UConn men’s basketball season preview: The returnees

The returnees of UConn men’s basketball hold significant weight in shaping the team's success this season. Having already secured one national title, the Huskies aim to secure another title in 2024, with the contributions of their returning core players being crucial. Among the returning players are Silas Demary Jr., Braylon Mullins, and Jayden Ross.

Silas Demary Jr., a Georgia transfer, had a promising first season in Storrs, earning First Team All-Big East honors and establishing himself as one of the premier two-way guards in the nation. Last season, Demary averaged 10.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 38.5 percent from three. Though he faced an ankle injury during the Big East Tournament, he still managed to make crucial contributions, tallying 18 assists and six turnovers in five tournament games, and even participating in the Final Four win against Illinois.

Braylon Mullins, another returning player, has been through a tumultuous season due to early injuries and lower-than-expected shooting numbers. Despite these setbacks, Mullins still managed to average 12 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, showing that he can still be a valuable contributor to the team. His experience and potential to develop make him a key player for the team's success this season.

Jayden Ross, who jumped from a bench player to a key rotation piece in a single season, has made significant strides in his shooting and overall game. He averaged 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game as a junior, shooting 39.1 percent from three. His growth offensively has allowed defenses to focus on other parts of the team, making him a more formidable force.

While competition for the starting spot may arise due to the arrival of Colben Landrew, Ross still has the potential to terrorize opposing teams with his defensive skills and two-way play.