In this episode of Locked On UConn, Mark Zanetto and co-host Joe Arruda of the Hartford Courant, focus on Aidan Mahaney's commitment to UConn's men's basketball team and its implications for the upcoming season. Mahaney, a transfer from Saint Mary's, was impressed by UConn's coaching staff during his visit to Storrs. The staff's attention to detail and strategic approach resonated with Mahaney and his family, ultimately influencing his decision to join the team. The episode also touches on projections for UConn's starting lineup and rotation for the upcoming season.

Aidan Mahaney's commitment to UConn is significant, especially given the team's recent successes and the coaching staff's strong reputation for developing players.

Mahaney was won over by UConn's coaching staff during his visit, where they showcased their intensive and intellectual approach to basketball strategy.

The episode features discussions with UConn beat reporter Joe Arruda about Mahaney's fit with the team and potential lineup scenarios.

The team's depth and rotation strategy for the upcoming season are also considered, with comparisons to previous championship-winning teams.

Tobias Bass Joins:

On today's episode of Locked On UCONN, we delve into whether the addition of Aidan Mahaney is the final piece needed for UCONN's run at a historic 3-peat in college basketball. We discuss the latest odds from FanDuel for the National Title and analyze UCONN's preseason ranking prospects.

Is UCONN positioned as the No.1 team in the preseason rankings? We rank the top teams and assess UCONN's prospects for the upcoming season.

- Portal News & Team Analysis: We dive into the latest news from the transfer portal, including notable moves to Kentucky, Arkansas, UNC, and Providence. We analyze which teams have won big in the portal and discuss fan reactions.

Mahaney commits

How this impacts the roster

Transfer portal Update

this episode of Locked On UConn, host Mark Zanetto dives into the latest transfer news and NCAA legislation impacting college basketball. The show opens with an update on Koby Brea's recruitment process, analyzing his visit to Kentucky and the potential fit at UConn. The discussion continues with an overview of new NCAA transfer rules, focusing on graduate transfers' entry requirements into the transfer portal before final transfer windows.

 Mark explores the implications of these changes for student-athletes and program flexibility. Mark then delves into potential transfer targets for UConn, evaluating players like Aidan Mahaney, Max Shulga, and Jaxson Robinson in relation to Dan Hurley's coaching style and team needs. The episode concludes with a roundup of recent entries into the transfer portal and standout players available for recruitment. Throughout the show, Mark engages listeners with sponsor promotions and encourages audience participation. Locked On UConn delivers insightful analysis and updates on UConn athletics, ensuring fans stay informed and connected with the latest developments in college basketball. Tune in to Locked On UConn for comprehensive coverage of Huskies basketball and stay locked in with Mark Zanetto for all things UConn sports

Liam McNeeley's arrival signifies a transformative moment for UConn, setting the stage for greatness in college basketball. Additionally, notable insights into Koby Brea's standout statistics and transfer considerations further enrich the landscape of collegiate hoops.

Background and Family Ties:

A product of Richardson, Texas, with basketball running deep in his family.

Honors his basketball lineage by donning the same jersey number (30) as his mother and uncle, former college basketball players.

High School Career and Influences:

Transitioned from J.J. Pearce High to John Paul II, influenced by Dallas Mavericks icons Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki.

Shares a potential bond with Coach Dan Hurley over their shared love for Star Wars and history.

Choosing Top Competition:

Garnered national recognition post-John Paul II, winning gold with Team USA at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

Opted for Montverde Academy over elite programs like Duke and Texas Tech, underscoring his commitment to excellence.

Big-Game Performer:

Thrives under pressure, earning MVP honors at the Jordan Brand Classic and consistently excelling against top-tier competition.

Scouting Report and Potential:

Identified as a potential NBA lottery pick by ESPN, showcasing remarkable shooting prowess (45% from beyond the arc) and versatile playmaking abilities.

Known for high basketball IQ and defensive skills, adding depth to his impressive offensive arsenal.

Liam McNeeley's arrival signifies a transformative moment for UConn, setting the stage for greatness in college basketball. Additionally, notable insights into Koby Brea's standout statistics and transfer considerations further enrich the landscape of collegiate hoops.

In this episode of Locked On UCONN, the focus is on Aidan Mahaney, a visiting recruit alongside Koby Brea. Mahaney, a scrappier player from California, is seen as a better fit due to his coachability and room for improvement. The host discusses Mahaney's playing style, strengths, and areas needing development, contrasting him with the flashier Brea from Dayton. Mahaney's potential to grow under Coach Dan Hurley is highlighted, suggesting he could be a longer-term asset for the team.

Recruitment Analysis: The episode focuses on Aidan Mahaney and Koby Brea, potential recruits for the UCONN team, evaluating their playing styles and fit within the team's dynamics.

Player Comparison: Mahaney is likened to Cam Spencer, emphasizing his scrappy, underdog qualities compared to the flashier profile of Brea.

Coaching Potential: Mahaney's coachability and potential for improvement under Dan Hurley's system are emphasized, suggesting a longer-term investment for the team.

Performance Review: Mahaney's statistics and game performances are discussed, highlighting both his strengths and areas needing improvement.

Welcome to Locked On UCONN! Sponsored by FanDuel, we dive into the transfer portal chaos, player exploration in NIL deals, and more. Beat writer Joe Arruda joins to discuss commitments, portal entries, and Coach Hurley's influence. Stay tuned for recruit updates and Portal Kombat! #UConnHoops

Exploration of Player Commitments: Advocating for patience in player decisions and understanding the allure of taking all available visits.

Speculation on UConn's Offer: Consideration of UConn's potential offer to McNeeley, balancing financial aspects with personal fulfillment.

Joe Arruda's Input: Joe's insights on player commitments, potential sophomore portal entries, and the impact of Coach Hurley's superstitions.

Recruit Visits: Brief discussion on the upcoming visits of Koby Brea and Aidan Mahaney.

ocked On UConn explores the remarkable journey of the UConn basketball program under Coach Dan Hurley's leadership, delving into the importance of trusting the process amidst doubters and challenges. From reflecting on UConn's transformation from a struggling team to a dominant force, to analyzing the team's quiet offseason and prospects for the future, the show provides insightful discussions on player development, team dynamics, and the latest updates from the transfer portal and recruiting landscape. With a focus on resilience, player potential, and staying connected with the fan base

Trust the Process: Reflecting on UConn's journey from a struggling start to a dominant force in college basketball, we delve into Coach Hurley's vision and the resilience of the program. Despite doubters, UConn's rise to the top proves that trust in the process yields results.

 No News is Good News?: Examining UConn's quiet offseason, we analyze the significance of potential recruits and the impact of current players like Jaylin Stewart. With a focus on player development and team dynamics, we explore the team's strengths and prospects for the future.

 Around the Portal: Discussing the latest updates from the transfer portal and recruiting landscape, we provide insights into UConn's strategies and priorities. Stay informed with Locked On UConn.

In today's episode of Locked On UCONN, we dive into the crucial question: how does Dan Hurley replace Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton? We explore whether the team already has the necessary pieces or if turning to the transfer portal is the answer. Additionally, we cover potential recruits, including Koby Brea's considerations and Aidan Mahaney's scheduled visits. We also discuss Zhuric Phelps entering the transfer portal and how he could potentially fill the void left by Newton. Our analysis delves into the importance of recruiting a bigger point guard and how players like Phelps could fit into the team's dynamic. Plus, we share exciting news about a home-and-home series between UConn and Texas, highlighting the significance for potential recruits like Liam McNeeley.

Dayton grad transfer Koby Brea considers Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, UConn, and Kentucky.

Aidan Mahaney plans visits to UVA, Creighton, USC, and Kentucky.

SMU leading scorer Zhuric Phelps enters the transfer portal, offering potential as a replacement for Tristen Newton.

Discussion on the importance of recruiting a bigger point guard for the team's lineup.

Exciting announcement of a home-and-home series between UConn and Texas.

Potential significance of the series announcement for recruit Liam McNeeley.

In this episode, we dive into the latest transfer portal news, focusing on Max Shulga's potential move to UConn and other standout prospects. Shulga, known for his sharpshooting and versatility, could be a game-changer for the Huskies. We also explore other notable players in the portal, including Aidan Mahaney and Desmond Claude.

Additionally, we discuss Dan Hurley's roster construction philosophy and how it aligns with UConn's recruiting strategy. Hurley prioritizes players who are committed to growth and team success over individual accolades, shaping a winning culture at UConn.

Transfer Portal Updates

Max Shulga emerges as a top prospect for UConn, offering sharpshooting and versatility.

Aidan Mahaney and Desmond Claude are other names to watch in the portal.

Analysis of each player's strengths and potential impact on the Huskies.

Segment 2: Dan Hurley's Roster Construction Formula

Hurley's emphasis on building winning teams through player development and teamwork.

Update on Liam McNeely's performance at the Jordan Brand Classic.

Insight into UConn's recruiting approach and commitment to success.

Segment 3: Around the Portal

Quick roundup of other notable transfers and developments in the college basketball portal.

Discussion on the impact of transfers on team dynamics and competitiveness.