Smart Move By UConn Extending Ollie

UConn officials made a smart move Saturday by giving Kevin Ollie a five-year extension.

The deal — reported by ESPN.com and other outlets — lifts the pressure off of Ollie, who is working under a one-year, $625,000 that ends in early April.

It will allow him to recruit on a national level going forward and should ease the minds of any potential recruits uncertain about Ollie’s future. Ollie had already landed New York products Kentan Facey of Long Island Lutheran and Terrence Samuel of Brooklyn South Shore for the 2013 class.

“Great decision by UConn,” Long Island Lutheran coach John Buck told SNY.tv. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Ollie. The decision will undoubtedly help him in recruiting going forward.”

The Huskies are 9-2 entering Saturday’s game against Washington and own a victory over then-No. 14 Michigan State in the season-opener.

Photo: Fred Beckham / AP

Written by Adam Zagoria

[email protected]

Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.