UConn Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season
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Starter: Adama Sanogo
This one seems like a no-brainer. Adama Sanogo started 20 of 23 games last season and averaged 17.0 MPG, 7.3 PPG, and 4.8 RPG. Sanogo did exactly what you want to see from freshmen. He didn’t look like a freshman anymore as the season progressed.
At times, especially with Bouknight down, Sanogo seemed like UConn’s most consistent player on the offensive end, finishing the season shooting 55.4% from the floor. If Sanogo becomes a focal point of the offense this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him average 15 PPG and 10 RPG. He is that good.
UConn freshman big man Adama Sanogo makes his presence felt in then Huskies' win over Central Connecticut State in the team's first game of the season#UConn | #CollegeHoops | #ThisIsUConn pic.twitter.com/Y3BWobsWx6
— SimoFilms (@SimoFilms) November 26, 2020
The biggest issue for Sanogo will be on defense. The St. John’s game last season still haunts me. Sanogo was on a tear, St. John’s had no answer for him defensively, and UConn was up by as much as 14. Mike Anderson went small and forced Hurley’s hand. Hurley took Sanogo out as there was no one he could guard effectively.
Anderson dictated the lineups and style of play and St. John’s completed the comeback. Sanogo finished the game with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, but barely played towards the end. Sanogo looks like he has trimmed down a bit, but I’m not sure I see him guarding stretch forwards still. This will be something to watch throughout the season.
Bench: Isaiah Whaley, Akok Akok, Samson Johnson, Richie Springs
UConn’s frontcourt is versatile enough that most can play either the 4 or 5 as needed.