“All of these guys, they’re just our type of people,” said Dan Hurley while talking about his 2025 recruiting class. “The pedigree, the seriousness, the early-entry NBA opportunities that this class is going to have, too… This class, we really needed to replenish high-end, high-end talent and these guys are all high-end, high-end talent.” At the time, it was ranked number 2 in the country, just behind Duke. UConn looked like they were ready to leave last season’s struggles behind after locking in talents like Braylon Mullins, Darius Adams, Jacob Furphy, and Eric Reibe. But Hurley just can’t seem to catch a break. One of his star recruits has already decided to back out.
In a move that stunned just about everyone in the college basketball world, Manchester native Darius Adams has officially decommitted from UConn. The five-star guard, ranked number 18 overall and the number 7 shooting guard in the 2025 class per On3’s Industry Rankings, confirmed the news himself on social media.
“After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Connecticut,” Adams wrote on Instagram. “This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the best step for me and my future. With that being said, my recruitment is officially back open and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.”
Adams started off at Manasquan, where he helped the Big Blue win the NJSIAA Group 2 title back in 2023. From there, his rise was nonstop. He became one of the top prospects in the country and even played in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Now, he’s back on the market — officially reopening his recruitment and requesting a release from his NIL agreement with UConn.
So, what really went down? Why would a 5-star prospect walk away from a powerhouse that’s won two national titles in the last three years? On the surface, it doesn’t add up. But dig a little deeper, and things start to make sense. Let’s break it all down.
What happened with Darius Adams and Uconn?
Adams committed to UConn back in September 2024. By November, he had already signed his National Letter of Intent. At the time, he chose the reigning champs over big programs like Michigan State and Tennessee. Standing at 6’5” he was the perfect fit for Dan Hurley’s system–long, skilled, and aggressive on offense. Even Hurley couldn’t hide his excitement about landing him.
“Great basketball family, the type of skill and size at the guard spot that has gotten us where we are,” Hurley said on signing day. “Excellent offensive player who can score at all three levels, a big-time shooter.”
Darius Adams wasn’t just another recruit—he was a significant addition to UConn’s championship-caliber roster. At 6’5″, the La Lumiere standout is known for his smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and defensive tenacity. His commitment over programs like Michigan State and Tennessee underscored his value. However, with UConn’s backcourt becoming increasingly crowded due to incoming transfers and other recruits, Adams requested a release from his National Letter of Intent in April, reopening his recruitment. Losing such a talented player is a notable setback for the Huskies.
Adams’ exit will likely bump UConn down from the No. 2 overall incoming class ranking on 247Sports. But make no mistake–the Huskies still have one of the best recruit classes in the country. With his departure, they now have at least five open scholarships for next season. That number could rise to six if Alex Karaban stays in the NBA draft.
This gives Hurley plenty of room to work his magic in the transfer portal, and fans are already buzzing about who’s next. UConn’s not down for the count—they’ve got the depth and recruiting chops to bounce back fast.
What was the reason behind Darius Adams Decommiting from UConn?
So, why did Darius Adams really decide to walk away from UConn? Well, Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports may have given us the clearest answer yet. A lot of it has to do with the transfer portal activities conducted by UConn.
“UConn has added 2 guards out of the transfer portal, been very clear about intent to play Braylon Mullins immediately, and return Solo Ball. There just weren’t a lot of backcourt minutes to be had next year in Storrs,” Finkelstein reported on X.
UConn has added 2 guards out of the transfer portal, been very clear about intent to play Braylon Mullins immediately, and return Solo Ball.
There just weren’t a lot of backcourt minutes to be had next year in Storrs. https://t.co/PousdpSbKR
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) April 19, 2025
And honestly, it makes total sense. Dan Hurley added Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith–two veteran guards ready to contribute right away. On top of that, you’ve got the return of Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross, and Tarris Reed Jr. That’s a lot of competition for places in the backcourt.
Sure, Adams could have waited a year and earned his minutes. But why would a consensus top-25 player sit on the bench when he could be playing big minutes somewhere else? From that perspective, his decision to move on from UConn seems pretty logical–won’t you agree?
What will Darius Adams Do Now after Leaving Uconn?
A talent like Adams will never lack options. Now, with his decision to decommit, he’s in a position to land somewhere where he can make an immediate impact. Aside from Michigan State and Tennessee, who he turned down last year, NC State and Alabama are also big players in the recruitment race for Adams.
Alabama, in particular, is an interesting team to watch in this recruitment process to get the guard. The Crimson Tide were one of the programs that heavily recruited Adams but didn’t make the cut for his final three last year. However, don’t count them out just yet. Alabama still has three spots open on their roster, and with head coach Nate Oats and assistant Preston Murphy working hard, they’re doing everything they can to land Adams before the portal closes.
Tom Izzo and Michigan State, who finished second behind UConn in the race for Adams, will definitely be a team to keep an eye on. Things ended on good terms with the Spartans, and they still have a strong relationship with Adams and his family. Will Adams choose to suit up for the Crimson Tide or the Spartans? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure–Adams is going to be one of the hottest prospects in the portal, with the deadline fast approaching on April 22, 2025.
The post Why Did Darius Adams Decommit From UConn? Exploring the Truth Behind the 5-Star Guard’s Shocking Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.