Colben Landrew was offered a football scholarship from Alabama during his sophomore year of high school, but he remained unfazed.
His passion for basketball, which has always been his top priority, led him to leave behind his wide receiver gloves, move away from Alabaster, Ala., and head to the Atlanta area where basketball was emphasized. He transitioned from Thompson High, known for its football prowess, to Wheeler High, a basketball powerhouse, where he would thrive under the guidance of six-time Georgia state champion coach Larry Thompson, significantly boosting his recruitment.
With numerous college offers to consider, the 6-foot-5 wing sought a school in the north that shared his enthusiasm for basketball. So when UConn extended an offer in late July, he was thrilled.
“I had wanted that offer really badly,” Landrew shared with The Courant after donning a red Huskies hat to officially announce his decision. “Once I received the offer, it just felt right. I loved the school immediately, and after my visit, everything clicked perfectly. Seeing how Coach (Dan Hurley) drives his players made me realize I need that in my life.”
His mother, Stacey, a former college basketball player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, was also impressed upon visiting the basketball facility. “It truly felt like the Basketball Capital of the World,” she remarked. “Every aspect, from the trophies to the fan engagement, was incredible. I cherished every moment from arrival to departure.”
Football Experience Contributes to Toughness
Landrew began playing football as a sophomore simply because he could. In a well-regarded program at Thompson, he showcased his natural talent as a big-bodied receiver, finishing his only season with 24 receptions for 492 yards and 10 touchdowns. Recognized as a first-team all-county player, he garnered attention from prominent programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Ole Miss.
“I enjoy football, but my true passion lies in basketball,” he stated. He believed that football was detracting from his basketball training, but the tenacity he developed on the field enabled him to tackle challenges in basketball. “Football helped me cultivate toughness, which I carried over to basketball, enhancing my abilities to score, rebound, and defend,” he explained.
