Brent Pelella
Player Profile: Tyler Olander (Jr.)
Olander has been one of the fan favorites since he arrived on campus as a freshman, because his high school resides right on the border of the UConn campus. He has had to miss the first few weeks of preseason play due to a sprained right ankle, but when he returns they expect him to fill a much-needed position on the front line.
Last season, Tyler played in all 34 games and started 9 with an average of 17.6 minutes per contest. His 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game averages are not indicative of what he means to the program. His hustle and defensive intensity provides a spark that will be depended on for a lot more minutes this season.
In the past two seasons, Olander hasn’t been a primary option to score the ball, but with both post scorers gone from last season it will be up to him to be that presence. At 6’9”, Tyler will start at the power forward position, but will most likely be used at the center spot as well against smaller teams.
If you watch him with the ball it easy to tell that his skill set his crafted around using his body to assert himself, and get to the foul line. Last season, he took over a foul shot per game in restricted minutes, which has to be a point of emphasis to build on this season. He’s an average mid range shooter, with a very good ability to produce second chance points.
Look for Olander to start almost every game this season, and play a ton of minutes, baring another injury. His success is essential to the Huskies if they want to accomplish something note-worthy in their constrained season.
