By Gavin Keefe
Publication: TheDay.com
Wondering what you think about coach Jim Calhoun benching his three seniors for the final 16 minutes of Saturday's loss at South Florida?
I like it. It was time to make a change.
With the team's NCAA Tournament hopes on the line the past two games, UConn stumbled badly at Notre Dame and South Florida. A poor start to the second half Saturday was the final straw.
Calhoun removed seniors Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson, Gavin Edwards as well as sophomore Kemba Walker and freshman Ater Majok. Only Walker and Majok returned.
Calhoun put in junior Donnell Beverly, freshman Darius Smith, freshman Alex Oriakhi, junior Charles Okwandu and freshman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel.
Dyson and Robinson played poorly the last two games. They failed to deliver when needed the most. Edwards probably deserves better because he's played fairly well lately.
Calhoun should have used his bench players earlier this season. His reserves responded with a spirited effort against South Florida.
So what happens now?
Calhoun plans to play his younger players in Tuesday's Big East Tournament first round game against St. John's. But will he change his mind?
Where does that leave Edwards, Dyson and Robinson?
It will be interesting to see how the three players respond in practice today and tomorrow.
I expect that they'll see action Tuesday but play a more limited role. The Huskies can be competitive for 16 minutes without them but not an entire game.
UConn is going nowhere, so reserves should play to gain experience for next season.
Do you agree?
Town Blogs | Notes from our town reporters
Day Photo Staff | On Assignment
David Collins | Today, in The Day
Karen Florin | On The Docket
Rufus Giuseppe | The Dog Dishes
JC Reindl | The Capitol Conveyor
Paul Choiniere | Ruminations
Day staff | Taste Buds (Dining)
Kristina Dorsey | Reel Life
Michelle Gallerani | Motherhood
Julianne Hanckel | Glitterati
Rick Koster | Aging Rock Dude
Jennifer McDermott | The Sipping Room
Marisa Nadolny | Fear No Recipe
Steve Fagin | The Great Outdoors
Vickie Fulkerson | High School Sports
Nick Giuliano | Fenway Frankly
Gavin Keefe | UConn Men's Hoops
Jim O'Neill | Golf
Faye Trafford | In Other Words