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UConn Basketball: 3 reasons why Huskies will make 2020 NCAA Tournament

By Ben Andreatta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts as the Connecticut Huskies bench celebrates after the Huskies rebound in the first half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts as the Connecticut Huskies bench celebrates after the Huskies rebound in the first half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Christian Vital #1 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the finals moments of the second half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018, in New York City. The Huskies won 83-76. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Christian Vital #1 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the finals moments of the second half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018, in New York City. The Huskies won 83-76. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Good Blend of Youth and Veterans

Veterans:

UConn will enter the season with only one senior on the roster, VItal will play a huge part for the Huskies this upcoming season. Coming off a 14-5-2 stat line in 33 appearances, UConn will look for him when they need a bucket early on in the season. Junior Josh Carlton started every game last season, the 6-10 forward is another one of those returning talents Hurley will need to take a big step up. Averaging almost a full two blocks a game last season, with his size Carlton will be the one UConn needs to disrupt the paint and be a defensive force.

Alterique Gilbert, a guy that has struggled to stay healthy during his tenure at UConn but has stepped up when he’s played. His 25 games last season were the most appearances he’s had in a season in his three years. If the speedy point guard can make it the whole season there’s no telling how good he can be. Sidney Wilson is the other returner that I’ll highlight, Wilson is one of the most intriguing guys for the Huskies this year, making 26 appearances as a freshman, Wilson showed a lot of promise down the stretch and could be a big contributor.

Youth:

UConn boasts the second-best recruiting class in the AAC this year behind only the Memphis Tigers (Tigers had the #1 recruiting class in the nation). Akok Akok, James Bouknight, and Jalen Gaffney all join the Huskies this year, Akok and Bouknight both cracked the top 100 on 24/7 while Gaffney just missed out at 101. All three of these guys should see some playing time this season but the one fans should be most excited for is Akok Akok, he will be an immediate contributor for the Huskies this season. CBS Sports had Akok rated as high as the 21st best prospect for the class of 2019. Akok was an early enrollee and has been hard at work looking to improve his game and add some muscle.

Just this past week UConn heard from Richard Springs that he would be reclassified from the Class of 2020 to the Class of 2019 making him immediately available for Hurley. With a lack of depth down low, the 6-9 Springs could see some important minutes this upcoming season off the bench, especially if Carlton ends up in foul trouble. While Akok is listed at 6-9, it’s very possible we see him in at center at some points if Hurley is looking to play a small-ball lineup.