UConn's Sanogo to enter draft; Alleyne enters transfer portal
Apr. 13—Since winning its fifth national championship in Houston on April 3 plenty of change has been happening with UConn's men's basketball team.
The latest change came Thursday when junior center Adama Sanogo, the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four, announced he is declaring for the NBA draft.
In addition, senior guard Naheim Alleyne entered his name into the transfer portal.
Sanogo, a native of Mali, averaged 19.7 points and 10 rebounds in six NCAA tournament games. At the Final Four at NRG Stadium in Houston, Sanogo scored 21 points with 10 rebounds in UConn's 72-59 national semifinal win over Miami and finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Huskies' 76-59 victory over San Diego State in the national championship game.
The 6-foot-9 center shot 70% from the floor (14-of-20) in Houston.
"After discussions with my family and my coaches at UConn, I have decided that it is time to take the next step in my basketball career," Sanogo said in a release from UConn. "I want to thank Coach (Dan) Hurley and his coaching staff for believing in me and helping me develop into the player I am today.
"I also want to thank my teammates, who have become my brothers — winning the national championship with them was a dream come true. And I want to thank the UConn fans for all their support and making me feel welcome."
Sanogo finished his collegiate career with 1,268 points, ranking 34th on Uconn's all-time scoring list. His 671 points this season is the 12th highest single-season total.
Several mock drafts on NBADraft.net do not have Sanogo listed as a potential selection.
Alleyne, a 6-4 guard, is in the transfer portal, according to the websites Verbal Commits and 247Sports. He transferred to UConn last April after three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he was primarily a starter.
Alleyne, who turns 22 in July, started in the first eight games this season before moving into a reserve role and became a reliable player down the stretch. Alleyne has one year of eligibility remaining and can play immediately.
In six NCAA games, Alleyne averaged 17.8 minutes and 7.1 points a game while shooting 40 percent.
The Huskies have one of the nation's highest-rated incoming freshmen classes, including point guard Stephon Castle, forward Jaylin Stewart, guard Solo Ball, forward Jayden Ross and center Youssouf Singare.
Sanogo and Alleyne's decisions mean senior point guard Tristen Newton and junior guard Andre Jackson are the only key remaining players on the national champions who have not announced their intentions for next season. Newton, who was honored on senior night along with Alleyne, has one year of eligibility left.
Sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins announced last week he would enter the NBA draft, and freshman center Donovan Clingan announced this week he would return.
