The UConn Blog - UConn Huskies Men's Basketball 2015-2016 Season PreviewEscalators are for cowards.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49593/uconn-fav.png2015-11-13T16:19:51-05:00http://www.theuconnblog.com/rss/stream/94685712015-11-13T16:19:51-05:002015-11-13T16:19:51-05:00Gameday Preview | Final Roundtable Predictions
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<img alt="Expectations are high for Daniel Hamilton in his sophomore year." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EaIYGW5Z2RJIqYJFZQYBpWv32M0=/0x167:3497x2498/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47657851/_DSC0240.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Expectations are high for Daniel Hamilton in his sophomore year. | Stephen Quick</figcaption>
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<p>Get ready for today's season opener with our final round of predictions before the season starts!</p> <p id="3mvgcj">We're just a few hours away from the start of another highly anticipated UConn Huskies men's basketball season. With two experienced newcomers and two highly-touted freshmen joining a strong core, Kevin Ollie's squad is as talented as it has ever been in his tenure as a UConn coach.</p>
<p id="Gc1qXz">Although tonight's game against Maine may lack the panache of some of the Huskies' recent season openers--such as the Michigan State game in 2012 or Maryland game in New York City in 2013--the players, coaches and fans have been eager to move on from a disappointing 2014-2015 campaign. This day has been on our minds since March 15.</p>
<p id="HQriP9">Luckily, we didn't have to wait very long for the healing to start. In April, first-team Ivy League selection <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/4/18/8450523/uconn-basketball-recruiting-cornell-graduate-transfer-shonn-miller">Shonn Miller announced</a> his transfer to UConn. The next month, <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/5/16/8511029/former-seton-hall-star-sterling-gibbs-commits-to-uconn/in/9468571">Sterling Gibbs announced</a> he would be taking his talents to Storrs. Both would be eligible immediately thanks to the graduate transfer rule, which came as really great news because Kevin Ollie's squad was in desperate need of a point guard and low-post presence.</p>
<p id="xLKA5P">Another transfer, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/253494/terry-larrier" class="sbn-auto-link">Terry Larrier</a>, committed to UConn as well. Though he would have to sit out a year, it affirmed our belief that Storrs was an attractive landing spot for high-caliber basketball players. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/12/9719252/uconn-mens-basketball-the-2016-recruits-sign-letters-of-intent">recruiting results for the Class of 2016</a> hammered the point home.</p>
<p id="0twdQz">We have always believed the future was bright for the UConn Huskies with Kevin Ollie. But nobody could have predicted the 2014 championship run and the slightly lofty expectations that followed in 2015. With Ollie about to begin his fourth season at the helm, he has finally had a chance to make his imprint on the program.</p>
<p id="JI6VAf">This team wants to run, it wants to play position-less basketball, ideally it will space the floor with multiple legitimate three-point shooters, play aggressive defense, and be exciting as hell to watch. I can't wait.</p>
<p id="2Ge1JD">In conclusion, here is our final prediction roundtable. This time, our basketball writers tackled the fun stuff: leading scorer, win total, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness" class="sbn-auto-link">NCAA Tournament</a> finish, and who leaves for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NBA Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="cSGbPq">- Aman</p>
<h4 id="EAW5qn">Who finishes the season as the leading scorer?</h4>
<p id="kPsyC5"><strong>Ben Zachs:</strong> While I see <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/252046/daniel-hamilton" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Hamilton</a> leading UConn in everything else, I actually do not see him as the top scorer. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/178499/rodney-purvis" class="sbn-auto-link">Rodney Purvis</a> is my guess for leading scorer. Rodney ended last season on an absolute tear. Over the final eight games, Purvis averaged 18.5 points per. As such an incredible athlete, Purvis excels in the open court and slashing to the hoop. He is not a great ball handler and is not great shooting off the dribble; however, this year's Huskies will look to play fast in the open court. Even in the halfcourt, UConn wants to drive and dish, creating lanes for Purvis, Hamilton, and Adams to get into the paint. This style plays directly into Purvis' strengths.</p>
<p id="RP4hts"><strong>Tucker Warner:</strong> I think the leading scorer will be <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/228683/rodney-purvis" class="sbn-auto-link">Rodney Purvis</a>, by force if not by necessity. The ball will be in his hands a lot, and he'll shoot it a lot.</p>
<p id="jhzsqc"><strong>Tim Fontenault: </strong>Daniel Hamilton will undoubtedly be the Huskies' leading scorer, followed closely by Rodney Purvis. Hamilton enters his sophomore year poised to make it even better than the first. He has all the tools you could want in a scorer. He's as gifted on the perimeter as he is driving the lane and pulling up from mid-range. He can score in such a multitude of ways that I don't see how many teams will be able to stop him this year.</p>
<p id="uMZuuC"><strong>Ben Cantor:</strong> Daniel Hamilton at 14 points per game. I think <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/146215/sterling-gibbs" class="sbn-auto-link">Sterling Gibbs</a>, Rodney Purvis, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/229029/jalen-adams" class="sbn-auto-link">Jalen Adams</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/144031/shonn-miller" class="sbn-auto-link">Shonn Miller</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/228681/amida-brimah" class="sbn-auto-link">Amida Brimah</a> will all average close to double figures, and I wouldn't be surprised if any one of them led the team in scoring. But Hamilton is the most talented and versatile player on the roster, and after an offseason under Ollie, my best bet is that he will lead this offense.</p>
<p id="nqDHd9"><strong>Matt Gionfriddo: </strong>Rodney Purvis. After an up and down beginning to the year, Rodney Purvis finally put it together towards the end of the 2014-15 season. The once McDonald's All-American started to show what the hype was all about as he finished in double digits in the last 7 games of the season, including a 29 point performance in the loss to SMU in the AAC Championship game. Purvis is one of the most explosive guards in the country and I expect few to stop him from getting his share of points.</p>
<p id="OY2nHX"> </p>
<h4 id="LizVJg">How many wins will UConn finish the regular season with?</h4>
<p id="DUHNFc"><strong>Ben Zachs:</strong> I see 26-5 in the regular season for UConn. By my tally, UConn loses five games: Gonzaga in the Battle for Atlantis finals, at Tulane (which is my ,"WTF loss" of the season), at Tulsa, at Cincinnati, and at SMU. This UConn team can be very good and they know that playing in the AAC doesn't lend itself to being able to lose many games. Thus, expect a hyped up and ready team in the non-conference slate. I had worries about UConn's preparedness coming into the year, but the exhibition games have quashed that worry. With the way that the committee has treated the league since its inception, winning outside the league slate is paramount.</p>
<p id="97mDwc"><strong>Tucker Warner:</strong> I'm predicting 23 regular season wins for UConn. A solid number, accounting for the number of big-conference opponents they play early in the season and a couple inevitable upsets. I won't go through the entire schedule and try to predict each game before the season even starts, but 23 wins seems about right.</p>
<p id="DV5Ktl"><strong>Tim Fontenault: </strong>I'm really high on UConn this year. But this is UConn. It's just as likely this team will finish 21-10 as it will 28-3. With such a weak non-conference schedule and assuming the best from UConn this season, I will give this team 25-6, with losses coming to Gonzaga in Atlantis, on the road at Texas, Tulsa and Memphis, and at home to Cincinnati. The sixth loss I leave open as a wild card. Your move, Houston, SMU, Temple, UCF, Tulane...</p>
<p id="vjLo6o"><strong>Ben Cantor:</strong> 25. Losses at Texas, at Tulsa, at Houston, Cincinnati, and at SMU.</p>
<p id="nVY2cl"><strong>Matt Gionfriddo:</strong> 26. UConn loses once in the Battle 4 Atlantis, at Texas, at Temple, at Cincinnati, and at SMU. I don't think UConn loses even once with a home court advantage, whether it be at Gampel, the XL Center, or Madison Square Garden. Maryland, Ohio State, and Georgetown are all defeated in front of the Husky Nation.</p>
<p id="Mm73ON"> </p>
<h4 id="fVucm0">Assuming UConn makes the NCAA Tournament, how far do the Huskies go?</h4>
<p id="TDk1Gi"><strong>Ben Zachs: </strong>I never guess for UConn to win the national championship pre-season. It feels like bad juju. I do see this Husky team getting to the Sweet 16. They have enough talent and depth to go further than that, but the NCAA Tournament is a crapshoot that UConn dominates...</p>
<p id="VJ8ndg"><strong>Tucker Warner:</strong> I honestly do not expect big things from this year's UConn team in the tournament. If they get a favorable matchup, they'll probably get to the Sweet 16, but I'm thinking it's more likely that they're out in the second round this year.</p>
<p id="O2phf1"><strong>Tim Fontenault:</strong> I probably dug my own grave writing UConn will win the national championship. It's a gut thing, nothing else, but this team has what it takes to get back to the Final Four and win it all, without question. Everything needs to come together. At worst, this is a Sweet 16 team. I'd love to see my dream Final Four—UConn, Maryland, Cal and Villanova—come to fruition, but that's obviously a ridiculous pipe dream. I think it's wide open this year. There are probably 10 to 15 teams I wouldn't be surprised to see win it all. UConn is one of them.</p>
<p id="1s4Kci"><strong>Ben Cantor:</strong> Predicting a 4-seed, losing in the sweet sixteen in a rematch with top-seeded Maryland.</p>
<p id="4TS9es"><strong>Matt Gionfriddo: </strong>Earn a 4 seed and lose in the Elite Eight. It may take some time for the Huskies to put it together, but the talent on this team is real. I don't think it is unrealistic at all for UConn to earn a 4 seed after loading up on non-conference quality wins and then taking care of business in the American. Ultimately, this team has what it takes to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but unfortunately, the run stops one game away from the Final Four.</p>
<p id="cJwzrz"> </p>
<h4 id="K0mnWa">Who (if anyone) leaves for the NBA Draft?</h4>
<p id="hH0b76"><strong>Ben Zachs:</strong> Daniel Hamilton is going to be a star this season - a true jack of all trades. 15.4 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. The pros will understand his potential and, with brothers who understand the system, he will put his name in the draft. In the spacing of the NBA, Hamilton will be one heck of a pro. The other player who has a chance to jump early is Rodney Purvis. Purvis, will not be a high draft pick, but he will graduate after the season and want to start making money. For UConn's sake, his furthering education, and the potential to lead another top team next season, I hope he ends up staying.</p>
<p id="6eBg4N"><strong>Tucker Warner: </strong>I'm not sure anyone leaves for the NBA Draft this year, but if somebody does, it's likely Amida Brimah. His defense will soon be too good to ignore, and he's got strong finishing skills around the basket (and he doesn't turn the ball over!). He'd have a role from day one in the NBA, which will be realized by scouts very soon, and the allures of professional basketball might be too persuasive for the big man to ignore after this season. There are certainly other NBA-caliber players on the UConn roster, but unless Jalen Adams is an absolute monster in his freshman season, I doubt anyone else declares early.</p>
<p id="WerBNX"><strong>Tim Fontenault:</strong> Daniel Hamilton and Amida Brimah have the most upside going into the year (Brimah based solely on his build and potential). However, we saw what happened to DeAndre Daniels, who all but said he regretted his decision four months after declaring. It all depends on what those closest to them say. Rodney Purvis is primed for a big year that could see him skyrocket up the draft boards. He could work his way into first round conversation with a big year, but would that be enough to see him go packing? I wouldn't be surprised to see Hamilton and Brimah leave at this point. I wouldn't be surprised to see them all stay. If I have to pick someone who is definitely going, however, it's Daniel Hamilton.</p>
<p id="ebuGI6"><strong>Ben Cantor: </strong>Daniel Hamilton leaves early to be UConn's first lottery pick since <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/144204/andre-drummond" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Drummond</a>, while Amida Brimah returns to become a member of the second class of Huskies to win two national championships.</p>
<p id="Cv2MVS"><strong>Matt Gionfriddo:</strong> If all goes according to plan this season, NBA scouts are going to be drooling over the potential of Amida Brimah and Daniel Hamilton, both of whom should be first round draft picks. However, I expect Hamilton and Brimah to team up with Rodney Purvis for one more shot at a National Championship in 2016-17.</p>
<p id="smlPIX"> </p>
<p id="IGrrtI">Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/13/9731610/gameday-preview-uconn-mens-basketball-maine-at-uconn-7-30pm-tv-snyAman KidwaiMatthewGionfriddoBenjamin ZachsTim FontenaultBenjaminCantorTucker Warner2015-11-12T16:17:48-05:002015-11-12T16:17:48-05:00MBB: Most Likely to Upset UConn, Best Win
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<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Our panel makes its selections for the team most likely to upset UConn and predicts what the Huskies' best regular season win will be.</p> <p>In the latest installment of our basketball preview, after looking into <span>Omar Calhoun</span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/9/9697668/mens-basketball-roundtable-what-role-will-omar-calhoun-play-for-uconn/in/9468571">'s role on the team</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/11/9712368/uconn-mens-basketball-roundtable-who-will-lead-the-team-in-rebounds/in/9468571">rebound and assist leaders</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/12/9711270/mens-basketball-the-top-25-and-one-uconn-games-ive-seen-in-person/in/9468571">best games we've attended</a>, today we look to the schedule. Our final roundtable will go up tomorrow.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Which team is most likely to upset UConn, and what will UConn's best win of the season be?</h4>
<p><b>Tucker Warner:</b> I'm tabbing UConn's best regular season win as the early December matchup with Maryland at Madison Square Garden. Leaving out the good juju that UConn always seems to have at the Garden, I'm just not terribly impressed with the Terrapins, and that game's probably going to be easier than most seem to suggest it will be. Maryland will look good for most of the season, getting easy wins against a weak bottom half of the B1G Ten, but their underwhelming efficiency will likely lead to poor play against quality teams, just like last season. Maryland's a solid team, but they have a lot of holes in their roster, and UConn should be able to get past them with little trouble.</p>
<p>I think UConn's most likely upset loss, on the other hand, comes in conference play. UConn's non-conference schedule is not particularly strong (with only a couple outliers), and I'm not too scared of Michigan, Ohio State, or Texas. Or Georgetown and Syracuse for that matter. I don't think losing to Cincinnati or Southern Methodist would really be that much of an upset, so that leaves the game that worries me the most...February 4 at Memphis.</p>
<p>I don't think the Tigers are a very good team, and I don't expect great things from them this year, but I think that this season is do-or-die for Josh Pastner, and his players will absolutely be motivated to get a win that could really improve their tournament resume. Beyond just Pastner's job status (a reminder: Memphis hasn't made it out of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness" class="sbn-auto-link">NCAA Tournament's</a> second round under Pastner's tenure, and last season Memphis failed to win 20 games for the first time in fifteen years), I think Memphis provides some matchup issues for UConn, and that's a little troubling. It's definitely a game UConn can win and will be favored in, but it's not one that they should overlook.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Tim Fontenault:</b> Memphis is the most likely team to "upset" UConn this year. It's weird to say that with Memphis, but I don't think the Tigers are in the upper echelon of the conference this season. I'm lower on the Tigers after <span>Austin Nichols</span>' transfer, but if the Lawsons come in and assimilate right away, they can steal a few extra wins.</p>
<p>I like UConn to beat Maryland, my pick as the early best team in the nation, Dec. 8 at Madison Square Garden. I'm big on both these teams this year, and I think they could both make the Final Four. The big matchup will be <span>Amida Brimah</span> against Diamond Stone. If Brimah can contain the highly-touted freshman, that will give UConn a great shot at a big home win (that's right, MSG is UConn's house).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Ben Zachs: </b>Tulane stinks, but doesn't January 2 in New Orleans seem like the ultimate trap game? This game comes right after a trip to Austin playing against a Shaka Smart team. That means that the team will be exhausted. Depending on the travel schedule of the team, energy levels may be very low. Playing in a 90% empty stadium will not help to pump the team up. This seems like a candidate to be the head-scratching loss of 2015-2016.</p>
<p>Conversely, on December 8 against Maryland I expect to see a UConn victory. Last season, in games against great big men, Amida Brimah often came up small, finding himself in quick foul trouble. Many know about Diamond Stone's recruitment and many expected him to be playing for UConn in this game. I expect the UConn bigs to feel slighted about his school pick and shut him down on the interior. <span>Melo Trimble</span> will be hard pressed to push things against UConn's great guards. Thus, a huge matchup will come down to <span>Daniel Hamilton</span> and <span>Jake Layman</span>. If you can't tell to this point, I LOVE DANIEL. Chalk this one up as UConn's signature win in their second home stadium at MSG. Jim Delany, take note.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Ben Cantor:</b> Though it wouldn't be a significant upset, I could see UConn struggling to win in Austin on December 29th. Shaka Smart now dons burnt orange and with him comes his trademarked pressure defense. UConn and Kevin Ollie have struggled in the recent past against the press, most notably in losses against West Virginia last season and Louisville in 2014. After what has been a fairly tumultuous football season for the Longhorns, and the Huskies potentially coming in as a highly-ranked team, Austin will be as hostile an environment that UConn sees all season.</p>
<p>If UConn can get through Michigan and Charlotte (Sorry Syracuse), UConn's biggest win this season will be over Gonzaga in the championship of the Battle 4 Atlantis over Thanksgiving Weekend. Gonzaga is a trendy final four pick this season and boasts arguably the best front court in the country, with <span>Kyle Wiltjer</span>, <span>Domantas Sabonis</span>, and Prezmek Karnowski, but the Zags lack experience and talent in the back court. UConn's guards will be able to take advantage of this fact while the Huskies' bigs will do just enough defensively to pull off the upset.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Matt Gionfriddo:</b> While it is tempting to pick an improved Houston team on the road, I'm going to say at Temple on February 11<sup>th</sup> is the biggest chance for an upset against the Huskies. There are going to be times where AAC conference play is a grind, and that is going to start on this Thursday night in Philadelphia. The game against the Owls kicks off a challenging four-game stretch with Tulsa, SMU, and a road game at Cincinnati to follow. While Fran Dunphy's squad isn't the same as last year's, they have the opportunity to surprise the conference. It is Quenton DeCosey's team, and I can see him hitting big shot after big shot against UConn in front of a raucous crowd.</p>
<p>The one game that I believe UConn will have as their <i>best </i>regular season win by the end of the year is against Maryland at MSG. Coach Mark Turgeon has one of the most talented teams in the country with Melo Trimble, Jake Layman, Diamond Stone, and the one and only Rasheed Sulaimon. The Terps are several analysts' pick to win the National Championship this year and while it may feel like a home game for UConn, a win over Maryland at a "neutral site" will be the clear cut best regular season win for the Huskies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Kaveh Jam:</b> Memphis is a sneaky pick to upset the Huskies this year. For the most part the Tigers are predicted to finish outside the top three in the conference. Memphis does a lot of things well and they're returning some legit experience that could upend UConn. Shaq Goodwin and highly touted incoming freshman Dedric Lawson are just a few of the names with potential to carry Memphis to some upsets along the way.</p>
<p>Maryland stands as a spotlight game for the Huskies with massive national recognition potential. Maryland is stacked but so are the Huskies. While the obvious matchup of Amidah Brimah and Diamond Stone will receive its deserved attention, I will be looking to see if <span>Sterling Gibbs</span> or <span>Rodney Purvis</span> will find space to get loose. Slapping a win like this on their resume can catapult the Huskies through the rest of their schedule.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So there you go, a lot of votes for Memphis to upset UConn and a lot of confidence for the Madison Square Garden date with Maryland. Feel free to share your predictions in the comments!</p>
<p>GO HUSKIES!</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/12/9725246/uconn-mens-basketball-roundtable-best-win-most-likely-to-upset-theMatthewGionfriddoKaveh JamTim FontenaultTucker WarnerBenjamin Zachs2015-11-12T08:00:02-05:002015-11-12T08:00:02-05:00The Best Games I've Been To, Part 2
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<img alt="How amazing was that UConn-Michigan State game that sent the Huskies back to the Final Four?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EBEoSthqoFzrTvta0VvuuyuayC8=/0x0:3547x2365/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47644811/GettyImages-481570545.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>How amazing was that UConn-Michigan State game that sent the Huskies back to the Final Four? | Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Tim continues his countdown of the best games he has seen in person.</p> <p>The conversation that took place after Part 1 of this list was published Tuesday was amazing. It got me thinking about how many special games there are to pick from. I wish I could have been at more of the games mentioned, but I have a great list to pick from.</p>
<p>This is Part 2, the top 13 games I have been to, either as a writer or a reporter.</p>
<p>Remember to share your memories from these games, as well as your favorites that may not be on this list. (I can't have the 1988 NIT or Tate George's shot on here. I was born in 1992.)</p>
<p>Part 1 containing numbers games 14 to 25 and an honorable mention can be found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/11/9703368/mens-basketball-the-top-25-and-one-uconn-games-ive-seen-in-person">here</a>.</p>
<p><b>13) No. 2 UConn 77, Rutgers 64 – Gampel Pavilion, Feb. 16, 1999</b></p>
<p>This one is so high because it was my first ever UConn game. I was six years old. My grandfather called me that night and told me he was coming to pick me up and I should put on a UConn shirt. When he got there, he had two tickets in his hand. I had looked at the likes of Richard Hamilton, Khalid El-Amin, Ricky Moore, Kevin Freeman, etc. as giants. To see them play basketball in person, months before winning the national championship, was incredible.</p>
<p><b>12) UConn 57, Cincinnati 54 – XL Center, March 13, 2015</b></p>
<p><span>Ryan Boatright</span> is the latest to play the role of Savage in the long-running series "Don't Mess With UConn in March."</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hCz8EgFlWyY" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><b>11) No. 2 Syracuse 71, UConn 69 – Gampel Pavilion, Feb. 25, 2012</b></p>
<p>Losing to Syracuse sucks. But this game was incredible. Not only was it College GameDay, but UConn—in the midst of a difficult season—nearly picked up a win that could have changed the course of the season. It was loud. It was wild.</p>
<p>Oh, and this. THIS. SO MUCH THIS!</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yl_FneYEDfg" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>10) No. 8 Notre Dame 70, No. 16 UConn 67 – Gampel Pavilion, March 5, 2011</b></p>
<p>UConn ended up missing out on a chance at a first-round bye in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-east-basketball-tournament" class="sbn-auto-link">Big East Tournament</a>, but this game was all kinds of epic. For as loud as that Dyson-to-Stix alley-oop was against Texas, I think there may have been an even louder Gampel moment in this game.</p>
<p><span>Ben Hansbrough</span>, the eventual Big East Player of the Year***************, was on the bench in foul trouble midway through the second half. He came back in with Notre Dame up 10, only to foul up with 8:23 left. Gampel erupted. Seriously, the moment when Hansbrough fouled out was one of the loudest reactions I have ever heard at Gampel Pavilion.</p>
<p>UConn overcame the deficit to take a five-point lead. Notre Dame pulled ahead again. How did Donnell Beverley drop that pass from <span>Kemba Walker</span>?</p>
<p><b>9) No. 22 UConn 72, West Virginia 71 – Gampel Pavilion, Feb. 26, 2000</b></p>
<p>Senior Night 2000. Khalid El-Amin was a junior, but this ended up being his final game at Gampel Pavilion. How did he go out? He went the length of the floor with UConn down one and hit a running floater for at the buzzer for the win. I can still perfectly picture El-Amin running into the crowd across from where my grandfather and I were sitting.</p>
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<p><b>8) UConn 88, No. 1 Texas 74 – Gampel Pavilion, Jan. 23, 2010</b></p>
<p>This would have been higher if Texas had not lost earlier in the week. The game was still ridiculous. Getting tickets for it as a Christmas gift and being able to take my cousin to his first game at Gampel made it even better. UConn dominated from start to finish. When Jerome Dyson threw the ball above the rim for <span>Stanley Robinson</span>, I can't remember many moments when I've heard Gampel louder. That was the ballgame only a few minutes in.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNwCUs-cODQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>7) No. 7 Georgetown 79, UConn 78 (2OT) – Gampel Pavilion, Feb. 27, 2013</b></p>
<p>Another game from the year of the ban, this one was wild. Yes, UConn lost, but the shenanigans, like <span>DeAndre Daniels</span> inbounding the ball off Nate Lubick's back to himself, were absolutely crazy.</p>
<p>This game produced Omar Calhoun's finest moment, a game-tying 3-pointer with three seconds left. This is another one of those "loudest I've heard Gampel" moments. I couldn't breathe in the front row of the student section. Textbook 2012-13 UConn right there.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Co8BoQVFzTU" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><b>6) No. 12 UConn 65, No. 15 Florida 64 – Gampel Pavilion, Dec. 2, 2013</b></p>
<p>No need to say anything about this one. The video—which I shot (and was seen on Fox Sports Live that whole night)—says it all. Looks like Napier's ankle was just fine.</p>
<p>This is a debatable subject matter, but this might be the loudest moment of all the games I have been to at Gampel Pavilion.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QLcOj6Z7Fus" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>5) No. 8 UConn 61, No. 7 Villanova 59 – Gampel Pavilion, Jan. 17, 2011</b></p>
<p>Another one of the loudest moments of the many I have heard at Gampel Pavilion. It was great to get back to campus for the start of my second semester at UConn. It was even better to see the student section packed at Gampel Pavilion again. I got there at about 7 a.m. and still ended up halfway up in the lower level.</p>
<p>This game between two longtime rivals and two top-10 teams was as intense as all the other UConn-Villanova games, and it ended in incredible fashion. As this was the 2010-11 season, Kemba Walker got the ball in his hands at the end of the game, and he came up clutch, hitting a floater to beat the Wildcats. Place. Got. Loud.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN88HzXGlaE" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>4) No. 21 UConn 69, No. 14 Louisville 66 – Madison Square Garden, New York, March 12, 2011</b></p>
<p>My grandfather played quite a role in getting me to some of the most memorable games of my life.</p>
<p>After UConn beat Syracuse in the 2011 Big East semifinals, I was going crazy. Then I get a phone call from my grandfather. He said, "Hey Tim, want to go to the championship game tomorrow?" I almost died.</p>
<p>We got to Manhattan the next day. I almost lost my ticket in a pizza place. I said a prayer at St. Patrick's Cathedral and I watched one of the most epic showdowns I have seen in my life. UConn and Louisville, two of the best, going back and forth. But Kemba Walker took over, as per usual, and the Huskies won their historic fifth game in five days for a record-tying seventh Big East Tournament championship.</p>
<p>But for real, my heart stopped when <span>Preston Knowles</span> put up his 3-pointer at the buzzer.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lMKHxNpd2sU" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p><b>3) UConn 60, Michigan State 54 – Madison Square Garden, March 30, 2014</b></p>
<p>This game could easily be No. 1. Maybe it should be, but I couldn't move the top two.</p>
<p>UConn and Michigan State turned in a great battle at Madison Square Garden in the 2014 Elite Eight. It was an elite defensive battle and a crazy game on both sides of the field. The best part of this game was the crowd, the all-UConn crowd. Once again, MSG became the Huskies' house, and once again, the Huskies booked a trip to the Final Four.</p>
<p>This game came up in conversation after Part 1 was released Wednesday. For a lot of people, this is their favorite game without question. I like how our friends at @NoEscalators described it.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheUConnBlog">@TheUConnBlog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinRDuffy">@KevinRDuffy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Fontenault">@Tim_Fontenault</a> msu at msg felt like the ultimate expression of uconn fandom. it felt goddamn spiritual, man</p>
— We take the stairs (@NoEscalators) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoEscalators/status/664635198643044352">November 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>It was absolutely spiritual. To be in that building, which was effectively Gampel Pavilion but twice the size (as it always is), with all those UConn fans going freaking wild, I don't think I'll ever experience a better atmosphere in my life. The UConn express trains came in from New Haven, our fanbase took over the city. The "Big Red" moments were thunderous. I'm getting chills just writing about this. I'm going to have to go watch it on UConnHuskyGames.com real soon.</p>
<p>One of my favorite parts of the game was watching the celebration. I was thinking about Jim Calhoun's retirement press conference in September 2013. I interviewed <span>Niels Giffey</span> afterward and asked him about the approach he would take over the next two years with the postseason ban. He looked me in the eyes and said he felt the NCAA had taken away something from him when he had done nothing wrong. He wanted them to know he was not going to let them take away his right to play for another championship.</p>
<p>He joined his brothers at center court, but then he stepped away, pointed his hands to the sky, looked up and let out a yell. When I asked him about the feeling after, you could tell he was getting emotional. How could he not?</p>
<p>And, for your viewing pleasure, ASAP Philly!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fVVMhmGdsA4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><b>2) UConn 66, No. 6 Syracuse 58 – XL Center, Feb. 13, 2013</b></p>
<p>"They can ban us from the postseason. They can ban us from the Big East tournament. But they can't ban us from getting better. They can't ban us from loving each other. We're the purest team out there, we're not playing for the postseason, we're playing for the love of the game, for the love of UConn and for each other."</p>
<p>Two-and-a-half years later, that quote still hits me in the feels.</p>
<p>UConn and Syracuse could meet in Atlantis on Thanksgiving. That would be freaking awesome. I already told my family they're secondary on that day if it happens. I've spent 22 Thanksgivings with them. UConn-Syracuse doesn't come around too often anymore.</p>
<p>There have been plenty of amazing UConn-Syracuse games—if I had been at the six overtime game, it would be top two on this list—but the last one was special. The game was at night, but if I recall correctly, my roommates and I spent all day in Hartford. We weren't risking not getting our usual spots in the front row for this one.</p>
<p>With everything UConn was dealing with—the ban, the realignment snub, the doubts about the future—the Huskies put it all on the line in this one. Everything was going right. Omar balled out. Boatright flew through the air on alley-oops and drilled clutch threes.</p>
<p>After the game, we celebrated like it was a championship. That was our championship that year. After huddling around Kevin Ollie like a family while he was interviewed by Andy Katz, the players made their way to the student section, where there were hugs all around. <a target="_blank" href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1263835!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/webuconn14s-meh-web.jpg">This</a> is one of my all-time favorite pictures. It is Boatright hugging my best friend, Kenny, who has this picture framed and hanging on his wall. The whole postgame celebration was special.</p>
<p>I actually had a Syracuse fan try to throw a snowball at me as we left the XL Center in a state of euphoria. When he went to throw the snowball, it turned out to be powder, and it exploded in his face.</p>
<p>I guess he left with a bad taste of UConn in his mouth.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8i85J4aDkpc" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>1) UConn 60, Kentucky 54 – AT&T Stadium, Dallas, April 7, 2014</b></p>
<p>"Down into the hands of Boatright with five seconds, and this most improbable tournament run comes to an end with a UConn championship! The Huskies, once again, are in basketball heaven!"</p>
<p>I did what I had to do as a reporter during this game, but I got to see UConn play in the National Championship Game. I got to see UConn win the national championship. I was on the floor for the trophy presentation and the net cutting. I nearly knocked the trophy over (accidentally) in the locker room after the game. I still have confetti from the celebration.</p>
<p>Everything about that night was truly magical. To be part of that, to be there behind the scenes after the game, it was amazing.</p>
<p>This was UConn's fourth national championship, and after all the adversity it got through to get there, it was the most special of the four. "This is what happens when you ban us!"</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P-yUhWoaRlA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/12/9711270/mens-basketball-the-top-25-and-one-uconn-games-ive-seen-in-personTim Fontenault2015-11-11T11:35:22-05:002015-11-11T11:35:22-05:00Who Will Lead the Team in Rebounds? Assists?
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<img alt="Sterling Gibbs is a likely candidate to lead the team in assists. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EjuAMqzvC8zVGUao0zgvfiGba_Y=/10x0:4282x2848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47636517/_DSC0028.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sterling Gibbs is a likely candidate to lead the team in assists. | Stephen Quick</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We know that the scoring will be pretty balanced, so it's hard to predict a leader there. But who will lead UConn in assists and rebounds?</p> <p>We're just a few days from tip-off for UConn Men's Basketball against Maine this Friday. With the season fast approaching, we're going to be engaging in discussions around topics such as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/9/9697668/mens-basketball-roundtable-what-role-will-omar-calhoun-play-for-uconn">what role </a><span>Omar Calhoun</span> will play, or who may <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/7/9687946/mens-basketball-rodney-purvis-ready-to-be-leader-ollies-looking-for">emerge as a leader on the team</a>. Every piece of our preview coverage <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/10/9704530/uconn-huskies-mens-basketball-2015-2016-season-preview">can be found here</a>.</p>
<p>Today, we ask our esteemed panel: who will lead the team in rebounds and assists? This isn't about filling the stat sheet- it's a discussion on who the chief creators will be on the court and who's going to play with the right positioning and tenacity to be a factor on the boards, preventing second-chance points while creating them for UConn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Tim Fontenault: </b>Having <span>Shonn Miller</span> on the squad is a huge boost for UConn. The Huskies have struggled recently to be the strong rebounding team it needs to be to put teams away. Miller gives them another long guy who can grab boards.</p>
<p>But <b>Daniel Hamilton</b> is still going to lead this team in rebounding. We're talking about a guy who flew through the air and grabbed nearly eight per game as a freshman in a physical league. He looks a little stronger this year, so expect him to win even more battles on the boards.</p>
<p>Assists will go to <b><span>Sterling Gibbs</span></b>. He's not the scoring option he was at Seton Hall now that he is at UConn. He will get the ball to <span>Rodney Purvis</span> and Daniel Hamilton and create chances for them to get points. He will still average between seven and nine points, but he's also going to provide a league-leading number of assists.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Tucker Warner:</b> Leading the team in rebounding will more than likely be <b>Shonn Miller</b>. He showed himself to be a valuable contributor on the boards for Cornell, and I see no reason why that won't continue at UConn, particularly playing next to <span>Amida Brimah</span>, who is not as strong a rebounder as many would suspect, given his size and overall defensive ability.</p>
<p>Now, it should be noted, the Cornell that Miller played for is not the same Cornell as we saw in the Steve Donahue era, when they made the tournament three straight years and made a Sweet 16 in 2010. Miller's Cornell has yet to earn a winning record, having no more than 13 wins in a season when Miller plays (in 2013-14, when he was injured, the team won only two games). So take it with a grain of salt that Miller is statistically the best rebounder who will get enough minutes to earn the top spot—but know that he is still a quality player who will contribute to the Huskies, especially on the boards.</p>
<p><b>Sterling Gibbs</b> will probably be the assists leader for the Huskies. Playing at Seton Hall, whose team chemistry was put together by a mad scientist, didn't give Gibbs the opportunity to be a great assist man, even if he is more of a shoot-first point guard. However, his shooting skill will only open up opportunities for UConn teammates, and will allow him to be at the forefront of this offense. He won't go unchallenged for the team assist crown, of course—<span>Jalen Adams</span> could be even better than we expect in his freshman year, and Daniel Hamilton is a terrific playmaker for teammates as well as himself—but Gibbs will get the most opportunities to assert himself in the assists race.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Ben Zachs: </b>Daniel. Daniel. Daniel. Rebounds. Assists. Minutes. Yeah. I added an extra category for him to lead the team in. My expectations for <b>Daniel Hamilton</b> are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/8/9691572/5-takeaways-from-uconn-huskies-mens-basketball-vs-new-haven/in/9468571">incredibly high going into this season</a>. His court vision is top notch and he has more weapons to get the ball to. He also will be relied upon more heavily to to handle the ball and initiate the offense. Last year, Hamilton had one fewer assist on the season than <span>Ryan Boatright</span> and Boat was the catalyst for everything the team did.</p>
<p>Kevin Ollie has made it clear that he wants the team pushing tempo and initiating offense. When defensive rebounds come into Hamilton's hands, expect him to run and look to distribute on the break. Expect more than 4 assists per game from Hamilton.</p>
<p>Hamilton led the Huskies with 7.6 rebounds per game last season and I don't expect that to change this year. Early last season, Hamilton played more SF than PF, as <span>Kentan Facey</span> was given a lot of minutes; however, as the season progressed, Facey's minutes diminished and Hamilton played more PF. This saw an uptick in his rebounding numbers. This year, I hope to see a lot of Hamilton at PF, but with Miller in the fold and Brimah (hopefully) not having rocks for hands, he may not be relied upon as heavily to crash the glass. Still, his nature is to get in there and when Hamilton secures a rebound, the offense gets going immediately. Whether he matches his per game average or not, I am unsure, but I expect him to lead the group.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Matt Gionfriddo:</b> It was tempting to put <span>Daniel Hamilton</span> down for the leader in both rebounds and assists, but with the athletic <b>Shonn Miller</b> coming in, I believe it will be the Cornell transfer who will lead the team in rebounds. Averaging 8.5 RPG last season, Miller comes to a team that needs rebounding and he can certainly fill that void. As the season gets in full swing, I expect Miller to treat rebounding to be his primary job, grabbing everything and anything that comes his way.</p>
<p><b>Hamilton</b>, however, is still my pick for leader in assists per game. The sophomore proved last year that he has the ability to create for others as he averaged 3.7 APG, second on the team to Ryan Boatright. Whether it was against man to man or zone defense, there were countless times when Hamilton received the ball at the free throw line and either hit someone for a three or threw one of his infamous lobs to Amida Brimah. With one year under his belt, I expect Hamilton to cut down on turnovers and be even more intelligent with the ball, increasing his assist total.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Ben Cantor:</b> The early reports are in, and <b>Shonn Miller </b>has already become manager of the local glass cleaning service in eastern Connecticut. Miller comes to UConn after averaging 8.5 rebounds per game at Cornell, and even though this was against Ivy league competition, I don't see that number dipping. He will play most of his minutes next to Amida Brimah, who loves nothing more than stretching completely out of position in order to block and alter any shot that goes up inside the three point line. Miller is the perfect complement, as he will cover up all the space Brimah will have left open, eliminating opponents' hopes for second-chance points, a category that has really hurt the Huskies the last few seasons.</p>
<p><b>Sterling Gibbs</b> is my pick to lead the team in assists. Throughout his college career, he has shown the ability to facilitate the offense and help his teammates get good looks at the basket. Gibbs was fifth in the Big East last season in assists, a league with tremendous guard play. With teams needing to respect his three point shooting ability, Gibbs can use his serious quickness to gain a step on defenders and penetrate into the lane where he can rack up dimes to the Huskies' swath of big men.</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/11/9712368/uconn-mens-basketball-roundtable-who-will-lead-the-team-in-reboundsSB Nation College NewsTim FontenaultBenjamin ZachsTucker WarnerMatthewGionfriddoBenjaminCantor2015-11-11T08:05:01-05:002015-11-11T08:05:01-05:00The 25 Best UConn Games I've Been To
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<img alt="Does anything top being at a National Championship Game?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9gCMqxyCMSh6Os5DYJGpD-lf50M=/0x67:2983x2056/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47627871/usa-today-7859380.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Does anything top being at a National Championship Game? | Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As Tim Fontenault begins his third season covering UConn Men's Basketball, he examines the 25 best UConn games he has ever been to.</p> <p>UConn men's basketball has always been an important part of my life. Many of you know that. I was known as the UConn kid growing up. I was one of the crazy kids in the front row at games my first three years at UConn. The past two years, you have probably known me as the UConn men's basketball beat writer for The Daily Campus.</p>
<p>This year, I continue on covering the Huskies, but now as the beat writer for The UConn Blog. I am incredibly excited to be able to continue working such a fantastic beat alongside some of my journalistic role models.</p>
<p>I truly believe what I said in July – that this team is good enough to compete for a national championship. That means we are probably in for a few more memorable games this year.</p>
<p>I have been going to UConn basketball games since 1999, so I can't remember the exact total I have seen in person, but it's nearing 100. As the 2015-16 season begins, I want to share some of the most memorable games I have been part of. I'm sure some of you were at each of these games, and who doesn't like to reminisce?</p>
<p>This list was incredibly hard to make. The order was tough enough, but picking the games to include was damn-near impossible. Some great ones got left off, some wins and some losses. Yes, there are some losses on this list, and some are quite high. Am I happy UConn lost? If I was there as a fan, no. If I was there as a reporter, it did not matter to me. I was so close to putting the Texas and Yale losses from 2014 on the list. Win or lose, if it is a great basketball game, I love it.</p>
<p>This list started as a top-10 list, then I made it 20, then 25. I couldn't make some tough choices, so I pulled a CBS and went 25 (and one). I also had to split it into two parts, because it got a little too big.</p>
<p>If you have memories of these games, definitely share them below. Share your own list. Criticize my order. Whatever you want. Have a look. Have your say. It's great to be talking UConn basketball again.</p>
<p><b>Honorable Mention: No. 2 Duke 66, UConn 56 – IZOD Center, East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 18, 2014</b></p>
<p>This was a cool game, if only because I always wanted to see UConn play Duke. It just so happens this game ended up being a game between the 2014 and 2015 national champions. Had the Huskies been able to shoot, they would have won this game by five. It was amazing how many times UConn shot itself in the foot. But Duke's defense was great. Not many of you agreed with me on this back then. (*Embeds tweet, puts on sunglasses*)</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Put me down for Duke as the early favorite for the national title. This defense is dominant.</p>
— Tim Fontenault (@Tim_Fontenault) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Fontenault/status/545772645565104130">December 19, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b>25) UConn 89, St. Joseph's 81 (OT) – First Niagara Center, Buffalo, March 20, 2014</b></p>
<p><span>Amida Brimah</span> stood at the foul line with the weight of the season on his shoulders. Brimah's three-point play with 50 seconds left forced overtime. UConn went on to win the game and the national championship. Ridiculous finish.</p>
<p><i>Side Note: </i>The trip to Buffalo was my first <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> experience. The first game I saw in the tournament was Dayton-Ohio State. How could I have been luckier? Well, I saw Dayton beat Syracuse two days later. That was great.</p>
<p><b>24) Villanova 78, UConn 74 – Gampel Pavilion, Feb. 28, 2007</b></p>
<p>The first loss on the list. This one was cool, because <span>Scottie Reynolds</span> put on a show. The freshman put up 40 points, the eighth-most points for a UConn opponent in history. That night was also Senior Night at UConn. The school honored Dale Nosel, also known as the kid who paints his body blue and white for every game. So when you tell yourself, "Dale's been around for like 12 years," he actually has.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vO7QhuDEMyQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>23) No. 2 UConn 99, Hartford 56 – XL Center, Nov. 17, 2008</b></p>
<p>This game was the farthest thing from exciting. It makes this list for one reason: <span>Kemba Walker</span> made his first career UConn start in this game.</p>
<p><b>22) UConn 89, Vermont 73 – XL Center, Nov. 17, 2010</b></p>
<p>Speaking of Kemba Walker, he put on a show against the Catamounts in a prequel to his Maui domination. Only seven Huskies have put up more in a single game than Walker's 42 that night against Vermont.</p>
<p><b>21) No. 14 UConn 79, Harvard 73 – Gampel Pavilion, Dec. 6, 2009</b></p>
<p>Where were you when "Linsanity" began? I was in Sec. 221 at Gampel Pavilion, watching <span>Jeremy Lin</span> go absolutely crazy on the Huskies, giving Harvard a great chance to pull an incredible upset. This was the game when people started to take notice of Lin. The rest, of course is history.</p>
<p>I also didn't know at the time that when my dad gave me tickets to this game, it was part of a three-game package for the season. The package was highlighted by tickets to the game against Texas.</p>
<p><b>20) UConn 81, No. 21 SMU 73 – XL Center, March 1, 2015</b></p>
<p>All the struggles of the last season for the Huskies seemed to disappear with this game. <span>Rodney Purvis</span>, <span>Ryan Boatright</span> and <span>Daniel Hamilton</span> combined for 46 points in the second half, as UConn showed it could hang with the Mustangs entering the American Athletic Conference championship.</p>
<p><b>19) No. 21 UConn 58, No. 13 Cincinnati 56 – FedExForum, March 14, 2014</b></p>
<p>Mick Cronin was convinced <span>Sean Kilpatrick</span> should have beaten out <span>Shabazz Napier</span> for the American's inaugural Player of the Year award. When the two went head to head in the conference semifinals, Napier delivered, and Kilpatrick missed a contested layup at the buzzer, sending UConn to the championship game.</p>
<p>This may still be the best moment of the game. Napier's step-back shot was almost completely identical to Walker's against Pittsburgh.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4-KyQG71tE" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p><b>18) UConn 63, Florida 53 – AT&T Stadium, Dallas, April 5, 2014</b></p>
<p>I should probably have my first ever Final Four game higher than 18th, but that should say something about how memorable some of these other UConn games were. This was still a great game. Florida was my pick to win the national championship in 2014. Don't ever count the Huskies out in March or April.</p>
<p><b>17) UConn 82, Providence 79 (OT) – Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, Jan. 31, 2013</b></p>
<p>In 2012, a group of about 20 or 25 of my friends and I made the trip to Providence to cheer on the Huskies. They lost. We had to hear it all the way back to our cars for the long ride home. One year later, we were back, this time with nearly 50 people in the same section we were in the year before, adjacent to the UConn bench. The Huskies knew we were there, and we urged them to an intense overtime win.</p>
<p>On the way home, I came up to a red light. A car pulled alongside us, and the person in the passenger seat wanted us to roll down the window. I rolled it down, and was surprised to be looking at Shabazz Napier, who was so excited we had gone to the game.</p>
<p><b>16) No. 20 SMU 62, UConn 53 – XL Center, March 15, 2015</b></p>
<p>The American championship game last season was phenomenal, and it showed a glimpse of the 2015-16 Huskies. When Ryan Boatright went down, <span>Rodney Purvis</span> and Daniel Hamilton took over, getting the Huskies back into the game. Foul trouble killed UConn in the end, but man, what a fight.</p>
<p><b>15) No. 21 UConn 79, No. 22 Georgetown 62 – Madison Square Garden, March 9, 2011</b></p>
<p>UConn obliterated the Hoyas in the second game of the 2011 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-east-basketball-tournament">Big East Tournament</a>. That game gave me a great feeling about the Huskies. If they beat Pittsburgh the next day, they would win the conference title. If they won the conference title, they would win the national championship.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tcGQpjCztgA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>14) UConn 63, Providence 59 (OT) – Gampel Pavilion, March 9, 2013</b></p>
<p>I can write about the 2012-13 Huskies forever. This was the year of the postseason ban, and I consider one of the greatest—certainly one of the most important—in UConn history. The ban, conference realignment, Jim Calhoun's retirement, it piled up.</p>
<p>This is one of my all-time favorite teams. I don't think people who weren't on campus at the time have been able to fully appreciate it. The team's refusal to fold and its determination to fight for the name on the front of the jersey lifted the campus. We all came together because of Kevin Ollie's first team.</p>
<p>This game was super emotional. The final game of the year was the Huskies' pursuit of a 20th win. Entering the year, I was thinking 17-13 would be a reasonable expectation. Should UConn go 20-10, I would consider it a great season, up with some of the other successful UConn seasons.</p>
<p>It was also my final game in the student section before becoming a men's basketball beat writer. My friends and I gave our all to urge the Huskies on. After they won, when Warde Manuel presented the plaque honoring the team and this video played, there were few—if any—dry eyes in Gampel Pavilion. When we saw the players tear up, my friends and I started tearing up. All the feels.</p>
<h5>Come back tomorrow for Part 2!</h5>
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https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/11/9703368/mens-basketball-the-top-25-and-one-uconn-games-ive-seen-in-personTim Fontenault2015-11-09T14:51:14-05:002015-11-09T14:51:14-05:00What Role Will Omar Calhoun Have This Season?
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<figcaption>Can Omar Calhoun get back to the level of play he showed off his freshman year? | Steve Quick/The UConn Blog</figcaption>
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<p>Omar Calhoun had an incredible season as a freshman at UConn. Now a senior, can the Brooklyn native get back to that level and play a big role for the Huskies?</p> <p>Omar Calhoun was one of the bright spots of a memorable 2012-13 season for UConn. Calhoun averaged 11 points and nearly four rebounds, earning him Big East Conference Rookie of the Year honors.</p>
<p>Calhoun was a critical piece of the squad that year, a year marked by the postseason ban. His clutch play helped UConn pick up a win in the final showdown against Syracuse. Then there was the night he forced overtime against No. 7 Georgetown with a three right before time expired.</p>
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<p>His numbers dipped significantly his sophomore season, though they improved slightly last season.</p>
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<p>As part of our preview of the 2015-16 season, the staff of The UConn Blog looks at Calhoun's senior season. What kind of role will the Brooklyn native have with the Huskies this season, and can he get back to the level of play he demonstrated as a freshman?</p>
<p><b>Tim Fontenault: </b>The preseason left a lot unanswered with Omar Calhoun. He shot well against Tampa, but then he missed every shot he took against New Haven (though I liked every shot and want him to keep shooting). His role will depend on which Omar shows up: freshman Omar or sophomore/junior Omar. If he shows up, he gives UConn depth behind Daniel Hamilton. If not, he won't get the minutes, simple as that.</p>
<p>I have always been high on Omar Calhoun, even when injuries affected his play, because I remember him at his best. His performance in the final Syracuse game and his 3-pointer against Georgetown are two of my fondest in-person memories of UConn basketball. I know he still has that in him, but these last two seasons may have done irreparable damage to his ability to be a game-changer.</p>
<p>The thing is, if they didn't, if Omar Calhoun comes out firing and is successful all year, the Huskies are in even better shape than we think they are right now. If #OmarComin becomes #OmarHere, and if the other concerns (rebounding, chemistry) work themselves out, UConn has everything it needs to cut the nets in Houston.</p>
<p><b>Tucker Warner: </b>In an ideal world, Omar Calhoun's progression as a basketball player was never hindered by injuries, and he developed into a reliable, consistent starter for UConn. In the real world, injuries took their toll on Calhoun, and it's likely his on-court impact has suffered as a result of that. This year, UConn brings in a bit more depth around the perimeter, which will likely cut into Calhoun's playing time unless he made major improvements this offseason. Knowing how unlikely it is to improve so much in the short time between seasons (especially toward the end of a college basketball career), I don't expect much more from Calhoun this season.</p>
<p>To define his likely role with specifics: Omar Calhoun will likely occupy a modified three-and-D role for the Huskies this season, helping to space the floor on offense and providing better defense than any other backup around the perimeter. Calhoun will probably end his UConn career without ever being the great shooter many thought he would become, but he can be a quality option off the bench in terms of knocking down a few threes to keep opposing defenses honest. If he learns to get to the basket more effectively, and gets better at ball movement, Calhoun could definitely see his minutes increase, but if he starts the season in a shooting slump, he might be rotated out for Sam Cassell Jr. pretty quickly.</p>
<p><b>Ben Cantor: </b>Omar Calhoun has had as much of an up and down career at UConn as anyone in the last five seasons. After a tremendous freshman year, Calhoun has yet to look remotely like the player that hit the buzzer-beating game-tying three against a top ten Georgetown team in 2013. He has battled a healthy mix of injuries and confidence over the last two seasons, but enters his senior year with a serious chip on his shoulder, looking to prove to Husky Nation once again why he is here.</p>
<p>UConn hasn't seen this balance of experience and depth since at least 2009 and Omar Calhoun epitomizes this. He has been a focal point for Kevin Ollie's offense, a cheerleader on the bench, and a national champion. He is likely to be UConn's second or third man off the bench and can impact the game with improved defense and rebounding, and a shooting ability that we know is under the layers of tumult from his past two seasons. If Calhoun can tap into this part of his offensive game, opposing teams better watch out.</p>
<p><b>Matt Gionfriddo: </b>My expectations for Omar Calhoun are that while he may not fill up the stat sheet and may not even score in double digits often, he will still play an important role in the success of this season. After battling through two brutal hip surgery recoveries, there were rumors that Calhoun may transfer after the national championship season. He did not. Omar Calhoun is still wearing a UConn uniform despite seeing his minutes get practically cut in half since his freshman season.</p>
<p>When thinking and writing about Omar, it reminds me of an <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/9/10/9305111/max-delorenzo-emerging-as-a-leader-for-uconn-football">article by Aman about Max DeLorenzo</a>, a redshirt senior running back on the football team. He too thought about transferring as he went through the darkest of dark days with UConn Football. He too had his playing time reduced as talent came into the program, but like Calhoun, he stayed the course. Like Calhoun, Delorenzo just wanted to see the program be successful even if it meant doing the little things.</p>
<p>Calhoun has battled through more adversity than most players on this roster which makes him a great leader by example for this team. He may not be the rah-rah type, but it is clear that he is a phenomenal teammate and puts UConn before himself. Omar is by no means the most talented player on the roster, but you know he will give 100 percent 100 percent of the time. Omar is going to be the one battling down in the trenches for rebounds even though he's 6-foot-5. Omar is going to be the one diving on the floor for loose balls. Omar is going to be the one to pick teammates up when things go wrong. Omar is going to be the one giving all he's got on defense, and if he can hit some threes then LET'S GO. I love this kid.</p>
<p><b>Kaveh Jam: </b>The AAC is top heavy this year with talented teams that can deploy various weapons on any given night. One of the crucial roles that will help a contending team rise to the top of the conference will be outside shooting. For the Huskies, Omar Calhoun is a prime candidate to fill that role. Calhoun supplied ample shooting and scoring during his freshman year, when he started every game. He has weathered some bumps along the way and injuries have slowed him to some degree but you can make the argument he might be the best three-point shooter on this team. We've yet to see what Jalen Adams can do consistently from deep during a game. And even if Adams can knock down the three, it surely won't be his sole responsibility.</p>
<p>Calhoun's 6-foot-6-inch frame is right around the ideal size Ollie likes in his wing players. That should allow Calhoun to shoot over smaller guards and stretch the floor. If he can embrace that role this year, it would open up the interior considerably, allowing bigs like Amidah Brimah the space to cause damage.</p>
<p><b>Ben Zachs: </b>For the first time since his freshman year, Omar is healthy and ready to go. Word from practices is that he has really worked hard to make an impact in his final season in Storrs (especially after two down years). While readiness and health are important, any contribution from Omar Calhoun as a welcomed addition to the team, but am not expecting much. With a number of extremely talented guards ahead of him, Omar is the fourth guard and will receive limited minutes. Omar has been a committed Husky when things were looking bleak and I'm rooting for him, but my expectations are tempered.</p>
<p>As UConn fans know, senior leadership and steady guard play are imperative to winning a championship. Optimistically, I hope to see Omar as a committed defender, late game ball handler against the press, and a clutch free throw shooter. If Omar can take ownership of that role and accept being a defensive stopper versus a star, he will add incredible value on this team. Omar becoming a Rashmel Jones or Lasan Kromah would be excellent and earn him minutes.</p>
<p><b>Dan Madigan: </b>Anyone who knows me knows Omar Calhoun is one of favorite players, and that I have big expectations for him this season. That being said, I think Omar can make a huge impact off the bench this season, much like he did in his freshman season where he averaged 11.1 points per game and shot 32.1 percent from beyond the arc. While Jalen Adams seems to have solidified the sixth man spot on this team to start the season, Omar should and likely will be relied upon to be the first shooting guard off the bench. He has the skill set to hit threes, rebound and take guys off the dribble and should be able to use that to be a sparkplug for the offense off the bench. I could easily see Omar averaging over 10 points per game and shooting around 35-37 percent from three this season. He has always had the potential to be a big-time scorer at this level, and I think this is the year he takes the next step and finally shows growth from his freshman season. With how deep and balanced this team is, I wouldn't be surprised if Calhoun leads the team in scoring once or twice this year. #OmarComin</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/9/9697668/mens-basketball-roundtable-what-role-will-omar-calhoun-play-for-uconnTim FontenaultDan MadiganTucker WarnerBenjamin ZachsMatthewGionfriddoBen CantorKaveh Jam2015-11-08T11:45:57-05:002015-11-08T11:45:57-05:00Thoughts from the UConn MBB Exhibition
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<img alt="Walk-on Christian Foxen goes in for the dunk as his teammates watch excitedly." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mQoYVmWGgKaKoViDNIuzZ8KeT8U=/10x0:4282x2848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47610509/_DSC0148.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Walk-on Christian Foxen goes in for the dunk as his teammates watch excitedly. | Stephen Quick</figcaption>
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<p>What have we learned after the Huskies' second and final exhibition?</p> <h5><b>1. <span>Daniel Hamilton</span> is this team's best player</b></h5>
<p><b></b>There has been quite a bit of talk and questioning regarding who will become this team's "alpha dog." While Hamilton is not the vocal leader that Kemba Walker, Ryan Boatright and Shabazz Napier were, he is the engine that makes this team so dangerous.</p>
<p>Hamilton's greatest skill relates to how much better he makes his teammates. It is not simply that he makes great passes, but when he gets into the lane or runs the fast break, Hamilton gets into spots that suck in the defense and open up his teammates.</p>
<p>Compared to last year, his decision-making and handle seem much improved. Hamilton may not score 25 points per game, but he will have the biggest imprint on a game's outcome. We are watching a potentially very special player.</p>
<h5><b>2. Expect a lot of press, but not a lot of pressure this season</b></h5>
<p><b></b>While the 30-second shot clock may not be a huge factor, Kevin Ollie will be trying to make it feel like a great change. For nearly the entire game, Ollie employed a 2-2-1 or 2-1-2 press. This is done not to wreak havoc or create turnovers, like Shaka Smart's VCU teams or West Virginia, but to limit opponents' offensive sets and time trying to score.</p>
<p>While the rule change takes fives seconds off the possession, UConn tries to steal another six seconds or so from the offense using moderate pressure. As a result, UConn defends the half court set for a much shorter period of time. New Haven ran a motion offense and was forced into many shots late in the clock. It is generally difficult to sustain defensive focus and pressure for such a long time against an offense like this, but by shrinking the attack time in possession, UConn made its own life much easier. Look for this "low pressure" press often this year.</p>
<h5><b>3. The 2012 problem is not a big concern</b></h5>
<p><b></b>The 2011-12 team was had so much talent and potential, but it could never put it all together. There was never any cohesion with that team, especially offensively. This year's squad already plays well together on offense and seems comfortable creating opportunities for each other.</p>
<p>The UConn guards are always in attack mode. At every chance, <span>Jalen Adams</span>, <span>Rodney Purvis</span>, <span>Sterling Gibbs</span> and Hamilton are looking to get into the lane and make the defense uncomfortable. The guards make crisp passes and decisive dribbles in attempts to score and shift the defense. This does not mean that everything will simply click into place, but this will not be a team fighting itself throughout the game.</p>
<h5><b>4. UConn's best lineup might be Jalen Adams, Sterling Gibbs, <span>Rodney Purvis</span>, Daniel Hamilton, and <span>Shonn Miller</span></b></h5>
<p><b></b>This is not a knock on <span>Amida Brimah</span> or the other big men, but it's hard not to be excited about what this unit can accomplish. Defenses will really struggle guard the speed and versatility of this lineup. Against New Haven, admittedly not and incredibly talented team, this group was the most unstoppable.</p>
<p>Miller appears big enough to guard centers and does a great job of positioning himself to rebound. Ollie has talked about "positionless basketball" and this lineup can accomplish that. In this grouping, everyone can dribble, pass, and score. With a concerted effort by all five to rebound, that potential deficiency becomes less of a problem, especially with other teams running a lot of smaller lineups like this. Watch for UConn to run this unit on the court early and often with much success.</p>
<h5><b>5. Jalen Adams could be the most talented point guard, but he should not start</b></h5>
<p><b></b>In the first half, Adams showed everything that made him such a prized recruit. He has great handles, an accurate shot, and vast court vision. Adams' game reminds me of a <span>Derrick Rose</span> or <span>John Wall</span>. His athleticism and pressure are incredible and when it works, he will light up the scoreboard and rev up a crowd.</p>
<p>Adams had a number of drives and finishes that wowed everyone watching. However, he is a freshman and will make the mistakes typical of a young player. By being the sixth man, Adams can inject energy into the offense, rather than beginning the game with the weight of star expectations on his shoulders. He will impress, but he needs to watch and learn first. His time will come.</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/8/9691572/5-takeaways-from-uconn-huskies-mens-basketball-vs-new-havenBenjamin Zachs2015-11-07T14:52:28-05:002015-11-07T14:52:28-05:00UConn Beats New Haven 83-43
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<figcaption>Jalen Adams drives to the hoop in UConn's exhibition win. | Stephen Quick</figcaption>
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<p>UConn made easy work of the Chargers in the final exhibition game before the 2015-16 season begins next week.</p> <p>HARTFORD — The UConn men's basketball team let New Haven hang around early in the first half Saturday, but the Huskies' final exhibition turned into a rout, with the Huskies winning 83-43.</p>
<p><span>Rodney Purvis</span> and Steve Enoch led the Huskies with 11 points. The Huskies shot 51.6 percent from the field.</p>
<p>New Haven was in the game with about seven minutes to play in the first half, as the Huskies were only up by eight. Led by Purvis, <span>Amida Brimah</span> and <span>Jalen Adams</span>, UConn jumped out to a 38-20 halftime lead.</p>
<p>The Huskies put the game to bed early in the second half. Within six minutes, UConn had jumped out to a 52-30 lead, and the lead kept increasing from there.</p>
<p>UConn's starting lineup dominated New Haven whenever it was on the floor. Together, Purvis, <span>Sterling Gibbs</span>, <span>Daniel Hamilton</span>, <span>Shonn Miller</span> and Brimah outscored the Chargers 27-11 over the course of 10:11. The starters combined for a final plus-minus rating of plus-84.</p>
<p>The Huskies' bench struggled early, but got more comfortable as UConn pulled away. Adams pulled the strings for the second unit. The freshman finished with nine points and put in a stellar defensive performance. The elite freshman made two teals, blocked a shot and grabbed three rebounds.</p>
<p>UConn opens the regular season against Maine Friday night at Gampel Pavilion.</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/11/7/9688128/mens-basketball-huskies-conclude-exhibition-play-with-win-over-newTim Fontenault