In what has been an inconsistent season for UConn, one consistent presence has emerged in the form of guard Rodney Purvis.
Once derided by sullen and frustrated UConn fans, Purvis has quietly morphed into the most constant performer on the court. He is the only Husky to score in double-figures in each of the team’s first nine games — a streak that extends to 15 when factoring in the final six games of last season, including postseason tournaments. He has led the team in scoring only once (Sacred Heart), but is the team’s leading scorer. He has also become the team’s best three-point weapon as fellow guard Sterling Gibbs struggles to find his shot. Purvis is the team’s only 40 percent three-point shooter at present.
| Date | Opponent | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | TOV | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-11-13 | Maine | W | 21 | .500 | .250 | .333 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| 2015-11-17 | New Hampshire | W | 25 | .583 | .556 | .500 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 2015-11-21 | Furman | W | 31 | .500 | .500 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 13 | |
| 2015-11-25 | Michigan | W | 30 | .545 | .250 | .000 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| 2015-11-26 | Syracuse | L | 33 | .333 | .500 | .250 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 12 |
| 2015-11-27 | Gonzaga | L | 35 | .333 | .000 | .857 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| 2015-12-02 | Sacred Heart | W | 31 | .538 | .333 | .571 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
| 2015-12-08 | Maryland | L | 28 | .364 | .333 | .250 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 2015-12-12 | Ohio State | W | 26 | .500 | .500 | .500 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| 9 Games | 260 | .469 | .409 | .484 | 30 | 27 | 5 | 15 | 123 |
Perhaps the most impressive part of Purvis’s performance this season is how he’s managed to improve on both ends of the court without seeing a significant increase in minutes or usage. His shooting percentage has increased from 43 percent a year ago to 47 percent this season. He is rebounding more, passing better and is UConn’s best defensive guard at the moment.
The one obvious need for improvement is at the free throw line. Purvis shot 54 percent a year ago. This season, he’s down to 48 percent. That rate would be bad for a center, let alone a starting shooting guard. The issue is compounded by the fact that Purvis has gotten to the line 31 times — tied with Shonn Miller for the team lead.
As UConn continues to search for its identity, especially on offense, Purvis’s role will become even more important. The offense will flow through Daniel Hamilton. Miller will be the primary inside scoring option. Sterling Gibbs and Jalen Adams will be counted on to provide points and set the pace of the offense. And Purvis will be Purvis, playing tough defense and getting 12-15 points per game. As the Huskies work to get all of their pieces working in unison, Purvis is already there.
