Big and small dogs
UConn looking at guards, wings for 2021 recruiting
When UConn got a comitment from Adama Sanogo a few weeks ago, it accomplished two main things.
For one, Sanogo’s commitment closed the door on
UConn’s 2020 recruiting class. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Huskies wind up with Sanogo, Andre Jackson and Javonte Brown-Ferguson as incoming recruits, along with Tyrese Martin, a transfer from Rhode Island.
It also essentially wrapped up UConn’s recruiting at the center position for 2021. And it may have helped keep open the possibility of landing an even bigger target in 2022.
The Huskies will have at least three roster spots available heading into the 2021-22 season, with Tyler Polley, Josh Carlton and Isaiah Whaley gone after this upcoming season. There is a strong likelihood UConn will have at least one more spot to fill, as
James Bouknight, on the heels of a dynamic freshman season, is already appearing on 2021 NBA mock draft boards. While plenty can happen between now and June 2021, the Huskies’ staff fully un
derstands it could lose Bouknight after the 2020-21 season.
Whether there are any more spots to fill will remains to be seen, but one thing seems certain for now: UConn won’t need to recruit a center for 2021. That’s because the Huskies landed a pair in this year’s class — Sanogo, a 6-foot-9, 241-pound low-post presence from Mali via New Jersey, and Brown-Ferguson, a 7-1 center from Canada.
Of the two, Brown-Ferguson is more of a center in the classic mold. He’s also somewhat of a project, not expected to see a ton of minutes as a freshman and likely a three- or four-year player at UConn.
Sanogo is trying to expand his game to evolve into a more modern-day forward, according to New York Rens executive director Andy Borman. But he is a back-to-the-basket rimprotector in the classic mold.
“Inside of five feet,” Borman said, “he is a monster.”
Sanogo chose UConn over Seton Hall in part because he feels that’s his fastest track to the NBA. Still, it would seem he is at least a two-year player for the Huskies.
UConn will also have 6-9 Richie Springs, who sat out this past season as a freshman academic redshirt, but figures to be a key contributor over the next three seasons as a center/power forward.
And, of course, the Huskies could still have Akok Akok (a stretch four) in
2021-22. Akok is battling back from a torn Achilles tendon and there’s no guarantee he’ll be 100-percent (or even play) this upcoming season, increasing the chances of a return to Storrs the following year.
With so many bigs in tow for the next couple of seasons, UConn won’t be actively looking for a center for 2021. Instead, the coaching staff will be looking for wings and/or dynamic guards. Perhaps a big wing who can play the 3 and the
4, along with a big, athletic guard top the list. Shooters are certainly being targeted, as well as point guards and a few power forward types, too. Trevor Keels (shooting guard), Trey Patterson (forward), Quincy Allen (small forward),
Eli Ellis (JUCO shooting guard), Jordan Hawkins (shooting guard), Rashool Diggins (point guard), Jaylin Blakes (point guard), Samson Johnson (power forward) and Jordan Longino (shooting guard) are currently the main 2021 players the Huskies are recruiting.
Would UConn turn away a highly-touted, 6-11 big man who’d love to be a Husky? Probably not. But it’s not a priority.
Not having to recruit a 2021 center could also help in UConn’s pursuit of a coveted big man right in the Huskies’ backyard. Donovan Clingan, a 7-1 center from Bristol Central, is a major target the Huskies would love to bring into the fold.
UConn has plenty of competition for Clingan, including Syracuse, Providence, Georgetown, Rutgers, Iowa and, most likely, even more big-name schools as time progresses. It will be a battle for the Huskies to land Clingan, but not recruiting a center for 2021 who might stand in his way for playing time won’t hurt UConn’s cause.