UCONN MEN’S ROSTER
A breakdown of the 2018-19 UConn men’s basketball roster:
0 Eric Cobb, Sr. F, 6-9, 249 (1.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg):
Dropped more than 30 pounds over summer, proving he’s looking to end his college career on a high note after clashing with Kevin Ollie last season and missing 17 games. A good passer and shooter for a big man, but the Huskies need his rebounding even more.
1 Christian Vital, Jr. G, 6-2, 177 (14.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg):
Returns to UConn after brief, strange flirtation with NBA. Highly emotional player brings much-needed energy to the floor, but needs to corral that at times in games. Shot just 31.8 percent from 3-point range last year, though coaches say his shooting has improved this offseason.
2 Tarin Smith, Gr. G, 6-3, 185 (12.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg at Duquesne):
Dan Hurley very familiar with this grad transfer, who was the Atlantic-10’s Sixth Man of the Year last season at Duquesne and played for Bob Hurley, Sr. at St. Anthony’s High. Should provide toughness, veteran savvy in Huskies’ backcourt.
3 Alterique Gilbert, R-So. G, 6-0, 180 (9.0 ppg, 2.8 apg):
Former McDonald’s All-American has played just nine games the past two seasons while undergoing multiple shoulder surgeries. Point guard’s health, effectiveness could be difference between another middling season and postseason hopes.
4 Jalen Adams, Sr. G, 6-3, 195 (18.1 ppg, 4.7 apg):
Easily the best player on the team, quite possibly in the league. A terrific athlete who can get to the rim at will, though needs to improve 3-point shooting (32.4 percent) a bit. Huskies desperately need him to be a leader, and to be the best player on the floor virtually every night.
5 Isaiah Whaley, So. F, 6-8, 210 (2.6 ppg, 1.0 bpg):
Solid, energetic rebounder ” and shotblocker as a frosh last year, but very unpolished offensively. If he can improve in that area, could bid for plenty of playing time in UConn frontcourt.
10 Brendan Adams, Fr., 6-4, 196:
Had committed to play for Hurley at URI before joining him at UConn and becoming Hurley’s first true Husky recruit. Big guard doesn’t play like a freshman, according to staff, and could see plenty of minutes right off the bat.
12 Tyler Polley, So. F, 6-8, 200 (2.7 ppg, 41.7 3-point FG):
Huskies’ top 3-point shooter last year as a freshman, knocking down 50-percent of his treys (11-for-22) in league play. Could begin season as UConn’s starting four-man.
14 Kassoum Yakwe, Gr. F, 6-7, 212 (2.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg at St. John’s):
Grad transfer led Big East in blocked shots as a freshman at St. John’s in 2015-16, but gradually saw playing time decrease over next two seasons. Missed most of preseason with foot injury, but Hurley hopes he’ll be muchneeded shot-swatting force inside.
15 Sidney Wilson, R-Fr., 6-7, 177 (DNP):
Sat out last season as a St. John’s transfer, and we’ll have to wait at least a little more to see him in a UConn uniform: Wilson is currently being held out of game competition due to a violation of school policy which occurred last season. A dynamic athlete and former national top-75 recruit who boasts as much upside as any player on the roster, including Jalen Adams. Must get stronger, however ... and more mature.
21 Mamadou Diarra, R-So. F, 6-8, 225 (2.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg):
Suffered torn meniscus in left knee in July and will be out until at least early December. When he returns, figures to battle for playing time in Huskies’ frontcourt.
22 Kwintin Williams, Sr. F, 6-7, 221 (1.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg):
Ultra-athletic forward will be good for a few highlight-reel dunks, but likely not much playing time. Figures to be buried near the bottom of Hurley’s rotation, though could supply some energy, defense, rebounding off the bench at times.
25 Josh Carlton, So. F, 6-10, 235 (4.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg):
Led all Husky bigs in scoring, rebounding last year as a freshman. Skilled, back-to-the basket big man, he needs to develop more of a motor and play with more emotion — something Hurley could drive into him.