With so many new faces and some uncertainties surrounding returning players, the breakdown of who sees the most playing time this year is largely up in the air. Here is the case for five players who could earn serious minutes with a strong preseason:
Shabazz Napier will be just one of several scoring threats for the Huskies.
Shabazz Napier- Fr. PG 6-0 170
Barring injury or unforeseen catastrophe, Kemba Walker will be the starting point guard. It might not be a bad idea to start the point guard Napier as well. This would give the Huskies two prolific scoring threats on the court at once. When Napier committed to UConn, Kevin Wiercinski, his coach at Lawrence Academy, lauded the guard’s ability to create, and his ability to shoot. ESPN said he could “do it all” offensively. Even if Napier comes off the bench, he can still be a solid backup for any UConn guard.
Quote from the Coach: “He’s kind of a Khalid El-Amin (type). He has more distance shooting, but he’s certainly not as strong and physical as Khalid was. He has the same type of leadership personality. He’s quick as a cat and can really play. … There is not a question that Shabazz can shoot.”
Jamal Coombs-McDaniel- So. SF 6-7 210
Coombs-McDaniel says he has been working tirelessly, and if that’s the case, he could also contend for a starting role. Jim Calhoun saw flashes of potential from Coombs-McDaniel last season, but as a freshman he seemed to struggle with his confidence and his shot was wildly inconsistent. Fans remember hearing about his 137 consecutive made free throws in practice, but that did not translate into game play. Coombs-McDaniel shot only 67% from the line and 27% from three.
Quote from Coombs-McDaniel: “Right now, my confidence and work ethic are beyond any player here.”
Jeremy Lamb- Fr. G/F 6-5 185
By now, everyone has heard about Lamb tearing up the Greater Hartford Pro Am. He has been a scorer, rebounder, and defender, that appears more than ready to compete in the Big East. Calhoun has been hyping him, and no one seems to be arguing otherwise. He is athletic, quick, and seems to be everywhere on the court at once (or at least that’s what I saw from one time seeing him play). If Lamb keeps this up, he should earn a starting spot. A lineup that includes Lamb and either Napier or fellow freshman Roscoe Smith, could make the Huskies an excellent scoring team.
Quote from the Coach: “A kid I think is going to be absolutely special is Jeremy Lamb. He’s 6-5 with a 7-2 reach, can play point guard, two guard. He will be our best shooter. Now, when the lights come on, I’m not sure he’s going to everything his freshman year. … Remember the name Jeremy Lamb. If he doesn’t make it, become a terrific player here and beyond, I’d be very surprised.”
Roscoe Smith- Fr. SF 6-9 198
Nationally, Smith was probably the most well-known recruit to come to UConn this year. Rivals rated him #37 in the country, and as the seventh best small forward. His scouting report says he is a slasher who knows how to finish. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi said he “is a great three point shooter with tremendous range and accuracy.” Smith seems to be a complete player, who also possesses an inside game. No one knows how he will stack up against D-I competition, but he will definitely be given the chance to prove himself.
Quote from the Coach: “He’s got a pro body right now, he’s just got to get bigger and stronger.”
More player previews to come.
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