Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Mansfield, CT (Future150) -- Coach Kevin Ollie and the rest of the Huskies coaching staff did a great job recruiting in the 2016 class. They picked up players from all over the country, not just the talents close to The Nutmeg State. Future150 will breakdown what each player in this four man class should bring to the table.
Juwan Durham (#29 in top-150), PF, Tampa Prep (FL): Juwan is one of the top pure post players in his class, and should bring instant scoring in the paint. Not only that, but opponents will be saddened after trying to snatch a rebound against Durham all game as he is certainly a glass cleaner. Another thing that many NBA scouts like about his game is his ability to stretch the defense and knock down jumpers out to 17 feet or so. Durham may or may not be a one-and-done in Kevin Ollie's system. He certainly has the potential, but I expect him to stick around for two or three seasons.
Vance Jackson (#49 in top-150), G/F, St. John Bosco (CA): Another offensively advanced wing that should fit right in Kevin Ollie's system. Vance Jackson has an NBA ready body standing around 6'8 and weighing over 200 pounds, Jackson should have no trouble at all getting adjusted to playing at the next level in the AAC. If Daniel Hamilton stuck around for another season, these two could possibly combine for one of the best one-two punches in the nation. Either way Jackson will be a contributor immediately.
Alterique Gilbert (#101 in top-150), PG, Miller Grove (GA): Gilbert is easily one of my favorite point guard's in the 2016 class. He can run a team so smoothly, and does a great job at changing the tempo off the game to make sure it is in his team's favor. Gilbert is a very underrated scorer despite his size at just around 5'11 or 6'0. Gilbert will quickly become a fan favorite a UConn, reminding fans of the past great lead guard's they've had like Kemba Walker, and Shabazz Napier.
Mamadou Diarra (4-star prospect), PF, Putnam Science (CT): Diarra is a workhorse four-man that will bring instant energy off the bench for UConn his freshman year. He has great size and length, and will be able to help tremendously crashing the boards and defending the paint. Diarra can also see the floor extremely well for a big man. Once Diarra can get a few go-to post moves added to his game, he should be a fine three to four year player.
Overall this class should be one of Coach Ollie's best since he took over the head coaching job. Jackson and Durham have the potential to be one and done, but more than likely all four of these guys should be helping contribute for at least two years.
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