Managing the Big Three

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be examining some pressing issues facing the 2013-2014 UConn Huskies as the new season approaches. Today, we’ll fear-monger something up for the best players on the team. So far we’ve covered UConn’s big men and the importance of Niels Giffey.

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This season, coach Kevin Ollie will be faced with a challenge that his coaching peers would love to have. He will have to keep his roster cohesive and focused while managing three star players, all with something to prove.

Last April — following an uplifting 20-win season — Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright and DeAndre Daniels all announced they would return for the 2013-2013 campaign. The wait for Napier’s decision carried a little intrigue, but in the end, no one around the program was too surprised by the trio’s choices to return. Despite Napier’s inspired season, he never drew much attention from NBA insiders. Daniels gained momentum towards the end of the year, but too late to make much of an impact on his draft stock. Boatright’s flaws were emphasized when more was asked of him. It was clear, he had more work to do at the collegiate level.

Given Ollie’s job performance last season, it is hard to fathom he would struggle to control his players. Ollie seemed in complete control of his roster, keeping them focused and motivated. The concern comes more from a historical perspective.

In 2006, an insanely talented UConn squad seemed to coast into the NCAA Tournament. Yadda yadda yadda, George Mason. We don’t need to delve into that depression factory. What seemed to doom that team was a lack of cohesion, arguably stemming from the key cogs on the team all aiming to improve their draft stock at the expense of team unity.

The two biggest stars — Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams — were passive and enigmatic. The senior leaders — Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown and Hilton Armstrong — were fighting to prove to scouts that they were worthy of a draft pick, while being overshadowed in the media by Gay. Josh Boone — who would also go pro following the season — was along for the ride and in the mix as well.

Of course, none of this was a surprise heading into the 2006 season. It was merely assumed that a team that talented would figure it out eventually. It just never happened — exemplified by their amazingly poor play in the NCAA Tournament.

This year’s squad does not have such glaring red flags. Napier has emerged as one of the great leaders in the program’s proud history. When asked about potential distractions last week, he dismissed the notion with the usual clichés. Focused on the task at hand. We’re a team first. All have the same goal. It’s hard not to believe him.

The more curious cases lie with Boatright and Daniels. After last season, Boatright told the Hartford Courant, “I had my mind set on going, that was what I worked for all year.” Quite the divergence from Napier’s statements, but certainly candid. It is not unreasonable to wonder if that personalized pressure contributed to his inconsistent play.

Meanwhile, Daniels has definitely noticed the lack of attention he has garnered this preseason. He has been left off of nearly all mock NBA drafts, and most recently the preseason All-AAC teams. Many players before him have used similar slights as motivation and Daniels will have to do the same.

Napier, Boatright and Daniels will all take the court this season with something to prove individually and collectively. Last season, the driving force for UConn was retribution for an unjust tournament ban. This season, that feeling lingers — an opportunity to make up for lost time. Yet, with so much on the line personally, Ollie will have to be aware of the traps that have befallen players in similar situations in the past, and keep his stars on the right track — focused, determined, cohesive and driven to prove everyone wrong…together.

Kinda Crazy Prediction

Ryan Boatright returns for his Senior season.

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