Stay or go? Thabeet faces tough decision

For the second year in a row, UConn center Hasheem Thabeet, must decide whether to make himself available for the NBA draft. Unlike the off-season following his freshman year, however, the decision isn't likely to be easy.

"I can see why he has to make a decision," UConn coach Jim Calhoun said Thursday. "I also want him to see the big picture, what is going to happen over the next 10, 12, 14 years of his life."

Calhoun said he and Thabeet have already had informal discussions about the center's future. The two plan to meet again soon, and Calhoun hopes the issue will be decided in the next few weeks.

"He does enjoy college very much and he's a very good student," said Calhoun, trying to mention a few positives to Thabeet sticking around.

Calhoun says he has spoken to 18 NBA general managers to gauge the interest in Hasheem Thabeet, and his potential draft position.

"He would go in the first round, without question," Calhoun said. "And he would go in the upper two-thirds of it."

MORE MOVEMENT: Calhoun made it clear he expects his roster to look quite a bit different next season, regardless of what Thabeet opts to do.

UConn has received a letter of intent from point guard Kemba Walker.

Shooting guard Scottie Haralson has verbally committed and will forward a letter of his own soon. But the Huskies are on the heels of a number of top recruits, and departures from the current roster would have to occur to make room.

"We will have a minimum of four scholarships next year," Calhoun predicted. The Huskies currently have two available scholarships.

Calhoun hinted at some reasons for potential transfers.

"Academics are very important here, and we've had some disappointments," Calhoun said. "Social behavior is very important."

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