I'm putting Tristen at the level of Bazz in terms of importance to UConn teams. There are a lot of differences between the two players that makes it fun to argue this statement. The skills of the players are different. The surrounding team is different. The type of offense run is different. But what they have in common is that their respective teams play(ed) much better when they are in the game.
Bazz was the better on ball defender but Newton is a good to very good defender and his height advantage allows him to cover a wider range of players plus it's harder for players to shoot over him.
Bazz was the better three point shooter but his two point shooting was subpar. Tristen is much more diverse in scoring - a poor mans Rip Hamilton, except Calhoun probably would not have converted Tristen to a wing.
Both are very good FT shooters but the nod goes to Bazz although Tristen's play gets him far more attempts.
Both are great guard rebounders but I give the nod to Tristen.
It's not a coincidence their career stats are comparable and they are the UConn leaders in triple doubles.
Comparing the experience of this years team with the 2014 championship team the experience nod has to go with that 2014 team. On that 2014 team you had Kromah a fifth year player, seniors in Bazz, Niels, and Tyler, juniors in Ryan and Deandre, sophomores in Omar and Nolan, a redshirt sophomore in Rodney, and freshmen in Terrance and Amida. This years team has four upperclassmen, but Samson has only played for one full season, three sophomores and a bunch of freshmen.
Tristen may not be a vocal leader but he, like Bazz, is the spoon that stirs the pot.
His transformation from a CG to a PG last season was incredible. Many players are unable to change to that degree from a style of play they excel at. This year Tristen is leading a relatively young team with little drop off in play. Just a remarkable accomplishment by a player.
Yesterday was a trifecta in more ways than one. Three times my screaming with delight caused my pets to run for shelter. Sorry Kai and Minerva! First when Rip hit the half court shot, second when Akshay made his half court shot and third when Alex made the three to give Tristen his third triple of this season. That third delightful scream was my favorite. Congrats Tristen. You definitely deserve to be recognized as a UConn great. You've earned it.
