An exceptional basketball IQ

Hassanhashadarelentlessworkethic dating to high school at Putnam Science Academy. Tom Espinosa, his high school coach, said his basketball IQ is unparalleled.

“I remember a couple of times we would be putting in a play or set,” Espinosa said. “We would be like, ‘Hey, what’s this guy do?’ Our coaches, we’d be talking and be like, ‘Not sure, let’s ask Hassan.’ He knew every set for every position. His IQ is probably the highest we’ve ever had.”

Hassanhastriedtotakedifferenttechniquesfromvariousnbaguards,suchas Lukadoncic’sstepback,chrispaul’sball screens and Jalen Brunson’s footwork.

This summer he’ll be working on improving his shot after shooting

32.4% from 3 this past season. He’s tightened up his mechanics and takes up to 700 shots every day. He’s hoping that will pay dividends.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking to get better in other areas.

“I could work on moving my feet a little more on defense,” he said. “There’s always room for improvement everywhere.”

Mamadou said Hassan’s work ethic will be infectious in the Uconn locker room.

“He’s going to be the hardest-playing guy on the floor,” Mamadou said. “He will push everybody to be their best. Shots may not fall all the time, but he’s going to be the biggest competitor on that floor. Eventually the shots are going to fall.

“He loves his teammates. He’s just as big a competitor on the court as he is off the court. He’s just that guy. He’s a great dude to be around. I know all his teammates love him.”

A great asset

In many ways, Hassan is the perfect guard for Hurley.

“He’s just my type of guard,” he said. “He’s tough. He’s confident. He can create off the dribble. In big moments, he wants the ball. He just fits in the way we try to play and what I ask my guards to do.”

Diarra came to Uconn for a bigger opportunity and he will get his chance to prove himself.

“He’s going to have a big role,” Hurley said. “We lost a lot in regards to

R.J Cole and Tyrese Martin. He’s going to have a huge role on our team. I think he’s going to be one of our best players.”

Hassan thinks his skills are a perfect complement to Uconn’s roster and he wantsfanstoknowhehasnoquitinhim.

“I add my leadership,” he said. “I add my toughness. I’m just competing each and every day. Other than that, those guys are good players already. I can dribble, shoot, pass and defend just like they can. It’s going to be a good mix.

“I am going to give my heart out every day and every game,” he said. “It’ll be fun to watch.”

Shreyas Laddha can be reached at sladdha@courant.com or @shre98 on Twitter.