3. Connecticut (2-0)
Each of the last two seasons have ended with Connecticut cutting down the nets as national champions and there are certainly real reasons why it can happen a third straight time. The Huskies shed major talent from last year but have replaced it with some prominent names, both freshman and veteran. The bottom line is that Dan Hurley has proved his strength in this game and he’s a big reason why this squad can mash people yet again this year.
No issues were had in the opener, as the Huskies won 92-56 against Sacred Heart back on Wednesday. Alex Karaban had 20 points and 6 rebounds in his first game of what could be a productive junior season. The weekend proved just as effective, as Connecticut conquered New Hampshire in a 92-53 victory. Five Huskies scored in double figures, led by Karaban’s 17-point outing in another easy win.
This program has made a recent habit out of walloping people and that was certainly the case against weaker foes to start the year. It’s a bit of a weak start to the schedule for the Huskies, but we’ll certainly see Karaban and this new-look squad in action before too long. Next week’s big game is Le Moyne, so you can pretty much guarantee a 3-0 start to the season; things don’t really pick up until early December in terms of difficulty.