Class of 2016 Guard Christian Vital Commits to UConn

Christian Vital was already familiar with much of the UConn program, so his decision to become a Husky seems like a natural fit.

After making a visit to Storrs followed by a visit to Louisville, the 6-foot-2 combo guard from St. Thomas More announced he was coming to UConn. Iowa was also reportedly in the mix, but Vital never set up an official visit.

“He is Kevin Ollie,” said St. Thomas More coach Jere Quinn when asked about the three-star guard’s ability. “He’s a relentless worker.”

Vital joins a Class of 2016 that already includes four Top 150 players, led by point guard Alterique Gilbert (36th), forward Vance Jackson (72nd), center Juwan Durham (31st) and power forward Mamadou Diarra (142nd). Gilbert injured his shoulder in the national game of the Jordan Brand Classic, but is only supposed to miss four weeks. Vital played in the regional game along with future teammate Mamadou Diarra.

Vital gives the Huskies additional backcourt help after losing Sam Cassell Jr. (transfer to Iona) and Omar Calhoun (graduating).

Plus, it gives them protection in case junior guard Rodney Purvis does not return. Purvis will graduate next month and is testing the NBA draft waters along with center Amida Brimah, but both have until May 25 to return.

Another Husky, sophomore Daniel Hamilton, also declared early for the draft and is expected to hire an agent, which would prevent him from returning to school. Hamilton’s stock rose during the Huskies’ postseason and some websites have projected him a late first-round pick. Hamilton's departure gave UConn three open scholarships.

Vital was originally headed to UNLV – he also visited Dayton last fall – but a series of coaching changes with the Running Rebels last month opened the door for the guard to restart the recruiting process. He never signed a Letter of Intent despite making a verbal commitment.

While Louisville was also in play, Vital likely wanted to stay in the area and also has ties to UConn. His best friend and former St. Thomas More teammate Steven Enoch will be a sophomore on the team next season and VCU transfer Terry Larrier played on Vital’s AAU team.

Vital is also quite familiar with sophomore-to-be Jalen Adams, with the two guards doing battle in New England in recent years before the latter came to UConn. The Huskies still have at least two open roster spots for next season.