UConn Gets Letters From Kentan Facey, Terrence Samuel

The UConn men’s basketball program has received a pair of signed letters of intent. Here’s the release just issued by the university:

Facey, Samuel Sign Letters Of Intent

STORRS, Conn. (Nov. 23, 2012) — University of Connecticut men’s basketball Coach Kevin Ollie has announced that the basketball office has received signed National Letters of Intent from forward Kentan Facey and guard Terrence Samuel to attend UConn and join the basketball program beginning with the 2013-14 academic year.

Both student-athletes hail from the greater New York City area — Facey, who attends Long Island Lutheran High School, is from Glen Head on Long Island and Samuel, who attends South Shore High School, is from Brooklyn. They have been teammates in the well-known N.Y. Rens AAU program.

“I’m elated to have both of these young men sign a Letter of Intent with our program,” Ollie said. “They are high-character people and quality basketball players. I know they will both have great senior seasons at their high schools and we can’t wait until they get to Storrs this summer and become part of our family.”

Facey is a 6-9, 195-pound forward who was born and raised in Trelawny, Jamaica. A solid shot-blocker and rebounder, Facey helped Lutheran post a 23-6 record and capture the Federation Class A championship last year under Coach John Buck. It was during last summer’s AAU circuit, however, that Facey made a name for himself as one of the most improved rising seniors, starring in tournaments as well as individual skills camps. He is ranked among the Top 100 in the class of 2013.

“Kentan has a relentless motor on the court,” Ollie said. “He is someone who can come in here and be a solid rebounder, who will pursue the basketball every time, up and down the court. Plus, he’s a fabulous young man. I can’t wait to coach him.”

Samuel, a 6-4, 180-pound point guard, called UConn his “dream school,” when he gave the coaching staff an oral commitment in early September. He has established himself as one of the top point guards in New York City under South Shore Coach Michael Beckles. Samuel averaged 11.7 points and 4.8 assists last season, leading the Vikings to a 17-9 record and a second consecutive PSAL Class AA quarterfinal berth. He excels at running a team on the court.
“Terrence is a big, strong guard who plays with grit and toughness,” Ollie said. “He’s a very unselfish player with great court vision. I expect him to be a leader for us on and off the basketball court.”

A signed National Letter of Intent indicates that a prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated university for one academic year. The institution agrees to provide athletic financial aid to the student-athlete for one year, provided the student-athlete is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules. The program is administered by the Collegiate Commissioners Association.