UConn's sensational Sophomore back court duo of Shabazz Napier and Jeremy Lamb led the way to two Husky victories this week. On Tuesday, the Huskies over came a sluggish start to blow out Maine 80-60 and Sunday afternoon, led by Lamb's 25 points and Napier's Triple Double (Only the ninth in UConn history) erased a 13 point first half deficit to defeat Coppin State 87-70.
In the Maine game, the Huskies started slowly and Maine played them evenly for the first eleven minutes. Then they turned up the defensive intensity and led 36-31 at half-time. Five seconds into the second half Calhoun called time out and made on one of his patented "I'm sending a message coaching moves." He proceeded to yank Jeremy Lamb because he was incensed at the pace at which Lamb was bringing the ball upcourt after he had emphasized movng quickly into the offensive zone during the half time break. Lamb received a "Calhoun face job" and sat for the next three minutes looked bewildered. This seemed to spark an uptick in the Huskies intensity level on both ends and they pulled away for an 80-60 win. Although Lamb had a poor shooting night he and Alex Oriakhi both led the way with 16 pts, followed by Freshman Deandre Daniels with 15 and Olander and Drummond with 11.
In yesterday's contest with Coppin State the huskies again started poorly and were down by 13 points half way through the opening half. Lamb had sprained his left ankle in Saturday's practice and was very tentative in the early going. It was only the sensational play of Shabazz Napier that kept the Huskies in the game. When the deficit reached 13, once again the UConn defensive intensity was switched way up and they went on a long patented Husky run to take the lead at half time. In the second half Lamb's sprained ankle loosened up and he put on an an incredible offensive show to finish with a game high 25 points. Napier's penetrating, finishing and outside shooting were tremendous and he finished with 22 pts, 13 assists and 12 rebounds.
Ty Olander continued his fine play at both ends of the court and finished with 11.
So after a predictable 4-0 start against pretty weak teams can we begin to see some patterns in the Huskies play. First, in what is both a strength and vulnerability Lamb and Napier are providing about 50% of UConn's points. As predicted Lamb is scoring above 20ppg but that will settle around 20 when the tough Big East schedule starts. Napier is averaging 18 ppg and looks sensational. Of concern is that both Lamb and Napier are averaging above 34 minutes per game with Lamb at 38. The Ryan Boatright situation was finally resolved and if he as good as billed will provide some needed relief in the back court. I do feel that as the season progresses the front court will start to provide more scoring. Drummond has been inconsistent and when he learns to use his size and strength inside his scoring (now at 5.8ppg) should pick up. Roscoe Smith continues to provide little offense but his rebounding and defense will still earn him meaningful minutes of play. I do have to amend my initial take on Deandre Daniels; he is very good and will provide scoring but he will not be at the level of the great Husky small forwards. Ty Olander has looked really good and may increase his scoring (9.0 ppg ) a bit but his interior passing and hustle make that mute. Alex Oriakhi continues to look inconsistent on offense; with his size and strenth he should be able to score more than his current 7.0 ppg, but he still lacks a shooting touch around the hoop.
This team will have to, and has the potential to develop as the season progesses. Calhoun has the knack of getting his team to peak at the right time. The talent is there for a trip to the Final Four but there has to be significant development in the front court offense. Calhoun was quoted this week at a press conference that this team is searching for an identity after the loss of Kemba Walker. I think that is astute and I do think it will happen. When this team turns up their defensive intensity they are right up there with some of the great Husky defensive teams of the past and that makes them very dangerous.
You Heard it Here First,
Steve
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