The UConn men's basketball team coaching staff has thrived in a virtual recruiting world, receiving verbal commitments over the summer from three Class 2021 recruits.

On Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period, the Huskies received signed national letters of intent from the three four-star recruits — forward Samson Johnson, guards Rahsool Diggins and Jordan Hawkins.

The three future Huskies comprise a recruiting class that is ranked eighth in the nation and second in the Big East, trailing only Villanova.

"We're thrilled to welcome Rahsool, Jordan and Samson to the UConn family," coach Dan Hurley said in a released statement. "Each of these young men has the type of talent, character, work ethic and winning pedigree that will help us continue to build a championship program."

The 6-foot-3 Diggins, who's from Philadelphia, averaged 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season for Archbishop Wood High School, which is located in Warminster, Pa. He was selected as the 2020 Catholic League Player of the Year.

Hawkins, a 6-5 shooting guard, averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds last season for high school basketball power DeMatha Catholic in Gaithersburg, Md. UConn senior Josh Carlton also attended DeMatha.

Johnson, a 6-10 forward, is originally from Lome, Togo and attends The Patrick School in Elizabeth, N.J., where he averaged 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds last season. UConn freshman Adama Sanogo also played there.

All three players have crossed paths on the basketball court.

Hawkins has played against Diggins several times.

Diggins and Johnson recently played on the same team at the Slam 16 All-Star game in the Bronx. Johnson earned co-most valuable player honors after finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks while Diggins had 15 points, nine assists and five rebounds.

Hurley has secured three straight top 20 recruiting classes as UConn head coach, the first time that's happened for the men's program since 2008 through 2010.

g.keefe@theday.com