Amida Brimah Must Have Huge Game for UConn to Beat Texas

By Greg Sulik
amida brimah uconn
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 24 UConn Huskies host the No. 7 Texas Longhorns on Saturday at Gampel Pavilion in a game that will serve as a great early season measuring stick for both teams and could be an important resume builder come tournament time. UConn has endured some early season struggles after losing four of their top six players from last season, and they suffered their first loss of the season to West Virginia in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off Championship.

Texas, on the other hand, has mowed through their early season schedule thus far, winning every game by at least 14 points and securing the 2K Classic Tournament title. The Longhorns will be without star point guard Isaiah Taylor against the Huskies, but it is the inside duo of Jonathan Holmes and Myles Turner that UConn really needs to worry about.

Every college basketball fan knows all about Turner, one of the top recruits in the country last season and a contender for the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. The 6’11” freshman has lived up to expectations thus far, averaging 12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks while playing 20 minutes a game. Less well known is the senior Holmes, who is second on the team at 13.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 7.2 per game.

The pair make for a formidable frontcourt duo, and that is why UConn center Amida Brimah must be on top of his game on Saturday. The seven foot sophomore is 15th in the country with 3.3 blocks per game, and he will spend most of his day guarding Turner. Brimah has been prone to foul trouble in his career, something he must avoid against Texas. While Kentan Facey and Phillip Nolan are capable players, it is Brimah’s presence that makes UConn’s interior defense effective.

Brimah will have his hands full with Turner’s skill set, and it will be an interesting test for UConn’s star big man. Brimah is a better weakside shot blocker than on-ball post defender, but the latter is what he needs to contain Turner. Brimah’s help on Holmes will also be important, as the senior has the size to bully past UConn’s young and skinny frontcourt. Don’t be surprised if Rakim Lubin plays increased minutes to add some physicality to the low post for the Huskies.

No matter how the playing time breaks down for the supporting cast, there is no doubt that Brimah’s performance will be absolutely vital to UConn’s success. If he can raise his game to meet this challenge and lock down the paint, UConn might be able to come away with a high quality early season win.

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