UConn’s 2027 recruiting board picked up more international momentum on Monday, with one European prospect already in the fold and another making the trip to Storrs.
The headline move came from 6-foot-10 center Keny Vado, an 18-year-old who represents France internationally. His agency, WEAVE, announced the commitment on social media with the statement: “Together with Keny Vado we are excited to announce his commitment to the University of Connecticut,”
Vado brings size and length to the Huskies’ future frontcourt. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and is currently playing professionally in France’s second division Elite 2 league for Union Poitiers Basket 86. Through 11.9 minutes per game with Poitiers, he is averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds.
His résumé also includes a run with France at the U18 EuroBasket in August. There, he put up 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. France fell to Italy in the semifinals before beating Spain for the bronze medal.
While Vado was committing, another European name was on campus. Matija Lukić, a Serbian standout, visited UConn in Storrs, Conn. on Monday.
Lukić, listed at 6-7, starred as a shooting guard for Serbia at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul over the summer. Serbia reached the final and took silver after a 107-81 loss to the United States. In that tournament, Lukić averaged 16.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 41.9% from 3-point range.
He also delivered in the championship game, scoring 16 points against a U.S. team loaded with top prospects and knocking down 4 of 6 shots from deep.
UConn’s 2027 class already includes two five-star commitments: small forward Jordan Page and guard NaVorro Bowman Jr.
The Huskies have continued to lean into overseas talent, and that shows up in the current roster as well. Freshman forward Egor Amosov of Russia is on the opening day roster, along with three transfer players who bring international experience from their home countries: senior guard Nils Machowski from Germany, sophomore centers Oskar Giltay from Belgium and Elmir Džafic from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Both Hurley and women’s coach Geno Auriemma, along with their staffs, have targeted promising players from abroad in recent years.
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