UConn Huskies Basketball: Offseason to-Do List to Improve 2012-13 Season

Now that UConn fans have had a few days to get over an extremely disappointing loss in the NCAA tournament to Iowa State, it's time to look ahead to what next season has to offer.

This offseason will be very important to this program moving forward. Not only is their fate in the hands of the NCAA, but there are questions about their Hall of Fame coach, players may end up leaving early for the next level and with many key members of the Big East leaving for the ACC, UConn has many questions to answer.

The Huskies have a ways to go before they are at the top of college basketball once again, and it will all start with a busy offseason.

Here are five things that are on the to-do list, in order for the Huskies to see better days next year.

Figure out What the Punishment Is Going to Be

This of course is the biggest issue heading into the offseason, considering it will help determine the outcome of everything else the Huskies are going to have to deal with. UConn is of course dealing with NCAA sanctions that include recruiting violations, and may be banned from postseason play next season due to poor academics.

The Huskies of course are trying to find an alternative to the punishment, which may or may not end up working. UConn should find out their fate soon, and it will really help set the future of this program and make a lot of answers to these next questions a lot easier.

This offseason will likely be a domino-effect; this is the first one that needs to fall for everything else to fall in place for the UConn program.

See What Decision Jim Calhoun Will Make

Calhoun will likely not make a knee-jerk reaction to whatever the NCAA decides to do in the next couple of months. This is a head coach that has built this program from the bottom and has been on the sidelines for the Huskies since 1986. 

Although his health is a serious issue, and may force him to retire a little premature than he'd like. He turns 70 years old this year, and has had several health issues, including back surgery this season. We all know it's going to take a lot for Calhoun to step down, but it seems that his health is beginning to catch up to him at a rapid rate.

I expect him to remain the head coach next season regardless of what happens, but if he does decide to leave, expect him to pass the torch to current assistant and former player, Kevin Ollie. Regardless, you can expect Calhoun to be a part of this program one way or another, whether he is the main guy in charge or not.

See Which Players Are Looking to Transfer

This Huskie team is very young, and has the ability to return the majority of the key players. But if they are banned from postseason play, players may be looking to take their talents elsewhere. Although this may seem like everybody would look to jump ship, there is a catch. Besides Alex Oriakhi, any other player would have to sit out a year once they transfer to another program.

That should force majority of the team to stay with the Huskies, but of course you never quite know what these kids are thinking these days. Being banned from the postseason for one year could seriously effect recruiting, with could give the current players another reason to leave for a more stable program.

Also, the decision Jim Calhoun makes will play into the player's decision as well, especially for guard Shabazz Napier who is very close to the head coach.

I don't see any players willing to risk a year of eligibility, but the possibility will be there.

Convince Andre Drummond and Lamb to Stay One More Year

Jeremy Lamb is probably gone regardless of what happens with the program. He's a guaranteed lottery pick and he's pretty much accomplished everything he could possibly do at the collegiate level. But there are still questions about him being a leader on the court and if he's really as good as advertised.

With his talent, there's no reason why he doesn't demand the ball at times, and he still takes questionable shots. He'll likely still be a top 10 pick in next year's draft, but he could still show some things to become a top five pick if he stayed his junior year.

Drummond needs to stay in college because he didn't fulfill anywhere close to his potential this season. With his height and athleticism, he should have owned the glass this season and been one of the better players in the country. He has the NBA body and the potential to be absolutely great at the next level. Instead we saw a raw player that still needs to develop his game and show a lot more passion out on the court.

I think Lamb is going to turn pro and Drummond will return for his sophomore season. But if UConn is eligible for the tournament, and they both stay, the Huskies could earn their fourth title in the program's history next year.

Get a Healthy Michael Bradley on the Floor

Bradley was a solid recruit in the 2010 class, and yet Huskie fans have yet to see him on the court. His first season he was redshirted, and this year he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out all season as well. He may end up receiving a medical redshirt to keep his four years of eligibility.

But Bradley is a big body at 6'10", 215 pounds, and would provide even more depth in the frontcourt. You add his size along with Drummond and Oriakhi, and you have yourself enough solid big men in the paint that most teams won't be able to handle.

Bradley is an aggressive player, who runs the floor well and can even stroke a consistent mid-range shot. It should be fun to finally see him on the court for the first time, and he'll be a great addition to the team regardless of what ends up happening with the program during the offseason.