Hey Guys,
Hilton Armstrong had a well-defined role w/ JC's ranked teams of the time - Block shots, Grab every rebound, Help out on D, & Pick up the "garbage" points around the hoop. And he played it really well.
And if you'll remember, Armstrong was the much better athlete, stronger (245 lbs. of rock-solid, lean muscle), who also jumped at least a foot higher than Whaley, playing well above the square. An intimidator, Armstrong blocked or changed more shots than Whaley by far. Armstrong's higher rebound-to-minutes percentages were impressive! Being a tough kid, Armstrong was often in JC's doghouse cuz he wasn't afraid to talk back, Ha!
Whaley plays with more heart & works his butt off in the paint. He's the 'TEAM-FIRST' spiritual heart of this current team, not Bouknight (who reminds me a lot of Tony Hanson). Whaley lives for defense.
But Isaiah hasn't consolidated all his skills into a well-defined & executed role & his shooting form (footwork) is spotty. Excellent paint presence & defense, but not a consistent dominant, above-the- rim shot blocker like Armstrong. Whaley simply has to be a more consistent 'double-double' offensive guy in every game for the Huskies to advance. He has to be able to create & score inside when needed too. Inability to dribble or create hurts Whaley & UConn a lot - especially in "small ball" which has been mentioned.
I agree with NDakotaHusky on every point. Armstrong passed the eye test much better than Whaley does. But with his dependable hustle, heart & great attitude, Isaiah Whaley could be my teammate anytime, in any endeavour.
Hilton Armstrong was a multi-year, NBA-tough-guy pro. Isaiah Whaley will play a bit in the G league (maybe) & will definitely play in international leagues. If UConn advances in the NCAA tournament, Whaley could up his stock into an NBA try-out or shot. Of course, just being named Big East "Co-Defensive Player of the Year" can't hurt Whaley either!
However, I predict that Isaiah Whaley will be a real winner & leader in his post-hoops life, wherever it leads him. Good Luck Isaiah!
Hilton Armstrong was the better athlete & player of the two, IMO.
Father Demo