To say it’s been a tough couple of weeks for Connecticut since the end of their season would be an understatement, as the program had its second appeal of their 2013 NCAA tournament ban denied and three starters announced their intentions to leave the program.
Andre Drummond and Jeremy Lamb are off to the NBA, with Drummond projected to be a high lottery selection and Lamb being a late lottery prospect, and Alex Oriakhi will transfer.
But Jim Calhoun received some good news on Friday according to Gavin Keefe of the New London Day, as former Holy Cross guard R.J. Evans committed to using his final year of eligibility in Storrs.
A 6-3 guard from Salem, Connecticut, Evans averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Crusaders last season, and for his career in Worcester he averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
“It’s every Connecticut kid’s dream to play at UConn. It’s a dream come true. I’m grateful and thank God,” said Evans. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to make the best of it.”
Evans joins incoming freshman Omar Calhoun as players due to join the program in the fall, but this still doesn’t solve the problem of what the Huskies will do to replace their top three rebounders.
Tyler Olander is the leading returnee in that department, averaging 3.9 caroms per game in 2011-12, and Roscoe Smith is capable of playing the ‘4'.
Is Enosch Wolf capable of stepping up? He’ll need to if UConn is to take full advantage of their regular season.
Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.