Ater-native Plans

If the rumors of Ater’s likely departure have trickled into the press, then it is assuredly a sealed deal and that is a tough loss to a team already in flux. There is no reason yet to why he would not play for UConn, but only two reasons come to mind: Either it is outside motives that will force him to play overseas (Money) or it is the upcoming investigation that would null and void his eligibility. Whatever it is, his departure will put a giant hole in an already questionable position.

Majok has NBA athleticism and would be a lottery pick if he could find some fundamentals. UConn is going to lose their only legitimate shot blocker and it effects how the guards play their own man. They can’t let their man get into the lane and expect someone there to protect the rim. The worst part is that Majok was making major gains in his game throughout the summer. He had a better grasp of his 15-foot jumper and looked to be stronger and more comfortable with the ball in his hands.

This is a golden opportunity for Charles Okwandu. He looked to be battling for that back up position behind Majok and now he is handed a ton of minutes and a starting slot. It is up to him to hold on to it though. He has the length to man the position and there is no assurance that he can play a whole 30 minutes without fouling out of the game, which was a major issue with his play. He’ll need to provide a rebounding presence too. The ball is now in his hand, he has to make the most of this situation.

It would be a huge surprise if Enosch Wolf could come in and play a ton of minutes. He is just to raw of a talent at this point. He has the length but he would be outsized by 20 to 30 pounds in the post. If he can come in and show some tenacity with rebounding and boxing out, then he should serve well, but without seeing a ton of film on him, there is no knowing what he can do.

This team is going to have to adjust on the fly here. They’ll have an open eligibility spot, but this close to the opening of school, there is no one out there to help. It will be up to what they have now on the roster and hope that Okwandu and Wolf mature quickly, because they’ll be thrust into the fire.