After losing to Michigan in the national championship game of the NCAA Tournament, the UConn Huskies will have their sights set on another deep March Madness run next year. Several big contributors are set to return next season, but Dan Hurley will be keen to address some issues and bolster the UConn roster in the transfer portal.
Here, we discuss three targets that the Huskies should consider pursuing in the transfer portal this offseason.
Moustapha Thiam
UConn’s size problem came to the fore in the national championship game. One of the best big men still in the transfer portal, Moustapha Thiam has a high ceiling and could offer UConn excellent reinforcement following the departures of Alex Karaban, Eric Reibe, and Tarris Reed Jr.
Thiam enjoyed a stellar sophomore year with Cincinnati and found his groove during the business end of the season. He averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
The Senegalese center would offer the UConn frontcourt a strong defensive presence, high basketball IQ, rim protection, and an ability to play aggressively without fouling.
Najai Hines
Another big man coming off a standout season, Najai Hines is thought to be one of the names being considered by UConn. The 6-foot-10 big man is known for his defensive skills, averaging 2.2 blocks despite playing just 18 minutes per game.
Hines also shot 60.2% from the field, averaging 6.5 points per game in his freshman year. In addition to his overall toughness and strong screen-setting ability, he is an excellent offensive rebounder and has three years of eligibility remaining.
The Seton Hall star showcased his strengths against UConn in February, scoring a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Hurley prides his teams on defensive toughness, and adding Hines to the roster could be one of the shrewdest moves of the transfer portal.
Alex Wilkins
Another player who made a big splash against UConn could be a strong candidate to bolster Hurley’s team next season. Wilkins scored 21 points against one of the strongest defensive teams in the country in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The guard enjoyed a strong freshman year at Furman, averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 46% from the field. He is attracting plenty of interest in the transfer portal, and UConn will have to move quickly in order to secure his signature.
Wilkins is by no means the finished product, as evidenced by his high turnover rate (3.8). But he is a combo guard with high upside and could become a well-rounded player under Hurley.
