I defer to those fellow Boneyarders who have a tighter grasp of NCAA rules, but let me take the first shot at identifyingthe differences between official and unofficial visits.
Basically, unofficial visits are on the recruit and her family. All transportation, lodging, and meals. It is often a very positive sign when a recruit travels all the way to Storrs at family initiative and expense. I can think of a few (surely there are others) notable recruits who visited unofficially: Maya Moore, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Moriah Jefferson. And, more recently, Courtney Ekmark.
UConn (coaches, prospective teammates, faculty, administration, and student body) can roll out the welcome mat for official visitors like Chong and McCall will be in October. Among the activities:
- A player acts as host to show the recruit around, take her to a class, hang out and (within strict guidelines) entertain her.
- Lodging for the family at a comfortable on-campus facility.
- The recruit gets to at least observe and possibly participate in a practice.
- Meetings with coaches and selected faculty (as, major subject).
- Choice seats at the SuperShow, surrounded by the UConn version of the Secret Service.
- Possibly a scholly offer and the opportunity to accept.
This is a highly honed ritual. Geno doesn't get them all, but he consistently reels in his very unfair share of blue-chippers.
