With Stefanie Dolson in the NBA, the Huskies were in need of a big presence in the middle -- even with Morgan Tuck and Kiah Stokes returning -- and now it appears they have it. According to All-Star Girls Report, 6-5 Natalie Butler will transfer to UConn following her Big East Rookie of the Year performance with Georgetown in 2013-14.
Butler, who went to high school in Northern Virginia, averaged 13.9 points per game as a freshman with the Hoyas, and dominated the boards with 13.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
“Natalie’s a very good player but really didn’t start to come along until she was a junior and senior in high school,” McCormick told SNY.com's Carl Adamec Tuesday night. “Once she did, she tore things up wherever she went.
“She’s always been able to step out and hit the 15-footer. But her footwork has gotten better. She’s become more aggressive. She just matured. Stefanie Dolson wasn’t a program changer when she got to UConn. Look how that ended up.”
According to NCAA rules, Butler will have to sit out the 2014-15 season, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
“I think the year off is really going to help her,” McCormick continued. “She can score. She’s already a good rebounder and I think that she can be a really good passer. She’s just what Geno and UConn needed.
“There’s no one out there (in the high school ranks) who’s in the 6-5, 6-6 range for them to get. That kind of size is what they need. And with Natalie, they’ve got it.”
The Huskies have already gotten oral commitments from two of the nation's best high school players for their 2015 incoming class -- Napheesa Collier and De’Janae Boykin -- and now Butler will join them.
