Spring Break
Dyson has to wait for senior debut
Kevin Vellturo
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Sports
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Coach Jim Calhoun wouldn't get into specifics over what transpired, but mentioned that he expects all three to be eligible for Sunday's exhibition game against UMass-Lowell. The announcement did come as somewhat of a surprise, however, as Calhoun found out about Dyson and Beverly only two hours before the game.
Coombs-McDaniel, who was a high school teammate of fellow freshman Alex Oriakhi was disappointed by the news.
"He was really disappointed, he didn't even get to sit with us on the bench," Oriakhi said. "But he wasn't too upset about it. He knows he'll be back and coach wants him back."
The issue should be resolved soon, as early as today even, but if Kemba Walker and Stanley Robinson play like they did against AIC, the Huskies might be able to make do without them.
Walker's 28 points - shooting 9-for-12 from the floor - more than made up for the absence of Dyson. Robinson added 25 points of his own, while taking down seven rebounds.
With Dyson out it provided Walker the opportunity to step up and take charge - and he did. Despite being only a sophomore, Walker was a leader.
"I definitely had to pick up the slack in scoring," Walker said.
Freshmen make an early impact
Oriakhi had some big shoes to fill in coming to UConn. Not only does he come in as one of three players vying to fill the void left by Hasheem Thabeet's early depature but by wearing Thabeet's 34, the comparison is surely there. After scoring 16 points and adding 16 rebounds in his college debut, Oriakhi may have aleviated some concern.
Calhoun is certainly happy with Oriakhi's play but kept it in perspective. Oriakhi made some freshman-like plays against an undersized opponent. That being said, his offensive production was nice to see.
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