UConn adds four-star center Jack Thelen to already strong 2027 haul

According to The UConn Blog, UConn added another commitment to its 2027 class on Wednesday, landing 7-foot-1 center Jack Thelen from Maple Grove High School in Osseo, Minn. The Hartford Courant and CT Insider reported that the four-star center committed to the UConn men's basketball team, adding to an already strong 2027 recruiting class. Bucky's 5th Quarter noted that Thelen is a former Badgers top 100 commit who flipped to the Big East power.

The 247Sports composite ranks Thelen as a four-star recruit. He joins a strong class that already features two five-star prospects. With Thelen's addition, The UConn Blog reported that the UConn 2027 class has moved to No. 2 in the composite rankings, trailing LSU. Coach Will Wade and the Tigers have commitments from a quartet of five-star prospects.

The UConn Blog stated that UConn hosted Thelen on an official visit on Oct. 29. This visit occurred not long after he decommitted from Wisconsin, having previously pledged to the Badgers in June.

Explaining his decision to choose coach Dan Hurley and the Huskies, Thelen told 247Sports, "I would say it’s their pedigree and what they have done with their bigs in the past." He added, "I see myself in a few of those guys." He is counting on the UConn coaching staff to help him with his game as it did with Donovan Clingan, who is currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Discussing his development, Thelen told 247Sports, "I’m improving rapidly, yes, but am I where I want to be? No, I’ll never be." He further stated, "I think I can be more physical around the basket. I’m more of a finesse guy than a power guy and that’s something I can work on because all of the UConn guys are paint mashers." He also noted that he can improve on his rebounding and anticipation on blocking shots, believing he has a lot of room to improve during his career.

The UConn Blog reported that Thelen joins five-star guards NaVorro Bowman Jr. and Jordan Page, both ranked in the top 11 nationwide. Coach Hurley also holds a commitment from 6-10 center Keny Vado from France, who is considered to be a developmental prospect. Additionally, The UConn Blog noted that UConn has won two national championships in the past four seasons and is ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Star Tribune reported that Maple Grove's Jack Thelen is set to sign with the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team.