(03-21-2020 01:56 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-14-2020 11:02 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-13-2020 11:06 PM)Nameless Wrote:  I'd like to save the first Nova game until Midway through the season. I want both teams in mid season shape when they meet first, since I think both will complete for the conference title.

Not trying to be boisterous, I just think we'll be really good next year if healthy

I have mixed feelings about this, Nameless. On the one hand, UConn might be among the three to five best BE teams next year. On the other ... I feel the jury is still out a bit on Hurley. And the American — though very competitive this year with multiple solid teams — was still very average overall and, as such, likely did not provide the most accurate measuring tool for UConn's late-season surge.

Regardless, it does seem UConn hoops is headed in a positive direction (and not just because of BE membership).

The Big East will definitely be a step up in competition, and it will be tough to make up for the loss of Vital. But I am very high on this team next year. The performance of the team late in the season while they were undermanned helped sell me on Hurley. That team performed very well with only 8 players. Add in Cole, Andre Jackson, Javonte Brown-Ferguson, Springs and whoever else we pick up, plus the development of our young players and I think we'll be very good.

Definitely understand your skepticism though

My father watched on TV a number of UConn games this past season and was fairly impressed. He knows the team improved as the season progressed. I saw a good bit of the two games involving Memphis and UConn and found the Huskies to be solid.

I would say I am "semi-skeptical" that the program will be "top three or four in BE play" but feel UConn could be dangerous in its first year in the league.

If anything, it will be very interesting to follow this story line. There is clearly reason for optimism in Storrs.