With the signing period a few weeks away, high school senior Donnell Beverly's visit to the University of Connecticut arrives at a fitting time. The 6-foot-4 point guard will arrive on campus Thursday for two days.
It was not until February when Huskies assistant coach Andre LaFleur first inquired about Beverly. Leuzinger (Calif.) High School coach Reggie Morris said Wednesday that like most of his players who went on to play college basketball, major programs did not arrive until late in the recruiting process.
Beverly is no exception.
"It was more of a relief for Donnell because we know he has the potential to play on UConn's level," Morris said. "There are plenty of things appealing about UConn. We looked at the situation at LSU and thought Donnell wouldn't fit into their plans. That's why he's narrowed down his choices."
Beverly considered Louisiana State until this week. The Tigers received a commitment from Marcus Thornton, a junior college guard and Baton Rouge product that the UConn staff had looked at over the last few weeks.
Morris said Beverly will not make a decision until he arrives home after the visit. He is one of the last few remaining guards in the class of 2007 that has not committed to any school. If he does choose UConn, the Huskies will add another guard to their roster, their fifth for the 2007-08 season.
Anthony McClain, the 7-footer from Fort Washington, Md., is expected to visit Storrs on April 18, according to the UConn coaching staff. Freshman Hasheem Thabeet's decision whether to enter the NBA Draft or stay in school may sway McClain's decision. Big East schools such as Cincinnati and Georgetown are considering McClain as well.