Your biggest concern(s) with this year's team?

[storrsroars]

Who gives us the big shot when we need it (like Cam did last year)?

 

[uconnbill]

defense early in the season and getting the rebounding that is needed to compete

 

[navery12]

Who is Souleymane Diabe? Shows as a junior no stats…walk on?

Yes he's the 1 walk on for this year

 

[nashusky109]

Team chemistry.

Just curious to see different point of views but why this out of all the possible concerns? At this point I feel like the culture Hurley wanted to create is set and these guys continue to talk about how close everyone is. Unless kids start to get upset about playing time I can’t see this as an issue. The new guys will adapt and only gain from the returners.

The way they recruit I feel like they don’t get those types of players and the coaches are honest with the players. I feel like this is the least of my concerns but curious of your point of view.
My biggest concerns are interior defense and rebounding. Adama and Clingan spoiled us a bit and I think we’re gonna see a big difference in that regard. Adama was MOP in final 4 and Clingan was one of the most impactful defnesive players in the whole nation. It’s gonna be hard to replace that given how integral they were to both championships. Faith in the coaching staff to figure it out though.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Who gives us the big shot when we need it (like Cam did last year)?

I actually reject the premise here.

Our offense isn't reliant on setting up one guy for big shots when we need it. We can generate good shots for anyone.

 

[mauconnfan]

Ok let’s start with the potential first 5. Diarra was a great 6th man but Newton was a 6’5 PG who at times could take over games. His size was critical in both ends and while Hassan is good he won’t be Tristen. Ball and Mahaney vs Spencer/Castle? Again Castles size and physical ability will be missed especially on the defensive end. Both intellectual players as well, do we will need to see how these guys mature early on. The URI game had things to like but we will need to see more. We know Alex is Alex and we expect even more from him so this is a good thing. I mean however unfair it is to Reed and Samson Johnson, Clingan was huge in every way possible. Hard to replace the size as well as the intimidation factor.

They’re not as good as last year if we look at it from that standpoint it’s unfair. Look at the depth and it all changes. I mean both McNeeley and Stewart can potentially get starters minutes or even start for that matter. Ross seemingly has emerged as someone who has earned minutes and maybe even jump higher up the totem pole. Nowell is a stud in the making and can also move up during the year, especially given his physical build and nasty defensive potential. Abraham is going to be real good and you lose nothing if he’s needed. Last year in the few times that both DC and Samson Johnson were in trouble they had to go small no confidence yet in Singare. Have a feeling that’s even changed.

Point is, the team is so deep and talented you can pick from a pool of good players to see who’s playing best on a given night. More minutes for those who are stepping up practice to practice, game to game.

They will be really good, how early on I’m not so sure. Wouldn’t be surprised with 4-5 losses much earlier than we are used to as of late, but a really strong Feb-March. I’d like to update this on Jan 1st!!

 

[dennismenace]

So DH tells Jared Kotler he's not worried about the 5; he's repeatedly expressed confidence in Reed and Samson--hard to accept, but...
With Alex and a plethora of wings, hard to worry there.
So it's PG that seems to perplex him; perhaps Mahaney is still getting the hang of the offense, and he's not sure about Hass' shooting.
I guess my concern is how you keep everybody happy, motivated, and out of the portal.
I love the depth, but even sitting Nowell and Abraham, it's a nine-man rotation. Huh?

I won't be surprised if there are surprises in the "rotation". We are going to see how a lot of the new faces measure up on defense and rebounding. We can't win without that and the Big East is physical. This is going to be very interesting. Without Donovan and Sanogo we are going to really need some junkyard dogs on those boards. Other teams will certainly be attacking us in the paint. There will probably be some "gladiator contests" in terms of toughness for getting established. We need some of that Tyrese Martin stuff out there.

 

[Improviser]

I won't be surprised if there are surprises in the "rotation". We are going to see how a lot of the new faces measure up on defense and rebounding. We can't win without that and the Big East is physical. This is going to be very interesting. Without Donovan and Sanogo we are going to really need some junkyard dogs on those boards. Other teams will certainly be attacking us in the paint. There will probably be some "gladiator contests" in terms of toughness for getting established. We need some of that Tyrese Martin stuff out there.

Reed seems like he could be a gladiator with his size. Maybe, Stewart based on the physicality he showed at times, last year, and potentially Abraham too. A strong 4 always helps out the 5.

 

[HooperScooper]

Team chemistry.

Well at least the Huskies don't have Auburn's chemistry problems.

Sources: Auburn scuffle forces flight to turn back

An onboard scuffle involving two Auburn men's basketball players forced the team's plane to turn back shortly after takeoff Friday, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[RuffRuff]

Reed seems like he could be a gladiator with his size. Maybe, Stewart based on the physicality he showed at times, last year, and potentially Abraham too. A strong 4 always helps out the 5.

Be curious to what direction of development staff is taking Stew, as have to trust what they’re doing. He feels like a kid that can put on another 10-15lbs of muscle and be a force as a strong 4, ability to put the ball on the floor, strong around the rim and just rebound his brains out, shoot the open 3 when it’s there. He seems less that standard spacing wing, perimeter archetype. Right now it feels like he’s always seeking the 3. Harrison Ingram has been the mold that seems about right, with a lean to how Reneu attacks the basket.

Not sure if this DH tidbit was shared:

 

[sledog]

Sam fouled out against BU? What a way to start. 5s issue.

 

[BGesus4]

Well at least the Huskies don't have Auburn's chemistry problems.

Sources: Auburn scuffle forces flight to turn back

An onboard scuffle involving two Auburn men's basketball players forced the team's plane to turn back shortly after takeoff Friday, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[JohnFSilver]

Interior defense and perhaps a breakdown scorer like Newton that can just take a highs screen and Create.

 

[prankster]

Team chemistry.

Honestly, team chemistry is perhaps my least concern.

I mean, I know team chemistry is the secret sauce that turns very good teams into champions.

But Hurley and the rest of the staff already screen recruits for that hunger and commitment they demand of everyone. And they do not hide anything. Come to UConn and be ready to work your a55 off. Don't bother if you are a "me first" player, or anything. We are at UConn to build an indomitable team. You will showcase as a contributing member of a champion team. That needs to be your focus.

The thread about Ajax is the result of that mind set. Just look again at his desire for distribution of the ball.

"Get the ball to the guy with the best shot."

 

[jibsey]

Could I dislike Bruce Pearl more? Just wish the worst for his team.

 

[temery]

Fickle fans. Same concern as every year.

 

[Shamon30]

Do we not have any walk-ons this year?

 

[freescooter]

I actually reject the premise here.

Our offense isn't reliant on setting up one guy for big shots when we need it. We can generate good shots for anyone.

Go back and watch the games. I can’t count the number of clutch shots Newton made with the shot clock at 1. And when he wasn’t making them he was the guy finding the open man who could. We’ll see, but I think it will take a while for somebody to grow into that role. Maybe a whole season.

 

[jibsey]

Go back and watch the games. I can’t count the number of clutch shots Newton made with the shot clock at 1. And when he wasn’t making them he was the guy finding the open man who could. We’ll see, but I think it will take a while for somebody to grow into that role. Maybe a whole season.

Alex can take that shot easy. He has to show driving game for the next level.

 

[giddyup]

5 is a big issue against quality teams. I don’t like how this is setting up, but I’m a nervous Nelly.

 

[gsschl27]

The biggest issue we have this year is that we don't have a player that can create their own shot. In the past, we had Newton driving, Spencer posting up, Castle creating, etc. This year, we have some good shooters but lack that guy that can drive to the basket and either score or set up someone else for an open shot.

 

[jibsey]

The biggest issue we have this year is that we don't have a player that can create their own shot. In the past, we had Newton driving, Spencer posting up, Castle creating, etc. This year, we have some good shooters but lack that guy that can drive to the basket and either score or set up someone else for an open shot.

Don’t agree but remains to be seen.

 

[jleves]

If your biggest concern that Samson Johnson can't stay in the game for at least 20 minutes isn't your biggest concern, it should be. So far, that's the biggest issue in my mind.

 

[Candyman]

Not many concerns with this team, nor ever again with any Hurley-coached team, so I need to reach a bit. Perhaps my biggest concern is that we're lacking muscle. Without a Donovan or Adama in the post, interior defense and rebounding could be our achilles. Reed may prove my concerns to be unfounded, but need to see more of him.

Also, and this is probably a great problem to have, is that we have so much talent that getting adequate minutes for development could be a challenge. Again I'm reaching and this will probably play out as it generally does each year. The cream always tends to rise.

I think interior defense is actually a big concern. Teams are getting so far into the paint. They give one head fake and it’s an easy little floater for a basket.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

The biggest issue we have this year is that we don't have a player that can create their own shot. In the past, we had Newton driving, Spencer posting up, Castle creating, etc. This year, we have some good shooters but lack that guy that can drive to the basket and either score or set up someone else for an open shot.

Maui is going to tell us a lot about how true this is or not.