Hartford — Highly-regarded recruit Akok Akok is definitely committed to attending UConn next semester.

He announced that decision on Saturday.

As far as next season, Akok hasn't ruled out testing the NBA Draft waters.

"I've got to decide," said Akok, who made a verbal commitment.

Akok, who recently left Putnam Science Academy, sat behind the UConn bench and watched the Huskies lose to Arizona, 76-72, Sunday at the XL Center.

Once the versatile Akok enrolls for the second semester, he'll attend classes and only practice with the Huskies. Next season, he'll be on scholarship and play.

Akok, a top 40 recruit, is happy to get the recruiting process over with.

"A lot of pressure taken off my shoulders making this decision," Akok said during halftime. "I feel like Dan Hurley and UConn basketball was a great pick. I'm just ready to come in next month and work hard. I just want to overall get better at basketball. I've been playing high school basketball for a long time and I'm ready for that next step, which is college basketball."

Akok praised the UConn coaching staff.

"They really supported me from day one when I met them back in April," Akok said. "They want what's best for me. ... It's been a long process. I'm glad that it's over. And I'm happy that I'm a Husky."

Super subs

• UConn received a spark off the bench from senior Eric Cobb and redshirt freshman Sidney Wilson, who combined for 19 points and 12 rebounds.

With sophomore Josh Carlton in early foul trouble, Cobb came in and scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half and finished with a game-high 10 rebounds in 23 minutes. It was his second double-double this season. He made six of eight shots.

"I feel like I definitely did," Cobb said when asked if he provided a spark. "But we came up short. We've got to focus on getting better, so that's my main focus."

Playing in just his second game since his suspension ended, Wilson chipped in seven points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. Midway through the first half, he buried a corner jumper for his first points as a Husky. He went 2 for 4 overall.

"Every game I feel like I can try to make an impact some way coming off the bench," Wilson said. "I just try to bring energy to the game and I feel like I did that."

Coach Dan Hurley saw room for improvement, especially on the defensive end.

"The good thing about Sid was he got his five (points) in that first half..., but I think he gave up seven," Hurley said. "But you could see the athletic talent against an athletic team that he belonged on the court."

News and notes

• Reserve Kwintin Williams sent out an interesting tweet on Sunday about his future. He wrote: "I love basketball so much. These past two years have been a real reality check for me. I appreciate everyone in my life who has been 100% honest with me about my talent level and where I'll end up career wise. But God has plans already set in stone for all of us." No official word on his status. ... The Huskies raved about the home crowd support. "It was mind-blowing," Cobb said of the atmosphere. "Thank you." ... The Huskies were just one turnover shy of their season-high of 20 against Syracuse. "Sometimes we just wanted it too much," Jalen Adams said. "Instead of just making the simple pass, we'll see Fool's Gold and try to go for it. We've got to stay solid." ... UConn had a season-low four steals. ... The Huskies were outscored at the foul line, 19 to eight. ... Up next: UConn hosts Lafayette at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the XL Center.

g.keefe@theday.com