A little time with Scottie

UConn recruit and Gatorade's Mississippi Player of the Year Scottie Haralson planned to sign his national Letter of Intent today to attend UConn. The official decision -- Haralson verbally committed to the Huskies in late January -- comes three days after returning from Storrs for his first visit to campus.

Here's a partial transcription from a phone conversation with the Provine High (Jackson, Miss.) star on Tuesday night:

Q: So how was you trip up here to Connecticut?
SH: I really loved the campus. It was a nice, peaceful setting. It’s not really what I expected at first, but as I got to look around and saw and met the people, it turned out to be good and I enjoyed myself. I’m really looking forward to coming.

Q: You're from Jackson, went to school in the city. What was your reaction to finally see the campus because it's kind of in the middle of nowhere?
SH: It’s cool, it’s cool. I’m used to it. I’m from the country, my parents are from the country. So I’m used to the rural setting. But that’s a good thing. You learn different lifestyles.

Q: Word is you more than held your own in scrimmages with the team on Saturday ...
SH: I did good, I did really good. I just tried to play my game. I don’t try to do anythingI can’t do. I just try to compete with the other guys, show them I can play well and I can help them next year. I just wanted them to know that I’m not just here. I’m good enough to play.

Q: Your parents (Debra and Al) came with you, too, right? How did they like it?
SH: They came with me. They feel very comfortable about sending me up there. They know I’ll be in good hands. … They’re glad I chose UConn.

Q: When you got a chance to sit down with Coach (Jim) Calhoun, what was his discussion with you?
SH: He told me, ‘I know what you can do, we’re going to make you work hard. I know you’re hungry to score, but we want to play your best and do what we ask you to do. And the sky’s the limit for you.’

Q: So what's the plan for the summer?
SH: I’m coming a little early. I’m coming for the second session (Note: It begins July 14). I’ll be working out with the boys and taking a couple classes. I'll probably take two.

Q: Who did you stay with on your visit?
SH: Most of the time I was with Donnell Beverly and Jeff Adrien. But I was with everybody really. I communicated with everybody and everybody was cool.

Q: What did the guys tell you about the team?
SH: They’re looking forward to me coming. They said they really need a shooter and they’re glad I’m coming. I’m excited about playing with them. They’re a great group of guys, and they did well this year and we’re going to be even better next year.