By William Paxton
- Senior-to-be Amida Brimah (6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 92 blocks) has until Wednesday to return to the Huskies. The 7-footer announced he was testing the NBA draft in March, but despite visiting several NBA teams, remains unlikely to be drafted. Underclassman had untilMay 25 to come back to school under a new rule. If Brimah leaves, UConn would be a bit think upfront next season with 6-10 sophomore Steve Enoch, 6-9 senior Kentan Facey and incoming freshman Juwan Durham, who is coming off two ACL injuries.
- The Huskies are also hoping to soon hear about 6-8 forward Justin Jackson, who visited campus earlier this month. The Canadian-born Jackson was originally a commit to UNLV like incoming UConn freshman Christian Vital, but both reopened the recruiting process in the spring following a coaching change. “I have been (talking to him about UConn), but it’s his decision at the end of the day,” Vital said, about talking with Jackson.
If Jackson signs, he will join a crowded freshmen class that includes four Top 150 players, led by point guard Alterique Gilbert (36th), forward Vance Jackson (72nd), Durham (31st) and power forward Mamadou Diarra (142nd) along with Vital.
- Despite graduating from Putnam Science Academy this month, one of the Class of 2017’s top recruits – at least for the Huskies – is expected to remain at prep school for another year. Guard Hamidou Diallo (10th) has offers from just about every major school in the country already and is having a strong showing on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring. “Yes, Hami will be back with us in the fall as a post grad,” PSA coach Tom Espinosa said.
- Senior-to-be Amida Brimah (6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 92 blocks) has until Wednesday to return to the Huskies. The 7-footer announced he was testing the NBA draft in March, but despite visiting several NBA teams, remains unlikely to be drafted. Underclassman had untilMay 25 to come back to school under a new rule. If Brimah leaves, UConn would be a bit think upfront next season with 6-10 sophomore Steve Enoch, 6-9 senior Kentan Facey and incoming freshman Juwan Durham, who is coming off two ACL injuries.
- The Huskies are also hoping to soon hear about 6-8 forward Justin Jackson, who visited campus earlier this month. The Canadian-born Jackson was originally a commit to UNLV like incoming UConn freshman Christian Vital, but both reopened the recruiting process in the spring following a coaching change. “I have been (talking to him about UConn), but it’s his decision at the end of the day,” Vital said, about talking with Jackson.
If Jackson signs, he will join a crowded freshmen class that includes four Top 150 players, led by point guard Alterique Gilbert (36th), forward Vance Jackson (72nd), Durham (31st) and power forward Mamadou Diarra (142nd) along with Vital.
- Despite graduating from Putnam Science Academy this month, one of the Class of 2017’s top recruits – at least for the Huskies – is expected to remain at prep school for another year. Guard Hamidou Diallo (10th) has offers from just about every major school in the country already and is having a strong showing on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring. “Yes, Hami will be back with us in the fall as a post grad,” PSA coach Tom Espinosa said.
