STORRS – Every July day that passes brings Rodney Purvis a little closer to his dream. He wants to be back on the basketball court, hitting shots and celebrating with the crowd. He wants to be part of a team again, and share that special bond that existed at UConn last season on the way to the national championship.
And more than anything else, Purvis can’t wait to pull on the Huskies uniform and join his roommate Ryan Boatright in the UConn backcourt. UConn fans should be excited about that prospect as well. Remember, this is the guy national championship coach Kevin Ollie constantly referred to as his “Ferrari in the garage that I can’t use” last season.
“I can’t wait,” Purvis said Wednesday at Gampel Pavilion.”It feels like forever. I can’t even explain the feeling. Sitting out, and then on top of that having to have surgery, so then sitting out of practice. It was a crazy time sitting out. But everything happens for a reason, so I’m just taking everything in stride.”
UConn guard Rodney Purvis (UConn photo)
Purvis, a 6-foot-4 guard who played his freshman season at North Carolina State, transferred to UConn in April 2013 and sat out last season under NCAA rules. The unexpected twist involved surgery in December to repair a torn labrum and stabilize a left shoulder that was sliding out of place every time he got bumped in practice.
That means the last time Purvis played in an actual college basketball game was March 2013 when the Wolfpack lost to Temple in the first round of the NCAA tournament. That was so long ago, Purvis says he can’t even remember that game.
But he vividly remembers being in Dallas for the Final Four earlier this year. He traveled to AT&T Stadium with his mother, Shanda McNair of Raleigh, N.C., to share the moment with his future teammates.
“It was great seeing those guys stick together, going through the tough times in the season,” Purvis said. “It was just great for me to be there to see and witness the winning of the national championship. It was great being in the locker room with the guys [after the game]. But I don’t think it hit me as hard as it hit them. For them it was a feeling. For me, it was, ‘Man,I’ve got to get one of these so I can actually see how it feels.’ ”
Boatright currently is enjoying some time at his Aurora, Ill., home but is expected to be back in Storrs soon, possibly next week. That’s when UConn’s workouts and pickup games will become invaluable as the two guards start building their own chemistry. Purvis says he got a “full understanding of chemistry” watching the Huskies last season and practicing with them when he wasn’t recovering from surgery.
And Purvis and Boatright have already developed a relationship that is competitive and positive. There were times last season that the roommates would make late night trips to Gampel for some one-on-one workouts that were full of energy and physically demanding.
“He’s a great guy,” Purvis said of Boatright. “There’s not another guy in the country I’d rather play along side. We’re pretty much the same. We’re very fierce competitors. We would really got at each other. The relationship off the court is just going to carry on to the court.”
Earlier this month Purvis played one night in the Greater Hartford Pro-Am in Waterbury and scored 26 points. He said there is no doubt his shoulder is ready for the grind of a season.
“I feel brand new,” he said. “I’ve got fresh legs and took really good care of my body, maintained my weight. Most of the time, after surgery, its hard to maintain your weight. Everything worked out.”
Ollie sees versatility when he looks at Purvis. He expects him to contribute in many ways as a sophomore.
“He’s more explosive in transition, where he can go up and get over the rim,” Ollie said. “He’s got power, a big body. And that’s something we haven’t had. He can score at a high level.”
Ollie has also tried to “push him out of his comfort zone” to become “a more vocal leader.” With his outgoing personality, that shouldn’t be a difficult transition for Purvis. His easy going style is already making him a favorite with teammates.
And soon the wait will be over. The Huskies will be back on campus, working on their follow up season to the national championship with a different cast of characters.
“It’s right around the corner,” Purvis said with a smile. “It’ll be here before you know it. You’ve got to be ready.”
HUSKY NOTES
UConn’s new basketball practice facility (see photos below) is essentially finished on the exterior, but remains unfinished inside. The actual practice floor is ready for use and Ollie said in late June that the Huskies will likely used the court before the locker rooms are completely operational. The move-in will take place over the next few weeks. Gampel Pavilion will still be used for many practices, including the days before home games. The coaching staff doesn’t want Gampel to have the feel of a road game. . . . Ollie was back on the recruiting trail Wednesday, one day after running workouts for Purvis and the other newcomers who are attending summer school. Word is that Ollie had ice bags on both knees after the workout. The former NBA and UConn player does like to get involved. . . . Global Spectrum is sharing video updates of the renovation of the XL Center in Hartford. Here’s the first. . . . The Huskies have so much depth at guard that junior Omar Calhoun, who struggled with his shot as a sophomore, is often overlooked. But talk around the program is that Calhoun is having a terrific summer. That could be a huge bonus for the Huskies. “Omar’s shot is falling,” Purvis said. “I can’t wait to see Omar this year.” . . . Purvis has been helping center Amida Brimah with his rehab. Brimah had similar shoulder surgery immediately after the season and is patiently working up to full speed. Right now that work is taking place back home in Ghana. “I am friends with Amida’s cousin back in Aftrica,” Purvis said. “He sent me a video of Amida working out outside on a court in Africa. I was like, ‘Man, I can’t wait.’ That’s what it takes, though, you know?” . . . Purvis said “group texting” is one the Huskies check on each other and keep everyone honest with their workouts. “We’re just making sure nobody is chillin’ and havin’ their feet kicked up,” Purvis said with a smile.
Speak Your Mind