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NCAA clears UConn freshman forward Kentan Facey

Kentan Facey

Arguably the biggest problem for the UConn Huskies last season (removing their being ineligible for postseason play, of course) was their lack of size and depth in the post. DeAndre Daniels performed admirably as an “undersized” four as a sophomore, posting averages of 12.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game game. But outside of Daniels there wasn’t much production from the front court, with the Huskies’ perimeter play able to do enough to lead Kevin Ollie’s team to 20 wins.

Freshman forward Kentan Facey is one of the additions expected to help UConn in this area, but the school had no idea when the Trelawny, Jamaica native would be eligible to play. In the midst of his move from Jamaica to Long Island, the NCAA wondered if Facey’s eligibility “clock” had already started due to his passing a standardized test while in Jamaica that could be considered equivalent to graduating from high school.

On Friday Facey and the school received good news from the NCAA, which has cleared the 6-foot-9 forward and given him a full four seasons of eligibility. Facey gives UConn an athletic big man whose shot-blocking ability (4.5 bpg to go along with 14.8 points and 13.0 rebounds per game as a high school senior at Long Island Lutheran) is one of his best assets.

“I am so pleased and excited that everything has worked out for this outstanding young man,” Ollie said in the release announcing the decision. “It’s great to see him go through this situation and persevere. He just kept working very hard and believed in our university.

“I can’t say enough about what a model student-athlete Kentan has been in spite of the situation he was facing,” Ollie continued. “He never let circumstances distract his positive image of himself and that’s just a testament to his strong character. We are very excited that he will be with us this year and beyond.”

UConn’s interior returnees (removing Daniels and wing Niels Giffey) are senior Tyler Olander and sophomore Phil Nolan, with the former needing to rebound from a disappointing 2012-13 campaign. Seven-footer Amida Brimah should also be in line to earn playing time after 15.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and 7.5 blocks per game at Archbishop Carroll HS in south Florida.

UConn’s strength is still on the perimeter, with Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright once again leading the way, but if they’re to be a player nationally the front court will need to step up. Adding Facey to the equation will help in that regard.

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