UConn Basketball: 3 keys for 2020-21 showdown with USC Trojans

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts to his team against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half of a college basketball game at Wells Fargo Center on January 18, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Villanova defeated Connecticut 61-55. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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UConn Basketball Adama Sanogo David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

UConn Frontcourt versus the Mobley Brothers

UConn and their bigs will have their hands full with top-five freshman Evan Mobley and his brother Isaiah Mobley. Evan is lottery pick material already, averaging 16.3 points and 9 rebounds through three games. At 7 feet tall his ball-handling skills and court, vision make him an elite NBA Draft prospect. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down outside shots is a matchup nightmare.

Isaiah at 6-10 is more of a true big and not quite as dangerous on the offensive end, his ability to finish around the hoop is solid but he’s struggled from range and the free-throw line. Both are a rebounding force, UConn will have to get a body on everyone as soon as the shots go up. Evan and Isaiah can really hurt teams on the offensive glass, second-chance points are something UConn will really try to limit.

UConn is likely to roll with a big lineup, Adama Sanogo will likely get a lot of minutes along with Isaiah Whaley and Tyler Polley. Josh Carlton didn’t feature much in the win last week against Hartford and it’s hard to see what kind of future role he’ll have. If Hurley elects to lean on more experienced bigs or if one of those UConn bigs inevitably ends up in foul trouble Carlton could see some important minutes.

UConn will try to limit the production of these two on offense but Huskey guards will need to be wary of their shot-blocking presence when they attack the paint. If the guards can go strong to the basket and generate contact, getting one of them in foul trouble would be a big advantage.