Matthews decommits from UConn, but leaves the door open

The fallout from the firing of coach Kevin Ollie continues, as a second member of the UConn basketball recruiting class has decided to re-open his search.

Emmitt Matthews, Jr., a 6-foot-7 forward from Tacoma, Wash., tweeted on Wednesday that he has been granted his release from his national letter of intent.

During the recruiting process, Matthews developed a tight bond with UConn associate head coach Raphael Chillious, who's not expected to be part of newly-hired coach Dan Hurley's staff.

"After long discussions with my family over the past days, it is in my best interest to de-commit from UConn, and explore other options," Matthews wrote. "I'd like to thank Coach Ollie, Coach Chillious and the rest of the staff for recruiting me to such a prestigious program, as well as building such a close relationship with my family. I'd also like to thank UConn for granting my release from my NLI."

Matthews added that he is "not closing the door on UConn basketball."

His decision leaves just one committed recruit left in the incoming class — 6-10, 245-pound big man Lukas Kisunas who attends Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. Hurley was reportedly expected to visit Kisunas on Wednesday.

James Akinjo, a point guard from Richmond, Calif., asked out of his commitment to UConn shortly after Ollie was fired on March 10. Akinjo has yet to select a new school.

Purvis joins Orlando

Former Husky Rodney Purvis has signed a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic. He's spent most of the season with Orlando's NBA G League team in Lakeland (Fla.), averaging 20.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Prior to signing with the Magic, Purvis had two 10-day contracts with Orlando and averaged 6.3 points. He had a career-high 19 points against Philadelphia on March 22. g.keefe@theday.com