I caught up briefly with an NBA Scout in the pregame to discuss UConn’s pro prospects. In recent weeks, I’ve come around to the idea of Shabazz Napier declaring for the NBA Draft this year. This particular scout pegged Napier as a possible second-rounder, but said he sees him as a “D-League guy.” The scout also mentioned that DeAndre Daniels was UConn’s best pro prospect because he’s “the most translatable.”
Additionally, he feels that Ryan Boatright needs to come back, which seems to be the consensus. He doesn’t envision Boatright being drafted in 2013.
Some notes on tonight’s game:
WHEN: Tonight, 8
WHERE: Allstate Arena (Rosemont, Ill.)
RECORDS: UConn, 18-7, 8-5 Big East; DePaul 11-15, 2-11 Big East
ON THE AIR: SNY; WTIC-AM 1080 (Joe D’Ambrosio, Wayne Norman)
UP NEXT: Wednesday vs. Georgetown, Gampel Pavilion, 7 (ESPN2)
Ryan Boatright (AP)
UCONN
Shabazz Napier G 6-0 Jr..: 27 pts (11 in OT) vs. Cincinnati
Ryan Boatright G 5-10 So.: 19-for-57 FG in past 6 games
Omar Calhoun G 6-5 Fr.: 14.4 ppg in past 5 games
DeAndre Daniels F 6-8 So.: 4 blocks, three 3-point FG vs. Cincinnati
Tyler Olander F 6-9 Jr.: 2 rebs in 32 mins vs. Cincinnati
Niels Giffey F 6-7 Jr.: 4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg
R.J. Evans G 6-3 Sr.: 1 pt in 3 mins vs. Cincinnati
Phil Nolan F 6-9 Fr.: Has appeared in 4 straight games
Leon Tolksdorf F 6-8 Fr.: DNP vs. Cincinnati
DEPAUL
Brandon Young G 6-4 Jr.: Career-high 35 pts vs. UConn on Jan. 8
Charles McKinney G 6-3 So.: 5.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Jamee Crockett G/F 6-4 So.: 10 pts in 18 mins vs. Georgetown
Cleveland Melvin F 6-8 Jr.: 16.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Donnavan Kirk F 6-9 Jr.: Leads team with 46 blocks
Worrel Clahar G 5-11 Sr.: 7.1 ppg, 27% 3-PT FG
Moses Morgan F 6-6 Jr.: 6.6 ppg
Derrell Robertston C 6-10 So.: 2.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg
STORY LINES
NEED A T.O.: Tyler Olander has earned more minutes since the indefinite suspension of back-up center Enosch Wolf. He hasn’t produced much, though. He has a paltry 12 rebounds in his last 115 minutes.
REGULAR SEASON TITLE: At 8-5, UConn is not completely eliminated from conference title contention. The Huskies sit a half-game behind Notre Dame, one game behind Louisville and two games behind Syracuse, Georgetown and Marquette. They’ll likely need to win out — and get some help — to claim the top spot in the league.
THE OPPOSITE OF A REGULAR SEASON TITLE: Perpetual basement-dweller DePaul is actually ahead of Seton Hall (2-12) and South Florida (1-13) in the standings. The Blue Demons have finished in last place every year since 2008-09.
Live Updates
Ollie needs to stop worrying about his coach of the year possibilities and start worrying about the future … bench Olander and start playing the younger players … Olander is aweful and has no future. Play Nolan!