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Depth has been one of the big storylines for the UConn men’s basketball team this offseason and it could get even deeper. Per college hoops insider Rob Dauster, Corey Floyd Jr. — a 2022 four-star commit that the Huskies landed in January — is “likely” reclassifying into the 2021 class to the Huskies this fall.
Maybe because 2022 seemed so far away then, or maybe because the Huskies have had quite the news cycle lately, but it felt like Floyd flew under the radar. The Roselle, New Jersey native is a well-built combo guard that can aggressively attack downhill or stretch a defense with a capable outside shot. The #109 ranked player in 2022 according to Rivals, his stock has been red-hot this summer as his Team Final stormed through the AAU circuit.
There is remarkable consistency to Dan Hurley’s recruiting of combo guards. James Bouknight was the ranked No. 84 nationally by Rivals in 2019 while Andre Jackson was the No. 71 in 2020. Jordan Hawkins comes in as the most-heralded at Rivals’ No. 45.
Add in Floyd, and what do they all have in common? Tough, physical attackers with size and a ranking that to many scouts appeared under-the-radar. Oh, and they’re all from New York, New Jersey, or Philly. Quite the local pipeline the Carpenter has established.
If Floyd does enroll with the Huskies this fall, he’ll join a stacked backcourt and could redshirt is first season — similar to Richie Springs or, to a lesser degree, Akok Akok. If he does play, he shouldn’t be written off. Floyd’s stock this summer has gone to the moon because of how well he’s meshed with the smorgasbord of talent he’s surrounded with on Team Final. Jalen Duran is the Rivals No. 1 recruit for 2022, Derrick Lively is No. 15 and Otega Oweh’s stock is just as hot as Floyd Jr’s. Meanwhile, Justice Williams is committed to L$U.
That’s the high school version of the Monstars. It’s no surprise that Team Final went 42-5 this spring and summer, capping it off yesterday with the prestigious Peach Jam 17U championship, a 64-61 win over Bradley Beal’s Elite of St. Louis. Floyd put up 12 points and five assists in the championship, including tossing two composed alley-oops.
Corey Floyd lobs to Dereck Lively ‼️ @CoreyFloydJr @dereckl41 @TeamFinalEYBL @PaulBiancardi @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/hxsZ0pkF5F
— Who's Next (@WhosNextHS) July 25, 2021
I managed to catch some of the game, and came away impressed with Floyd’s poise, size, and the way he picked his spots on a talented team. He got into the lane with ease, and rarely seemed out of control. The ability to play within yourself around more talented players is in of itself a skill, and if Floyd can bring that to Storrs this fall, it can only make the team better.
It’s not official yet, but should Floyd double-down on his big week, the cauldron of intensity just got a lot hotter this fall.