Get ready for some basketball action! The UConn Huskies men's basketball team took on Boston College in an exhibition game, but it wasn't just any ordinary game. The Huskies were missing two key starters, Tarris Reed Jr. and Silas Demary Jr., due to leg injuries. This left a big void to fill, especially with Reed's defensive prowess and Demary's perimeter skills.
But here's where it gets interesting... the Huskies still managed to pull off a victory! Despite some familiar issues like excessive fouling and a lack of rebounds, the team found solace in the performance of their backups.
Enter Eric Reibe and Malachi Smith, the players expected to step up in the absence of the injured starters. Reibe, a 7-foot freshman center, showed his potential with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Smith, a transfer point guard, contributed 7 points, 5 assists, and a block, showcasing his energy and defensive prowess.
However, the Huskies' shooting struggles were evident, especially from beyond the arc. They managed just 5-for-21 from three-point range, and their defense let them down at times. But the team's resilience shone through, and they fought back to take the lead for good with a putback from Dwayne Koroma.
"We showed flashes of brilliance, both offensively and defensively," said Alex Karaban, who led UConn with 17 points and 11 rebounds. "We've got a long way to go, but I believe we can battle through adversity."
Coach Dan Hurley echoed these sentiments, stating, "It was a good experience for the team, especially with the adversity we faced. It makes me more confident in our ability to adapt and grow."
Now, let's dive into the individual performances that made this exhibition game so intriguing:
Alex Karaban: Karaban's shooting struggles from last season reared their head early on, but he found his groove with strong drives to the basket. His ability to adapt and contribute in other ways, like grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists, will be crucial for the team's success this season.
Solo Ball: Despite hitting just 1 out of 8 three-pointers, Solo Ball's long-range shooting prowess is undeniable. Coach Hurley believes Ball has improved on defense, and with some work on other aspects of his game, he could be a force to be reckoned with.
Malachi Smith: Starting in place of the injured Demary, Smith brought an infusion of energy and solid defensive play. His assist total could have been even higher if his teammates had better shooting nights. Coach Hurley sees Smith as a major factor this season, sharing the floor with Demary and playing significant minutes.
Braylon Mullins: This freshman starter, at 6-6, showed why he's highly regarded. Despite limited minutes due to foul trouble, his length, athleticism, and presence on the court were impressive. He could be the Big East's top freshman this season.
Eric Reibe: Starting in place of Reed, Reibe was a strong presence with 8 points and 6 rebounds. His footwork and mobility are impressive, and his guard-like skills as a shooter and distributor make him a versatile asset.
Jaylin Stewart: Although he appears to have lost the starting wing job to Mullins, Stewart had some standout moments. He showed assertiveness and strength, and with some fine-tuning, he could be a valuable contributor.
Jayden Ross: Ross's stat line might not jump off the page, but his plus-minus of +26 speaks volumes. Coach Hurley wants Ross to be a consistent 3-point shooter and a defensive stalwart, and with some more confidence, he could be a key player.
Dwayne Koroma: This grad transfer contributed in his limited minutes, grabbing 5 rebounds and scoring the basket that put the Huskies ahead for good. He's a valuable asset off the bench.
Alec Millender: Another grad transfer, Millender dished out 4 assists and hit both his free throws. He's earned praise from the coaching staff and will be a reliable option when needed.
Jacob Furphy: The freshman from Tasmania had a brief appearance, but his potential is evident. He'll likely have some moments to shine throughout the season.
And finally, a moment of reflection. Coach Hurley paid tribute to Mary Sohon Volz, a beloved UConn fan who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Her passion and support for the team will be deeply missed.
So, what do you think? Will the Huskies' backups be able to step up and fill the void left by the injured starters? Can they overcome their shooting struggles and find consistency? Let's discuss in the comments and keep the conversation going!
