Kevin Ollie’s one-year contract has been a hot topic — nationally and locally — over the past few days. There seems to be a push within the UConn fanbase for a long-term deal, which would presumably help on the recruiting front. Between Ollie’s uncertainty and the deteriorating Big East, it must be awfully difficult for the Huskies to recruit right now.
I sought out some words of wisdom from Fox Sports national recruiting analyst Evan Daniels. Before we get into Daniels’ comments, some other recruiting notes.
*If Ollie does get an extension, don’t expect it to happen until first semester grades are released. A source familiar with the situation told Hearst Connecticut that the UConn administration wants to be sure the team is performing in the classroom under Ollie’s watch.
*Xavier Rathan Mayes, who selected Florida State over UConn and Illinois, divulged that Ollie’s contract situation “was an impact because it’s not a sure thing that he will be back.” No one in Brandon Austin’s camp wanted to comment. Austin, a 6-foot-6 guard, chose Providence over the Huskies in late November.
*Daniels on Ollie’s contract: “It’s incredibly unique. I haven’t seen anything like it outside of interim coaches. But, you know, I think very highly of Kevin Ollie as a coach and as a recruiter. I think they did him a disservice by giving him a one-year deal, but I also think he’s good enough at his job where he’s going to overcome it.
“It’s bound to have a little bit of impact (on recruiting), and I’m sure that opposing coaches are using it against them, but at the same time, I don’t think we should doubt Kevin Ollie. He’s a really good recruiter, he’s a guy who knows how to build relationships and is truly good at his job so while it may be a hindrance to him, I think it’s something he’ll end up overcoming.”
*Daniels on UConn’s recent classes: “In 2013, they have a guy in Kentan Facey who I think can help them. And in 2012, they have a guy in Omar Calhoun who is very talented. So they have a couple of guys who will be able to help them, but long-term not necessarily the success that UConn has had in the past 10 years on the recruiting trail.”
*Daniels on Facey and Terrence Samuel: “Facey is a guy who will give them some minutes right away. From a rebounding, shot-blocking standpoint, he can help them. He’s a good athlete, he’s bouncy and I think he can find some minutes. Later in his career, he’ll be a lot more effective than he is as a freshman, but that kind of goes for most guys…I think with Terrence Samuel, he’s a tough, hard-nosed player. I think later in his career at Connecticut he can help them. They needed a guard, they needed a guy that can handle some on-the-ball duties and Terrence Samuel can do that in a pinch.”
*Ollie on recruiting with one-year deal: “I talk about the attitude, what we do here on a daily basis. We develop our kids — the track record speaks for itself. Hopefully you come in here and trust that this coaching staff is going to be here for a long time.”
I HAVE A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN KEVIN OLLIE. HE IS THE RIGHT MAN
FOR THE JOB. BE PATIENT AND YOU WILL SEE SOME GREAT RESULTS.
THIS FEELING IS SOONER THAN LATER. I HOPE SUSAN HERBST CAN
PULL SOME STRINGS IN ORDER TO ALLOW US TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT. TO ME AND A LOT OF US UCONN DIEHARDS THE
MARCH MADNESS WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT OUR HUSKIES.
i think its time calhoun really retired! his presence at practice and all games,either at home , or away i a little bizzare… either he’s in or out… time to leave it up to ollie… move on calhoun.
With the recent comments made by JC regarding the possibility of his return to coaching it makes for a great rumor base that KO is aware of JC’s position and is holding down the fort for now(I know JC has lobbied to get KO a extended contract but that is just part of the game) Fiction can be fun some times(especially if it becomes fact)