The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
A breakdown of this year’s roster
0
Jalen Gaffney, Fr, G, 6-2, 175: Versatile guard, who should serve as Alterique Gilbert’s backup at point, has been compared to Russell Westbrook by one former coach.
1
Christian Vital, Sr., G, 6-2, 187: Eternal- ly streaky player hopes to avoid being first UConn player to four years with no postseason since Gerry Besselink (1983-87).
2
James Bouknight, Fr., G, 6-4, 175: Maybe the team’s most talented, athletic frosh; arrested for on-campus vehicular incident on Sept. 27.
3
Alterique Gilbert, R-Jr., G, 6-0, 180: Oft-injured former McDonald’s AllAmerican hopes to put it all together in likely final season in Storrs.
4
R.J. Cole, Jr., G, 6-1, 185: Howard transfer, who played for Bob Hurley, Sr. in high school, may be next year’s starting PG, but must sit out this season per NCAA rules.
5
Isaiah Whaley, Jr., F, 6-8, 220: After seeing scarce minutes last season, ‘Poppers’ has put on 20 pounds of muscle and looks good.
10
Brendan Adams, So., G, 6-4, 200: Big guard struggled adjusting to college game last season as frosh, but could be key piece.
12
Tyler Polley, Jr., F, 6-9, 204: Shot 38 percent from 3-point land last season while averaging 8.4 points.
13
Richie Springs, Fr., F, 6-9, 220: Will sit out this season as an academic redshirt.
15
Sidney Wilson, R-So,. G/F, 6-7, 180: Dynamic athlete hopes to make ‘splash’ this season, but hard to define his position/role with team right now.
23
Akok Akok, R-Fr., F, 6-9, 193: Versatile five-star talent will block shots, hit 3-pointers and likely start right away.
25
Josh Carlton, Jr., F/C, 6-11, 260: Classic, back-to-basket big man was AAC’s co-Most Improved Player last season.
41
Matt Garry, So., G, 6-5, 188: Southington product begins first full season as a walk-on.
45
Temi Aiyegbusi, Sr., G, 6-4, 200: Walk-on guard in fourth season with UConn program.