Portal Progress & Bowl Game Hype

In today’s episode, we pivot to deliver the latest updates from the UConn football program as the transfer portal continues to shape the team’s future. While a planned Christmas feature highlighting an inspiring young football prospect has been rescheduled due to technical difficulties, we dive into the ten exciting new additions to the Huskies roster through the portal. We’ll analyze these key signings, explore their potential impact, and break down how UConn is gearing up for its upcoming bowl game against North Carolina at Fenway Park. Plus, a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners as we wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to more UConn action in the New Year.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: The Transfer Portal Additions

• Recap the ten players UConn has signed through the transfer portal.

• Key highlights:

• Sammy Anderson Jr. (DB): A veteran with six seasons of college experience, brings leadership and playmaking to the secondary.

• MJ Flowers (RB): Adds versatility and explosiveness to the running back room with over 850 rushing yards and 347 receiving yards in 2024.

• Trent Jones II (DL): A defensive end from Iowa State with potential to bolster the pass rush.

• Terry Kirksey Jr. (LB): Returns to UConn after a stint at Kansas State, adding depth to the linebacker corps.

• Discussion: UConn’s clear focus on defensive reinforcements and strategic portal usage.

Segment 2: Bowl Game Preview

• Preview of the Fenway Bowl matchup against North Carolina:

• Challenges of facing UNC’s dynamic offense and standout quarterback.

• How the unique Fenway Park venue might impact the game.

• Key players to watch on both sides and UConn’s potential strategies.

• Questions discussed:

• Does playing in New England give UConn a home-field advantage?

• What would a bowl win mean for UConn’s momentum going into 2025?

Segment 3: Holiday Wishes and Program Updates

• A heartfelt thank-you to the Locked On UConn community for their support in making the podcast the #1 college basketball show on the Locked On Network.

• A look ahead to 2025, with UConn poised to continue making strides on and off the field.

• Merry Christmas wishes to all Huskies fans, with a reminder to tune in next year for the rescheduled Christmas feature on a remarkable young football prospect.

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🎄 Thank you for tuning in! Happy Holidays and Go Huskies! 🎄

Host Mark Zanetto welcomes Locked On UConn contributor Tyler Remick, a PhD in economics and an avid UConn basketball fan, to dive into the current state of the Big East, UConn’s Quad 1 and Quad 2 opportunities, and the creative nicknames Dan Hurley assigns to his players. With the holiday break in full swing, they discuss whether the Big East has surpassed last year’s dominance and what lies ahead for UConn in 2025.

Segment 1: The Big East’s Current Dominance

Mark and Tyler discuss whether the Big East is even stronger this year than last. They analyze the performances of marquee teams like Marquette, Creighton, and St. John’s and compare this season’s conference standings to prior years. Tyler provides an analytical perspective on what these numbers mean for the league’s strength in the NCAA Tournament. They highlight how these rankings impact UConn’s trajectory and how the Huskies can continue competing at an elite level.

Segment 2: UConn’s Quad Opportunities

Mark and Tyler take a detailed look at UConn’s remaining schedule, breaking down the Quadrant classifications for each game. With 8 Quad 1 games remaining, they discuss the significance of each matchup, emphasizing high-stakes games like Marquette, Villanova, and St. John’s. They also explore how potential fluctuations in NET rankings could shift the Quad classification of games. Tyler offers insights into how UConn can maximize its seeding potential by avoiding Quad 4 losses and performing well in Quad 1 opportunities.

Segment 3: Dan Hurley’s Nicknames and Fan Contributions

In a lighter, interactive segment, Mark and Tyler delve into Dan Hurley’s nicknames for his players. They discuss the creativity behind titles like “Kodiak Bear” for Tarris Reed and “General Hassan” for Hassan Diarra. The duo brainstorm new nicknames for players who don’t have one yet and invite listeners to submit their ideas for the next episode. They reflect on how these nicknames build camaraderie and exemplify Hurley’s connection to his team.

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Call-to-Actions

• Subscribe to Locked On UConn wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.

• Submit your own creative nicknames for UConn players for a chance to have them featured on the show.

• Follow us for updates on UConn basketball, Big East analysis, and more. Stay locked on, and stay connected!

In this episode of Locked On UConn, host Mark Zanetto is joined by Mitchell Northam from NC Public Radio and an AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball voter to dive deep into the current state of UConn women’s basketball as we head into 2025. As the Huskies prepare to enter the holiday break, the discussion centers on their latest marquee loss and what it means for the program moving forward. With UConn sitting at a critical juncture in their season, this episode provides thoughtful analysis, future projections, and an insider’s perspective on what lies ahead.

The show begins with a heartfelt message of gratitude to the fans for making Locked On UConn the number-one college basketball podcast on the network. Mark also shares how the podcast is giving back through donations to the Husky Ticket Project and Bleeding Blue for Good, supporting NIL initiatives that make a difference. It’s a testament to the UConn faithful community, which supports the Huskies and the show daily.

Segment 1: Another Marquee Loss

Mitchell and Mark start by breaking down UConn’s most recent loss in a high-profile matchup. They analyze the key factors contributing to the defeat, from missed opportunities to defensive lapses. They also discuss how UConn measured up against elite competition and whether injuries or fatigue played a significant role. Mitchell shares his perspective on whether the loss reflects deeper flaws in UConn’s strategy or if it was simply a case of running into a strong opponent. Together, they explore whether these kinds of losses expose vulnerabilities in the Huskies’ playbook.

Segment 2: Do They Have Enough Talent?

The conversation shifts to the talent level on UConn’s roster. Is this team built to compete with the best in the nation? Mark and Mitchell evaluate the depth of the roster, the roles of younger players, and the contributions of the team’s stars. Mitchell compares this team to previous UConn squads under Geno Auriemma, highlighting differences in roster construction and player development. The duo also addresses whether UConn’s current talent pool has what it takes to meet the lofty expectations of the program and its fans.

Segment 3: Future Fixes

In the final segment, the focus turns to solutions. What can UConn do to right the ship and get back on track for the rest of the season? Mark and Mitchell discuss potential adjustments to rotations and strategies, as well as long-term fixes, including recruiting and player development. They emphasize the importance of injury management and how UConn can adapt in the short term while continuing to build for the future. Mitchell gives his insight into the recruiting pipeline and whether it can address the gaps currently evident in the team.

As the episode concludes, Mark reminds listeners that Locked On UConn is committed to delivering daily coverage of UConn basketball—the hoops capital of the world. He encourages fans to stay locked on and connected, emphasizing that UConn isn’t just about getting it done but doing it in a way that no one else can. With the holiday season upon us, this episode serves as both an honest assessment and a rallying call for Huskies fans everywhere. Go Huskies!

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The UConn women suffer their second loss of the season, falling to No. 7 USC in a hard-fought showdown at the XL Center. Join us live as we break down what went wrong, the bright spots from Sarah Strong and Ashlynn Shade, and what this means for the Huskies moving forward. We’ll analyze the matchup, discuss key takeaways, and consider how UConn can bounce back. Don’t miss this in-depth reaction and conversation about one of the season’s biggest games!”

UConn Huskies faced a tough challenge in Hartford as they fell to USC, marking their second loss of the season to a top-10 opponent. Despite standout performances from Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers, the Huskies struggled to contain JuJu Watkins and the Trojans’ efficient shooting. UConn’s resilience and depth were tested as they navigated a game with notable foul disparities and a cold night from beyond the arc. Here’s a breakdown of what went right, what didn’t, and the individual contributions from both teams.

UConn Huskies Contributions:

Starters:

• Sarah Strong (#21): 22 points, 13 rebounds (2 offensive), 5 assists, 4 steals, 1 block. A dominant presence on the boards and a key playmaker, though her 1-6 performance from three-point range showed room for improvement.

• Ice Brady (#25): Scoreless with 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Struggled to find rhythm in limited opportunities.

• Ashlynn Shade (#12): 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Provided sparks defensively but struggled with consistency on offense.

• Kaitlyn Chen (#20): 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists. Contributed minimally but did hit a three-pointer early.

• Paige Bueckers (#5): 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. A scoring leader but struggled with efficiency, shooting 2-8 from beyond the arc.

Bench:

• Jana El Alfy (#8): 2 points, 3 rebounds. Solid rebounding presence in limited minutes.

• Morgan Cheli (#23): 5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. Provided energy but struggled defensively.

• KK Arnold (#2): 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Contributed with efficient shooting and steady ball-handling.

• Azzi Fudd (#35): Scoreless in limited action, missing all four of her shot attempts.

Team Stats:

• Field Goals: 27-62 (43.5%)

• Three-Point Shooting: 6-23 (26.1%)

• Free Throws: 10-17 (58.8%)

• Total Rebounds: 32 (8 offensive)

• Assists: 18

• Turnovers: 13

On this episode of Locked On UConn, we welcome Tee Baker, writer for The Next Hoops and basketball scout for Prep Girls Hoops, to discuss the state of the UConn Women’s Basketball team heading into a marquee matchup against USC. We break down the Huskies’ recent dominance, key injuries, and rising stars who are stepping up to keep the team on track. In addition, we preview the upcoming showdown with USC, focusing on Sarah Strong versus JuJu Watkins and what it will take for UConn to secure a statement win. Finally, we dive into a fun hypothetical draft debate—if underclassmen were eligible, would Sarah Strong go No. 1? Tee weighs in with his picks and thoughts on the future of women’s basketball.

Thanks for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media @LockedOnUConn.

Segment 1: State of the UConn Women

We kick things off by analyzing UConn’s recent performances, including their record-setting three-point barrage against Iowa State. Tee Baker shares his thoughts on standout players like Sarah Strong, Ashlynn Shade, and Paige Bueckers and how they’ve kept the Huskies rolling despite injuries to Ayanna Patterson and Azzi Fudd. The conversation highlights the depth and adaptability of this UConn team, with contributions from Morgan Cheli, Allie Ziebell, and KK Arnold helping to fill key gaps.

Tee discusses how UConn has handled adversity and offers insight into which player has stepped up the most during this challenging stretch. The segment ends with a discussion on whether UConn’s depth can sustain their success into March.

Segment 2: USC Preview

The spotlight shifts to Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup against USC. Tee and Mark dive into what makes USC such a tough opponent, from the physical play of Kiki Iriafen to the star power of JuJu Watkins. UConn’s shooting efficiency and ability to handle USC’s size in the paint are identified as critical factors in securing a win.

The conversation also focuses on the marquee matchup between Sarah Strong and JuJu Watkins, exploring how this clash could set the tone for the game. Tee provides his predictions for the final score and key players to watch, while discussing how this game could shape UConn’s trajectory for the season.

Segment 3: Hypothetical Fun – Draft Debate

In the final segment, Mark and Tee have some fun debating a hypothetical WNBA Draft where underclassmen are eligible. Mark champions Sarah Strong as the No. 1 pick, citing her versatility, size, and potential to dominate the modern game. Tee weighs in with counterarguments for proven stars like Paige Bueckers and explosive players like JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of women’s basketball and how players like Sarah Strong represent the future of positionless basketball. The duo also discusses which player from this hypothetical draft class is most likely to have the biggest impact in five years.

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Thank you for making Locked On UConn your go-to source for Huskies basketball coverage. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media @LockedOnUConn for more updates and analysis!

On today’s Locked On UConn, we’re joined by ESPN analyst and two-time ACC Coach of the Year Seth Greenberg for a packed episode that’s all about basketball insights, UConn’s resurgence, and what lies ahead for the Huskies.

Segment 1: State of the Huskies

We kick off the show by diving into UConn’s impressive five-game win streak. Seth Greenberg discusses how Dan Hurley and his coaching staff have made adjustments to guide this young team through early struggles. Seth offers thoughts on Hurley’s evolution as a coach, highlighting how self-reflection and humility can transform a team.

Tarris Reed takes center stage as we examine his breakout performances, including his recent 20-point, 13-rebound outing. Seth compares Reed’s development at UConn to his time at Michigan, explaining how the Huskies’ system has unlocked his potential. The conversation focuses on the impact of leadership, coaching adjustments, and how UConn is setting itself up for long-term success.

Segment 2: Butler at Hinkle Preview

Next, we turn our attention to UConn’s upcoming Big East matchup against Butler at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Seth shares his thoughts on why this venue is one of the most iconic in college basketball and how it can impact a game.

We discuss UConn’s recent struggles with opponents’ three-point shooting—are teams just catching fire, or is it a defensive issue the Huskies need to address? Seth gives his perspective on what UConn must do to contain Butler’s gritty style of play and highlights the keys to securing another road win.

Segment 3: National Landscape and Fun Debate

In the final segment, Seth takes us on a tour of the national college basketball landscape. .

To wrap up, we pose a lighthearted question: If Seth won an award and could only use five words in his acceptance speech, what would they be? His answer is as entertaining as his basketball analysis.

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Thank you for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media @LockedonUConn for more Huskies coverage!

In this episode of Locked On Uconn, we unpack the thrilling overtime victory over Xavier in the Big East opener. We’ll dive into what the win says about UConn’s resilience and ability to handle pressure situations against a program as storied as Xavier. Was Xavier’s hot shooting a case of great offense or a lapse in UConn’s defense? We’ll debate what went right and what needs improvement moving forward. With special guest host Jeff D Lowe of Surving Barstool and Barstool Sports.

Segments:

• Segment 1: Xavier Aftermath

A breakdown of UConn’s overtime win and what it reveals about the team’s growth and leadership. We’ll analyze standout performances, including Solo Ball’s clutch scoring, and discuss the significance of overcoming adversity in high-stakes games.

• Segment 2: Great Offense or Bad Defense?

Xavier’s NBA-level shooting had everyone talking. Was it simply a shooting clinic, or did UConn leave the door open defensively? We explore both sides of the debate and what adjustments the Huskies can make in future matchups.

• Segment 3: Final Four Contender?

Despite the ups and downs, does this team still look like a Final Four squad? We discuss how UConn’s composure and depth could carry them deep into March Madness.

Special Guests:

Jeff D. Lowe from Barstool Sports joins the show to share his insights on UConn’s season and the Big East landscape.

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Thank you for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. As always, your support helps us bring you the best in UConn basketball coverage. Let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on X at @MarkZanettoCBB and also follow the show on any social media platform @LockedonUConn.