UConn Huskies – #8 Big East college basketball power rankings

UConn

Coach: Kevin Ollie (1st season at UConn)

2011-12: Record 20-14 overall, 8-10  in Big East ( 9th)

Starters Returning (1 ) Shabazz Napier

Preseason Tournament:  Paradise Jam, Jimmy V Classic

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Michigan State (Armed Forces Classic), vs. Washington

Transfer Out: Alex Oriakhi (Missouri-eligible immediately), Roscoe Smith (UNLV), Michael Bradley (Western Kentucky)

Transfer In :  R.J. Evans (Holy Cross- eligible immediately)

Early Departure: Jeremy Lamb, Andre Drummond

Wow, what an offseason for the Huskies. Gone is Hall of Fame head coach Jim Calhoun, who retired. He retired due to health reasons and the Huskies being ineligible for the 2013 NCAA tournament.  Now former Huskie player Kevin Ollie, takes over the program. Although he only has a one year contract as of now. With all this changeover 3 players transferred out of the program and 2 left early for NBA.  The good news the Huskies return two of their three scorers from last season.

The strength of this team will be the backcourt. Leading the way is Shabazz Napier (13 ppg). Along with Napier Ryan Boatright (10.4 ppg), returns in the backcourt.  Problem is both of these players are point guards and need the ball in their hands. It will be interesting to see what Ollie does here. Both player know how to score and get to the rim and are decent three point shooters. Look for highly touted freshman Omar Calhoun to start at the 3 spot. Like Napier and Boatright he is a very talented scorer. Providing depth here are Holy Cross transfer R.J. Evans (11.5 ppg) and Brendan Allen (.2 ppg).

The questions for this team will be in the frontcourt as reverses from last year will be ask to be starters this season.  Center Tyler Olander (4.2 ppg) is not that physical player that you think as UConn centers in the past, he is more a spot up shooter.  Joining Olander in the frontcourt is DeAndre Daniels. He struggled last year as a freshman but he has potential with his athletic ability.  The Huskies have depth here but it is inexperienced. Enosch Wolf (.3 ppg) and freshman Phil Nolan, Leon Tolksdorf will try to provide depth.  Niels Giffey (2.6 ppg) can provide depth both at the 3 spot and power forward.

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