UConn came into this season with a roster loaded with veteran talent, high expectations, and the only major concern being about chemistry. Will all of these new faces, many of whom are used to being their teams’ star players, be able to mesh? Will there be in-fighting over minutes and shots, players unwilling to accept smaller roles, leading to a catastrophe? Or will the players use the added competition as motivation, pushing themselves harder to become better, more valuable players? Well, so far, these Huskies are passing chemistry with flying colors.
Three games into the season, we’ve seen six different players score in double figures, and 10 different players get to at least 15 minutes in a game. Kevin Ollie has done a masterful job spreading the wealth. But it takes more than good coaching – the players have to buy in, and here, they are.
“Everybody here has matured a lot, and the main thing is everyone has accepted a role, and we’re just going out there and playing together,” Rodney Purvis said after the win over Furman.
The competition in practice is also driving the players to improve. According to Shonn Miller, “It’s definitely competitive. There’s no days off. You have to come ready to play, ready to practice, every day.” He added “[The reserves] come in and there’s no drop off. We’re all talented and we know what we’re capable of.”
In addition to avoiding lulls on offense when the star players are on the bench (see: 2014-15), the breadth of different talents possessed by this team also means that they can remain effective regardless of whom they are playing. This is an especially exciting change, as those closely following the program know how much this team has struggled against the zone, at times, largely because of inconsistent shooting.
“We’re ready for whatever defenses they can throw at us,” said Jalen Adams. Added Purvis “Especially against the zone, when guys find me, I’ve gotta be ready to knock down shots. And that goes for all of us.”
So excited for this year- a squad with depth and talent at every position. And I don’t want to look too far ahead, but with the incoming recruiting class (and the transfer from VCU), plus a couple current players who stay around ( I predict Danny and Amidah go, but Purv stays), and this program is primed for the next several years.
#LGH!