Before we get into these notes, a little promo: Be sure to check out my feature on UConn newcomer R.J. Evans in Friday’s Hearst Connecticut Newspapers.
Moving on….
I made the trip to Storrs on Wednesday to talk with Evans for the story (right now, Evans, DeAndre DAniels, Ryan Boatright and Tyler Olander are the only players on campus). I also chatted with Jim Calhoun for a few minutes. Here are the highlights:
*On DeAndre Daniels: “DeAndre, he wants to be our three man next year, we certainly think he has a chance. Since the season ended, he’s lived in the gym.”
Jim Calhoun (AP)
*On next year’s roster: “We won’t, for the first time…I was just trying to think of this the other day. It ended up being Hasheem’s freshman year, Jeff Adrien and AJ Price, two of those guys are in the NBA now. Right now we don’t have anybody who clearly projects as an NBA player. I think Boatright and Shabazz, those guys have a chance, but it’s not what I think or what you think, it’s do they play that well? The problem is, you look at Andre Drummond. Before Andre ever stepped into a practice, he was getting ready for the NBA because of his body. So, that’s what I’m talking about. I wouldn’t have said that about Jeremy coming here…I thought he could be a great scorer, but he became…as he gets stronger, in my opinion he’ll be a 17 or 18 point scorer within two years of being in the NBA. He can score points. Bottom line, we’ll have to play differently, we’ll be a different kind of team. I think we’ll be a little more multiple on defense, Tyler (Olander) will have to play more inside.”
*On R.J. Evans stepping in and filling a leadership void: “The key is, and the question would be, ‘What’s he like?’ He doesn’t have to say a word. Donnell Beverly didn’t even play very much, now he had been through some things, no question, but he was a good leader. I would expect that R.J. will play more, number one. And number two, he’s a very physical kid basketball wise. And in your fifth year, you see the world a bit differently. Especially when you’ve had success. He was the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, he made All-Patriot League. He had a very career before, so there’s no reason to believe there will be a confidence void with him. We’re excited about him. He’s a good addition at a time where, for both parties, it will help a lot.”
