Posted on Tue, Apr. 29, 2008

Majok picks UConn over UK

By Jerry Tipton

JTIPTON@HERALD-LEADER.COM

Sudanese native Ater Majok committed to Connecticut on Monday. That the commitment came a day after center Hasheem Thabeet announced he would return to the Huskies next season was not coincidental.

Majok's mentor/advisor, Ed Smith, said UConn and UK were "neck and neck" until Thabeet removed his name from this year's NBA Draft.

"Having a big guy in the middle spreads things out," Smith said. "That gives (Majok) the ability to do a lot more."

While in Louisville for the Derby Festival Basketball Classic, Majok expressed his desire to play with a proven big man. Majok envisioned himself complementing a low-post strongman.

Thabeet was not the only reason Smith cited for Majok's commitment.

Smith noted how UConn is ready to compete for a national championship next season. Majok's other options, UK and Baylor, would need more time to get in such a position, the mentor/coach said.

Majok's link to Australia also played a role in the decision, Smith said. Majok, a 6-foot-10 player with a smooth jump shot, was born in Sudan. He and his family moved to Egypt and then to Australia. UConn has had several players who were natives of Australia.

Plus UConn assistant coach Andre LaFleur played and coached professionally in Australia. After completing his professional career, LaFleur took a position as School Sports Coordinator for the Sydney City Basketball Association. Majok lives in the Sydney area.

Those players include Rudy Gay, Charlie Villanueva and Donyell Marshall.

Harrellson still weighing options

Junior college prospect Josh Harrellson is feeling "quite confused and torn" about his college choice.

Harrellson, a 6-foot-9 power player for Southwestern Illinois College, visited St. Louis this past weekend. He also has visited Kentucky.

"When I went to Kentucky, I loved it," he said on Monday. "I was ready to commit.

"When I went to St. Louis, I loved it a lot."

So Harrellson said he would "do research" on the two programs this week before making a decision. He will look at such factors as the coaches, playing time and what players the programs might try to recruit next year.

"It will come down to the coaches," he said before adding, "distance might play a key factor."

St. Louis is about a 30-minute drive from his home. UK is about five hours away. Harrellson cited "family problems" that might cause him to stay closer to home.

Tradition and status clearly weigh heavily in Kentucky's favor.

"I would love to be able to tell my kids that I played for Kentucky," Harrellson said. "That would be great."

Kecman announcement today

Junior college forward Nicola Kecman plans to announce Tuesday whether he will attend Ohio State or Kentucky. His coach, Tim Walsh, denied Internet reports that Kecman had chosen Ohio State.