Will Whaley consider returning?

[Wise2]

Agree. Easy to see the value for the team but less clear what the value is to Poppers’ career.

he needs to work on his push-up free throws

 

[August_West]

You guys realize that moving on may mean the transfer portal right? Not Korea or the Ukraine or Italy. If any player is considering staying in college for their “ free” year, you would have to look at them as a potential recruit. No?

I for one would recruit the heck out of Whaley in particular , if he indicates he wants to play another year of COLLEGE hoops somewhere. Others may find a better fit and more minutes elsewhere, Whaley gets how Hurley wants to play. Could be an asset.

 

[Jimdish255]

I'd take him back because he makes us a better team, he's a great worker and we'll win more games with him than without him. But if someone's offering him good money to play overseas he should seriously consider it.

 

[PAHusky]

My vote is no. He'll be riding good momentum to a possible pro career and it's doubtful he'll get the same minutes next year so while I'd love him back, it's wise for him to try to make some $$$ next year.

I'd take his available scholarship for a grad transfer big who is comfortable playing a "Josh Carlton 20-21 role" behind Adama in exchange for playing at a higher level program, hopefully a guy who's always wanted to play at UConn.

For example, a EJ Anosike from Sacred Heart to Tennessee would be an ideal situation.

Scouring the transfer market, Montana's Michael Steadman is a guy who would be a nice fit. A 6'10 215 athletic big averaging 11.9p, 7.3r and 50 fg%. After playing in JUCO, San Jose State and Montana, maybe he'd want an opportunity to be part of the Huskies in a reserve role? Just an example. I've seen him play on TV a bit (wife is a UM alum and I like following their program) and while he's a good player, he's had a kinda similar fortune to Josh Carlton: a promising freshman was given more minutes so Montana is playing more of the long game here.

Of course, we need more talent, but there's no true bigs behind Adama in 21-22.

I'm sorry but this line of thinking makes no sense to me. First, as someone said above, I'm not sure his scholarship counts against the limit.

More importantly, why would we look at bringing in a grad transfer from a smaller school for a year and hoping that works out rather than just keeping the kid we already know can play against Big East talent? What's the sense in swapping an extra year of Whaley for a backup from Montana?

 

[Huskyforlife]

You guys realize that moving on may mean the transfer portal right? Not Korea or the Ukraine or Italy. If any player is considering staying in college for their “ free” year, you would have to look at them as a potential recruit. No?

I for one would recruit the heck out of Whaley in particular , if he indicates he wants to play another year of COLLEGE hoops somewhere. Others may find a better fit and more minutes elsewhere, Whaley gets how Hurley wants to play. Could be an asset.

You can't do that was my understanding.

 

[SubbaBub]

Anyone who doesn't think Whaley is our best big right now by a clear margin prefers reading about basketball recruiting to actual basketball or winning basketball. Sanogo has some serious skills but he is still more show horse than race horse. Akok need to do more than just take off his warmups for a few games to even be in the conversation.

 

[imno1]

For selfish reasons I would love to have him back. I really enjoy watching him play. I expect him to move on though. Time to earn a living

 

[MuchoDogYears]

Whaley is not taking anyone's scholarship next year due to the ruling passed by the NCAA. Why are people getting this confused over and over. Yes he might take a spot in the development of a player but not their scholarship.

Casual fans

 

[HuskyHawk]

I don't think Springs is beating out a 5th year Whaley for minutes, and Johnson is a high ceiling guy who's raw. Again, I don't really feel strongly about what should happen but I think this underrates Whaley's value, particularly vis-a-vis young, unproven guys. He's not just going to be adding depth with guys that he's better than playing over him.

Beats him out? No. Leaves if he’s a junior and has no path to ever seeing the court because now Clingan is in the conversation? Maybe that’s just how it is. But I think we want him around in two years, when Sanogo may be gone. I think Whaley has clear value to UConn as a depth big. But does he want a 5th year? We also don’t know who else could be coming in next season. Class isn’t full.

 

[NJHusky]

I even wonder if Springs will come back. With or without him, we are certainly going to need to bring in some bigs if nothing else just for depth. Hopefully a grad/transfer or two are coming our way. Or, maybe a high school player that committed to a program which keeps its bigs due to the Covid extra year option would consider coming to UConn instead. The staff is going to have to work hard to ensure we have the needed depth up front.

If u want a grad transfer why not just hope Whaley stays? You think you are getting someone better than Wheatley? and he knows the system and teammates

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

If u want a grad transfer why not just hope Whaley stays? You think you are getting someone better than Wheatley? and he knows the system and teammates

No, I did not say that. I am just assuming at this point that he will leave for pro ball - given what Hurley said. So, gotta start looking for replacements.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Beats him out? No. Leaves if he’s a junior and has no path to ever seeing the court because now Clingan is in the conversation? Maybe that’s just how it is. But I think we want him around in two years, when Sanogo may be gone. I think Whaley has clear value to UConn as a depth big. But does he want a 5th year? We also don’t know who else could be coming in next season. Class isn’t full.

Fair enough. It's certainly an interesting situation for Hurley to be in. Maybe they'll all want to get the jump on making money, which will moot all of this. But I think Whaley's the one that I'd want to keep around for another year. If Springs accepts that he's a long term development guy I would hope that wouldn't cause him to look elsewhere.

As for the class being full I assume you're talking about a transfer with immediate eligibility . . .

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

The incoming class can be at least one more - two if Bouk leaves. Three if anyone else less than a senior also leaves... I am starting to wonder if Springs will ever develop into more than just a practice player. With all of our injuries and the ups and downs of Carlton this year, you would like to have thought that he would have gotten more than just the one cameo appearance in a blow out.

 

[ScuderiaDiU]

If he wants to stay, you keep him...period. He is one of our best players and I love his attitude. If he gets a good offer to make money and decides to leave, I wish him the best. I hope he stays.

 

[the Q]

I started laughing so hard. Whaley leads the Big East in defensive rating and blocks this season according to sports-reference.com, but if he came back next year he’d need to be a backup and play 10 minutes a game.

As this guy said. Some people actually don’t want the guy who should win BE DPOY...

I’m excited sanogo’s potential as well, but...

...you need multiple good players...especially with this team’s luck over the years

 

[awfuldan]

I think Whaley is my favorite player on the team but he should graduate and go get paid in Europe or give the G-League a shot. Dude had a storybook career. He came in as an afterthought at the absolute rock bottom in recent UConn history and then got buried on the bench under a new coach. Now, in his senior season, he is the favorite to win Big East DPOY and is playing a huge role on a tournament-caliber team.

That said, if he wants to come back and get his Masters for free and play in front of 10,000+ fans again, I would certainly be happy to have him.

 

[UconnFanDC]

He'll let us know

 

[Marat]

I think Whaley is my favorite player on the team but he should graduate and go get paid in Europe or give the G-League a shot. Dude had a storybook career. He came in as an afterthought at the absolute rock bottom in recent UConn history and then got buried on the bench under a new coach. Now, in his senior season, he is the favorite to win Big East DPOY and is playing a huge role on a tournament-caliber team.

That said, if he wants to come back and get his Masters for free and play in front of 10,000+ fans again, I would certainly be happy to have him.

This is a reason for him to return. Last year was cut short and no fans this year. He loves to do his stuff infront of fans.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Btw, who else knows that this is available? My sister regularly txts it to me during games.

🐳

 

[the Q]

I think Whaley is my favorite player on the team but he should graduate and go get paid in Europe or give the G-League a shot. Dude had a storybook career. He came in as an afterthought at the absolute rock bottom in recent UConn history and then got buried on the bench under a new coach. Now, in his senior season, he is the favorite to win Big East DPOY and is playing a huge role on a tournament-caliber team.

That said, if he wants to come back and get his Masters for free and play in front of 10,000+ fans again, I would certainly be happy to have him.

Yes, this is basically my take.

I can’t blame the kids who want to get paid. But I’ll happily take him back.

 

[dennismenace]

Here's the quote from the article:

Hurley: "With Isaiah moving on at the end of this year as a senior, we need Akok back [100 percent] next year.”

Sounds to me like he might be hedging that a bit by linking it to Akok being 100% next year. Possible translation:
If Akok is questionable (he played 1 min. yesterday) we are going to need a solid player in there (possibly Whaley).
With Dan Hurley his statements are sometimes like reading tea leaves.

 

[bendm]

personally view having Sanogo, Johnson, and Akok, as not nearly the number of post bodies that we need to get through a game next year...in my mind we need to get a significant big, and the best scorer possible that is 6'5 to 6'8

not to mention that sanogo is a fouling machine

cole has really eased my anxiety about the PG spot recently, so agreed- i'd like a stretch 4 and a big wing

Cole-----Diggins---Gaff
Jackson-Hawkins
Martin---???
Akok----???
Sanogo-Johnson

Bench- Adams, Springs

 

[AZHuskiePop]

As remarkable as his career has turned out considering he didn't play at all his first year with Hurley, we need to continue to move on from the old KO guys.

People were super excited to have Carlton and Polley return this year, they are now depth pieces at best. If AG came back that's what he would be now too.

I'm sure people want Whaley back, but we have Sanogo, Akok, Samson Johnson and Springs to take minutes down low. Hurley is continuing to restock the pond with more talented fish. Unless Whaley would be willing to come back in a role similar to what Carlton has become this season (doubt it when he can go make a nice living overseas) it doesn't make sense to give him our last scholarship spot.

Love the kid and he is going to be huge in whatever success we achieve down the stretch this year, but it is in the best interest of everyone for him to part ways after this year.

You must be posting on another board
Polley was coming off an ACL that has ended careers and Carlton was put behind
The new kids. Many people were hoping they would transfer out.
However the reality is without Carlton coming up big 11-9 against USC plus a Double againDePaul and Polley’s road heroics PoW
We would be shooting for a NIT bid.
For guys consigned to the scrap heap
They came up big
They won’t come back with one possible exception because it’s in their best interests not too not ours

Whaley a better. Athlete than the other to showing some range could make some serious money

 

[rip7774]

not to mention that sanogo is a fouling machine

cole has really eased my anxiety about the PG spot recently, so agreed- i'd like a stretch 4 and a big wing

Cole-----Diggins---Gaff
Jackson-Hawkins
Martin---???
Akok----???
Sanogo-Johnson

Bench- Adams, Springs

Man we need a quick G that can be a knock down shooter in the worst way or we’re getting zoned to death With that team.

 

[RayIsTheGOAT]

I want Polley back for 1 more year. We’re going to need shooting next year, badly.

Also expecting Gaffney to take a big leap next season.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Btw, who else knows that this is available? My sister regularly txts it to me during games.

🐳

🐳 Spouting Whale Emoji (emojipedia.org)

 

[nelsonmuntz]

You must be posting on another board
Polley was coming off an ACL that has ended careers and Carlton was put behind
The new kids. Many people were hoping they would transfer out.
However the reality is without Carlton coming up big 11-9 against USC plus a Double againDePaul and Polley’s road heroics PoW
We would be shooting for a NIT bid.
For guys consigned to the scrap heap
They came up big
They won’t come back with one possible exception because it’s in their best interests not too not ours

Whaley a better. Athlete than the other to showing some range could make some serious money

We would be way outside the bubble without the win over USC. The whole frontcourt played great in that game, and that is why Saturday's game vs. Villanova is not a must win.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Fair enough. It's certainly an interesting situation for Hurley to be in. Maybe they'll all want to get the jump on making money, which will moot all of this. But I think Whaley's the one that I'd want to keep around for another year. If Springs accepts that he's a long term development guy I would hope that wouldn't cause him to look elsewhere.

As for the class being full I assume you're talking about a transfer with immediate eligibility . . .

I guess I'm wondering if he'd want to come back or start making money. If he comes back, the reality is that Sanogo needs to be the starting 5 and Akok the 4. So his presence can't threaten that (and shouldn't, he's not as talented as either of those guys). Johnson isn't really a project, he's an immediate impact player who, like Akok, could possibly start if he didn't have somebody (Akok) in front of him. Springs intrigues me because Hurley loved his rebounding, and he has the size to be a 5 or 4 for us. He's been practicing for 2 years. We wonder why he doesn't get in, but really, the likely reason is Sanogo, Whaley, Carlton. He redshirted last year, and due to Covid technically still has 4 years of eligibility. But will he want to be in college for 6 years?

And yes, if Bouk leaves we have two open scholarships. So room for a grad transfer and a freshman. Also a straight transfer who sits.

 

[Austin316]

I would take Whaley at 10-12 mins/game over a grad transfer that might ride the bench.

But for the sake of his career he should go pro overseas unless G-league comes knocking.

 

[mauconnfan]

I guess I'm wondering if he'd want to come back or start making money. If he comes back, the reality is that Sanogo needs to be the starting 5 and Akok the 4. So his presence can't threaten that (and shouldn't, he's not as talented as either of those guys). Johnson isn't really a project, he's an immediate impact player who, like Akok, could possibly start if he didn't have somebody (Akok) in front of him. Springs intrigues me because Hurley loved his rebounding, and he has the size to be a 5 or 4 for us. He's been practicing for 2 years. We wonder why he doesn't get in, but really, the likely reason is Sanogo, Whaley, Carlton. He redshirted last year, and due to Covid technically still has 4 years of eligibility. But will he want to be in college for 6 years?

And yes, if Bouk leaves we have two open scholarships. So room for a grad transfer and a freshman. Also a straight transfer who sits.

So even if Whaley is better we NEED to play Akok and Sanogo? He's not as talented but he's a better player overall so he should sit and hope these guys get better as him? Kids need to earn the time I think so just because Akok, Johnson and Sanogo are more athletic means little I want the guy on the court that helps me win. Whaley has done more of that than either of Akok or Sanogo this year so why not next year?

Again not sure if he's thinking of it at all but I'd be happy to have that guy in the rotation if he wants to stay. We need people to believe they're better than those in front of them and earn their minutes. Sang will be the man at the 5 I do believe that, nothing I've seen from Akok yet tells me he's ready, maybe he just needs time maybe not.

Sorry HH other teams will take advantage of this rule if kids want to come back we should bring back ours as well if they feel they want to.