2008 Connecticut Huskies Hoops Preview

For a program accustomed to winning Big East Conference championships with regularity, a couple years without a title classifies as a drought among demanding UConn fans.

The Huskies, owners of 10 regular-season crowns, could challenge for their first championship since 2005-06. Their roster has a potent mix of talent, athleticism, experience and impact freshmen. Four of five starters are back.

Coach Jim Calhoun’s aspirations extend beyond a Big East championship. He believes the Huskies can be a contender on the national scene.

“If it comes together, I don’t think there’s any question that we’ll be as talented as anybody,” Calhoun says.

Frontcourt

A big, strong and deep frontcourt features a national defensive Player of the Year, an All-Big East first-team pick and one of the top newcomers in the country.

Center Hasheem Thabeet, the Big East and NABC National Defensive Player of the Year, returns for his junior season after contemplating turning pro. His basketball education continues, as he works on expanding his offensive game by adding low-post power moves and polishing a short jump shot. He ranked third in the nation in blocks last season.

“Hasheem can be the most dominating player in the league,” Calhoun says.

Returning starter Jeff Adrien, an All-Big East first-team pick, led the team in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (9.1) last season. A rugged power forward, he sets the toughness tone for the Huskies.

Talented freshman Nate Miles will likely fill the void left by starting small forward Stanley Robinson, who’s out at least until January after returning home to Alabama to deal with personal issues. If Miles lives up to the hype, he’ll be one of the top newcomers in the country.

Improving big men Jonathan Mandeldove and Gavin Edwards, two juniors, will contribute off the bench. Mandeldove is a physical inside presence, while Edwards has a nice touch around the basket.

Newcomers Ater Majok, a 6'10" forward, and junior college center Charles Okwandu will grow into their roles with Majok having the better upside.

Backcourt

UConn’s backcourt rotation can stack up with just about any team around. But much depends on All-America candidate A.J. Price, who spent the offseason recovering from knee surgery. He’s expected to be ready for the season opener. His emergence last season as an influential leader proved to be invaluable.

Starting shooting guard Jerome Dyson has put last year’s off-the-court problems behind him. Calhoun asked Dyson, a great athlete but streaky offensive player, to work on refining his basketball skills, especially ball-handling, over the summer.

Steady senior Craig Austrie, who’s appeared in 95 games in three seasons, can play either guard spot off the bench. Sophomore Donnell Beverly will fight to secure a role in a crowded backcourt.

Two newcomers are expected to make an impact, as shooting guard Scottie Haralson has a reputation as a lethal perimeter weapon, and Kemba Walker is a crafty, playmaking point guard.

Final Analysis

Back-to-back seasons ended in disappointment for the Huskies, who failed to earn a postseason bid in 2006-07 and bowed out in the first round of the 2008 NCAA tourney for the first time in Calhoun’s 22 seasons.

Roster changes, which include the departure of reserves Curtis Kelly and Doug Wiggins, and the addition of a highly regarded recruiting class will likely benefit the Huskies. Miles is the latest in the line of scoring small forwards of UConn’s past, and Walker is a pure point guard. The Huskies will miss Robinson’s rebounding prowess. Competition will be fierce in practice as players battle for coveted spots in the rotation. The Huskies should be a better outside shooting team — a clear weakness last season — with the addition of Haralson and Miles. But a go-to guy has to emerge.

“We may have a different look, not quite as athletic or shot-blocking but better shooting, better passing, better movement and better fast break,” Calhoun says. “We’re excited. We’ve got a chance to be as good as everybody.”