Star-studded group of prospects expected for UCF-UConn

UCF signee Jeremy Sheppard and many of Florida's top Class of 2017 and 2018 basketball prospects are expected to attend Sunday's game against UConn.

Sheppard is making the trip to Orlando from Richmond, Va. The point guard committed to the Knights last September over offers from Missouri State, Old Dominion, UNC Wilmington, Cincinnati, East Carolina and Xavier.

"When I was taking all my visits, I took notes of everything, all the little things and big things," Sheppard said at the time of his pledge. "Coach (Donnie) Jones, I believed in him. I really took to the game plan he had for me. He says I could come in and make an impact right away and that I'd be able to play as a freshman. Coach Christian (Webster) too. I really built a good relationship with all the coaches. It's a real good fit for me."

Brachen Hazen and Clayton Hughes are the other two players that comprise UCF's 2016 signing class.

"They're all doing very well," Donnie Jones said during Friday's media availability. "Jeremy Sheppard will be here (on Sunday) with his mom and dad. It's a big recruiting weekend. We've got a lot of kids who will be at the game unofficially. With it being a Sunday, that's good for us because a lot of teams aren't playing. Jeremy has had a really good year. His team has only lost two games. They're one of the best teams in the state of Virginia. He's got a great high school coach. He's had some terrific games.

"Brachen Hazen's team has lost two games as well. They're one of the top high school teams in Indiana. Having a terrific year. Clayton Hughes, he's probably a candidate right now for Mr. Basketball in the state of Tennessee. That's how well he's been playing. All three of those guys are playing as we expected. Good years and great teammates on their team as well."

Jones also confirmed they're still on the lookout for a post player to add to their 2016 class.

"We're looking for a big guy to come in who has a high skill level," Jones said. "Not just a big body. We've got size with Justin McBride, Tacko Fall and Chad Brown coming back, so we're looking for a skilled big guy."

Russ Wood, who covers national basketball recruiting for Rivals.com, confirmed the following visitors for the UConn game:

PG Jeremy Sheppard - Richmond (Va.) John Marshall

Signed with UCF in November.

SG Chaundee Brown - Orlando (Fla.) First Academy

Rivals150 member. UCF, UConn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Texas, UAB, USC and Wake Forest among early offers.

SF David Nickelberry - Orlando (Fla.) Windermere Prep

Rivals150 member. UCF, Miami, George Mason and Tulane among early offers.

SF Wyatt Wilkes - Winter Park (Fla.)

Rivals150 member. UCF, Clemson, Florida State, Tennessee, UAB and Virginia Tech among early offers.

PG Trent Frazier - Wellington (Fla.)

Rivals150 member. Baylor, FAU, Illinois and Murray State among early offers.

SF Malik William - Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips

UCF, UConn and Northern Arizona among early offers.

SG Darius Banks - St. Petersburg (Fla.)

USF and FIU among early offers.

PG Rondo Segu - Orlando (Fla.) Olympia

UCF and Florida State among early offers.

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