UConn Basketball

Yesterday was a bigger day for UConn than expected, Coach Calhoun decided to retire from coaching. Jim Calhoun has had an incredible impact on Connecticut and the University of Connecticut. UConn may owe Calhoun because of how he turned UConn and its basketball team into a household name. Calhoun has accomplished a significant amount in the 26 years at UConn; Hall of Fame Coach, 3 National Championships, 7 Big East Championships, and coached over 29 players who played in the NBA.

I didn't get into college basketball until high school but coming from Cranston, RI, I grew up as a PC (Providence College) fan. I remember watching one of the best PC players and Friar's all-time leading scorer, Ryan Gomes. I mention this because this leads up to my first memory of Jim Calhoun:

That was my first impression of Calhoun and all I could think was "Wow, I was I could be straight forward with people as he was". And let's be honest, Omeka Okafor and Caron Butler are still absolutely amazing players.

Fast forward a few years later, I commit to UConn. I didn't choose UConn because of the sports, not even basketball. I didn't even think about going to any of the games until I saw Hasheem Thabeet at a soccer game (Hard to miss a 7 footer). Then I won the basketball lottery and it changed my life...

I became a Husky Hardcore and the most significant influence was men's basketball games. Gampel Pavilion, the atmosphere, the fans, and the team. All (-American) amazing and speculator. All of it would not be possible without Coach Calhoun. And how much do UConn students love Calhoun? Enough to put his face on their student section t-shirts.

He has one of the most unique smiles I have ever seen, though it wasn't very often you see his full smile. The aura is something that Coach Calhoun definitely had; demanding respect just by entering the court with the students standing and applauding. Here was Calhoun's last walk to the court in a National Championship game as head coach with his signature puzzle pin:

Without the powerhouse UConn basketball team, I wouldn't have gone to two Final Fours (Detroit and Houston). I wouldn't have known you could have #MauiInMSG and #MauiInHouston. I wouldn't have met some great people who I got to know at games. I wouldn't have known how a person could be heard throughout a full Gampel Pavilion (with some vulgar words included). It was great to see how much Coach Calhoun cared about his players especially on Senior Day. I had a great time at UConn and UConn basketball was a major aspect of my experience.

But it's on the future. UConn will continue to be one of the best programs in the country especially in great hands of Kevin Ollie. He seems very respectable and committed to greatness for the university. And with the penalties put on UConn by the NCAA, this year may be the best year for the transition to a new coach. He certainly did a good job with the guy below!

Thank you Coach Calhoun.