Sources say Ater Majok might leave UConn
Mike Anthony of the Hartford Courant is reporting that forward Ater Majok will likely leave Connecticut.
Jim Calhoun acknowledged the rumor, telling The Hartford Courant, “We’re talking to Ater about his future, yeah. That’s all I can say. He hasn’t made any decision yet, but he could certainly go back and play in the Australian professional league. Nothing’s been determined yet, but there’s a chance that kind of thing could happen.”
Majok, who sat out the first eight games due to eligibility issues, averaged 2.3 points and three rebounds in 26 games last season. The sophomore also stood a good chance at being the starting power forward this year.
Considering the hype that preceded his arrival, his first season as a Husky was disappointing. Still, his absence would leave UConn with a hole to fill.
The Huskies always seem to have frontcourt depth, but this time Alex Oriakhi and Charles Okwandu would be the only returning bigs who saw any minutes last year.
Much of the weight Majok’s absence would leave could fall on Okwandu’s shoulders. At times, especially early, Okwandu’s on-court performance was laughable. It seemed like he couldn’t play five minutes without picking up three fouls, and he provided little offensive or defensive presence.
But the seven-foot senior from Nigeria did show improvement, highlighted by a 10 point, five rebound performance against Notre Dame. Okwandu also started five of the Huskies’ final nine games and will try to build on that and have a big season in 2011.
Freshmen Michael Bradley, Tyler Olander, and Enosch Wolf will be in the mix with Okwandu to fill Majok’s playing time. Bradley was solid at the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, and Olander was a double-double machine his senior year of high school. Not much is known about Wolf, but he is 7-1 and said to be a project, so what he can contribute this season is unknown.
Jim Calhoun has spoken very highly of this year’s recruiting class, so it will be interesting to see where the three freshmen fall in the Huskies’ rotation.
Then there’s the wild card in the Huskies’ frontcourt rotation. Jonathan Mandeldove hasn’t played a game since the 2009 NCAA Tournament, but he says he expects to play this November. If he is in fact eligible, it will be interesting to see how his game has improved or regressed in the last 20 months. Everyone hopes that if Mandeldove plays, we will see improvement, but let’s be serious- how realistic is it to expect a significant contribution from him?
With Majok likely gone, someone is going to need to step up. Oriakhi has the potential for a great year, but he can’t do it by himself down low. Who knows? Bradley or Olander might be better than advertised, or Okwandu’s progress might have accelerated over the summer. If none of that works out however, this could be a tough year for big men at UConn.
Related posts:
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
with the aforementioned potential departure, is it possible the huskies look to go small i.e. 05/06 villanova or 04/05 illinois?
I think it's very possible, though the guard play may not be as solid as those Nova teams (except for Walker). Lamb, Smith, and Nappier all seem ready to play, which would make the Huskies an excellent scoring team without too much inside. Any offense they can get from Oriakhi down low would be great too. At this point though, with so many new faces, it's hard to speculate.
most impressive freshman thus far? which bench player from last season will make the biggest impact this year?
Tim, I actually had to review the roster to figure out what bench players are back.
If Majok is gone and we consider Oriakhi a starter (is that fair?) then I guess ya gotta go with Combs McDaniel. That is a bit frightening as I don't know what to expect out of him. Would love to see a break out season from him though.
5 Freshmen and two sophomores.
Looking at the other side of the court now, I'm wondering where Donnell Beverley is going to fit in this year too.