UConn vs. Cincinnati: Checking In From XL

HARTFORD  – Checking in with a few pregame notes, quotes from XL. UConn and Cincinnati start in about an hour.

Omar Calhoun has a sore, slightly sprained right wrist. He was a big question mark earlier today, but after the shoot-around, the coaches figure he will play. But they will watch him carefully. His perimeter shooting could be adversely affected.

If Calhoun can’t go, Niels Giffey would start, or that those minutes. But he was out shooting pregame, with a wrap on the wrist, and seemed to be comfortable. And Calhoun said on his instagram account that he plans on playing. He’s out in the layup drills as I write.

The other four UConn starters would be as ususal – Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright, Tyler Olander, DeAndre Daniels.

Your refs for the evening: John Cahill, Les Jones, Roger Ayers.

On the recruiting front, Khadeem Carrington, a high-scoring guard (Class of 2014) from Bishop Loughlin High in New York, is expected at the game. UConn has been going after him heavily. St. John’s, Cincinnati, Florida State are also thought to be in the picture. Carrington has been here before, including the Louisville game, and may make an official visit after his high school season is done.

A couple of former Huskies, Rashamel Jones and Souleymane Wane, are expected to come tonight, I hear.

On the NBA scouting pass list – The Cavaliers, Mavericks, Thunder, Nets, Spurs and Jazz.