What’s next immediate need? PF or Center

[CL82]

Other than those things, whats wrong?

"Warum decke ich jemanden weit hinten hinter der Dreierlinie?"​

 

[HuskyHawk]

I just don't get why you brought Jaylin into the conversation of us needing another big. Jaylin isn't a big, he's neither big or brawny. Out tallest player currently is 6'10, we need a 7 footer to share the position with Hines. It doesn't need to be an equal split but it has to be a good player who can give us 15 minutes per night.

Because we also now need a backup 4. That's all. No other reason. Stewart would have filled that role. Now we need a 5 and a 4 or one guy who can be both.

 

[superjohn]

Because we also now need a backup 4. That's all. No other reason. Stewart would have filled that role. Now we need a 5 and a 4 or one guy who can be both.

Jaylin wasn't a typical 4. Neither are Khamenia or Landrew because they can play the 2-4.

Jaylin wasn't going to play any 5.

Our need is a 7 foot center.

 

[GiladKatzDeli]

The question we should be asking is- is all that’s standing between us and potentially a championship calibre roster next season something like, $3 million in additional NIL funds? I’m not saying the NIL budget should be a blank check, but if it gets Danny another quality piece or two, let’s raise it.

 

[CTBasketball]

Jaylin wasn't a typical 4. Neither are Khamenia or Landrew because they can play the 2-4.

Jaylin wasn't going to play any 5.

Our need is a 7 foot center.

I want a 9 ft center who is built like Ronnie Coleman, can jump like Stanley Robinson, and has the ball handling ability of Taliek Brown. And has the IQ of Alex Karaban.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

From what I understand we are very competitive with what we have available for NIL. It isn't an unlimited supply, and yes, we could get hurt badly if we get stupid with our spending. We also will miss out on a player or two who someone else is willing to pay more than we believe we could or should pay.

We won't be able to overload with talent by paying extra to get a few starter level players to accept a smaller role in exchange for more cash, but we will be able to fill out the roster.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Jaylin wasn't a typical 4. Neither are Khamenia or Landrew because they can play the 2-4.

Jaylin wasn't going to play any 5.

Our need is a 7 foot center.

You're not telling me anything I don't know. We need a 5 and a backup 4.

 

[navery12]

You're not telling me anything I don't know. We need a 5 and a backup 4.

And who are you taking minutes from to play the backup 4 you bring in? Stewart left because there weren't minutes available

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Folks, the criticisms of Tarris had to do with this engine, not his body or game. He was always a physical monster. This kid has all the physical strength that Tarris has, except I have not heard one word about his engine being a problem. That is exciting. And to put in my two cents about the roster: I do believe we need 2 additional centers (the third is a practice guy), and at least one PF with beef. Let's assume Nik is our starting 4. There are still minutes there to be had. Ross is a perimeter guy, not a 4.

 

[jfreeds]

This assumes no improvement from him, which isn’t a solid assumption given this staff’s track record with player development, including, in particular, Tarris.

If the staff agreed with you, he wouldn’t be on the roster. Hey, you could be right and they could be wrong. They’ve missed before. But unlike Mahaney, who they expected to step up against better competition, we already know Hines is a Big East caliber player.

I assume he will improve but he was around the 200th ranked player in college last year per Evan Miya. Lets say he improves to 100, I still don't think that will be enough unless there is a lot of depth, but there won't be.

 

[superjohn]

You're not telling me anything I don't know. We need a 5 and a backup 4.

You said that with Jaylin Stewart leaving we need a swing big who can play 4/5. Jaylin wasn't going to play any 5, he would play some 4 as an undersized 4. We have a couple of guys already on the team who can do the same.

 

[ec33]

View attachment 119837
"Warum decke ich jemanden weit hinten hinter der Dreierlinie?"​

With you highlighting the word "Thing" and using that photo, I thought perhaps that long line a German translated to "You rang?" (Lurch style). You never do know with German.

 

[ec33]

I don't think we ever seem the Boneyard's much dreamed about "Twin Towers" but Hines is listed as a PF/C with his athleticism. Another similarly capable player would allow for some interesting 4/5 switching against giant opponents.

Personally I am going to let the staff cook with the backup center and mostly hope that the "Malachi-type" backup PG is a junior so that he will have a second year to be more comfortable in the system. And it would be nice to be returning a full "starting lineup" to help get the next batch up to speed (Hines/Khamenia/Landrew/County/FictionalPG).

 

[jfreeds]

Mullins shooting guard 30 min.
Landrew small forward 30 min
Nik K. Replaces Alex 30 min
Demary point guard 35 min
Hines Center 30 min

Ross back up shooting guard and small forward 20 min. Defensive stopper.
Country backup point? 5 min.
Backup center and power?

Ball? Where does his minutes come from Mullins? Landrew? Ross?
Ball has value. Could get decent NIL and starter minutes on most teams. Thus delay.

IMHO I think you are allocating to many minutes to starters (maybe in March)....I would project something more like

Demary 30
Solo 24
Mullins 28
Nik 25
Hines 22

Landrew 23
Ross 23
County 15
Back up C 10

I'd be shocked that Ball doesn't return since he has UConn tattooed all over his leg lol but if he transferred I'd just distribute 2-3 minutes to everyone except for the Centers.

 

[JungleLobo]

I want a 9 ft center who is built like Ronnie Coleman, can jump like Stanley Robinson, and has the ball handling ability of Taliek Brown. And has the IQ of Alex Karaban.

You want LeBron James to sue to get the college eligibility he left behind

 

[TheShot1990]

I love what we've done so far but I agree we don't have all the pieces yet.
Whoever you think might be the back up PG, picture them as the starter if Silas has to take a game off. Now picture St. Johns, or SH swarming all over him with a full court press and corner traps. Or dirty Cadeau pushing and bumping and grabbing him all game.. Mal was fine with that role. We need another Mal.

We also need another big yes. Hines ain't playing 40 minutes.

 

[bendm]

I don't think this roster cuts it to be a final 4 contender. We need a bigger brawnier player option at least available at the 4, and based on games I've watched, County for 10 min at the point scares the crap out of me both offensively and defensively. I don't think his handle, or his defense, or his shooting, or his driving ability, or his foul shooting, is as good as either Ball or Mullins, and they aren't the answer either.
When we had RJ Cole and just Gaffney behind him, we had to play Cole every minute despite Gaffney doing well enough in later years. I think Silas/County would be a return to that situation. In addition, Silas & Hines would be too valuable to lose any time to injury. We are never that lucky.

I think that’s easily a preseason top 5 team. Best 3 guard lineup in the country. Kepnang is a fine replacement for Reibe if that’s who we get. He’d be more productive than Reibe was as a frosh. County is the only question mark but somehow Arizona and UM made it to the final 4 without a backup PG in the rotation.

 

[navery12]

I think that’s easily a preseason top 5 team. Best 3 guard lineup in the country. Kepnang is a fine replacement for Reibe if that’s who we get. He’d be more productive than Reibe was as a frosh. County is the only question mark but somehow Arizona and UM made it to the final 4 without a backup PG in the rotation.

No Kepnang

 

[3rdbass]

Maybe this guy?

 

[Umami Zen]

Here's my unicorn to pitch: Boise State's Drew Fielder.

Sounds familiar? Fielder spent his first two seasons at Georgetown, starting his sophomore season (7.1p, 5.4r) and he exploded last season at Boise State: 14.7p, 5.7r, 1.3a, 41 3P%, 79 FT%.

At 6'11 225, he's got enough size to play backup center, but enough skill/shooting ability to play as the team's big 4 when they need.

He'll be pricy, but maybe he'll be excited to spend his senior year back in the Big East with a shot to win the title?

Or, I'd gladly welcome back Reibe. Get him backup C minutes but then allow him to expand his perimeter game at the 4 in a, hear me out, a double-big lineup!

Sorry @Hey Adrien! - Fielder commits to Bama today.

 

[gsmooth]

Sorry @Hey Adrien! - Fielder commits to Bama today.

Fielder would've been nice at UConn if the price was right and if Fielder wasn't looking for 25 minutes a game. He could be the back up at the 4 and 5 with his size and skillset. Plus he already has experience of playing in the Big East so the physicality of the league won't shell shock him.

Oh well. I can't fault Fielder. I will repeat the wise words heard from a great philosopher whose words will most likely end up on fortune cookies everywhere.....

......


.....

.....

DJ Quik from Compton, California
"If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense".

 

[RuffRuff]

Another big off the board - Oates is doing some work in the portal.

 

[superjohn]

Maybe this guy?

Want.

The 190 lbs. is a major turn off but when you actually watch him play he doesn't look and play like he's 190 lbs. Incredibly long and athletic. At the very least he would be an immediate lob guy and shot blocker for us. Has major upside.

 

[navery12]

Want.

The 190 lbs. is a major turn off but when you actually watch him play he doesn't look and play like he's 190 lbs. Incredibly long and athletic. At the very least he would be an immediate lob guy and shot blocker for us. Has major upside.

I feel confident with anyone we get a Zoom with. Hopefully we can get him on campus next week and then we can close the deal

 

[RuffRuff]

Want.

The 190 lbs. is a major turn off but when you actually watch him play he doesn't look and play like he's 190 lbs. Incredibly long and athletic. At the very least he would be an immediate lob guy and shot blocker for us. Has major upside.

It doesn't seem possible to be 7 foot, 190.

 

[UConn Dan]

Was just listening to the Norlander and Parrish live show a little bit ago and Norlander still saying Solo Ball returning and that we're adding a notable bench piece. Really curious who that could be -- who's visited recently?

 

[3rdbass]

Want.

The 190 lbs. is a major turn off but when you actually watch him play he doesn't look and play like he's 190 lbs. Incredibly long and athletic. At the very least he would be an immediate lob guy and shot blocker for us. Has major upside.

Looks like we are interested. Maybe our Samson Johnson type Center to pair with Hines.

 

[3rdbass]

Do we know who this is as I can't read it as not a paid member?

 

[EBonz30]

UConn’s biggest need is a big man- the 6’11 7’0 type. There is a few guys still available, hopefully they pounce strongly & swiftly- you would think Hurley & the staff is focused on the same item.

 

[superjohn]

Looks like we are interested. Maybe our Samson Johnson type Center to pair with Hines.

Coastal Athletic Association on Instagram: "One of the best rim protectors in the nation 🙅🚫 Chol Machot of @cofcbasketball earns the 2026 CAA MBB Defensive Player of the Year Award"