Granby, Mass. — Dynamic guard James Bouknight does so many things well as a basketball player.

Watching MacDuffie School prep games isn't one of them.

An illness prevented Bouknight from playing on Saturday afternoon, but MacDuffie won without its star, beating rival Williston Northampton School 70-56.

"It's always hard to watch, not being able to play and not being to help the team win," Bouknight said. "I just try to bring energy from the bench, talk to my teammates and give them little keys and little tips on what to do."

Bouknight holds the distinction of being the first Class of 2019 recruit to commit to UConn coach Dan Hurley. He announced his plans to join the Huskies last September after making an official visit.

MacDuffie coach Jacque Rivera believes the 6-foot-4 Bouknight is suited for Hurley's system.

"He's a very selfless individual, so I think he'll fit well," Rivera said. "Whatever you need him to do he's going to do. ... He fits in with the UConn mold. Like he's a UConn player in terms of Kemba Walker, he's dynamic like that. He's bigger than Kemba. Like Shabazz (Napier). He's a true Husky-type player."

Bouknight hasn't had a chance to showcase his skills recently. He's been dealing with an illness the last couple of weeks. He didn't play against Woodstock Academy on Wednesday, MacDuffie's first game after the winter break.

On Saturday, Bouknight had his uniform on when he jogged on the court for his team's pre-game routine. He threw down a couple of impressive dunks.

Once the game started, Bouknight remained in his seat near the end of the MacDuffie bench until just over a minute remaining in the first half when he went to the scorer's table with two other teammates to check into the game.

But action didn't stop until 0.8 seconds remained with Williston in possession. Bouknight stood on the court for in-bounds play and then walked to the locker room once the buzzer sounded.

"He's under the weather," Rivera said. "We were trying to get him in to see how he could do and there was no stoppage in play to get him in."

With MacDuffie in control, Rivera kept Bouknight on the bench for the entire second half.

"I'll be playing tomorrow," Bouknight said.

In some ways, Bouknight already is part of the UConn basketball team. He stays in touch with some Huskies, including Jalen Adams, Christian Vital and Sidney Wilson. He has a strong connection with UConn assistant Kimani Young, a fellow New Yorker. While serving as an assistant at Minnesota, Young was one of the first coaches to offer Bouknight a scholarship.

Bouknight watches as many UConn games on television as he can. He also wants to attend a few home games before the season ends.

He's gotten a kick out of watching Hurley's sideline show and emotional interaction with his players, particularly Hurley chest-bumping Adams to celebrate a big win over Syracuse in November at Madison Square Garden.

"His energy is great and his passion to want to win," Bouknight said. "Me and him are always on the same page about winning games. That's the main goal. I like his ability to develop players. Hopefully, he can get me to the next level."

Before heading to UConn, Bouknight has some work to do playing for MacDuffie. His goal is to put his team in position to quality for the national prep school championship tournament.

He'll continue to work on every part of his game, from ballhandling to shooting and defense, as well as getting stronger.

And he'll be counting down the days until heading to UConn where he'll join fellow newcomers, guard Jalen Gaffney and forward Akok Akok.

"I'm anxious," Bouknight said. "I can't wait to get on campus. I'm ready for summer school. I'm ready for everything. I'm ready to be coached by coach Hurley."

The feeling is mutual about his arrival.

"We can't wait to have him here," said Hurley, who's seen his future guard play twice this season. "He reminds you of the type of guys from a talent standpoint, size, athletic ability that made UConn what UConn once was. Can't wait to start working with him. Every time we see him, he gets better."

g.keefe@theday.com