What’s next immediate need? PF or Center

[DogMania]

IMO, the obvious needs at this point are:

Either a combo 4/5 that can give us solid backup minutes at the 5 and some at the 4 depending on matchups, foul trouble or injuries. The latter concerns me the most where I'd like for us to have 3 players who have the attributes and experience to man the 5 without a cataclysmic drop off.

Or if not the above, a true 5 who possibly could have started for middle of the pack high major program or at least a very good first off the bench backup, who has the capabilities such as: shot blocking, rebounding, sufficient scoring (would love to add a quick rolling, high rising catch and dunk big) and physical (can't be push around too much) paint defender.

And if not the combo, and in addition to the 2nd true 5, a long and strong 4 who rebounds and defends big and/or athletic opposing 4s. Sort of a slightly bigger back-in-the-day Lyman DePriest player who can lock down 4s, and maybe even 3s, not necessarily a good scorer, where we have enough offense scorers on the floor at the other 4 positions. This type of bench player, plus Kamania & Landrew, who can play as an undersized 4, should be enough to fill those 40 minutes.

Lastly, we need a solid backup PG or CG who can handle both full-court and backcourt pressure, defend and initiate the offense, without having a big drop off at that position. Not having enough solid play at the 1 can kill your season regardless of how much talent you have at the other 4 positions. We must be injury and foul proof at the 1, or many of us will be very worried.

I think they'll find the portal players they need at the 1 and 4. I'm more concerned about finding help at the 5 where the challenge of having enough money and or finding talented enough players that are willing to come off the bench or share a lot of the minutes at that position. I wonder if they can get some help on the international market for any of these positions, especially at the 5.

It would have been nice to add a 2 or 3 who is able to take his man off the dribble and drive to the basket. I don't think we have the money or room for that and will need to hope that at least one or two of the current players at that position can develop that part of their game. It's nice to have players that can do everything you want, but that's not usually possible. Just need to do many things right to make up for the few things you're not as good at.

 

[FearThePups]

IMO, the obvious needs at this point are:

Either a combo 4/5 that can give us solid backup minutes at the 5 and some at the 4 depending on matchups, foul trouble or injuries. The latter concerns me the most where I'd like for us to have 3 players who have the attributes and experience to man the 5 without a cataclysmic drop off.

Or if not the above, a true 5 who possibly could have started for middle of the pack high major program or at least a very good first off the bench backup, who has the capabilities such as: shot blocking, rebounding, sufficient scoring (would love to add a quick rolling, high rising catch and dunk big) and physical (can't be push around too much) paint defender.

And if not the combo, and in addition to the 2nd true 5, a long and strong 4 who rebounds and defends big and/or athletic opposing 4s. Sort of a slightly bigger back-in-the-day Lyman DePriest player who can lock down 4s, and maybe even 3s, not necessarily a good scorer, where we have enough offense scorers on the floor at the other 4 positions. This type of bench player, plus Kamania & Landrew, who can play as an undersized 4, should be enough to fill those 40 minutes.

Lastly, we need a solid backup PG or CG who can handle both full-court and backcourt pressure, defend and initiate the offense, without having a big drop off at that position. Not having enough solid play at the 1 can kill your season regardless of how much talent you have at the other 4 positions. We must be injury and foul proof at the 1, or many of us will be very worried.

I think they'll find the portal players they need at the 1 and 4. I'm more concerned about finding help at the 5 where the challenge of having enough money and or finding talented enough players that are willing to come off the bench or share a lot of the minutes at that position. I wonder if they can get some help on the international market for any of these positions, especially at the 5.

It would have been nice to add a 2 or 3 who is able to take his man off the dribble and drive to the basket. I don't think we have the money or room for that and will need to hope that at least one or two of the current players at that position can develop that part of their game. It's nice to have players that can do everything you want, but that's not usually possible. Just need to do many things right to make up for the few things you're not as good at.

Agree on your assessment. A traditional 4, a backup 5 and now unfortunately a guard replacement. Ideally it’s a point guard, incoming junior who can be here for two years. Silas won’t be back next year but Solo will. I was never sold on Silas or Solo being a pure PG. the new PG could split minutes with Silas. Braylon plays the 2 and Silas can spell Mullins. I am uncomfortable heading into this year with just Silas and Mullins being the 1 and less confidence with the rookie County as the answer to run the offense.

 

[Hurlees4hed]

Give me Chol Machot, David Fuchs from San Francisco, and a back up PG that can help beat a press and hit an open 3.

 

[AtlHusky]

IMO, the obvious needs at this point are:

Either a combo 4/5 that can give us solid backup minutes at the 5 and some at the 4 depending on matchups, foul trouble or injuries. The latter concerns me the most where I'd like for us to have 3 players who have the attributes and experience to man the 5 without a cataclysmic drop off.

Or if not the above, a true 5 who possibly could have started for middle of the pack high major program or at least a very good first off the bench backup, who has the capabilities such as: shot blocking, rebounding, sufficient scoring (would love to add a quick rolling, high rising catch and dunk big) and physical (can't be push around too much) paint defender.

And if not the combo, and in addition to the 2nd true 5, a long and strong 4 who rebounds and defends big and/or athletic opposing 4s. Sort of a slightly bigger back-in-the-day Lyman DePriest player who can lock down 4s, and maybe even 3s, not necessarily a good scorer, where we have enough offense scorers on the floor at the other 4 positions. This type of bench player, plus Kamania & Landrew, who can play as an undersized 4, should be enough to fill those 40 minutes.

Lastly, we need a solid backup PG or CG who can handle both full-court and backcourt pressure, defend and initiate the offense, without having a big drop off at that position. Not having enough solid play at the 1 can kill your season regardless of how much talent you have at the other 4 positions. We must be injury and foul proof at the 1, or many of us will be very worried.

I think they'll find the portal players they need at the 1 and 4. I'm more concerned about finding help at the 5 where the challenge of having enough money and or finding talented enough players that are willing to come off the bench or share a lot of the minutes at that position. I wonder if they can get some help on the international market for any of these positions, especially at the 5.

It would have been nice to add a 2 or 3 who is able to take his man off the dribble and drive to the basket. I don't think we have the money or room for that and will need to hope that at least one or two of the current players at that position can develop that part of their game. It's nice to have players that can do everything you want, but that's not usually possible. Just need to do many things right to make up for the few things you're not as good at.

Does Hurley need to entertain the idea of trying to convince the 2024 New Hampshire Mr. Basketball he can be a 6'9" 275# space-eater? 😎 I'm guessing Coach Penders would push back.

 

[B1GEast]

Really frustrated that the PF position has gone unaddressed.

I know it's still early but some of the big names are off the board

 

[3rdbass]

There we go. Our prayers have been answered. JK. LOL!

 

[navery12]

Really frustrated that the PF position has gone unaddressed.

I know it's still early but some of the big names are off the board

One of the big names is off the board because he committed to UConn

 

[Fan1978]

There we our prayers have been answered. JK. LOL!

Shocked it took this long, thought he would be first one in portal. Something clearly wrong with this guy

 

[Fan1978]

Shocked it took this long, thought he would be first one in portal. Something clearly wrong with this guy

McDonald’s probably wants their burger back

 

[Son of Robert]

There we go. Our prayers have been answered. JK. LOL!

Anyone know what went down this past season with Niko Bundalo?

 

[FightOnCT]

Really frustrated that the PF position has gone unaddressed.

I know it's still early but some of the big names are off the board

Khamenia will be a 4, idk why people are acting like he isn’t. Same height as AK, just needs more muscle which he’ll probably gain in the offseason

 

[boog204]

Anyone know what went down this past season with Niko Bundalo?

Everything about him is bizarre. Obviously a big talent, but nobody wanted him. And then Ole Miss gets him, there were articles written about him being highest rated recruit there ever, and then didn’t play him and it was crickets all year.

 

[dennismenace]

If would be definitely a testament to how much he hates to lose.

This is a really good perspective. No one wants to succeed and win more than Dan Hurley and those dealing with him in house have to face a guy who can be as relentless as the players and staff he develops and motivates. He also seems to be more open minded as he gains wisdom over the years. Openness to other great coaches through study or discussion present or past is all part of the hunt for him. I need to remember that from time to time.

 

[businesslawyer]

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.

Ross was the backup 4 while Stewart was out during our stretch run. Ross is not a 4, but the world didn’t end either. And from what we hear, Landrew may be more physical than Ross.

 

[B1GEast]

Khamenia will be a 4, idk why people are acting like he isn’t. Same height as AK, just needs more muscle which he’ll probably gain in the offseason

I thought he was listed as a SF

 

[DogMania]

Khamenia will be a 4, idk why people are acting like he isn’t. Same height as AK, just needs more muscle which he’ll probably gain in the offseason

Many look at the height of a player and seem to immediately slot them into their position.

You have to look at the players game, i.e. his capacities on both ends of the floor.

Khamenia looks like a hybrid 3/4 capable of playing both, depending on the situation and/or matchups. I haven't watched enough clips of him, but he might struggle against stronger 4s and quicker 3s. I'm sure his game will improve at both position as he gets stronger and hones his skills.

And offensively in UConn's multi-action motion offense, the three and four pretty much do the same thing.

 

[RuffRuff]

Many look at the height of a player and seem to immediately slot them into their position.

You have to look at the players game, i.e. his capacities on both ends of the floor.

Khamenia looks like a hybrid 3/4 capable of playing both, depending on the situation and/or matchups. I haven't watched enough clips of him, but he might struggle against stronger 4s and quicker 3s. I'm sure his game will improve at both position as he gets stronger and hones his skills.

And offensively in UConn's multi-action motion offense, the three and four pretty much do the same thing.

Am wondering if Hurley goes to a new wrinkle this year with lot's of versatility with 3/4's, 4/5's. Some Beli-ball.

This guy isn't overly inspiring.

 

[uh-no]

Am wondering if Hurley goes to a new wrinkle this year with lot's of versatility with 3/4's, 4/5's. Some Beli-ball.

This guy isn't overly inspiring.

i mean i'll take him, but I still think we need a 7'0 guy and bigger 4.

Is it just me or with our current cohort, we can use junior county as BU PG, and the 4/5 is by far the bigger issue with NK more aligned at the 3/4 than a pure 4....meaning PF and C are the two gaps on the team.

 

[Emoney2737]

Am wondering if Hurley goes to a new wrinkle this year with lot's of versatility with 3/4's, 4/5's. Some Beli-ball.

This guy isn't overly inspiring.

This guy is exactly what we need for a backup forward/center. He’s a very good rebounder and defender, that’s all you have to do as a UConn backup big.

 

[superjohn]

This guy is exactly what we need for a backup forward/center. He’s a very good rebounder and defender, that’s all you have to do as a UConn backup big.

If you're saying he's exactly what we need as our 2 headed monster at center with Hines, no he's not. Look at what we've had with our two guys at that position the past 4 seasons.

 

[Marat]

If you're saying he's exactly what we need as our 2 headed monster at center with Hines, no he's not. Look at what we've had with our two guys at that position the past 4 seasons.

Unfortunately Reibe bailed - didn't want to be the backup next season. Now we may have to settle, but still hoping we don't .

 

[RuffRuff]

If you're saying he's exactly what we need as our 2 headed monster at center with Hines, no he's not. Look at what we've had with our two guys at that position the past 4 seasons.

At this point, my sense is that any lack of going after better is simply NIL limitations. Is what it is - I'm not guessing, it's why I'm wondering what Hurley might do with the great pieces he already has. He's got two 3/4 types, a 2/3 type, and maybe Hines or this guy is a 4/5 type. Will be curious if he moves stuff around.

Reibe wasn't going to be cheap. My guess is part of why he left is because he wasn't going to stay on a discount and probably had feelers out to USC arleady. GR. I'm not gonna miss the kid more than I am his phoney "effen Husky" routine.

 

[EBonz30]

If you're saying he's exactly what we need as our 2 headed monster at center with Hines, no he's not. Look at what we've had with our two guys at that position the past 4 seasons.

Fully agree. If we are going to be fair- this is not the type of player that most of us thought of as part of the two headed center position. With that said, none of us know what Hurley’s plan is for him at this point if he brings him on.

 

[navery12]

Fully agree. If we are going to be fair- this is not the type of player that most of us thought of as part of the two headed center position. With that said, none of us know what Hurley’s plan is for him at this point if he brings him on.

There's a big difference between the center rotation we're trying to build this year, and what we've had the last 4 years. In every case we had a starter who had 1 year left and a backup ready to take over the next year. In this case our starter is a sophomore, so it's a much harder sell to bring in another top C option

 

[EBonz30]

There's a big difference between the center rotation we're trying to build this year, and what we've had the last 4 years. In every case we had a starter who had 1 year left and a backup ready to take over the next year. In this case our starter is a sophomore, so it's a much harder sell to bring in another top C option

Fair enough- so you’re saying we are most likely going to weaker at the center position because of this? Is that your point?

 

[RuffRuff]

There's a big difference between the center rotation we're trying to build this year, and what we've had the last 4 years. In every case we had a starter who had 1 year left and a backup ready to take over the next year. In this case our starter is a sophomore, so it's a much harder sell to bring in another top C option

Could, but would have to be creative to make it happen.

 

[navery12]

Fair enough- so you’re saying we are most likely going to weaker at the center position because of this? Is that your point?

The opposite actually, we should have Najai Hines locked up as our starting center for the next 3 years. So in this case we're not looking for a backup to take over as a starter in a year, we're looking for a program player to give us a solid 15 minutes a game for a few years

 

[superjohn]

The opposite actually, we should have Najai Hines locked up as our starting center for the next 3 years. So in this case we're not looking for a backup to take over as a starter in a year, we're looking for a program player to give us a solid 15 minutes a game for a few years

I don't want to speak for him but I thought he was asking if we're most likely going to be weaker at the center position this upcoming season?

@EBonz30 it seemed pretty obvious to me what your question was. Did I get it right?

 

[RuffRuff]

The opposite actually, we should have Najai Hines locked up as our starting center for the next 3 years. So in this case we're not looking for a backup to take over as a starter in a year, we're looking for a program player to give us a solid 15 minutes a game for a few years

The Stanford kid makes a lot more sense when you think about it. These two can grow up together, same year.

We are going to be very young in places next year. Hines upside feels very high.

 

[superjohn]

The Stanford kid makes a lot more sense when you think about it. These two can grow up together, same year.

We are going to be very young in places next year.

Was kind of hoping we were going for a bulletproof type team for next season because Hurley didn't think he had it this season. At least that's what I heard at the final 4. Playing for seasons down the road is a difficult thing to do in this era.