NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team frontcourts heading into 2021-22 season

Ever since head coach Dan Hurley arrived at UConn, the task of finding a double-digit producing forward has been difficult. But the saving grace from the past few years is that some meaningful depth inside, bolstered by two seniors opting to stick around an extra season.

Veterans Isaiah Whaley and Tyler Polley are back for a 5th year, two players that have grown into solid contributors. They combined to average 15.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg and Whaley himself has posted a few double-doubles as a starter. The other frontcourt starter back is Adama Sanogo, coming off a good freshman campaign of 7.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg. He has the potential to be a breakout candidate and be a more featured player on offense.

There’s also hope that another former top-100 prospect Akok Akok will have more of an impact after dealing with injuries last season. But he’ll have some competition with incoming four-star recruit Samson Johnson, a long-term prospect that may find a way to get minutes based on his raw talent.

What I like about this group is that they’re all very good defenders, which gives them a high floor as a group at bare minimum. And if any of them potentially breaks out offensively, UConn will be in a great position for next season. Look for the veterans to continue being solid on both ends, while Sanogo looking to be one of the best big men in the Big East.