UConn Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Huskies

By Brian Rauf | Sep 24, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Rhode Island Rams reacts against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Rhode Island Rams reacts against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Season outlook

Hurley’s coaching is to the level that it’s only a matter of time before the Huskies are back to being one of the top teams in the country and competing for national championships – playing in the American is not the reason for this downturn. However, fans should not expect an immediate turnaround.

On paper, UConn has enough talent to pull an upset or two in the non-conference and then win a few games against NCAA Tournament teams in conference play. However, I also believe they’ve built some negative habits over the past few years that will cause them to lose a few games they shouldn’t.

This team also has flaws, specifically their lack of size and offensive efficiency. For as good of a coach as Hurley is, he won’t be confused for an offensive mastermind (Rhode Island ranked 69th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 161st in effective field goal percentage).

Next. Preseason AAC Rankings for 2018-19. dark

Don’t worry – UConn is not going to have a losing record. I expect them to win around 20 games this year, which should put them on (or close to) the NCAA Tournament bubble. I ultimately think this team is destined for the NIT, but it will be a step in the right direction for the Huskies.