A Monday morning altercation resulted in the arrest and subsequent suspension of UConn junior Enosch Wolf, arguably the team’s most productive center.
Enosch Wolf (AP)
The suspension is indefinite and “pending completion of the legal process and a university review process,” the school said in a press release.
Although he wasn’t a starter, losing Wolf is a big hit. It seems UConn was better with Wolf rather than Tyler Olander.
*In 10 Big East games, Wolf and Olander have never played together. UConn has outscored Big East opponents 258-217 with Wolf at center (a +41 margin). With Olander at center, the Huskies are up 403-294 — or +9 — in conference play.
Plus-minus stats can be deceiving, but it’s interesting to examine Wolf vs. Olander: Against Rutgers, UConn was +20 with Wolf and -10 with Olander. The Huskies were also -10 with Olander versus Pitt and +7 with Wolf. The 7-foot-1 junior was on the court for the 21-12 run against Pitt, the 20-9 spurt against Providence and the 29-12 run on St. John’s.
Of course, Olander was the five-man when UConn administered its critical 17-4 run versus USF. He also scored a career-best 16 against Notre Dame, propelling the Huskies to one of their signature victories. Overall, though, I’d say Wolf has been more productive than his frontcourt counterpart.
*Wolf had been playing less minutes lately, averaging just 11.3 in the past three games. Still, he’s provided a shot-blocking presence (12 rejections in Big East play) and has been fairly consistent offensively (team-best 59 percent from the field).
*In his absence, Olander’s minutes (21.7 per game) will undoubtedly increase. Phil Nolan, scoreless in 25 minutes of Big East action, should receive more time, too. Depending on the matchup, Ollie may sometimes opt for the super-small lineup of Niels Giffey and DeAndre Daniels. The Huskies closed two recent wins — Providence and South Florida — with the 6-foot-7 Giffey at center.
