UConn Basketball: Kevin Ollie adds second impactful 2017 recruit

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Kevin Ollie and UConn basketball have their second recruit in the class of 2017.

A week after landing point guard Makai Ashton-Langford, the UConn Huskies added a second recruit in the class of 2017.

On Wednesday, three-star center Josh Carlton committed to Kevin Ollie and the Huskies over Georgetown, Michigan State, Clemson, Oregon, USC and Xavier, amongst others. The DeMatha Catholic High School product is the 20th best player at the center position in 2017, but is not ranked in ESPN’s top 100.

I am beyond blessed to announce that I have committed to the University of Connecticut???? #GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/zXGSgdPkwK

— Josh Carlton (@JoshuaCarlton33) September 14, 2016

The 6’9″, 235 pound big man from North Carolina took an official visit to the Huskies at the end of August. He also visited Georgetown’s campus multiple times and was expected to take trips to both Oregon and Xavier.

While he could’ve opted to take his talents to any of those three schools, Carlton felt most comfortable playing under Ollie and his coaching staff.

“I just really liked the coaching staff, especially Coach (Kevin) Ollie,” said Carlton. “The fact that it is a championship program really made me want to pick them and be a part of the program.

With Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey entering their senior seasons, Carlton will provide the Huskies with a powerful rebounder, a solid shot blocker and player who is capable of running pick-and-rolls due to his soft hands. His offensive game is still rounding into form, but there is no question he can do the dirty work on both ends of the floor for Ollie.

Carlton will add to a 2017 front court that will likely consist of Mamadou Diarra, Juwan Durham, Steven Enoch and Vance Jackson. Terry Larrier can play small forward and could occasionally slide down to the four to create a “small ball” lineup.

As a three-star prospect, Carlton likely won’t play major minutes in 2017. Instead, he’s a player that is going to need time to adjust to the college game on the fly, while also giving the Huskies minutes here and there to add energy and toughness.

The Huskies continue to use their recent championship success to their advantage, so don’t expect them to be finished on the 2017 recruiting trail.