‘All hands on deck’ for USC
The UConn men, after practicing on campus, arrived at Mohegan Sun just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, took their COVID-19 tests and moved up to their rooms without seeing anyone. They will stay on their floor until getting the results expected Thursday morning.
Welcome to “Bubbleville.” Population: UConn.
“It was a well-oiled machine in terms of entry, getting us in [and] getting us tested,” coach Dan Hurley said. “We quarantine on our floor, we’ll meet later tonight in the hallway and we’ll watch film against the wall on a projector. ... It’s exciting to play an exciting game.”
Hurley has heard “rave reviews” from colleagues who have been in and out of Mohegan Sun since Nov. 25. The concept is allowing dozens of nonconference games to be played in what has been a safe
and comfortable environment, at least for short stretches.
The Huskies (2-0) will have the chance to play two high-caliber nonconference opponents during a four-day stay as they build toward Big East play, including Southern California, which has been impressive in its three wins, on Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
“You get a chance to go for a real good win, as opposed to avoid losing a game that would really blow up your season, especially if you’re a team that aspires to play in March,” Hurley said. “It’s exciting to not have to go for a win that you might have to apologize for if you don’t win by enough or don’t play well.”
The Huskies beat Central Connecticut by 27 and UHart by 12 last week at Gampel Pavilion. Now they face a team in the Trojans that could have two high draft picks in freshman Evan Mobley, a 7-footer averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds, and his brother, 6-10 sophomore Isaiah, who is averaging 10.3 and 11.3. They’re complemented by other quality big men, such as 6-8 Drew Peterson (14.7 points per game).
Frontcourt depth is a perceived strength for UConn, and it will be put to the test.
“It’s impressive,” Hurley said. “There are not many teams in the country that have their type of size or length, or their type of emphasis on throwing the ball inside. The Mobley brothers, you’ve got an NBAplayer [Isaiah] and a potential top pick [Evan], so
they’ve got great team size. They keep bringing size in that frontcourt.”
The Huskies’ most experienced center, 6-11 senior Josh Carlton, played only three minutes in the first two games. Six-foot-9 Isaiah Whaley has been effective, and 6-9 freshman Adama Sanogo has been impressive. The Huskies have a 7-footer in freshman Javonte Brown and a 6-9 redshirt freshman in Richie Springs.
“There were things Josh needed to address to be what we need him to be as a senior, a guy who should be invaluable to the team,” Hurley said. “This is a game that for all of the frontcourt players will be ‘all hands on deck.’ All of our frontcourt guys have got to be ready because those guys are super skilled and know how to play double-teams.”
Tyler Polley and Tyrese Martin add length at the wing position for UConn, which could be a key in guarding Peterson and others.
USC does not feature a lot of 3-point shooting, but Tahj Eaddy, the grad student from West Haven, has averaged 12.7 points and sank a 3-pointer to send the Trojans’ first game, against Cal Baptist, to overtime.
USC got a lot of national attention with its victory at Mohegan Sun on Tuesday, beating BYU by 26 points while allowing just 27.5% shooting from the floor.
The Huskies will have to stretch them to create space for James Bouknight, averaging 19 points, to get to the rim. Hurley looks to Martin, the transfer from Rhode Island who debuted with 10 rebounds versus UHart, to bring some toughness to the
lineup.
“We just haven’t looked very tough in the first two games,” Hurley said. “My teams are known for relentless toughness and relentless competitiveness, and I’ve got to get five guys on the court at all times that reflect that.”
This game is a remnant of the Legends Classic, which was moved from Brooklyn to the bubble, whereBYUreplacedNotre Dame, and Vanderbilt, which was supposed to play UConn on Tuesday, pulled out due to a positive COVIDtest. UConnandUSCplay for the first time.
“We know we’re going to be in for a big-time, high-level basketball game,” Trojans coach Andy Enfield told reporters after the game Tuesday.
Adding to schedule
After this game, UConnstays on the property to play N.C. State on Saturday at noon. Hurley, meanwhile, will be looking to schedule one more nonconference game, perhaps Monday, “if we can find the right dance partner. We’d be looking for a really good game.” The Huskies start the 20-game Big East season Dec. 11. ... Akok Akok, who has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles, was cleared to practice five-on-five this week but has what Hurley called a “slight hamstring tweak,” so he’ll be on the stationary bike the next few days. “Don’t look for him the next couple of weeks,” Hurley said. Akok’s return target has generally been Jan. 1, 2021.