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Big East Basketball: Projecting each team’s key player production for 2021-22

By Trevor Sinodhinos

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies Akok Akok Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies Akok Akok Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Connecticut: Isaiah Whaley and Akok Akok

Decrease in production: Isaiah Whaley

The 2020-21 season marked the Huskies’ first in the Big East since 2012-13 and they enjoyed moderate success finishing behind Villanova and Creighton in conference play. Connecticut was able to boast some individual success as well, as senior Tyler Polley won Sixth Man of the Year and Isaiah Whaley was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

Whaley’s defensive upside warranted head coach Dan Hurley to start him in all 23 games, although Whaley was more than just a defensive stalwart as he averaged eight points on 48 percent shooting while logging close to 28 minutes per game. By the time the Huskies tip-off versus Central Connecticut this season, sophomore Adama Sonogo will be the starting center.

Even though Whaley – the fifth-year senior – has the experience, Sonogo’s per forty minutes stats are much better than Whaley’s. Even with the move to the bench, Whaley will average more than the 17 minutes Sonogo did, but the reduction in minutes will be enough to cause a reduction in production.

Increase in production: Akok Akok

The obvious needs to be stated, Akok Akok will see an increase in production. One reason is, the 6’9 / 215 pound Tyler Polley has established himself as a valuable piece off the bench. In addition, with Sanogo and Whaley locking down floor time at the center spot, Akok Akok only has the power forward position to play, with the Sixth Man of the Year behind him.

A number of factors are pushing against Akok, yet he will increase his production due to the fact that he averaged just four minutes per game. As a freshman Akok started 24 of 25 games while averaging almost six points and six rebounds over 28 minutes. Not only will Akok surpass the low ceiling of last season, but his stats as a freshman as well as he makes the 2021-22 season his best yet.

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