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By Dan Mangiapane
Former UConn men’s basketball forward Terry Larrier will play for the Memphis Grizzlies’ summer league team according to Ian Begley of ESPN.
Larrier had one year of NCAA eligibility remaining but decided to take the professional route. He was not selected in last Thursday’s NBA draft as expected, but an opportunity awaits him as he can showcase his skillset to the Grizzlies’ staff in the upcoming summer leagues.
Larrier transferred to Storrs from VCU after his freshman year but his UConn career was hampered by injuries. He suffered an ACL tear his redshirt sophomore year in the Maui Invitational and had a sinus infection this past January, which led to facial surgery. He averaged 13.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 34 minutes for the Huskies last season.
Larrier needs to improve is his ball handling and upper body strength to make his way onto a NBA roster. When defenders played right up on him last season, he had difficulties blowing by or making a move to give himself more room. However, he is an extremely athletic player who can shoot the ball well when given space and time.
In other related NBA news including former Huskies, Kemba Walker received the 2017-18 NBA Sportsmanship Award at last night’s NBA Awards Show. Walker is only the second player to earn the honor in back to back seasons, joining Jason Kidd.
The Sportsmanship Award is designed to honor a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
“I’m proud to win this award for a second time. NBA players are intense competitors and it is truly humbling to know that my peers see me as someone who exhibits sportsmanship and respect on the court,” Walker told NBA.com. “To be included among the outstanding people who have won this award, and the small group who have done so multiple times is an honor.”
Walker’s future as a Hornet is up in the air as he has been the focus of trade speculation due to his contract ending after next season. LeBron James has supposedly stated he will stay in Cleveland if the team acquires the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer.