UConn and the Transfer Portal

[HooperScooper]

We have to go on the premise that Hurley will prioritize fit and culture into who he takes out of the portal. And that is very difficult for us on here to assess. So we can't just comment on the talent and say we want that player. In Hurley I trust. I'll just sit back and watch.

 

[aburks41]

In my little world, we get Derkack, Griffiths and Amari Williams out of the portal. We offer big NIL to Diarra and Karaban to stay. Minutes in parentheses.

Diarra (30)/Nowell (15)
Ball (20)/Derkack(15)
Stewart(30)/Griffiths(20)
Karaban (30)
Williams (20)/Johnson(20)

That's a well-rounded 9-man rotation. Can compete in 2024-25 while also building around the core of Nowell/Ball/Stewart/Griffiths for 25-26.

Nowell will be playing more than 15 MPG. He is the real deal

 

[husky429]

Nowell will be playing more than 15 MPG. He is the real deal

Yup. I'd expect some of Diarra, Nowell and a big shooting guard at the 3 when Stewart sits. I'd be surprised if Nowell isn't playing more than 20mpg.

 

[superjohn]

Bring Gavin home.

 

[I Bleed Blue]

I think Gavin would come in and really turn it around in our offense. I wish he recognized that the first go around but is what it is. Hopefully he’s coming home.

 

[KemBuckets21]

Yeah if our staff offers someone I trust them. I doubt Storr happens but Dercack and Griffiths seems possible and I'd take that in the backcourt

these guys seem like 6, 7, 8th men to me at this point in their development. Seems like we would still need some high end backcourt/wing options and obviously a big.

 

[Deleted at users request]

In my little world, we get Derkack, Griffiths and Amari Williams out of the portal. We offer big NIL to Diarra and Karaban to stay. Minutes in parentheses.

Diarra (30)/Nowell (15)
Ball (20)/Derkack(15)
Stewart(30)/Griffiths(20)
Karaban (30)
Williams (20)/Johnson(20)

That's a well-rounded 9-man rotation. Can compete in 2024-25 while also building around the core of Nowell/Ball/Stewart/Griffiths for 25-26.

Want Solo in that lead guard role bad with Nowell at 20+ minutes off the bench to spell him or free him up like Kemba and Bazz. Ideal situation.

Would love a 2 guard who could shoot and play defense to put next to them that could slide down to the 3 as well.

 

[auror]

these guys seem like 6, 7, 8th men to me at this point in their development. Seems like we would still need some high end backcourt/wing options and obviously a big.

At the minimum we have room for 3 transfer adds. I would guess a big, a shooting guard, and probably a wing.

-Spencer (grad), Newton (grad), Castle (draft), Clingan (draft),+1 banked scholly.
+Nowell, Abraham
= 3

In that scenario above, after a summer of development we should have 5 starter quality players returning (Diarra, Ball, Stewart, Karaban, Johnson), so might only need bench transfers. But we'll see what kind of roster attrition we see (further NBA or transfers out).

Of the guys we're connected to so far, Kugel, Williams, and Omoruyi are definitely starter tier. Dia maybe like a split-time starter or 6th man. Griffiths and Derkack depth pieces with upside.

 

[Sole]

All these players that said UConn has contacted them is false.. Hurley has said that they won’t contact anyone until they are finished playing

 

[WhereistheDove?]

All these players that said UConn has contacted them is false.. Hurley has said that they won’t contact anyone until they are finished playing

Where did Hurley say that no one on UConn’s staff would be contacting any portal targets until they were done playing?

 

[husky429]

All these players that said UConn has contacted them is false.. Hurley has said that they won’t contact anyone until they are finished playing

No one said that. And it would be a lie if they did. We are contacting people in the portal (and before the portal) just like every other program in America. This is what our coaches are paid millions to do.

 

[superjohn]

Where did Hurley say that no one on UConn’s staff would be contacting any portal targets until they were done playing?

Most prepared staff in the country and there's people who think they haven't contacted anyone when the portal is the most important thing in recruiting these days. Lolz

 

[LIUCHusky]

Want Solo in that lead guard role bad with Nowell at 20+ minutes off the bench to spell him or free him up like Kemba and Bazz. Ideal situation.

Would love a 2 guard who could shoot and play defense to put next to them that could slide down to the 3 as well.

What leads you to believe Solo can be our lead guard?

 

[KemBuckets21]

What's everyone's best case (or even most likely/reasonable) transfer class look like?

Big:

Based off who we've been connected to and the athletic's rankings, Omoruyi and Williams seem like two of the top three or four bigs in the portal at this point. Omoruyi feels like he'll draw more attention from competitors, but I don't think the drop off is significant too Williams. I think Omoruyi is the want, Williams might be option 1B. I'll assume Omoruyi picks StJ. If we get Williams, I think we'll all be ecstatic.

Wing:

Kugel and Dia are the names I think fall into this bucket based of who we're connected with so far. If we do end up reaching out to Jimerson, as Vecenie suggests, the sell for him in the cam/hawk spot seems pretty seamless. I like what I saw out of DIa a bit more than Kugel, but I am tantalized by Kugel's athleticism in a lineup that will lose castle. Let's go Kugel here.

Guard:

Dercack was the first name we were linked to (I believe) and his jump from Merrimack to Uconn and BE competition would be substantial. Definitely a consideration, but in a 15 minute per night role, I like what he could potentially bring as a secondary or bench facilitator who brings energy and defense (maybe a taller Hassan?). When contrasted to a guy like Griffiths who has a considerably better profile offensively, he seems like he could be exposed on defense, it might depend on the rest of the class if you last transfer spot comes down to one of these guys. I know we all felt spurned by Griffiths out of HS, but I think I actually feel a bit more confident in what Dercack could bring in a limited bench role atleast for next year.

I personally am of the opinion Solo might need more seasoning, so in a best case scenario (as I see it) a more experienced 2 option would be preferable. During his stint as a starter, he never quite seemed like he could adjust to the tempo of the game. I don't know that his shooting will improve enough to be a starting caliber player (if we expect to be a top 3 option in the conference and top 25 on the season) next year. He might improve enough to prove me wrong, but if he doesnt, I think he's best considered a bench option.

I'll say ideal class would look like Williams, Kugel, Dercack. Have to expect some other things change with the roster so maybe some other schollies open up but I'll go with those three as the optimal class.

Hypo Starting 5 in this scenario Diarra, Kugel, Stewart, Karaban, Williams (bench Solo, Dercack, Samson, Ross etc.).

 

[Huskyforlife]

Solo and Gavin as our 6/7 could be a nasty bench. Add a veteran like Kugel or Dercack for defense and experience. And a big to anchor the defense like Williams or Omoruyi, and you’re looking at a top 5 pre season roster.

 

[UCfor3]

All these players that said UConn has contacted them is false.. Hurley has said that they won’t contact anyone until they are finished playing

Saw that also. Was either in press conference or PTI or CBS Morning. Was on one of the interviews I saw him do this week. Whether I believe that some of our assistants haven't reached out is another story.

 

[JohnnyJr]

What leads you to believe Solo can be our lead guard?

Don’t bother he’s been on this for a while

 

[Deleted at users request]

What leads you to believe Solo can be our lead guard?

Going to go ahead and make this a Solo Ball campaign to play PG post. I’ve made these points before but might as well put them all in one post:

His recruiting profiles list him as a PG.

On3:

Solomon Ball - Connecticut Huskies - Point Guard

Explore Solomon Ball's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.

www.on3.com

Rivals:

Solomon Ball 2023 Point Guard Connecticut

Solomon Ball - 4 Star Point guard for Connecticut on UConnReport

n.rivals.com

Rivals compares him to PG Russell Westbrook (a comparison I’ve been saying since first watching his film):

UConn Hoops Freshmen Intros -- Four-Star G Solomon Ball

What type of impact will Ball have next year?

connecticut.rivals.com

He also was second in assist during the teams time in Europe when he got extended run having ball handling duties for us:
Post in thread 'Box Scores'
Box Scores

His UConn bio also compares him to Westbrook:

Solo Ball - Men's Basketball - University of Connecticut Athletics

Solo Ball (1) Guard - 2024-25 (as a sophomore): Had a breakout campaign that netted Second Team All-BIG EAST honors…was an NABC All-District First Team pick....

uconnhuskies.com

There’s plenty of evidence he’s fully capable of playing PG. Only one person who, leads a lot of thought on this board, has said otherwise. Something I’m not sure any other scout or coach has said. And it seems like the board just ran with it.

Only reason he doesn’t have more opportunity there this year is because the position currently has an All-American, a top 10 pick, and a senior there.

 

[huskiesNhoos]

The Athletic has put together a pretty good reference tool for the top players quien esta en el Portal. Enjoy....

https://theathletic.com/5360188/2024/03/27/ncaa-transfers-portal-rankings-list/

Gracias very much

 

[BrassBonanza]

Going to go ahead and make this a Solo Ball campaign to play PG post. I’ve made these points before but might as well put them all in one post:

His recruiting profiles list him as a PG.

On3:

Solomon Ball - Connecticut Huskies - Point Guard

Explore Solomon Ball's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.

www.on3.com

Rivals:

Solomon Ball 2023 Point Guard Connecticut

Solomon Ball - 4 Star Point guard for Connecticut on UConnReport

n.rivals.com

Rivals compares him to PG Russell Westbrook (a comparison I’ve been saying since first watching his film):

UConn Hoops Freshmen Intros -- Four-Star G Solomon Ball

What type of impact will Ball have next year?

connecticut.rivals.com

He also was second in assist during the teams time in Europe when he got extended run having ball handling duties for us:
Post in thread 'Box Scores'
Box Scores

His UConn bio also compares him to Westbrook:

Solo Ball - Men's Basketball - University of Connecticut Athletics

Solo Ball (1) Guard - 2024-25 (as a sophomore): Had a breakout campaign that netted Second Team All-BIG EAST honors…was an NABC All-District First Team pick....

uconnhuskies.com

There’s plenty of evidence he’s fully capable of playing PG. Only one person who, leads a lot of thought on this board, has said otherwise. Something I’m not sure any other scout or coach has said. And it seems like the board just ran with it.

Only reason he doesn’t have more opportunity there this year is because the position currently has an All-American, a top 10 pick, and a senior there.

I think solo will start in the backcourt next season

 

[aburks41]

Going to go ahead and make this a Solo Ball campaign to play PG post. I’ve made these points before but might as well put them all in one post:

His recruiting profiles list him as a PG.

On3:

Solomon Ball - Connecticut Huskies - Point Guard

Explore Solomon Ball's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.

www.on3.com

Rivals:

Solomon Ball 2023 Point Guard Connecticut

Solomon Ball - 4 Star Point guard for Connecticut on UConnReport

n.rivals.com

Rivals compares him to PG Russell Westbrook (a comparison I’ve been saying since first watching his film):

UConn Hoops Freshmen Intros -- Four-Star G Solomon Ball

What type of impact will Ball have next year?

connecticut.rivals.com

He also was second in assist during the teams time in Europe when he got extended run having ball handling duties for us:
Post in thread 'Box Scores'
Box Scores

His UConn bio also compares him to Westbrook:

Solo Ball - Men's Basketball - University of Connecticut Athletics

Solo Ball (1) Guard - 2024-25 (as a sophomore): Had a breakout campaign that netted Second Team All-BIG EAST honors…was an NABC All-District First Team pick....

uconnhuskies.com

There’s plenty of evidence he’s fully capable of playing PG. Only one person who, leads a lot of thought on this board, has said otherwise. Something I’m not sure any other scout or coach has said. And it seems like the board just ran with it.

Only reason he doesn’t have more opportunity there this year is because the position currently has an All-American, a top 10 pick, and a senior there this year.

I don't think he'll ever play the 1 spot here with Diarra and Nowell lined up next year. Could he be another ball handler at the 2 spot? Sure. But now that I've thought about it, I feel like Solo will still come off the bench next season and whoever our lead 2 guard is will have significantly better ball handling abilities. Going from having 3 guys out there (Castle, Newton, Cam) who can all take over the ball to having 1 (Diarra/Nowell, and then TBD if Stewart will be able to do that if he's starting at the 3 next season) is a severe drop off. Our starting 2 guard has to be able to take over the ball

 

[navery12]

Going to go ahead and make this a Solo Ball campaign to play PG post. I’ve made these points before but might as well put them all in one post:

His recruiting profiles list him as a PG.

On3:

Solomon Ball - Connecticut Huskies - Point Guard

Explore Solomon Ball's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.

www.on3.com

Rivals:

Solomon Ball 2023 Point Guard Connecticut

Solomon Ball - 4 Star Point guard for Connecticut on UConnReport

n.rivals.com

Rivals compares him to PG Russell Westbrook (a comparison I’ve been saying since first watching his film):

UConn Hoops Freshmen Intros -- Four-Star G Solomon Ball

What type of impact will Ball have next year?

connecticut.rivals.com

He also was second in assist during the teams time in Europe when he got extended run having ball handling duties for us:
Post in thread 'Box Scores'
Box Scores

His UConn bio also compares him to Westbrook:

Solo Ball - Men's Basketball - University of Connecticut Athletics

Solo Ball (1) Guard - 2024-25 (as a sophomore): Had a breakout campaign that netted Second Team All-BIG EAST honors…was an NABC All-District First Team pick....

uconnhuskies.com

There’s plenty of evidence he’s fully capable of playing PG. Only one person who, leads a lot of thought on this board, has said otherwise. Something I’m not sure any other scout or coach has said. And it seems like the board just ran with it.

Only reason he doesn’t have more opportunity there this year is because the position currently has an All-American, a top 10 pick, and a senior there.

I love Solo and he's going to start for this team next year, but he's not a PG. He doesn't have the ball handling or vision to do it. Recruiting sites just blindly put positions on guys, it's meaningless.

I use this example only because it's currently up on my screen. Riley Kugel was listed as a PG coming out of HS by 247, he's averaged 1.2 assists and 1.7 turnovers for his career. I think he'll be a great 2 guard, and that'll mean plenty of opportunities to be a playmaker and get assists in our offense, but I have a hard time ever seeing him on the court as a primary PG

 

[Lefty2one]

If Karaban leaves I wouldn't be stunned if Solo was our leading scorer next year. This of course depends on who we bring in with the portal, but Solo is oozing with potential. He has the skills, the athleticism, and the toughness to be a great player. That said, he's definitely not a point guard.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I don't think he'll ever play the 1 spot here with Diarra and Nowell lined up next year. Could he be another ball handler at the 2 spot? Sure. But now that I've thought about it, I feel like Solo will still come off the bench next season and whoever our lead 2 guard is will have significantly better ball handling abilities. Going from having 3 guys out there (Castle, Newton, Cam) who can all take over the ball to having 1 (Diarra/Nowell, and then TBD if Stewart will be able to do that if he's starting at the 3 next season) is a severe drop off. Our starting 2 guard has to be able to take over the ball

If he’s coming off the bench next year he’s probably going to be a transfer candidate. And I wouldn’t blame him.

Diarra also participated in senior night (which after last year with Newton idk if that means much these days).

Even if Diarra does comeback though, I don’t know how much we’d like him as a consistent lead guard compared to an off the bench veteran kind of guy.

 

[Fan1978]

adding griffiths would probably mean two things: 1) Ball has to start, and as a result 2) we can only bring in one elite transfer.
I say that b/c bringing in griffiths plus 2 starting transfers would mean moving Ball to the bench and forcing Ross out of the rotation since neither Ross or Griffiths is big enough to play backup stretch 4:

Diarra---- Nowell
Ball-------Ross
Stewart-- Griffiths
Karaban--Transfer
Transfer- Johnson

Bench:
Roumeglou/Abraham/Singare

Ross might not be ready for significant minutes next year

 

[Fan1978]

He's not in the transfer portal

Declared and in portal

 

[Deleted at users request]

I love Solo and he's going to start for this team next year, but he's not a PG. He doesn't have the ball handling or vision to do it. Recruiting sites just blindly put positions on guys, it's meaningless.

I use this example only because it's currently up on my screen. Riley Kugel was listed as a PG coming out of HS by 247, he's averaged 1.2 assists and 1.7 turnovers for his career. I think he'll be a great 2 guard, and that'll mean plenty of opportunities to be a playmaker and get assists in our offense, but I have a hard time ever seeing him on the court as a primary PG

Why was he able to average the 2nd most assists on the team when he had the opportunity to play the position?

I don’t think you do that without having pretty solid vision.

 

[navery12]

Why was he able to average the 2nd most assists on the team when he had the opportunity to play the position?

I don’t think you do that without having pretty solid vision.

Because it was in meaningless scrimmages in Europe. It matters as much as some random game in December of his sophomore year of HS about how he'll be used in real Big East games when Hurley is running out real lineups against D1 competition

 

[navery12]

All these players that said UConn has contacted them is false.. Hurley has said that they won’t contact anyone until they are finished playing

 

[Ports21]

Sorry if this is already posted somewhere, but if we lose Diarra (however likely that is) I really like Bensley Joseph at Miami as almost an exact replacement aside from him being a lefty. Fast as hell, good defender and could fill that role very well. Not a GREAT shooter, but a dog on the defensive end.