UConn announced that both 7-foot center Amida Brimah and 6-4 guard Rodney Purvis have withdrawn from the 2016 NBA Draft and will return to UConn for their senior season in 2016-17.
The Purvis news had been previously reported, but the school announced it officially.
Neither Brimah nor Purvis hired an agent and both completed their removal paperwork by the May 25 deadline in order to retain their college eligibility.
Daniel Hamilton, the third member of the 2015-16 Huskies who submitted his name for the NBA Draft, has retained an agent and will remain draft eligible, ending his college basketball career.
UConn should be in contention for an AAC title and an NCAA Tournament bid next season with the return of Brimah and Purvis, along with rising sophomore guard Jalen Adams and VCU transfer Terry Larrier.
The Huskies also add a strong recruiting class, including McDonald’s All-American point guard Alterique Gilbert, 6-8 forward Vance Jackson, 6-8 rebounder Mamadou Diarra; 6-9 power forward Juwan Durham, and New York shooting guard Christian Vital, who recently signed with UConn after decommitting from UNLV. The New Haven Register reported Durham may sit out the season with a medical redshirt.
“Besides being a great basketball player with a great basketball mind, Christian is just an outstanding leader,” UConn coach Kevin Ollie said. “He has won wherever he’s been. He’s a great person who lifts your spirit when you’re around him.
“Christian’s ability to play both guard positions and his leadership qualities are what intrigued us. His combination of talent and character are what we’re looking for in our student-athletes. We think he’ll be a wonderful addition to the program.”
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