UConn men’s basketball stayed put at No. 4 in the first AP Top 25 of the season. The 2-0 Huskies posted wins over Gardner-Webb and then-No. 16 Michigan last week to open up their season. The Wolverines fell four spots to No. 20 after the loss.
Most of UConn’s future opponents stayed put this week, including Duke at No. 2 and St. John’s at No. 13. Arizona dropped from No. 5 to No. 12 following a loss to UCLA, while Virginia climbed three spots to No. 6 after an impressive win over Arkansas. The Red
Storm remain the only other ranked Big East school, but Marquette and Creighton each received votes this week.
UConn takes on Wagner Monday night, followed by an unranked Ohio State team that ranks No. 26 in KenPom. After that, it’s arguably the Huskies’ toughest stretch of the season as they head west to take on No. 12 Arizona on the road and No. 2 Duke in Las Vegas in the span of a week.
Colben Landrew earns Big East Freshman of the Week honors
UConn freshman Colben Landrew earned the first Big East Freshman of the Week honor of the season this week after an impressive start to his career. The Marietta, Georgia product had 11 points in his collegiate debut against Gardner-Webb and 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists in the win over Michigan.
Landrew, the preseason Big East Freshman of the Year, came off the bench in both contests but looks to be gunning for a starting spot sooner rather than later. The freshman is clearly physically ready and has held his own on both ends of the court. Landrew’s three late in the first half against Michigan helped the Huskies pull away and shift the momentum heavily in UConn’s favor.
Whether Landrew starts or comes off the bench, if he continues to play how he has played so far, there may be more Freshman of the Week honors in his future. He may not be at UConn for long either, as he’s already appearing on NBA mock drafts and could easily play his way into being a lottery selection.
