NC State guard Rodney Purvis to transfer to UConn

Two years ago UConn narrowly missed out on Rodney Purvis, a coveted McDonald's All-American guard, who opted to stay home in North Carolina and play for NC State. Today, Kevin Ollie and UConn got their man, as Purvis announced he is transferring to UConn after his freshman season.

Feeling Husky !!!!!!

— Rodney Purvis (@rpurvis_0) April 5, 2013

Purvis had a solid freshman season, averaging 8.3 points and 2.4 rebounds, but he clashed with Coach Mark Gottfried over playing time, and is the sixth player to transfer out of the Wolfpack program since Gottfried was hired. He'll have to sit out next year, but should be an immediate starter in 2014, which could create a very smooth transition from Shabazz Napier, assuming UConn's point guard returns for his senior season.

This is a huge get for Ollie, and a great way to kick off the 2014 recruiting class. Yes, Purvis a transfer, but it's Ollie's first elite-elite recruit, and that serves as a valuable signal to anyone else considering UConn: Yes Jim Calhoun has retire and the Big East has fallen apart, but if UConn is still considered a place where elite players can thrive, the Huskies will be able to compete.