UConn Sophomore Shooting Guard ‘Ready to Handle a Big Advance,’ Dan Hurley Says

UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley is quick to admit how much the Huskies will rely on their sophomores this season.

It’s good news for Hurley that one of these sophomores looks poised to explode for a big year.

During a media availability session after Friday’s practice, Hurley gave updates on several of his players, sounding optimistic about the development of second-year shooting guard Solo Ball.

“I like what Solo looks like right now,” Hurley said. “His shot looks real. He looks like a guy ready to take a big step forward.

Hurley was asked about Ball’s role last season, mainly about how Ball fell out of the rotation because UConn’s top seven or eight players were just too good. Hurley noted how difficult it was to explain to Ball and his family why he wasn’t playing, especially since he was effective in some key moments early last season.

“I think the fact that he didn’t leave says a lot about him and his family,” Hurley said. “It was really, really hard to give an explanation to him and his family, especially after the North Carolina game at Madison Square Garden, where he (was) one of the two or three main reasons we won, and then six weeks later he’s out of the rotation.

“He has a good chance of being…the guy who makes the biggest jump for us this year.” …Shooting, athleticism…He needs to improve defensively…(and) with his passing and feel. He looks like a guy who is going to have a big year.

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