All things Dan Hurley/UCONN THREAD

[reef]

UConn Vs Hogs would be a terrific round of 32

DH revenge game vs Muss

[Ramulous]

As per my rules I will be rooting against all big east teams. Sorry Ace.

[ace]

As per my rules I will be rooting against all big east teams. Sorry Ace.

As per my rules, I will be rooting for 83% of the BE tournament teams.

[ace]

Sometimes the internet doesn’t suck… I’m piecing this story together kind of backwards, but it seems like this guy posted on a UConn message board about his 14 year old daughter who has cancer and is very, very sick. The family lives in Florida and wanted to put together a trip to New York for her to see UConn play in the BE tournament. The dad asked if anyone could put them in contact with the UConn AD or anyone who could help. Information got shared, money was donated, and the family got to see the Friday game. Then, the father says that Dan and Andrea invited the family to the selection show party with the team on Sunday. I can’t imagine going through what that family is, but it seems like they were able to put together some really nice family memories.

[steviep123]

Wow!

[reef]

Sometimes the internet doesn’t suck… I’m piecing this story together kind of backwards, but it seems like this guy posted on a UConn message board about his 14 year old daughter who has cancer and is very, very sick. The family lives in Florida and wanted to put together a trip to New York for her to see UConn play in the BE tournament. The dad asked if anyone could put them in contact with the UConn AD or anyone who could help. Information got shared, money was donated, and the family got to see the Friday game. Then, the father says that Dan and Andrea invited the family to the selection show party with the team on Sunday. I can’t imagine going through what that family is, but it seems like they were able to put together some really nice family memories.

Wow what a story !! Definitely pulling for DH in the big dance

[TruePoint]

Go Huskies. Good luck Dan.


Good vibes only.

[Rhody74]

Classy.

[ramster]

Today’s Hartford Courant on Hurley’s recruiting strategy:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-tr ... 00893.html

[NYGFan_Section208]

Today’s Hartford Courant on Hurley’s recruiting strategy:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-tr ... 00893.html

"He will have to be a coach and GM"
Pretty much sums it up.....

[reef]

Great article , goes to show what are the college hoop coaches are dealing with in this new age with the portal

[ramster]

"It will be exciting for Alex, Samson (Johnson) and Donovan. These are high-level recruits for us that are going to get a chance to go out there and play. We've got work to do on the roster to fill it out and get guys that can help us, especially on the perimeter. Just like last season, we're going to have a better team than we did last year."

To be a better team than last season when the Huskies won 23 games, placed third in the Big East and earned a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament, Hurley will need to continue to add to the talent on the roster.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-hurle ... 00599.html

[NYGFan_Section208]

"It will be exciting for Alex, Samson (Johnson) and Donovan. These are high-level recruits for us that are going to get a chance to go out there and play. We've got work to do on the roster to fill it out and get guys that can help us, especially on the perimeter. Just like last season, we're going to have a better team than we did last year."

To be a better team than last season when the Huskies won 23 games, placed third in the Big East and earned a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament, Hurley will need to continue to add to the talent on the roster.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-hurle ... 00599.html

Go Hurls!

[ramster]

Grading of Head Coaches hired 4 years ago:


Connecticut
The hire: Dan Hurley
Hurley's brought some bite back to Connecticut, owning a 73-47 record (.608). Has made two NCAA Tournaments (the past two), though UConn was not a projected 2020 NCAA Tournament team when that season was canceled. If the Huskies had a second-weekend run to their name under Hurley, this would be a B-plus at least, but alas, UConn has been on the wrong end of two upsets the past two seasons. In 2021, Hurley's team lost as a 7-seed to No. 10 Maryland, then fell victim in a 12-over-5 game to New Mexico State this past March. Hurley is 40-32 in league play, the first two seasons in the American, the last two in the Big East. (Progression of league finish: ninth, fifth, third, third.) Hurley had the 18th-ranked recruiting class in 2019, 25th in 2020, seventh in 2021, and currently has No. 68 in 2022, per 247 Sports. James Bouknight went from being rated as the No. 66 overall player in his class to a lottery pick in two years' time. UConn matters again, but there's plenty of oxygen between where the program is now and its ceiling nationally. GRADE: B

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... ing-cycle/



Interesting what was said about David Cox 4 years ago when he took the job. Different from what some have said that Cox was not left in good shape.

In speaking with Hurley in the days before he decided on UConn, it was clear this was a tough decision for him. Rams AD Thorr Bjorn offered him a big raise and the promise of improved facilities. With Hurley gone, Cox has been given a five-year, $700,000 annually contract with the goal of keeping URI near the top of the Atlantic 10. The Rams are set up to make the NCAAs again next season.

[TruePoint]

I’ve never heard one person say that Cox didn’t inherit a great situation. Not sure what you’re referring to, but if anyone said that they’re crazy.

[reef]

Grading of Head Coaches hired 4 years ago:


Connecticut
The hire: Dan Hurley
Hurley's brought some bite back to Connecticut, owning a 73-47 record (.608). Has made two NCAA Tournaments (the past two), though UConn was not a projected 2020 NCAA Tournament team when that season was canceled. If the Huskies had a second-weekend run to their name under Hurley, this would be a B-plus at least, but alas, UConn has been on the wrong end of two upsets the past two seasons. In 2021, Hurley's team lost as a 7-seed to No. 10 Maryland, then fell victim in a 12-over-5 game to New Mexico State this past March. Hurley is 40-32 in league play, the first two seasons in the American, the last two in the Big East. (Progression of league finish: ninth, fifth, third, third.) Hurley had the 18th-ranked recruiting class in 2019, 25th in 2020, seventh in 2021, and currently has No. 68 in 2022, per 247 Sports. James Bouknight went from being rated as the No. 66 overall player in his class to a lottery pick in two years' time. UConn matters again, but there's plenty of oxygen between where the program is now and its ceiling nationally. GRADE: B

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... ing-cycle/



Interesting what was said about David Cox 4 years ago when he took the job. Different from what some have said that Cox was not left in good shape.

In speaking with Hurley in the days before he decided on UConn, it was clear this was a tough decision for him. Rams AD Thorr Bjorn offered him a big raise and the promise of improved facilities. With Hurley gone, Cox has been given a five-year, $700,000 annually contract with the goal of keeping URI near the top of the Atlantic 10. The Rams are set up to make the NCAAs again next season.

Wow DH the best of the bunch with a B

[RhodyKyle]

Grading of Head Coaches hired 4 years ago:


Connecticut
The hire: Dan Hurley
Hurley's brought some bite back to Connecticut, owning a 73-47 record (.608). Has made two NCAA Tournaments (the past two), though UConn was not a projected 2020 NCAA Tournament team when that season was canceled. If the Huskies had a second-weekend run to their name under Hurley, this would be a B-plus at least, but alas, UConn has been on the wrong end of two upsets the past two seasons. In 2021, Hurley's team lost as a 7-seed to No. 10 Maryland, then fell victim in a 12-over-5 game to New Mexico State this past March. Hurley is 40-32 in league play, the first two seasons in the American, the last two in the Big East. (Progression of league finish: ninth, fifth, third, third.) Hurley had the 18th-ranked recruiting class in 2019, 25th in 2020, seventh in 2021, and currently has No. 68 in 2022, per 247 Sports. James Bouknight went from being rated as the No. 66 overall player in his class to a lottery pick in two years' time. UConn matters again, but there's plenty of oxygen between where the program is now and its ceiling nationally. GRADE: B

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... ing-cycle/



Interesting what was said about David Cox 4 years ago when he took the job. Different from what some have said that Cox was not left in good shape.

In speaking with Hurley in the days before he decided on UConn, it was clear this was a tough decision for him. Rams AD Thorr Bjorn offered him a big raise and the promise of improved facilities. With Hurley gone, Cox has been given a five-year, $700,000 annually contract with the goal of keeping URI near the top of the Atlantic 10. The Rams are set up to make the NCAAs again next season.

Wow DH the best of the bunch with a B

Nah, Niko Medved got a B+. He is the 1st coach mentioned.

[RF1]

Some Husky fans are not happy about price increases in the +50% range.

UConn basketball fans decry ‘outrageous’ new ticket prices. Athletic director responds: ‘I do hear them’
April 21, 2022
https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article ... 114832.php

[NYGFan_Section208]

They'll draw the same regardless

[Jersey77]

[ramster]

Will implement 4 in - 1 out at UCONN as he did at URI

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconn-men-ba ... 00072.html

[Ramulous]

Now he’s just somebody that we used to know.

[STC]

Now he’s just somebody that we used to know.

Haven't you heard? We have a whole thread for song lyrics...

[ramster]

A 6-foot-5 guard from El Paso, Texas, Newton previously played at East Carolina before entering the transfer portal. He's one of four transfers — Joey Calcaterra (San Diego), Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M) and Nahiem Alleyne (Virginia Tech) are the others — to join the program in recent months.
"They're all veteran players," coach Dan Hurley said. "The new guys that we brought in, the transfers, all have experience. They pick things up quickly and they've played a lot of basketball. So, it's more so just understanding our culture, how we guard, how we play and relationships."
Newton and Diarra are the only two transfers on campus right now. Calcaterra just committed on Monday and Alleyne will be in attendance for the second summer workout session that begins on July 1.


https://www.yahoo.com/news/newton-excit ... 00361.html

[ramster]

Hurley with his 3rd guard in Class of 2023

https://www.zagsblog.com/2022/07/01/uco ... -solo-ball

[ramster]

UCONN hinting at ACC future

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-mora- ... 00285.html

[RhowdyRam02]

UCONN hinting at ACC future

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-mora- ... 00285.html

From that article:

"Then there's the matter of UConn's contract with the Big East, which calls for a $30 million exit fee. That's no small deal for school running a $47.2 million deficit in athletics as it pays off a $17 million exit fee from the American Athletic Conference and having just paid former men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie $11 million to settle his arbitration case."

In other news, I'm hinting at a future with Mila Kunis

[SGreenwell]

UCONN hinting at ACC future

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-mora- ... 00285.html

From that article:

"Then there's the matter of UConn's contract with the Big East, which calls for a $30 million exit fee. That's no small deal for school running a $47.2 million deficit in athletics as it pays off a $17 million exit fee from the American Athletic Conference and having just paid former men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie $11 million to settle his arbitration case."

In other news, I'm hinting at a future with Mila Kunis

Eh, I don't really think that's a huge deal. Is a financial institution going to be worried that UConn could go insolvent as a university? If not, they could find some kind of financing for that, if they don't just want to eat the figure in a one-year lump. The overall budget for the school is $1.7 billion a year. It just means Athletics would have to sell the move to people outside the building.

[TruePoint]

If the ACC wants UConn they will pay that exit fee without blinking. Maybe they make UConn pay it back out of their revenue share of the course of 20 years or something.

[ramster]

UCONN hinting at ACC future

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-mora- ... 00285.html

From that article:

"Then there's the matter of UConn's contract with the Big East, which calls for a $30 million exit fee. That's no small deal for school running a $47.2 million deficit in athletics as it pays off a $17 million exit fee from the American Athletic Conference and having just paid former men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie $11 million to settle his arbitration case."

In other news, I'm hinting at a future with Mila Kunis

Eh, I don't really think that's a huge deal. Is a financial institution going to be worried that UConn could go insolvent as a university? If not, they could find some kind of financing for that, if they don't just want to eat the figure in a one-year lump. The overall budget for the school is $1.7 billion a year. It just means Athletics would have to sell the move to people outside the building.

It’s not a huge deal.

Dominoes are going to keep falling.

UCONN will jump at the chance for the ACC or any P5 Conference

[RhowdyRam02]

UCONN hinting at ACC future

https://www.yahoo.com/news/uconns-mora- ... 00285.html

From that article:

"Then there's the matter of UConn's contract with the Big East, which calls for a $30 million exit fee. That's no small deal for school running a $47.2 million deficit in athletics as it pays off a $17 million exit fee from the American Athletic Conference and having just paid former men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie $11 million to settle his arbitration case."

In other news, I'm hinting at a future with Mila Kunis

Eh, I don't really think that's a huge deal. Is a financial institution going to be worried that UConn could go insolvent as a university? If not, they could find some kind of financing for that, if they don't just want to eat the figure in a one-year lump. The overall budget for the school is $1.7 billion a year. It just means Athletics would have to sell the move to people outside the building.

Well, I think there's a few things in play:

1. Eventually people in CT are going to look at UConn and say "how come you literally keep burning money?" They seem to have far better state support, but I'm sure they already have a sizeable population against this kind of spending and that's only going to increase from people that don't understand college athletics. Eventually there is a tipping point for support.

2. How much extra money can UConn get between the current Big East and a diminished ACC? Even if other schools don't leave the conference, if the ACC adds schools and doesn't increase the pie enough the money for each school goes down. If a few of the big names leave, like North Carolina, what does the pie look like then?

3. The ACC, and their media partners, don't believe UConn really adds to what they're doing or they'd already be in the conference. They have less than no brand for the only sport that really matters for realignment. It would be one thing if they were anonymous in football, but they're actively thought of as one of the absolute worst programs in the country. UConn fans love to claim they "own" the NYC media market, but there's a big difference between getting people to go into MSG one weekend a year for the Big East tournament and having a real media presence that draws eyeballs, and media markets don't seem to matter as much in this round of realignment as it did 10 years ago. In other words, it's great that the football coach and AD are making overtures to the ACC, but that's the rough equivalent of me making overtures to Mila Kunis. They didn't want UConn before, they show no indication of wanting them now (though obviously that can change), and they know where to find UConn if and when they do change their mind

[ace]

An interesting look back
http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?t=6854


I couldn’t be happier for Rese. He bet on himself at every turn, allowed himself to be coached, and worked so, so hard.

[reef]

An interesting look back
http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?t=6854


I couldn’t be happier for Rese. He bet on himself at every turn, allowed himself to be coached, and worked so, so hard.

Fun looking back on these old threads , glad he got a guaranteed contract well deserved

[ramster]

High praise for Dan Hurley as well as Luke Murray from incoming recruit Class of 2023 Solomon Ball.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/oozing-confi ... 00139.html

[ramster]

Hurley, Young and Murray all at Peach Jam in north Augusta SC

Thread from The Boneyard is quite extensive, up to 8 pages on Peach jam this week. Analysis of the recruits they already got commitments from and of players they are evaluating. Some UCONN posters on site.

https://the-boneyard.com/threads/peach- ... 375/page-7

[ramster]

What UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley looks for as he scouts recruits at Peach Jam
Photo of David Borges
David Borges
Updated: July 23, 2022 12:33 p.m.


https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article ... 323370.php

[ramster]

Hurley describes his summer with a team of many new faces and makes some comments about his 6th year URI squad……


So this is the kind of roster Hurley wanted to build, basically what he described shortly after the Huskies were eliminated by New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — a roster that resembles his last team at Rhode Island, which went 26-8 and had eight players averaging more than 17 minutes, nine averaging more than 8 1/2.
“I’m excited for practice to start,” Hurley said, “because this team reminds me of the best team I’ve had in college, the sixth year at Rhode Island, where we played nine or 10 players and that depth played really well. The strength of those Rhode Island teams was the number of guards, going five or six deep at the guard position.”



https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-da ... 00261.html

[Jersey77]

Hurley describes his summer with a team of many new faces and makes some comments about his 6th year URI squad……


So this is the kind of roster Hurley wanted to build, basically what he described shortly after the Huskies were eliminated by New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — a roster that resembles his last team at Rhode Island, which went 26-8 and had eight players averaging more than 17 minutes, nine averaging more than 8 1/2.
“I’m excited for practice to start,” Hurley said, “because this team reminds me of the best team I’ve had in college, the sixth year at Rhode Island, where we played nine or 10 players and that depth played really well. The strength of those Rhode Island teams was the number of guards, going five or six deep at the guard position.”



https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-da ... 00261.html

Coach's talk.

First of all, I would take the 2016-2017 team every day over the 2017-2018 team.
Having Martin and Iverson starting in the frontcourt was huge plus Cyril and Berry coming off the bench.
We won the A10T and unfortunately the disappointing last minute 3 pt loss to Oregon in the 2nd round.

Yeah, UConn added some nice guard transfers this off-season and hopefully Hawkins and Jackson can play up to their high recruiting hype.
Sanogo at center is a stud.
Losing Cole and Martin is huge plus PF starter Whaley.
Also, they lose stretch forward Polley, guard Gaffney, and Akok off the bench.

I feel the BE is even stronger this season and I think UConn finishes out of the top 3.

[ramster]

Hurley describes his summer with a team of many new faces and makes some comments about his 6th year URI squad……


So this is the kind of roster Hurley wanted to build, basically what he described shortly after the Huskies were eliminated by New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — a roster that resembles his last team at Rhode Island, which went 26-8 and had eight players averaging more than 17 minutes, nine averaging more than 8 1/2.
“I’m excited for practice to start,” Hurley said, “because this team reminds me of the best team I’ve had in college, the sixth year at Rhode Island, where we played nine or 10 players and that depth played really well. The strength of those Rhode Island teams was the number of guards, going five or six deep at the guard position.”



https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-da ... 00261.html

Coach's talk.

First of all, I would take the 2016-2017 team every day over the 2017-2018 team.
Having Martin and Iverson starting in the frontcourt was huge plus Cyril and Berry coming off the bench.
We won the A10T and unfortunately the disappointing last minute 3 pt loss to Oregon in the 2nd round.

Yeah, UConn added some nice guard transfers this off-season and hopefully Hawkins and Jackson can play up to their high recruiting hype.
Sanogo at center is a stud.
Losing Cole and Martin is huge plus PF starter Whaley.
Also, they lose stretch forward Polley, guard Gaffney, and Akok off the bench.

I feel the BE is even stronger this season and I think UConn finishes out of the top 3.

Which teams finish ahead of UCONN?

[Jersey77]

Hurley describes his summer with a team of many new faces and makes some comments about his 6th year URI squad……


So this is the kind of roster Hurley wanted to build, basically what he described shortly after the Huskies were eliminated by New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — a roster that resembles his last team at Rhode Island, which went 26-8 and had eight players averaging more than 17 minutes, nine averaging more than 8 1/2.
“I’m excited for practice to start,” Hurley said, “because this team reminds me of the best team I’ve had in college, the sixth year at Rhode Island, where we played nine or 10 players and that depth played really well. The strength of those Rhode Island teams was the number of guards, going five or six deep at the guard position.”



https://www.yahoo.com/news/dom-amore-da ... 00261.html

Coach's talk.

First of all, I would take the 2016-2017 team every day over the 2017-2018 team.
Having Martin and Iverson starting in the frontcourt was huge plus Cyril and Berry coming off the bench.
We won the A10T and unfortunately the disappointing last minute 3 pt loss to Oregon in the 2nd round.

Yeah, UConn added some nice guard transfers this off-season and hopefully Hawkins and Jackson can play up to their high recruiting hype.
Sanogo at center is a stud.
Losing Cole and Martin is huge plus PF starter Whaley.
Also, they lose stretch forward Polley, guard Gaffney, and Akok off the bench.

I feel the BE is even stronger this season and I think UConn finishes out of the top 3.

Which teams finish ahead of UCONN?

Creighton, Xavier, Villanova

[ramster]

Coach's talk.

First of all, I would take the 2016-2017 team every day over the 2017-2018 team.
Having Martin and Iverson starting in the frontcourt was huge plus Cyril and Berry coming off the bench.
We won the A10T and unfortunately the disappointing last minute 3 pt loss to Oregon in the 2nd round.

Yeah, UConn added some nice guard transfers this off-season and hopefully Hawkins and Jackson can play up to their high recruiting hype.
Sanogo at center is a stud.
Losing Cole and Martin is huge plus PF starter Whaley.
Also, they lose stretch forward Polley, guard Gaffney, and Akok off the bench.

I feel the BE is even stronger this season and I think UConn finishes out of the top 3.

Which teams finish ahead of UCONN?

Creighton, Xavier, Villanova

Lunardi latest has UCONN 3rd from BE, as a 7-seed, just ahead of Xavier 8-seed

Big East
Creighton 3-seed
Villanova 4-seed
UCONN 7-seed
Xavier 8-seed
St John's 11-seed
Seton Hall 11-seed (Last 4 in)
PC 11-seed (last 4 in)


A10
Dayton 5-seed
St Louis 7-seed

[Jersey77]

Which teams finish ahead of UCONN?

Creighton, Xavier, Villanova

Lunardi latest has UCONN 3rd from BE, as a 7-seed, just ahead of Xavier 8-seed

Big East
Creighton 3-seed
Villanova 4-seed
UCONN 7-seed
Xavier 8-seed
St John's 11-seed
Seton Hall 11-seed (Last 4 in)
PC 11-seed (last 4 in)


A10
Dayton 5-seed
St Louis 7-seed

I actually favor Xavier over UConn this season. Think Rothstein also has them finishing ahead.

[ramster]

Creighton, Xavier, Villanova

Lunardi latest has UCONN 3rd from BE, as a 7-seed, just ahead of Xavier 8-seed

Big East
Creighton 3-seed
Villanova 4-seed
UCONN 7-seed
Xavier 8-seed
St John's 11-seed
Seton Hall 11-seed (Last 4 in)
PC 11-seed (last 4 in)


A10
Dayton 5-seed
St Louis 7-seed

I actually favor Xavier over UConn this season. Think Rothstein also has them finishing ahead.

Yes. Rothstein has both Xavier and UCONN in his Top 25.

20. Xavier
Projected Starting 5:
G Souley Boum
G Adam Kunkel
F Colby Jones
F Zach Freemantle
C Jack Nunge

Projected Bench: Jerome Hunter, Cesare Edwards, Kam Craft, Dieonte Miles, KyKy Tandy, Elijah Tucker, Desmond Claude
Key Losses: Paul Scruggs, Dwon Odom, Nate Johnson, Ben Stanley
Key Newcomers: Desmond Claude, Kam Craft, Souley Boum (UTEP)

24. UConn
Projected Starting 5:
G Tristen Newton
G Jordan Hawkins
G Andre Jackson
F Samson Johnson
C Adama Sanogo

Projected Bench: Richie Springs, Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, Hassan Diarra, Joey Calcaterra, Naheim Alleyne
Key Losses: Isaiah Whaley, Tyler Polley, R.J. Cole, Tyrese Martin, Rahsool Diggins, Jalen Gaffney, Akok Akok
Key Newcomers: Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, Tristen Newton (East Carolina), Nahiem Alleyne (Virginia Tech), Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M), Joey Calcaterra (San Diego)

[ramster]

[Jersey77]

I think Busting Brackets also picked Xavier ahead of UConn.

Ramster, the main reason I give the edge to Xavier is their experience and players they return:

Jack Nunge- 7 footer who led them in scoring (13.4) and rebounding (7.3).
Zach Freemantle - Forward (6'9") who was 2nd team all BE in 2021, double digit scorer in 21-22.
Colby Jones - Started every game last season (11.6 pts/ 7.3 rebs).
Adam Kunkel - Averaged 23 minutes and 9 pts.
KYKY Tandy - Had injury Issues, All BE Freshmen Team 2020.
Souley Boum - All C-USA for UTEP averaged 20 pts/ 3 assists.

Not to mention a coaching upgrade with Sean Miller.

[ace]

I love this picture. We know basketball players are, in general, big dudes. But, when one makes even his tallest teammates look short, it is something…

[ramster]

Clingan Stats:

7’1”
265 pounds
Ranked #51 ESPN Class Of 2022

Will be fun to watch his career under Hurley.

Picture makes me wonder if he is even bigger that 7’1”

[ramster]

24. UConn
Projected Starting 5:
G Tristen Newton (East Carolina)
G Jordan Hawkins
G Andre Jackson
F Samson Johnson
C Adama Sanogo

Projected Bench: Richie Springs, Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M), Joey Calcaterra (San Diego), Naheim Alleyne (Virginia Tech)

Strong team Hurley has assembled with Freshmen, Transfers and Returnees from last year. Good combination.
Could surprise on the upside from Ranked Preseason #24.

Will learn a lot about UCONN from this early Tournament:

Dates: Nov. 24-27

Site: Moda Center/Veterans Memorial Coliseum/Chiles Center, Portland, Oregon

First-round matchups:

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Portland Pilots
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Villanova Wildcats
UConn Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan State Spartans

[ramster]

I think Busting Brackets also picked Xavier ahead of UConn.

Ramster, the main reason I give the edge to Xavier is their experience and players they return:

Jack Nunge- 7 footer who led them in scoring (13.4) and rebounding (7.3).
Zach Freemantle - Forward (6'9") who was 2nd team all BE in 2021, double digit scorer in 21-22.
Colby Jones - Started every game last season (11.6 pts/ 7.3 rebs).
Adam Kunkel - Averaged 23 minutes and 9 pts.
KYKY Tandy - Had injury Issues, All BE Freshmen Team 2020.
Souley Boum - All C-USA for UTEP averaged 20 pts/ 3 assists.

Not to mention a coaching upgrade with Sean Miller.

ESPN moved UCONN up from #24 to #21 - Jeff Borzello
UConn, Virginia move the needle in Way-Too-Early Top 25 men's college basketball rankings for 2022-23

21. UConn Huskies
Previous: 24
There's a tremendous amount of post-player talent returning to college basketball next season, with Oscar Tshiebwe, Drew Timme, Armando Bacot, Hunter Dickinson and Trayce Jackson-Davis all eschewing the NBA draft for another year in college. One player who didn't waste any time with his stay-or-go decision -- and who will likely find himself in the same conversation with those aforementioned bigs this season -- is Adama Sanogo. A first-team All-Big East selection last season and the favorite to be preseason Big East Player of the Year this season, Sanogo made huge strides between his freshman and sophomore campaigns. He had 30 points against Auburn's vaunted post defenders, 26 and 18 against St. John's, 24 and 15 against Marquette and 26 and 11 against DePaul. He's ready for another jump.

Projected starting lineup:
Tristen Newton (17.7 PPG at East Carolina)
Jordan Hawkins (5.8 PPG)
Nahiem Alleyne (9.6 PPG at Virginia Tech)
Andre Jackson (6.8 PPG)
Adama Sanogo (14.8 PPG)

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... gs-2022-23


In addition:

#7 - Creighton
#14 - Villanova
#22 - Dayton - has to drive Xavier fans nuts to see Dayton ranked ahead of them
#9 - Arkansas - list Makhel Mitchell starting line up



Next in line:
Miami Hurricanes (previous: Next in line)
Saint Louis Billikens (previous: Next in line)
Michigan Wolverines (previous: Next in line)
Xavier Musketeers (previous: Next in line)
Wyoming Cowboys (previous: Unranked)

[Jersey77]

I think Busting Brackets also picked Xavier ahead of UConn.

Ramster, the main reason I give the edge to Xavier is their experience and players they return:

Jack Nunge- 7 footer who led them in scoring (13.4) and rebounding (7.3).
Zach Freemantle - Forward (6'9") who was 2nd team all BE in 2021, double digit scorer in 21-22.
Colby Jones - Started every game last season (11.6 pts/ 7.3 rebs).
Adam Kunkel - Averaged 23 minutes and 9 pts.
KYKY Tandy - Had injury Issues, All BE Freshmen Team 2020.
Souley Boum - All C-USA for UTEP averaged 20 pts/ 3 assists.

Not to mention a coaching upgrade with Sean Miller.

ESPN moved UCONN up from #24 to #21 - Jeff Borzello
UConn, Virginia move the needle in Way-Too-Early Top 25 men's college basketball rankings for 2022-23

21. UConn Huskies
Previous: 24
There's a tremendous amount of post-player talent returning to college basketball next season, with Oscar Tshiebwe, Drew Timme, Armando Bacot, Hunter Dickinson and Trayce Jackson-Davis all eschewing the NBA draft for another year in college. One player who didn't waste any time with his stay-or-go decision -- and who will likely find himself in the same conversation with those aforementioned bigs this season -- is Adama Sanogo. A first-team All-Big East selection last season and the favorite to be preseason Big East Player of the Year this season, Sanogo made huge strides between his freshman and sophomore campaigns. He had 30 points against Auburn's vaunted post defenders, 26 and 18 against St. John's, 24 and 15 against Marquette and 26 and 11 against DePaul. He's ready for another jump.

Projected starting lineup:
Tristen Newton (17.7 PPG at East Carolina)
Jordan Hawkins (5.8 PPG)
Nahiem Alleyne (9.6 PPG at Virginia Tech)
Andre Jackson (6.8 PPG)
Adama Sanogo (14.8 PPG)

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... gs-2022-23


In addition:

#7 - Creighton
#14 - Villanova
#22 - Dayton - has to drive Xavier fans nuts to see Dayton ranked ahead of them
#9 - Arkansas - list Makhel Mitchell starting line up



Next in line:
Miami Hurricanes (previous: Next in line)
Saint Louis Billikens (previous: Next in line)
Michigan Wolverines (previous: Next in line)
Xavier Musketeers (previous: Next in line)
Wyoming Cowboys (previous: Unranked)

Ramster, it is all very subjective at this point, we all have our own opinions, including the experts.

Like I said, just looking at the rosters I give Xavier a slight edge.
Jackson and Hawkins still need to play up to their high expectations at UConn.

I also think that Seton Hall and St. John's can be in the mix.

Shaka did a great job in his 1st season at Marquette.

Look for Butler to make some noise with Matta at the helm.

With Wahab back at Georgetown along with some other impressive transfers, maybe Ewing will surprise.

And yes Ramster, we can't forget your buddy Cooley.
PC lost quite a bit, but they did a good job of reloading.