By Ron P. Coderre

UConn made it official, the Huskies of coach Kevin Ollie have offered a scholarship to Putnam Science Academy shooting guard Eric Ayala.  UConn already has former PSA big man Mamadou Diarra on the campus as a member of its freshman class and is diligently working to secure current Mustang and highly sought after prospect Hamidou Diallo.  Diallo is being recruited as a member of the class of 2017.

Ayala, who entered Putnam Science Academy in 2015 as a repeat sophomore, closed last season with a rush for coach Tom Espinosa.  UConn has offered Ayala for 2018.

Last season Ayala started the season as a reserve for the Mustangs.  The 6-foot, 5-inch native of Hockessin, Del., demonstrated marked improvement throughout the season and was rewarded with more playing time as the season wore on.  He finished the season averaging 10 points, five assists and four rebounds per game.

By the time the Mustangs reached the National Prep School Championships, Ayala was the first backcourt sub off the bench.  In the final game of the season, a two-point loss at the buzzer to St. Thomas More, Ayala scored more than 20 points to lead the Mustangs.

“Eric is a bright young man with a good head on his shoulders.  Last year he worked hard every day and it paid off with more playing time.  His improvement as a player showed at the end of the season,” said coach Espinosa.

“As good as he is now, Eric still has room for growth.  We’re looking for him to become one of our leaders this season,” added Espinosa.

Being recruited by NCAA Division I schools is nothing new to Ayala.  Prior to enrolling at Putnam Science Academy he was being offered by St. John’s University, the University of Cincinnati, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of South Carolina, LaSalle University and Iona.  This year he’s also received offers from Maryland, USC, Temple University and Rutgers.