2013-14 UConn Basketball: National Champions

[RedOctober3829]

Highlights of UConn non-conference schedule
vs. Maryland at Barclays Center(11/8)
2k Sports Classic at MSG: vs. Boston College(11/21) and Indiana or Washington(11/22)
at Washington
vs. Stanford(12/18)
vs. Florida(12/2)
 
Other Non-Conference Games as of today
vs. Boston University and vs. Detroit(mid-November as part of 2k Sports Classic)
vs. Yale(11/11)
vs. Eastern Washington(12/28)
vs. Harvard(TBA)
 
Projected starting lineup
G Shabazz Napier
G Ryan Boatright
G Omar Calhoun
F DeAndre Daniels
F Tyler Olander
 
Bench
G/F Niels Giffey
G Terrence Samuels(freshman)
F Kentan Facey(freshman)
F Phil Nolan
G Lasan Kromah(5th year transfer kid from George Washington)
F/C Amida Brimah(6'11" freshman who could be the next great UConn big man)
 
Here is a look at the incoming freshmen for the Huskies.
 

Kentan Facey, 6-9 PF, Glen Head, NY,  Long Island
Lutheran High School. Facey is the 26th-ranked power forward in the
nation according to ESPN.com, and is a four-star prospect. Hes got good
size at 6-9 and has good hands and a powerful body. He probably needs
to bulk up a little in order to control the paint in college. Still,
hes a good defender with good shotblocking instincts and the length to
cause problems down low. Hes active, mobile, and very well-coordinated
for a big man. Hes also got range on his jump shot and can extend out
to near the three-point line. Facey has good touch around the basket and
uses his hands well inside.

 

Amida Brimah, 6-11 C, Miami, FL Archbishop Carroll High
School. Brimah is a lanky big man who has the athleticism to develop
into a solid center in college basketball. Hes very hard-working and
persistent, and although he doesnt run particularly well, he runs the
floor every time. Brimah is just a stick inside and is too easy to knock
over at this point, but he should be able to draw fouls down low. Hes a
great shotblocker because of his size, and is fairly athletic with a
continuous motor. Hes the 13th-ranked center in this class, according
to ESPN.com.

 

Terrence Samuel, 6-3, SG,
Brooklyn, NY, South Shore High School. Samuel is the 39th-ranked
shooting guard in the class and a three-star prospect. Hes got good
court vision and can handle the ball well. Hes also a good shooter with
three-point range and can score in traffic and

 
http://sportzedge.com/2013/04/17/a-look-at-the-2014-uconn-mens-basketball-recruiting-class/
 
A little background on GW graduate transfer Lasan Kromah.
 

Kromah, a 6-foot-6 combo guard, graduated from GW last Saturday, earning
his degree in criminal justice. He will go for a masters degree in
cognitive learning at UConn, and plans to begin classes during the
second summer session in July.

 

Kromah is from Greenbelt, Md., right outside Washington, so he has been
close to home his entire career. He was recruited by Karl Hobbs, who was
then the Colonials head coach. As a freshman, Kromah led GW in steals
and in made three-pointers, averaging 11.8 points per game and making
the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team.

 

So Kromah, a slasher-type, will play for the Huskies next year,
joining am experienced team thats pretty stacked, especially on the
perimeter.
Kromah started as a junior, but came off the bench most of his senior
season. Nevertheless, he scored in double figures both years.I can score, I can rebound, Kromah said, with my athletic ability,
my size, my length, I feel like I can be a game-changer an impact
player.

http://courantblogs.com/uconn-men/lasan-kromah-i-can-be-a-game-changer-for-uconn/

 

[bosox188]

Highlights of UConn non-conference schedule
vs. Maryland at Barclays Center(11/8)
2k Sports Classic at MSG: vs. Boston College(11/21) and Indiana or Washington(11/22)
at Washington
vs. Stanford(12/18)
vs. Florida(12/2)

 

 

[Plantiers Wart]

Enoch Wolf not coming back - signs pro contract in Germany.  Coeds everywhere breathe a sigh of relief....

 

[Plantiers Wart]

Facey and Brimah better be ready to play early.  Tyler Olander suspended indefinitely for a DUI. 

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

Are there any more tall white guys left on the team?  They seem to lose one every two months.

 

[SumnerH]

Are there any more tall white guys left on the team?  They seem to lose one every two months.

I just assumed that Jake Voshkul keeps getting plastic surgery and trying to return, kind of like how Darius Songaila changed his name to Vytas Danelius so he could play at Wake Forest for a few more years.

 

[Plantiers Wart]

Marc Suhr agrees with your post.  And his 7 footer son was up visiting last week......the legacy lives

 

[Williams Head Case]

Lots of conlicting reports out there re: Daniel Hamilton's commit to UConn. Sporting News with un-sourced speculation he might de-commit to join his brother Isaac at UCLA and Borges giving that theory credibility saying UConn is still recruiting him as if he were uncommitted.
 

 
@DaveBorges
3h
I know #UConn still recruiting him as if uncommitted“@RogerKuznia: Does Daniel Hamilton flip to UCLA 2 join brother? http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2013-09-13/isaac-hamilton-recruiting-enrolled-at-ucla-former-utep-recruit-tim-floyd …”

 
 
But then an actual recruiting guy got on the case and calls it all hogwash after he did some pretty basic checking
 

 
@AdamZagoria
Coach says 'not a chance' UConn pledge Daniel Hamilton joins Isaac at UCLA http://zagsblog.com/articles/coach-isaac-hamilton-will-be-scoring-machine-at-ucla/ …

 

 
@AdamZagoria
2h
Kind of irresponsible to put those Daniel Hamilton rumors out w/o consulting the kid or his coach for comment

 
I have to believe Zagoria to this point and actually checking with the coach seems like, you know, what should have been done all along. Perhaps Borges mixed up what all coaching staffs do with top commits to add fuel to the fire. In either case, crazier things have happened in recruiting and its worth keeping an eye in over the next year before Hamilton puts on a UConn uni.

 

[Plantiers Wart]

Huskies get verbal commit from Sam Cassell Jr. - 6'4" point guard
 
Son of Sam, baby. 

 

[TheGoldenGreek33]

19th in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. 
 
Louisville 3rd, Memphis 13th. Temple received some votes.
 
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaab/polls/

 

[Dan Murfman]

Played real well at times. Hung on for the win. And as a mid major you have to be happy to take down a power team

 

[bosox188]

Played real well at times. Hung on for the win. And as a mid major you have to be happy to take down a power team

 
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this new reality.

 

[Dan Murfman]

I have a chance to get some great seats for the games on 11/22 but I can't get to MSG until 8. Is there any chance they lose to BCU on Thursday?

 

[ivanvamp]

Played real well at times. Hung on for the win. And as a mid major you have to be happy to take down a power team

 
Is Louisville - you know, the defending national champs - a mid-major team?  
 
This whole conference re-alignment crap just sucks big-time.  Thanks college football…..

 

[TheGoldenGreek33]

Not that it really matters, but how in the fuck does UConn drop a spot in the rankings after beating an ACC team in what was essentially a home game for Maryland at the Barclays Center?

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Uconn quietly is going to be a tremendous team this year. The ONLY weakness is rebounding and while that is a huge one, it will get better and better as some of their young bigs get bigger and stronger and more experienced. Brimah is going to be great. Kromah is a huge upgrade to RJ Evans. and Napier and Boatright are better than last year. As is Calhoun. And giffey has been incredible, knocking down shots. I don't remember a Uconn team with so many weapons  offensively. Daniels, the best pro prospect, has not been good yet. he started like this last year, too. 
 
Lots of profile games this year, but playing Louisville three times will be a lot of fun. the FL game will be a challendge as FL is big upfront and bangs. Might be Uconn athletics (non-Women's hoops) last real chance at a national title in anything and they have the kind of team that can do it

 

[Dan Murfman]

Okay ESPN has me convinced I'm going next Friday night.
 

 
UConn next hosts Boston University in the tournament's second round on Sunday. The Huskies then head to Madison Square Garden on Nov. 21 to face Boston College, and will play either Indiana or Washington in the title game on Nov. 22.

 
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400496852

 

[Clears Cleaver]

We just gave up 95 points to Toledo at home. You should score 120 without breaking a sweat.

 
If Calhoun was still coach he'd want them to score 130. These players don't give a crap about BC, though, as any sort of rival. Its more the fans, etc. I think the only team Uconn really wants to play is Louisville. I'm pumped for the SMU/Houston roadtrip over New Years.

 

[DukeSox]

 
I think the only team Uconn really wants to play is Louisville. 

I mean, all mid majors get pumped to be playing a championship ACC team.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

I mean, all mid majors get pumped to be playing a championship ACC team.

 
Lol, this is true. Especially those they've beaten like rented mules the last 15 years

 

[StuckOnYouk]

I mean, all mid majors get pumped to be playing a championship ACC team.

The big east whipped your ass which is why you had to poach them. Just remember that

 

[RedOctober3829]

I mean, all mid majors get pumped to be playing a championship ACC team.

Especially when the mid major is 2-0 in Final Four games against them.

 

[RedOctober3829]

UConn and BC will be matching up in a preseason tournament next year as well.

 

Andy Katz ‏@ESPNAndyKatz 15m
2014 Puerto Rico field announced: New Mexico, UConn, Boston College, College of Charleston, West Virginia, Dayton, George Mason, Texas A&M.
 

 

[StuckOnYouk]

I don't want any more match ups with them until we get football deals signed.
 
We don't need them in hoops, it only helps them.
 
F them.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

Relax - it's for next year.   UConn likely won't have a football team then.

 

[Dan Murfman]

UConn still has a football team?

LOL!!!!!

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Uconn is playing like a team that spent the night out in manhattan last night. Sleepwalking on both ends. Awful performance so far. Napier not just shooting poorly but making bad decisions?
 
MSG changed floors, too. It doesn't look or feel like MSG game. very odd

 

[RedOctober3829]

Uconn is playing like a team that spent the night out in manhattan last night. Sleepwalking on both ends. Awful performance so far. Napier not just shooting poorly but making bad decisions?
 
MSG changed floors, too. It doesn't look or feel like MSG game. very odd

Nobody there. Stale atmosphere. Team looks like shit. So does BC. Brimah is a beast and Daniels is keeping them in it.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Getting tickets for all the good games as a student/alum.Very exexcited about it. If you guys fly in I'll be more than happy to give yiu restaurant recommendations.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Amazing how MSG was alive last night and Uconn's effort level was so much higher. While BC is a big game for us old guy fans, the kids see IU > BC. I don't think they played particularly well (where are guys 3-10?!?) but they played hard against an IU team that also played hard, if not well. Uconn matched them on glass.

Lots to work on and the Florida game should be a war as well

 

[Dan Murfman]

I know our attendance hasn't been great and Rutgers was playing Stillman College but the attendance
 at the Rutger's game last night was 392. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Les Jones, Alfred Smith, Lionel Butler
Technical fouls: Stillman College-None. Rutgers-None.
Attendance: 392
Score by Periods                1st  2nd   Total
Stillman College..............   51   38  -   89
Rutgers.......................   60   56  -  116

 

[Plantiers Wart]

To be fair, kids are on break.

 

[Dan Murfman]

To be fair, kids are on break.

No they are not. But there was another game last night and attendance increased to 466.

 

[StuckOnYouk]

Amazing how MSG was alive last night and Uconn's effort level was so much higher. While BC is a big game for us old guy fans, the kids see IU > BC. I don't think they played particularly well (where are guys 3-10?!?) but they played hard against an IU team that also played hard, if not well. Uconn matched them on glass.

Lots to work on and the Florida game should be a war as well

 
I went to the UConn/BC game, because I hate BC.
Stupid decision. Game was boring as hell until the final couple of minutes, no excitement at all in MSG. Watched the UConn/Indiana game at home on Friday night.
 
I'll never pass up an Indiana game to watch BC again

 

[RedOctober3829]

Can't wait for Florida on Monday. Should be a great game. Hope the students show out.

 

[Dan Murfman]

SHABAZZ!

 

[StuckOnYouk]

Best UConn game since their title run in 2011.
 
I'm not saying he's the best player in the country, but there's no one in college hoops I'd rather give the ball to in a big spot ahead of Shabazz. The kid is unbelievable.
 
Funny,, Ainge was there. Watching a Mass. kid hit huge shot after huge shot. Any chance the Celtics bite on him with one of their 1st round picks?

 

[RedOctober3829]

Shabazz is the best PG in the country there's no doubt. Every big shot he took he made. Love the grit and toughness of these guys.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Uconn needs to get on a PED cycle if they want to win in march. They looked like a mid-major team physically vs Florida.

Florida is a very good team. If they get their players eligible/healthy they can easily make the final four.

Nice signature win for uconn. Need to get o Calhoun going. He and the five position are killing them right now

 

[ivanvamp]

Shabazz is the best PG in the country there's no doubt. Every big shot he took he made. Love the grit and toughness of these guys.

 
Onions.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Apparently, Florida's charter plane in Gainesville was malfunctioning so they took a Delta Express plane and put 50 passengers SOL.  Unreal.

 

[bosox188]

That was an ugly, ugly 2nd half against Stanford. Capped off with Shabazz passing up the last shot to find Omar Calhoun who was about a mile behind the 3 point line.

 

[Plantiers Wart]

Lucky to beat Harvard last night.  Not sure what kind of offense they are trying to run, but it was pathetic last night.  Slowed it down, swung the ball around the arc, and seemed to wait for Napier to do something - which early was too many of his fade away threes.  Why even bother to set a pick out high if you are never going to try and "roll"?  I don't think they ever tried to pass out of the ensuing double team.  Kromah seemed to be the only one who attacked the basket.  Omar Calhoun seems lost - played just 5 minutes.  Nappier did nothing for 36 minutes, then hits a couple threes and some FTs down the stretch to end up with a respectable but misleading 18 points. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

Nice win tonight against a Memphis team in their building.

 

[DukeSox]

Just great game to watch. Couple scrappy mid majors put on a show. Hope to see one of them get a chance to win a first round NCAA tourney game against a big time team - it's what March is all about.

 

[StuckOnYouk]

Just great game to watch. Couple scrappy mid majors put on a show. Hope to see one of them get a chance to win a first round NCAA tourney game against a big time team - it's what March is all about.

 
I understand that while Jim Calhoun constantly whooping up on Coach K in big spots has put you in a foul mood, you should recognize that UConn beat a mid-major team on the road tonight that was ranked ahead of Duke.
 
Sorry but the ACC isn't as advertised except when Big East teams start taking over the conference.
 
Bitch.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Just great game to watch. Couple scrappy mid majors put on a show. Hope to see one of them get a chance to win a first round NCAA tourney game against a big time team - it's what March is all about.

All it took for the ACC to become relevant again is for the Big East to donate a couple of teams.
 
I also don't want to have to remind you that your team came this close to losing to Vermont on your home floor.

 

[ivanvamp]

 
I understand that while Jim Calhoun constantly whooping up on Coach K in big spots has put you in a foul mood, you should recognize that UConn beat a mid-major team on the road tonight that was ranked ahead of Duke.
 
Sorry but the ACC isn't as advertised except when Big East teams start taking over the conference.
 
Bitch.

 
It does have to rankle the ACC blue bloods that Syracuse and Pitt enter the conference and immediately become the ACC's two best teams.
 
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/conferences/standings/_/id/2/year/2014/acc-conference

 

[Williams Head Case]

Ollie and the players passing out pizza and sodas to the students in Olliewood camping out ahead of tonight's game.

 

[Williams Head Case]

KO run out of the game after protesting a horrific no-call. Gampel crowd wants BLOOD right now.