USAToday: Boatright Among Top 5 Impact Players Forgoing NBA

[Husky1972]

Behind Louisville's Harrell & Wisconsin's Kaminsky:

3. Ryan Boatright, UConn: Playing in a backcourt with Shabazz Napier can have its pros and cons. We'll find out in 2014-15 how Boatright can operate without an All-American complementing him. In many ways, this could be a chance for Boatright to excel with UConn being his team. The explosive guard saw his averages dip from his sophomore (15.4 ppg, 4.4 apg) to junior seasons (12.1 ppg, 3.4 apg). He'll be the only senior on a talented roster that has Terrence Samuel and Omar Calhoun returning to the backcourt and Sam Cassell Jr. and N.C. State transfer Rodney Purvis arriving. But expect Boatright to be the go-to guy.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...with-weighty-expectations-in-2014-15/9609855/

 

[scrappy2.0]

I made a comment like this---not many teams have a Boatright. You have a few guys like Staten Wright Grant but Boat has the moxy of a champ.

 

[patrick]

It's gonna be fun to watch!

 

[intlzncster]

This guy was waaaaaay more important than DD in returning for his senior year. Don't get me wrong, we could have definitely used DD, but having an experienced point running the show is pretty much everything in college BB. It has been proven over and over and over again.

 

[alexd]

I think a lot of non UCONN fans are sleeping on Boat thinking simply that we lost Shabazz and that's that. I think Boat's going to explode this year as he did in the NCAA's.

 

[imno1]

Funny but awesome on how the perception on Ryan has changed especially on this board

 

[RichZ]

Funny but awesome on how the perception on Ryan has changed especially on this board

My perception changed when he changed. Somewhere between last season an mid-way through this season, Ryan's defense went from mediocre and lazy to simply outstanding and determined.

 

[Huskies4ever]

Funny but awesome on how the perception on Ryan has changed especially on this board

Isn't that how it works, though?

Player A gets bashed, not given a chance to grow through the season. When he does (which is natural), the people bashing player A are either singing his praises, or not posting.

 

[phillionaire]

can't wait to see the boatshow this winter!

 

[johnhuskies95]

My perception changed when he changed. Somewhere between last season an mid-way through this season, Ryan's defense went from mediocre and lazy to simply outstanding and determined.

I don't think his defense was mediocre in the beginning of the season, he was always a good playmaker on defense. But towards the postseason he started to focus a lot more on shutting down guys individually, and he became a lot more effective.

 

[pnete]

I think a lot of non UCONN fans are sleeping on Boat thinking simply that we lost Shabazz and that's that. I think Boat's going to explode this year as he did in the NCAA's.

If he expodes he will be in the Dleague for about ten years. He has to show he can stay under control and run an NBA team.

 

[HuskyJJ]

I hope Boat works on his handle this summer. We know he can score, we know he can defend, and we know he can get assists. But he had a little trouble at times bringing the ball up when primarily running the point and getting double teamed. I think he's more than ready to step up to the challenge though.

 

[intlzncster]

I hope Boat works on his handle this summer. We know he can score, we know he can defend, and we know he can get assists. But he had a little trouble at times bringing the ball up when primarily running the point and getting double teamed. I think he's more than ready to step up to the challenge though.

I think his handle is just fine. What you are referring to is recognizing and attacking double teams while bringing the ball up court. It's more a mental/strategy issue than anything.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I don't think his defense was mediocre in the beginning of the season, he was always a good playmaker on defense. But towards the postseason he started to focus a lot more on shutting down guys individually, and he became a lot more effective.

If Boatright brings that one on one defensive intensity every night next year they're going to be awfully hard to play against.

 

[noeynox]

We don't win the championship without him checking his ego at the door and deferring somewhat to Bazz. Love this kid for that.

 

[ColoradoUCFan]

I guarantee a big season for Boat

 

[rip7774]

We don't win the championship without him checking his ego at the door and deferring somewhat to Bazz. Love this kid for that.

+1. I have stated this so many times. He was the big difference to me in going good to great.

 

[jibsey]

No Boat, No championship, that simple. How many teams will have a point guard that was that instrumental on both ends of the floor in so many high profile games? And he's tougher than nails.

 

[huskies20]

He could easily be the best defensive guard in the country next year.