East Carolina transfer Tristen Newton commits to UConn

East Carolina transfer Tristen Newton has committed to UConn, he told On3 on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season for the Pirates.

“I picked UConn because I fit the role they are needing,” Newton said to On3. “We are going to have the best backcourt in the nation with Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson, and myself along with the best big in the Big East with Adama Sanogo. I feel as if there’s no reason we shouldn’t be one of the best teams in the country
Also, they have a great tradition of guards throughout the program’s history. When it’s all said and done, if it’s one or two years, I want to be right up there with them.”

The Huskies are coming off a 23-10 season where they finished 13-6 in Big East play, ending the year third in the conference.

Newton is a native of El Paso, Texas, and was one of the best available transfers of the offseason. He also drew interest from USC, Houston, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio State, NC State, LSU, and others.