Here's some news that only made the Register's print edition on Thursday.

Garrison plans to leave UConn
Second expected exit in three days for the Huskies

By Brett Orzechowski
Register Staff

STORRS – He arrived as a late edition two seasons ago to fill a void left by suspensions then was told he would face heavy competition at the guard position this year. On Wednesday, Rob Garrison said it was time to move on with his college basketball career.

The University of Connecticut sophomore guard asked coach Jim Calhoun for his release to speak with other schools. With Garrison’s expected departure, the Huskies plan to have two scholarships available for next season with perhaps a third opening in the next few days, Calhoun said.

For Garrison, the seldom-used guard said he first considered transferring in January but decided to stay for the remainder of the season. He said he plans to transfer to either an Atlantic-10 or Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference school next season. He ruled out Niagara, near where he grew up, even though he said the program has contacted his high school coach. Garrison appeared in 29 games, including 12 this season, over his two years at UConn.

“I left Niagara Falls because of basketball so I’m not going back. I’m keeping my options open. I’d like to go somewhere warm and somewhere where I can play, but I’m staying at this level,” Garrison said. “I was frustrated here and it’s the best move. I guess what I really wanted was a chance. If we were winning this season, I could understand, but we weren’t. I just wasn’t able to get in there so I’m moving on.”

Calhoun said Wednesday that the Huskies would like a shooter and another guard in Storrs for next season and UConn is currently recruiting two; Donnell Beverly from Leuzinger (Calif.) High School outside of Los Angeles, and junior college guard Marcus Thornton, from Kilgore (Tx.) College.

Calhoun said he has met with all 13 scholarship players and recently received word from one who is undecided about his future. He also said Hasheem Thabeet will decide within the next few days whether to declare for the NBA Draft or stay in school. Calhoun plans to meet with Thabeet’s mother and the freshman again in the next few days. He also said that Thabeet’s decision will weigh heavily on the recruitment of 7-foot high school senior Anthony McClain.

With the addition of possibly another guard, the Huskies would be left with five again, including A.J. Price, Craig Austrie, Doug Wiggins and Jerome Dyson. Calhoun said Austrie, who has been mentioned in various reports regarding a transfer, is staying.

Garrison’s planned departure comes a day after the university announced that freshman Ben Eaves intends to transfer when the semester is over. The forward said he is pursuing all options, but is currently looking into the same caliber of school as Garrison. Eaves mentioned George Washington, Rhode Island and Manhattan as possible destinations.

“Everything is a little disappointing from an individual standpoint and the season obviously didn’t go as expected. There were spots where I felt like I would get a shot in the rotation. I would think I found something and then I wouldn’t. That was a sign to me,” Eaves said. “Really, when I think about it, this year was a huge education. What I learned this year can be applied anywhere I go. I think it will only help but somewhere else.”

Brett Orzechowski may be reached at borzechowski@nhregister.com

Here's a story that did not make the Register's Web version Wednesday.

Eaves to transfer
Freshman’s departure opens up scholarship for UConn

By Brett Orzechowski
Register Staff

University of Connecticut freshman forward Ben Eaves announced Tuesday afternoon that he is leaving the program and plans to transfer to another school.

He will continue to attend classes and work out with the team. He has been in contact with some schools but it is still early in the process.

Eaves, of Lancashire, England, appeared in 11 games this season for the Huskies and scored one point. He committed to UConn after playing one year at Worcester (Mass.) Academy.

"Ben and I met this week and he let me know that he has decided to continue his college career at another institution," Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said in a statement. "While I am sad to see Ben leave, I completely understand his feelings and will do everything I can to help him transfer to a school where he can enjoy the best experience for him as a student and as a basketball player. I wish him nothing but good luck in the future."

Eaves' departure gives UConn an available scholarship. Anthony McClain, a 7-foot high school senior from National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md., has been the focus of the coaching staff's recruiting efforts this winter. Marcus Thornton, a junior college guard from Kilgore (Tx.) College, is also being considered even though sources said he is favoring Louisiana State. Also, guard Donnell Beverly from Leuzinger (Calif.) High School outside of Los Angeles, is being considered by the coaching staff.

"We're not in a situation where we have someone sewn up. We still won't get commitments right away," associate head coach Tom Moore said, "but we're not pushing anyone away. With McClain, probably our next phone call will be one to set something up with him for a visit."

Ferguson granted probation

Thaddeus R. Ferguson was granted accelerated rehabilitation Tuesday at Rockville Superior Court for his role in the theft of laptops with two University of Connecticut basketball players.

Both Marcus Williams and A.J. Price received accelerated rehabilitation in Oct. 2005 for their involvement. Ferguson, 21, must perform 400 hours of community service during the two-year probationary period, violate no laws and is not permitted on UConn’s campus.

According to the Rockville Superior Court clerk’s office, Ferguson is listed as Williams’ cousin. UConn police arrest Ferguson on Jan. 26 after three warrants were issued during the investigation into the stolen laptops on the Storrs campus.

Ferguson was arrested by New York City police in early January for jumping a subway turnstile to avoid paying the fare, a misdemeanor.

Brett Orzechowski may be reached at borzechowski@nhregister.com

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University of Connecticut freshman forward Ben Eaves announced Tuesday afternoon that he is leaving the program and plans to transfer to another school.

Eaves, of Lancashire, England, appeared in 11 games this season for the Huskies and scored one point. He committed to UConn after playing one year at Worcester (Mass.) Academy.

Eaves will continue to attend classes and work out with the team. He has been in contact with some schools but it is still early in the process.

"Ben and I met this week and he let me know that he has decided to continue his college career at another institution," Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said in a statement. "While I am sad to see Ben leave, I completely understand his feelings and will do everything I can to help him transfer to a school where he can enjoy the best experience for him as a student and as a basketball player. I wish him nothing but good luck in the future."

Eaves' departure gives UConn an available scholarship. Anthony McClain, a 7-foot high school senior from National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md., has been the focus of the coaching staff's recruiting efforts this winter. Marcus Thornton, a junior college guard from Kilgore (Tx.) College, is also being considered even though sources said he is leaning toward Louisiana State. Also, guard Donnell Beverly from Leuzinger (Calif.) High School outside of Los Angeles, is being considered by the coaching staff.

"I have really enjoyed my year here at Connecticut and this has been a tough decision for me and my family to make," said Eaves in a statement. "I am excited about what is in store for me in the future and appreciate that the year here at UConn has made me a better player and person. I look forward to finding a school in the next several weeks that will help me continue my college experience, both as a student and as an athlete. Until then, I will continue to work hard here in the classroom and finish the semester strong."