UConn’s Decision Day: What They’re Saying

With the deadline for entering the NBA Draft approaching on Sunday, two key members of the national champion UConn Huskies announced their decisions on Friday.

Junior DeAndre Daniels has filed paperwork with the NBA to declare himself eligible for the upcoming draft. But junior guard Ryan Boatright has decided to return for his senior season in 2014-15.

UConn confirmed those decisions in a press released Friday evening. No press conference was held, so the athletic department included some comments from Daniels and coach Kevin Ollie. Here’s what they had to say:

DANIELS:

“I just felt like this was the right time for me. I sat down with my family and we discussed it and everyone agreed, but the final decision was still mine and it was hard. I had a great career at UConn and I wouldn’t change it for the world, and to go out on top like we did makes it even better.”

“I will always bleed blue, I will always love this program. There have been ups and downs, but it’s been the best three years of my life. Today, when I thought about leaving, I even cried a little bit because I love this school and the friends I’ve made here to death. But I’m excited to follow the dream I’ve had since I was a little kid.

“I want to thank Coach Ollie and Coach (Jim) Calhoun for believing in me and everybody who helped me get to where I am, especially my teammates. If it weren’t for them, I certainly wouldn’t be in this position.”

OLLIE on DANIELS:

“DeAndre has made an enormous contribution to the success we have enjoyed at UConn, both on the court and in the classroom. Besides being an outstanding basketball player, he is a quality young man. We wholeheartedly support the decision he has made and wish him nothing but success as he moves ahead with his basketball career. He will always be part of our UConn family.”

OLLIE on BOATRIGHT:

“I couldn’t be happier that Ryan will be back with us next season, not only for his terrific basketball talents, but to provide tremendous senior leadership for us, both on and off the court. The growth and maturity he has shown throughout his career has been wonderful and I expect that to continue as he works toward his degree.”