ANALYSIS
Connecticut has yet to unveil its 2020-21 schedule as it makes the move from the American Athletic Conference to the Big East, but based on Hurley's comments, it's safe to assume that Akok recovery from surgery to repair his left Achilles' tendon will most likely extend until at least January. Per Carroll, Akok has since traded his crutches for a walking boot, but he's since been cleared to resume running on a treadmill with a weightless device. While Akok is sidelined to begin the upcoming season, Josh Carlton is projected to start at center, with redshirt freshman Richie Springs and true freshman Javonte Brown-Ferguson seemingly representing the top candidates for the backup job. Whenever Akok is cleared to play again, he'll provide a menacing threat to opposing offenses in the paint after averaging 2.6 blocks per game before sustaining the season-ending injury in mid-February.