Player Preview: Omar Calhoun

Each week, we’ll offer a preview of what to expect from each member of the four-time National Champion UConn Huskies roster.

Omar Calhoun
Senior G/F
6’5

Background:

Omar Calhoun has had a fascinating college career. In a way, it feels like he’s been at UConn forever, but between missed time due to injury and ineffectiveness, it seems almost unfair that this will be his final season in a Husky uniform.

Calhoun had an impressive freshman year in the lost season of 2012-2013. He was fourth on the team in scoring, averaging over 11 points per game — and behind some familiar names in Napier, Boatright and Daniels. Offseason hip surgeries robbed Calhoun of a summer to develop and he never could return to form in 2014 — struggling personally though blessed with team success as UConn won the national championship.

Last Year:

Calhoun again struggled with injuries last season. A nagging knee issue led him to missing the first seven games, plus two more of limited time as he struggled to reacclimate.

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In his third game back, a December 28th contest against CCSU, Calhoun scored 11 points; his first double-digit scoring game in exactly one year. He played well in a victory at Florida a week later and helped carry the Huskies over the finish line in a tough conference home game against Cincinnati.

Despite these bright spots, Calhoun never found a rhythm last season. He often alternated productive games with unproductive ones, and although his three-point shooting improved (finishing at a workable 34 percent), his shot went missing often for games at a time.

What Calhoun did do consistently last season was defend. In true veteran fashion, he seemed to refocus his effort on the defensive side of the ball to help mitigate his bouts of ineffectiveness on offense. That wasn’t lost on coach Kevin Ollie, who leaned heavily on Calhoun down the stretch last season as UConn made a last-ditch attempt to make the NCAA Tournament

What to Expect:

That trust from Ollie is what will guarantee Calhoun a fair shot this season. Expectations are low, but that might not be a bad thing as Calhoun eases into his role on the team.

The worst case scenario for Calhoun is that his shot goes cold to start the season — or new injuries pop up — and he is quickly surpassed on the depth chart by freshman Jalen Adams or returning guard Sam Cassell, Jr. UConn’s rotation will be strong enough to play without Calhoun if he gives them reason to.

The best case scenario is that Calhoun morphs into Ollie’s utility knife; playing the second guard position effectively in big lineups; spelling Daniel Hamilton at the small forward spot; and serving as key defensive piece and serviceable scorer off the bench.

Guess at stats:

Follow Omar Calhoun on instagram: @ballforblue_21