UConn Starts Clearing Deadwood - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

I don't know what the sales pitch Jim Calhoun uses to get players to choose UConn. Most likely it involves getting to the NBA and winning games. It's hard to believe he pitches players on how they will be part of a family. If it does, then he likely doesn't mention what happens to family that screws up or doesn't produce.

Last month, Jim Calhoun made it very clear that some players were definitely not welcome back. The most obvious was back-up point guard Doug Wiggins. Sure enough, the ax fell Wiggins decided that he would transfer.

Naturally, Calhoun was very clear that it was all Wiggins call. That he wasn't pushed or forced.

"I completely respect Doug's decision," Calhoun said in a statement. "He has contributed to many successes for us in his time here. We will do everything we can to help him finish school in good standing this semester and move on to a place where he will be happy. I appreciate him for the time that he was here with us and wish him the best of luck in the future."

The part about finishing the semester in good standing is hilarious.
It is all about making sure that Wiggins has his academics in order for an easy transfer. It has nothing, repeat, nothing to do with making sure the Academic Progress Rate (APR) for UConn Basketball is not harmed. No. It's all about the kids.

Wiggins is most likely headed to an A-10 school. The Connecticut native is not permitted to go to any other Big East school under the conference rules and there is interest from Rhode Island, UMass and Fordham.

Wiggins likely won't be the only departure. Sophomore forward Curtis Kelly and freshman guard Donnell Beverly are also apparently being encouraged to transfer interested in seeking more playing time elsewhere.


Robinson has been wildly inconsistent in his two years at UConn. If his academics are at issue as well, it wouldn't be a shock to see him encouraged to look at other options. UAB, Alabama or Auburn would probably leap to have the Birmingham native come home.