Reloading with a marksman

UConn lands a big-time shooter out of the portal, while a couple of North Carolina programs need to make late pivots — including the state's flagship university

Author

Mike Miller
June 07, 2023

Who knew a random Tuesday in June would have impactful college basketball news? But that’s why you’re here, so let’s break it down.

1. UConn fills its gap

The reigning champions didn’t have any holes in 2022-23. UConn’s depth and talent at each position ensured Dan Hurley’s squad could overwhelm opponents.

Next season’s squad isn’t quite as loaded, and it’s certainly missing a key element from Jordan Hawkins’ departure: A deadeye outside shooter. Welp, check that box.

Spencer, a 6-4 graduate transfer from Rutgers, doesn’t have Hawkins’ quick-twitch release and isn’t the dynamic mover off the ball. But as long as his shot can stretch defenses and keep them from collapsing on Donovan Clingan, he doesn’t have to be Hawkins. Plus, he can do a little bit more as a facilitator, and he rebounds well for his position. (Not to mention having an older, experienced guard can always help a team.)

Spencer hit 72 of his 166 attempts from beyond the arc last season (43.4 percent) and is a career 40.8 percent shooter. There’s no question he’ll hit open shots. And with UConn’s incoming freshmen guards (Stephon Castle and Solomon Ball will both see plenty of playing time), Spencer doesn’t have to hoist them at the same volume that Hawkins did (who made 109 of his 281 3-pointers).

It’s enough to cement UConn as a Top 10 team next season, and possibly even a Top 5. Check back on this chart later in the summer.

More from the transfer portal:

2. Charlotte needs a coach with Ron Sanchez’s departure

Virginia's rise as a national power came with Ron Sanchez on the bench as an assistant. The Cavaliers are certainly hoping for more of the same with Sanchez’s return to the fold on Tuesday.

“The University of Virginia is truly special to me and my family,” Sanchez said. “It is the only institution I would vacate my head coaching position for. I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to Grounds with a new-found lens and perspective.

That’s the Virginia side. Now Charlotte has the hard part.

Sanchez spent the last five years at Charlotte, going 72-78. The 49ers had their best season in 2022-23, going 22-14, and won the CBI, the school’s first-ever postseason championship.

But Charlotte’s a challenging job. It hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2005 and doesn’t have a significant NIL program, so player retention is an issue. Brice Williams and Aly Khalifa, its two best players, will be elsewhere next season. It’s also jumping from Conference USA to the American, which is a spike in competition level.

There’s no shortage of possible replacement coaches. Question will be if it’s viewed as a destination or a stopover.

3. North Carolina’s depth takes a hit

Simeon Wilcher, a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2023, wants out of his National Letter of Intent and doesn’t intend on playing in Chapel Hill next season.

Perhaps this shouldn’t have been a shocker once Elliot Cadeau reclassified to 2023, but it still hurts the Tar Heels (and probably was a moderate surprise to fans) as Wilcher figured to be the first guard off the bench. The 6-4 rookie out of New Jersey would’ve provided offensive pop, athleticism and flexibility behind Cadeau and returning starter R.J. Davis.

Now? It’s more of the same from the last two seasons under coach Hubert Davis where the Heels will likely lean on their starters, and go to the bench in specific situations. Doesn’t look like some UNC players were happy about the news, either.

Wilcher will have no shortage of suitors. Auburn, UCLA, Oregon, Illinois and Memphis all extended scholarship offers before his commitment. I wouldn’t count out the semi-local school, St. John’s, either.

Game changer

How good is Cason Wallace on defense? Rob Dauster believes the worst-case scenario for the 6-4 guard is to be a Patrick Beverly clone (without the annoying tics). But the best case? Wallace could be Jrue Holiday. We’ll let Dauster explain.

Links as you stare at that Game 3 betting line for the NBA Finals.

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