Imagine a basketball team's dominant performance clouded by the shadow of key absences—stars sidelined not by drama or decisions, but by sheer bad luck in the form of injuries. This isn't just a game recap; it's a glimpse into how UConn's exhibition victory over Boston College might reveal more about resilience than raw talent. But here's where it gets controversial: does relying on untested backups really build a championship contender, or is it a recipe for underestimating the importance of experience? Stick around to see how the Huskies navigated this challenge and what it means for their future.
In Uncasville, the UConn men's basketball squad, known for its storied program and recent national championships, secured a solid 71-52 triumph against the Eagles in their preseason opener at Mohegan Sun Arena. Yet, any evaluation of this outing demands a hefty dose of caution—picture two enormous grains of salt, each as tall as the players missing from the lineup. We're talking about Tarris Reed Jr., the towering 6-foot-11 senior center, and Silas Demary Jr., the agile 6-foot-4 point guard, both sidelined due to leg injuries. Reed, dealing with a hamstring strain, might be out for a while, while Demary's calf issue seems less severe, potentially allowing him to return soon after some warm-ups before the game. Coach Dan Hurley summed it up perfectly: 'Tarris, when he's not fouling, efficiency-wise is one of the best defensive centers,' he noted, and added that 'Silas is our best perimeter defensive player.' Their void was palpable, but it also spotlighted emerging talents who stepped up admirably.
The Huskies' win highlighted familiar struggles from the previous season, such as excessive fouling, subpar rebounding, and stretches of missed long-range shots. For beginners in basketball, think of fouling as breaking the rules by illegally contacting an opponent—too many can send a team to the free-throw line, where opponents score easy points without defense. Rebounding involves grabbing the ball after a missed shot, crucial for second-chance opportunities. And those 'long shooting skeins' refer to periods where outside shots (from beyond the three-point arc) keep clanging off the rim instead of swishing through. Despite these hiccups, UConn found comfort in the strong showings from their backups. Eric Reibe, the 7-foot freshman center, racked up eight points and six rebounds, proving his potential. Malachi Smith, the transfer point guard from Dayton, contributed seven points, five assists, a block, and just one turnover, injecting vital energy. Hurley praised Reibe: 'I thought Eric handled himself well. He didn't finish everything, but I thought he functioned well, got himself to the right spots. He's gonna be an awesome player.' And this is the part most people miss—how these performances could reshape the team's depth chart for the upcoming Big East battles.
Leading the charge, Alex Karaban delivered 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, even with a 3-for-10 mark from three-point range. Solo Ball chipped in 12 points (hitting only 1-for-8 from beyond the arc), while freshman Braylon Mullins matched that scoring output. Defensively, the team was solid early, thanks to Smith's vigor, but they faltered in other areas—connecting on just 5 of 21 threes and drawing only two free throws compared to Boston College's 15. UConn held a lead throughout the first half, heading into the break at 35-27. The second half brought more shooting woes, missing their initial five three-pointers, and Boston College capitalized with fouls and a brief lead at 38-37. But Dwayne Koroma's putback tipped the scales back, giving UConn a permanent edge with 12 minutes remaining.
Karaban reflected on the night: 'We showed flashes, offensively and defensively. We've got a long way to go. It's a long season. I thought we battled through adversity.' Hurley echoed that sentiment: 'It was good to have a little bit of adversity with the group, missing some key players. I thought it was a good experience for everybody. And it makes me more of a believer in the team.' Now, for a deeper dive into the individual performances—let's break it down player by player to clarify how each contributed, helping newcomers grasp their roles in the team's strategy.
Starting with Alex Karaban: His struggles with three-point shooting from last year resurfaced at the start, missing his first four attempts. But he bounced back with powerful drives to the basket, and in the second half, he drained key threes to widen the lead. The big lesson here for Karaban—and fans to consider—is maintaining confidence when the perimeter shots aren't dropping. Instead, focus on attacking the rim, grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists (he had four), and blocking shots (two). It's a versatile skill set that makes him more than just a shooter.
Solo Ball's night included just one made three out of eight tries, but Hurley isn't worried. Ball's poised to be a top long-range marksman in the nation; he just needs to sharpen his defense. The coach hedged on giving too much praise ('I'll have to watch the tape'), but the 'eye test'—what you see with your own eyes—suggested progress on that end. This could spark debate: Is Ball's potential enough to overlook his preseason inconsistency, or should fans demand more immediate impact?
Malachi Smith, filling in for the injured Silas Demary Jr., brought defensive fire and efficiency: seven points, five assists, one block, and minimal turnovers. Hurley pointed out that Smith's assist count could've been much higher if teammates had better shooting. While he's slated as Demary's backup, expect him to share significant minutes and be a 'major factor, playing starters' minutes.' Here's where it gets controversial—some might argue this signals a shift toward younger guards, potentially undervaluing Demary's experience. What do you think: Is this the dawn of a new era, or a risky gamble?
Freshman Braylon Mullins earned the start, a clear nod to his preseason excellence and the coaching staff's trust in the 6-foot-6 shooter's talent. Limited to 16 minutes due to four fouls and shooting 2-for-7 from three, his athleticism, height, and court presence were undeniable. He could emerge as the Big East's top rookie this season—by far. For those new to the game, fouls accumulate when you commit infractions, and once you hit four, you're done for the game, so Mullins' early exits highlight the need for smarter play.
Eric Reibe, the 7-footer stepping in for Reed, impressed with eight points and six rebounds, avoiding further fouls after two in the first half. His footwork and mobility stand out, and while he didn't shoot threes, his guard-like abilities in passing and shooting make him a unique big man. This versatility might redefine expectations for centers in modern basketball.
Jaylin Stewart, the 6-foot-7 junior, showed promise despite losing the starting wing spot to Mullins. He went 3-for-9 overall (1-for-5 from three) and grabbed three rebounds in 20 minutes, appearing more assertive and physically stronger than last year. His flashes of brilliance suggest he could still play a key role.
Jayden Ross, the 6-foot-6 junior wing, had a modest stat line—four points on 2-for-3 shooting (including a debatable goaltending call) and four rebounds in 17 minutes. But his team-best plus-26 plus/minus (a metric showing team performance with him on the court) tells a different story. Hurley emphasized needing Ross in the 15-20 minute range, hitting threes and defending well: 'The roster is screaming for those wings, Jaylin and Jayden, to emerge as guys who can lock up on defense and be productive, big wings.' This is the part most people miss—how plus/minus can reveal hidden value, turning 'empty' stats into gold.
Dwayne Koroma, the well-traveled grad transfer, logged 12 minutes—more than usual with Reed and Reibe healthy—and added five rebounds, including the game-tying basket. Alec Millender, another transfer from IU-Indy, played 14 minutes, dishing four assists, making both free throws, and reinforcing the staff's positive outlook on him. Jacob Furphy, the freshman from Tasmania (nicknamed 'Tazzy'), missed his only shot in five minutes of garbage time (late-game action when the outcome is decided). Cracking the rotation will be tough, but he might surprise with standout moments.
Additional insights from Hurley provide context: He expressed frustration over the soft-tissue injuries to Demary and Reed, rare in his 15 years coaching. Reed's hamstring flared up after a brief return from a two-week absence, likely keeping him out for the October 28 exhibition against Michigan State, but possibly ready for the season opener. 'We've just got to make sure the guy is healthy,' Hurley stressed. Hurley also shared condolences for Mary Sohon Volz, a devoted UConn supporter who passed away after battling cancer. She attended games despite her diagnosis before the 2023 Final Four and was an 'incredible' fan. 'We'll be giving everything that we've got, as a team and a program, to deliver a championship for that great family.' It's a poignant reminder of how sports can unite and inspire beyond the court.
As we wrap up, the UConn exhibition win underscores themes of adaptability and youth, but it also raises eyebrows: Are coaches too quick to praise unproven players, or is this optimism justified? Could the injuries expose weaknesses that rivals exploit? What about the reliance on freshmen—does it signal innovation or instability? I'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you agree that this team has championship potential despite the setbacks, or disagree that experience trumps youth? Share in the comments below, and let's debate! After all, sports are meant to spark passion and discussion.
Published on Oct 13, 2025 | Updated Oct 13, 2025 at 11:16 p.m.
Staff Writer
Dave Borges is a seasoned sports reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media Group, covering UConn men's basketball since 2007. He's witnessed five Final Fours and four national titles (2011, 2014, 2023, 2024), voted in the AP Top 25 since 2009, and earned Connecticut Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. Dave's books include 'Rebound: The Incredible Story of UConn Basketball's Comeback from Defeat to Dominance' and 'Images of Baseball: The Pawtucket Red Sox.' He also covers baseball, having chronicled the 2004 World Series-winning Boston Red Sox, and has been a Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2014.
