UConn Basketball: Breaking down the 2019 recruiting class

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts as the Connecticut Huskies bench celebrates after the Huskies rebound in the first half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Coach Hurley of UConn while at Rhode Island. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Jalen Gaffney – Norristown, PA

CG | 6-foot-2 | 170 lbs | No. 99 overall

Jalen Gaffney is the lowest-rated player in UConn’s 2019 recruiting class and he is still ranked in the top-100 of the nation. An insanely quick combo guard with the ability to score at all three levels, Gaffney is a very talented and an excellent fit for the modern game. Even though he can be a dangerous scorer when he needs to be, Gaffney is a superb playmaker due to his quickness and passing ability. He excels at probing the paint and finding the open man on the perimeter or under the basket. Additionally, he has a nice stroke from 3-point range that will make it even easier for him to attack the rim.

On the defensive end of the floor, Gaffney uses his quickness to harass ball handlers. Due to his size, he does not project as a multipositional defender but should be solid in his role. He also uses his quick hands to create some steals and transition chances as a result. His opportunistic and hounding defense is another nice trait for this rising prospect. Although listed as a combo guard, Gaffney fits the bill of a future starting point guard for the Huskies, in my opinion.

While playing in 12 contests for Team Rio on the UAA circuit last year, Gaffney averaged 13.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He was also quite efficient as a scorer as he shot 22-for-50 from three (44.0%) and finished on 55.6% (40-for-72) of his shots inside the arc. He is a highly-capable all-around player with a bright future as a leader for UConn. Gaffney will likely need to add some strength before finishing at the basket at a high rate, but that is something that will come with a strength and conditioning program at the college level.

With Alterique Gilbert and Christian Vital coming back, Gaffney will likely come off the bench as a freshman but he can still be a valuable contributor. Due to his shooting and playmaking, he can play at either backcourt position, making him somewhat versatile for rotations.