A veteran NBA scout who recently visited UConn’s practice told SNY.tv that the Huskies are “better than you think” and are loaded with NBA prospects.
“I was shocked at how good they were,” the scout said. “I never expected them to be like this.”
The reigning NCAA champions lost several key players, including star point guard Shabazz Napier and athletic forward DeAndre Daniels, but the scout counts Amida Brimah, Daniel Hamilton and Ryan Boatright as potential future pros.
The scout also counted Sam Cassell Jr., Rodney Purvis, Omar Calhoun and Phillip Nolan as prospects to watch.
Here’s the scout’s breakdown of a few guys:
Amida Brimah, 7-0, So., C: “Brimah has improved 100 percent, maybe 150 percent, from last year. He’s blocking shots, runs the floor. Sensational dunker. Has a beautiful shooting stroke, beautiful form which is very surprising.”
Daniel Hamilton, 6-7, Fr, G/F: “He’ll be one of the better young players in the country. Really shoots the ball well. Good handle. Floaters, runners, pull-up jump shots, shoots the 3. He’ll be one of the best freshman in that league without a doubt, one of the best freshman in the country.”
Ryan Boatright, 6-0, Sr., G: “For two-thirds of the season, he could not play against [Napier], but Kevin [Ollie] did a great job with him to convince him to play with him and not against him. He’s a two-way player. He’s a tremendous on-the-ball defender, as Kentucky’s guards found out last year. He’s the point guard, penetrates and dishes and kicks for 3’s. He’s bought into the program.”
Photo: Jessica Hill, AP
