Storrs – It didn't take long for Shonn Miller and Sterling Gibbs to form a tight bond.

They share much in common.

They're both graduate transfers, bringing their talent and experience to the UConn men's basketball program for one final season of eligibility.

They're also taking the same graduate school classes during summer school.

So they're spending a lot of time together, on and off the court.

"We definitely have a little bond," Gibbs said. "We take all our classes together, so we're pretty much together 24-7. I was able to get to know him just because we're in the same program."

Miller added: "We just clicked right off the bat."

UConn scored a major recruiting victory when they received commitments from Miller and Gibbs, who both received undergraduate degrees from their respective schools, Cornell and Seton Hall.

Both are expected to be impact players.

Late Tuesday afternoon, they met with the media at the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center along with fellow newcomers, freshmen Steve Enoch and Jalen Adams, and transfer Terry Larrier.

A 6-foot-2 guard, Gibbs, whose brother Ashton played at Pittsburgh, has grown accustomed to settling into places during his college career. He started out at Texas before spending the last two seasons at Seton Hall. Last season, he was the only player ranked in the top five in the Big East in scoring (16.3 points) and assists (3.8 assists), earning second team all-conference honors.

"This is my final destination," Gibbs said. "I'm getting adjusted. I'm glad to be here this summer. It's helping a lot, especially getting to know the guys and going through all the workouts and just being around the atmosphere."

Miller, a 6-7, 210-pound forward, played a starring role for Cornell last season, averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds and receiving All-Ivy League first team honors. His biggest plus is his versatility.

"I think I can bring a lot of different things," Miller said. "Defense is probably my No. 1 thing. I hold that as really one of my staples."

Once last season ended, Miller, who's from Euclid, Ohio, began to explore his transfer options. UConn quickly emerged as a frontrunner.

Coach Kevin Ollie and assistant Glen Miller flew to Ohio to have lunch with Miller, who eventually visited the campus.

"It just kind of felt right," he said. "I feel like I fit here."

Miller and Gibbs share something else in common: they've always admired UConn's rich tradition.

"I've always loved UConn," said Gibbs, who's from Scotch Plains, N.J. "I was always a big coach (Jim) Calhoun fan. I was a Marcus Williams fan. I was a Rudy Gay fan. They have good guards and a great tradition. And it's not too far from home."

UConn has had recent success with graduate transfers. Lasan Kromah arrived from George Washington and served as a key reserve on UConn's 2014 national champions. Holy Cross graduate R.J. Evans of Salem provided valuable leadership for the 2012-13 Huskies, who won 20 games.

Now it's time for Miller and Gibbs to stamp their mark on the program. The Huskies are looking to rebound from last season when they fell short of qualifying for the NCAA tournament and bowed out in the NIT first round.

They're already connecting with their teammates.

"They're both really cool dudes," Adams said. "I think I can learn from them, not only on the court but off the court, and their work habits."

Gibbs and Miller both spoke about their comfort level aready with their new teammates.

"It's not hard (to fit in), just because of the fact they're such a great group of guys," Gibbs said. "They're really down to earth. I've known Rodney (Purvis) and I know Daniel Hamilton's brother, Jordan.

"They're all in for learning and knowing different things. ... If I try to give them a tip, they're definitely all in to listen. I think that goes a long way."

Terry Larrier, a 6-8 forward from the Bronx, N.Y., is the third transfer on the roster, coming from Virginia Commonwealth. He'll sit out a year and have three years of eligibility left.

"I'm just really excited for the future," Larrier said. "It's going to be hard (to sit out), especially during game days. It's something I'll get used to as the year goes on. Even though I'm not playing, there's still ways I can affect the game, helping guys."

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe