NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2022-23 season

The Huskies start and stop with the play of All-Big East center Adama Sanogo. The center led the team last season with 14.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg, along with two blocked shots a game. He had a 30-point against Auburn in overtime and a pair of 26-point efforts last season and if his offensive games take another jump, could be the Big East Player of the Year.

The questions and intrigue come with the rest of the roster. After losing both RJ Cole and Tyrese Martin, along with multiple underclassmen guards to the transfer portal, UConn added four transfers this offseason in the backcourt. The biggest name is Tristen Newton, a transfer from East Carolina that averaged 17.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 5.0 apg, while also shooting nearly 90% from the charity stripe. He did it all for the Pirates and will be tasked with running the offense for the Huskies.

The other three newcomer guards (Nahiem Alleyne, Joey Calcaterra, Hassan Diarra) were good shooters at their previous stops and Diarra is a capable ball-handler as well. Look for returning guard Jordan Hawkins to also be a part of the rotation.

One player that’ll also be part of the mix is returning starting guard Andre Jackson, who averaged 6.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 3.1 apg for the Huskies. He does a little bit of everything and without much depth at the power forward spot, could allow the team to play plenty of small-ball. Jackson’s ability to rebound would make it work and he can defend forwards as well.

Sanogo’s presence alone makes UConn a top-25 team but how the transfers mesh will determine their ceiling. Newton will have to be a clear leader on offense to make it work unless Hawkins or Jackson has a real breakout campaign.