UConn Adds Junior College Big Man Eric Cobb

Kevin Ollie said last month he was still on the hunt for a big man for next season. UConn added some size Tuesday with the addition of 6-foot-9 forward Eric Cobb, from Chipola Junior College.

Cobb averaged 10.9 pts and 8.2 rebounds per game at Chipola this past season, which is where the Huskies picked up Sam Cassell Jr., who has since moved on to Iona where he will make his first NCAA Tournament appearance next week.

“He’s very different from what they have,” said a source who confirmed Cobb’s commitment to the Huskies. “He’s a rugged kid.”

The Huskies, who open AAC Tournament play as the sixth seed against No. 11 USF on Thursday, could use some size and experience up front with seniors Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey on their way out.

“He could be a high-level rebounder, defender and post presence,” the source said.

Cobb, who has two years of eligibility, joins a front court that includes current sophomore Steve Enoch, freshmen Juwan Durham and Mamadou Diarra, who is out this season with chronic knee issues, and 2017 commit Josh Carlton from DeMatha Catholic in Maryland.

With Diarra missing a season and Durham coming off two knee injuries, the Huskies needed some veteran depth down low going into next season to go with Enoch, who is still a work in progress. Cobb, who spent his freshman season at South Carolina before being dismissed for an off-the-court issue, should help that cause.

In addition to Carlton and Cobb, the Huskies also have point guard Makai Ashton-Langford and swingman Tyler Polley coming in next season. They also will have three players back from season-ending injuries in Diarra, forward Terry Larrier and point guard Alterique Gilbert.

Cobb’s arrival means the Huskies still have one more scholarship available for the 2017-18 season provided they don’t lose anyone in the offseason.