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The Breakfast Buffet: Jordan Hawkins’ health, Adama Sanogo, Vladislsav Goldin

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, the morning column on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

Jordan Hawkins’ health is now the main storyline entering the 2023 Final Four
Dan Hurley said on Friday that Hawkins wasn’t available to practice due to a non-COVID illness. His availability and productivity will play a major role in tonight’s game against Miami. The 6-5 Hawkins has scored a combined 44 points in his last two games and is 16-31 from three-point range in the NCAA Tournament. If he’s not at peak form, the floor will instantly shrink for UConn on offense. If Hawkins isn’t at 100 percent, look for Naheim Alleyne to play extended minutes. A transfer from Virginia Tech, the 6-5 Alleyne is averaging 7.3 points during the NCAA Tournament and 6-11 from three-point range during that span.

Adama Sanogo should feast on Miami’s lack of size
Norchad Omier plays much bigger than 6-7, but he and the rest of the Hurricanes have absolutely no answer for Sanogo inside. UConn’s broad shouldered junior center is due to have a massive game tonight against Miami’s lack of size up front. The 6-9 Sanogo is averaging 20 points and 9.8 rebounds in four NCAA Tournament games. Don’t be shocked if he usurps his averages tonight.

Vladislav Goldin is the X-Factor for Florida Atlantic
Why? Because if the 7-1 Goldin — who’s averaging 8.3 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament — gets into foul trouble, the Owls are going to have an awfully tough time dealing with San Diego State on the boards. The Aztecs are out rebounding their opponents by 19 in the NCAA Tournament. Goldin has to have a big game and more importantly, has to stay on the floor for Florida Atlantic to advance to Monday night.

On The Side

  • If Florida Atlantic wins two more games, it will be the lowest seed (nine) in the history of the NCAA Tournament to win a national title.
  • Three of UConn’s four national titles — 2004, 2011 and 2014 — occurred in the state of Texas.
  • Nathan Mensah is the unsung presence for San Diego State. The Aztecs’ fifth-year senior has blocked 12 shots in the NCAA Tournament.
  • Bryce Hopkins (15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds) and Devin Carter (13 points, 4.9 rebounds) both announced their intentions to return to Providence next season on Friday. The Friars should have a real chance to be an NCAA Tournament team in Year One under Kim English.
  • One big theme going around college basketball programs right now? The NCAA and compliance officers are advising programs that it’s going to be very difficult for two-time transfers to be immediately eligible moving forward. This is going to have a major impact on how programs recruit out of the transfer portal.

Leftovers