| UConn Still Waiting On Thabeet's Decision
There is one thing everyone wants to know about Hasheem Thabeet,, and one thing Thabeet is not ready to shed any light on: whether he will return to UConn for his junior season or enter the NBA draft.
Thabeet has until Sunday to declare for the draft. He projects to be a late lottery to late first-round pick.
'Hopefully I'll let you know soon,' Hasheem Thabeet, said Wednesday while at the Capitol for Husky Day. 'I've been talking with a lot of people, trying to get as much information as I can.'
Thabeet, who led the Big East with 4.5 blocks a game, said the process has been draining.
'When I'm on campus, everybody comes over and asks me questions,' he said. 'I'm just trying to stay focused and get good information.
... So I'm just listening and trying to make the best decision. That's the best I can do. Right now I'm just hanging out, enjoying life.'
UConn coach Jim Calhoun had initially hoped for Thabeet to make a decision within a few weeks, but he understands that this is not an easy decision.
'I don't know anything,' Calhoun said. 'He's taking his time and it might not have everything to do with basketball. Basketball might be the vehicle, but he's giving [his life] a lot of thought.'
Recruit Visiting Ater Majok, a 6-foot-10 forward/center from Sudan via Australia, arrived on campus Wednesday for the start of his official visit. With commitments from three players - Kemba Walker, Scottie Haralson and Charles Okwandu - the Huskies have one open scholarship and would have two if Thabeet leaves or if another player decides to transfer.
Doug Wiggins and Curtis Kelly have already announced plans to transfer.
'Four weeks ago, I said there would be change in the program,' Calhoun said. 'Well, if you listen to what I said four weeks ago ...'
Usually when new players arrive, Calhoun said, their best traits are on display for coaches to see. 'Unfortunately, sometimes they haven't matured enough and other things show up. I have been shocked, surprised, delighted and disappointed over 36 years.'
Calhoun said he hopes for two more recruits to commit in the offseason.
'Hasheem's decision will have something to say about what we do,' Calhoun said. 'The end of the semester, which is only three weeks away, we'll have a chance just to say, 'Where are we? We know who we're involved with. How far do we go?''
Sophomore center Jonathan Mandeldove and freshman guard Donnell Beverly, despite rumors to the contrary, said Wednesday they have no plans to transfer.
'I signed that letter of intent, which means I'm here for four years,' said Mandeldove, who could be thrust into an important role if Thabeet leaves. 'He's not saying anything about it and you try not to pressure him. You just let him make his decision and go from there.'
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