Goodbye Alterique, We Wish You Well
The Story: Alterique Gilbert has entered the transfer portal and will not return to UConn for a fifth season.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Gilbert was a McDonald’s All-American in 2016 but had a cursed career at UConn, missing two seasons with injuries. He started for most of his two years before moving to the bench toward the end of this season. He averaged 8.5 points and 2.6 assists in his career. He will have at least one year of eligibility remaining, and potentially two if he petitions for a sixth year because of his injuries.
WHAT ARE HIS OPTIONS? Gilbert told Hearst Connecticut Media yesterday that he has already heard from Elon, Hampton and Georgia State and, as an Atlanta native, staying close to home is intriguing, “but that’s not really my biggest decision-maker.” Of course, he could have options in the G League, Europe, China and Australia under normal situations, but the coronavirus pandemic has probably stopped any chance he has to showcase his abilities in workouts or even on an NBA Summer League team. We don’t know when those leagues will resume and that makes getting a scholarship, getting housing and food a logical move for next year.
WHAT DID GILBERT SAY? “The reduced role thing was new to me, honestly. But it was something I was willing to do for us to win, because I played with a lot of great players throughout my basketball career so I’ve never been a guy that really needed all the attention. My main goal was to win. I always said I was a winner first. My UConn career, we didn’t win a lot. So, I just thought I’d finish my time up on my feet, and if I had the opportunity to leave and go play somewhere where I have a better opportunity or chance, I said I’ll take it.”
WHAT DID HURLEY SAY? “Al needs a fresh start, an opportunity to find a place that can give him everything he needs, including the style of play. From our conversations, we hope to help him with the process, to find the right place that will give him everything he wants.”
WHAT ABOUT UCONN? The Huskies have an extra scholarship for next year and could go the transfer route to fill it. Tallahassee Community College guard El Ellis wrote on Twitter yesterday evening that he has received a scholarship offer. The Huskies are also still in the market for a big man. UConn has point guard R.J. Cole and power forward Richie Springs eligible for next year and will add small forward Andre Jackson and center Javonte Brown-Ferguson. Hurley said Jackson could have a James Bouknight-like effect on the team.
Walker Named All-American
The Story: The Associated Press named Megan Walker a first-team All-American, and honorable mentions were given to Crystal Dangerfield and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
HUSKIES OF HONOR: Walker, who is leaving UConn to turn pro, is the 26th player to earn first-team All-America honors. Her selection also gives UConn an All-American for the seventh consecutive season, which isn’t bad considering the (relative) lack of team success in recent years.
WHERE WILL WALKER GO? Walker’s decision to leave for the WNBA has slightly shaken things up. She’s likely a mid-first-round pick, with ESPN projecting that she will go No. 5 to the Dallas Wings. But that’s an uncertainty — as are the draft and the season altogether. We’ll have to see what happens.
Morning Reads
BIG-GAME HUNTING: The men’s basktball team had its own set of problems in the AAC, but it’ll encounter a different beast once it moves to the Big East. (Hearst Connecticut Media)
CHANGE OF PACE: The coronavirus pandemic has forced a lot of changes at UConn, and Dan Hurley said he’s trying to make the most of his opportunities to evaluate the season. (The Day)
A DREAM REALIZED: Former walk-on Christian Foxen has parlayed his time at UConn into playing as a professional in the Portuguese third league. (Hartford Courant)
