OTRHoopsReport – Insider’s Look at the Future of UConn Basketball – April 8, 2014
Rakim Lubin is set to provide a paint presence for the Huskies next season.
The University of Connecticut set themselves apart as one of the premier basketball programs in the nation last night as they secured their fourth national championship in the past 15 years. However, there is no slowing down for the Huskies as they have a number of quality prospects set to suit up in years to come. Coach Kevin Ollie and his staff hit the recruiting trail hard in the past two years to prepare for the departure of star players like Shabazz Nappier and Niels Giffey. Here is what you should expect in Storrs, Conn. in the upcoming seasons.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
The class of 2014 recruiting class is headlined by 6-foot-6 shooting guard Daniel Hamilton of Los Angeles, Calif. The dynamic guard will provide the scoring ability that Husky fans have become accustomed to from their back-court players. Hamilton provides more length than what Ryan Boatwright and Nappier did this year, but he should be just as adept at creating his own shot. You will be able to watch Hamilton in the Jordan Brand Classic game on April 18th.
Joining Hamilton in the 2014 class is 6-8 forward Rakim Lubin of Buford, Ga. Lubin puts the “Power” in the term power forward. Lubin will provide interior rebounding and the lane presence needed to compete in the American Athletic Conference in the upcoming years.
Coach Ollie will also bring Sam Cassell Jr. from Chipola JC to add depth in the backcourt. The 6-3 combo guard is a classic Husky guard who can score and make plays for others. Joining Cassell Jr. in the backcourt next year will be Rodney Purvis of Raleigh, N.C. who redshirted this year after transferring from North Carolina State. Purvis is a 2012 McDonald’s All-American and should be an instant impact performer.
The future continues to shine brightly for UConn fans as coach Ollie has already secured two big commitments in the 2015 class. Prince Ali of Pembroke Pines, Fla. became the first commitment in this class when he gave his verbal pledge last year. Standing at 6-4, Ali brings athleticism on both sides of the floor. Joining Ali in this class is another outstanding guard in Will Jackson of Athens, Ga. At 6-5, Jackson is a do-it-all guard who loves to set the table for his teammates who also is capable of being the leading scorer on any given night.
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB
