UConn Needs to Be Ready for the Big East

This UConn team is coming off a season in which they reached the Final Four, but their slow starts in the beginning of games is cause for concern, considering Big East play begins next week in Cincinnati.

The Huskies are still trying to find themselves and see how the pieces of the puzzle fit as a team.  Recent addition of big man Ater Majok is supposed to provide significant help in the frontcourt.  It also allows Robinson to play the three spot, where he performs best.

The core of this team relies in the hands of those who bring the most experience and skill.  The big three—Dyson, Walker, and Robinson—have been called upon on in every game this season.  The minutes these players have logged is 30 plus per game.

That is troubling, considering how long the college basketball season is.  The lack of depth on this Connecticut team is a problem that needs to be resolved.  After senior Gavin Edwards, who is first off the bench, there are a lot of questions.

Edwards has been a bright spot for the Huskies this year.  He is currently shooting just over 90 percent from the free throw line, and has been a dominant shotblocker in the post.  He has been reliable on both ends of the court this season.

Freshman Alex Oriahki has played well, considering he is a first-year starter.  He has been the most productive rebounder and is still establishing himself down low on the offensive end.  His progress is going to be key, if UConn wants to contend for a Big East title.

Mcoombs-Daniels, Smith, and Trice have been used very little.  Okwandu has struggled early on in the season and now that Majok is back he will see little playing time if any.

Senior guard Donnell Beverely is backing up Kemba Walker.  He is a strong defender and has the potential to knock down the outside shot.

UConn's three-point shooting was nonexistent early on in the season, but Jerome Dyson has started to heat up from behind the arc.  He is averaging almost 20 points per game, and he's not afraid to shoot it.

Stanley Robinson made three three-pointers last game, and on the wing his versatility is a big factor for the Huskies.  His high-flying dunks and athleticism energize the crowd whenever he makes a play.

The Huskies haven't started well in most games this season.  That is a something that they can't continue to do, because in the Big East, some teams will take that and bury any chance of coming back.

UConn was down six to Central Florida.  They were booed at home when they went to the locker room tied at half vs. Maine.  These are teams that UConn should be running out of the building.

Although they went down 12-0 against Kentucky, they rallied back in a game that really should have won, if they made their free throws.

The current ranking of this Huskies team is misleading.  Yes, they are ranked in the top 15, and could move into the top 10, but the only real contenders came in losses to Duke and Kentucky, both at MSG.

Big East conference play is a whole different environment.  The physical and defensive intensity is at a different level.  All of these teams are familiar with one another's strengths and weaknesses.

The Huskies have looked far from impressive early on this season.  Conference play is going to define whether this UConn team has the talent to make another deep run in March, or if they are going to be fighting for a spot in the big dance.

The defining game of the second half of this season will come Jan. 23, when Texas comes to Gampel Pavillion.  Texas is currently ranked No. 2 in the country and could potentially be 15-0 when they come to Connecticut.

UConn held its own against Kentucky.  They will go to Michigan in January, but how they measure up against the likes of Syracuse, West Virginia, and Notre Dame will show the college basketball world the team's true talent.

Jim Calhoun believes this team has the talent and ability to be successful in March. 

There are many analysts out there that question how good this team really is.  This team will be battle-tested in the conference, and that will show if they are for real.

Kemba Walker has the potential to play and to take this team far, judging by his performance last year in the NCAA Tournament and against John Wall in the Garden.

The Huskies game against Iona this Sunday should be a confidence-builder and one final tune up before the schedule gets tough. 

There's nothing like watching the battles in the Big East.  The Huskies had better be prepared for each and every team they play in the conference. 

This will determine where the Huskies stand in the field of 65.