With (most of) the UConn men’s basketball team gathered on campus to begin summer sessions this week, we figured it would be a good time to answer a few questions from the mailbag before media availabilities with players and coaches start kicking up.
Judging by these questions over the past few weeks, fans are very interested in (concerned about?) the Huskies’ frontcourt depth for next season. We addressed that in this story that ran on Monday, but also in this space.
Question: There has been talk of the Huskies still wanting to add a power forward? Would Shaw be that add? It was initially projected to be more of a post player who was added. Can we anticipate another point guard who may see minutes?
As far as point guard, the Huskies are comfortable with freshman Junior County and veteran transfer Nils Machowski backing up Silas Demary Jr. Braylon Mullins may be playing on the ball more often this season, as well.
Q: Does Dan Hurley intend on bringing in another 4/5 to compete for minutes? If so, will it be a freshman or transfer? A 4 out or traditional? Or is he comfortable with Oskar Giltay as the backup 5?
Borges: Along with a backup PF, the Huskies have been on the lookout for a third-string center. They have filled that role with Monday’s signing of Elmir Dzafic, an Arkansas transfer. Oskar Giltay is the backup center, essentially the same role as Eric Reibe last season. The backup PF would see important minutes and would likely be either through the portal or the international route.
Q: Which of the “depth” players (non-starters) have the best chance at surprising and becoming starters or playing starter minutes? And why?
Borges: Probably Isaiah Shaw, since he shot 46 percent from 3 last season (albeit at mid-major Northern Arizona). Jaye Nash could be used in a pinch as a ballhandler, though the Huskies are pretty deep at guard.
But it should be stressed that UConn’s depth players were recruited for just that: depth in practice, locker room leadership and, really, game action only at the end of blowouts.
Q: Does UConn have enough height and depth at Center?
Borges: Najai Hines is 6-foot-10, 260. That’s about what Tarris Reed Jr. was last season. He also led the Big East in blocks at 2.2 per game. A Big East that was also occupied by, well … Tarris Reed Jr. Oskar Giltay is also 6-10 and was a strong rim-protector (1.3 per game) in the ACC as a freshman last year at Stanford. Now, UConn adds Elmir Dzafic, a 7-foot third-string center. Even though he likely won’t play much, the Huskies still have good bulk and shot-blocking ability up front.
Q: During player introductions, Stephon Castle does not mention from UConn. Why?
A: Didn’t notice that, but can tell you that Steph treasured his one season in Storrs and still maintains great ties to the program. Look no further than his emotional meeting with Paige Buckers on the court after the Spurs’ Game 7 win over Oklahoma City on Saturday night.