UConn basketball’s fresh faces shine bright at Mohegan Sun.
UConn basketball provided fans with a first look at their new team in an exhibition game at Mohegan Sun against their old Big East foe Syracuse. The last time UConn basketball was on the court, the stakes were a lot higher as they were playing for a national championship.
It was an ugly start for the Huskies as they committed nine fouls and turned the ball over seven times. The offense showed some spurts of potential, but the team did not shoot the ball well, going 35% from the floor and only making 5 out of 10 free throws in the first half. In a close back-and-forth half, UConn went into the break up 31 to 26.
The second half was much cleaner for UConn basketball as the Huskies pulled ahead by double figures throughout most of the half. They did a better job controlling the basketball and only had two turnovers. They also shot much better, going 13-17 on free throws and shooting 40% from three.
UConn came away with a 72 to 52 victory in a matchup that college basketball fans want to see more often.
“Whether it’s a home and home, or at MSG… It’ll be a game that we’ll want to play,” said Dan Hurley postgame on renewing the rivalry with Syracuse.
This was only an exhibition, but there are plenty of takeaways from this game.
GOOD TO BE BACK 💪 https://t.co/H1FVdz2I4T
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) October 14, 2026
Najai Hines and Nik Khamenia fit right in
Key transfers Na’jai Hines and Nik Khamenia will both play integral roles for UConn basketball this season.
Najai Hines, the transfer from Seton Hall, will replace Tarris Reed Jr. as the team’s starting center. He was the most impressive player on the floor for UConn and was dominant on both ends.
Hines compiled a stat line of 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 20 minutes. This team is certainly good enough to make another Final Four, and Hines will be the main reason why the team can get there.
Nik Khamenia, the transfer from Duke, will step into the Alex Karaban role for UConn. It will be impossible to replace what Karaban did for the Huskies, but Khamenia is an impact player who should see large minutes early in the season.
He was very impressive in his debut, shooting 3-for-5 from three, grabbing eight rebounds, and showing off his passing and cutting abilities. It will be very exciting to see how he develops throughout the season.
The freshmen are ready to contribute
Freshman Junior County did a little bit of everything for UConn basketball in his first (exhibition) game. He was all over the glass, securing seven rebounds, which will be a large reason why he will see extended minutes during the season. He also provided excellent perimeter shooting, going 3-for-5 from deep.
Colben Landrew also played very well after a bit of a slow start in the first half. He scored eight second half points and played excellent defense throughout. He did start the game for UConn basketball, but he may find himself coming off the bench to start the season when Braylon Mullins returns from injury.
Both players had some classic “freshman moments,” but overall both were very impressive. Look for both players to average around 15-25 mins off the bench, with the potential to start if their number is called upon throughout the season.
Closing thoughts
The UConn basketball team on the floor against Syracuse will continue to evolve as the season goes along. Braylon Mullins did not even play in this game, and UConn still found a way to win by 20 points. It’s a long season but the expectations should be extremely high for this Huskies team.
Go UConn looking forward to a fun season !