Versatility

[InKembaITrust]

This team has plenty of it.

Positionless players: We have at least 6 players who can play 1 through 3 and at least 3-4 players who could even play 1 through 4.

Depth: FINALLY we can comfortably go two deep, and even 3 deep, at every position. Injuries (if they happen) won't nearly have the impact they've had in recent years.

Playmakers: We have at least 4-6 playmakers who can put the ball on the floor, penetrate, hit the open three, or create their own shot off the dribble.

Shotmakers: When's the last time we had this many guys that could spread the floor and stroke the 3? Cole's shot looked silky last night, Adams and Gaff are taking smarter open looks, Polley is Polley and Bouk is Bouk.

And to think the team we saw last night was without key players in Akok & Martin. I say this every year but this time I MEAN IT. This is a well-built college bball team that has all the makings of an elite-8 tournament team.

Great job to the coaching staff.

 

[Kitaman]

I think we legitimately don't have to worry about fouls this year (sans Bouknight).

When have we ever felt this safe?

 

[CL82]

 

[jibsey]

How does Hurley get everyone the minutes they need? Someone or many will be unhappy because we have 10 guys that deserve PT.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

How does Hurley get everyone the minutes they need? Someone or many will be unhappy because we have 10 guys that deserve PT.

It will be interesting to see what Hurley does. In recent years, a lot of college coaches have been managing minutes almost like pitch counts in baseball. It's not like the old days when Gordon and Okafor wouldn't come off the court. I think that will be especially true in a pandemic year where we will unexpectedly have players out for quarantine (that is guaranteed to happen) and also have funky weeks where there are unexpected makeup games. There will be cancelled practices, and no way to keep everyone in top shape. Hurley needs to watch minutes this season, and not overload anyone. He doesn't have to with this depth.

 

[UCLJ0211]

How does Hurley get everyone the minutes they need? Someone or many will be unhappy because we have 10 guys that deserve PT.

I think different guys will get their minutes based on the opponent, style of play, foul trouble, etc. for that particular game. Good problem to have.

 

[Lefty2one]

The backcourt situation is most interesting. In the frontcourt, it's relatively easy to leave Carlton, Brown, and Springs out of the rotation. Carlton will see enough minutes when Sanogo or Whalley are in foul trouble. There's no one in the backcourt and on the wing who shouldn't see 20 minutes a night.

Cole
Gaffney
Bouk
Jackson
Martin

I'm a bit skeptical as to how much four Martin can and will play.

 

[metsfan2323]

We have 2004 depth.

This crazy depth means Jackson will play many minutes at the 4. You can't get our best players proper minutes without Jackson playing the 4. Thankfully he seems quite capable of doing it with those broad shoulders, insane jumping ability and NBA ready physique.

 

[QuickDraw]

The teams size from last year is very noticeable as well, everyone of the returning players were visibly bigger and stronger than last season. I don't think we will be getting pushed around much.

 

[InKembaITrust]

We have 2004 depth.

This crazy depth means Jackson will play many minutes at the 4. You can't get our best players proper minutes without Jackson playing the 4. Thankfully he seems quite capable of doing it with those broad shoulders, insane jumping ability and NBA ready physique.

The small lineups are what I'm most excited about this season.

Cole, Gaffney, Bouknight, Jackson, Polley is a problem on the offensive end.

 

[jibsey]

Jackson had a wide open airball, can he shoot from 3?

 

[Jim]

How does Hurley get everyone the minutes they need? Someone or many will be unhappy because we have 10 guys that deserve PT.

Good coaches make sure everyone on the team knows why certain players are getting the minutes they are getting and what others have to do to increase their PT. When you develop good team chemistry and everyone is focusing on what is best for the team, that is the recipe for a long run in March/April.

 

[UconnU]

The talent upgrade since Coach Hurley took over is just remarkable. Compare this team talent wise to what we had in 2017 it’s comical.

 

[CL82]

Jackson had a wide open airball, can he shoot from 3?

Obviously yes. Whether he can make them with any constancy is another question.

 

[Jay-Bone]

And we finally have someone with some muscle that won't get pushed around on the block. Bout time.

It also doesn't hurt to have a deep roster in a pandemic.

 

[husky429]

Jackson had a wide open airball, can he shoot from 3?

He's a terrible shooter. Has been for a long time. It's the only thing keeping him from being 1 and done

 

[InKembaITrust]

And we finally have someone with some muscle that won't get pushed around on the block. Bout time.

It also doesn't hurt to have a deep roster in a pandemic.

Excited for the S&C staff to get working on Javonte. Kid showed glimpses he can be a beast with the limited minutes he played.

 

[GHSWolverines]

Jackson had a wide open airball, can he shoot from 3?

It's his weakness. Needs more time to develop an outside shot

 

[inWV]

The kind of players that will come to Storrs to play in the BE are better than the ones that will come to play in the AAC.

 

[InKembaITrust]

It's his weakness. Needs more time to develop an outside shot

Nice to know the team is fine with outside shooting even if he doesn't develop a consistent 3-point shot. For his sake though he better if he wants to go to the NBA.

 

[Jay-Bone]

Excited for the S&C staff to get working on Javonte. Kid showed glimpses he can be a beast with the limited minutes he played.

I was referring to the fridge, Sanogo. But if javonte adds muscle, he can be a fridge too.