The bracket for this year's Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands was released on Monday. UConn is one of eight teams participating in the early season tournament, which runs from Nov. 21 to 24. UConn plays LaSalle in the first round on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., and with a win, will move on to play the winner of Southern Miss. and Miami. on Nov. 23 On the other side of the bracket, San Diego and Valparaiso play for the right to play either Iona or Wisconsin. The finals are set for 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, though every team is guaranteed to play three games.
Unlike the women's bracket this past season, the men will hardly see a star-studded field, though a rematch with San Diego would be interesting.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
More on Majok
Here's a preview of tomorrow's story on Ater Majok's verbal commitment to the Huskies. Also, I'm a little late on this but here is the link to the story on Thabeet returning that ran in today's paper. (There will be more on Thabeet in tomorrow's paper as well). Check back here later for more quotes and breakdown from a busy day in Storrs.
By MATT STOUT
Norwich Bulletin
Ater Majok found everything he was looking for in a college basketball program when he made an official visit to UConn late last week: a knowledgeable coaching staff, a campus he “loved,” players he related to and a team that just felt right.
"Plus you had great weather," said Ed Smith, Majok's coach and mentor in Australia, where he's lived for the last eight years. "So whoever planned that, did a great job."
It almost made his big decision inevitable.
Majok, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward out of Sudan, verbally committed to UConn Monday, ending a race for one of this year’s most highly sought-after recruits.
Touted as an instant impact player with the ability to play both inside and out, the man with a 7-foot-4 wing span joins an ever-growing freshman class that includes Kemba Walker (New York), Scottie Haralson (Jackson, Miss.), Charles Okwandu (Nigeria) and possibly, the well-traveled Nate Miles (Toledo, Ohio).
Majok's decision also extended a string of good news for the Huskies, who learned Sunday National Defensive Player of the Year Hasheem Thabeet was returning to Storrs for his junior year. It’s made the excitement around Gampel Pavilion palpable.
"After being here and everything was in place and he had been through the process, (Majok) said, 'Why don't I just go and shut it down,'" Smith said of Majok's recruitment. "He just felt good. I asked him (Sunday) night, 'How do you feel?' He said, 'I feel really good about the situation, I feel good about the staff.' There's a good blend of veteran coaches as well as younger coaches, and he felt really good about the team and the mix of the team."
Majok had visited Kentucky and Baylor, and had the opportunity to make one more visit, which would have been to UCLA. But after leaving Storrs Friday morning and remaining in the U.S. to mull the decision, he called UConn coaches Monday afternoon to inform them of his commitment.
"It's a really good opportunity to play," Majok told Scout.com. "It's a chance to play for a Hall of Fame coach at a good program. I'm about to jump out of my seat right now. (Jim Calhoun) was very excited and he feels that with my addition to the team, we’ll be national champions this season."
Smith said Calhoun's track record of molding "similar-type players" played a huge role in Majok's decision, as did the Thabeet's announcement to stay. Thabeet, a Tanzania native, hosted Majok during his visit, and his return coupled with that of several other veterans was appealing.
"He felt as a freshman coming in, he can rely on the veteran leadership of the seniors who are there to actually learn how to work and how to be successful," Smith said. "So there won't be as much pressure coming in as a freshman. He doesn't shy away from the pressure, he welcomes it. But he also welcomes the opportunity to learn."
UConn coaches aren't allowed to publicly comment on Majok until he signs his Letter of Intent, which Smith said could happen within the next two or three days.
But Calhoun has said he's expected four to five new players to enter the program, meaning if Miles is able to pass the academic standards of both the NCAA Clearinghouse and the UConn admissions board, one current player would have to transfer to free up a scholarship. Okwandu, though verbally committed, has yet to sign his Letter of Intent.
"If everything works out the way we think it's going to work out … somewhere in May, we're going to have a real good feeling about who we have," Calhoun said Monday. "But if assuming the best, which we try to do, most of these things should happen. It will be a different team."
Reach Matt Stout at 425-4250 or mstout@norwichbulletin.com
By MATT STOUT
Norwich Bulletin
Ater Majok found everything he was looking for in a college basketball program when he made an official visit to UConn late last week: a knowledgeable coaching staff, a campus he “loved,” players he related to and a team that just felt right.
"Plus you had great weather," said Ed Smith, Majok's coach and mentor in Australia, where he's lived for the last eight years. "So whoever planned that, did a great job."
It almost made his big decision inevitable.
Majok, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward out of Sudan, verbally committed to UConn Monday, ending a race for one of this year’s most highly sought-after recruits.
Touted as an instant impact player with the ability to play both inside and out, the man with a 7-foot-4 wing span joins an ever-growing freshman class that includes Kemba Walker (New York), Scottie Haralson (Jackson, Miss.), Charles Okwandu (Nigeria) and possibly, the well-traveled Nate Miles (Toledo, Ohio).
Majok's decision also extended a string of good news for the Huskies, who learned Sunday National Defensive Player of the Year Hasheem Thabeet was returning to Storrs for his junior year. It’s made the excitement around Gampel Pavilion palpable.
"After being here and everything was in place and he had been through the process, (Majok) said, 'Why don't I just go and shut it down,'" Smith said of Majok's recruitment. "He just felt good. I asked him (Sunday) night, 'How do you feel?' He said, 'I feel really good about the situation, I feel good about the staff.' There's a good blend of veteran coaches as well as younger coaches, and he felt really good about the team and the mix of the team."
Majok had visited Kentucky and Baylor, and had the opportunity to make one more visit, which would have been to UCLA. But after leaving Storrs Friday morning and remaining in the U.S. to mull the decision, he called UConn coaches Monday afternoon to inform them of his commitment.
"It's a really good opportunity to play," Majok told Scout.com. "It's a chance to play for a Hall of Fame coach at a good program. I'm about to jump out of my seat right now. (Jim Calhoun) was very excited and he feels that with my addition to the team, we’ll be national champions this season."
Smith said Calhoun's track record of molding "similar-type players" played a huge role in Majok's decision, as did the Thabeet's announcement to stay. Thabeet, a Tanzania native, hosted Majok during his visit, and his return coupled with that of several other veterans was appealing.
"He felt as a freshman coming in, he can rely on the veteran leadership of the seniors who are there to actually learn how to work and how to be successful," Smith said. "So there won't be as much pressure coming in as a freshman. He doesn't shy away from the pressure, he welcomes it. But he also welcomes the opportunity to learn."
UConn coaches aren't allowed to publicly comment on Majok until he signs his Letter of Intent, which Smith said could happen within the next two or three days.
But Calhoun has said he's expected four to five new players to enter the program, meaning if Miles is able to pass the academic standards of both the NCAA Clearinghouse and the UConn admissions board, one current player would have to transfer to free up a scholarship. Okwandu, though verbally committed, has yet to sign his Letter of Intent.
"If everything works out the way we think it's going to work out … somewhere in May, we're going to have a real good feeling about who we have," Calhoun said Monday. "But if assuming the best, which we try to do, most of these things should happen. It will be a different team."
Reach Matt Stout at 425-4250 or mstout@norwichbulletin.com
Majok commits
UConn recruit Ater Majok verbally committed to the Huskies Monday afternoon and will join a freshman class that already includes Kemba Walker, Scottie Haralson and Charles Okwandu.
The 6-foot, 10-inch Sudan native is in the United States with his coach and mentor, Edward Smith, and will most likely sign a Letter of Intent before the late May deadline.
The 6-foot, 10-inch Sudan native is in the United States with his coach and mentor, Edward Smith, and will most likely sign a Letter of Intent before the late May deadline.
If he had gone ...
There are countless NBA Mock Drafts and a number of spots Hasheem Thabeet could have went in if he had declared this year. But I found this link interesting for two reasons: 1) They put the average salary for players selected at their specific positions. For example, the No. 1 pick (Michael Beasley here, as he is everywhere) makes a standard salary of $4,822,800. In comparison, the No. 22 pick (this Web site has Thabee there) makes $1,176,240.
2)The last line of Thabeet's write-up says this: "Work ethic and true age are question marks." I have never heard any of these concerns -- ever -- about Thabeet. Where they pulled that is beyond me. Anyway, take a look if you have the time.
2)The last line of Thabeet's write-up says this: "Work ethic and true age are question marks." I have never heard any of these concerns -- ever -- about Thabeet. Where they pulled that is beyond me. Anyway, take a look if you have the time.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tha Beet doesn't go on
It looks like you guys were right. All season, I predicted that Hasheem Thabeet would declare for the NBA Draft following the season. Yet, in a poll posted here at the beginning of the offseason, 22 of 33 voters said he would return. (Bowing)
That said, the longer the 7-foot-3 Thabeet prolonged his decision in the last few weeks, the more it felt likely he would be back in Storrs next season. And (this is just speculating), the decision may have come earlier if it weren't for students, players and the campus devoting the last few days to Spring Weekend festivities.
So what is Thabeet giving up by coming back to school. Millions of dollars, obviously, but according to UConn coaches and most published reports, Thabeet probably would have been a late lottery pick at best, meaning with another year of improvement, he could play himself into major money as a top-five or, as UConn associate coach George Blaney suggested Sunday night, even a top-three selection. And with A.J. Price expected to return next season along with the rest of the starting five, UConn seems destined for title contender status from here on out.
Thabeet is expected to meet with the media Monday at 1 p.m. Check back here after that for more reaction and insight into the biggest (non-)move for the Huskies this offseason.
That said, the longer the 7-foot-3 Thabeet prolonged his decision in the last few weeks, the more it felt likely he would be back in Storrs next season. And (this is just speculating), the decision may have come earlier if it weren't for students, players and the campus devoting the last few days to Spring Weekend festivities.
So what is Thabeet giving up by coming back to school. Millions of dollars, obviously, but according to UConn coaches and most published reports, Thabeet probably would have been a late lottery pick at best, meaning with another year of improvement, he could play himself into major money as a top-five or, as UConn associate coach George Blaney suggested Sunday night, even a top-three selection. And with A.J. Price expected to return next season along with the rest of the starting five, UConn seems destined for title contender status from here on out.
Thabeet is expected to meet with the media Monday at 1 p.m. Check back here after that for more reaction and insight into the biggest (non-)move for the Huskies this offseason.
Thabeet to return to UConn
UConn sophomore center Hasheem Thabeet will return for his junior season and will not make himself eligible for this year's NBA Draft, it was announced Sunday.
"I am excited about the opportunity to stay at UConn and continue the mission that we started this season," said Thabeet. "I also want to thank my family and close friends for all of their help and support. As a team, we took a step in the right direction this year, but I look forward to us working together to win a BIG EAST Championship and making a run at a national championship. I really enjoy being here, getting a great education and spending time with my friends and teammates."
"We are happy that Hasheem has made the decision to return for his junior season," said UConn coach Jim Calhoun. "Hasheem has made as much progress as any player I have coached in my 36 years and if he continues that incredible progress, he will help us take the next step as a team and help himself become one of the best players in college basketball."
Thabeet was named the 2007-08 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He finished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation in blocked shots and is No. 2 all-time on the UConn career list, behind only Emeka Okafor.
"I am excited about the opportunity to stay at UConn and continue the mission that we started this season," said Thabeet. "I also want to thank my family and close friends for all of their help and support. As a team, we took a step in the right direction this year, but I look forward to us working together to win a BIG EAST Championship and making a run at a national championship. I really enjoy being here, getting a great education and spending time with my friends and teammates."
"We are happy that Hasheem has made the decision to return for his junior season," said UConn coach Jim Calhoun. "Hasheem has made as much progress as any player I have coached in my 36 years and if he continues that incredible progress, he will help us take the next step as a team and help himself become one of the best players in college basketball."
Thabeet was named the 2007-08 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He finished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation in blocked shots and is No. 2 all-time on the UConn career list, behind only Emeka Okafor.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Hasheem Watch continues ...
It appears the public will have to wait at least one more day for Hasheem Thabeet's decision to go pro or return to the Huskies for his junior season. UConn coach Jim Calhoun said Friday afternoon that he hasn't spoken with Thabeet today and with Spring weekend festivities and the "kids being out and about," he didn't expect any news to come out of Storrs tonight.
"We've had a couple different discussions," Calhoun said. "I think he'd like to stay, but I think his responsibilities back home are weighing on him."
Calhoun went on to say he thinks Thabeet has made his decision, he just hasn't told him of it yet. Check back here for any updates, but with no announcement today, Thabeet would inch closer to the 11:59:59 deadline on Sunday night.
"We've had a couple different discussions," Calhoun said. "I think he'd like to stay, but I think his responsibilities back home are weighing on him."
Calhoun went on to say he thinks Thabeet has made his decision, he just hasn't told him of it yet. Check back here for any updates, but with no announcement today, Thabeet would inch closer to the 11:59:59 deadline on Sunday night.
Majok off campus, still deciding
Ater Majok has finished his official visit at UConn and has left campus, though he's made no decision on which school he will commit to. The 6-foot-10 forward has the option of making one more official visit, which reportedly could be to UCLA, and may choose to do so or settle on a school by early next week.
He's already visited Kentucky and participated in the Derby Classic last weekend. Majok left Storrs Friday morning.
He's already visited Kentucky and participated in the Derby Classic last weekend. Majok left Storrs Friday morning.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
No decision expected today from Thabeet
UConn officials do not expect Hasheem Thabeet to make an official decision today regarding his future and the NBA Draft and there's "no plan at this point to do anything in Storrs, regardless of the announcement," according to a release from UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy. Sunday is the deadline to declare.
"When there is news to pass along, it will likely come in the form of a statement, with the remote possibility of a teleconference if schedules permit," the release continued.
Jim Calhoun said Wednesday night that, "I think before the deadline, he'll probably tell me (what his decision is) and we'll either have a press conference and tell people, or put something out (i.e. a press release) that he is returning next year." Reading between the lines, no press conference = no declaration, but that's not to definitively eliminate the possibility Thabeet opts to go pro.
As reported today, Thabeet is very much mulling his decision. He said he's either heard or read several different opinions on both sides, including the same things he did last year.
"'I think he needs one more year'; a lot of people say that," Thabeet said. "Then at the end, people will say the same thing (next season), 'He needs one more year,' and there you go, I'm a senior. I'm going to take my time to make my decision. I'm in no rush. And then when I'm ready, I'll make a decision that I think is the best for me."
As he said throughout this past season, Calhoun believes Thabeet can be a top-flight lottery pick if he stays and continues to improve as he has.
"I've always felt that (he needs another year)," the coach said. "I've never saw a kid improve that much. And as I see that, I can take that where he is now and see him in the stratosphere where the other top players are."
"When there is news to pass along, it will likely come in the form of a statement, with the remote possibility of a teleconference if schedules permit," the release continued.
Jim Calhoun said Wednesday night that, "I think before the deadline, he'll probably tell me (what his decision is) and we'll either have a press conference and tell people, or put something out (i.e. a press release) that he is returning next year." Reading between the lines, no press conference = no declaration, but that's not to definitively eliminate the possibility Thabeet opts to go pro.
As reported today, Thabeet is very much mulling his decision. He said he's either heard or read several different opinions on both sides, including the same things he did last year.
"'I think he needs one more year'; a lot of people say that," Thabeet said. "Then at the end, people will say the same thing (next season), 'He needs one more year,' and there you go, I'm a senior. I'm going to take my time to make my decision. I'm in no rush. And then when I'm ready, I'll make a decision that I think is the best for me."
As he said throughout this past season, Calhoun believes Thabeet can be a top-flight lottery pick if he stays and continues to improve as he has.
"I've always felt that (he needs another year)," the coach said. "I've never saw a kid improve that much. And as I see that, I can take that where he is now and see him in the stratosphere where the other top players are."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Majok on visit
Recruit Ater Majok is in Storrs and started his official visit with UConn this morning. He'll be on campus through Friday, in which time the Huskies will host both him and his mentor/coach Ed Smith with the possibility of securing a verbal commitment from the 6-foot-10 Sudanese transplant before he leaves.
The Huskies will have a workout tonight at Gampel Pavilion of which Majok is expected to attend.
As widely reported, UConn is considered a frontrunner for Majok, who has been touted as an instant-impact player with a 7-foot-4 wing span and solid mix of both an inside and outside game. He was born in Sudan, moved to Egypt and has lived in Australia for the past eight years. UConn has an advantage in UConn assistant Andre LaFleur, who has been good friends with Smith for nearly 15 years. LaFleur played and coached in Australia for 12 years, and in that time he coached at the pro level, bringing some of Smith's players onto his team. He also started a traveling basketball team called the Wizards of Oz, in which the two men both shared coaching duties.
The Huskies will have a workout tonight at Gampel Pavilion of which Majok is expected to attend.
As widely reported, UConn is considered a frontrunner for Majok, who has been touted as an instant-impact player with a 7-foot-4 wing span and solid mix of both an inside and outside game. He was born in Sudan, moved to Egypt and has lived in Australia for the past eight years. UConn has an advantage in UConn assistant Andre LaFleur, who has been good friends with Smith for nearly 15 years. LaFleur played and coached in Australia for 12 years, and in that time he coached at the pro level, bringing some of Smith's players onto his team. He also started a traveling basketball team called the Wizards of Oz, in which the two men both shared coaching duties.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Curtis Kelly is leaving UConn
Sophomore forward Curtis Kelly has asked for permission to speak to other schools and is transferring from UConn, coach Jim Calhoun said in a press release. There was speculation since the end of the season that Kelly would leave the Huskies after a disappointing sophomore season in which he averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds.
Kelly dislocated his elbow on Feb. 23 against Villanova and missed the final four games of the regular season. But indicative of how far the former New York Post and New York Daily News Player of the Year had fallen, he dressed but didn't see any action in either of the Huskies' postseason losses.
"Curtis and I met over the last several weeks and, although he loves the program, he would like more playing time," Calhoun said in a press release. "He and I both agree that he may have more opportunity for that playing time in another program. We wish Curtis the best of luck and success at wherever he decides to continue his college career."
Said Kelly, in the same statement: "I love being here at UConn and have enjoyed my time over the past two years. That was the toughest thing about this decision. But after talking with my family and with Coach Calhoun, I feel I will have a better opportunity and get more out of my college experience if I go somewhere else.
"I respect Coach Calhoun and will miss my teammates and the many friends I have here at UConn," he continued. "I know that the guys here will have a great chance to do some special things next year, but I needed to be true to what will make me happy. I have learned a lot from Coach Calhoun and I know that everything I have experienced the past two seasons will help me in the future."
Kelly dislocated his elbow on Feb. 23 against Villanova and missed the final four games of the regular season. But indicative of how far the former New York Post and New York Daily News Player of the Year had fallen, he dressed but didn't see any action in either of the Huskies' postseason losses.
"Curtis and I met over the last several weeks and, although he loves the program, he would like more playing time," Calhoun said in a press release. "He and I both agree that he may have more opportunity for that playing time in another program. We wish Curtis the best of luck and success at wherever he decides to continue his college career."
Said Kelly, in the same statement: "I love being here at UConn and have enjoyed my time over the past two years. That was the toughest thing about this decision. But after talking with my family and with Coach Calhoun, I feel I will have a better opportunity and get more out of my college experience if I go somewhere else.
"I respect Coach Calhoun and will miss my teammates and the many friends I have here at UConn," he continued. "I know that the guys here will have a great chance to do some special things next year, but I needed to be true to what will make me happy. I have learned a lot from Coach Calhoun and I know that everything I have experienced the past two seasons will help me in the future."
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Okwandu verbally commits
Chukwuma "Charles" Okwandu, a 7-foot-1 Nigerian center, verbally committed to the Huskies Wednesday. Okwandu is currently enrolled at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and will send an official Letter of Intent in the coming days. He chose UConn over Villanova and West Virginia, and just three days after visiting Storrs last weekend.
He joins a freshman class that already includes McDonald's All-American Kemba Walker out of Rice High School (New York) and Mississippi's Gatorade Player of the Year, Scottie Haralson, out of Provine High School (Jackson, Miss.). Haralson sent in his signed Letter of Intent Wednesday morning.
Okwandu played just 12 games with Harcum this past season before issues with his Letter of Intent arose. He isn't currently listed on the team's Web site. At 7-foot-1 and 255 pounds, the Lagos, Nigeria native should provide frontcourt help for the Huskies if Hasheem Thabeet decides to declare for the NBA Draft and/or another current Husky transfers out.
Okwandu has three years of eligibility left. He originally committed to Arizona but problems with his visa prevented him from going. He eventually landed at Harcum under coach Drew Kelly.
UConn is also still actively recruiting the 6-foot-9 Ater Majok, a Sudan native who has been touted as an instant-impact player. Majok is expected to participate in the Derby Classic in Louisville on Saturday and then visit UConn sometime next week, though an exact date is in the works.
He joins a freshman class that already includes McDonald's All-American Kemba Walker out of Rice High School (New York) and Mississippi's Gatorade Player of the Year, Scottie Haralson, out of Provine High School (Jackson, Miss.). Haralson sent in his signed Letter of Intent Wednesday morning.
Okwandu played just 12 games with Harcum this past season before issues with his Letter of Intent arose. He isn't currently listed on the team's Web site. At 7-foot-1 and 255 pounds, the Lagos, Nigeria native should provide frontcourt help for the Huskies if Hasheem Thabeet decides to declare for the NBA Draft and/or another current Husky transfers out.
Okwandu has three years of eligibility left. He originally committed to Arizona but problems with his visa prevented him from going. He eventually landed at Harcum under coach Drew Kelly.
UConn is also still actively recruiting the 6-foot-9 Ater Majok, a Sudan native who has been touted as an instant-impact player. Majok is expected to participate in the Derby Classic in Louisville on Saturday and then visit UConn sometime next week, though an exact date is in the works.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
And the award goes to ...
The Huskies' team banquet wrapped up this afternoon and team awards were handed out. Here are the results:
MVP:
Not surprisingly, the team chose a co-MVP in A.J. Price and Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet was also named the team's top defender (of course).
Most-Improved:
This actually could have been a toss-up, but Stanley Robinson got the nod. Sticks averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds after tallying 5.1 and 4.4 a year ago.
Scholar-athlete:
Jim Calhoun had said throughout the season that Thabeet had the highest cumulative GPA on the team, but the award went to walk-on Jim Veronik, a junior forward out of Durham (Coginchaug Regional HS).
Best rebounder:
This went by stats, with Jeff Adrien and his 9.1 average taking home the award.
Most assists:
Again, it's stats-based: Price got the nod.
Best free-throw percentage:
Doug Wiggins statistically was the Huskies' top shooter from the foul line, making 39-of-41 (95.1 percent). Despite the announcement that Wiggins was transferring, the sophomore did attend the team banquet, UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy confirmed.
Note: Rivals.com is reporting that Jamie Vanderbeken, the 6-foot-10 JUCO forward who visited Storrs this past weekend, has committed to Iowa State.
MVP:
Not surprisingly, the team chose a co-MVP in A.J. Price and Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet was also named the team's top defender (of course).
Most-Improved:
This actually could have been a toss-up, but Stanley Robinson got the nod. Sticks averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds after tallying 5.1 and 4.4 a year ago.
Scholar-athlete:
Jim Calhoun had said throughout the season that Thabeet had the highest cumulative GPA on the team, but the award went to walk-on Jim Veronik, a junior forward out of Durham (Coginchaug Regional HS).
Best rebounder:
This went by stats, with Jeff Adrien and his 9.1 average taking home the award.
Most assists:
Again, it's stats-based: Price got the nod.
Best free-throw percentage:
Doug Wiggins statistically was the Huskies' top shooter from the foul line, making 39-of-41 (95.1 percent). Despite the announcement that Wiggins was transferring, the sophomore did attend the team banquet, UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy confirmed.
Note: Rivals.com is reporting that Jamie Vanderbeken, the 6-foot-10 JUCO forward who visited Storrs this past weekend, has committed to Iowa State.
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.
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.
Tyreke Evans commits to Memphis
Tyreke Evans, the best high school senior yet to sign on to a school, announced his commitment to Memphis Wednesday afternoon on ESPNNews and ESPNU. At one time, the 6-foot-6, 190-pound guard was considering several schools, UConn among the leaders, before paring his list down to three: Memphis, Texas and his hometown school, Villanova. The Philadelphia native played his prep ball at nearby Christian Brothers Academy. But Evans will certainly get the chance to make a quick impact with the Tigers: With Derrick Rose declaring for the NBA Draft and Chris-Douglas Roberts expected to do the same, there will be starting backcourt spots available. If Evans had chosen Villanova, it would have made a scary three-guard combination with him, Scottie Reynolds and Corey Stokes. Luckily for Big East coaches, they don't have to worry about that.
Thoughts on Wiggins, transfers, etc.
As reported in today's story and Tuesday's blog post, Doug Wiggins asked to be released from his scholarship and will transfer from UConn. It's not surprising. Less than a week after the season, Calhoun sat down with the media and said he expected four to five new players to come in, meaning two to three would have to leave. It appears Wiggins is only the first. As mentioned here before, other candidates for transfer include Curtis Kelly, Donnell Beverly and possibly Stanley Robinson.
For Wiggins, the last two years have been nothing short of turbulent. Starting with his decision to opt out of his oral commitment to St. John's, the East Hartford native always seemed to struggle playing under Calhoun. Whether it was nerves or self-imposed pressure or what have you, Wiggins always proved to be a great energy guy but would second-guess himself on shots and decisions and more than anyone, limited his own ability to score when next to Jerome Dyson, he was the best pure scorer the Huskies had the last two years.
His relationship with Calhoun reflects this much. Suspended at the start of the season for reportedly failing a drug test, Wiggins played himself back into good favor with the coach, prompting him to declare after a win over Florida A&M that he was "Dougie crazy."
Then, in early January, Wiggins and Dyson were suspended after they were caught with alcohol by campus police and then drug-tested under probable cause when it was determined marijuana was found under their car. Wiggins, who passed his test, was back with the team after two games, but struggled to find himself for the first few weeks. By the time he scored 20 points at South Florida, however, he looked like the old Wiggins, the kind this team needed at that point in the season.
Yet, once Dyson returned after a 30-day (nine-game) absence, Wiggins again appeared uncomfortable, his minutes slashed and his rhythm broken. With Craig Austrie's emergence and the impending arrival of Kemba Walker and Scottie Haralson, it suddenly began to materialize that maybe Wiggins didn't have a place here anymore. Once Calhoun refused to speak directly about the sophomore guard in a sit-down with the media the Thursday after the NCAA tournament loss to San Diego, Wiggins' fate seemed set.
Several reports have named Fordham and UMass as possible transfer destinations for Wiggins. Under coach Travis Ford, UMass has brought in a slew of transfers in recent years, including two I covered (Etienne Brower, Tony Gaffney) while I was at Boston U. Plus, it wouldn't be too far away from home or the people Wiggins knows at UConn.
(UPDATE: Travis Ford has taken the job at Oklahoma State, which is surprising because of reports last week that he had signed an extension with UMass.)
As a result of the situation, UConn now has an open scholarship that could go to any one of the Huskies' recent recruits: Chukwuma “Charles” Okwandu, Jamie Vanderbeken or the coup of the crop, Ater Majok, who is expected to make a Storrs visit on April 24. The thinking is another scholarship will open up, which could be used the second of those three or Nate Miles, if he ever does come to UConn. That situation, however, appears to be as unsettled as it was in January.
Check back here later today for a recap of an interview with Scottie Haralson, who is signing his letter of intent today at Provine High in Jackson, Miss. Today is the first official day of the signing period, which runs through May 21.
For Wiggins, the last two years have been nothing short of turbulent. Starting with his decision to opt out of his oral commitment to St. John's, the East Hartford native always seemed to struggle playing under Calhoun. Whether it was nerves or self-imposed pressure or what have you, Wiggins always proved to be a great energy guy but would second-guess himself on shots and decisions and more than anyone, limited his own ability to score when next to Jerome Dyson, he was the best pure scorer the Huskies had the last two years.
His relationship with Calhoun reflects this much. Suspended at the start of the season for reportedly failing a drug test, Wiggins played himself back into good favor with the coach, prompting him to declare after a win over Florida A&M that he was "Dougie crazy."
Then, in early January, Wiggins and Dyson were suspended after they were caught with alcohol by campus police and then drug-tested under probable cause when it was determined marijuana was found under their car. Wiggins, who passed his test, was back with the team after two games, but struggled to find himself for the first few weeks. By the time he scored 20 points at South Florida, however, he looked like the old Wiggins, the kind this team needed at that point in the season.
Yet, once Dyson returned after a 30-day (nine-game) absence, Wiggins again appeared uncomfortable, his minutes slashed and his rhythm broken. With Craig Austrie's emergence and the impending arrival of Kemba Walker and Scottie Haralson, it suddenly began to materialize that maybe Wiggins didn't have a place here anymore. Once Calhoun refused to speak directly about the sophomore guard in a sit-down with the media the Thursday after the NCAA tournament loss to San Diego, Wiggins' fate seemed set.
Several reports have named Fordham and UMass as possible transfer destinations for Wiggins. Under coach Travis Ford, UMass has brought in a slew of transfers in recent years, including two I covered (Etienne Brower, Tony Gaffney) while I was at Boston U. Plus, it wouldn't be too far away from home or the people Wiggins knows at UConn.
(UPDATE: Travis Ford has taken the job at Oklahoma State, which is surprising because of reports last week that he had signed an extension with UMass.)
As a result of the situation, UConn now has an open scholarship that could go to any one of the Huskies' recent recruits: Chukwuma “Charles” Okwandu, Jamie Vanderbeken or the coup of the crop, Ater Majok, who is expected to make a Storrs visit on April 24. The thinking is another scholarship will open up, which could be used the second of those three or Nate Miles, if he ever does come to UConn. That situation, however, appears to be as unsettled as it was in January.
Check back here later today for a recap of an interview with Scottie Haralson, who is signing his letter of intent today at Provine High in Jackson, Miss. Today is the first official day of the signing period, which runs through May 21.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wiggins to transfer
Doug Wiggins, a sophomore guard on the UConn men’s basketball team, asked for permission to be released from his scholarship and will transfer from UConn, Huskies coach Jim Calhoun confirmed in a statement Tuesday evening.
"I completely respect Doug's decision," Calhoun said. "He has contributed to many successes for us in his time here. We will do everything we can to help him finish school in good standing this semester and move on to a place where he will be happy. I appreciate him for the time that he was here with us and wish him the best of luck in the future."
Wiggins, a 20-year-old East Hartford native, averaged 6.7 points in 31 games off the bench this season for UConn. He was suspended for two games in late January after UConn police caught him and teammate Jerome Dyson with alcohol while parked in an on-campus parking lot.
Wiggins was allowed to return to the team after passing an athletics department-mandated drug test. He had reportedly failed two earlier tests in his Husky career, including one prior to the season. Dyson, however, failed his test, marking the second time since coming to UConn, and served a 30-day suspension.
Calhoun made it known in late March that he expected changes to be around the program, with as many as four to five new players coming in next season. With two open scholarships available — both of which going to incoming guards Kemba Walker and Scottie Haralson — that meant at least two current scholarship players would have to leave.
Wiggins averaged 18.9 minutes a game this past season, but with the introduction of Walker, a McDonald’s All-American, and Haralson to a backcourt that already includes A.J. Price (coming off ACL surgery), Jerome Dyson, Craig Austrie and Donnell Beverly, there was the possibility he would see less time.
"It was not our intention to put out a release at this point," said UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy. "But obviously Dougie wanted it to get out."
"I completely respect Doug's decision," Calhoun said. "He has contributed to many successes for us in his time here. We will do everything we can to help him finish school in good standing this semester and move on to a place where he will be happy. I appreciate him for the time that he was here with us and wish him the best of luck in the future."
Wiggins, a 20-year-old East Hartford native, averaged 6.7 points in 31 games off the bench this season for UConn. He was suspended for two games in late January after UConn police caught him and teammate Jerome Dyson with alcohol while parked in an on-campus parking lot.
Wiggins was allowed to return to the team after passing an athletics department-mandated drug test. He had reportedly failed two earlier tests in his Husky career, including one prior to the season. Dyson, however, failed his test, marking the second time since coming to UConn, and served a 30-day suspension.
Calhoun made it known in late March that he expected changes to be around the program, with as many as four to five new players coming in next season. With two open scholarships available — both of which going to incoming guards Kemba Walker and Scottie Haralson — that meant at least two current scholarship players would have to leave.
Wiggins averaged 18.9 minutes a game this past season, but with the introduction of Walker, a McDonald’s All-American, and Haralson to a backcourt that already includes A.J. Price (coming off ACL surgery), Jerome Dyson, Craig Austrie and Donnell Beverly, there was the possibility he would see less time.
"It was not our intention to put out a release at this point," said UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy. "But obviously Dougie wanted it to get out."
Providence hires Drake's Davis
Providence College's long search for a coach has ended. The Friars will announce former Drake coach Keno Davis as its new head man at 5 p.m. today at a news conference on-campus. He is the school's 14th head coach, succeeding Tim Welsh, who coached the Friars for 10 seasons but struggled through three losing campaigns in the last four years.
Davis was the AP's Coach of the Year this past season after leading surprise Drake to the NCAA tournament, where it lost in overtime to Western Kentucky on a last-second 3-pointer in Tampa. Providence was indeed looking to make a splash with the hiring, first offering the job to George Mason's Jim Larranaga, UMass' Travis Ford and Davidson's Bob McKillop. Even though all three turned it down, the Davis hiring will certainly make headlines and generate buzz in Providence. Davis is young, grew up in Boston (his father coached BC) and has proven to work miracles. The Friars, despite their struggles, aren't in need of a miracle just yet -- they could return as many as seven seniors next year -- but this is an exciting hire for the school.
Davis was the AP's Coach of the Year this past season after leading surprise Drake to the NCAA tournament, where it lost in overtime to Western Kentucky on a last-second 3-pointer in Tampa. Providence was indeed looking to make a splash with the hiring, first offering the job to George Mason's Jim Larranaga, UMass' Travis Ford and Davidson's Bob McKillop. Even though all three turned it down, the Davis hiring will certainly make headlines and generate buzz in Providence. Davis is young, grew up in Boston (his father coached BC) and has proven to work miracles. The Friars, despite their struggles, aren't in need of a miracle just yet -- they could return as many as seven seniors next year -- but this is an exciting hire for the school.
Monday, April 14, 2008
JI's Randy Smith dies
Sad news today: Long-time Journal Inquirer columnist Randy Smith collapsed Monday and died at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Here is the link to the story on the JI's Web site.I only got the chance to speak with Randy a handful of times this past season, the last being at the NCAA tournament in Tampa, but for anyone who has ever crossed paths with him, he was definitely memorable, for his personality and opinions. My thoughts are with his friends, family and co-workers.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Thabeet named National Defensive Player of the Year
UConn sophomore center Hasheem Thabeet has been named the 2007-08 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and will be honored Sunday evening at the AT&T/NABC Guardians of the Game awards show at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.
Thabeet's selection marks the third time in six seasons that UConn has had the nation's top defensive player and he becomes the second Husky to earn the honor, joining Emeka Okafor (2003, 04).
Thabeet averaged 4.5 blocks per game this season, ranking No. 3 nationally and leading the Big East for the second straight season. He averaged 5.2 blocks per game in league play and his 94 total blocks inleague play set a new conference record, breaking the old mark of 93 held by Alonzo Mourning (set in 1991-92).
Thabeet was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Big East Second Team and was also an All-District Second Team selection by the NABC. He's expected to decide in the coming weeks if he'll return for a third season in Storrs or declare for the NBA draft, where he's been pegged as a probably first-round selection.
Jim Calhoun was also honored Sunday with the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award, which recognizes a coach who has shown dedication and devotion to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. It is the highest honor of the Coaches vs. Cancer program. A prostate cancer survivor himself, Calhoun has been involved with the Coaches vs. Cancer program since 1997, and has served on its council for roughly four years. Through efforts with the Coaches vs. Cancer nationwide Golf Invitational, the Calhoun Bike-a-thon and Hoops for Hope galas, Calhoun, with his wife Pat, has helped raise close to $1 million to support the ACS.
Thabeet's selection marks the third time in six seasons that UConn has had the nation's top defensive player and he becomes the second Husky to earn the honor, joining Emeka Okafor (2003, 04).
Thabeet averaged 4.5 blocks per game this season, ranking No. 3 nationally and leading the Big East for the second straight season. He averaged 5.2 blocks per game in league play and his 94 total blocks inleague play set a new conference record, breaking the old mark of 93 held by Alonzo Mourning (set in 1991-92).
Thabeet was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Big East Second Team and was also an All-District Second Team selection by the NABC. He's expected to decide in the coming weeks if he'll return for a third season in Storrs or declare for the NBA draft, where he's been pegged as a probably first-round selection.
Jim Calhoun was also honored Sunday with the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award, which recognizes a coach who has shown dedication and devotion to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. It is the highest honor of the Coaches vs. Cancer program. A prostate cancer survivor himself, Calhoun has been involved with the Coaches vs. Cancer program since 1997, and has served on its council for roughly four years. Through efforts with the Coaches vs. Cancer nationwide Golf Invitational, the Calhoun Bike-a-thon and Hoops for Hope galas, Calhoun, with his wife Pat, has helped raise close to $1 million to support the ACS.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Crean leaves Marquette for Indiana
In a surprising move, Tom Crean has left for Marquette to take the head coaching job at Indiana. Personally, it's sad to see Crean leave the Big East. Great coach, great quote, always insightful. The Hoosiers are getting a real solid coach. As for a local connection: Mike Thibault, coach of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun, is good friends with Crean.
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