2009-10 UConn Huskies: Rebuilding or Reloading?

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

As the overtimes started to pile up for UConn in last year's classic Big East tournament matchup against Syracuse, so too did the amount of players fouling out for the Huskies.

As AJ Price, Hasheem Thabeet, Stanley Robinson and Gavin Edwards each fouled out, it left UConn fans wondering,

"Who can coach Jim Calhoun turn to now?"

Fast forward to today, two days before another Midnight Madness practice Friday night and the beginning of another season for the UConn Huskies.

With Price, Thabeet and Jeff Adrien living their dream to play professionally, it leaves Huskies fans asking the same question from that 6-overtime thriller,

"Who can coach Calhoun turn to now?"

The Starters:

Kemba Walker, So-G

Walker burst onto the scene for UConn last year as a freshman. When Jerome Dyson went down for the year, in February, Walker moved into the starting lineup and was a major factor in UConn's run to the Fianal Four.

The lightning quick sophomore now takes AJ Price's spot at the point and should be the perfect catalyst for Calhoun to raise the tempo against opponents this year.

In the half court set, defenders will have their hands full with Walker's dribble penetration and his passing off of it.

If Walker can improve on his perimeter shooting, there's no telling how dangerous he could truly be.

Jerome Dyson, Sr-G

After missing last year's postseason run, Dyson comes back for his senior year at 100% and most likely hungrier than any other Husky for some March basketball.

Dyson should be a perfect complement to Walker in the backcourt. Offensively, he is another weapon adept at driving to the hole or in receiving the kick out pass and burying jumpers.

What gets forgotten in Dyson's game is his quick hands, which usually ranks him at the top in steals among Huskies.

Stanley Robinson, Sr-F

No other player during the UConn's march to the Final Four last year played as consistently well as Robinson did.

This year, no other Husky should have more pressure on their shoulders to lead the attack for the team.

Few players across the nation, if any, can run the floor and finish like Robinson does.

Often overlooked is what he brings on the defensive end, with the ability to guard either forward spot or center. With Thabeet gone, Robinson could very well lead the team in blocks as well.

Along with Dyson, the two should be the most vocal leaders on this team.

Gavin Edwards, Sr-F

What once was a luxury for Calhoun, a 6'9" thumper who could have started at most every school in the country, now takes his spot as a starter.

Edwards plays more like a seven footer, with long arms to block shots and control rebounds, especially offensive ones, and the ability to run the floor better than most players his size.  

If he can break out of his knack for committing cheap and sometimes dumb fouls, Edwards could turn a lot of heads this year. Even NBA scout's heads.

Alex Oriakhi, Fr-F/C Charles Okwandu, Jr/C

Most likely Oriakhi gets named as a starter. As talented as he is though, he will have to come in and work at a high level in the preseason to earn Calhoun's trust.

Oriakhi brings a hard-nosed style to the interior on both ends of the court and while he still lacks polish in finishing around the basket offensively, he does possess a nice jumper from 15 feet in.

Whether starting or as a reserve, Okwandu will see a nice jump in minutes played this year. The seven foot bruiser should be counted on for rebounds and blocks and gives Calhoun a nice option to go big when paired with any combination of Robinson, Edwards or Oriakhi.

The Bench:

Jamal Coombes-McDaniel, Fr-F

JCM, brings a very nice offensive skill set to the team as well as above average awareness, which allows him to play like a point guard trapped in a 6'7" body.

A teammate of Oriakhi's at prep school, JCM should be among the Huskies leaders in three-pont percentage, but also is adept at penetrating to the basket and finishing or creating for others off the dribble.

Coombes-McDaniels has the speed to guard at the two, the three and long enough arms to defend at the four if needed. His tendency to lead by example and vocal nature on the court should make him a team leader as early as next year.

Darius Smith, Fr-G

Smith's impact as a freshman should be felt on the defensive side of the ball, as his speed and quick hands should make life difficult on opposing guards.

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