How each UConn men's basketball player contributed to 2024 national title run

Here is a closer look at the 2023-24 national championship roster. Everyone played a role:

Solomon Ball, Fr., G: When injuries to Spencer and Clingan opened up a rotation spot early in the season, Ball stepped up– playing 29 minutes and posting a season-high 13 points in a December win over North Carolina. His minutes started to decline as the team got healthier, but Ball showed enough flashes to prove that he can take on a bigger role next season. His development could be key to dreams of a three-peat.

Tristen Netwon, Gr., G : The do-it-all graduate guard will go down as one of the greatest point guards in UConn history after an impeccable two years in Storrs. It’s hard to sum up his impact in just a few sentences, but we’ll try. First-Team All-American, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, one of a handful of Huskies to win multiple national titles. Newton was inducted into the Huskies of Honor upon the team’s return to Gampel Pavilion.

Jaylin Stewart, Fr., F: When the Huskies needed some extra minutes from their bench, Hurley often looked to the versatile forward, who can defend multiple positions and give opponents yet another look. Stewart seemed to earn more trust as the season went on. Like Ball, he’ll be entrusted to take on a bigger role next season, and it’ll be interesting to see what he does with more touches and minutes as UConn looks to keep rolling.

Stephon Castle, Fr., G: It could hardly have been a better freshman season for the explosive, athletic Castle, who broke the record for most Big East Freshman of the Week honors, previously held by Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. Castle was a defensive force, and tied his season high in scoring with 21 points in the national semifinal against Alabama. He’ll be fondly remembered if this was, as everyone expects, his lone season in Storrs.

Hassan Diarra, Sr., G: Another example of the embarrassment of riches the Huskies had this season, Diarra won Big East Sixth Man of the Year for his defensive presence and offensive spark. Diarra chipped in with double-digit scoring outputs against San Diego State and Illinois, and helped lock down opposing backcourts all season.

Alex Karaban, So., F: The sophomore sharpshooter finished near 50-40-90 numbers (the gold standard for shooters), posting a 49.5% FG percentage, 37.9% from 3-point range and 88.5% from the line. He was a constant threat to get hot and break a game open at any moment, and his ability to space the floor and make the right play added yet another dimension to this loaded squad.

Cam Spencer, Gr., G: It’s hard to ask for more out of a transfer than what Cam Spencer provided this season. Start with his blistering-hot shooting splits (48.4% FG, 44% 3 PFG, 91.1% FT), his 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, and his penchant for hitting big shots. Then there’s the competitive fire, passion and emotion he brought to each game– an extension of Hurley on the floor. He was a home-run fit for the program, and a huge reason it hung another banner.

Andrew Hurley, Sr., G : Nicknamed the ‘human victory cigar’ as he ceremoniously dribbled out the clock on tournament win after tournament win (apparently another one of his dad’s superstitions), Hurley also served as a conduit between coach and players in the locker room, and earned the respect of his teammates.

Jayden Ross, Fr. F: Ross didn’t see much playing time in his freshman year, but it’s expected he will step into a larger role next season. The 6-7 forward brings length and athleticism, and defensive prowess to the floor. He impressed during UConn’s three-game tour in Europe last summer and at the very least could find himself in a Jaylin Stewart-type role next fall.

Youssouf Singare, Fr., C: The big man from Mali brings a lot of potential, but will continue to fight for playing time as the Huskies are likely to search for another center through the transfer portal this offseason. Singare has all of the tools to step into a larger role, but more development is needed before he’s seeing significant minutes.

Donovan Clingan, So., C: The big man from Bristol stepped into the starting center role and immediately became one of the country’s best big men. He only got better as the season went on, becoming utterly dominant on both ends of the floor starting with the Big East Tournament, continuing in a monstrous 14-point, 14-rebound, 8-block performance against Northwestern in winning Most Outstanding Player of the East Regional in Boston. Clingan also went for 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks in the national semis.

Apostos Roumoglou, So., F: He didn’t earn many minutes on this stacked championship squad, but Roumoglu showed on several occasions late in games that he can shoot. With his size (6-8) and ability to knock down 3s, the Greece native should have a shot at earning some more playing time next season. With improvement on the defensive end, there’s an opportunity for a potential spot in the rotation available.

Samson Johnson, Jr., F: After waiting his turn for a couple of seasons, Johnson stepped up to fill the role of reliable backup big that Clingan took on in ’23. He gave the Huskies important minutes while Clingan rested on the bench, rebounded, played defense, and threw down pour-it-on alley- oop slam dunks in transition. He also played an important role against Zach Edey in the title game– using all five fouls in an effort to contain the big man– and stealing just enough rest for Clingan.

Andre Johnson Jr., So., G: The other Bristol native on the roster filled his role as a preferred walk-on and provided competitiveness and intensity in practice. The South Kent School grad can be a valuable part of the team’s preparation, and his contributions are often behind the scenes, but players in these roles help uphold a championship culture within the program.

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