UConn Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Huskies
By Joey Loose
Key Reserves
Guard – Ahmad Nowell (Freshman)
Nowell is a 4-star combo guard from Philadelphia who could earn his way into decent minutes in his first year of college ball. He’s shown potential as a long-range shooter and also provides physicality in the backcourt. What should excite the Huskies is that he plays hard on both ends and could develop into a high-energy stat stuffer at some point in his career.
Forward – Jaylin Stewart (Sophomore)
With potential to earn starting-type minutes this season, Stewart shined at times as a freshman with limited chances last season. The Seattle native and former 4-star forward averaged 2.5 points and 1.2 rebounds and can play all over the court, with slick 3-point shooting and floor-spacing ability. A notable sophomore leap could make him a major threat by the time Big East play begins.
Forward – Isaiah Abraham (Freshman)
A 4-star power forward out of Virginia, Abraham might be the lowest rated of the Huskies’ three new freshmen, but he’s no slouch. He’s an athletic big who can hit shots outside the arc and could develop into something special after a season or two on the bench, much like other recent Huskies have done.
Center – Tarris Reed Jr. (Junior)
Reed is a 6’10 forward originally St. Louis who was a Top 40 prospect when he committed to Michigan a few years ago. He was a major addition for the Huskies from the Transfer Portal after averaging 9.0 points and 7.2 rebounds as a sophomore for the Wolverines last year. Reed was Michigan’s starting center and could earn those same type of minutes after finishing Top 10 in the Big Ten in blocks and rebounds last season.
Guard – Aidan Mahaney (Junior)
The other major addition from the Transfer Portal, Mahaney spent his first two seasons at Saint Mary’s and is an intriguing new backcourt weapon for Connecticut. He was a major playmaker as a freshman before taking a slight step back as a sophomore, though still averaging 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Gaels. The pure shooting numbers could earn him major minutes, though we’ll see how his efficiency and defense progresses in year three of college ball.
Forward – Jayden Ross (Sophomore)
Ross is another highly-ranked prospect who didn’t get a ton of playing time or opportunities last season. The Virginia native saw action in just 23 games, averaging 0.7 points and 0.7 rebounds in limited minutes. With notable departures in the frontcourt, Ross has a chance to earn more significant minutes, but will likely still be a backup for his sophomore year.
Center – Youssouf Singare (Sophomore)
Singare is a 6’10 center originally from Mali who is still a work in progress in this frontcourt. He had just 4 points and 14 rebounds the entire season, playing very sparingly throughout the season. Regardless, he has a chance to take a step forward in the near future, moving his way up the depth chart as a potential future weapon for the Huskies.