart 10 Ross 5 furphy (Ross/furphy matchup dependent)
29 karaban 11 Stewart
25 reed 15 reibe

29 Alex (captain)
29 solo (captain)
28 silas
26 mullins
25 reed
21 jaylin
15 Reibe
17 furphy
10 Ross
Crazy take: Malachi’s defensive rating last year was worst than mahaneys and he was in the Atlantic 10, would not surprise me at all if furphy ends up as our backup PG.

 

[navery12]

I don't think it can be stressed enough how dumb the idea of not starting Solo is. I'm not even sure how to describe doubling down on it and making it about his defense when the guy replacing him is Jaylin Stewart

 

[Scot-e]

My two cents- Furphy and Mullins are going to be pushing established/experienced players for minutes. They may not be getting starter minutes at the beginning of the season but they'll be knocking on the door by mid-season.

That would be amazing if Furphy is good enough to see starter type minutes. IMHO Mullins looks like he could start from day one-if he’s good enough in practice coach may not have any choice.

 

[jibsey]

28 Silas 12 furphy
29 Solo 11 Braylon
15 braylon 10 Stewart 10 Ross 5 furphy (Ross/furphy matchup dependent)
29 karaban 11 Stewart
25 reed 15 reibe

29 Alex (captain)
29 solo (captain)
28 silas
26 mullins
25 reed
21 jaylin
15 Reibe
17 furphy
10 Ross
Crazy take: Malachi’s defensive rating last year was worst than mahaneys and he was in the Atlantic 10, would not surprise me at all if furphy ends up as our backup PG.

Does Furphy have the handle for that? He certainly has the BBIQ.

 

[Mr. French]

I really have no idea where this information comes from. I think Finkelstein may be parroting without watching to have a talking point.

Braylon was not exactly guarding SGA in an Indiana public league. And his team throws him at the top of a 1-2-2 to generate fast break dunks.

He's super athletic and hustles out there so the potential is real, but in all the games I watched he didn't really have much opportunity to demonstrate defensive IQ. His team just doesn't run the kind of high level help defense and on-ball physicality he'll need in D1.

Yeah I haven’t watched his HS games, especially junior year, but he said people considered him that way, so I imagine he didn’t make it up.

He’s been high on him in his personal evaluations, but he said (if I remember correctly) that people considered him one of the best defenders in Indiana THEN his shooting blew him up even more.

He was talking to Vecenie about his potential to be 1 and done and actually Sam said he was on an island thinking he’s a top 10 pick then Adam chimed in.

I get what you’re saying, but 95% of high school recruiting is projecting. Adam is pretty thorough in his evaluations and I doubt he’d be saying this consistently and strongly without some basis.

 

[Mr. French]

I really have no idea where this information comes from. I think Finkelstein may be parroting without watching to have a talking point.

Braylon was not exactly guarding SGA in an Indiana public league. And his team throws him at the top of a 1-2-2 to generate fast break dunks.

He's super athletic and hustles out there so the potential is real, but in all the games I watched he didn't really have much opportunity to demonstrate defensive IQ. His team just doesn't run the kind of high level help defense and on-ball physicality he'll need in D1.

To piggyback here, the tape is 1:14:20 or so… Vecenie says he’s a “monster defender” and Fink says “people in the state of Indiana were saying he was the best defensive player in the state BEFORE they talked about him being the best shooter.” So they’re both very high on him. They don’t view him as “just” an elite shooter.

Again I don’t know the extent of their scouting but these are 2 guys that don’t just say random stuff like this. I’d be stunned if they both talk extensively about his defensive ability without watching him.

 

[Lafayette]

A lot of differing opinions on Mullins, but the key is all say he is one of if not the top shooter in the class.

• Then there are those saying (Field of 68 - Dauster) he can dunk contra to people's perspective on white kid from Indiana
• Then there are those saying (Veceine, Finkelstien) he's a monster defender.

IDK what we get with him in D1, euro-blend offense, tough man defense, but I want to be pleasantly surprised by the team D this year, not try to pin expectations high.

But it appears most think our Offense will be top 5 by consensus so have we turned into Alabama? I hope not.

 

[Mister P]

My two cents- Furphy and Mullins are going to be pushing established/experienced players for minutes. They may not be getting starter minutes at the beginning of the season but they'll be knocking on the door by mid-season.

We are fortunate to have a veteran team this year with at least two juniors ( I think Mullins over Stewart) and two seniors in the starting lineup, along with veterans on the bench. Their talent and experience should ease the early season pressure on Reibe, Furphy, and even Mullins to an extent, benefiting their maturation.

Both Reibe and Furphy should improve throughout the year as they adjust to college ball. Mullins, with his position and skill set, should produce more than them from the start.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Stewart or Mullins at the 3 is the only debate for the starting lineup.

Put me in the groups suggesting Stewart will start the season at the 3 but may not finish the season as the starter.

Smith as back up PG is set. Riebe will get minutes at the 5 spot. Ross is going to get inconsistent minutes. Furphy is the wild card.

That's the 10-man rotation. Injuries, foul trouble and match ups will determine everything.

 

[Lafayette]

Stewart or Mullins at the 3 is the only debate for the starting lineup.

Put me in the groups suggesting Stewart will start the season at the 3 but may not finish the season as the starter.

Smith as back up PG is set. Riebe will get minutes at the 5 spot. Ross is going to get inconsistent minutes. Furphy is the wild card.

That's the 10-man rotation. Injuries, foul trouble and match ups will determine everything.

This but we have positionless in Mullins and Furphy as a 2 or 3. Either way I think Stewart starts at the 3 and either Mullins or Furphy can spell him and be in a 3 guard set with Silas and Solo or just be a 3.

 

[Colin G]

Does Furphy have the handle for that? He certainly has the BBIQ.

Didn’t Hurley mention it could be a possibility?

 

[HooperScooper]

Didn’t Hurley mention it could be a possibility?

I think he did in that media session after the open practice a couple weeks ago. I couldn't find a written direct quote on it. Just this from a Register article from the media session.

Furphy, from Tasmania, is a freshman with international experience playing for the Tasmanian and Australian national teams. Most recently he played in the 2025 U19 World Cup with Australia and averaged 16.7 points 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in seven games.

He is more of a wing than a point guard, but he can handle the ball well enough to provide depth at the point.

 

[Lafayette]

I think he did in that media session after the open practice a couple weeks ago. I couldn't find a written direct quote on it. Just this from a Register article from the media session.

Furphy, from Tasmania, is a freshman with international experience playing for the Tasmanian and Australian national teams. Most recently he played in the 2025 U19 World Cup with Australia and averaged 16.7 points 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in seven games.

He is more of a wing than a point guard, but he can handle the ball well enough to provide depth at the point.

Not so much what Hurley said, but what he saw was Australia had Furphy handle the start of most offensive sets. Not so much bringing the ball down but getting it and knowing how to spot an advantage in near realtime. - this is what he wants of Silas, Malachi, Braylon and this Jacob.

 

[RuffRuff]

Not sure if this is the right thread for it, but after going through the other recruiting threads, there seems to be a consensus on BY that (barring injuries) Jayden Ross should not start games at UConn. Not this year, not next year. Never. I have a feeling Hurley would love the development angle if Jayden started at some point in his career here, but I don't think he'd force the issue if Ross doesn't grow his game a bit more.
Is there anyone on here who thinks there's a shot of him starting ever?

Yes - in fact I think he’s a front runner for next year. There is a reason Hurley has been keeping him around and Ross has been staying and it’s not to be a 4 year cheerleader. We should know this year if there is a shot or not. Rare do you see massive leaps between junior and senior year.

Me thinks Hurley is very tied to that Fab 5 class. He signed them the year of the first NC. The guy is super emotional, superstitious, has has lucky underwear for crying out loud.

I have this gut feeling he’s got two more years in him, will see through the last remnants of that class next year as the last ties to the glory run and then it could be the his swan song.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Not sure if this is the right thread for it, but after going through the other recruiting threads, there seems to be a consensus on BY that (barring injuries) Jayden Ross should not start games at UConn. Not this year, not next year. Never. I have a feeling Hurley would love the development angle if Jayden started at some point in his career here, but I don't think he'd force the issue if Ross doesn't grow his game a bit more.
Is there anyone on here who thinks there's a shot of him starting ever?

I don’t think there’s a consensus that he shouldn’t start ever. There’s close to a consensus that he would have to show a lot of development in his game to get to that level from what we’ve seen so far.