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It is with a heavy heart that we deliver this week’s edition of The Fast Break after the passing of Stanley Robinson. He was a whimsical talent and kindhearted soul who will be dearly missed. In his memory, this week’s newsletter highlights the best of his times in Storrs and beyond. Our thoughts are with the Robinson family and his community in Alabama.
Weekly Rewind
The latest UConn athletics news
From The UConn Blog:
- UConn Nation mourns the tragic death of Stanley “Sticks” Robinson
- Paige Bueckers adds Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year to her resume
- UConn men’s basketball lands first 2021 recruit in four-star Rashool Diggins
- Matchups with Vandy and Georgia State added to UConn football’s future slate
- Size up the Huskies’ biggest Big East competition: Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats
- UConn Foundation records best year ever with $26.4 million going to athletics
- Coach Hurley’s son, Drew, set to join UConn men’s basketball as walk-on
From Others:
- One of Canada’s best in the 2021 class commits to UConn football
- UConn’s return automatically improves Big East baseball pedigree
- John Fanta sees UConn men’s basketball as immediate conference contenders
- UConn women’s volleyball wins AVCA Team Academic Award
- 2021 DB Deon McLean commits to UConn football after impressive virtual visit
- UConn men’s golf well-represented on list of All-American scholars
- Future Huskies playing together in Connecticut Collegiate Baseball League
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U Gotta See This
Video recommendations
- Stanley Robinson was a human highlight reel:
- It looks like Javonte Brown-Ferguson shares Sticks’ affinity for rocking the rim:
UConn, Great Pic
UConn history and history in the making
- He’s #21 in your program, but will always be #1 in our hearts:
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Big League Buzz
Catch up on former UConn players working across the sports world
- Eastern Conference and Western Conference previews for Huskies in the WNBA
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- Kemba Walker on his injury recovery and Celtics’ team chemistry
- UConn baseball product Anthony Kay makes Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster
- A slew of former Huskies make ESPN’s top 25 WNBA players under 25
- Rudy Gay’s size and experience will be pivotal to Spurs’ playoff hopes
- UConn tops list of colleges with the most players in the WNBA
- NY Liberty leaning on “baby vet” Kia Nurse’s leadership in the wubble
Memory Lane
Revisiting the history of UConn sports
- Take an in-depth look at the bond between Stanley Robinson and Coach Calhoun
- Read the full story of Robinson’s journey back onto the UConn roster, including his time at a sheet metal factory
Sad day for UConn Nation, Stanley Robinson "Sticks" will be remembered forever. All-Time Great Husky and Person. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/mK7Ul2X0bn
— 860 Productions (@860_media) July 22, 2020
Weekly Fancast
Once UConn sports return, we’ll provide info for the week’s upcoming games in this space. Until then, enjoy some classic recommendations from the vault.
In the first round of the 2009 NCAA tournament, Sticks went off for 24 points on 11-17 shooting as the Huskies mopped the floor with the Chattanooga Mocs, 103-47.
Check out the game highlights below to see his full arsenal on display and CLICK HERE to enjoy the Huskies’ resounding opening-round victory:
In Memoriam:
Celebrating the life of a beloved Husky gone too soon
UConn fans and loved ones of Stanley “Sticks” Robinson took to social media to share their heartbreak over his passing, so much that “RIP Sticks” was trending on Twitter.
Whether they knew him personally or just admired his game from afar, there was no shortage of stories and sentiments shared to honor his life. Here are some of them:
Kemba Walker offers condolences on the passing of former UConn teammate Stanley Robinson. #Celtics #NBABubble #UConn pic.twitter.com/TmSlfd4668
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 23, 2020
- We can all learn a lot from the Robinson Rules:
Lessons from Stanley Robinson: Persevere; Be loyal to your family; Be true to your school; Throw down every dunk like it's your last...#Ripstickshttps://t.co/u4cfdoFgFa pic.twitter.com/hdHVlIYJ3i
— Paul Drewry (@drewryvp) July 22, 2020
- Sticks bouncing out of this epic poster:
When I helped design the @BIGEASTMBB Championship program as an intern nearly a decade ago, it was @UConnMBB's Stanley Robinson who we picked as our cover athlete because of his amazing energy. Gone too soon. RIP Sticks. pic.twitter.com/UMvpRDoo1u
— Mike Gambardella (@MikeGambardella) July 22, 2020
- Anthony was the Courant’s beat writer covering the men’s team during this time:
Just crushed right now, learning of loss of Stanley “Sticks” Robinson. Gentle. Kind. Sweet. Fun. Only player who ever sought me out, sat down and said “How are things at the paper?” So lucky to have known him. Terrible loss, wonderful guy.
— Mike Anthony (@ManthonyCourant) July 22, 2020
- Game recognized game:
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