Maybe but that's a decision for each individual student-athlete. Let's face it, most top colleges in any sport are in the middle of nowhere, other than UCLA/USC in LA. There's no TOP (meaning Powerhouse) Power 5 team in NYC, SF, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington, DC, Boston (other than BC in the burbs), Philly or Atlanta. Miami is 9th largest metro area - "the U" maybe but not lately a power, and Phoenix. And these are the top 11 metro areas in the USA. Each college has its traditions, eateries, reputation etc. and I don't think Storrs is barren or bereft of anything a college student would want or need. Boston is an hour and a half from Storrs, which is not much different than how long it takes me to see a Broadway show in Manhattan from my home. In all my years following UCONN basketball it takes special players who want the opportunity to be the very best to survive and thrive here and as another poster said, not be afraid of the competition for playing time. "To be the best you must beat the best" - starting with your own teammates!