Being Optimistic

No one knows what to expect from this team next year. They never got on track last year and it wasn’t due to one culprit. The team found ways to lose in every game. With the losses piled up, they thought to much and took their instinct from the game. There is no denying that they tried and left all they had on the court but all that hard work never showed up on the final score.

Some rankings have the Huskies in the mid-thirty range and Rival.com has them at 21. The nation’s pollsters don’t know what to make out of this team. Here is a few reasons why this team is going to be good:

Jerome Dyson. He is a flashy, sneaky scorer and a fun player to watch. His game is nearly NBA ready. His confidence is sky high, has a great outside shot and gets to the line when his shot isn’t on. He is a rocket on the court and is one of the fastest guards to wear the Uconn uniform.

Hasheem Thabeet. He’s 7 foot 3 and is a force down low. He lead the league in blocked shots and was one of the best in the nation. He is bigger and stronger and will be anchoring the paint.

Donnell Beverly. Fans always love the back up quarterback. His game is an unknown but there is always hope. He could be a very special point guard.

Experience. This team knows that losing sucks. No one can point the finger to their lack of effort during the season. It was a nonexistent outside presence and inconsistent defense. And don’t forget the 465 turnovers. They won’t be so green behind the ear this time around and will know how tough it is to play in The Big East.

Hunger. Their stomachs were empty when the final buzzer rang. They want a taste of the Tournament.

Calhoun. In Calhoun We Trust. He is a great coach and his hunger for winning fuels his team.

A.J. Price. He will be better and he will be in game shape and ready for this year. Two years off from high school ball and thrust into the starting point at Uconn is daunting and he was overwhelmed. But not this year. He will turn his game around.

Stanley Robinson. This guy will be the most improved player next year. He needs to refine his most consistent offensive game and show up in the box score but his combination of hops and speed are an exciting combo. Having the ability to play above the rim at his position is an asset.

Defense. Calhoun will have these guys comfortable with his defense and with the presence of the big men down low it makes the guards up front aggressive with steals.

Jeff Adrien. The Captain is a blue collar player. He brings his pail to work, gives you fifteen points, 10 boards, a block and plays every minute. His game should be admired and he is not shy to take the last shot.