By The Numbers: What to know about 2024-25 UConn men’s basketball season

Every day is one step closer to banner night for the UConn men’s basketball team.

Fans already got their first look at Coach Dan Hurley’s new group during its preseason exhibition against Rhode Island, a 102-75 win at Mohegan Sun. But the reigning back-to-back champs will officially unveil the newest banner in Gampel Pavilion and tip-off their 2024-25 season against Sacred Heart on Wednesday.

The biggest question this season, as Hurley and Co. look to become the first program since UCLA in the late-60s, early-70s to win at least three NCAA Championships in a row, will be how the Huskies manage to fill so many open roles. They did it after losing three starters in 2023, and will now have to try again after losing four more to the NBA last season.

Hurley will be counting on a number of players to make a significant jump, his two transfer portal additions to adjust and the few returning veterans to step up as leaders for a young group.

What you need to know about the 2024-25 UConn men’s basketball team, by the numbers:

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Players recognized with Big East preseason awards. Alex Karaban was named First Team All-Conference and Aidan Mahaney was on the Third Team. Liam McNeeley was named the league’s preseason Freshman of the Year.

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UConn’s final KenPom rating for defensive efficiency after the 2023-24 season. The Huskies will need to make up for the elite defenders lost in lottery picks Donovan Cingan and Stephon Castle. KenPom ranks UConn’s defense No. 6 in the country entering the season.

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UConn has at least five games on its schedule against teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, and could see more depending on how the Maui bracket shakes out. The Huskies will meet No. 6 Gonzaga, No. 8 Baylor and No. 19 Texas during the nonconference portion, and No. 15 Creighton and No. 18 Marquette twice each during the Big East slate.

Roster Breakdown: A look at the 2024-25 UConn men’s basketball team

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Players added this offseason. UConn added three freshmen (Liam McNeeley, Ahmad…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/numbers-know-2024-25-uconn-143800383.html

Author : Hartford Courant

Publish date : 2024-11-05 14:38:00

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