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Writer's pictureGeorge Hathaway

The 12 Days of 'Big East-Mas' Season Preview: UConn Huskies

Last Season:

The Huskies finished 23-10 overall with a 13-6 Big East conference record. It was not the way they wanted their season to go losing in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament to Teddy Allen and New Mexico State. It is the second year in a row that UConn lost in the First Round, so this season has to be different. The Huskies received notable wins over Auburn in November and Villanova later in the season in February. UConn was ranked 4th in the Big East Coaches Poll. With Danny Hurley at the helm and Big East Preseason Player of the Year, Adam Sanogo, this Huskies team will be fun to watch.

Who's Out:

  • Corey Floyd

Transferring to Providence in a shocking inter-conference transfer, Corey Floyd looks to receive more playing with the Friars after finding little time with UConn. After red-shirting in 2021-2022, Floyd chose to play at UConn over Providence when he first classified in 2021.

  • Akok Akok

Another inter-conference transfer, Akok Akok is now heading to Georgetown to play for the Hoyas. The 6-9 forward played in 23 games for the Huskies in 21-22 even starting 7 games. He averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds for the Huskies.

  • Rashool Diggins

At 6-1, Diggins is transferring to UMass after not getting a big role at UConn. He averaged 5 minutes per game in 2021-2022.

  • Jalen Gafney

As a junior, Jalen Gafney averaged 4 points per game at UConn shooting 34% from the floor. He was the backup point guard to RJ Cole, but his role was underperformed for the Huskies last season. He will now beat at Florida Atlantic University.


Who's In:

  • Joey Calcaterra

In his final year of eligibility, the transfer from San Diego will provide a pivotal leadership role for this Huskies team. Calcaterra averaged 35% from three during his four years at San Diego. A much-needed perimeter shooter for Danny Hurley and the Huskies.

  • Hassan Diarra

The transfer from Texas A&M put up 6 points off the bench and 31% from three last season for the Aggies. He will be a great backup guard that can play both sides of the court as he is known for his great defense too.

  • Nahiem Alleyne

With two years of eligibility, the transfer from Virginia Tech is a big pickup for the Huskies this upcoming season. The 6-4 guard will help UConn with their spacing issues. Alleyne averaged 9 points per game last season helping Virginia Tech with the ACC Tournament. He is another guard that can shoot the ball for this Huskies team. He shot 37% from three last year.

  • Tristen Newton

One of the biggest pickups this offseason for Hurley and staff is Tristen Newton a transfer from ECU. He will also have two ears of eligibility left with the Huskies after averaging 17 points last season. There is some history with Newton and the Huskies as back when the Huskies were in the American Conference, Newton put up 22 points against them.


Possible Starting Lineup:

Tristen Newton, Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson, Samson Johnson, Adama Sanogo


This team will be fun to watch for the Huskies going into this season. There are a lot of better shooters on this starting five, but it will be the consistency that may haunt them down the road. If they are unable to make shots it will be up to Adam Sanogo to clean it up on the glass, but having just him in the lineup as a primary rebounder will not be enough. There are a lot of high hopes for Danny Hurley's UConn Huskies this season. With all these additions to the team, UConn should be a team to watch out for in the Big East.



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