Niels Giffey is making a case to play more minutes in Jim Calhoun's rotation.

"My assistants told me — and they were absolutely right — to leave Niels in because he was playing good defense on [B.J.] Young," Calhoun said.

Calhoun listed Giffey was one of the three best players in practice this week.

"It's another story for our kids," Calhoun said. "Niels hasn't seen the light of day much in recent games. He had four good practices in a row, and we were talking about starting him [Saturday]. Niels is a good example for anybody who wants additional minutes — they're there to be had."

Roscoe Smith and DeAndre Daniels played fewer minutes on Saturday.

"I'm not going to lie, it's difficult [when you're not playing]," Giffey said. "But Coach [George] Blaney always talks about 'the reward of playing.' You have to work hard for it. And it's worth it."