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UConn Basketball: Analyzing the Huskies’ 2018-19 rotation

By Tristan Freeman

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Josh Carlton #25 of the Connecticut Huskies works around Paschal Chukwu #13 of the Syracuse Orange in the first half during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Josh Carlton #25 of the Connecticut Huskies works around Paschal Chukwu #13 of the Syracuse Orange in the first half during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Center

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Josh Carlton (21), Mamadou Diarra (10) and Eric Cobb (9)

Of all the returning UConn frontcourt players, rising sophomore Carlton is the most likely to break out and grab the majority of minutes. He became a starter during the ladder part of last season and was the most productive of all the freshmen bigs. He’s also the best individual defender, registering a couple of blocks a game per 40-minutes.

The 6’9 forward from North Carolina is a good rebounder as well, especially when it comes to offensive boards. That could prove crucial when it comes to UConn’s offensive droughts. Diarra is another rising sophomore to look out for, as he averaged a double-double per 40-minutes himself. He’s a very raw player who is a long-term project but his energy and effort will be something a new coach to a team like Hurley will prefer.

Former South Carolina big man Cobb will be one of a couple of seniors on the roster, looking for minutes in his final season of eligibility. It’s concerning that he wasn’t able to get minutes on a team filled with young big men, so it’s hard to see him get more than 10-12 minutes a game this upcoming season.

Next. Preseason AAC Rankings for 2018-19. dark

For the Huskies to have a legit shot at the 2019 NCAA Tournament, they’ll need a couple of the frontcourt players to establish themselves as starters and provide the balance needed for the team. The AAC is a bit weak but that’s a double-edged sword for UConn trying to get an at-large bid. Will this roster be able to do enough to get a bid? Or will Hurley have to wait for his own recruiting class to get the talent needed to succeed?