Entry into the transfer portal closed several weeks ago but it wasn’t the absolute end for movement this offseason in college basketball. While there are certainly hundreds of players still floating around in the portal, there were also a few new additions thanks to an unexpected head coaching change at IU Indy. As a result, Alec Millender found his way into the portal and now has a new home at UConn for his final collegiate campaign.
Originally from Chicago, Millender is a 6-1 guard who starred in suburban Aurora before finding his first collegiate home at Wayne State. He arrived on campus back in 2020 and did tremendous work at that D2 institution, playing a starring role throughout his four years, though he missed the entire 2022-23 season due to injury.
UConn lands IU Indy transfer Alec Millender
Millender really stood out and found his first D1 home this past offseason, joining UI Indy and becoming a significant piece for the Jaguars. In what was the program’s best season in half a decade, he averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 assists per game while knocking down 43% of his 3-point attempts. Millender was the fourth-leading scorer but a major weapon and certainly expected to contribute this season.
However, Paul Corsaro was dismissed as head coach and Millender headed into the transfer portal after that coaching change. At this point in the offseason, finding a great landing spot was certainly not a given, though it’s hard to argue that Millender hasn’t struck gold, opting to spend his final season out east at UConn.
Dan Hurley has made himself a career in recent years of turning transfers and other prospects into national contenders. Millender fills what could be an important role for a Huskies team that lacked reliability in the backcourt last season. It’s uncertain exactly what role in the rotation Millender will have, but he’s a solid shooter and ball handler and will look to fight for consistent minutes.
An offseason in which the Huskies added great guards in Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith gets a little better with Millender certainly adding to that depth. The Huskies fell short last season and shouldn’t have those same issues in the backcourt, but what exactly is the ceiling ahead for this program? Can Millender get consistent minutes with his lack of experience?