Corey Evans on UConn Recruiting Outlook
Rivals national analyst Corey Evans answered a question in his Twitter Tuesday column about players the Huskies are after in the recruiting process:
The Huskies have done a great job of late securing some of their top targets, those being James Akinjo, a Rivals150 guard that broke out in July, and Sidney Wilson, a potential freshman producer this season, though it is likely that he will redshirt this winter upon transferring from St. John’s. What might be ahead for the Huskies?
The next domino set to fall is Jalen Carey. Many believed that once Akinjo had come off the board that UConn would move onto another position. However, Kevin Ollie and his staff have done a great job of remaining in the picture as they sit in Carey’s top three. Miami and Syracuse will be tough to beat, but the Huskies have sold the idea of sliding into their backcourt and taking on a scoring role before then evolving into a well-rounded playmaker. It will be tough to grab Carey, but they are in the picture with a commitment not too far off.
Matt also brings up the idea of UConn grabbing a shooter for next year. This is exactly what the Huskies are looking for and while Carey may not be a shooter, he is a scorer that can take over a game. If not Carey, the Huskies may tap back into the West Coast as they host Emmitt Mathews, a Rivals150 wing from the state of Washington, for an official visit next weekend. West Virginia is the only program to have also set up an official visit date with the Pacific Northwest native as he should be valued for his shot-making and versatility given his 6-foot-7 standing stature.
In the frontcourt, UConn would love to reel in Simi Shittu, though it is fighting an uphill battle. If I were a Huskies fan, I wouldn’t get my hopes up. They have remained in pursuit of Dimon Carrigan, the Nike circuit’s top shot-blocker this past summer, a local product in the mold of past bigs that had gone on to succeed as rim protectors in Storrs. However, things may have stalled here, but expect for newer names to jump onto the recruiting board this winter as Ollie and staff do not need a polished back-to-the-rim presence, but more of a hard-playing center that can rebound the ball and alter shots.
The Huskies currently have one scholarship open for 2018, but may have more if Jalen Adams or Terry Larrier decide to leave early for the NBA Draft or if some players choose to transfer.
