Tag: UConn Huskies

Former Penn State QB takes over starting job at UConn

Former Penn State QB named new starting QB with his new team.

After losing the starting job due to injury a season ago, former Penn State quarterback [autotag]Ta’Quan Roberson[/autotag] will step back into the starting role with the UConn Huskies as a result of an injury. Roberson has been named the new starting quarterback for the Huskies by head coach Jim Mora following an injury to Joe Fagnano, who had been the team’s starting quarterback this season.

“Now this year, the guy ahead of Ta’Quan gets hurt and now Ta’Quan gets his chance again,” Mora said when updating the media about his team’s quarterback situation, via an AP report. “We have a lot of confidence in him and we’re really disappointed for Joe.”

Roberson transferred from Penn State to UConn after the 2021 season, and he was given the starting role by Mora in his first season as head coach of the UConn program. But Roberson was injured in UConn’s first game of the 2022 season, and he never saw the field again for the rest of the year.

Roberson completed just one of two pass attempts before suffering a season-ending shoulder surgery in 2022. Roberson played last weekend in UConn’s 35-14 loss to Georgia State. He completed 19 of 30 pass attempts for 216 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He also carried the football four times for a gain of 11 yards.

Roberson was a backup to former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in 2021, getting backup snaps ahead of another former Penn State quarterback who later transferred, Christian Veilleux, early in the season. Roberson relieved an injured Clifford in a road game at Iowa that ultimately resulted in Penn State’s first loss of the season, and Roberson took a lot of heat for his performance, which was largely unfair to him. Roberson completed just 7 of 21 pass attempts for 34 yards with two interceptions in the 23-20 loss, a game Penn State appeared to be in control of at the time Clifford left the game with an injury.

Roberson was unable to land the starting job leading up to the 2023 season as UConn opted to go with Fagnano, an experienced transfer from Maine that seemed like a solid fit for the Huskies. Fagnano started UConn’s game against Georgia State before coming out with his shoulder injury.

Roberson’s first time back in the starting saddle for UConn will take place this Saturday with a home game against FIU.

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Dan Hurley set to become one of the game’s highest paid coaches with new extension

UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley has been rewarded with a massive contract extension after leading the Huskies to their fifth national title.

Connecticut head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley is set to become one of the game’s highest-paid head coaches with a new six-year contract extension.

On Thursday morning, the University of Connecticut announced that Hurley signed a six-year deal to remain with the university. The contract is valued at $31.5 million which equates to approximately $5.25 million per season. According to the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball head coach salaries database, Hurley’s $5.25 annual salary would make him a top-six highest-paid coach in the country.

John Calipari of Kentucky remains the country’s highest-paid coach by far with a $8.5 million salary. Kansas’s Bill Self comes in at No. 2, bringing in $5.9 million per year.

The contract extension for Hurley should not come as a major surprise. The former Seton Hill standout took over the UConn program prior to the 2018-9 season. After going 16-17 in his first season with the program, The Huskies have had a .600 or better winning percentage in each season and have made the NCAA Tournament three-straight seasons.

This past season, the Huskies went 31-8 in the regular season before making the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed out of the West region. The Huskies defeated Iona, Saint Mary’s (CA), Arkansas, Gonzaga, Miami (FL), and San Diego State to ultimately win the program’s fifth national championship, all of them coming since 1999.

Hurley in his career has amassed a career record of 255-160 with stops at Wagner and Rhode Island. He previously made the NCAA Tournament twice at Rhode Island including the 2017-18 season when he won the A-10 Coach of the Year award.

Big 12 continues to eye expansion with new potential target emerging

The Big 12 continues to eye conference expansion and is looking beyond their already established footprint.

The college football sports landscape has been everchanging over the last few years and while the Big Ten and SEC have grabbed most of the headlines, the Big 12 has been active in their own right.

While the Big 12’s activity has been more to limit the potential of its demise, the conference has made strong additions to the conference as of late including BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston. Now, they could be looking to add another program to their conference.

According to Russ Steinberg of Boardroom, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark recently visited UConn to meet with the university’s administration. The conversations at this point were considered “very exploratory”.

This is not the first time that UConn and the Big 12 have been brought up together this week. Earlier this week, Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated listed UConn among the schools that the Big 12 was considering when it came to further conference expansion. He also listed Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah, San Diego State, and UNLV among those that the conference was targeting.

Of course, one of those schools, San Diego State is also reportedly favored to join the Pac-12 in the near future according to the same report by Dellenger. You can read more on San Diego State’s future, here.

UConn, of course, is familiar with changing conferences. After being part of the Big East from 1979 through 2012, the Huskies joined the AAC from 2013 through 2019 before joining the Big East once again for all sports except football, once again in 2020.

When it comes to football, the program played one season in 1979 before returning in 2000 and was independent from 2000 through 2003 before playing in the Big East from 2004 through 2012. They would join the American Athletic Conference in 2013 and play in the conference until 2019 before returning to being independent in 2020.

It’s unclear if the Big 12 is looking to add UConn on a football-only basis or if they would join for all sports. Currently, the Big 12 has a small foothold in the Mid-Atlantic / eastern portion of the Midwest with Cincinnati and West Virginia. The conference which historically was made up of schools located in the Midwest has grown its footprint with conference expansion as noted above with hopes of being able to survive the blow of losing Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC starting in 2024.

UConn guard Andre Jackson Jr. comments on upcoming NBA draft decision

Jackson helped UConn claim its fifth national title this year after averaging 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals.

Andre Jackson Jr. emerged as a great defender last season at UConn, but it is his offensive game he is working to improve during the pre-draft process.

Jackson helped the Huskies claim their fifth national title this year after averaging 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals. He was one of eight players in the country to record at least 225 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists.

The 6-foot-6 Jackson shot 43.2% from the field, including 28.1% from 3-point range on 2.5 attempts per game. He is putting in plenty of time in the gym working to improve his shot mechanics and said it has been his biggest point of emphasis of late.

It has been a great emphasis. I know that is the biggest weakness in my game so that is something I’m going to be working on for the entirety of my career, trying to get that to as good as I can. Working on just getting it off quicker, shooting it with confidence, getting full extension on my shot and looking at the rim as soon as I catch it.

While he is improving his shot, he believes the rest of his game will translate well to the next level. He is viewed as a potential first-round pick this year, in large part because of his ability as a rebounder and his potential to develop into a lockdown defender.

Jackson led the Big East in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.1) and ranked 13th among all players in the country in that category. That was on full display throughout the season and into the postseason as the Huskies won the title.

I think the things I do well definitely translate — rebounding, playing defense, being a glue guy. I think all of those things translate. Playing with high-level players just makes it that much easier; guys who make tough shots, guys that know how to play the game well, run the lanes well and also have just as high of an IQ as I do.

Jackson retained the right to return to school when he declared for the draft last month. He was among the prospects that worked out with the Indiana Pacers on Friday and previously visited the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.

He will compete in the draft combine next week and then likely participate in more workouts ahead of the May 31 withdrawal deadline to return to school. He has yet to formally decide on his future next season but is focused on staying present at the moment.

“I’m going into these workouts with the mentality that I’m going to the NBA,” Jackson said. “I’m working every day to try to compete to be at that level and I think am. I’m definitely thinking about going so it is all about sticking to it and not letting anything in the future get in the way of what’s going on right now.”

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Report: UConn’s Andre Jackson Jr. to test NBA pre-draft process

Jackson was one of eight players in the country to record at least 225 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists.

UConn junior guard Andre Jackson Jr. will reportedly declare for the 2023 NBA draft and retain his right to return to school, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Jackson helped the Huskies claim their fifth national title this year after averaging 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals. He was one of eight players in the country to record at least 225 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists.

The 6-foot-6 Jackson emerged as a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions. He led the Big East in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.1) and ranked 13th among all players in the country in that category. He also served as a great leader for the Huskies on offense.

Jackson is viewed as a potential late first-round pick in the draft this year. He is planning to participate in the combine next month and will try to improve his draft stock in front of teams and scouts during on-court workouts and scrimmages.

He will have until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

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UConn forward Adama Sanogo declares for NBA Draft

UConn is set to lose a valuable piece of their program to the NBA.

UConn forward Adama Sanogo has declared for the NBA Draft according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium. 

According to Goodman, Sanogo has signed with Octagon and while he hasn’t ruled out a return to UConn for next season, the expectation is to move onto the NBA.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward averaged 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists this past season for the Huskies while shooting 60.6% from the floor and 36.5% from beyond the arc. He was also an All-Big East selection during the regular season.

During this year’s NCAA Tournament, Sanogo became a household name, helping the Huskies dominate their competition en route to their fifth national championship.

Over the course of the Huskies’ six tournament games, Sanogo averaged 19.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists a game. He scored 20+ points in three of six games and recorded double-doubles in four of six. Against San Diego State in the national championship game, he was 5-for-9 from the floor, totalign 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite his strong season and NCAA Tournament run, Sanogo has not yet seen himself propelled up NBA Draft boards. ESPN’s current 2023 NBA best available rankings has Sanogo as the 87th best player available in this year’s NBA Draft.

The 2023 NBA Draft is set for June 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Any early entry prospects in the draft will have until May 31 to withdrawal their name from the draft in order to retain NCAA eligibility.

Ducks ranked among Andy Katz’s Top 36 college basketball teams for 2023 season

Andy Katz puts Oregon in his “way-to-early” rankings for 2023-24, suggesting the Ducks’ March Madness drought is about to end.

The men’s basketball season just ended and some are already thinking about next season.

NCAA.com and former ESPN reporter Andy Katz is one of those thinking about the 2023-24 season and he has put out his “way-too-early” Top 36 teams for the next year and Oregon is among those listed.

The Ducks have missed the last two NCAA tournaments, but with an incredible recruiting class coming in that will be mixed with some savvy veterans, it would be a shock if Oregon didn’t participate in March Madness in 2024.

Katz’s rankings include most of the usuals such as Kansas and Kentucky, but there are some surprises such as Florida Atlantic ranked as high as they are, suggesting the Owls weren’t a fluke during their deep tournament run in 2023.

While Oregon will have a lot of new pieces next season, there’s some early confidence that they can be among the top teams in the nation. Here’s where Katz had them ranked.

UConn’s Jordan Hawkins announces NBA draft decision on ESPN

Hawkins helped lead the Huskies to their fifth national title after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

UConn sophomore Jordan Hawkins announced Friday on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.

Hawkins was named to the All-Big East first team after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 38.8% shooting from 3-point range. His 109 3-pointers were the second-most in a season by a Huskies player, trailing only Ray Allen’s 115 in the 1995-96 season.

The 6-foot-5 guard helped lead the Huskies to their fifth national title with a sensational run in the NCAA Tournament. He was honored on the All-Tournament team after averaging 16.3 points on 50% shooting from 3-point range in their six games.

He was the third Huskies player to hit at least 20 3s in a tournament run.

Hawkins is widely projected to be a first-round pick. He is regarded as perhaps the best shooter in the draft this year after finishing 12th in the country in 3s. From shooting on the move to coming off screens, Hawkins’ game fits perfectly at the next level.

The 20-year-old has made great strides on the defensive end of the court, which will further add to his draft stock. However, it will be his shooting and movement on offense that figures to be most attractive to teams drafting in the mid-to-late first round.

After a tremendous run in March with the Huskies, Hawkins will be looking to continue his recent string of success in the pre-draft process and onto the next level.

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The 10 players who will decide this year’s Final Four

These ten players will decide Saturday’s Final Four matchups.

The wait is over. The Final Four is finally upon as on Saturday evening the West Region’s No. 4 UConn Huskies will take on the Midwest Region’s No. 5 Miami Hurricanes while the No. 5 San Diego State Aztecs out of the South Region will take on the No. 9 FAU Owls out of the East Region.

Below, we are going to take a look at ten players who will ultimately decide Saturday’s Final Four matchups. But before we delve into those players, let’s take a quick look at how each team got here.

No. 4 UConn Huskies (West Region):

The Huskies started their tournament off with an impressive 87-63 win over Richard Pitino and No. 13 Iona. In the Round of 32, they would knock off No. 5 Saint Mary’s (CA) 70-55 before taking down No. 8 Arkansas in blowout fashion 88-65. Prior to the blowout win for the Huskies, the Razorbacks had recently knocked off the region’s No. 1 seed and defending national champions, Kansas. After defeating Arkansas, the Huskies routed No. 3 Gonzaga in the Elite Eight 82-54. From the very start of this year’s tournament, the Huskies have been one of the most dominant teams.

No. 5 Miami Hurricanes (Midwest Region)

At one point in their tournament opener against No. 12 Drake, it seemed unlikely the Hurricanes would even make it out of the opening weekend, let alone get to the Final Four. How things can change in a short time. Since then, the Hurricanes would go on to beat No. 4 Indiana comfortably before defeating No. 1 Houston in the Sweet 16. In the Elite Eight, they would erase a double-digit deficit to come back and knock off No. 2 Texas 88-81.

The Hurricanes’ offensive has been nearly unstoppable all season, will UConn have enough to slow them down on Saturday?

No. 5 San Diego State Aztecs (South Region)

The Aztecs entered the tournament as a potential underdog that could make a deep run but very few expected a potential Final Four run out of Brian Dutcher’s program. The Aztecs started their tournament journey by knocking off a very tough No. 12 College of Charleston team 63-57. In the Round of 32, they would easily take care of No. 13 Furman, who was coming off an amazing last-second win over Virginia in the Round of 64. In the Sweet 16, No.1 Alabama found out just how good San Diego State is as the Aztecs smothered the Crimson Tide in a 71-64 win. Finally, in the Elite Eight, they would have another thriller with No. 6 Creighton 57-56.

No. 9 FAU Owls (East Region)

In a tournament that has been filled with Cinderella stories, FAU’s own Cinderella story is still going on. The Owls’ needed a last-second bucket to beat No. 8 Memphis in the opening round and then would beat No. 16 Farleigh Dickinson in the Round of 32. After having two games against quality but not elite opponents, FAU would have to rise to the challenge in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. In the Sweet 16, they would beat No.4 Tennessee 62-55 before winning 79-76 against a very scrappy and tough No. 3 Kansas State team in the Elite Eight.

Now without, further adieu here are the ten players who will decide Saturday’s Final Four matchups.

Patriots lend team plane to UConn ahead of Final Four matchup

The New England Patriots’ team plane will be getting some use this weekend.

The New England Patriots’ team plane is getting in some miles, and it’s not even the football season.

The organization is lending their team plane to the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team, as they travel to the NCAA Final Four on Saturday. The Huskies are set to take on the Miami Hurricanes with the program as a small favorite. Connecticut is the fourth-seed, while Miami comes in as the fifth seed.

It’s a highly-anticipated game and matchup that not many saw coming.

At the very least, the Huskies will be able to ride in style. They will also be looking to continue a streak. The program is 4-0 in championship games. They’ll be looking to keep their perfect record intact against a tough Hurricanes team.

Whatever the result of the game may be, the one certainty is that the Patriots will be represented this weekend.

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