Video: UConn will be counting on its freshmen

The Huskies are expecting their first-year guys to be starters and key bench players.

Oct 05, 2023

∙ Paid

After winning the national championship last year, UConn maintains high hopes for its title defense despite losing three star players to the NBA, in large part because of the highly-rated recruiting class it brought in.

Last year’s team had a strong bench, with many experienced transfers providing depth and steady minutes in relief. This year, a bunch of first-year players will be serving in those roles.

“All our freshmen, they’re gonna play for the most part. If they’re not a starter they’re gonna have the opportunity to play impact minutes,” Hurley shared.

“If they’re not starting this year, we’re gonna expect them to start as sophomores,” he added, referencing the development paths of Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson as examples for his current freshmen.

“There’s roles and opportunity [in the rotation] to be won,” Hurley said.

While five-star recruit Stephon Castle grabbed a lot of headlines, Jayden Ross, Jaylin Stewart, and Solo Ball have all impressed early as well, according to their teammates and national media visitors. The new guys had a chance to get in some early development on the Huskies’ trip to Europe, although Stewart did not participate in those games.

“It’s easier for some of these guys than others just based on where they’re from and what the basketball was like there,” Hurley said. “We’ll get ‘em up to speed.”

Hear from head coach Dan Hurley as well as Tristen Newton, Alex Karaban, and Hassan Diarra on how the new guys are fitting in.

Video below. Edited by Chelsea Brown.