As UConn’s offseason unfolds and expectations build for their inaugural season as members of the American Athletic Conference, A Dime Back caught up with incoming freshman point guard Terrence Samuel. Samuel was the first recruit to formally accept a scholarship from UConn after both the long-term hiring of head coach Kevin Ollie and the well-publicized conference realignment.
Samuel is a Brooklyn native – adding to UConn’s proud history of New York point guards (Taliek Brown, Kemba Walker). At 6’3”, he will add an element of size while backing up the star backcourt of Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright.
Here are some highlights from our conversation.
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A Dime Back: Tell me about what kind of player you are.
Terrence Samuel: I’m a pass first player; I will always get my teammates involved. I like getting to the basket because I am a big guard. I am a great midrange shooter, but streaky from three. I’m focusing on increasing my range right now.
ADB: NYC is famous for point guards. What was the hoops scene like growing up in Brooklyn? Did you have other guards that you looked up to?
TS: It’s kinda rough growing up in Brooklyn because there are a lot of good players. Fortunately for me, I was looked at as one of the few elite players. And I can say I look up to Kemba Walker because he was an [NYC] guy who made it to the League.
ADB: Did Kemba’s success at UConn have any influence in you choosing to go there as well?
TS: I mean yea, he did win a National Championship, but I can’t forget the coaching staff. I love those guys. I love everything about UConn.
ADB: Speaking of coaches, tell me about being recruited. Who from UConn spent the most time on you, and how did they win you over?
TS: Kevin Ollie was my lead recruiter before he was promoted. I just love the guy, and he just showed me the opportunities that are available for me to achieve, and the school is great.
ADB: What was the deciding factor in you coming to UConn? What other schools were in the mix?
TS: Coaching staff, opportunity, and the wonderful environment. Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Dayton, temple, St. John’s, Rutgers. That was my final 8, including UConn.
ADB: Noticed there are a few (former) Big East schools in there. Did the shuffling of conferences factor into your decision at all?
TS: Not at all.
ADB: How would you describe Kevin Ollie as a recruiter?
TS: He is a great recruiter. He makes you want to commit before you even go on a visit, and he is very passionate about basketball and it shows.
ADB: How do you see yourself fitting into the game plan this season?
TS: I see myself coming off the bench, providing whatever my team needs and [making] a huge impact.
ADB: You seem to already have a good relationship with [fellow incoming freshman] Kenton Facey. What’s your impression of him as a player?
TS: He is a great player; runs the floor, blocks shots, rebounds, finishes around the basket, and has a nice mid-range game.
ADB: How will you be spending your summer?
TS: Workingggggggggg outtttttttttttt*, getting better.
ADB: What’s the biggest part of your game that you’re hoping to improve before practices start this fall?
TS: Three-point range!
ADB: What do you think of the new logo?
TS: Love it. Always good for a little change.
*direct quote
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You can follow Terrence on twitter: @TsamuelUConn
