UConn Huskies Look to be the Beast of the Big East

The UConn Huskies have not been impressive early on in the season. 

As the New Year is upon arrival, be sure to watch this UConn team changing its image.

Yes, there have been the early season struggles with teams such as Colgate, Central Florida, and Harvard, but the Huskies have won every game that they were supposed to win.

With a few more free throws and rebounds against Kentucky, UConn could have came out on top against the Wildcats. In the early season loss against Duke, UConn shot poorly and was dominated on the glass. 

Both of these games were against the elite programs in the country.

The Huskies didn't get run out of the building in either game, and this team is starting to form its identity. That is crucial as the Huskies open up Big East play on the road at Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

UConn is still trying to produce more offensive scoring down low in the post from Ater Majok and Alex Oriahki. Both are rebounding and blocking shots, which is helping the Huskies get out in transition.

Connecticut is as successful as its version of the big three.

Kemba Walker pushes the tempo and has improved his jumpshot from a year ago.  He is more experienced and is frequently finding the open man. His speed is unmatched and will be vital for the Huskies to push the tempo in conference play.

His backcourt companion is senior Jerome Dyson. Dyson's scoring on the perimeter and his ability to drive to the basket are what generates a lot of offense for this team. 

Dyson is not afraid to shoot it, and his scoring production is going to be necessary if the Huskies plan on being on top of the Big East.

Lastly, probably the most important part of this triforce is forward Stanley Robinson. 

He has more athleticism and raw talent then most in college basketball. As a senior, Robinson has become a leader on this team.

He has developed his shot from beyond the three point line, which is just another part of his game defenders must guard against. Against Iona on Sunday,  Robinson was 13-18 and scored 29 points.

The Huskies are also getting solid play of its bench. 

 Senior Gavin Edwards and junior Donnell Beverly, know their roles on this team and are big contributors. Beverley provides experience and is a good ball handler.

Edwards has been excellent down-low getting to the free throw line, where he is shooting 85%. He is comfortable coming off the bench, and when he is in the game he's not afraid to take on the opponent at both ends of the floor.

Recently, the emergence of freshman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel provides another option on the wing. A high school teammate of Oriahki, Coombs-McDaniel can slash and take it to the rim or spot up for the three.

The perimeter shooting has improved over the last few games. Coombs-McDaniel scored a career high 14 points against Iona, and his production should bring much needed depth and scoring to offset the load carried by the big three.

Nevertheless, this Huskies team knows it has the talent to contend for a Big East title.  It's not going to come easy with playing Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and Louisville twice.

The Huskies also have to go to Syracuse and Villanova, which are two extremely tough road tests.

And let's not forget that UConn will play top three team in Texas on January 23rd at Gampel Pavilion.

This UConn team is going to be battle tested over the next two months. Those games will make or break their chances come March Madness.

Calhoun has been there before and he hopes to guide this team to another top seed in the field of 65. 

It all starts Wednesday night.

This Big East conference is as deep and talented as any conference in the country. 

The beatings these teams give each other night in and night out will prove it.