The UCONN Freshman five experienced their first Big East road game against a deep, talented, very well coached Pitt Panther five and took a 78-63 pounding at the Petersen Events Center last night. At the Events center Pitt is 8-0 against top ten teams that come into "their house" and 142-11 overall; it is considered one of the toughest road venues in the Big East. Like all of Pitt coach Jamie Dixon's teams this group plays hard nosed, stifling man to man defense and a beautiful, disciplined motion offense with very balanced scoring. Pitt had four players in double figures led by smooth shooting two guard Austin Gibb's 19 points. Defensively, the Panthers forced the Huskies into a 32% FG shooting night and their big men continually limited UCONN to one shot offensively.
Pitt controlled the game from start to finish and after the first three minutes the UCONN Frosh looked like they were in shock. Calhoun changed to a half court trapping defense and this slowed the Panthers down some. From 3 minutes into the first half, to about 7 minutes left in the game the Huskies kept the deficit between 6-10 points despite poor shooting from Kemba Walker and no scoring support from the rest of the team. Walker started the contest looking tight and trying to do too much and went 3-12 in the first half. He loosened up in the second half and finished with 31 points but had to hoist up 27 shots to get there. No other Husky scored in double figures; Jeremy Lamb had 9 and Alex Oriakhi a disappointing 8 points.
What significance can we read into UCONN's first loss of the season. First, it is not panic time; even the best of Calhoun's Husky squads have only amassed a 1-5 record on the road against Pitt who were heavily favored last night. I think most knowledgeable UCONN fans felt the #4 ranking was a bit high, but I still see this as a very good UCONN team with potentially a big upside.
There were, however, some concerning trends in last night's loss. In my opinion, in addition to Walker only Lamb and Napier (possibly Olander) seemed up to the task last night. Clearly, UCONN's scoring has to be better distributed if they expect to compete atop the Big East. Napier is the real deal and I liked his confidence and ability to run the offense when Walker was moved to two guard. Jeremy Lamb looks increasingly confident at both ends, but his outside shooting is suspect. Roscoe Smith's development continues to be very slow offensively and his shooting has been abysmal. Giffey has made no progress since the beginning of the year and looked eager to get the ball to Walker as quickly as he could last night. I think Olander is competing well but commits some senseless fouls, reducing his playing time; He hits the boards hard and has a nice little shooting touch. To me of most concern has been the increasngly poor play of Alex Oriakhi since his outstanding performance at the Maui Classic. He looks discouraged, is getting beat off the boards and has disappeared on offense. Calhoun, not shy about critisizing players in the press was quoted after last night's game as saying"I don't know if he (Oriakhi) was better sitting or playing. He's not the player right now I think he can be." ouch!but on target.
While it is far too early in the season to ascertain where this team will end up, I think Napier and Lamb will continue to improve and contribute but Smith and Giffey may not be significant factors this year. Oriakhi is a big question mark. He can play much better than he is right now and he is not getting much help up front so this is also a factor, however, he has to turn things around for the Huskies to a major force in March. A typical early season Big East road loss against a tough well coached opponent or a harbinger of things to come? Too early to tell.
"You Heard it here first"
Steve
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Huskies move up to #4 in both National Polls
On the strength of a decisive win over fairleigh Dickinson and PItt's loss to Tennessee, the UCONN Huskies were ranked fourth in both major polls on Monday. As you may know both the polls and NCAA Committee places a lot of weight in the RPi ratings. This is a ranking system which includes both a teams record and their strength of schedule. The fact the the Huskies are 6th in the RPI ratings and moved ahead of Syracuse probably explains why they also moved a head of the Orange in the polls.
The air is getting rare up there at #4 so we will see if the Huskies are this good when Big East starts on Dec.27 at Pitt after two tune ups against Coppin State and Harvard.
"YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST"
Steve
ps- I was wondering if the Walker brothers still follow college ball or they have joined a local polo club and have lost interest in
B-Ball
The air is getting rare up there at #4 so we will see if the Huskies are this good when Big East starts on Dec.27 at Pitt after two tune ups against Coppin State and Harvard.
"YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST"
Steve
ps- I was wondering if the Walker brothers still follow college ball or they have joined a local polo club and have lost interest in
B-Ball
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Huskies enter exam break 8-0, 6th in both major polls
Since the win at the Maui Invitational Tournament the UCONN Huskies have added three wins in the cupcake part of their schedule. A 62-55 outcome over a stubborn and well coached New Hampshite squad was followed by blowouts of Maryland-Baltimore
County (94-61) and Fairleigh Dickinson ( 78-64). A breakdown of the individual scoring in these three games gives some insight into the answers and the issues I said were important to look for before the start of the tough Big East Schedule on Dec. 27 against Pitt.
Knowing that not even Kemba Walker will average close to 30ppg in the Big East, Calhoun has been trying to get his "diaper dandies" to start showing more on offense. Against UNH, somewhat let down after the Maui win and surprised by UNH's tenacity, the Huskies fell back on Walker and he produced another 30 point game. Shabazz Napier, the impressive Freshman point guard was the only other Husky in double figures. However, against Maryland-Baltimore County, Walker scored 24 and UCONN had 5 other players in double figures including Lamb, Smith, Oriakhi, Giffey and Sophomore enigma Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. Against FDU, Walker scored 21 and Lamb, Smith and Napier had 12, 10 and 10 respectively.
I feel that Shabazz Napier is the Freshman who is furthest along in his development. He has great point guard instincts and is ready to relieve Walker at the point and contribute about 10ppg in the Big East. Lamb, a slashing two guard is starting to show some life on offense as he had 11 and 12 points in the last two games including some treys. Giffey, a 6'7" German import is coming along slowly but nicely. I think as the season progresses he will be a steady contributor with some big games as he finds his stroke. Roscoe Smith, UCONN's most highly touted recruit at an athletic 6'8" tall is a bit hard to read at this point and has raised some questions in my mind. Although he has produced back to back double figures the flashes of his athleticism have come on defense with some eye opening blocked shots. He has struggled offensively and I am concerned that he is a not a good jump shooter, particularly from 15 ft. out, critical for someone of his size. I think his jump shot will improve, but how much that is true this season is an important an open question.
The Huskies resume play on Dec. 20 against Coppin State, Harvard on the 22nd, then the BiG East schedule starts on Dec.27 in an away game against Pitt.
At this point, I can say unequivocably that this year's Huskies are an exciting, hustling bunch who will make the Big Dance.(If they go .500 in conference play they are in.) The development of the Freshmen is critical to how far this team can go. Napier is ready for prime time but the others are works in progress. Let's also not forget the somewhat puzzling 6'7" Sophomore, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. He has a solid all around game but came to Storrs with the reputation of a lights out three point shooter, which he has yet to show. My hope is that he will develop into a streak shooter, a la Rashad Anderson, and add some needed points in bunches.
Right now, Calhoun seems to be leaning to a starting five of Walker and Lamb in the backcourt with Oriakhi, Olander( a solid if unspectacular Freshman banger) and Smith up front. The rotation is pretty deep with 10 players that Calhoun has been using including, Napier, Coombs-Mcdaniel, an improving Senior Guard Donnell Beverley, Oakwandu and Giffey off the bench.
Enjoy the break and then let's get ready to rumble
"You Heard it here First"
Steve
County (94-61) and Fairleigh Dickinson ( 78-64). A breakdown of the individual scoring in these three games gives some insight into the answers and the issues I said were important to look for before the start of the tough Big East Schedule on Dec. 27 against Pitt.
Knowing that not even Kemba Walker will average close to 30ppg in the Big East, Calhoun has been trying to get his "diaper dandies" to start showing more on offense. Against UNH, somewhat let down after the Maui win and surprised by UNH's tenacity, the Huskies fell back on Walker and he produced another 30 point game. Shabazz Napier, the impressive Freshman point guard was the only other Husky in double figures. However, against Maryland-Baltimore County, Walker scored 24 and UCONN had 5 other players in double figures including Lamb, Smith, Oriakhi, Giffey and Sophomore enigma Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. Against FDU, Walker scored 21 and Lamb, Smith and Napier had 12, 10 and 10 respectively.
I feel that Shabazz Napier is the Freshman who is furthest along in his development. He has great point guard instincts and is ready to relieve Walker at the point and contribute about 10ppg in the Big East. Lamb, a slashing two guard is starting to show some life on offense as he had 11 and 12 points in the last two games including some treys. Giffey, a 6'7" German import is coming along slowly but nicely. I think as the season progresses he will be a steady contributor with some big games as he finds his stroke. Roscoe Smith, UCONN's most highly touted recruit at an athletic 6'8" tall is a bit hard to read at this point and has raised some questions in my mind. Although he has produced back to back double figures the flashes of his athleticism have come on defense with some eye opening blocked shots. He has struggled offensively and I am concerned that he is a not a good jump shooter, particularly from 15 ft. out, critical for someone of his size. I think his jump shot will improve, but how much that is true this season is an important an open question.
The Huskies resume play on Dec. 20 against Coppin State, Harvard on the 22nd, then the BiG East schedule starts on Dec.27 in an away game against Pitt.
At this point, I can say unequivocably that this year's Huskies are an exciting, hustling bunch who will make the Big Dance.(If they go .500 in conference play they are in.) The development of the Freshmen is critical to how far this team can go. Napier is ready for prime time but the others are works in progress. Let's also not forget the somewhat puzzling 6'7" Sophomore, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. He has a solid all around game but came to Storrs with the reputation of a lights out three point shooter, which he has yet to show. My hope is that he will develop into a streak shooter, a la Rashad Anderson, and add some needed points in bunches.
Right now, Calhoun seems to be leaning to a starting five of Walker and Lamb in the backcourt with Oriakhi, Olander( a solid if unspectacular Freshman banger) and Smith up front. The rotation is pretty deep with 10 players that Calhoun has been using including, Napier, Coombs-Mcdaniel, an improving Senior Guard Donnell Beverley, Oakwandu and Giffey off the bench.
Enjoy the break and then let's get ready to rumble
"You Heard it here First"
Steve
Monday, November 29, 2010
Huskies Move into top ten in both Major Polls
As I opined in my last post, the UCONN Huskies were ranked #7 in today's AP Poll and #9 in the ESPN/Coaches Poll on the strength of their spectacular showing in last week's Maui Invitational Tournament. The jump from unranked to seventh in the AP poll was the largest single move up in one week since Kansas jumped from unranked to fourth in 1989 after winning the pre-season NIT. Clearly, the Huskies are far better than all the pundits, including this reporter,predicted in the pre-season. Let's all take a deep breath at this point and address the question of "how high is up for this season's Huskies?"
First and foremost, the two returning starters Kemba Walker and Alex Oriakhi have far exceeded expectations. Walker is leading the country in scoring at 30.0 ppg and his leadership and confidence have been awesome. Oriakhi has elevated his game to potential All- American status; While he doesn't have huge "ups" he is a quick jumper and a ferocious rebounder at both ends of the floor. In addition, he has very soft, sure hands, receives passes well and has a very nice touch in the paint. He is averaging a double/double through the first five contests.
The Five Freshman are far better than believed in the pre-season reports. Shabazz Napier, the 6 foot point guard from Boston is lightening quick, a tremendous penetrator and precociously confident. He clearly can play point taking some of the ball handling burden off Walker. Jeremy Lamb is a versatile two guard who can both shoot and slash to the hoop. Niels Giffey is a 6'6" swingman from Berlin, Germany who has the outstanding all around game that has become typical of the best European imports. Tyler Olander, the 6'9" local product, has impressed with a nice shooting touch and pretty good jumping ability. A big variable at this point is the Huskies most highly touted recruit, Roscoe Smith,a 6'8" small forward from Baltimore. Calhoun likens him to Rudy Gay but feels he is a better shooter. Calhoun believes that "Smith will be a special player for us." So far, he has shown some flashes of his talent and at times has appeared tight and tentative.
In sum, this team has strengths where weaknesses existed last year. The team chemistry looks great and the effort has been all out in every game. There are three or four good perimeter shooters and there are four or five guys who can score when needed. Defensively, this group can be smothering which triggers the signature UCONN transition game. The biggest liability is that the front line is thin and in the tough Big East and the Big Dance, the big men tend to accumulate fouls quickly. In December 7'1" Freshman Enosch Wolfe, from Germany becomes eligible supplying much needed depth up frot.
To date Walker leads the Huskies in scoring at 30.0ppg, followed by Oriakhi at 13.4, Napier at 9.6, Smith at 7.8 and Lamb and Giffey at 5.2. Look for Napier to bump up to about 12 ppg, Smith to 11ppg and Giffey to 9.3 to provide support for Walker and Oriakhi. The next five games are cream puffs with the first Big East contest coming on Dec. 27 at Pittsburgh. Over the next five games there are several things to watch and if they happen we are in for a very interesting season. Look for Napier, Smith and Giffey to bump up their ppg's, Smith to gain confidence and start looking like the Huskies top recruit, Wolfe to add needed help up front. If all these things fall in place we are looking at a possible Elite Eight or even Final four squad.
You can watch the Huskies tomorrow night on SNY at 7:30 against New Hampshire. ON Friday the Huskies take on Maryland-Baltimore county in a 7:00 start, also televised on SNY.
"You Heard it here First"
Steve
First and foremost, the two returning starters Kemba Walker and Alex Oriakhi have far exceeded expectations. Walker is leading the country in scoring at 30.0 ppg and his leadership and confidence have been awesome. Oriakhi has elevated his game to potential All- American status; While he doesn't have huge "ups" he is a quick jumper and a ferocious rebounder at both ends of the floor. In addition, he has very soft, sure hands, receives passes well and has a very nice touch in the paint. He is averaging a double/double through the first five contests.
The Five Freshman are far better than believed in the pre-season reports. Shabazz Napier, the 6 foot point guard from Boston is lightening quick, a tremendous penetrator and precociously confident. He clearly can play point taking some of the ball handling burden off Walker. Jeremy Lamb is a versatile two guard who can both shoot and slash to the hoop. Niels Giffey is a 6'6" swingman from Berlin, Germany who has the outstanding all around game that has become typical of the best European imports. Tyler Olander, the 6'9" local product, has impressed with a nice shooting touch and pretty good jumping ability. A big variable at this point is the Huskies most highly touted recruit, Roscoe Smith,a 6'8" small forward from Baltimore. Calhoun likens him to Rudy Gay but feels he is a better shooter. Calhoun believes that "Smith will be a special player for us." So far, he has shown some flashes of his talent and at times has appeared tight and tentative.
In sum, this team has strengths where weaknesses existed last year. The team chemistry looks great and the effort has been all out in every game. There are three or four good perimeter shooters and there are four or five guys who can score when needed. Defensively, this group can be smothering which triggers the signature UCONN transition game. The biggest liability is that the front line is thin and in the tough Big East and the Big Dance, the big men tend to accumulate fouls quickly. In December 7'1" Freshman Enosch Wolfe, from Germany becomes eligible supplying much needed depth up frot.
To date Walker leads the Huskies in scoring at 30.0ppg, followed by Oriakhi at 13.4, Napier at 9.6, Smith at 7.8 and Lamb and Giffey at 5.2. Look for Napier to bump up to about 12 ppg, Smith to 11ppg and Giffey to 9.3 to provide support for Walker and Oriakhi. The next five games are cream puffs with the first Big East contest coming on Dec. 27 at Pittsburgh. Over the next five games there are several things to watch and if they happen we are in for a very interesting season. Look for Napier, Smith and Giffey to bump up their ppg's, Smith to gain confidence and start looking like the Huskies top recruit, Wolfe to add needed help up front. If all these things fall in place we are looking at a possible Elite Eight or even Final four squad.
You can watch the Huskies tomorrow night on SNY at 7:30 against New Hampshire. ON Friday the Huskies take on Maryland-Baltimore county in a 7:00 start, also televised on SNY.
"You Heard it here First"
Steve
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Walker and Oriakhi fuel Huskies improbable Championship in Maui
If you had asked me on Sunday whether the Huskies had any chance to win the Maui Invitational Tournament I would have bet our Turkey dinner for 30 people against it. Fortuneately,I didn't make that bet but I will have to put a little crow on my plate since I was a vociferous opponent of UCONN giving Jim Calhoun another contract. I felt his time had passed and the Huskies needed to bring in a young, dynamic coach. Two nice cupcake wins against Stonybrook and Vermont plus two returning starters and Five Freshmen in a recruiting class ranked 20th in country did nothing to foreshadow last night's pounding of 9th ranked Kentucky to complete this weeks improbable championship run. In addition, the Huskies faced a strong field including 2nd ranked Michigan State and 11th ranked University of Washington. Kentucky's Freshman class was ranked #1 in the country and Michigan State's was ranked 10th to boot. In what may some day be considered Calhoun's greatest coaching job we saw this young Husky squad grow up in five games and beat Wichita State, Michigan State (70-67) and in the title game destroy Kentucky 84-67.
What happened? To begin with Kemba Walker has emerged as possibly both the best point guard, if not the best player in the country according to Jay Bilas, the fine ESPN color commentator. Forward Alex Oriakhi has blossomed into a rebounding and scoring force in the paint and the freshmen group was clearly underrated. Add this to great team chemistry and the ideal personnel to develop a smothering UCONN defense to fuel the signature of all great Calhoun teams, an explosive transition game and it all adds up. Freshman Shabazz Napier is an outstanding point guard, something rare in a "diaper dandy". He is quick, confident, plays intense Defense and can penetrate and drive to the hoop. Roscoe Smith is playing well, if inconsistently, and is a very good small forward. Jeremy Lamb is an exciting swingman and looked his best so far this year in last night's win. Niels Giffey, a German import, is a whippet thin 6'7" small forward who has a solid all around game, can run all day, and has a nice stroke from three point land. Finally Tyler Olander is a solid banger up front.
The first 13 minutes of last nights contest featured exciting, quick paced ball in a game that looked like it was going to go down to the wire. However, the Huskies seemed to be visibly gaining confidence when they led 29-27 with seven minutes to go. At that point, Napier scored on a tremendous drive to the hoop, cradling the ball away from the Wildcat big men, before banking a beauty off the glass. After getting the ball back Napier hit Walker on a text book backdoor play and the run had begun. Over the last seven minutes of the half, the Huskies outscored the Wildcats 21-2, a real old-fashioned Husky run, to open up a 51-29 lead at the half. WOW!
The game was never in doubt in the second half; Walker finished with 29 points and won the tournament outstanding player and Oriakhi scored 18 with 11 rebounds. Niels Giffey, in his best showing of the season, added 14 on 5-6 shooting from the field including 2-3 treys. Napier, sensational at the point added 12.
I have to believe that when Monday's polls come out the previously unranked Huskies have to be in the top 10 teams in the country and this squad is a legitimate contender in the East. It is obviously too early in the season to know how far they can go but it sure will be an exciting ride. This reporters battered hat is off to Coach Jim Calhoun and Associate Head Coach George Blaney.
"You heard it here First"
Steve
What happened? To begin with Kemba Walker has emerged as possibly both the best point guard, if not the best player in the country according to Jay Bilas, the fine ESPN color commentator. Forward Alex Oriakhi has blossomed into a rebounding and scoring force in the paint and the freshmen group was clearly underrated. Add this to great team chemistry and the ideal personnel to develop a smothering UCONN defense to fuel the signature of all great Calhoun teams, an explosive transition game and it all adds up. Freshman Shabazz Napier is an outstanding point guard, something rare in a "diaper dandy". He is quick, confident, plays intense Defense and can penetrate and drive to the hoop. Roscoe Smith is playing well, if inconsistently, and is a very good small forward. Jeremy Lamb is an exciting swingman and looked his best so far this year in last night's win. Niels Giffey, a German import, is a whippet thin 6'7" small forward who has a solid all around game, can run all day, and has a nice stroke from three point land. Finally Tyler Olander is a solid banger up front.
The first 13 minutes of last nights contest featured exciting, quick paced ball in a game that looked like it was going to go down to the wire. However, the Huskies seemed to be visibly gaining confidence when they led 29-27 with seven minutes to go. At that point, Napier scored on a tremendous drive to the hoop, cradling the ball away from the Wildcat big men, before banking a beauty off the glass. After getting the ball back Napier hit Walker on a text book backdoor play and the run had begun. Over the last seven minutes of the half, the Huskies outscored the Wildcats 21-2, a real old-fashioned Husky run, to open up a 51-29 lead at the half. WOW!
The game was never in doubt in the second half; Walker finished with 29 points and won the tournament outstanding player and Oriakhi scored 18 with 11 rebounds. Niels Giffey, in his best showing of the season, added 14 on 5-6 shooting from the field including 2-3 treys. Napier, sensational at the point added 12.
I have to believe that when Monday's polls come out the previously unranked Huskies have to be in the top 10 teams in the country and this squad is a legitimate contender in the East. It is obviously too early in the season to know how far they can go but it sure will be an exciting ride. This reporters battered hat is off to Coach Jim Calhoun and Associate Head Coach George Blaney.
"You heard it here First"
Steve
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Kemba Walks on water as Huskies upset #2 Michigan State
The big news tonight is that Kemba Walker, no ifs ands or buts is a superstar. Espn's knowledgeable color commentator called him the best point guard in the country in tonights's spectacular upset win over Michigan State. Prior to tonights game Walker was leading the country in scoring with a 30.3 ppg average. tonight's
30 point effort against Michigan State will likely keep in that spot.
Since this is my first post of the season I will start by highlighting the pre-season expectations for this years Huskies and review the major questions that I had following last season's disappointing and enigmatic squad. The Huskies lost 3 of their top scorers from last year including Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson and Hasheem thabeet. They were left with only two returning starters, Jr. Kemba Walker and sophomore Alex Oriakhi and five Freshmen recruits. Their recruiting class was only ranked 20th in the country and their top recruit, small forward, Roscoe Smith was ranked fifth at this position. Not one poll or major college pre-season magazine picked Uconn in the top 25 teams in the country and most picked them about 10th in the Big East. I have to admit, that my own expectations were low and I was screaming as loud as anyone for the Huskies to end the Jim Calhoun era. As you know, I felt that he was mired in a depression last year that adversely effected his coaching and the team. My four major question marks, incredibly, have already been answered after only four games.
1. Could Jim Calhoun regain his equilibrium and rebuild a very young team? I have watched all four games this year and from the get-go I have that Calhoun looks like a much happier guy this year. Unlike last year, when he often appeared tense, angry and distracted, he has been relaxed and very present in all games. Calhoun seems to have really bonded with his young Huskies and this is an exciting, hustling team a la Calhoun's best squads. Put one in the plus column.
2. Kemba Walker showed flashes of brilliance last year when he averaged 14.8 ppg. However, he shot inconsistently and didn't supply the much needed leadership. Walker apparently worked very hard on his game this summer and it shows. Both his perimeter shooting and finishes on his drives have improved dramatically and he has been simply sensational. I think he may be the fastest college player I have ever seen in the open court with the ball. Move over Ray Allen, Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton et al, another Husky superstar has been ordained.
3. Last Year I felt that Freshman Alex Oriakhi would blossom into a big time player, but I did not expect it to happen so fast. He is averaging a double, double and had 15 points and 17 rebounds in tonight's win.
4. Are there any talented recruits. I love Freshman point guard Shabazz Napier. He is confident a great ball handler and penetrator and sensational on defense. calhoun used him a lot at the point tonight enabling Walker to play two guard and not have to handle the ball so much. top recruit Roscoe Smith (10.3 ppg) has improved with each game, can shoot the trey, slash and is a very good shot blocker. Swingman Jeremy Lamb has been a contributor and Nils Giffey, a small forward from Germany has an excellent all around game. Much more talent here than predicted.
In sum, batten down the hatches everyone this is one exciting team. They will definitely contend in the Big East and take a trip to the big dance. Much too early to know how far they will go but it doesn't hurt to have possibly the best player in the country.
tonight's exciting win was sealed when Kemba Walker scored the last of his 30 points with 52 seconds left on a fade away jumper from the left corner. Roscoe Smith added 8 points and Shabazz napier added seven in the Huskies sensational upset.
Tune in tomorrow night when the Young Huskies will play the winner of the Kentucky- Washington game in the finals.
I will say it right now - WE ARE GOING TO THE BIG DANCE
You heard it here first
Steve
30 point effort against Michigan State will likely keep in that spot.
Since this is my first post of the season I will start by highlighting the pre-season expectations for this years Huskies and review the major questions that I had following last season's disappointing and enigmatic squad. The Huskies lost 3 of their top scorers from last year including Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson and Hasheem thabeet. They were left with only two returning starters, Jr. Kemba Walker and sophomore Alex Oriakhi and five Freshmen recruits. Their recruiting class was only ranked 20th in the country and their top recruit, small forward, Roscoe Smith was ranked fifth at this position. Not one poll or major college pre-season magazine picked Uconn in the top 25 teams in the country and most picked them about 10th in the Big East. I have to admit, that my own expectations were low and I was screaming as loud as anyone for the Huskies to end the Jim Calhoun era. As you know, I felt that he was mired in a depression last year that adversely effected his coaching and the team. My four major question marks, incredibly, have already been answered after only four games.
1. Could Jim Calhoun regain his equilibrium and rebuild a very young team? I have watched all four games this year and from the get-go I have that Calhoun looks like a much happier guy this year. Unlike last year, when he often appeared tense, angry and distracted, he has been relaxed and very present in all games. Calhoun seems to have really bonded with his young Huskies and this is an exciting, hustling team a la Calhoun's best squads. Put one in the plus column.
2. Kemba Walker showed flashes of brilliance last year when he averaged 14.8 ppg. However, he shot inconsistently and didn't supply the much needed leadership. Walker apparently worked very hard on his game this summer and it shows. Both his perimeter shooting and finishes on his drives have improved dramatically and he has been simply sensational. I think he may be the fastest college player I have ever seen in the open court with the ball. Move over Ray Allen, Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton et al, another Husky superstar has been ordained.
3. Last Year I felt that Freshman Alex Oriakhi would blossom into a big time player, but I did not expect it to happen so fast. He is averaging a double, double and had 15 points and 17 rebounds in tonight's win.
4. Are there any talented recruits. I love Freshman point guard Shabazz Napier. He is confident a great ball handler and penetrator and sensational on defense. calhoun used him a lot at the point tonight enabling Walker to play two guard and not have to handle the ball so much. top recruit Roscoe Smith (10.3 ppg) has improved with each game, can shoot the trey, slash and is a very good shot blocker. Swingman Jeremy Lamb has been a contributor and Nils Giffey, a small forward from Germany has an excellent all around game. Much more talent here than predicted.
In sum, batten down the hatches everyone this is one exciting team. They will definitely contend in the Big East and take a trip to the big dance. Much too early to know how far they will go but it doesn't hurt to have possibly the best player in the country.
tonight's exciting win was sealed when Kemba Walker scored the last of his 30 points with 52 seconds left on a fade away jumper from the left corner. Roscoe Smith added 8 points and Shabazz napier added seven in the Huskies sensational upset.
Tune in tomorrow night when the Young Huskies will play the winner of the Kentucky- Washington game in the finals.
I will say it right now - WE ARE GOING TO THE BIG DANCE
You heard it here first
Steve
Friday, October 29, 2010
Eliot and Allen in talks about blog site
Rumors were swirling in the Connecticut press this week that Steve Eliot had a clandestine meeting with Dave Allen at the Suburban home of an unnamed, well known camp director. Eliot, who is rumored to be considering a sabbitical this year apparently made a lucrative offer to Allen to manage the web-site during his absense.
Calls to the offices and homes of both Eliot and Allen were not returned.
Calls to the offices and homes of both Eliot and Allen were not returned.
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