Top 5 most important players in the AAC according to Andy Katz

[huskymedic]

 

[Drew]

5.) Alterique Gilbert, 6-0, Jr., UConn: Gilbert has had an injury-riddled career with the Huskies. But he had some moments last season where it was clear that, if he stays healthy, he can be an impact player. He averaged a dozen points for the Huskies in 25 games. But it was games like scoring 16, dishing out eight assists and committing just three turnovers in a win against Syracuse that show his true potential. The Huskies have a shot to be an NCAA tournament team under Dan Hurley. But for that to happen, Gilbert must be a major factor.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Well with regard to UConn, he's not wrong. It's a reasonable list. I am sure there will be some surprises.

 

[Son of Robert]

Most people expecting a big year from Alterique.

Preseason All AAC First Team??

 

[Nebraskan18]

'Rique ~ Shabazz Junior Season
Carlton ~ Oriakhi
Bouknight ~ Jeremy Lamb freshman season
Wilson ~ Roscoe Smith
Polley ~ taller Niels Giffey
Jalen ~ freshman JA .75
Vital ~ Kromah

your welcome

 

[djct1999]

I understand how 'Rique is being recognized here because not only is he our best player, if healthy, he also has game changing upside. However, Josh, is more important to this team. Without him, we are in BIG trouble. (pun intended)

 

[WrenchFan69]

Vital ~ Kromah

Why does everyone hate Vital so much? Kromah wasn't close to the offensive player Vital is

 

[CL82]

Why does everyone hate Vital so much? Kromah wasn't close to the offensive player Vital is

Just spit balling here but maybe it is because there is no big post season run we associate with him?

I like the kid myself. He's not a super star but he's a very solid player overall and plays hard for us. Really what's not to like?

 

[Stainmaster]

Just spit balling here but maybe it is because there is no big post season run we associate with him?

Is that his fault?

 

[CL82]

Is that his fault?

Nope, but I can't think of another reason why the kid doesn't get more love here. Can you?

 

[Stainmaster]

Nope, but I can't think of another reason why the kid doesn't get more love here. Can you?

You're right, that's probably it in large part. I just don't think it's a good reason.

 

[freescooter]

Nope, but I can't think of another reason why the kid doesn't get more love here. Can you?

People are too busy lovin’ guys who have never played a college game or guys who exhibit athleticism but no basketball skills. That would be my guess. I like Vital. Makes the most of his abilities.

 

[GoDAWGS]

Why does everyone hate Vital so much? Kromah wasn't close to the offensive player Vital is

Truth, I love kromah but vital is much more useful

 

[SubbaBub]

Why does everyone hate Vital so much? Kromah wasn't close to the offensive player Vital is

We are only going as far as CV takes us. Even if you are not a fan, you at least have to give him Boatright status, right? AG, CV, and Carlton playing at their best only needs rebounding and defense from the rest of the cast.

 

[superjohn]

We are only going as far as CV takes us. Even if you are not a fan, you at least have to give him Boatright status, right? AG, CV, and Carlton playing at their best only needs rebounding and defense from the rest of the cast.

This post right here is why some fans interpret any criticism of Vital's game as hate.

We have some fans who try and elevate Vital to a level of player he's not, other fans bring things back to reality.

 

[HuskyHawk]

This post right here is why some fans interpret any criticism of Vital's game as hate.

We have some fans who try and elevate Vital to a level of player he's not, other fans bring things back to reality.

I don’t see CV as close to as good as Boatright. He’s a nice, helpful player. Ideally as 3 point shooting, rebounding guard off the bench with decent D. That isn’t hate. It’s reality. I have no idea where that “hate” comment even came from. Nobody had even mentioned Vital.

Gilbert is out best and most valuable player by a lot. We have no other PG other than Gaffney. Carlton is next, as our only center and most efficient scorer. After that, who knows? Maybe Akok. Maybe Sid. Maybe CV. Perhaps Polley makes a huge leap.

Vital has some nice positives and negatives.
+ Catch and shoot 3pt%
+ Rebounding
+ FT% and drawing fouls
+ defensive effort

- ball handling
- passing and offensive movement
- Shooting off his dribble
- decision making
- playing D within the scheme

 

[Stainmaster]

This post right here is why some fans interpret any criticism of Vital's game as hate.

We have some fans who try and elevate Vital to a level of player he's not, other fans bring things back to reality.

Bringing things back down below reality makes them just as warped.

 

[rip7774]

I LOVE Vital. He's tough, unlike 60%+ of the guys since BoatShow moved on.

He'll dive on the floor, he'll fight for 50/50 balls. He'll mix it up. He does the little things.

We need more tough kids. That is UConn DNA!

 

[BlueDogs]

We are only going as far as CV takes us. Even if you are not a fan, you at least have to give him Boatright status, right? AG, CV, and Carlton playing at their best only needs rebounding and defense from the rest of the cast.

I like CV. He can be a high impact player with a little more refinement and finishing. He needs to stay under control, take what the court gives him and play to his strengths. Driving the lane is not one of them. I predict an improved CV under Hurley.

 

[Kenny11]

Why does everyone hate Vital so much? Kromah wasn't close to the offensive player Vital is

I don’t get it. He was frustrating especially at times his sophomore season but we have had players in recent years that were much much much more frustrating than Vital. I personally love the Sniper and I’m sure Hurley and every other coach he has played for also loves him. Coaches will take a guy like Vital all day even if he has some wth moments.

 

[jdb50]

CV is way different and better than Kromah. His rebounding is invaluable. He can keep us in games but at the end of games unless he is catching and shooting the last shot I want someone else with the ball in their hands that can create and has a better handle with driving ability.

 

[gtcam]

From what we have seen, Polley can only wish he has Giff's desire and determination

 

[ToolzieFan]

'Rique ~ Shabazz Junior Season
Carlton ~ Oriakhi
Bouknight ~ Jeremy Lamb freshman season
Wilson ~ Roscoe Smith
Polley ~ taller Niels Giffey
Jalen ~ freshman JA .75
Vital ~ Kromah

your welcome

Those are high expectations for Bouknight, aren't they? Jeremy Lamb was the second option on a national championship team as a freshman, and then he was a lottery pick after his sophomore year. I like everything about Bouknight, but I think we need to be reasonable.

 

[Chief00]

Chief is very high on Gaffney. On Akok, I need to see how good a job Sal has done. The potential is there as is the work ethic from what I have seen.

 

[uconngb]

Chief is very high on Gaffney. On Akok, I need to see how good a job Sal has done. The potential is there as is the work ethic from what I have seen.

You feeling ok pal?? Two first-person references in the same post?