Speaking of the Big 12...and Texas

[the Blades]

I wonder what kind of treatment the Texas fans will give him after he left them at the end of one season?

UConn’s Sterling Gibbs has fond memories of his season at Texas

"By the time this season ends, Gibbs, the UConn guard, will have played against 1.) Maryland, the program to whom he originally committed out of high school; 2.) Texas, the program he wound up committing to and playing for as a freshman; and, 3.) Ohio State, the program he turned down after graduating from college, taking his talents to UConn instead for a season as a grad student."

 

[the Blades]

And also regarding Texas, here's some news I just saw scrolling across ESPN......I guess the Cameron Ridley match-up will now become moot with Brimah out for Uconn.
It looks like both teams lost their starting centers for Tuesday's match-up:
Ridley's fractured foot is an ill-timed blow for Texas

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Tough blow for Texas but kind of makes it a fair fight. Both teams lose over 3 blocks a game and lots of rim protection, so we should see a higher scoring game, more easy baskets inside by both teams and less D. I worry about the driving lanes and whether we will see a layup drill by Texas.

 

[Silk31]

An eye for an eye with the Ridley injury. This is a very big game for our guys with the opportunities for resume building wins starting to wind down with AAC play looming.

We owe them a loss for sure after last year's game.

 

[the Blades]

Texas-UConn Hoops Preview from the other side

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

That is actually a very good analysis of UConn and what has been UConn's secret of success - that being defense in the paint. The article mentions a stat on Brimah and UConn's 2 point FG% defense with and without him in the lineup: 47% without vs 37% with is a huge swing!!!!!! And they are right that UConn doesn't have anyone like Brimah in back of Brimah. Facey and Nolan are okay defenders but they don't really provide premium rim protection and shot alteration.

I have a feeling it's going to be difficult for me to watch bad defense. But the live and die by the jumpshots can swing either way in this game! So we as UConn fans have to adopt a new mindset which is to out-offense the opponent.

 

[the Blades]

Should be an interesting match-up. I wonder if we'll see alot of small ball ? ....without Ridley they only have 2 guys over 6-4 who average in double digit minutes ( one is former Uconn recruit Tevin Mack who is only at 13 minutes a game).... Getting beat off the dribble vs. a smaller team might be a problem especially if D-Ham, Calhoun and Gibbs don't dig in with Brimah out.
Starters:
Javan Felix G 5-11 205
Demarcus Holland G 6-3 190
Isaiah Taylor G 6-3 185
Connor Lammert F 6-10 235

Key Reserves ( one who must start)
Eric Davis, Jr. G 6-2 185
Kerwin Roach, Jr. G 6-4 170
Tevin Mack G/F 6-6 210

like Uconn they have 2 more bigs they've played less than 10 min. a game
Prince Ibeh C 6-11 265
Shaquille Cleare F 6-8 285