UConn Basketball Recruiting Class Set, As Mr. Smith Goes To Storrs

The 2010-11 University of Connecticut Huskies men's basketball roster is nearly set.

After losing three seniors from this past season's team, as well as the bulk of their scoring and rebounding, the Huskies will be taking the floor next season with a very young, but potentially exciting team.

The incoming draft class has been rated No. 17 in the nation by Scout.com, and is headlined by the ESPN100 small forward, Roscoe Smith.

Some UConn fans are already expressing their disappointment that the Huskies failed to land the top-tier recruits they were pursuing this year.

Names like Brandon Knight, Josh Selby, Doron Lamb, Cory Joseph, and C.J. Leslie were all recruited heavily, and certainly would have made a splash. But anyone disappointed with the class head coach Jim Calhoun has pulled in will calm down once they see these kids take the floor.

Smith is exactly the type of player Calhoun likes to build a team around, as he's an excellent long-range shooter, great in transition, a good rebounder, and possesses very good athleticism. While Smith doesn't have the elite athleticism of the last 6'8" small forward from Baltimore to wear a Husky uniform— Rudy Gay— he does possess a much better shot.

One of UConn's major trouble areas during last season's difficult 18-16 campaign was outside shooting. Smith won't be the only freshman helping to solve that problem, and will be joined by:

Jeremy Lamb, a 6'4" shooting guard, is reported to be an outstanding shooter from both long- and mid-range. He has a great handle and possesses good point guard skills, and instincts. He will be able to excel in both spot-up and off-the-dribble situations.

Shabazz Napier, a lightning-quick, 5'11" point guard from neighboring Mass., will be able to step in right away as a capable backup for Kemba Walker. A scoring guard with a nice step-back jumper, Napier has been compared to former Boston College great Dana Barros. With Walker likely to jump to the pros after next season, it's great to see his replacement in place for a year of mentoring.

Tyler Olander, a 6'9", 215-pound power forward, is expected to compete for time in the somewhat crowded, but unspectacular, UConn frontcourt. He needs serious time in the weight room (and a few pizzas), and is most comfortable facing the hoop (legitimate three-point range and driving ability), but he has recently shown an improved post game. A product of E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, (which is attached to the UConn campus), he never seriously thought of going anywhere but UConn.

There was some talk of Olander redshirting his freshman year to bulk up, but I don't see that happening. The Huskies badly need reliable scoring from their frontcourt, and Olander could help immediately.

Of no importance whatsoever, but I still like it, Olander is the first Connecticut-raised Huskies player expected to see playing time since Crag Austrie graduated after the 2009.

Rounding out the incoming class is 6'10" center Michael Bradley. Bradley is a good weak-side shot-blocker, and a solid rebounder, but at just 210 pounds, he will be considered a project until he bulks up enough to handle the rigors of Big East play. Expect a redshirt season for him.

So, there you have it. The UConn Huskies' class of 2010-11.

I, for one, am already pumped.

Based on nothing, here is my projected rotation:

PG— Kemba Walker (Shabazz Napier)

SG— Jeremy Lamb (Jamal Coombs-McDaniel)

SF— Roscoe Smith (Coombs-McDaniel)

PF— Ater Majok (Tyler Olander)

C— Alex Oriakhi (Charles Okwandu)

This would constitute one of Calhoun's youngest teams in years, but they will be a team that wins games, and should be a lock to make the NCAA tournament. Beyond that, who knows? It should be a lot of fun to watch.