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 get a feel for how the national media perceives UConn by catching up with CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander. So far we’ve covered UConn’s big men, the importance of Niels Giffey, and the potential pitfalls of having three players with something to prove.
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Matt Norlander is a contributing writer to CBS’s “Eye on College Basketball” site. We caught up with him recently to get his thoughts on the upcoming UConn season, and delve into how the team is perceived on the national level. Be sure to follow Matt on twitter (@MattNorlander) for news, links and music recommendations. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
A Dime Back: You saw a few UConn games in person last season. What were your impressions of Kevin Ollie during his rookie campaign?
Matt Norlander: I think Ollie did a terrific job, all things considered, in his first season. I think he was the right choice for this program, and I think it’s going to be increasingly clear that Ollie will be able to stay at/near the top of the American in this new era of college hoops.
ADB: UConn’s biggest flaw last season was their front court play. Is there any reason to expect that to improve this year?
MN: I’m actually not sure. Listen, we as writers can suspect some things, know some other things — but so often, there’s a lot to be determined, and at this point in the game, it’s nothing more than guesswork. I think Daniels is in for a solid year, but as a group, I have to see UConn’s bigs prove it.
ADB: What should we expect out of the backcourt tandem of Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright?
MN: Love Bazz’s game, and I think he’ll be in for a Kemba lite-like season. Boatright has a penchant for forcing the issue a little too much. I think they make a good, not great, backcourt. If Napier is given complete control to run the team, UConn will be better for it. Boatright is best when he picks his spots and is a factor when UConn wants to run.
ADB: DeAndre Daniels really seemed to blossom as last season wound down, but he hasn’t garnered much attention this preseason. Is there a red flag in his game, or are some national outlets just arriving late to the party?
MN: Ah, mentioned Daniels above. I think part of it was merely UConn’s inability to play in the postseason last year. In general the Huskies didn’t get too much national run last season. They of course remain a big story inside the state, but it was a quiet campaign in the post-Calhoun era.
ADB: UConn will return every starter and all but two rotation players from a 20 win team. How will that experience help them this season?
MN: Experience is never as valuable as talent, but when talent is near-equal, experience absolutely comes into play. I think it helps, but tangibly, I’m not sure it’ll be a huge boost. I believe UConn will be a tick above what they were last season, when in my opinion they were an 8 seed. This year, something closer to a 6 seed is my expectation.
ADB: What are your thoughts on the inaugural season of the AAC? How does the talent stack up to the bigger conferences?
MN: I think it’s going to be fun, and I think this is going to be a really random, trivia question-worthy year. Of course Louisville and Rutgers are renting a room. I think this season the AAC will fall either fifth or sixth in overall power, nationally. Going forward, if I were to project, I think it’ll be about the eighth-best conference in the country. A lot of that will be on UConn to remain a national power.
Lightning round prediction time!
ADB: Who do you think wins the AAC?
MN: Any non-UConn fan who doesn’t say Louisville is silly.
ADB: Will UConn make the Tourney? How far will they go?
MN: Yes, a No. 6 seed and will not make it to the second weekend. (Let’s say Round of 32.)
ADB: Will DeAndre Daniels and/or Ryan Boatright declare for the NBA Draft?
MN: I’m saying neither does, with Daniels waiting longer to make his decision to come back.
ADB: Who will be UConn’s MVP?
MN: Napier, not even close.
ADB: In 5 years, what conference will UConn play in?
MN: I’m sticking with the American here. It’s a good question, but at this point I believe the school and the league are on board with each other.
ADB: UConn has 5 games on CBS networks this season. When do we get to see Matt Norlander on TV?
MN: Ha — the back of my head is bound to make an appearance on press row at some point.
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Thanks to Matt for taking the time to chat. Be sure to keep tabs on his work over at CBS all season.
