Player Preview: Steve Enoch

Each week, we’ll be offering a preview of what to expect from each member of UConn’s 2015-2016 roster. 

Background:

Steve Enoch is the first top recruit from Connecticut to come to UConn since Andre Drummond in 2012. Hailing from Norwalk, Enoch profiles as a ‘stretch four’ – a power forward who acts as an additional perimeter player on offense – but has the size for the center position, especially in a relatively-undersized AAC. He stands 6’10” with good bulk at around 225 pounds.

Last Year:

Enoch began to get noticed during his junior year at Norwalk High, but last season — at St. Thomas More in eastern Connecticut — Enoch bulked up, improved his game and saw his stock as a recruit take off. He was named the Gatorade Connecticut Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Rivals currently profiles him as a four-star recruit, ranked 58th in the nation.

Enoch had some inconsistent performances at various AAU showcases throughout the year, but displayed enough talent and athleticism to grow into a big time prospect.

Although a commitment to UConn always seemed preordained, Enoch also received offers from Arizona St., Kansas St. and Memphis.

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What to Expect:

Enoch figures to fill a beefed-up version of the role Rakim Lubin vacated by transferring after this past season. He will backup both frontcourt positions, but will mostly serve as insurance against injury or foul trouble — unless he earns an increased role.

The arrival of fifth-year transfer forward Shonn Miller clouds the picture for Enoch a bit. Miller figures to bump returning big men Phil Nolan and Kentan Facey down the depth chart, and Enoch will be competing with that duo for reserve minutes.

Enoch’s versatility should prove helpful. Though inconsistent, he owns a passable jump shot that should allow UConn to space the floor if they choose to play both Enoch and center Amida Brimah together. He is also athletic enough to play the center role, especially in smaller lineups with Miller or Daniel Hamilton occupying the four spot. Given Brimah’s propensity for foul trouble (though improved), Enoch should see a fair amount of time early in the season. He’ll have to make the most of it to gain the favor of coach Kevin Ollie as he narrows his rotation during conference play.

Development will be key for Enoch. He’s not a one-and-done recruit. He’ll arrive at UConn with a ton of gifts but a lot of room for improvement over his college career. The faster he can improve his conditioning and his defensive positioning, the larger his role will grow. The sky is the limit for his potential, but it may take time and patience before he reaches it.

Guess at stats:

Follow Steve Enoch on twitter: @Tallflow