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May 2, 2008
McCormack Transfers to UConn
Jess McCormack, a 6-foot-5 freshman forward/center who played last season at Washington, has decided to transfer to UConn. It was one of several schools she contacted during the process.
McCormack, a native of Auckland, New Zealand who will be a member of the New Zealand Olympic team this summer in Beijing, is the first player to transfer to UConn since Brittany Hunter left Duke following her freshman season in 2004.
McCormack said she informed the UConn coaching staff of her decision about a month ago.
``UConn was the only school I really ever considered,’’ McCormack said in an e-mail Friday. ``The program is an amazing renowned program with a great team of coaches and players around it.’’
There was speculation that McCormack would choose not to attend Washington last year due to the firing of former head coach June Daugherty March 18, 2007 and the hiring of Tia Jackson a month later. McCormack finally left the program February 19.
Four of the six players in Washington’s freshman class have transferred.
``Washington just did not work out for me,’’ McCormack said. ``I went in with an open mind but unfortunately it did not meet what I had expected. It was a good experience, but I’m glad to be moving on with my life and basketball career.’’
McCormack, who missed six games due to injury and another due to illness this season, averaged 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 20.3 minutes in 19 games (14 starts) for the Huskies. She reached double figures in scoring in nine games and had one double-double (17 pts., 11 reb. vs. UC Davis Nov. 16).
She recently participated with the New Zealand national team in China, averaging 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in six games in the Good Luck Beijing International Invitational Tournament, and has been tabbed as a Lauren Jackson-type player.
``We certainly wish Jess all the success in the world, especially in the upcoming 2008 Olympics,’’ Jackson said in a statement. ``But, more importantly, we wish her peace of mind and complete happiness.’’
McCormack became the youngest player selected to the New Zealand senior women’s national team in 2005 when she was 15. She helped New Zealand win the silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. She was also a member of New Zealand’s U-19 team, averaging 10.7 points and leading the team in rebounding (11.7) and blocks (2.3).
McCormack will have to sit out the 2008-09 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but she will have three years of eligibility remaining. She will be permitted to practice with the team.
The Huskies continue their involvement with high school juniors Kelsey Bone, a 6-5 center from Sugar Land, Texas who is considered the top player in the class, Taber Spani, a 6-foot-1 guard from Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Kerri Shields, a 5-10 guard from Radnor, Pa.
Kelly Faris, a 5-11 guard from Plainfield, Ind., became the first player from the Class of 2009 to commit when she made an oral commitment in March. Depending on whether or not junior swingman Kalana Greene elects to petition the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility, the Huskies will have at least two scholarships remaining for the 2009-10 season.
Rich
Posted by Elliott on May 2, 2008 9:38 AM
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