UConn Hoops players who could get drafted in 2023
Each of the past two years, UConn Hoops has had a player drafted to the NBA. First it was James Bouknight, who was taken in the late lottery by the Hornets in 2021 and then in 2022, the Hawks took Tyrese Martin in the second round. Who could be the player that gives UConn three straight years with a pick for the first time since 2012-14? Let’s explore that question…
ADAMA SANOGO
Sanogo seems like he should be a clear option. After all, he was named to the All Big East First team last year and is the frontrunner for Big East POTY so he should get drafted, right? Let’s slow our role. It’s not as clear as it seems.
Take a player like Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn. The 7’0’’, 285 lbs center took a similar path to Sanogo. He was a junior last year and had a monster season, putting up north of 20 points and 10 boards per game. Cockburn was named to the AP All America First Team. Despite all this, he went undrafted. Why? How could a player with this many accolades and such great size go undrafted? The answer is in his inability to shoot the ball. Cockburn did not hit a three in any of his 90 career games. The NBA has evolved and big men need to be able to stretch the floor, which Cockburn couldn’t do.
Sanogo hasn’t made a three either, which is not a good omen for his draft stock. Not only that, he’s also three inches shorter and 45 pounds lighter than Cockburn. The bottom line is that if Sanogo isn’t able to develop a three this year to stretch the floor, he’s going to have trouble getting drafted.
JORDAN HAWKINS
Of the players on the Huskies’ roster, Hawkins has the best chance to get picked this year, simply because of how well he fills into the modern NBA. He measures similarly to Bouknight, as a 6’5’’ wing capable of shooting the lights out. His year was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, which caused him to put up just six points and two rebounds per game, also missing the NCAA Tournament. This lack of consistency also hurt his jumpshot, as he only made a third of his threes. With a completely healthy offseason, expect the sophomore to make closer to 40% from deep.
On top of his shooting, he’s also extremely athletic. He can really jump, highlighted by his poster jam over Georgetown last season. He also has a quick first step, which lets him get into the lane with ease and hit layups at a wide array of difficulties.
If Hawkins can put up over 15 points per game this year and the Huskies make the tournament, he’s a lock for the draft. ESPN already tabbed him as an early second round pick in their most recent mock draft and all he has to do is take the reins as a top two offensive option on the team.
ANDRE JACKSON
Jackson hasn’t been a disappointment as a Husky, but he also hasn’t lived up to his potential either. His defense has been terrific in both of his first two seasons, as he was consistently used to guard the opposing team’s primary ball handler. As great as his defense has been though, it’s not enough to carry his draft stock.
Passing has always been something that Jackson’s hung his hat on, making some crazy feeds. From freshman to sophomore year, he doubled his assist total, but also his turnovers. He’ll need to get less sloppy with the ball and get a better assist to turnover ratio than his current 1.5 to one.
The biggest improvement Jackson will need to make is in the scoring department. Jackson is one of the bounciest players in the country and has the ability to dunk on anyone. Despite this, he’s far less aggressive than he should be. He got better in that area last year, but if Jackson wants an NBA team to take a chance on him, he needs to be driving through the lane stronger and more frequently.
The last part of his game that he needs to better is his three point shooting. He shot 36% last year, but his shot never looked quite right. In some videos he posted on his Instagram story, his shot looks more fluid, so hopefully he can be more reliable from deep and get drafted. Jackson has all the tools, but putting everything together is going to make the difference and get him into the league.
OTHERS
Tristen Newton, Samson Johnson and Nahiem Alleyne are the three players next most likely to get drafted. Newton and Alleyne each have the offensive tools, but are both on the older side as true seniors. Johnson has unlimited potential, but if he doesn't see more run than last year, he wont get picked.
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