During virtual recruiting visits with potential future Huskies, UConn coach Dan Hurley says it's hard to really get to know a player.

It's a poor substitute for quality time spent during on-campus visits, which have been temporarily shelved due to the coronavirus crisis.

Hurley didn't have to worry about that issue with transfer Tyrese Martin. While in charge of the Rhode Island program before coming to Storrs, he recruited Martin, an athletic guard from Allentown, Pa.

They already had established a good relationship when they connected again after Martin began his search for a new college basketball home.

Hurley talked publicly for the first time about adding Martin to the roster during a conference call on Thursday. Martin announced his decision to join the Huskies last week.

"Being able to bring a guy on board like Tyrese, we know each other well from years back during the recruiting process," Hurley said. "When we were able to start talking to him after he went in the portal, it was a relationship that had a foundation, so that certainly helps during a time where schools are making decisions on players and players are making decisions on programs that don't know each other very well."

Hurley and his coaching staff may not be done adding to the roster. They'll likely target a forward to fill their last remaining scholarship. Returning forwards Tyler Polley and Akok Akok are both working their way back from significant injuries.

But Hurley won't bring in a player unless he's a good fit.

Plus, the Huskies are pretty well-stocked with talent. They return seven players, including four starters, while redshirt Richie Springs and transfer R.J. Cole will be eligible to play after sitting out a season. They're also welcoming two freshmen in Andre Jackson and Javonte Brown-Ferguson.

"For us, right now, we like where we're at," Hurley said. "We want to continue to add talent to the program but also just the right type of talent. We're not playing fantasy basketball. It's never, for me, been about trying to accumulate guys that have the most stars or who impress the most scouting service people.

"We're looking for, obviously, talent but then also guys that are going to fit into the culture that we've been able to build in the two years and that can fit into a group and fill a role for a program that's got a lot of momentum."

There's a few different talent pools that the Huskies can explore. They can look at Class of 2020 recruits, junior college players and transfers. Hurley's preference is to bring in a player that could help this season, but not at the expense of lowering his standards.

There's another factor to consider. The NCAA is contemplating allowing first-time transfers to become eligible immediately at another school.

"We're certainly aware of that vote that is going to happen," Hurley said. "We were operating under the assumption that that was definitely going to happen sooner. The vote getting put off causes you to pivot a little bit. For us, we've established a level of talent and a level of player and level of quality kid that we just don't want to rush."

The NCAA's decision will impact Martin's status. Right now, as a transfer, Martin will have to sit out this upcoming season. Then he'll have two years of eligibility left.

Martin averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season as a starter for the Rams.

"He has the type of athletic talent and mindset that we value deeply in our program," Hurley said. "He will fit very well into our style of basketball and our culture."

During Thursday's conference call, Hurley also updated the status of Polley and Akok.

Polley, who had surgery to repair a torn ACL in January, has progressed "very well." He's still on track to be ready for the season opener.

It may take until the start of the Big East season late this year before Akok fully recovers from his left Achilles tendon injury and can play.

"Akok looks great," Hurley said. "His surgeon says he couldn't look any better. His range of motion is much improved. He's off the crutches and in the boot. ... He's got such a great work ethic. Whatever his time is to be ready to go, he's going to surprise people."

g.keefe@theday.com