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HEADER ANTHONY JORDAN "A.J." PRICE Point Guard University of Connecticut Huskies #12 6:00.4-193 Amityville, New York Amityville High School OVERVIEW The Huskies' talented point guard has had to overcome several major roadblocks during the past few years, and almost didn't make it on to the collegiate basketball courts because of them. He missed the 2004-05 season after a life-threatening battle, which caused bleeding in his brain. He underwent radio-surgery treatment in February of 2005 and spent more than 14 months recovering from his illness. Price's roller coaster started on Oct. 5, 2004, when he was rushed to the hospital because he suffered a brain hemorrhage, which was caused by an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a birth defect in his brain. He was in critical condition in the intensive care unit for 10 days. After two weeks in the hospital, he was finally released. In interviews after the ordeal, Price said he was "just happy to be alive." In February 2005, Price underwent radiation treatment and had to give up his freshman season. He wasn't just away from University of Connecticut basketball. He was away from the sport on all levels. "My doctor didn't want me to do any strenuous activity, which included basketball," he said. It was not until May 2006 that he received clearance from his doctors to return to the court. However, that return almost never happened. Price was suspended by the university for the 2005-06 academic semester due to violations of the University Student Code of Conduct. He was arrested in August 2005 on charges of trying to sell stolen laptops, along with fellow basketball player Marcus Williams. Price was not permitted to take classes during the Fall 2005 semester, but returned to classes in the Spring 2006 semester. "In light of the pending charges vs. Marcus and A.J., I have suspended them from all basketball team-related activities," head coach Jim Calhoun said in a statement after the arrest. "They are barred indefinitely from all team activities, and their academic and personal activities will be closely monitored on a daily basis by the members of our basketball staff. They will continue to have complete access to all of the academic support staff so they can focus their energies on their studies." "It is important that everyone allow the court system and the University judicial system to run its course," continued Calhoun. "This is a time for them to concentrate on their academics and the resolution of these issues." He called the university judicial process a fair and a deliberate one. "I have said since the beginning of this process that we should never be in the business of abandoning young men who have made a mistake and I am glad that we will not be doing that," Calhoun said. Price was rated among the top prep guards in the country and was a two-time Newsday Suffolk County Player of the Year after leading Amityville High School to three consecutive Long Island Championships and state titles in his sophomore and junior seasons. He finished his three-year career with 130 three-pointers and 1,394 points. He averaged 28.5 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior. The previous season, he averaged 25.4 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals as a junior. Price finally suited up for Connecticut during the 2006-07 campaign. He appeared in all 31 games, starting at point guard in 23 contests. He averaged 9.4 points per game with 113 assists and 37 steals to his credit in 23.9 minutes of action per game. He shot 38.7 percent from the field and 69.0 percent from the foul line, as he grabbed 93 rebounds and was charged with 39 personal fouls. In 2007-08, Price started all 33 games at point guard. He was named To U.S. Basketball Writers Association's All-American team and was a unanimous All-Big East Conference first-team selection. He was chosen the USBWA District Player of the Year was a member of their All-District team. He was also a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award, given to the best player in college basketball. That season, Price scored in double figures 20 times, leading the team in scoring in 13 contests. He totaled 478 points (14.5 ppg), as he improved his field-goal (43.7 percent) and three-point range (36.9 percent), in addition to being more efficient at the foul line (74.6 percent shooter). Price led the team with 192 assists (seventh-best season total in school annals), as he generated at least five assists in 24 contests to average 6.0 per game. He also had 43 steals and 117 rebounds, but saw his season end on a sour note, as he tore his left knee anterior cruciate ligament nine minutes into the opening round matchup vs. San Diego in the NCAA Tournament. His unavailability the rest of that game saw UConn suffer an upset loss. Out to prove that he was capable of remaining healthy for an entire season, Price underwent a grueling conditioning program during the summer before the 2008-09 campaign. However, a left ankle and heel sprain would sideline him by the season's second game. He went on to start all 35 games he played in and was named one of 17 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation's top point guard. The All-Big East Conference and Big East All-Tournament choice was also named the MVP of the NCAA Tournament West Regional. He finished the season averaging 14.7 points per game, as he made 40.8 percent of his field goals, 72.1 percent of his free throws and 40.2 percent of his three-pointers. His 92 treys rank ninth on the school single-season record list. He doled out 164 assists (4.7 apg), as he grabbed 122 rebounds (3.4 rpg) and collected 24 steals. 2008-09 SEASON Named one of 17 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation's top point guard, Price added All-Big East Conference second-team, Big East All-Tournament and USBWA All-District I first-team honors...Named the MVP of the NCAA Tournament West Regional after averaging 20.0 points during that series...Started 35 of the team's 36 games, sitting out the second game on the schedule vs. Hartford while nursing a left ankle and heel sprain...Scored a career-high 515 points (team-high 14.7 ppg), as he made 170 of 417 field goals (40.8 percent) and 93 of 129 free throws (72.1)...Shot 40.2 percent from three-point range, as he made 82 of 204 attempts (ranks ninth on the school single-season record list for three-point field goals made...Dished out 164 assists (4.7 apg) and had 24 steals (0.7 spg)...Pulled down 122 rebounds (3.5 rpg)...Charged with a career-high 94 turnovers and registered had 44 personal fouls with one game disqualification. 2007-08 SEASON USBWA All-American selection, adding All-District I first-team and USBWA District Player of the Year honors...All-Big East Conference first-team pick and named a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award...Chosen as one of 10 finalists for the USBWA Player of the Year Award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy, given to the nation's top point guard...Was named to the All-Tournament team of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic and was the MVP of the Storrs Regional...Started all 33 games for the Huskies, leading the team in scoring in 13 contests, as he scored at least 20 points 10 times...Suffered a left knee torn anterior cruciate ligament nine minutes into his final game, vs. San Diego in the NCAA Tournament...Scored 478 points (14.5 ppg) as he made 160 of 366 field goals (43.7 percent), 52 of 141 three-pointers (36.9 percent) and 106 of 142 free throws (74.6 percent)...Led the team with a career-high 192 assists (5.8 apg), as that total ranks ninth on the school single-season record list...Registered at least five assists in 24 contests...Had 43 steals (1.3 spg) and blocked three shots...Credited with 117 rebounds (3.5 rpg), but had 78 turnovers with 53 personal fouls. 2006-07 SEASON Played in all 31 games, starting at point guard in 23 contests...Averaged 9.4 points (291) per game with 113 assists (3.6 apg) and 37 steals (1.2 spg) to his credit in 23.9 minutes of action per game (742 total)...Hit on 99 of 256 field goals (38.7 percent), 24 of 88 three-pointers (27.3 percent) and 69 of 100 free throws (69.0 percent)...Totaled 93 rebounds (3.0 rpg) and blocked two shots...Charged with 39 personal fouls and 63 turnovers. OFF-FIELD ISSUES Price was suspended for the 2005-06 season after he was arrested, along with teammate Marcus Williams, in early August on charges of trying to sell stolen laptops. In their criminal cases, both applied for a special form of probation for first-time offenders. Williams was given 18 months of probation and served 400 hours of community service. Under the program, criminal charges are erased if defendants successfully complete the probation. In statements released, the players expressed remorse and apologized for their actions, saying they were eager to prove they were worthy of getting a second chance. "Although this has been a negative experience, I will use it as a positive opportunity to move forward both in my capacity as a student and an athlete," Price said. The laptops were stolen between June 9-14. Both players were arrested on larceny charges, and Price also was charged with lying to police, a misdemeanor. The four laptops, which have a total value of $11,000, were recovered. Two were recovered in Price's room. Arrest warrant affidavits suggest that a friend of Williams', who does not attend the university, stole the computers from dorm rooms belonging to incoming freshmen on the women's basketball team and a member of the previous year's women's track and field team. Police said Williams and two others tried to sell the computers at several locations in Manchester. Employees at a pawn shop in Manchester recognized Williams as soon as he entered the store and told him they did not take laptop computers, police said. When Price was arrested on these charges, two of the laptops were found in his room. He was charged with three counts of felony larceny and lying to police, which is a misdemeanor charge. Because he was not up front with the police, he was suspended for the year, unlike Williams, who was only suspended for the semester. Legally, Price was granted probation in November 2005. Coach Jim Calhoun suspended the pair indefinitely from all team activities after their arrests in August. He called the university judicial process a fair and deliberate one. "I have said since the beginning of this process that we should never be in the business of abandoning young men who have made a mistake and I am glad that we will not be doing that," Calhoun said. "In light of the pending charges against Marcus and A.J., I have suspended them from all basketball team-related activities," Calhoun said in a statement. "They are barred indefinitely from all team activities, and their academic and personal activities will be closely monitored on a daily basis by the members of our basketball staff. They will continue to have complete access to all of the academic support staff so they can focus their energies on their studies." "It is important that everyone allow the court system and the University judicial system to run its course," continued Calhoun. "This is a time for them to concentrate on their academics and the resolution of these issues." Under the penalties handed down by the university's director of judicial affairs, the two point guards were kicked out of campus housing and dining halls -- Price for three years and Williams until August 2006. They were suspended for the 2005-06 academic year, but those suspensions were held in abeyance, meaning they could attend classes but could be expelled if they failed to meet several conditions. Price returned to classes in the spring semester, while Williams attended classes in the fall semester. 2005-06 SEASON Was suspended by the University for the 2005-06 academic year due to violations of the University Student Code of Conduct...Was not permitted to take classes during the Fall 2005 semester, but returned to classes in the Spring 2006 semester. 2004-05 SEASON Missed the 2004-05 season after a life-threatening battle caused by an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) which caused bleeding in his brain...Underwent radio-surgery treatment in February of 2005 and received full medical clearance in May of 2006 to return to the court. CAREER NOTES Price started 91 of 99 games he played in at Connecticut, becoming the 41st player in school history to record more than 1,000 points in a career...His 1,284 points rank 24th on the UConn all-time record list...Shot 41.3 percent from the field (429 of 1,039), 36.5 percent from three-point range (158 of 433) and 72.2 percent from the foul line (268 of 371)...Grabbed 332 rebounds (3.4 avg), as he was charged with 235 turnovers...Ranks eighth in school history with 469 assists (4.7 apg) and also came up with 104 steals (1.1 spg)...His 192 assists in 2007-08 rank seventh on the Huskies' single-season record list and his 82 three-pointers in 2008-09 rank ninth on the school's annual record chart. HIGH SCHOOL Price attended Amityville (N.Y.) High School, where he was rated among the top prep guards in the country and was a two-time Newsday Suffolk County Player of the Year after leading the team to three straight Long Island Championships and state titles in his sophomore and junior seasons...Finished his three-year career with 130 three-pointers and 1,394 points...Averaged 28.5 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior...The previous season, he averaged 25.4 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals as a junior. INJURY REPORT Missed the 2004-05 season after Price was diagnosed in early October 2004 with a life-threatening battle caused by an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), resulting in bleeding in his brain...Spent 10 days in the intensive care unit and underwent radio-surgery treatment in February of 2005. He received full medical clearance in May of 2006 to return to the court. PERSONAL Liberal Arts major...Son of Inga and Tony Price...Father was a standout basketball performer at the University of Pennsylvania, helping the team advance to the 1979 Final Four and earning a spot on the 1979 East Regional All-Tournament Team...Born Anthony Jordan Price on 10/07/86 in Orange, New Jersey...Resides in Amityville, New York. SCOUTING REPORT Positives: Was noticeably slower on the court last season, perhaps due to him recovering from a left knee ligament tear during the 2008 NCAA Tournament, but he did an effective job serving as the team's floor general for most of the year (greatly regressed in 2009 NCAA Tournament action, though), as he distributes the ball well and does a good job of finding the open target in transition...Crafty athlete with solid scoring instincts, especially when executing the pick-and-roll...His accuracy was slightly down in 2008-09, but he has a quick release and good elevation firing off his shots from the perimeter (36.5 percent three-point shooter, as his 82 treys last year rank ninth on the school single-season record list)...Does a good job of creating his own shot coming off the dribble and possesses the range and footwork to consistently connect with his mid-range jump shot...Knows how to draw contact on the way to the basket, but there is a little bit of an elbow hitch that prevents him from being accurate at the foul line (72.2 percent free throw shooter)...Still, he is aggressive getting into the lane and generates the elevation needed to get his shot up and over the taller defenders...Shows good form delivering on floaters and has enough power to drive on most guards to attack the basket...His ability to create shots for others is evident by his improvement on kick-and-drive plays, as he sees the court well, keeping his head up when pushing the ball down the court, looking for post-up teammates...Vocal floor leader who shows good communication skills setting up plays and acting as the team's main facilitator (assist totals might not be outstanding, but he has a tight handle and the team used a multiple point guard system, with Kemba Walker also heavily involved)...When Walker is handling the ball, Price simply slides over to the two-guard spot, where he showed that he was capable of shooting from a static position...The team is more effective with Price controlling the ball, as he scans the court well and usually makes the right reads, especially coming off screens...Shows soft hands and quick passing skills, as he can make the precise one-bounce toss or flip out the chest pass to cutters...Became a bit too reliant on his outside shot as the 2008-09 season progressed and his accuracy suffered, but he generally has the ability to generate very good lift on his jump shot and has the moves and balance to suddenly pull up and deliver a jumper. Negatives: Late in the season, he tried to be too creative with the ball and simply forgot to look for open teammates...This resulted in a high amount of turnovers, as he tried to force his shot from awkward positions or did not protect the ball well enough when trying to drive on double teams (shot 10-29 vs. Syracuse, 5-15 vs. Pittsburgh, 5-15 vs. Purdue, 6-17 vs. Missouri and 5-20 vs. Michigan State in postseason action)...Appeared to be much slower getting up and down the court in 2008-09 and that could be a byproduct of his knee injury suffered in the 2008 NCAA Tournament...Durability issues are a concern and his brain hemorrhage in 2004 is certain to raise a few red medical flags on some teams' draft boards...Bit too vocal on the court and needs to tone down his act a bit (maturity concerns)...Too often settles for bad shots and seems more comfortable at the two-guard spot, where he can fire off from the perimeter. However, he lacks the size to play that position and has also had a noticeable decrease in his lateral quickness, causing him to lose the explosiveness he displayed during his prep days...Because of his lack of height, he won't have as much success elevating his jump shot over NBA defenders like he did in college... Shows good aggression, but is a poor finisher around the basket...Adequate ball thief, but must show better commitment on the defensive end (has good leaping ability, but blocked only five shots during his career and does not like getting under the boards and taking on more physical opponents going for the rebound. Compares To: JAMAAL TINSLEY, Indiana -- Like Tinsley, there are a lot of holes in Price's game, including a lack of size and bulk, poor shot selection process, off-court and medical issues and he has become a bit too reliant on his outside shot. --Report by Dave-Te' Thomas

Scouting report provided by The Sports Xchange.