Hurley: "At Least 50% Of My Roster Is Considering Entering The Portal"
Not sure if anyone has seen the recent 60 minutes with Dan Hurley (I'll link below for those that haven't), but Hurley said at least 50% of his current roster, or more, is at least considering entering the portal. He also said he has at least 2 guys that know which school they will be going to, as well as what their NIL will be. I know this is pretty standard for modern day college basketball, but I found it pretty revealing and it got me thinking about who the guys likely to leave are. Figured I would list the names I think are most likely below, but first, some simple math:
12 current scholarship players
3 guaranteed gone to graduation or the draft (Johnson, Diarra, McNeeley)
1 likely to enter the draft (Karaban)
That leaves 8 scholarship players on the current roster, which leads me to believe Hurley expects at least 4 guys to hit the portal, with 2 almost certainly gone. I'll list the guys I think may enter (I'll list more than 4) in the order I think is most likely to least likely.
1.) Mahaney. Highly ranked transfer last year, that just has not worked out for UConn. Someone will be willing to pay him solid money for what he accomplished while at St Mary's.
2.) Nowell. Highly ranked and decorated high school prospect that hasn't seen the floor much this year (partially, if not largely, due to injury.) I don't have social media but apparently his father has made some pretty critical posts referencing the program. I'm willing to bet someone will pay him solid, if not big NIL to leave.
Those are the 2 guys I think he was referencing as likely to leave if not gone. It gets a little murkier after that, but I still think there are some fairly obvious candidates.
3.) Jalyin Stewart. Apparently had to be re-recruited last season. Another highly ranked high school recruit (although not as high as Nowell) that was known as a 3 level scorer when he came here. Has shown flashes, but hasn't always played consistent minutes or had consistent production. Apparently he had some big NIL offers last year (Pitino and SJU were rumored to be targeting him) so I wouldn't be shocked if he threw his name in the portal to test the waters.
4.) Jayden Ross. Another former top 100 recruit. Has barely played at times this season. Hurley made comments recently about how he probably should've played him more this season, though many Husky fans disagree. Jayden just looks lost offensively at times. However, even after barely playing his freshman season, he was apparently still on the NBA radar. With his frame and athleticism, he can probably get paid and have a bigger role at another school.
5.) Isaiah Abraham. Only a freshman, but he's looked really confident when he has played, and has a big, physical frame for a wing. I hope he doesn't go, but wouldn't be shocked to see him enter the portal.
6.) Singare. Going on his 3rd season, but still unlikely to play many minutes next year as he's tracking to be 3rd on the depth chart at the 5 spot yet again. He might be looking to play some actual minutes next year.
I think Ball and Reed are untouchable, we will pay them what they want in NIL and are the building blocks for next year. It does concern me that if Ross and Stewart leave, Ball may look to leave as well (apparently they are best friends off the court.) But I think with the roles and success they've had this year, they will be back.
Video link to 60 minutes interview:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=me8cMqSvpE...xleQ%3D%3D 
