Stanley Robinson could be a steal for Orlando (photo from Hartford Courant)
As the seemingly endless offseason continues, more questions surrounding the Huskies will be answered and the 2010-2011 picture will become clearer. But for now, here are a few thoughts on what the early portion of the summer has brought to the UConn Huskies:
Robinson goes 59th to Orlando
If you were to tell me a year ago that Stanley Robinson would be the second to last pick in the 2010 draft, I would have laughed. In flashes throughout his time at UConn, we saw an immense level of talent that could translate into a decent NBA career.
Needless to say, the reason his draft stock fell so much was that many question his work ethic and his focus. The Huskies underachieving last season didn’t help either.
Still, I find it odd that Robinson fell so far. In a draft that relies so much on potential, he seemed like a very smart early second round pick for a team that could use an explosive small forward with a good mid-range game.
Giffey Commits, Harkless Reconsiders
Perhaps the best news in the last couple weeks was that 6-6 German forward Niels Giffey committed to UConn and should be ready to play next season. Giffey is a versatile player that can see time at the 2, 3, or 4 spots. Scouts say he has a good 3-point shot and can also rebound- two skills that would helped the Huskies last season.
Unfortunately, with the signing of Giffey came disappointment. 2011 recruit Maurice Harkless withdrew his commitment from UConn. Nothing is set in stone, and Harkless still might wind up in Storrs, but has now reopened his options. The forward’s announcement came just a few days after the Huskies signed Giffey, so Harkless could have been concerned about his role on the team. Remember, UConn will also have Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Roscoe Smith vying for time at the 3. It is also possible that he was concerned about the NCAA investigation and how that will affect the future of the program. No matter the reason, UConn has no choice but to wait and see what Harkless decides to do next.
Big East Schedule
Last week, we found out which teams UConn would host in Big East play, and who their road opponents would be. The Huskies will play home-and-home games with Louisville, Notre Dame, and Marquette. Like always, the schedule is demanding. UConn will avoid the Carrier Dome this year, but will not escape three equally tough crowds, playing at Louisville, Pitt, and West Virginia. Their home slate is highlighted by tough matchups against Georgetown, Syracuse, and Villanova. Throw in a trip to Maui where they can face Kentucky and Michigan State, plus a January trip to Texas, and the Huskies will finish with a grueling schedule. Fans just have to hope it doesn’t beat up the young team too much. If they can get through it all with a strong tournament resume, the schedule will give them valuable experience for March.
Likely Hires
There has been speculation for weeks about who might take the places of Patrick Sellers and Beau Archibald. Now it seems like Glen Miller will take the Director of Basketball Operations job and Kevin Ollie will be hired as an assistant coach. Like I said a few weeks ago, I love the idea of hiring Ollie. I also like Miller. He is a familiar face with head coaching experience. Before he was fired at Penn, he led the Quakers to an NCAA Tournament appearance in his first season, in 2007. He also brought Brown to the NIT and Connecticut College to the Division III Final Four.
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Did not realize Glenn Miller had that much experience.
Hopefully things shake out and settle down by the end of the summer so that the focus can turn to the current kids moving UConn basketball forward.