The UConn basketball program added a building block for the future on Tuesday.

Guard RJ Cole, a transfer from Howard University, informed the UConn coaching staff of his decision during an official visit to Storrs. He announced his commitment on Instagram.

Transfer rules require that Cole, who checks in a 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, sit out a season before using the remaining two years of his eligibility.

"I felt this was the right fit for me and right place for me," Cole told 247Sports. "The trust factor was here. For me it's been a life-long dream to be playing here and to follow the footsteps of the great point guards they've had here. I wanted to follow that path."

Cole, who is from Union, N.J., is already familiar with UConn head coach Dan Hurley. He was a three-year starter for Hurley's father, Bob Sr., at St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City. As a junior, he helped the team go 32-0 and win a state championship.

At Howard, Cole started 66 of 67 games played, averaging 23.7 points as a freshman and 21.4 points as a sophomore. He also averaged 6.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds last season, earning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year honors, and shot 41.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range.

Cole also considered Alabama and Seton Hall before picking UConn.