UConn Point Guard Changing Number to Honor Tyrek Coger

After more than six years with No. 44, UConn point guard Rodney Purvis has decided to make a number change to No. 15 to honor the late Tyrek Coger, who was expected to wear No. 15 for Oklahoma State this season.

Purvis and Coger grew up as close friends and, according to the Hartford Courant, Coger lived with Purvis and his family for a short period of time and Purvis’ mother, Shanda McNair, was Cogers godmother.

“[It’s] just something me and my mom discussed,” Purvis told SNY.tv. “He never got his shot to display all the hard work he put in on the collegiate level. Therefore I feel it’s only right that I represent him by wearing 15, which is the number he was going to wear. He was the brother I never had and it’s the least I can do by keep his legacy alive.”

Oklahoma State faces UConn in the first game of the Maui Invitational on Nov. 21.