The UConn Huskies basketball team is on the cusp of a breakthrough, and the key to their success might just be two players: Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart. With a unique blend of athleticism and defensive prowess, these two wings are poised to make a significant impact on the court.
During UConn's exhibition win over Boston College, coach Dan Hurley experimented with various lineups due to early foul trouble and missing starters. One player who stood out was Jayden Ross, a junior wing. In just 17 minutes off the bench, Ross made his presence felt with an impressive plus-26 rating, contributing four points, four rebounds, an assist, a block, and two steals.
"The team desperately needs a player like Ross coming off the bench," Hurley emphasized. "His athleticism and length make him a valuable asset on defense. We need him to consistently log minutes in the 15-17 range and knock down those 3-pointers. The roster is calling out for wings like Ross and Stewart to step up and become lockdown defenders."
Stewart, another player fitting this mold, made an early impact with a crowd-pleasing two-handed slam in transition and a 3-pointer off the dribble. His plus-7 rating, along with seven points, three rebounds, and an assist, showcased his potential as a consistent contributor in his third year with the program.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can the Huskies rely solely on their defense to secure playing time? With last season's defensive efficiency ranking of 75th, the 2025-26 roster has been assembled with depth to replace struggling defenders. Senior captain Alex Karaban acknowledges the team's progress but emphasizes the need for continuous improvement.
"We showed flashes of brilliance on both ends, but we still have a long way to go," Karaban said. "We'll watch the film, learn, and keep getting better every day. I'm proud of how we played, but there's still room for growth."
And this is the part most people miss: The Huskies' success might also hinge on the role of Malachi Smith. While his obvious role is as a backup to Silas Demary Jr., providing an energy boost off the bench, Smith's impact could be even greater. Starting at point guard in the exhibition due to Demary's calf injury, Smith set the defensive tone and demonstrated his ability to influence any lineup, much like Hassan Diarra.
"Malachi can play alongside Silas in the backcourt," Hurley explained. "Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he'll be a major factor and play significant minutes. He brings a lot of energy, and his five assists could have easily been 12 or 14 if our shots had fallen."
Smith's debut for UConn was impressive, finishing with seven points, five assists, three rebounds, and a block. His defensive pressure led to 20 Boston College turnovers, showcasing his ability to impact the game beyond the box score.
"Smith played a fantastic all-around game," Karaban praised. "His defensive energy sparked the entire team, and he's an excellent teammate to have on the court."
In a heartwarming moment, Hurley paid tribute to Mary Sohon Volz, a dedicated UConn fan who recently passed away from breast cancer. "She was the ultimate UConn fan," Hurley said. "Her family is incredible, and they were with us in Houston and Phoenix, supporting the team despite her illness. Our condolences go out to them, and we'll give our all to deliver a championship for these great families."
The Huskies' journey towards a championship is filled with potential, and the emergence of players like Ross, Stewart, and Smith could be the difference-makers. With a focus on defense and a deep roster, UConn is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming season.
