Contrary to other reports, recruits Nolan Dennis and Rico Pickett are not expected to visit UConn this weekend, and it's unclear at the moment if or when they'll come to the Storrs campus.
Dennis, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard, asked for his release from his commitment to Memphis in the wake of John Calipari's departure, and reportedly is considering UConn, Oklahoma and Baylor as some of his top choices. He is a top-60 recruit in the 2009 class, according to Rivals.com.
(Update: Per Rivals.com, Dennis has chosen Baylor.)
Pickett, a Miami-Dade Community College prospect, has been on UConn's radar since last year. The 6-foot-3 guard went the junior college route after he was suspended from Alabama for violating team rules.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
It's official: UConn, Kentucky to meet next season
Jim Calhoun called it a strong possibility last week. It became a reality Wednesday.
The UConn men’s basketball team will face Kentucky on Dec. 9 at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the SEC/Big East Invitational, it was announced by ESPN.
As part of a two-night doubleheader which also features games in Tampa, Fla., Georgia will play St. John’s on ESPN2 in the early game in New York, followed by Kentucky vs. UConn on ESPN.
UConn and Kentucky have played once before, in the 2006 NCAA tournament second round, with UConn winning, 87-83.
"We are excited to be a part of this and to have the opportunity to play a program like Kentucky,” Calhoun said in a statement. “We always try to schedule against the best and think this is a continuation of that tradition for us. In addition, it is always exciting for our team and our fans to play in Madison Square Garden, an arena that has been the site of so many successes for us over the years."
On Dec. 10, at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., DePaul will take on Mississippi State on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida on ESPN. Game times for all four match-ups will be announced at a later date.
The Big East holds a 5-3 record in the first two years of the SEC/Big East Invitational.
The UConn men’s basketball team will face Kentucky on Dec. 9 at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the SEC/Big East Invitational, it was announced by ESPN.
As part of a two-night doubleheader which also features games in Tampa, Fla., Georgia will play St. John’s on ESPN2 in the early game in New York, followed by Kentucky vs. UConn on ESPN.
UConn and Kentucky have played once before, in the 2006 NCAA tournament second round, with UConn winning, 87-83.
"We are excited to be a part of this and to have the opportunity to play a program like Kentucky,” Calhoun said in a statement. “We always try to schedule against the best and think this is a continuation of that tradition for us. In addition, it is always exciting for our team and our fans to play in Madison Square Garden, an arena that has been the site of so many successes for us over the years."
On Dec. 10, at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., DePaul will take on Mississippi State on ESPN2, followed by Syracuse vs. Florida on ESPN. Game times for all four match-ups will be announced at a later date.
The Big East holds a 5-3 record in the first two years of the SEC/Big East Invitational.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thabeet declares for NBA
So, not surprisingly, Hasheem Thabeet is heading to the NBA Draft, where he is expected to be a top-five pick at best and a lottery pick at worst.
Jim Calhoun met with the media earlier today, a day after having a sit-down with Thabeet, and said he expected Thabeet to make an announcement on his future within the week. Thabeet didn't wait that long. UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy sent out the release at 4:46 p.m.
"He was just anxious to put the word out," said Muncy, who added that Thabeet wasn’t planning to hold a news conference to further discuss his move.
Thabeet was a consensus All-American this season after averaging 13.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocks — good for second nationally — in leading UConn to its third Final Four and a 31-5 record. The two-time national and Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Thabeet “has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of college basketball,” Calhoun said.
“And I am certain that wherever he ends up in the NBA, he is ready to be equally successful,” the coach said in a statement. “He will truly be remembered as one of the great players in UConn history, not only for his accomplishments, but also because of the type of person he is.”
Calhoun spoke more of Thabeet’s character earlier Tuesday, calling him “one of the true pied pipers that we’ve ever had” while meeting with reporters to wrap up the 2009 season.
“He really has a captivating personality,” Calhoun continued. “Some kids hide and slink in at 7-3. He stands 7-8 when he stands up because he’s bigger than life sometimes.”
Currently, ESPN.com’s Chad Ford ranks Thabeet as the draft’s third best prospect and DraftExpress.com projects him to go No. 4.
Thabeet was in the news on Monday, if you consider his tweets to be news. I don't. Neither does Calhoun.
"He’s here at school, he’s going to finish out all the way through finals," Calhoun said. "He’s not going to go any place. He has traveled. People think it’s unusual he’s at the Final Four. They give him two tickets to the game after he gets national Defensive Player of the Year. They find it strange that since he has a girlfriend in Miami, that he goes to Miami. I don’t find any of that stuff strange at all. If you want to look at where any of our other kids went, they all went different places.
"The fact that he went into a night club and he’s 7-foot-3, he’s of-age. I don’t find that revealing. I thought I was reading People Magazine or Entertainment Tonight (with all the news about it)."
Jim Calhoun met with the media earlier today, a day after having a sit-down with Thabeet, and said he expected Thabeet to make an announcement on his future within the week. Thabeet didn't wait that long. UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy sent out the release at 4:46 p.m.
"He was just anxious to put the word out," said Muncy, who added that Thabeet wasn’t planning to hold a news conference to further discuss his move.
Thabeet was a consensus All-American this season after averaging 13.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocks — good for second nationally — in leading UConn to its third Final Four and a 31-5 record. The two-time national and Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Thabeet “has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of college basketball,” Calhoun said.
“And I am certain that wherever he ends up in the NBA, he is ready to be equally successful,” the coach said in a statement. “He will truly be remembered as one of the great players in UConn history, not only for his accomplishments, but also because of the type of person he is.”
Calhoun spoke more of Thabeet’s character earlier Tuesday, calling him “one of the true pied pipers that we’ve ever had” while meeting with reporters to wrap up the 2009 season.
“He really has a captivating personality,” Calhoun continued. “Some kids hide and slink in at 7-3. He stands 7-8 when he stands up because he’s bigger than life sometimes.”
Currently, ESPN.com’s Chad Ford ranks Thabeet as the draft’s third best prospect and DraftExpress.com projects him to go No. 4.
Thabeet was in the news on Monday, if you consider his tweets to be news. I don't. Neither does Calhoun.
"He’s here at school, he’s going to finish out all the way through finals," Calhoun said. "He’s not going to go any place. He has traveled. People think it’s unusual he’s at the Final Four. They give him two tickets to the game after he gets national Defensive Player of the Year. They find it strange that since he has a girlfriend in Miami, that he goes to Miami. I don’t find any of that stuff strange at all. If you want to look at where any of our other kids went, they all went different places.
"The fact that he went into a night club and he’s 7-foot-3, he’s of-age. I don’t find that revealing. I thought I was reading People Magazine or Entertainment Tonight (with all the news about it)."
Monday, March 30, 2009
Final Four tickets available Tuesday
UConn Final Four travel packages, comprised of game tickets and hotel rooms, will be available for purchase by the general public beginning Tuesday morning.
Fans interested in purchasing Final Four packages through UConn may do so between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by calling 1-888-GO-UCONN or by visiting UConnHuskies.com. Packages may also be purchased which include charter air travel to Detroit.
Pricing information for all UConn Final Four packages is available at UConnHuskies.com.
Fans interested in purchasing Final Four packages through UConn may do so between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by calling 1-888-GO-UCONN or by visiting UConnHuskies.com. Packages may also be purchased which include charter air travel to Detroit.
Pricing information for all UConn Final Four packages is available at UConnHuskies.com.
Chicago guard Darius Smith commits to Huskies
Darius Smith, a 6-foot-2 combo guard out of Marshall High School in Chicago, verbally committed to the Huskies on Monday night, choosing UConn over Arizona State, Cincinnati, and Marquette.
Regarded as one of the country's top unsigned senior guards, Smith averaged 23 points, seven rebounds, six steals and six assists for Marshall this past season. An First Team All-State pick, he joins a recruiting class for next season that includes Tilton teammates Alex Oriakhi and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Mt. Zion guard Jamaal Trice of L.A.
Smith said Monday his relationship with the Huskies' coaching staff as well as their style of play made them stand out. He also was considering Marquette and Duke. UConn liked Smith's scoring ability and his ability to play both guard positions.
Regarded as one of the country's top unsigned senior guards, Smith averaged 23 points, seven rebounds, six steals and six assists for Marshall this past season. An First Team All-State pick, he joins a recruiting class for next season that includes Tilton teammates Alex Oriakhi and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Mt. Zion guard Jamaal Trice of L.A.
Smith said Monday his relationship with the Huskies' coaching staff as well as their style of play made them stand out. He also was considering Marquette and Duke. UConn liked Smith's scoring ability and his ability to play both guard positions.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thabeet injury update
Hasheem Thabeet suffered a bruised left ring finger and a slight sprain of the ring and middle finger on his left hand during Saturday's 82-75 victory over Missouri that earned UConn its third Final Four berth. The 7-foot-3 center hurt himself in a scramble for a loose ball on the floor in the second half of the West Regional final.
Team trainer James Doran expects Thabeet to participate in practice tomorrow with no limitations. The Big East co-player of the year finished with 13 rebounds but five points and no blocks against Missouri.
The Huskies traveled home Saturday night and arrived back in Connecticut at 4:00 a.m. today. They held a brief team meeting this afternoon, but did not practice.
Team trainer James Doran expects Thabeet to participate in practice tomorrow with no limitations. The Big East co-player of the year finished with 13 rebounds but five points and no blocks against Missouri.
The Huskies traveled home Saturday night and arrived back in Connecticut at 4:00 a.m. today. They held a brief team meeting this afternoon, but did not practice.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
NCAA investigation underway
The NCAA's investigation into the UConn athletics department is underway, though numerous reports over the last three days have already made that clear. That said, the university released this statement today:
"The University is working collaboratively with the NCAA to conduct a thorough review of the issues raised in the recent news accounts regarding alleged recruiting violations in the men's basketball program.
"On Wednesday morning March 25, soon after the article was posted, the University and NCAA enforcement staff initiated conversations on this matter. A comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances involved has begun. The review is being conducted by the NCAA and the University in a manner consistent with NCAA enforcement procedures."
Not much detail there, obviously. Stay tuned.
"The University is working collaboratively with the NCAA to conduct a thorough review of the issues raised in the recent news accounts regarding alleged recruiting violations in the men's basketball program.
"On Wednesday morning March 25, soon after the article was posted, the University and NCAA enforcement staff initiated conversations on this matter. A comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances involved has begun. The review is being conducted by the NCAA and the University in a manner consistent with NCAA enforcement procedures."
Not much detail there, obviously. Stay tuned.
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