Missed Recruits: Where Are They Now?

by CTBasketball

Every year hundreds of top basketball recruits ink their college choices on signing day. Every year UConn misses out on some blue chip talent. Despite this, the men’s basketball team continues to win. Would these players have been better off choosing the Huskies? We will never know.

Class of 2007:
• Jeff Robinson / Elizabeth, NJ

Before he committed to Memphis, UConn once stood as a finalist for Robinson. After transferring to Seton Hall for two seasons (2009-2010), he travelled to play overseas. Currently he is playing for AZS Koszalin and averaging 13.7 points per game.

• Durrell Summers / Redford, MI

Although UConn was in his final 5 schools, Durrell Summers committed to Michigan State. He is most known for dunking on Stanley Robinson in the 2009 Final Four and averaging points per game. He is currently on the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League, averaging 16 ppg.

Class of 2008:
• Brandon Jennings / Compton, CA

One of UConn’s biggest recruiting misses. Jennings, the best overall player in the 2008 class was expected to commit to UConn; he was the friend of former Husky point guard Marcus Williams. However, this all changed when he unexpectedly committed to USC, then to Arizona. Before stepping on a college campus, Jennings turned pro in Italy for the 2008-2009 season. This allowed UConn to sign 2nd ranked point guard, Kemba Walker. This turned out well for UConn, as Walker led UConn to its 3rd National Championship in 2011.

• Samardo Samuels / Newark, NJ

The highest rated center in the 2008 class chose Louisville over UNC and Connecticut. The high school All-American only played two seasons for the Cardinals before jumping to the NBA. Throughout his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he has averaged 5.9 ppg.

• Ed Davis / Richmond, VA

The second-best power forward in the class chose UNC over UConn. He helped UNC to the 2009 National Championship between turning pro a season later. He currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies and has averaged 7.3ppg throughout his career.

Class of 2009:

• Jordan Hamilton / Los Angeles, CA

The oldest of the three Hamilton brothers, Jordan almost committed to UConn. The Huskies recruited him hard and even had the help of Marcus Williams, a friend of the Hamilton family. He played 2 years at Texas before going to the NBA. He currently plays for the Denver Nuggets and averages less than 5 points per night. His younger brother, Daniel has just committed to UConn this past spring.

• Durand Scott / Bronx, NY

The Bronx shooting guard chose Miami over UConn and Pittsburgh. He played on AAU teams with Kemba Walker, which many thought would attract him to UConn. However, he averaged double figures throughout his four year Miami career. DraftExpress ranks him as the 49th best senior draft prospect.

Class of 2010:

• Brandon Knight / Coral Springs, FL

Knight, a high school All-American and top 5 prospect, chose Kentucky over UConn. UConn returned the favor in the 2011 season, where Knight and his Wildcats were defeated by Connecticut in the Maui Invitational and then the Final Four. He currently plays for the Detroit Pistons alongside former Huskies Charlie Villanueva and Andre Drummond.

• Cory Joseph / Pickering, Ontario, Canada

UConn once stood as a finalist for the highly touted Canadian point guard. Many Husky fans believed he was destined for Storrs since he has family in Connecticut and had a great relationship with Jim Calhoun. However, he followed his friend Tristan Thompson to Texas and turned pro the following year. He currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 11 minutes per game.

Class of 2011:

• Maurice Harkless / Queens, NY

A once Husky commit, Mo Harkless de-committed in June 2010. He opened up his recruitment, not involving Connecticut. After signing to St. John’s, Harkless played one season for the Red Storm, being named Big East Rookie of the Year. He currently plays for the Orlando Magic averaging 8.2 points per game.

by