6’9″ PF Tyler Olander (E.O. Smith HS, Storrs, CT) has committed to UConn. He chose the Huskies over Florida, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rhode Island, Wake Forest and Virginia. He’s ranked the #44 power forward by Scout.com, and #52 by ESPN (Rated a 90).
ESPN’s Evaluation July, 2009:
Tyler is a very good young prospect whose raw frame is still growing. Each trip down the floor he showed growth and improvement from the previous possession. This young power forward appears to be on track to be an elite level Big East type four man. Right now, he is gaining strength and maturity, but he is already showing signs that he will become one of the best. He scores in transition and with his back to the basket, like you would expect from a high quality, young power forward. He runs the floor effortlessly and his natural strength allows him to position and score inside with ease. However, the biggest surprise was seeing him catch the ball outside the arc and drain several spot up three point jump shots. Then after the defense began to press up on him, and force him away from the easy, open three point attempt, he put the ball on the floor and finished with authority on a baseline drive. His surprising all around game should propel him to the highest levels.
Olander showing off his athleticism :
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Good news. This kid was not on the radar was he?
What do we think this means in regard to our pursuit of the blue chippers? One less scholarship.
He actually was very much on the radar, especially after PF Cleveland Melvin decommitted a few weeks back. You can see, Olander’s got some quality offers too…
Technically we have no schollies left to give for next season, but these things always seem to work themselves out. The signing of Olander will not affect our recruitment of all the highly ranked guards we are after.