Samson Johnson question

[Hoops91]

Clingan is going to the NBA. Johnson waited in line, similar to what Clingan did with Sanogo. The question is will Danny look for a transfer to be the starting center or will he give that to Johnson and only look for a backup? If he adds a starting center is Johnson OK coming off the bench again? It will be interesting how that plays out...

 

[Tenspro2002]

I think whoever he brings in will compete with Johnson for the starting job, and that is what he will tell both guys.

Whether Johnson (or the transfer) would be OK coming off the bench is another question.

 

[husky429]

We are already looking for a starting center based on some of the interest we have showed before the tournament was even over.

SJ should be a good backup next year if he puts in the work this summer.

 

[Kenny11]

Its not a bad question. Ideally, I would love a starting center with more tools and a better rebounder but Johnson has some talents that are unique and we utilize well. We need to keep him. He is so fast running the court, so explosive getting off the floor, and he provides a change-up with a more traditional center that teams really struggle adjusting to. I don't think Hurley promises starting positions anyway so should just tell him we need him back and he will have every opportunity to start if he earns it. I also think he will improve.

 

[The Frog]

SJ is listed at 205 lbs. He just can't match up against many Centers as a full-time starter. I love his skill set. But we also need a legit banger down low as matchups dictate.

 

[BGesus4]

I’m sure the staff will have a very real conversation with Johnson about what he needs to improve on to have a realistic shot at starting next year. Ie, they’re going to bring in a starter-level center and Johnson will need to beat him for the starting spot if he wants it.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Samson was a good backup this year.

 

[navery12]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

Over Karaban? I'd put the odds at that at just about 0

 

[Huskybass]

My guess is that if Samson learns how to avoid foul trouble he gets minutes at both the 4 and 5. Starters minutes, but in a reserve role.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Samson has the game to start, he is good enough. However, does he have the IQ to play defense w/out fouling??? I don't know about that.

 

[Fan1978]

Clingan is going to the NBA. Johnson waited in line, similar to what Clingan did with Sanogo. The question is will Danny look for a transfer to be the starting center or will he give that to Johnson and only look for a backup? If he adds a starting center is Johnson OK coming off the bench again? It will be interesting how that plays out...

Plenty of playing time for both. Particularly given Johnson propensity for fouls

 

[Matrim55]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

No it's not.

 

[B1GEast]

It's the coach's job to improve the roster. That doesn't mean that who he brings in will be guaranteed to start, it just means that Hurley is obligated to make his team better every year.

If that means bringing in a center that can start day one, then that's what he'll do.

The guys that are here know what they have to do to play.

They are students first, but it's also somewhat of a business too.

 

[Hi-Low]

Isn't Sampson going to need to develop some sort of outside game if he hopes to play as a pro somewhere?

He's not a true 5, he has the body of 3/4....if he had some outside game would be a game changer for him.

 

[Nebraskan18]

No it's not.

Karabannnnn

 

[Greedo]

Nothing wrong with being a career backup on this caliber of team. Plenty of players have come through UConn without ever being a starter, but made some great contributions to the success of the program. I think the staff is looking for a starting 5, and I really hope Samson is ok with a similar role as this year. This team wouldn't have won back to back titles without his contributions.

 

[Deepster]

I don’t know. I have hopes he can develop into a good starter. Get stronger. Focus on defense fundamentals. Develop something other than an alley oop finish. I feel like he could be a starter if the chips fall right.

 

[B1GEast]

Nothing wrong with being a career backup on this caliber of team. Plenty of players have come through UConn without ever being a starter, but made some great contributions to the success of the program. I think the staff is looking for a starting 5, and I really hope Samson is ok with a similar role as this year. This team wouldn't have won back to back titles without his contributions.

Johnson is capable of starting. He needs to bulk up.

If he adds 20 lbs of muscle, he can take the pounding of a whole game.

Clingan weighs like 280 on his frame, no clue what Johnson weighs but more weight would do wonders for his game and draft stock

 

[Blades]

SJ is listed at 205 lbs.

Just an....FYI, that was his FR weight, though as posted above another 10-15 lbs would help...

 

[tower1]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

Are you kidding he can't shoot. But he has the perfect job, He does a great job as a backup center.

 

[Fatroony5]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

No, it’s not. We just saw for two straight seasons the importance of having a guy who can shoot, dribble, pass, space the floor, make quick decisions etc etc from that position in Karaban. They aren’t going back to a line up with a guy whose skill set has none of those attributes. The reality from Samson is he’s a good back up and certain matchups favor the skill set he has. The fact that the staff is already doing work on centers in the portal tells you what they think the team needs are…

 

[Blades]

Starting at the 4 is a possibility as well.

Well there was some truth to that at the time (in 2022-23), but his injury in 1 game was a blessing in disguise. Hurley actually broke camp with Samson the starting PF. Then AK had to take over the 4 which reshaped it for DH's 4 out line-up on the NC run in 2023 and the rest is history.

 

[huskyharry]

Samson hit some short jumpers/floaters against St. John's at home. He has a decent shooting stroke but will need to work hard to make it an effective part of his game (I agree that this will be a critical part of his development going forward if he wants to play professionally).

 

[metsfan2323]

Competition is a good thing. This is a highly competitive, championship level program, the only way to keep it that way is to make these professional players (and they are professionals now) compete for playing time.