Omar Calhoun

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Connecticut 78, Maryland 77

Friday, November 8, 2013 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

Omar Calhoun

Sophomore | G, 6-5, 195

Calhoun is an aggressive guard with a strong dribble-drive game. Good size, strong frame and deceptive speed. If he can develop a jump shot, he has potential to be a very good lead guard.

Calhoun is clearly trying to develop a jump shot this season. Shot 28.6% from 3-point last year, on 7 attempts per game! Calhoun was 2-7 from 3-point vs. Maryland—including some bad misses—and his shot looked flat. But he’ll keep shooting and hopes to find a rhythm.

I’ve always thought Omar was most effective as a primary ball handler, but he’s obviously playing off the ball right now. Maybe it’s because of his shooting struggles, or because there’s not room in the backcourt alongside Napier and Boatright. Although he’s not the most outspoken player, he competes hard every game.

Video: Three consecutive missed 3-pointers; two made 3-pointers; strong drive

Connecticut 80, Yale 62

Monday, November 11, 2013 | XL Center (Hartford, CT)

Omar Calhoun

Sophomore | G, 6-5, 195

Calhoun led UConn with 18 points, on 5-8 field goals and 3-5 from behind the arc. Although it would have been nice to see him accumulate a few rebounds or assists, Calhoun was a major asset, scoring in both transition and the half court. As I discussed in the Maryland recap, Calhoun is an aggressive guard who feeds off his dribble-drive game. If he can develop a consistent shot to compliment his driving ability, Calhoun has a chance to become a 15-20 point per game scorer in the American Athletic Conference.

Connecticut 82, Eastern Washington 65

Saturday, December 28, 2013 | Webster Bank Arena (Bridgeport, CT)

Omar Calhoun — G, 6-5, 195
Sophomore, 20 years old

Season (21.3 mpg): 8.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 29% from 3-point range

Game: 12 points, 6 rebounds

Outlook: I first saw Calhoun as a high school senior, where he flourished at point guard and scored 36 points vs. Archie Goodwin. I thought he would have an opportunity to handle the ball at UConn, but that hasn’t been the case. His ball handling is not at a level where he can create for himself, let alone command an offense.

Thus, Calhoun’s been relegated to the wing, where he tries to drive and finish at the rim. But his jump shot continues to hold him back. He seemed to be clicking earlier in the year, but has regressed and has been removed from UConn’s starting lineup the past two games.

Aggressive guard who finishes through contact, but needs to improve his jump shot, and needs to find an identity on defense.

If he can correct his jump shot, Calhoun has potential to be a strong lead guard in college, and an NBA prospect as a junior/senior.

Video: Scoring (recent)

Video: Off the Dribble Struggles

Video: Missed Field Goals

Defending

Calhoun’s 6-5 frame, quick feet and physicality allow him to guard all three perimeter positions. He can dig into his man, and has the length to contest perimeter shots. However, he’s slow on his feet, and struggles to contain quicker guards.