UConn has added a quality guard to its already impressive top 10 ranked recruiting class.

And the Huskies didn't have to look too far to find him.

Christian Vital, who averaged 16.8 points at St. Thomas More in Oakdale last season, has chosen UConn over Louisville. He's from Queens Village, N.Y.

After checking out UConn, once on an official visit earlier this month and a second time unofficially with his mother last week, Vital had no doubt about his future home.

Coach Kevin Ollie had a lot to do with his decision.

"I think the main thing has had to do with my relationship with KO," Vital said by phone on Friday. "He showed me that I was priority not only by saying it but by action, by coming up to the gym and making sure that I got on my official visit.

"Even when my mom didn't go on my official visit with me, we made sure it was set up that she would come with me on my unofficial visit and see campus. She loved it. She was absolutely 100 percent okay with me committing. She said UConn may be the best place for you."

Vital, who checks in at 6-foot-2, is an important pick-up for the Huskies. His addition will soften the blow from the loss of swingman Daniel Hamilton, who opted to leave school after his sophomore year and enter the NBA Draft.

During the recruiting process, Ollie, whose name surfaced as a potential candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers opening, reached out to Vital about his plans to stay at UConn, according to Scout.com

Vital also visited Louisville. He originally gave a verbal commitment to UNLV but changed his mind when the program underwent a coaching change.

The rich history of the UConn basketball program also helped convince Vital to come to Storrs.

"Being another guard from New York City, establishing my legacy at UConn," Vital said. "I think the program in itself and with the incoming class that we have and returning players, we can do some really great things."

Vital will be the second St. Thomas More player on the roster, joining good friend and former teammate Steven Enoch. He also played AAU basketball with transfer Terry Larrier, who'll be eligible to play this upcoming season, and knows Jalen Adams as well as incoming recruit Mamadou Diarra. McDonald's All-American Alterique Gilbert, Vance Jackson and Juwan Durham round out the recruiting class.

"And I'm already in a group chat with the other guys as well," Vital said. "We're just talking about getting ready for next year."

The last two years attending St. Thomas More and playing for coach Jere Quinn helped prepare Vital for the next step.

"Being at St. Thomas More for the past two years has been the best thing for me," Vital said. "He helped me develop from just a straight two guard to now I can play either guard position."

g.keefe@theday.com