UConn Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season

Combo Guards

Starter: Andre Jackson

To me, this is the murkiest position. Andre Jackson is next in line so to speak so I don’t see how he isn’t a starter. He is a high-flying athlete whose freshman year was marred by injury. Jackson played in just 16 of 23 games last season, averaging 16.1 minutes per game, in part due to foul trouble and overzealous defense.

I’m including Jackson under combo guards, but Hurley has mentioned he sees Jackson more as a point guard at the next level (right Hurley Mania?). His ball-handling and vision are, in my opinion, his greatest strengths outside of his raw athleticism. Of course, he has been working to improve his overall game this offseason.

The biggest question mark for Jackson is his shooting. He is an acrobatic finisher, shooting a whopping 63.6% on 2-point FGs, but just 11.8% (2-17) from beyond the arc. Somewhat curiously, he was 9-10 from the free-throw line so perhaps his shooting will come around.

Bench: Jalen Gaffney, Jordan Hawkins, Corey Floyd Jr.

Like Rahsool Diggins, Jordan Hawkins won a slew of awards during his final season of high school. It’s early to say, but Hawkins may be the best pure scorer on the team. Yes, I realize he hasn’t even played a game yet, but I think Hawkins will be tough to keep on the bench for long, particularly on a UConn team that I think most would say lacks shooting. Look for Hawkins to crack the starting lineup at some point this season.

Corey Floyd Jr was a late addition to the UConn roster, opting to reclassify to 2021 after winning Peach Jam with Team Final. It’s uncertain if he will redshirt this season, but either way, he will likely follow a similar path as Richie Springs. This will be a developmental year for him in the weight room and adjusting to the college game.