The UConn Huskies will defend their NCAA Championship without do-everything guard Kemba Walker, now a Charlotte Bobcat whenever the NBA lockout ends. But Big East coaches still expect UConn to pace the conference.
UConn tied for first place with Syracuse in the Big East coaches' preseason poll, leading Syracuse in first-place votes, 7-5.
The Huskies will be led by returning starter Jeremy Lamb, a preseason first-team all-Big East pick, and Andre Drummond, a 6-foot-11 center who was chosen as the conference's preseason rookie of the year. Returners Shabazz Napier, an honorable mention selection, and Alex Oriahki, a second-team selection, also figure to make big contributions for the Huskies.
UConn will inevitably miss Kemba Walker, who scored 23.5 points per game last season and made a habit of boosting his production in big games. But the Huskies are once again loaded with talent.
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