Andre Drummond to UConn in 2011
Oh, the power of social media. On Friday evening, our top center in the 2012 high school class, has reclassified to this year's incoming class and will join the defending national champion Connecticut Huskies. Jim Calhoun's Huskies were already is very good shape in the upper echelon of the Big East, but lacked the "star" power to repeat; Drummond changes all of this.
Connecticut has vaulted from a top 10-top 15 team to a top 5 power, competing with the likes of North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio State at the top. The Huskies have also leaped over Louisville and Syracuse as the Big East favorite with their new inside presence.
Drummond will immediately become one of the most dominating big men in all of college hoops. He has a unique combination of NBA size at 6'10", 275-pounds, athletic ability and skill. Drummond, a likely first-team All-American, can be unstoppable in the low blocks with his aptitude to finish around the rim with power and finesse, finishing with contact and is comfortable using either hand. What makes Drummond even more dangerous and unique is his ability to step away from the rim and knock down shots or even put the ball on the deck and take it to the rim. Teaming up with Alex Oriakhi in UConn's frontcourt, gives Jim Calhoun the best offensive rebounding duo and top defensive bigs in the country.
Calhoun will put forth a scary lineup of Drummond at center, shifting Oriakhi to his more natural power forward position with a combination of Roscoe Smith and freshman DeAndre Daniels at small forward. Last season's breakout performer, Jeremy Lamb will be the top perimeter option at shooting guard and a combination of crafty Shabazz Napier and freshman Ryan Boatright will handle the point guard duties.
All of the talent is on the roster with potential for a repeat, it just remains to be seen how Drummond, Daniels and Boatright will pick up the offense, defense and intensity that Calhoun favors.
By President - Corey Ruff - 8-27-11
