2006 Connecticut Huskies Basketball Preview

2006 Connecticut Huskies Basketball Predictions

Coach Jim Calhoun (485- 177 in 20 years at UConn) has his work cut out for him with a team comprised of eight freshmen and five sophomores. Although five of seven of his departures went in the first two rounds of the NBA draft, Calhoun has one of the best frosh classes in the nation.

With point guard Marcus Williams gone, the Huskies need to find exactly who will fill that position. Last season, Craig Austrie (3.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 36.4 FG%, 78.7 FT%) got some valuable experience, while A.J. Price, a 6’ 2” sophomore with a whole tool chest of skills, is back after a life-threatening illness and legal problems. Price is a rising star who can develop quickly. From the freshman ranks, look for Jerome Dyson, a fine two-way player, and Doug Wiggins, quick and agile on the dribble, to see action early and often. Sophomore Rob Garrison (1.9 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 37.9 FG%, 75.0 FT%) may see important minutes.

Sophomore Jeff Adrien (6.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 61.0 FG%, 64.1 FT%) brings stability to a frontcourt hit by departures. He’s got a tough inside game. At center, expect to see freshman Hasheem Thabeet—7’ 3” and 265 pounds—hammering and commanding the boards. At the other forward position, there’s plenty of competition amongst the freshmen, including the multifaceted Stanley Robinson and big energy guy Curtis Kelley.

Calhoun is an expert at developing talent and team chemistry. Along with the highly competitive Big East schedule, Calhoun’s Huskies must play Georgia Tech, LSU and Indiana. But this is the type of challenge upon which Coach Calhoun thrives. Although he may not get the squad to the top of the conference, like he did last year when they went 14-2 (30- 4 overall), he can certainly steer them into the NCAA Tournament.

This should be an exciting team to watch. There’s sure to be a lot of development and growing pains in the first few weeks. A first-place Big East finish is a lot to ask, but a solid, winning record is definitely achievable.

If you want more info on the 2006 Connecticut Huskies College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Syracuse Orange and Villanova Wildcats.