{"id":52617,"date":"2023-08-19T09:00:24","date_gmt":"2023-08-19T13:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=52617"},"modified":"2023-08-19T00:46:55","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T04:46:55","slug":"uconn-huskies-preview-2023-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/08\/19\/uconn-huskies-preview-2023-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"UConn Huskies Preview 2023-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

The reigning and defending national champion UConn Huskies are set to repeat their success from last season. While a few of their star players are in the NBA, the Huskies still have a lot of expectations. Can <\/span>Dan Hurley<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>create a dynasty? This article examines UConn entering the 2023-24 season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UConn Huskies Preview 2023-2024<\/span><\/h2>\n

Background\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Connecticut is coming off a magical season last year. UConn was 31-8 and 13-7 in the Big East. However, it was a little chaotic at some points. They finished fourth in the Big East and lost in the\u00a0<\/span>Big East Semifinals to Marquette<\/span><\/a>. Nevertheless, the Huskies did not waiver and had one of the most\u00a0<\/span>dominant NCAA Tournament<\/span><\/a>\u00a0runs in history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where They Found Success<\/span><\/h3>\n

Efficient Offense\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

UConn was a\u00a0<\/span>very good offensive team<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and was efficient. They had one of the best field goal percentages for conference games and the top three-point shooting percentage in the conference as well. Additionally, the Huskies were third in points per game in the Big East. More importantly,\u00a0<\/span>they were <\/span><\/a>eighth<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in the country in offensive efficiency in 2022-2023. All of this success on offense helped them become an excellent team and dominant college basketball.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Offensive Rebounding\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

UConn was a fantastic offensive-rebounding team. Their ability to rebound allowed their offense to become more efficient, as they generated high-percentage shots off the rebound.\u00a0<\/span>The Huskies<\/span><\/a>\u00a0were eighth in the country in offensive rebounding per game at 11.5 per game. Furthermore,\u00a0<\/span>they produced<\/span><\/a> the third-best offensive rebounding percentage at 37.4. In a game dominated by getting timely and easy buckets, UConn was great and getting second-chance opportunities because of their rebounding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where They Struggled<\/span><\/h3>\n

Turnovers<\/span><\/h4>\n

In their losses last season, the UConn Huskies struggled with taking care of the basketball. They had a negative turnover margin, meaning that they produced more turnovers than they forced. While they did better in this area during the NCAA Tournament, it was an area of concern for Connecticut during their rough patch in the season. This must improve this upcoming season, as <\/span>the Big East has improved immensely<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from a year ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Notable Returners<\/span><\/h3>\n

Donovan Clingan\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Donovan Clingan<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>comes off a highly productive freshman year. Clingan averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds on 65.5 percent shooting. Furthermore, he produced these stats in only 13 minutes a game. Clingan is one of the biggest players in college basketball at 7-foot-2′ and 265 pounds and uses his size well. He is an excellent offensive rebounder, shot-blocker, and finisher around the basket. Nevertheless, <\/span>his biggest strength<\/span><\/a> is his motor. Donovan plays incredibly hard every possession, and that allows him to find success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n