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Going into last season, many observers thought freshman power forward Kentan Facey would emerge as a key force in the post for UConn. However, Facey proved too raw to be able to handle significant minutes, and Amida Brimah turned out to be the freshman big man that made a major impact. This year, however, Facey is starting to become the player UConn hoped he would be.
UConn is starting two true big men this year, instead of using a stretch four like last season. Somewhat surprisingly, Facey was given the first shot at the role ahead of junior Phillip Nolan. Facey has responded very well, averaging 5.8 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game while averaging 25 minutes per contest.
Facey’s contributions as a rebounder have been a huge boost for UConn. The team has bumped its total rebound numbers up from 35 a game last year to 37 this year, and Facey has been a big part of that. His most impressive work has been on the offensive end, where his 12 offensive rebounds lead the team by a wide margin. The ability to keep possessions alive and get easy put-backs is a great skill to have in any big man, and it is even more useful on a perimeter oriented team like UConn.
Facey is still developing his offensive game, and he is not the defender that Brimah is. However, he has shown flashes of his touch around the basket and the occasional post move, and he will continue to improve in that area. Defensively, his lack of strength is an issue, but he has the athleticism and effort needed to make an impact.
The Huskies needed another big man to emerge, especially as a rebounder, and Facey has done a great job in that area thus far in this young season. If he can continue to develop his all around game, he could be the catalyst for UConn going from a good team to one that is capable of defending its national championship.
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