Giving Thanks

After gorging ourselves on second and third helpings, it is time to look back on this early season and give our thanks. Here is my list:

1. The emergence of A.J. Price. All Uconn fans should be breathing a sigh of relief that A.J. looks to have turned the corner on his game. At the beginning of the season, Calhoun proclaimed Dyson the best point guard on the team and benched Price. But since then, A.J. has solidified his spot at the point and has shot well while limiting his turnovers.

2. Half-court offense. Uconn has, so far, ran their half-court offense with fluidness. Though the outside shots are still clanking, last years dribbling out the shot-clock offense is behind them and now they are executing passes into and out of the post and rotating opposing defenses.

3. Dyson. He hasn’t shown his ‘A’ game yet but has put his stamp on each contest with his flashes to the basket and incredible dunks.

4. The fast break is back. They are looking to push the basketball up and are taking shots before the defense can settle which is staple Uconn basketball. It is a shame that Marcus Johnson left because he was a fantastic finisher on the break.

5. Thabeet’s free throw shooting. We know he will bring it on the defensive side but the question this year would be what he could do offensively and it hasn’t looked that pretty for the most part but with the emergence of a consistent free throw shooting, he should get points that way, while remaining in tight ball games down the stretch.

6. Wiggins role. Rashad Anderson‘s role of being an offensive threat off the bench has fallen onto Wiggins shoulders and he has flourished. He looks under control when pushing up the ball and has made shots when open.

7. Stanley Robinson’s effort. Sticks has attacked the offensive glass and has played stellar defense. He hasn’t shied away from his shot even when his shots weren’t falling. His willingness to fly after every loose ball is contagious. And he has put back to back to back solid performances.

8. Aggressive play. They have gone to the line an enormous amount so far this year and that is because of their relentless attack towards the rim. Teams that play up close defense are being called for bumps because Uconn is flying by them.

9. Early Schedule. The early games, though Kentucky never showed up, pits Uconn against equal or better talent early on. It is enjoyable as a fan and also a great meter to where the team is truly and fans should be excited.

10. Calhoun’s coaching. He has always put together solid squads and this roster is no different. They have a great balance of front court and back court talent. His teams always get better as the year goes on and with the Memphis game showing that Uconn is competitive against elite talent, this team will be interesting down the stretch.