Akinjo released from LOI

[tcf15]

 

[krinklecut]

Optics wise this is the right move.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

Kind of surprising, at least a bit.

General consensus was that UConn would wait for release until after the newly hired coach had a chance to talk with him.

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

 

[JMick]

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

exactly what I was wondering

 

[TopDogs]

I get the impression that this kid wasn't so much in love with UConn as he was with KO. Perhaps he had no interest in waiting to find out who the new coach will be.

 

[WestHartHusk]

Kind of surprising, at least a bit.

General consensus was that UConn would wait for release until after the newly hired coach had a chance to talk with him.

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

No, it means nothing other than common sense prevailed.

You don't string a kid along. Give him the ability to talk to other schools, hire your coach, and if that coach wants to chase him down, he will. Otherwise, he won't. In any event, let the kid see what is out there.

 

[UConnDad]

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

It feels like we've passed quick.

 

[intlzncster]

No, it means nothing other than common sense prevailed.

You don't string a kid along. Give him the ability to talk to other schools, hire your coach, and if that coach wants to chase him down, he will. Otherwise, he won't. In any event, let the kid see what is out there.

Anybody was still free to recruit the kid, even if he has an LOI. It just means he couldn't sign with another school.

I wanted them to wait, but I understand the optics. And who knows how long it will take to find a coach?

If he signs somewhere else in the meantime, c'est la vie. I guess, in this day and age, it's good to keep the family happy.

 

[superjohn]

Kind of surprising, at least a bit.

General consensus was that UConn would wait for release until after the newly hired coach had a chance to talk with him.

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

General consensus? Amongst the posters on this board?

This place is an unmitigated disaster with people saying Ollie was coming back until the day he was fired. If it was up to this board our coach next season would be between Geno, Hobbs, and Chillious.

Just wait a little longer.

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

This feels like exactly what you do when you want to give your new coach, whenever he is hired, the best chance at getting the player to stay. You keep him in your good graces, allow him to look elsewhere as he desires, but keep the door open by treating him and his family with respect. Notice the graceful words tweeted here as well as in the original tweet declaring he was reopening his recruitment. Sounds like UConn handled this the absolute correct way. If he doesn't come, so be it. But we're giving the new coach the best chance to keep that line of communication open.

 

[Yankees32123]

I never understand why schools hold these kids hostage when they ask for a release. It looks bad for the school and makes it even less likely that they'll want to play at that school when a new coach is in place. This was the right move.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Kind of surprising, at least a bit.

General consensus was that UConn would wait for release until after the newly hired coach had a chance to talk with him.

Pure speculation, but does this mean that UConn isnt anticipating a quick hire?

I doubt it--Pitt released all their guys as well. It's just the right thing to do.

 

[huskiesnyc]

Best of luck to James. I was excited about him when he committed but as the season went on I knew better than getting too attached to KO’s recruits.

 

[Captbluefin]

He was being recruited the whole time.. He commits to a big program within 2 weeks.. Everyone knew KO was gone. And recruited against that.

It totally sucks. He would have been a perfect fit to share the point with AG and become comfortable with D1 ball...

This kid is going to be GOOD..

 

[TRest]

He knows the scooters aren't coming back.

 

[HuskyHawk]

This was the right move. Do right by the kid. We may be relying on other schools to let kids out of LOIs in a week or so.

 

[hoopsknowitall]

I never understand why schools hold these kids hostage when they ask for a release. It looks bad for the school and makes it even less likely that they'll want to play at that school when a new coach is in place. This was the right move.

I still remember Phil Martelli refusing to provide a release for a kid who wasn’t even that good. Came off as a totally petty person....

 

[The Funster]

Best of luck to him. As others have said, no sense in keeping someone who doesn't want to be here.

 

[Captbluefin]

He was was coming to play for KO. I wonder if KO influenced him to ask for release. KO. is a bit pissed sbout being let go.

 

[JMick]

He was was coming to play for KO. I wonder if KO influenced him to ask for release. KO. is a bit pissed sbout being let go.

well next time you talk to Kevin tell him we're pissed he ruined UConn basketball

 

[UCDaveD]

He was was coming to play for KO. I wonder if KO influenced him to ask for release. KO. is a bit pissed sbout being let go.

KO is still technically employed by the University. I highly doubt he personally had anything to do with it.

 

[the Q]

Need another ball handler badly. Hope it’s still him. And hopefully, if it’s hurley, we can find another spot for Harris too.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

I just get the feeling we still have a chance. Hopefully we land Hurley and if he wants James and he is interested in Uconn then we can make something happen.

 

[Lefty2one]

The ship has sailed. Many believed he wasn't coming here even if KO stayed. Wish him luck as long as he doesn't bite us in the arse face-to-face some point down the line.

 

[the Q]

The ship has sailed. Many believed he wasn't coming here even if KO stayed. Wish him luck as long as he doesn't bite us in the arse face-to-face some point down the line.

So basically root for him to go to cal Berkeley and never make the tourney during his career?