Xavier Johnson

[BNich]

I will never take away the “warrior “ label that I can promise. Right there with Ricky Moore on the defensive side fighting through picks always, never quit effort.

Ricky Moore is and always will be my favorite player. I emulated the guy as a youngster. He was the tough gritty leader/defensive stalwart this team hasn't had in a while. Miss the days of Ricky, Freeman, Ray, Anderson, Kemba, Shabazz, Emeka, Boone.

 

[Danzz]

He couldn’t shoot. Just a fact. Probably knocked down shots in practice but couldn’t in the games. Very important player who helped win the BET and a national championship so nothing but love for him from me.

Worse than couldn't shoot Taliek couldn't score. If he drove he'd either miss the shot or get fouled then miss his FT's. Teams would sag off him and make it more difficult for us to score and rebound.
Different story on the defensive end where he was a tenacious defender and one of the toughest UConn players ever.

 

[Jaybo]

I'd definitely prefer two grad transfers and focus on a big '19 class.

Agree.Kids ranked under #200 everywhere. Think Hurley can do better holding out until 19.

 

[Coach J]

Another guard would definitely be welcome especially with AG's uncertain status. It allows DH to go small with a 3 guard lineup when necessary with replacements on the bench in case of foul trouble, etc. Also don't underestimate the value of competition. Love them as I do, it was a free for all at times last year for JA and CV, because they knew KO had little to no alternative.

 

[HawkHusky]

Agree.Kids ranked under #200 everywhere. Think Hurley can do better holding out until 19.

I thought you got fired, Ollie...

 

[ctchamps]

This kid has deep range. Reminds me a lot of Bazz with his leg kicking out.

He just posted a slew of new videos on hudl.

Xavier Johnson on Hudl

 

[Hoophound]

I think we will see some room made if need be. Let’s take all the 4* guys we can get for this upcoming season. The guys that get squeezed out should be grateful. They can seek playing time elsewhere.

 

[rip7774]

Taliek wasn’t my type of preferred guard (love offensive minded lead guards like Bazz/Kemba) but he had a fine career, was a tough kid and we had BG next to him to shoot. and he won a National Title! That can never be taken from him. Bashers just stop - many uconn Pgs can’t say that!

/ end Taliek bashing aspect of thread

 

[Huskyforlife]

Is Johnson a 4* anywhere but ESPN? His composite ranking is in the 200+. I'm still intrigued by what people say, but I'm closer to saying use the ship on a grad transfer. My ideal 2018 and 2019 classes would be:

2018: Yakwe, Grad wing, Adams

2019: Lecque, Cockburn, Deliare, Akok

 

[CL82]

Taliek wasn’t my type of preferred guard (love offensive minded lead guards like Bazz/Kemba) but he had a fine career, was a tough kid and we had BG next to him to shoot. and he won a National Title! That can never be taken from him. Bashers just stop - many uconn Pgs can’t say that!

/ end Taliek bashing aspect of thread

T was a typical NYC guard - go 100 mph at the basket as soon as you get the ball until you score, draw a foul, miss or lose the handle. He was definitely offensive minded in HS. He just needed to expand that to be a college point.

 

[YoungFree]

I doubt it. I looked up Deshler...population 747, Small town Nebraska.

That's thorough my friend. And for this little kid to like him enough to get a personalized jersey, Nebraska basketball fans must be hard up.

 

[YoungFree]

Are you just saying that because you saw @Chief00 rocking a Kisunas jersey at senior night?

Not at all....

 

[Danzz]

Taliek wasn’t my type of preferred guard (love offensive minded lead guards like Bazz/Kemba) but he had a fine career, was a tough kid and we had BG next to him to shoot. and he won a National Title! That can never be taken from him. Bashers just stop - many uconn Pgs can’t say that!

/ end Taliek bashing aspect of thread

Nobody has bashed him.

 

[mauconnfan]

Nobody has bashed him.

Telling the truth is bashing Danzz what’s wrong with you?

 

[browndog319]

Agree.Kids ranked under #200 everywhere. Think Hurley can do better holding out until 19.

I think if we have a crappy 2018, none of those great kids will want to be here in 2019. It’s hard enough with 2 back to back losing seasons. Three?

 

[Jaybo]

I think if we have a crappy 2018, none of those great kids will want to be here in 2019. It’s hard enough with 2 back to back losing seasons. Three?

New coach gets a bit of a pass. Not gonna do better than KO recruiting talent worse than he did.

 

[jazyj]

Bump

 

[UconnU]

Bump

Good bump! This is a real possibility right now.

 

[UofCT]

Good bump! This is a real possibility right now.

Is it?

 

[HawkHusky]

What happened for the bump?

 

[ASweet3781]

When I heard the Vital news I first thought this might mean Xavier is coming. Is that the reason for the bump?

 

[JMick]

What happened for the bump?

I'd guess it's the Vital stuff

 

[HawkHusky]

I'd guess it's the Vital stuff

Thanks. So just speculation.

 

[JMick]

Thanks. So just speculation.

I don't know for sure since I didn't bump the thread but that's my guess, yeah

 

[Matt1010]