Coombs-McDaniel will be one of several Huskies vying for a starting spot this season. Last year, we saw flashes of potential from the forward, but he was inconsistent. Fans remember hearing about his 137 consecutive made free throws in practice, but that did not always translate into game play. Coombs-McDaniel shot only 67% from the line and 27% from three last year. Now, with a year of experience under his belt, Coombs-McDaniel has been working to make sure this year is different- both for himself and for the Huskies.
Jamal Coombs-McDaniel hopes his hard work will result in a strong 2010-2011 season.
Given how last year ended, what is the attitude around the team going into this year?
Everybody is on the same page, and is refusing to have the season we had last year.
What have you been doing this summer to improve your game?
Lots of ball handling and shooting off screens.
What did you learn as a freshman that you can apply to this season?
To just keep playing, play with confidence, and better preparation.
Obviously, this is a very talented freshman class coming in. Who has impressed you the most, and why?
So far it’s been Jeremy Lamb. He’s a pretty good scorer, but must improve his strength.
Also, because there are so many newcomers there are a lot of minutes still up in the air. Do you feel any pressure from the freshman to step up your play?
No, not at all. I feel if I come in and do what I’m suppose to do, then I’ll have no worries. But right now, my confidence and work ethic are beyond any player here, so hopefully it pays off.
Is there a team goal this season, and if so, what is it?
We haven’t really discussed a team goal, but in my opinion, it would be to have a great season, and of course make the tournament, and make a deep run. I feel we are much deeper and talented than Butler was last year, and I feel a lot of people forgot about us. But, with a group of hungry guys and coaches, we should be successful.
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Another vote for Lamb…He's drawn nothing but high praise since arriving….
Russ, this post got me to thinking about the starting line up. What do we think the chances are that JCM is a part of it?
I was wondering the same thing, and I don't think we'll know for sure until a few weeks into practice. Right now, it's probably JCM, Shabazz Napier, Roscoe Smth, and Jeremy Lamb competing for 2 spots in the starting lineup (SG, SF). JCM might have the edge right now because he has a year of experience, but we've all heard about the talent the other 3 have. I know Napier is a natural PG, but he is also supposed to be a great scorer, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him start, or at least play some minutes, with Walker.
I don't care how much he works on his game he has no game at all. Jamal, shud've been working on his game way b4 he went 2 Uconn.. He just don't have it and he look really lost in the games that played in. 2 much hype about him and he suxs.. He will find himself not being in skool if he doesn't get himself 2gether.. Also, Jamal need 2 work on his HANDLE period and move his feet.. When he do all those things he will be in the game…… Finally, it seems 2 me that Uconn is getting players that no other colleges would want. Question: Is the program going down? I mean some of the recruits their looking at are not that good.
Why r u hating on jcm I can see him geting lots of mintues this year after one bad season of his FRESHMEN…….these in coming freshman need to work on their strength and gain so weight to start cause write now I can see them falling and geting hurt all the time
No need 2 hate on him he aint got nothing 2 be hating on with…. Jamal, is a player that will see his minutes go up in smoke like his game. He is weak and he look like a scared deer in traffic when he plays against other players. As 4 the coming FRESHMANS need 2 gain weight! U must've ova looked numba 4 he is frail and thin when he played last season. Tell ur man 2 get his game up!!
If JCM is a starter we are in serious trouble. He looked scared and weak on the floor. No chance he will start, and most likely will be looking to transfer. He says Lamb needs to improve strength. That is hilarious coming from a guy who showed nothing in anyway as a freshman. If he sees the court it will be in garbage time.
Goodness…dude was a true freshman. Give him (and the rest of us level headed fans) a break.