UConn out on Valdir Manuel

[kansashusky]

The 2020 class might be the most important recruiting class in UConn history. That feels dramatic to type, but I really believe it.

3 out of the 4 need to be top targets. (we will have 4 schollys if Alterique leaves)

Give me:

Cam
Andre
Richie
Cliff

 

[Huskyfan4evr]

Lol, stuck with what we have?

Ya Stuck with what we have. I'm not a Whaley fan. He's an undersized foul machine who cant shoot. I think Carlton and Akok will be a good duo but they will need rest and foul trouble. Unless Whaley improves a lot he is a liability. imo

 

[blue93]

Amazing how many people are taking the "didn't really want him anyway" approach all of a sudden.

 

[UconnU]

He must not be anywhere near close to eligible.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

Kid i coach just out played him at a Juco showcase in Florida

Impressive considering the coaching @Burnsbros23

 

[kemba]

Amazing how many people are taking the "didn't really want him anyway" approach all of a sudden.

And how quickly people are trying to talk themselves into the idea of Whaley being our backup center is good enough lol

 

[Towney007]

-Well I for one liked him, but he's not going to be a significant needle mover.

-I've always been in the camp that we should bank the scholarship and lose our MFing minds next year on the recruiting trail

-Anyone who thinks Whaley is a viable backup center needs to visit a doctor. We're going to struggle down low. Just is the way it is.

 

[superjohn]

-Well I for one liked him, but he's not going to be a significant needle mover.

-I've always been in the camp that we should bank the scholarship and lose our MFing minds next year on the recruiting trail

-Anyone who thinks Whaley is a viable backup center needs to visit a doctor. We're going to struggle down low. Just is the way it is.

That's where I'm at. Get a badarse class for when we step into the Big East but down low remains a huge problem for us.

 

[MDHuskFan]

other than the USF kid & Wiseman, who are the Bigs we need to worry about in conference play?

 

[HuskyHawk]

I would rather have him. Hopefully we can find at least a live body grad transfer. It doesn't cost us anything since it leaves the scholarship open in 2020.

Whaley reportedly up over 220 pounds, so I think he can probably fill in for 10 minutes a game. He's a good shotblocker and rebounder. We aren't looking for offense from a backup 5. The main issue is what happens if Josh has foul trouble.

 

[HuskyHawk]

other than the USF kid & Wiseman, who are the Bigs we need to worry about in conference play?

WSU has an effective big guy, but that's about it.

 

[superjohn]

other than the USF kid & Wiseman, who are the Bigs we need to worry about in conference play?

Everyone, if Carlton gets in any sort of foul trouble we're cooked.

 

[Towney007]

other than the USF kid & Wiseman, who are the Bigs we need to worry about in conference play?

Ugh dude don't do that. We're going to be bashed on the boards.

We've got great back court depth - but it's just gonna be an entire season of Josh Carlton having to be scooped up off the floor with a spatula after games. And if he gets hurt - oh boy.

I still think banking the scholarship is the better move. At this point, you don't make a 2-3 year scholarship decision on a player who's really not going to be a bedrock kinda player. I think the Big East move reinforces that.

 

[kansashusky]

We dont need another big to be successful. Villanova last year didn't have anyone over 6'9 on their team. We need to shoot the ball better, and be a better defensive team.

 

[auror]

To me, it was important to have a competent backup center in 2020-2021 (So not this year, next) when we make our next big run as dictated by the roster and experience. Coincidentally it will also be our big splash in the Big East.

Which ideally meant bringing someone in for this year who could be ready for decent minutes in Hurley's system by next year as a sophomore instead of a raw freshman.

The move to the Big East somewhat lessens that acute need to really make an impactful NCAA run, as just being competent in the Big East will help our recruiting as much as a tourny run in the AAC would.

And maybe that boost has already been realized and will pay dividends soon, making the run in '20-'21 less important than just recruiting the best longterm talent.

 

[BFieldHusky]

We are in really good shape with multiple Top 50 players for 2020. Let it play out. Big East news really is helping.

Hurts for 2019 no doubt. A lot of small ball.

 

[Waterbury]

Are there even any grad transfers left at this point? Either way would much rather have the scholly for next season.

 

[CL82]

Ya Stuck with what we have. I'm not a Whaley fan. He's an undersized foul machine who cant shoot. I think Carlton and Akok will be a good duo but they will need rest and foul trouble. Unless Whaley improves a lot he is a liability. imo

Carlton improved dramatically at the start of the year and then though out the season. It's a good bet that that trend line continues. I'm not sure of what Akok will do. His size and his work with Sal makes me hopeful though. I'd expect that he'll get some rebounds, be a decent help defender, and stretch the floor on offense. I'm hopeful that Whaley's additional size will help him box out and hold his position. We are in a better position down low than we have been in years. IMHO.

 

[Huskyfan4evr]

Carlton improved dramatically at the start of the year and then though out the season. It's a good bet that that trendline continues. I'm not sure of what Akok will do. His size and his work with Sal makes me helpful though. I'd expect that he'll get some rebounds, be a decent help defender, and stretch the floor on offense. I'm hopeful that Whaley's additional size will help him box out and hold his position. We are in a better position down low than we have been in years. IMHO.

I hope your right. I'm definitely hoping for a better year.

 

[UConnStats]

Barring injury, our defense should improve no matter what.

- Our worst defensive guard (Jalen) led the team in MPG last year
- Whaley is undersized, but it's borderline impossible to be worse than Cobb was on defense
- Akok is a huge improvement in rim protection and rebounding over Polley, who is better suited to guard the 3 or soft stretch 4s than some of the 4s he had to guard this year

 

[Captbluefin]

Loosing Kofi really hurts. I hope lessons were learned.. We had a lot of eggs in the Kofi basket.

 

[Durks07]

We are in really good shape with multiple Top 50 players for 2020. Let it play out. Big East news really is helping.

Hurts for 2019 no doubt. A lot of small ball.

This is going to get me through the rest of the day

 

[bendm]

multiple Top 50 players

cam, lance, and cliff?

sorry if i'm being pushy/nosy. i'm addicted.

 

[Danzz]

Maybe he wasn’t making the grades needed in summer school to gain admission. That seemed to be the sticking point originally, right? I would have preferred to have him this year for depth but don’t think it’s the end of the world. I expect Hurley will use the spot for someone even better.

"Maybe he wasn’t making the grades needed in summer school to gain admission"
Very possible since he didn't commit anywhere.

 

[Dooooooomed]

Loosing Kofi really hurts. I hope lessons were learned.. We had a lot of eggs in the Kofi basket.

Eh... The problem was that we didn't have $ in our eggs.