Whaley returning to Huskies’ men’s team for extra season

Isaiah Whaley, UConn’s starting power forward, will return to the men’s basketball program to play his extra year of eligibility, the school announced on Tuesday.

“Isaiah has worked extremely hard to become one of the most productive players in our program,” coach Dan Hurley said. “His tireless work ethic, his leadership, and his attitude epitomize the type of player we want at UConn. I couldn’t be happier to welcome him back for another season.”

Whaley, 6 feet 9, started every game last season, helping the Huskies reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years. The Big East’s co-Defensive Player of the Year, Whaley averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks with a field goal percentage of .479 in 27.4 minutes per game as the Huskies went 15-8.

“I am very excited to be able to return to UConn for another season,” Whaley said. “I think we took a big step forward this year and I want to help the program continue its rise as we go after championships.”

Whaley, from Gastonia, North Carolina, committed to UConnin the spring of 2017 during Kevin Ollie’s time as coach after several players had transferred out of the program. He played little during his first two seasons but worked his way to a starting role by the end of his junior year. Across four seasons, he appeared in 106 games, starting 41 and scored 463 points with 382 rebounds, and 141 blocks. He shot 51.9 percent from the floor.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted

players an extra year of eligibility. Whaley, who will graduate in May with a degree in urban and community studies, will play next season as a grad student.

Among UConn’s seniors, Josh Carlton decided to transfer to Houston and play his extra year there. Tyler Polley has yet to decide. Brendan Adams, who will graduate after three years at UConn, is transferring to George Washington.

Neither Whaley, nor Polley, if he returns, will count against the NCAA limit of 13 scholarships, so the Huskies could have as many as 15 players on scholarship next season. Hurley has three available if he wants to add to the team with transfers or spring signees.