By ADAM ZAGORIA
Jalen Gaffney, the 6-foot-2 combo guard from the Westtown (PA) School and Team Rio, has committed to UConn, his father told ZAGSBLOG on Monday.
Gaffney slept on the decision after visiting UConn this past weekend.
UConn coach Dan Hurley and his staff have prioritized Gaffney as part of their 2019 efforts.
“[Their message is] he can come in and play right away,” AD Gaffney, Jalen’s father, said Sunday. “He is the beginning of getting back to Final Fours, Championships and producing NBA draft picks.”
1000% COMMITTED HUSKY NATIONNNNNN @UConnHuskies @UConnMBB @BillionBus pic.twitter.com/WXgWT5LRO5
— Jalen Gaffney (@jalengaffney) September 24, 2018
UConn recently landed 2019 shooting gaurd James Bouknight, and have pitched Gaffney and Bouknight on playing together.
“They need a point guard and a wing in their 2019 class,” AD Gaffney said of Bouknight. “They now have their wing.”
Jalen had been slated to visit Xavier (Sept. 29), Clemson (Oct. 12) and St. John’s (Oct. 19).
According to 247Sports, Gaffney is ranked as the No. 149 overall player in the Class of 2019 and the No. 7 player from the state of New Jersey.
Playing with Team Rio on the Under Armour Association, Gaffney averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, in 16 games played.
“Danny Hurley has always had athletic guards who can score the ball,” current Team Rio and former Rutgers coach Mike Rice said. “Going back to St Benedict’s/Wagner and URI, he fits into that mold perfectly. And I said before once his body catches up to his athleticism and skill set, he’s gonna make UConn nation very happy to have him.”
Said Westtown coach Seth Berger: “Jalen is a super talented player. He’s becoming a leader and has always been a great teammate. UConn is getting a star.”
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