![]() ![]() Now that Dan Hurley has seemingly figured out how to allow Sanogo succeed without dominating the ball, he has become an even tougher matchup for opponents. His ability to score and rebound consistently is remarkable, and when Sanogo is locked in defensively as well, he becomes a great two-way player. Sanogo did a strong job of avoiding foul trouble in the wins, although he certainly got help from Donovan Clinigan when he was on the bench.Įven if Hawkins is now UConn’s number one, Sanogo is 1B. Sanogo’s rim protection, which has dropped off this year, was much improved, and he recorded a season-high 3 bocks against the Friars. He did a good job of staying in front of his man as well as providing help defense when necessary. Sanogo’s defense has been much improved in recent games, and that continued to be the case against Providence and St. On the boards, Sanogo did a strong job of boxing out and reacting quickly to rebound opportunities. Sanogo also demonstrated his improved passing by dishing out a combined three assists in the wins. John’s, he did an outstanding job of attacking defenders head on and forcing contact, going 8-10 at the charity stripe. Sanogo did an excellent job of beating his man both down low and off the dribble from the top of the key, and displayed great touch and footwork. He also averaged 7 rebounds, grabbing 9 on Saturday. Sanogo averaged 17 points against the Friars and Red Storm on 75% shooting and went 10-12 at the free throw line. Sanogo showed off his increased offensive efficiency as well as an improved all-around game against Providence and St. And of course, Sanogo has been just as strong as ever in the low post since Hurley’s changes, especially now that he is not being double-teamed so much. It also makes it much easier for Sanogo to pass the ball. Sanogo’s strength and footwork allows him to be very effective as a scorer from this spot, and it allows him to take better advantage of his surprisingly strong 3-point shot. In February however, Dan Hurley made the smart decision to have the big man play significant minutes at the top of the key, allowing Sanogo to focus on setting screens and starting scoring opportunities facing towards the basket. Sanogo’s reliability is sometimes not appreciated by the Husky fanbase, and the junior hasn’t been helped when asked to carry the load so frequently by the team, as was happening when the offense was being run through Sanogo during UConn’s January swoon. ![]() Let’s hope they don’t lose focus in this last week and hurt their momentum going into the Big East tourney.Īdama Sanogo Reminds Opponents and Fans That he is One of the Best Players in the NationĪs Jordan Hawkins has earned more and more accolades for his shooting and overall improvement in Big East Play, Sanogo has faded to the background a little bit, particularly since he is not a serious NBA prospect like Hawkins is. UConn is frequently clicking on all cylinders right now. John’s wins and the big-time positives and one negative fans can take from the games. From better communication and focus as a team to improved coaching to individual players turning things around, everything is looking up for the Huskies going into the last two regular season games against DePaul and at Villanova tomorrow and Saturday.īelow, I discuss my famous observations about the Providence and St. On defense, UConn did a much better job of limiting offensive penetration and defending at the rim, especially against Providence, and keeping players off the offensive glass. After two mediocre offensive games, they were on fire against the Friars and Red Storm, showing their versatility and depth. ![]() The Huskies have one six of seven and are now 22-7 and 11-7 in the Big East (good for fifth in the standings), earning them a No. John’s with ease on Wednesday and Saturday, with the first 18-point triumph on Senior Night one of the program’s signature wins of the season. Never mind reaching the heights of the team’s 14-0 start: UConn needed to turn things around to still get a strong seed in the NCAA Tournament as well as avoid having to play in the first round of the Big East tourney.įlash forward to today, and the Huskies are the hottest team in the Big East and again seen as one of the most likely squads to go deep into March and reach the Final Four. The worst part of this was that the Huskies were playing tentatively, and no one seemed to be having any fun. The defense was playing terribly, and UConn was getting inconsistent production from multiple starters, particularly Andre Jackson, as well as much of its bench. Following their home loss to Xavier on January 25 th, the team had lost six of eight games and was under. ![]()
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