Possibly the greatest combination of size, leaping ability and enthusiasm in UConn history. Unfortunately, it takes more than that to play at this level.

Kwintin's practice and First Night jumps and dunks became an internet sensation, and he goes by the handle 'jumpmanbig'.

The tried but little-used Williams was suspended for the second half of his sophomore season. It wasn’t any one particular thing that Williams did, but rather a build-up of a bunch of smaller issues that finally came to a head. Williams clearly doesn’t believe he warranted the suspension, but still looks back at his two years in Storrs fondly — for the most part. “It was very … humbling,” he said, with a long pause between words. “It was a very big learning experience for me.”

Williams never played college ball again. “The way things went at UConn,” Williams said, “I don’t know if my mind and body can take another year of college basketball. It was a very stressful situation the last couple of years, very hard on me and my family, with what it takes to play at this level and playing for somebody that doesn’t believe in you very hard.”

He did, however, play in the NBA. Sort of. As his dunking videos went viral, he was noticed by Visual Concepts, the company that had bought the rights to the NBA 2K game series. He was flown out to San Francisco for two days to be filmed shooting and dunking for the upcoming NBA 2K20 game. “It’s a great opportunity,” Williams said. “They’ll put my first and last name in the game, all my dunk packages — all the stuff that wasn’t good enough for UConn.”

He did play for the 'Stars of Storrs' in the 2024 'The Basketball Tournament', known as TBT.

Sweet Stanley is beloved. JC took good care of his mercurial talent through several up/down periods.

"Sticks" played like 6'8" at 6'5". See this dunk vs. Texas in a sold out Gampel Pavilion to check out those 'ups': Stanley Ups.

As The college recruiting process began, “I had every school interested in me. I ended up narrowing it down to Memphis University and Connecticut. It was a “no brainer” deciding on Connecticut. I went to Connecticut and they just made it feel like home for me. Coach Calhoun breeds basketball players making it in the NBA, and I thought it was a great school to get my education from too.”

He played 4 productive, entertaining and fatiguing years in Storrs, capped off by a senior season of 14.5/7.6 with an assist, steal and a block per game. That year he scored in double figures in every regular season game except the last two. He had 8 double-doubles.

While he stepped up consistently along the schedule, he had several missteps along his precarious path at UConn. At the end of his sophomore season he was suspended from the team for what Coach Calhoun referred to as a desperate need to grow up. Stanley had not been focused. He was late to practice and skipping classes. Stanley was only age 17 when he enrolled at UConn, he was homesick, avoided media interviews and missed his two daughters in Alabama. Coach Calhoun gave Stanley two choices, go back to Alabama or stay in Connecticut get a job and earn his way back to the team. Soon Stanley was working for a former Husky, Ruslan Inyatkin, at Prime Materials, Inc. a factory in Willimantic, Connecticut filling boxes with scrap metal only to have another box waiting to be filled, for eight hours a day. He couldn’t practice with the team but continued working on his game before and after work. He was responsible to pay for his own apartment, food and utilities and save money to be able to pay his tuition for classes the following semester. He would be a walk-on player on the team without a scholarship, and try to earn his scholarship back for the following year.

Stanley knew he had made a commitment to UConn, he would become a better player possibly reaching his NBA dreams, and he thought what coach was doing to/for him was the right thing. Stanley came back. “I’m much different. I’m more mature now. This experience made me a man.” Stanley helped his team reach the NCAA Final Four that same season. “My most memorable moment was making it to the Final Four and just experiencing it.” “Coach Calhoun is a father figure to me. He stuck with me. He stayed as dedicated to me as I stayed dedicated to him.

Stanley’s winding road experience at UConn was not what he had expected but ended where he’d dreamed he’d be, when he was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the 2010 NBA draft. Released, he played a season in the D-League, then in Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, and Iceland.

Stanley's mental health issues led to his far too early death at home in Birmingham, Alabama at age 32 from an accidental overdose - fentanyl toxicity. RIP, "Sticks".

Chad Wise had a lot of time to think when he was stocking shelves at a Wal-Mart in Little Rock, Ark. He felt lost. Just a few months removed from the spotlight of big-time college basketball, Wise found himself asking a lot of questions. Among the most pressing: How in the world did he wind up here, unpacking disposable plates?

High D1 is a skill-kill. Chad had them but slow wheels and left after 2 unproductive years. He was crushed by the hard reality that there were plenty of other players just like him, all striving toward similar goals. So he said good-bye.

After playing a total of 78 minutes over the course of two seasons at UConn, his grade-point average tumbling along with his confidence, Wise returned home to Arkansas at the end of the 2003-04 season and wondered if he would ever play college basketball again.

When he played in pickup games during his official visit to UConn , he struggled. "I was horrible against those guys," he said. "I didn't even think I was going to have a chance to play there." But Calhoun liked Wise's work ethic and toughness -- he was a star quarterback in high school -- and felt he could contribute. He roomed with Ben Gordon and their one-on-one moments improved Wise as a ball player, His confidence was high. Alas, his studies started to be problematic. "I was distant from the coaches and my teammates, and I definitely handled it in a way I wish I hadn't," he said. "I gave up on myself." "It was a low point where I was confused," Wise said. "I was basically trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and I figured the best thing to do would be to come home and be around my family."

Wise landed at Central Arkansas and, his days at Wal-Mart presumably behind him. He helped the Division II Bears as a valued contributor off the bench. Wise said he was grateful for a second chance. "I just felt like I was nobody without basketball," he said.Wise landed at Central Arkansas and, his days at Wal-Mart presumably behind him. He helped the Division II Bears as a valued contributor off the bench. Wise said he was grateful for a second chance. "I just felt like I was nobody without basketball," he said.

RIP, Chad.

Reached dominant status, finally bursting out senior year, averaging 10.6 pts/6.5 reb, more than doubling his total production from his first 3 seasons.

Had enough game to play professionally for over a dozen seasons in Korea, Ukraine, Greece, Malaysia, the NBA G-League and most recently, Japan, where he is a naturalized citizen. He has played on their national team and competed in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The turnaround came in small but significant steps. Curtis Kelly went down with an injury and sophomore Edwards had his chance. Calhoun took him aside before practice ...and laid it out for him. Explained he could dictate his playing time with his own play. He stepped in for 10 minutes against Villanova and held his own with 3 rebounds, a block and an assist. He continued in a win vs. West Virginia, on the floor for 16 minutes with 7 points, 3 boards, 2 steals and 2 blocks. “He can do a lot for us,” forward Jeff Adrien said. “He played real well.” “Gavin’s a good player,” Craig Austrie said. “We’ve been waiting for him to do stuff like that all year.” “It wasn’t a mirage,” Calhoun said. “We think that Gavin can do an awful lot of things. He’s a terrific athlete, one of the better jumpers on our team, has great touch and is very, very smart. If he has to set three screens, he’ll set three screens, where some of our guys might get the first, maybe think about the second and look for the ball on the third.”

“To think of where I started, barely playing my junior year, and then being able to come to a school like this, to come to UConn, it’s crazy,” Edwards said. “And to go where I’ve gone, I would have never, in my wildest dreams, thought this is where I’d be. I always believed in myself, but to know that it’s gone this far is crazy.” “All the great players who have played here, to have something like that, something nobody can take away from you and something you can always come back and look at, it is really cool to be able to show my kids, ‘This is what Daddy did.’ ” , Edwards said. Per his wife, Elle, “He would have never been able to travel or see the world or become the person he is without basketball and UConn was pivotal in that, too, the man he became. And his coach played a big role in that. I think that drove him. He says he became who he is today because of UConn.”

SW arm of fabled freshman Fab Five class of '91. Classic standstill bomber shot 45% 'from Arizona' his senior season, which almost didn't happen. Fair had plans to transfer after his playing time dwindled his junior campaign but ultimately stuck it out. Fair was the only player on the men’s 1993-94 roster who did not attend the Capitol ceremonies honoring UConn’s basketball teams. “I just didn’t feel that it was necessary,” Fair said. “There are other things I need to do at this point. I need to get a couple of things straight about next year and one of them is talking to Coach.” Fair's high school coach spoke of a communication break-down between Brian and coach Calhoun but JC disagreed, saying this was all about playing time. Ultimately the two went face to face and Fair stayed. His playing time increased as did he scoring.

In high school he was a fabulous two-sport athlete, also playing quarterback and defensive back on the football team. Brian had to decide whether he was going to play football or basketball at the college level. “Football is something that I always played and it came very naturally to me. Basketball was the sport that was a little more challenging.” He was rated the 2nd best prospect for football his senior year as a defensive back. Brian was recruited by a lot of schools for both sports; Miami, United States California (USC) and Notre Dame universities were among them. When he was offered a scholarship to play for the University of Connecticut in the Big East, he couldn’t turn it down because he always watched Big East Basketball, “the tough teams."

Brian felt that every moment at UConn was memorable. There was something about every game that he gained or learned from. Winning two Big East Championships back to back in 1994 and 1995 were great accomplishments. “My freshman and sophomore years we had seasons that we really felt were indicative to how we should have been playing those years. I think that we underachieved to a point, those two years but we came back in ‘94 and ’95 with the two championships. Those two years were the highlight of my career because we just overcame so much those first two years being the new kids on the block. Nine freshman coming in and just growing together we just gelled together our junior and senior years.”

When people talk about two-sport athletes at UConn, many forget Fair. After playing basketball for four years, Brian went back to UConn the following year to finish his studies and get his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. During that additional year at UConn, Fair still had the fire in him to play football and got the chance to play that sport when coach Skip Holtz approached him as the NBA lockout halted summer camps. He played two games for the Huskies in the fall of 1995 before getting called for a try out with the Dallas Mavericks where he was on the roster until the day before the opening game and then was released. And then, a surprising call for football by the New Orleans Saints. Teams often take summer minicamp flyers on basketball players with football in their backgrounds not to mention Fair's brother, Terry, was a first round draft pick of the Detroit Lions. Fair didn't stick but loved the experience. "[I gave it a try] but I wasn't ready."

Four year program player finally found a groove as a defensive stopper and extra ball handler in the team's natty run his senior year.

If you ask coach Jim Calhoun, the best thing Donnell Beverly does when he's on the court for UConn is put good pressure on the opposition's ball-handler and push the tempo on offense. If you ask Beverly's UConn co-captain, Kemba Walker, the best thing the senior does is allow Walker to move over to off-guard and give him a chance to show off his own improved offensive skills. "This year he thinks he's a scoring machine," Beverly joked in reference to Walker after practice Saturday morning in Gampel Pavilion. "So I help him out and I take the point. I know where he likes the ball -- I've been playing with him long enough." Guess that was fairly foreshadowing as UConn went on to win it all in 2011.

Calhoun thought of Beverly in much the same way he did Niels Giffey. Neither was a particularly dominant scorer, but they did a lot of things well. They were, in the Calhoun vernacular, glue guys. The problem is a team can't be made up entirely of glue guys. "You can't have three glue guys. You need four guys who do a lot of things offensively and a glue guy," Calhoun said. It turned out the two-glue gun was fine in 2011 as Giffey was still in 'pivot, pivot, pivot' mode and just launching his 2-championship career, while Beverly the senior was hungry and eating it up all over the place.

Transfer from SDSU was a key cog on the 2022-23 national champs and scored 6 points off the bench in the final. Pure shooter spot-up or on the run, he also brought enthusiasm and had the clutch gene. Nicknamed "Joey California" by the fans, he provided pure entertainment. Whether hitting a standstill three or a banker on the run, Joey could score and always left room for the fans to rejoice along with him on the court.

How did this work out so well? At SDSU, he was an average three point shooter, averaging 35% over three years. But Dan Hurley saw something in the kid. "You [could] see the confidence, and just that pedigree. He’s just a sharp guy that believes in himself." Captain Andre Jackson said, "“He just knows how to balance himself and he knows what he has to do,” Jackson said about Calcaterra. “It’s also just his swag - he just knows how to carry himself on the court.”

Compared to the expectations, Calcaterra truly was a revelation for the Huskies that season. He’s always had immense confidence in himself and carried a chip wherever he went, which could be traced back to his time going from Marin Catholic High School’s all-time leading scorer to a two-star recruit with minimal Division I offers. “I’ve always been someone who’s been underappreciated, and so just having an opportunity to even come here and be on the roster was big time for me,” Calcaterra said. “And it obviously gives me the chance to come out here and show showcase my skills.”

The immense impact Calcaterra made on this UConn team could not be understated. Aside from his absolutely blistering start from 3-point range (56.8 percent to lead the Big East through December), he also shot 55.9 percent from the floor, far and away the best mark in his career. Tack on 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and an 83 percent conversion rate from the foul line in only 20 minutes per game, and it was clear that “Joey California” legitimately was one of the top sixth-men in the entire country. While Calcaterra was expected to bolster UConn’s perimeter shooting game, leading the Big East in 3-point percentage was certainly a surprise, but not the most significant one in his game. He’s not just the one-dimensional, run-off-a-down-screen-and-hope-his-shot-falls type of player. He was comfortable handling the basketball quite a bit — even against pressure — and was been able to create opportunities for his teammates both off of set pieces, from his general basketball savviness and feel for the game.

He's been playing in the G-League since graduation.

Silky jump shot and good off side rebounder who used his quickness and wingspan to defend all positions. Developed into a dependable and clutch performer in big games. Went for 26/10 vs. Iowa State to reach Elite 8 and 20/10 vs. Florida in the national semifinal win in 2014. Had 2 huge blocks in the final vs. Kentucky.

Daniels had the appearance of playing low-intensity, relying on his skills and talent. Even he agreed, to a point, "I'm a laid back guy and I play laid back, but I just need to go out and play aggressive every time because it will help my team and help us win games," Daniels said.

It started to click for Daniels when Ryan Boatright was out due to attending his grandmother's funeral. Deandre was coming off a bedrock-low game, scoring just 3 points vs. Louisville. He had more than enough motivation to step up his game. All he did was achieve a career-high 31 points on 11-19 shooting but it was his 12 rebounds that really pleased coach Kevin Ollie. "I love 12 rebounds," said Ollie. "You've got 12 rebounds that's 12 touches in my book. His activity leads to him scoring points." "I just wanted to come back today and bounce back. It's one game but everybody's going to have a bad game at some point," Daniels said. "You just have to forget about it and come out to play the next game. I just wanted to put that behind me and get to the rim even more and not hesitate." Daniels played with an immense amount of confidence and made the 31 points look easy despite his patented relaxed demeanor. "I can do a lot more for this team," Daniels said. "I feel like if I stay aggressive the whole time I can help my team even more. At the end of the day, I just want to win games and go to the NCAA Tournament." They did, he did and they won it all. He made the NCAA All-Tournament team.

As a pro, played G-League, in Australia, Italy, Dominican Republic, Finland and New Zealand.

One of the most gifted point forwards in program history. His alley-oop lobs to Amidah Brimah were legendary and he finished his all-too-short two years in Storrs averaging 12/8/4.

As a freshman (and sophomore), he started every game. He was UConn's leading rebounder at 7.6 per game and led the entire conference in rebounding in league games (9.1). He was named the Freshman Of the Year. Hamilton was also UConn's second-leading scorer (10.8 ppg) and second in assists (3.6). He was among the top 20 in scoring, rebounding and assists in the league, and he was an honorable mention all-AAC pick and the AAC rookie of the week four times. His season-high 25 points against Memphis were the most by a UConn freshman since Jerome Dyson in 2006-07, and his 17-rebound performance against East Carolina on Feb. 25 were the most by a UConn freshman since Corny Thompson in 1978-79.

Not a great shooter or finisher and too bad because he could always get his own shot as evidenced by his performance vs. Central Connecticut. Points were the final hurdle for Hamilton en route to the 11th triple-double in UConn history during the Huskies' 99-52 win. He had 11 assists and 11 rebounds before finally getting to double figures in points. After getting to double digits in rebounds and assists, Hamilton went to the bench for three minutes. When Kevin Ollie put him back in after telling him he was three points shy of the triple-double, he got to play selfish and go for the points. That was weird for Hamilton. "Coach can tell me I can be a little too unselfish," Hamilton said, "so he put me in and made me want to make plays and make the shot." That selfishness produced an ugly first attempt at history. Hamilton pulled up from 35 feet, and his shot landed about five feet short. After that, Hamilton went to the rim twice and got the buckets.

Drafted 2nd round by the Denver Nuggets and spent two years in NBA, joining brothers Jordan and Isaac.

He wanted to go to a pure basketball school. Check. Came in as a shooting prodigy. Check. Diversified game. Uncheck.

Fans were relentless in their impatience for him to make every shot. This is what happens when the hype is too loud. His dad was his primo advocate and promised we'd have the best shooter this side of Steph Curry. What we actually saw was a pretty good freshman season through the lenses of frustration during the first below .500 season since Jim Calhoun took charge.

He actually had a good season for a freshman, making the All-AAC Freshman team. He hit 39.7% of his beloved threes, which he took at a very high rate (65.2% of his shots). He averaged 8.1 ppg and 3.8 rebounds and made the amount of mistakes you'd expect from a freshman. While the season was dismal, the future appeared brilliant. It was a good freshman class but they had the unfortunate experience of living and playing through coach Ollie's personal problems, ineligible players playing and an impending NCAA investigation. While Ollie saw the 6'8" wing as a shooter extraordinaire, he did have other plans for his son and Vance fled Storrs for brighter pastures in New Mexico.

There, Jackson started to put together his off-the-bounce game, taking nearly as many twos as threes. While he shot poorly from three (33%), his scoring was up to what would be career highs of 13.1 ppg and 7 rpg. The next season he started every game and had slightly lower production. Dad saw this as lack of growth and they moved his skills to Arkansas.

"The missing piece; most versatile player; a shooter's shooter." That's what Razorback players and coaches were thinking as Jackson was in his expected last go-round. Jackson was pushing to be more than just a perimeter threat. He wanted to impart wisdom gained from his previous two stops to more than a handful of Arkansas newcomers.
Jackson had played in 92 career games and earned a starting nod in 65. “I feel like just being a leader and also being that voice,” he said Friday. “I’ve been through a lot. I’ve been through probably every aspect, every situation in basketball, so just having that vet experience and staying calm during situations of let’s say we’re down or something or just feeling some pressure."

Vance bottomed out. He fell out of favor once SEC play got heavy and averaged a career low 12 mpg, scoring 3.8 points while taking 65 threes of his 95 shot attempts. With an extra COVID-19 year, again, he transferred, this time back to the AAC with East Carolina where he teamed with future Husky of Honor, Tristen Newton, to lead the Pirates. He went for 13 pts, 6 boards and led the conference in three point percentage (40.7%).

After playing for 4 different schools over 6 years, Jackson played in the G-League, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Taiwan and Bahrain.

Top 50 recruit for JC that didn't pan out. He was down to UConn, Syracuse and Louisville. “They’ve [all] told me that I’ll have a chance to get big minutes and that if I decided to go there then I’d make them the best recruiting class in 2005.” Louisville had Rick Pitino. Syracuse had just won its Carmelo Championship and UConn the one before that. “I talk to them like three or four times a week. They treat me like it’s a priority,” Johnson said. “I know Marcus Williams, their guard. It would nice to know and like someone out there. They’ve had a good history with their wings. They’ve had Ben Gordon, Rip Hamilton, Ray Allen.”

After 2 years and 5 ppg, the LA product transferred closer to home at USC where he ended his career on a high note, starting 26 of 28 games with 9.6 ppg and 4.6 rebounds.

Johnson was an uber-athlete that Calhoun originally envisioned at wing. He was widely viewed as a one-dimensional player with unlimited physical potential, but he worked hard to become a more complete player. He's wan't there yet, not at UConn.

He had an impressive debut as a starter, in which he played for an injured Denham Brown and dropped 20 points vs. New Hampshire. He followed that up with three more double digit scoring games but languished after that. The following season saw similar results - some prolific performances early in the season but trouble vs. the Big East.

He was a good defender, vicious dunker and could fly once he got by his defender. The problem was, without an outside game, teams sagged on him and limited his impact.

Marcus looked good to go for his junior season, playing in the team's first exhibition vs. Assumption. He injured his right elbow, sat for the next exhibition and suddenly, it seemed, asked out of the program. Because he played in that first exhibition he had to sit out the first two games at USC and ended up sitting the whole first semester due to a wait for his grades. "Marcus came to see me today and told me that he felt it was in his best interests to find another school to attend and to play basketball, said coach Jim Calhoun. I know he has a desire to maximize his playing time and also to get closer to home, so he felt this was the best decision for him at this time. I wish him nothing but the best as a person and as a basketball player."

Antonio Kellogg: Expelled after one season where he scored 3 ppg in a backup PG role, While on suspension, the once promising point guard, who had no prior criminal record, was charged with marijuana possession, attempting to assault a police officer, first-degree criminal trespass and interfering with an officer. JC: “He’s not the only kid to ever come from (a rough) background. But he is one of the rare kids we’ve ever had who didn’t adjust."

He enrolled at San Francisco in an attempt to resurrect his career and had a fine season, averaging 15.2 mpg, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals. He then left after one season to pursue a pro career in Mexico and Europe.

Ballyhooed transfer from St. Mary's, where he averaged 14 ppg as a sophomore. An All-WCC freshman and 2x All-WCC 1st team player, he was named to the Naismith and Wooden award watch lists as a sophomore, leading the Gaels to the conference championship. He came to UConn to compete at PG, providing NCAA tournament experience.

What we saw was a player who looked like he belonged in the WCC. Slow-footed with a weak handle and indecisive passing the rock. Coach Hurley gave plenty of floor time to his newest portal prize but his playing time diminished with every poor performance. While it was hoped he could adjust to the speed ands strength of the Big East, it just wasn't happening. As a PG, he was exposed for his slow feet and hands. As a shooting guard he had some moments against the Sisters of the Poor opponents but not once Big East play started. He couldn't get by anyone and teams would target him as a wooden defender they could exploit.

Mahaney looked the part aside from playing. He worked, he was a team guy, good kid and performed well at practice. It's not like UConn was the only team after the kid. Duke, Kentucky, Creighton and Virginia were all interested. It shows that in this era of highly focused recruiting, players are human and so are recruiters and mistakes happen. Dan Hurley is nothing by loyal and sometimes to a fault but Mahaney's future was in doubt as the season progressed and was realized as another portal off-season began and there was Mahaney, looking for PT elsewhere.

His high school experience was a cross country trail. He played on a high power team at Mater Dei in LA with about eight D1 players but wanted to be able to shine a little brighter so transferred to Mt. Zion in Dukie (er, Durham) North Carolina. At 6'5" and a solid 210 lbs he was initially seen as a kid who could play the kind of defense coach Calhoun required. His high school coach at Mater Dei called him their "best defender". Trice had schools drooling over his talents but they were all lower D1. Jamaal wanted more but wasn't feeling the love.

In Durham, Trice was the top threat. Mt. Zion ran screens for him, and, as Trice put it, “all you have to do is throw the ball into the air and let me go out there and do my thing." His most memorable game in high school came when he limited Santa Margarita’s All-State player, Klay Thompson, yes that Klay Thompson of NBA fame, to 15 points on 7-of-18 shooting with 9 turnovers.

Bigger schools such as Wake Forest, West Virginia and Georgetown started to have heavy interest and others such as Kentucky and Marquette were getting involved. UConn Assistant Patrick Sellers offered him after viewing a Mt. Zion practice. Trice committed on his visit after watching the Huskies struggle in their loss to, ironically, Georgetown.

Though Trice was a bit overwhelmed with the newfound attention he was advised to not walk away from an offer like that (UConn) and not to let it linger or they'll go somewhere else."

Trice understood what it took to play for Jim Calhoun. "First, you've got to play defense to get on the court," Trice said. "Then I'm going to do what I can to help the team win. As long as I get on the court to help the team win, I'm fine with that." He was only fine with that for one season here, transferring to Appalachian State for his final two years where he carved out a nice career as a sometimes starter, averaging 8 points and shooting 38.6% from three.

Sensational lefty PG is the school's all-time leader in career assists per game (7.3) and for a season (8.6 in 2005-06). He set a school record for assists in a game (16), doing it twice. While certainly assisted by his phenomenal teammates (6 to be NBAers) his skills were noticeable by his first round NBA selection by the then New Jersey Nets. The 6'3" Williams also suited up for Golden State and Memphis in the big league.

Williams was a product of Crenshaw High in Los Angeles, the same high school that had produced Kevin Ollie. He didn't take basketball seriously until junior year when he started getting hundred of letters a day, college coaches coming to see him play and rankings coming out with his name. Eventually it came down to the Huskies, UCLA, GA Tech and Arizona. He committed on his unofficial visit mostly because he bought into Jim Calhoun's promise not to promise him anything. If he put in the work and was one of the best players, he'd play. Other schools had made empty promises and he found they didn't follow through.

His freshman year was a learning experience at the feet of Taliek Brown, only UConn's all-time assist leader, who led that team to its second national championship. “Taliek was great for me personally and physically. He helped me on and off the court. Taliek had a way of doing things without saying that pushed me to my greatest potential, and made me a better person and player.” “It was like being in a movie. I was playing with guys like Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, Charlie Villanueva and Josh Boone who were guys you see playing basketball on television in the NBA.”

“When I look back on my freshman year at UConn, I see it as a mix of both challenges and motivation. It was easy to get distracted and overwhelmed by college where the expectations were both high on the court and in the classroom.” Coach Williams said. “It was a tough year no doubt, but it taught me about resilience and time management. I felt the lessons I learned then carried over into life outside of basketball."

Williams, back in his hometown of Los Angeles 16 years after leaving Storrs, kept thinking of a promise he had made years ago. "Before I came to college, I made a promise to my grandmother that I would graduate," he said. He returned to Storrs to finally don the cap and gown on Graduation Day. "I've been working on it for about a year and a half," he said. "It was hard. Everything was on-line and so different. I didn't feel like I had that capacity at 35 to buckle down and do it – sit through classes, and study, and do papers."

After the NBA and then playing in Russia and Asia he remembered, “I started thinking about [life beyond basketball] pretty early on,” “I felt like it was a smart idea to have somewhat of a plan in store. I was set on giving back to the game as well as school. I felt like based on my own experiences I can be a beam of support for the youth.” Williams has found a new life, now hired as Bosco High School’s Dean of Students and assistant varsity basketball coach.

Played in 7 career games scoring 2 points while contributing in practice to the 2011 national champs.

Just before the NCAA Final vs. Butler, he was asked, tongue in cheek, who he was rooting for. "I was going for Butler. The underdog. [laughter]" UConn was a slight favorite over Butler, neither team being expected to reach the final game mountain top. Benjamin was asked to make the case for UConn to a 10-year-old from Erie, Pennsylvania, which is halfway between Indianapolis and Connecticut's home of Storrs. This 10-year-old needs a team. Why should he root for UConn? "I don't see why you wouldn't root for us.", said Stewart.

While dispatching of Bucknell in the first round, Stewart had his moment, getting mobbed by teammates after scoring his first-ever basket. A true scholar, Stewart won the award for top student-athlete on the men's basketball team in 2011. As a business management major, Stewart was also honored to receive the prestigious UConn student-athlete award representing men's basketball.

Speedy Berlin, CT native provided practice depth at guard and somewhat ironically, his only stat was pulling in 1 rebound in his 7 games played. He played, or practiced, for both coaches Dom Perno and Jim Calhoun. That alone speaks to his diligence, resiliency and worth as a practice player.

He is still in shape, annually running in the Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race and finishing in the top rung of his age group.

Bloomfield-bred the walk-on who aided the 1987-88 NIT championship team and played in 17 games total in his two years at UConn, scoring 11 points (1 three) with 5 rebounds.
Stayed in basketball coaching kids at Central Christian Academy in Southington.

After failing to make the team as a freshman walk-on from Branford, his determination to make the team finally paid off the next season, if not immediately dressing for games. Hard work, as rumored, paid off. He eventually appeared in 7 games, notching a rebound.

“I was heartbroken,” Lomotey recalled. “It was probably one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had. Out of all my life, all the teams I tried out for, I’d never gotten rejected. That was the first time. It was a new feeling. I didn’t like it at all, and that’s what really motivated me to come back this year and make it.” Virtually from the day of that rejection, he worked hard, vowing not to hear those words a second time come October 2015. “I worked all year, 365 days, till the next tryout, just to get back on,” he said.

“The minute he found out (that he had made the team), he called me,” recalled his sister, Nally Sahin. “He was ecstatic. There was a little bit of disbelief, but I know he’s grateful for the opportunity.” He sees his primary role as making the team's rotation players better. "He’s been selfless, coming out, working hard and making sure he challenges our players,” said UConn coach Kevin Ollie. “Some days, he’s just gonna play all defense. I’m looking for guys that give multiple efforts, and that’s what 'Russ' has been doing."

He had a good career at Branford High, where he also ran track. He was recruited as a senior by Division III schools like Nichols College and Western New England. But those schools proved too costly, and Lomotey — who boasted a 4.1 GPA — opted for UConn, where in-state tuition was much more affordable. Despite the much higher skill level, he was determined to make the Husky team. “It was just a given I was gonna play college basketball, no matter what,” he said. “It’s still sinking in. Sometimes, I don’t even believe it. I just love it here. It’s a great opportunity for me.”

6'5" Bridgeport native was Connecticut's top high school prospect at Kolbe Cathedral earning Gatorade Player of the Year and nationally was a Parade All-American. He played for two seasons at UConn before transferring up the road to UMass. At UConn, played 53 games with 96 points to go along with 21 steals, 66 rebounds and 64 assists. His one season in Amherst ended with him averaging 4.8 points and 19 minutes per game.

Cox, the New Haven Register Player of the Year in 1999 and a fourth-team Parade All-America, saw the handwriting on the wall at UConn after two years of little playing time and even better players on the way. He also was arrested on two charges at UConn - possession of 22 grams of marijuana and interfering with a police officer, leading to a suspension from the team.

At UMass, he played for another fine coach, Steve Lappas, most recently from Villanova. "He's got to work harder ... Jim Calhoun wanted him to work harder, too," Lappas said. "I don't think I've told him one thing different in a lot of ways than Jim has told him. But as a junior now, he needs to take it to heart." "So we have to keep trying to pump him up and make him feel good about himself. He struggled for a couple of years at UConn ... that's why I said his high school stuff is so long gone, it's not even worth bringing up again. We have to build his confidence up from where he was at UConn."

Confidence is prime but Cox was never able to put it all together again in college.

Bridgeport guard who walked-on for the 1989-90 Dream Season and eventually earned a scholarship. Usually the 'first of the last' players at garbage time, he nevertheless saw real time in some games and earned a co-captainship of the 1992-93 team.

Being the kind of hard worker required to make the team at UConn was no stretch for Macklin. He was All-State, listed as an Honorable Mention All American in the Street and Smith All American Book and a member of the All Daily News Team. Oliver also did well in high school academically — he was a high honor student, senior class president, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Through the recruiting process some mistakes were made and Macklin was late in signing a letter of intent and by that time schools's rosters were complete. Through a friend, his name and resume was passed to coach Calhoun. He told Oliver he could work out with the team, become a walk-on, and maybe the following year a scholarship would be offered to him. “I became a walk-on. Coach doesn’t give anybody anything. You work hard for anything you get. After my freshman year coach sat me down, and offered me a scholarship. It was a blessing. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”

He lists being co-captain with Scott Burrell, winning UConn's first Big East Championship and the Dream Season as his most memorable accomplishments.i “That (Dream Season team) was a great team. A bunch of hard working, blue collar guys.” As part of the UConn family, he still frequently attends games and enjoys being introduced to the crowd, many of who still remember his contributions. He was there for the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Dream Team season, played in the Jim Calhoun Celebrity and Charity All-Star Classic games and is involved in the Huskies NIL initiative, Bleeding Blue for Good.

Oliver worked for years in the Connecticut Judicial system as well as being an assistant coach to the Stratford High School basketball team. He is currently a player agent, mostly helping kids find teams to play on overseas.

'The Recruit'. His commitment was the ignition of the program to spectacular heights. With long arms, a deadly crossover and a shot with range, he became the face of the program on Jim Calhoun's body. Among his myriad of records is none other than being the all-time leading scorer in program history. “It feels great. I look back and I say, I must have had a pretty good career and put up some pretty good numbers”, said Smith. He also said that it feels good because it will stay in the books until someone surpasses him and he’s proud of it because he’s from CT, holding the record.

Smith's final season would be his personal best...Averaging 21 points per game, scoring 637 points and he shot 42% from three point range in a 20-10 season. Three times he went off for 30 pt games. That included a then Gampel Record 37 against St John's and 32 against Providence where he became the first UConn player surpassed the 2,000 pt mark.

Smith was the CT Gatorade Player of the Year as a hight school senior, three-time all-Big East conference selection, including an All-Big East First Team pick in 1991-92, and an NCAA East Regional all-tournament pick in 1990. He was selected as an inaugural member of the Big East Basketball Legends program. He was voted onto UConn's All-Century Team by fans in 2001 and is a charter member of the Huskies of Honor, with his No. 13 on the wall of Gampel Pavilion.

"I’'ve never forgotten the statement Chris made, ‘ 'If I’'m going to be a good college player, why shouldn’'t I do it at my state university?’'" Calhoun said. "I’'ve always said he was our most important recruit ever." In making his decision to go to UConn, he was given some help from his high school. Chris said Kolbe Cathedral was and still is a great school. The staff at Kolbe Cathedral helped him tremendously, even with the process of deciding to go to UConn. Chris had many other universities interested in him, Boston College, Tennessee; pretty much every school that you can name was interested. “Deciding on UConn was the best move I could have ever made, playing for Coach Calhoun. A great motivator, a great teacher, a great school and great people. I was close to home. My family had a chance to experience all the things that I was going through.” What helped him in making his decision to go to UConn was “talking to Coach Calhoun and feeling the comfort of starting something that could be very good, being in state, the support I could have here and the coach was basically saying ‘Chris, I’m going to try to make you a National Basketball Association player and this team is going to be your team in the following years.’"

Drafted 34th overall and played three seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA and then in France, Israel and various CBA teams before a torn achilles and two separate NBA lock-outs stalled his career. He has coached youth and high school ball in CT, including for his alma mater, Kolbe Cathedral. Most recently coached the Stars of Storrs, a team in TBT (The Basketball Tournament) made up of mostly former Huskies.

Pulled in a rebound to get on the UConn all-time stat sheet. Bridgeport big gave a low presence during practice. Now in the aerospace industry in Bridgeport.

On Senior Night, he walked with senior Johnny Selvie, with whom he had a 'friendly' practice relationship. “My ankle is straight,” Selvie said. “But I got hit today again by Daryl Woods, put that in there. Daryl Woods, he hit me again today but it ain’t nothing. It’s better. I’m running a lot better. Well enough to start making plans for tonight. “As soon as [Daryl] gets his jersey I’m going to trip him,” Selvie said.

Jim Calhoun had this to say about Woods: " [Daryl Woods] was making the freshman Okafor ''even tougher.''" At 6 feet 7 inches and 220 pounds, Woods, was coveted because he can challenge, or 'bang' as he calls it, the biggest and most physical UConn players.

"Every game that we go into, I always go in thinking I'm gonna play," said Woods, adding that he was offered a dual football and basketball scholarship by several other schools, including Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. "But even if I don't get in, it doesn't wear on me. I go against, day in and day out, Mike Hayes, Justin Brown, Emeka Okafor and Johnny Selvie. Being able to see them dominate on the court puts satisfaction in me."
He was a four-year member of the football, basketball and track teams at Bullard-Havens Vocational Technical School in Bridgeport and recruited by UConn to play football, but left the team after his junior year because of differences with Coach Randy Edsall.

Ballyhooed Bristol big boy was a dominant force during the Huskies run of two consecutive national championships. His towering presence in the lane forced foes to live outside the paint, a recipe for failure. Teaming with Adama Sanogo and then Samson Johnson, UConn boasted the finest center position in land for two consecutive dominant seasons. The hometown hero was a 1st round draftee by the Portland Trailblazers.

Growing up and playing his entire high school career in Bristol, CT, he was washed, rinsed and dried piece by piece by the media and recruiting services since he burst on the scene a a 7-foot 15-year oid. With the looming shadow of ESPN in town and another from powerhouse UConn an hour up the road, Clingan had the publicity to get his name out there and the pressure to stay home.

His dad helped a ton with the pressure piece, keeping Donovan's head in the right space. He went on the road with him, traveled the AAU circuit with him and provided him, still a kid masquerading as something larger than life, with the foundation he needed to get through all the hoopla happening and to come. Donovan was a hometown boy. He wanted to play for his high school team. He wanted to follow in his mother's footsteps, may she rest in peace. Stacey Clingan also played basketball at Bristol Central where she set school records for career rebounds and blocks before playing college basketball at the University of Maine. Stacey Clingan died of breast cancer in March 2018. Donovan Clingan wore number 32, his mother's number, in Bristol and at UConn.

Outsiders thought going to a more competitive high school situation would help his progression but he pushed back. He played AAU in the summer and did just fine against that high level of competition. There were some questions, as pundits are paid to deliver, but there was always the skill. Blessed with excellent hands and practiced vision, he excelled under the hoop and in pick and roll situations. Whenever a decision was called for, he could be counted on to make the right choice.

At 7'3", he was impossible to miss in a crowd.

Whenever he attending UConn games as a highs schooler, if he got a dollar for every time a set of eyes shot at him sitting behind the Huskies bench, he'd have been set for life before his freshman year. One night stands out - the game vs. ranked Memphis at the XL Center when Akok Akok tore his achilles tendon. Cliingan was there with his dad watching the tragic episode unfold. Akok pulls up right in front of Hurley, who scampers onto the floor to coddle Akok, who is crumbling. The team training staff head over. The once-raucous crowd of 16,000 plus in now hushed, all in great fear and being sympathetic to the young man. Players are hugging each other, shaking in their sympathy and tears flowing to the floor. This is all playing out in front of Donovan and his father. The UConn family, supporting each other, loving each other. Sharing the pain of incredible loss not for themselves as a team but for the young Akok and what this type of injury might mean to his career. How could anyone not be incredibly moved? This is one fan's opinion but this might have been the clincher if his mind was not already made up to come to Storrs to play college ball.

Once in Storrs, the internet goons came out as always. "He doesn't have the stamina" "He has no offensive game" "He'll get knocked around in the Big East." He built up his stamina, dropped in everything near the basket and did some knocking of his own.

As a disciplined rim protector who built a remarkable pick-and-roll partnership with Tristen Newton, Clingan was near the top of virtually every opponent’s scouting report during the Huskies’ magical 2023-24 campaign. In that December, Clingan suffered a foot injury, an often dread occurrence for big men. Hurley & Co. took it slow with Clingan, as he healed and rehabilitated for several weeks before taking the floor. His minutes were limited, something the Huskies could well afford as they were routinely dominating opponents on their way to a 32-3 season. The February game against Butler was his break out. 18 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks in 28 minutes. His growth as a scorer as exemplified that night added yet another dimension to an already dangerous Huskies offense that could beat opponents in numerous different ways. “I’ve felt the best I have ever felt. I lost a lot of weight, I have gotten my cardio up. I’m trying to change my mentality up with how I approach practice, how I approach games. Just being more locked in, more focused, just realizing all the little things I have to do to help my team win. I just have to make sure I bring my 'A' game and this type of mindset to every game,” Clingan said.

Following the season he was drafted 7th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. He is already making his defensive presence felt. Sturdy rebounder, up to 280 lbs. and shut-down paint dominator. As a rookie 64 games in, he was scoring 6.3 ppg with 7.7 rebounds, an= assist and 1.6 blocks in an increasing 19.5 mpg. Based on evidence we've seen of his growth as a player, it won't be long before all those numbers go up.

6'4" walk-on from Bristol was a significant practice player for the Huskies, helping them to two national championships (2023, 2034) before transferring to Utah Valley University.

Johnson Jr. didn't play much as a walk-on, only in the latter minutes/seconds of blowouts. Of course, there were quite a few blowouts over those two seasons for the Huskies. He wound up getting into 22 games over his career at UConn and was on the floor for the culmination of six NCAA Tournament games.

His most memorable moment, by far, came late in the Huskies' second-round win over Northwestern on March 24 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. Johnson entered the game with 43 seconds left and UConn leading by 16. Rather than dribble out the clock, as Hurley typically wants him to do, Johnson hurled up a long 3-point attempt that hit nothing but net. Hurley immediately turned around and leaned against the scorer's table, head in hands, for a good 15 seconds after Johnson's three. He then had a word with Johnson and seemed to apologize to Wildcat coach Chris Collins, who didn't seem to have an issue with the shot.

Johnson Jr. grew up around the corner from Donovan Clingan, the 7-foot-3 NBA lottery pick. He began his high school career at Master School in Simsbury and played his final two years at South Kent Prep under coach Raphael Chillious, the former UConn assistant.

St. Paul of Bristol All-stater, he was recruited by assistant Howie Dickenman: "“When they started recruiting me, I wasn’t a very hard recruit to land. I was already sold, pretty much on the program. When you’re from CT and you get to play for your State University, it’s just unbelievable.”

“I had eight brothers and sisters and they all played basketball. I am number seven out of the nine,” Pikiell told Scarlet Nation (Rutgers). “I was playing at a young age with my older brothers and it was just one of those sports that I had success in at a really young age.” “I played soccer and baseball, but when I went to high school, I just focused on basketball,” he said. “I just loved basketball. For me, I used to play all the time. I was always finding games. Every day, I woke up and thought about playing.”

At the high school level, there was not much Pikiell didn’t do at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Conn. He would go on to become a three-time all-state selection and eventually had his No. 21 jersey retired there. Steve became a starter as a sophomore at UConn, leading them to the NIT Championship and continued the growth in the NCAAs to the Sweet 16 vs. Duke in the Dream Season.

He has been the most prolific of players to branch from the Calhoun Coaching Tree, and took the long road, Steve feels very fortunate that Coach Calhoun hired him on the staff after he graduated as an assistant coach. He loved basketball and he said he probably could have played for another year or two in another country but when given the opportunity to coach, he jumped at it and never looked back. From UConn, Steve took an assistant coaching job at Yale University for three years. After that he was a head coach at Wesleyan, a Division III school in Middletown, CT for a year. Then, when Howie Dickenman became the head coach at Central CT State University, Howie hired Steve as an assistant coach. Steve was at Central for four years helping to rebuild the basketball program and was successful — Central got its first ever NCAA bid. In 2001 former UConn assistant coach Karl Hobbs became the Head Coach at GW and offered Steve an assistant coaching position. Finally, his head coaching legacy started with 11 years at Stony Brook and he has been the head man at Big 10 Rutgers since 2016.

Physical replica of brother of Steve at 6'4" 185, Tim made the team as a walk-on and spent two of his four seasons playing with his elder brother. Though Bristol is evermore a UConn hub (recall Donovan Clingan), there is a sturdy circle of Rutgers fans led by Tim.

As a walk-on, a player always has the corner of his left on trained on the coach. "Will he point at me?", they hope. Calhoun points his right index finger. The chosen player pops out of his seat. His warmup jacket is still in the air as his sneakers hit the floor. The remaining reserves slump back. “Every time Coach comes by, you’re thinking, `Maybe this time it’ll be me,’ ” says Tim Pikiell, a four-year reserve. “When it’s not, you may be a little down because we’re all competitors.” “My practices are my games,” Pikiell says. “We have great players like Chris (Smith) and Scott (Burrell). I have no problem with playing behind them because they’re great players. My job is to make them work in practice.” Reserves contribute in other ways, too.

Pikiell, for example, seldom shoots in the final pregame warmup. “I just rebound and pass to Chris or Scott because they like to take as many jumpers as they can to get warm,” he says. When the reserves are not playing, they still help their teammates with words and gestures. “On our press,” Pikiell says, “three or four of us at the end of the bench will be screaming at Rod (Sellers) to warn him if there’s somebody behind him. As Pikiell says, “Our job, when we’re not out there, is to support the team from the bench the best we can.”

Cheshire native was a 3 year walk-on, getting action in 16 games with 4 pts, 5 rbs, a block and an assist.

He earned his championship ring in the 2013-14 season by guarding Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright, Rodney Purvis and other Huskies day after day in practice, often posing as an opponent’s top shooter with the scout team. During that championship year, Lenehan, 6 feet 3, posed as Florida’s sharp-shooting Michael Frazier II, 6-4, helping the Huskies’ prepare for the Gators at Gampel Pavilion, the game Napier won with a buzzer beater, and again in the NCAA semifinals. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Lenehan said. “Looking back on it, some of the tough things we did were really fun things, like running up Cemetery Hill in the preseason, those first few days of practice, honestly, just playing every day in practice it went from something that was a challenge every day to something that was fun for me.” “In Florida, it felt like everyone was right on top of you,” he said. “Me and Nnamdi went out early to get some of our own shots up and, yeah, that crowd was pretty abrasive.” Friendly reminder: Be kind to walk-ons. That kid on the end of the bench may one day save your life.

The molecular cell biology major with a 4.0 GPA was the AAC's Scholar Athlete of the Year as a senior. He also won a basketball scholarship for that senior season and followed that with acceptance to and graduation from Harvard Medical School and MIT along with a PhD in Immunology from Harvard. He currently is a resident physician at Mass General.

7 games, 9 minutes, 1 pt, 2 rbs, 1 steal for the very big and strong forward (6'5" 265) from Cheshire, the players called "The Lumberjack".

His small on-court game contributions aside, Lindner is gratified to mention what it means to be a hardworking practice-only player. "I'm most proud of the fact that I show up every day, even if it's just on the practice court, and go as hard as I can, knowing the coaches appreciate that," said Lindner. "It makes me feel like I've accomplished something." In the weight room, the Huskies held sort of a "World's Strongest Man" competition. Each player had to carry two huge weights around the room. Jeff Adrien made it around three times; Lindner made it four. Imagine a professional wrestler as "The Lumberjack". That's Lindner.

While coach Calhoun appreciated the role practice players play, he didn't take the time to know all their names. "For some reason, (Calhoun) remembered my name out of the gate," Lindner said. "The assistant coaches made it a point to tell me I'm lucky. It's nice to have a Hall of Famer remember your name."

Practices aren't fun when they're spent guarding the likes of Jeff Adrien, Hasheem Thabeet, Jonathan Mandledove, Gavin Edwards and Charles Okwandu. That can be bruising after a while, even for a lumberjack. "They work hard every day," said assistant coach Patrick Sellers. "They have to play against both the 'White' and the 'Blue' teams. They're getting beat up twice, and they come in and do it every day." "John has taken it to a different level. His game has gotten so much better -- his footwork, the whole package. He gives guys lots of problems." "I would like to think," said Lindner, "that I'm one of the reasons they're getting better and better every year."

Danbury-born and transferring from Western, EJ was often the last guard in but did have some meaningful minutes among his 44 games played in 2 years which included the team's first national championship. "I just always had a dream of playing Division I,” Harrison said. “I was doing pretty well at the Division III level, so I thought why not give it a shot. I had my parents behind me and a great program right here in the state. Why not try?”

He did. It was dirty work, with no glory. After all that, Harrison considered quitting. He wanted to boost his grades. He wanted to bone up for graduate school. He was essentially re-recruited by Calhoun and the rest of the team after year one. He was the quickest Husky and might be quick to say he made a good decision. He played more and has a ring to show for it.

In a year’s time, he walked on and nearly walked off. Although he was never officially a member of the team, he earned a uniform and a locker. “It’s good to be back, but I never really left,” Harrison said. Coach Jim Calhoun made sure of that. “I wanted him back very badly,” Calhoun said. “Here’s a kid who really wants to help this team, who has already proven himself to be a superior Division III player — he could have stayed [at that level] and got his 2,000 points — and instead he wanted to play for UConn.”

“With Rip [Richard Hamilton] out for a while [because of an injury], E.J. has really helped us,” guard Ricky Moore said. “I mean, look out there: He’s one of our top 10 and he deserves to be. He’s a good player. He’s the guy that makes practice a tough 5-on-5, and I don’t think people realize what kind of help that is for a team like ours. He went through those tough times with us, and we think he should be there now that we think we’re going to have a pretty good team.” Yeah, it turned out to be a pretty good team.

He came in with some impressive credentials and went on to earn more. Harrison was a star at Danbury High, but he went largely unrecruited because he skipped the summer camps. At Western, he was Little East Conference Rookie of the Year in 1995 and 1st team all conference in 1996.

After graduation, he played professional basketball in Great Britain. In 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 his team was the British League Champions and E.J. was league MVP in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

From the farmlands of Durham, big Jim scored 2 points with 2 rebounds and a block but was a key cog for practices. Rod Sellers pointed out, "he's a shot-blocker, and he can really jump. If you go up kind of half-speed, he'll block your shot. And he'll sneak a dunk in practice every now and then.

Approaching his name being read on Senior Night, Veronick got a bit wistful: "I'm starting to realize how big of an opportunity it was for me and the other walk-ons to be a part of this team," said Veronick, a 2005 Coginchaug High graduate. "When I was in high school and middle school watching games, seeing how talented these players were, it never crossed my mind that I'd be on this team. Now, seeing how talented they are, it makes me appreciate it even more."

Generously listed at 5'10", Ethan was actually shoulder to shoulder with Karl Hobbs at 5'8", joining the legend as shortest to ever lace 'em on here (once).

PG from East Hartford via Deep River was a strictly practice player but professionally he practices real estate in New York City for real.

When the coveted Wiggins spurned St. Johns and committed to UConn there were of course, high expectations. Starting PG, AJ Price, had been suspended for Dougie's freshman season and he now saw playing time at his state school. As a PG there were the usual growing pains but he was improving as a sophomore.

That's when things started to go awry. After basketball stardom at East Hartford High, a complicated two-year stint at UConn (drug-related suspension, arrest for underage drinking, driving with a suspended license, other heavy drinking-related incidents) , a drinking-related expulsion from UMass without ever playing a game, high-profile run-ins with police and time spent at NAIA colleges in Chicago and West Virginia. Wiggins played and received his degree at Mountain State where he lead them to the NAIA National Championship and received 2nd team all American.

After college, Wiggins initially was content to be misunderstood if he could just be left alone. It took 7 years of self-pity to gather his courage and reconnect with former UConn coach Jim Calhoun. Calhoun replied almost immediately. “Doug, I was surprised but happy to hear from you. PLEASE give me a call. Your Coach.” Wiggins called. They spoke for half an hour. Wiggins cried “tears of joy,” he said. He watched the Huskies practice. He left campus feeling part of something again, accepted, forgiven, understood. “He’s a kid who made a lot of mistakes – a good kid, a smart kid, who made a lot of mistakes,” Calhoun said. “But life is not about retrospect. It’s about going forward. He has talent as a person. The one thing he left here with me is that he is a good person. Dougie Wiggins had good components, character, fiber, and he wasn’t able to always show the true Dougie Wiggins. Do I expect Dougie to complete the mission he’s on? Sure. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be talking to him and trying to help him. He has great things to offer."

He continued to harbor dreams of playing professional basketball and was in the best shape of his life. In the meantime, he was self-employed, training youth players in the Hartford area. It put money in his pocket. It kept him around the game. It connected him with children he hoped wouldn't make the mistakes he did. He eventually played professionally in Europe six years but was morose.

The love and family aspect of the UConn program was strong and Doug began the climb back into society. He now runs an athlete training company. His bio on that site: Don't Quit LLC .

Doug Wiggins is one of the most accomplished basketball players to ever come out of the richly talented Central Connecticut region. In high school Wiggins earned the honor of being named a top 50 player in the NATION and received Connecticut Gatorade Player of the year. He played in the Michael Jordan All Star game as well as participating in the famous ABCD camp and NBA top 100 camp. At the ABCD camp he was named one of the MVP’s of the All Star game.

East Hartford product and UConn Avery Point transfer appeared in 1 game.

He coached his alma mater at East Hartford High beginning in 2019 and teaches math at the Middle School. Per principal Joe Pearce: “He is someone that went to this school. He went to East Hartford High School. He played basketball at East Hartford High School. He's taught at the elementary level, and now we're so thankful to have him here at the middle school level,” said Pearce. “Any student that enters his room is getting a really, really amazing, not only teacher, person, but leader and someone that kids can aspire to be like.”

He spends some of his after school time coaching boys basketball at Conard High, West Hartford. There, he was able to work with All-State player Riley Fox (Yale): "[Coach Williams] is able to constantly be on me in practice. He pulls me aside, showing me things I have never seen on the floor before. We want to get to the standard to where we want to be as a program and uphold ourselves to that standard every single day.

Farmington's own, Ellison was a huge get for the Huskies in the aftermath of the 89-90 Dream Season. He was a two-time all-stater and the 1989-90 Gatorade Player of the Year.

Talent? Loads. Skills? Sure, some. Hard worker? Not so much. It never worked out for him. Coach Calhoun wasn't too high on Ellison in high school but his performance in an All-Star game against the likes of Jamal Mashburn, Bill Curley, Dickey Simpkin's and John Wallace (all future NBAers) made JC reconsider and offered a scholarship. That’s when basketball started not to be fun for the 6-foot-8 Ellison.

His laid-back nature was a bad mix for UConn’s high-powered program. “It was all my doing,” admitted Ellison.
JC was predictably tough on the freshman. “Enjoy our win last night, Shawn?” Coach Jim Calhoun asked freshman forward Shawn Ellison.
“Yeah,” said Ellison, who did not play in the Huskies’ one-point exhibition victory over the touring Soviet national team.
“Did you enjoy your view?” Calhoun asked. “Keep playing like you are and it’ll be permanent.”

“It was real tough with practices, classes and the NCAA Tournament,” Ellison said. “I think Calhoun is a great coach, but I was young. I never set my goals to go to the NBA. There were a lot of distractions. I had to withdraw from all that. Basketball wasn’t fun anymore.”
After seeing the floor in just 7 games, he transferred to UHar and didn't produce much. Time at Western Connecticut followed, also unproductive. Seven years at various schools included 3 non-playing years due to transfer rules, academics and injury. He continued balling in the EBA and his son, Justice, played at Central Connecticut.

Out of Granby High, Noyes started as a practice player before becoming a walk-on his junior season and was awarded a scholarship his senior year.

A gifted basketball player, Noyes’ skillset as a high school student encompassed far more than just his athletic ability. In his own words, he “wanted to pick college for school,” and would consider himself lucky if basketball would follow as part of the package. Noyes liked basketball and won a State Championship at Granby High. Ten years later, his connection to the sport had taken him to places not even he could have imagined. He has become the NBA's Assistant Coach/Director of Player Development for the San Antonio Spurs.

After acclimating to college life, Noyes rekindled his involvement with the game of basketball when he walked on to Kevin Ollie’s Huskies by his sophomore year. He credits the experience for providing him with skills that served him in his day-to-day role now as a player development coach with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, a position he held for six years.

An Actuarial Science major, he planned to work as an actuary at The Hartford after graduation. Three days before his scheduled start date, the Grizzlies came knocking on his door with an offer to work as a data scientist, a position placing him around a team whose roster was comprised mostly of players older than he was. Reflecting on his age similarity with many of the players he works with today, Noyes mentioned, “Being part of a college locker room at UConn gave me important insight into what players go through on a day-to-day basis, which was invaluable when making the transition to working in the NBA.”

Mike is now assuming even greater responsibilities with the San Antonio Spurs as an Assistant Coach/Directory of Player Development.
He now finds himself working out with players directly, and added with a touch of humor that his unique position lends him the privilege of losing on-court drills against some of the world’s best basketball players. “Growing up in a small town gave me the confidence to dream big. I had a great support system, from my friends and family to my teachers and coaches. This sense of community helped me develop relationships that shaped who I am today. More than anything, I miss the people from Granby." He aspires to be an NBA head coach one day. "If Granby has taught me one thing, it’s to dream big.”

Heralded Hamden High star and Gatorade Player of the Year is arguably the finest athlete ever produced at UConn. He was the first player in NCAA history to score more than 1,500 points, with at least 750 rebounds, 290 assists, and 300 steals. A Husky of Honor. In high school, he starred in basketball, baseball and football and he was ultimately drafted by both the NBA and MLB. He actually played summer baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays while attending UConn. Eventually, he chose basketball, enjoyed 8 years in The League, including one famously played with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. After the NBA he played in the G-League, China, Japan, Philippines and Spain.

Scott made three All-Big East squads and won an NBA championship with the Bulls. He was also infamously depicted in "The Last Dance", a 2020 ESPN and Netflix documentary series on Michael Jordan. It portrays Burrell as a common target of Jordan's competitive banter. Burrell contributed to the Bulls’ success that season by guarding Jordan in practice. His athleticism made him a good match for Jordan.

After his playing career, he went into coaching, starting as an assistant in the G-League and then at his hometown college, Quinnipiac University. He has progressed to Head Coach at Southern Connecticut State University.

Burrell did so much for his Huskies and the stats bear that out. 13.2 career scoring average; 6.3 rebounds; 2.5 assists; 35.7% from three on 4 per game. 2.6 steals per game including 2 years that he led the Big East in that category, topped off with 3.6 in 1990-91. His dunk reel is longer than most player's total highlight reel.
He is UConn's all-time steals (310) and steals per game (2.6) leader. He once had 7 steals in a game and had three of the top six steal seasons in school history.
His pitcher's arm led to his selection to fire the court-length pass to Tate George with 1 second remaining that led to the winning hoop vs. Clemson and a trip to the Elite 8 in the 1989-90 Dream Season. He was a 2018 Huskies of Honor inductee.

From Hamden and progressing to captain of the basketball team at Hamden High, he has wanted to play for UConn since he was in grammar school.
As a walk-on he joins a large cast of former dreamers and cheerleaders to suit up for the Huskies.
Certainly, he paid his dues. Grueling practices where he masquerades as an opposing team's guard, preparing rotation players for games. Getting bounced around like a silver pinball, flippered every which way by players sometimes 80 pounds heavier. Walk-ons are bruised but not deterred by them. “Every one of them is worth it," said Moore. "All of 'em."
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Moore had had an individual tryout, and was in uniform for the annual Midnight Madness custom before final cuts were made. Moore describes an agonizing ritual of watching locks on lockers disappear. Eight locks would become four and so on. “You don’t even want to look the other guy in the eye,” Moore said.

While they even dress in separate locker rooms, the perks are there. Playing, even if just in practice, against the best of the best. Lifetime relationships with those players not to mention staff. Staying in top hotels. Signing autographs. Front row seat to every game. Recognized across campus. The recognition had its drawbacks.

During the 1999 championship run, he often was mistaken for another Richard Moore - UConn's current star guard Ricky Moore.
“Even Souleymane (Wane) gave me some letters one day,” Moore said. “I was reading how great I was. I go, ‘Oh God. This is Ricky Moore’s fan mail. What has impressed Moore the most throughout the process? “I have followed UConn all my life. I went to the same high school as Scott Burrell. Ray Allen, Donny Marshall. Tate George’s shot. The whole thing.”

Transfer from the capital city of Hartford averaged 2 pts/2 rebounds after enrolling at UConn from community college. At 6'8", 215 lbs, he was a key big in practices during the run to a Sweet 16 in 2003.

Hayes originally had his eyes set on Xavier but re-opened his recruiting when coach Skip Prosser left for Wake Forest. "It's a dream come true for me," Hayes said from his Hartford home. "I never thought coming out of high school that I would get to play for UConn. But I went to junior college in the Midwest, improved my game and more than held my own."

Approaching Senior Night, coach Calhoun had this to say about Mike: “Mike Hayes gave us a ton because he was a good kid and he worked everyday in practice. He gets down on himself. If something goes wrong he shows it by not wanting to play and by getting down and then it goes away in a day because he’s a good person and a good teammate. We’ve won 45 games in two years and in the last 13 games he’s been really important for us.”

Then, close to Graduation Day, Hayes was arrested by Hartford Police after he allegedly sold more than a pound of marijuana to an undercover narcotics detective. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school and possession of a controlled substance. Calhoun had this to say about one of his own, "He's not on the team anymore, and he's set to graduate, but he's still one of our kids. He made an error in judgment, but we won't desert him."

If you didn't know it, Steve's story as a walk-on might feel insignificant. The transfer from Army played in just two games with no stats other than 1 minute (actually 38.7 proud seconds) played. However, to coach JC and countless others, Emt inspires.

He grew up in Hebron, 20 minutes from Storrs, and dreamed of being a UConn basketball player. A terrific athlete, he was an All-State basketball players at RHAM, a third-team All-American soccer goalkeeper and an all-conference baseball player. He enrolled at his dream school, Army, in 1990, and averaged 7 pts, 3 rebounds as a freshman in just 10 games. Then, his dad died and he was in total shock. He was failing classes, went on probation and resigned his appointment and enrolled at UConn 3 years later.

UConn assistant Glen Miller saw him in an intramural game, told JC what he saw and he was offered a walk-on spot and eventually graduated. The next year at season's end, he and some buddies went to a bar to watch some March Madness. UConn vs. Maryland. One drink, then another, then a fight where he badly beat up a patron. Police arrived and he scooted away before being questioned. Turning the ignition key is the last thing Steve recalls from that night. He was traveling about 80 mph after 1 a.m. when he went off the road and hit a bridge embankment on I-84 near Exit 66 in Vernon. The truck flipped five times, cartwheeling 75 yards before it came to rest in a ditch. The truck was on its roof. The windows were shattered. The tires were blown out. Thrown out the back window, Emt’s clothes were torn off, he was bleeding from his nose, his mouth, his ears. That blood also would measure .12, drunken driving. “I was found by a police officer driving on the other side of the highway when his lights shined off the chrome of my truck,” Emt said. LifeStar took eight minutes to arrive by helicopter. He was treated at the scene for eight minutes and it took eight minutes to get him to the hospital. Do the math. “Six minutes to live,” Emt said, “because of a stupid, stupid decision to get behind the wheel.”

Six hours of surgery followed. He was cut open from chest to navel. He broke most of his ribs. There was massive internal bleeding. His back was broken in three places. He blew out both his knees. He had a head injury. He ruptured his spleen. Worst, he severed his spinal cord near his belly button. Paralyzed from the waist down. Even after a quarter-century, you can stick a knife in his leg and he won’t feel it. “Two days in a coma,” Emt said. “Two days of hell that I put my loved ones through, wondering if Steve was ever going to wake up.”
Last rites were read. Doctors wondered aloud whether he was going to make it. The family was advised to start making funeral arrangements. He awoke at 6 a.m. two days after his accident. People tell him that it was his guardian angel, his father telling him to do good, to accept the consequences of his actions and to help people.The surgeon came in, looked Emt in the eye and told him the truth: “You will never walk again.”
Months and years of tears and therapy followed, capped by his desire to help others. He now inspires. Emt is a Paralympian, parlaying his athleticism into America’s No. 1 wheelchair curler in 2024.

Benchman got on the floor for 24 games, scoring 11 points and making the only 3 he took and both free throws. A last memory is his appearance vs. Eastern Michigan in the NCAA round of 32 of the 1995-96 season.
The date is March 9, 1996. A 22-year-old, Kyle Chapman watches from the sidelines as time runs down in the Big East Championship game. He can feel the sweat dripping down his temple as he perches on the edge of his seat. His team trails 74-73 to Georgetown as Ray Allen receives a dribble handoff from fellow Husky Ricky Moore. As Allen drives to the paint, he’s cut off by Big East Defensive Player of the Year Allen Iverson. The future Middle School English teacher and boys basketball coach can feel his nerves beginning to pile up as Allen is forced to throw a prayer at the rim.
Chapman cannot bear to watch, and yet he simultaneously cannot pull his eyes away. As the ball floats towards the basket, he cannot believe it as Allen’s prayer dances on the rim before dropping. His teammates and the many UConn fans in attendance at Madison Square Garden erupt as UConn goes up by one and eventually holds on to win the game.

This event, as remarkable as it was, was just one of the many that happened over the course of Chapman’s unbelievable basketball career.
The summer after sixth grade marked a turning point in his athletic journey. He had plans to attend Camp Slamma Jamma, a basketball camp held at Central Connecticut State University, with many of his friends, and looked forward to this opportunity to develop as a player alongside familiar faces. Just before it was time to go to camp, however, disaster struck. “Everybody kind of just bowed out at the last minute,” Chapman explained, “and so I ended up going by myself.” “At first, I was really sad because I didn’t know anybody,” Chapman expressed, “but in the end, it was a great thing because I just locked in on basketball. That week really changed things.”
Chapman came home from camp a completely different player. The fact that he was able to focus solely on basketball and progressed greatly while his friends were not able to do the same meant that when he returned, he had a new standing amongst the players in his town.
“Before, I was literally like the middle of the pack,” he described, “but a month later, I was the best player in the town by a long margin.”

Once a freshman at Ledyard High School, Kyle made the varsity team. He really improved throughout sophomore year but after that he began to feel the pressure to succeed. By senior year he thought of giving up the game altogether. " ‘I don’t even know if I want to do this anymore,’” he detailed. “It wasn’t healthy.”
He went to play at Division III Keene State for a team that went 3-28 and he was miserable. So he quit. And then the transfer to UConn. And then was playing pickup in the Field House where (Women's player) Meghan Pattison saw him and told him about Geno Auriemma's program that brought boys into the Women's team practices to give them a more physical presence. He loved the experience and the Women won the NCAA championship and he got a ring. Basketball was rekindled in life.

The next season he tried out for and won a walk-on position on the Men's team.

This meant that in his two years at UConn he got the opportunity to play alongside and against future basketball Hall of Famers such as Ray Allen, Rebecca Lobo, and Allen Iverson, to be coached by two legendary college basketball coaches – Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma – to be crowned a Big East Champion, to play at Madison Square Garden, and to make an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the 1996 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In the span of two years, he went from quitting the sport entirely to having an experience basketball fans and players everywhere could only dream of.

Gales Ferry is the hometown of this walk-on. Played in 2 games for the legend, JC, but didn't crack the stat sheet. Working in the Real Estate business in Florida.

Two-sport athlete (golf) who answered JC's call for bodies during the 1994-95 season. Was captain of the golf team and somehow managed to commit 17 personal fouls in his 17 walk-on games played while not scoring. Maybe the basketball was too big for him?

Turned professional as a golfer and played in the Canon GHO. He is COO at The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA.
Not only has Greg Yeomans had a tremendous amount of success in golf, the 1994-95 season was when the Huskies reached No. 1 in the country and made the Elite 8. His teammates included former Boston Celtics champion Ray Allen and former pro and NBA announcer Donny Marshall. To this day, they all keep in touch, with Yeomans occasionally playing golf with both former teammates. “I always say it was definitely the right place at the right time,” Yeomans said. “It’s nice to see those guys. Ray’s such a good golfer now, and it’s nice to stay in touch with him.”

Yeomans actually started his college career at Assumption College in Worcester and didn’t make the basketball squad there. After visiting his brother at Boston College, he knew he wanted a larger college experience so after taking a year off in Florida to play golf, he enrolled at UConn.
He became golf captain for three years, winning six individual tournaments and finishing 2nd six other times.
Winter offered a break from golf, and during that time, the 6-foot-1 Yeomans got asked to practice again the women’s basketball team, which won the national title and went 35-0 that year. One day, a men’s assistant coach approached him about possibly joining the team as a walk-on. As Yeomans waited for word over the weekend, he staffed an exhibition game as the visiting team host, opening the locker room for UConn’s opponents. In the next game, he was in uniform. He arrived early for the knee-knocking first practice, but he said he stayed humble and his teammates appreciated his hustle and dedication. “I just knew my role,” he said. “I’d been a captain on golf so I kind of knew a little bit of the leadership pieces.”

Though he did play in an NCAA Tournament game, he said the pinnacle moment came on Senior Night, when Yeomans played the final minutes and the crowd chanted his name at Gampel Pavilion.

Yeomans still takes time to coach basketball in the winter. He’s an assistant coach for Tabor Academy and coaches various other teams in the area. He is also competing well in golf, most recently winning the NEPGA Pro-Assistant with Connecticut pro John Paesani at The Bay Club in 2020. “My competitive juices still flow,” Yeomans said. “Everybody here knows it. The members know how competitive I am.”

Trey James: 5'9" walk-on from Middletown. Had an assist in the 2 games he entered.

Later coached at Nichols College before coming back to CT, working at The Hartford and as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Middletown High School.

The Milford Muscle Man took his 6'5" 216 lb frame to the UConn practice court as a walk-on. He was active when he got into games, scoring 10 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, 7 offensive with 3 assists.

Swaller was cut from the UConn team as a freshman, but then made the team as a walk-on as a sophomore. It’ is unusual for a walk-on to last more than one season because competition is so fierce. He was on the 2004 National Champs.

Coached at Fairfield Warde HS for 15 years and is now teaching at Ludlowe Middle School.
Regarding his following of Jim Calhoun's coaching footsteps he said, "(Calhoun) is one who constantly demands the best. He usually brings the best out of people," Ryan said. "He is so involved and so animated. I don't have the same personality." Ryan was honored with a tribute by Milford Mayor James Richetelli Jr. after the championship season of 2004. "We’'re excited about this, and we want to express the community’'s pride that one of our hometown boys went to our high school and contributed to that tremendous accomplishment that the team has achieved," Richetelli said.

He said the NCAA semifinal game against Duke University was one of the best moments of his life. UConn fought back from a nine-point deficit with about 3 minutes remaining to escape with an almost miraculous one-point victory. "The game with Duke was just amazing," Swaller said. "The (Final) game against Georgia Tech we were so in control of."

Standing just 6'2" but 220 rugged pounds, his primary role on the basketball team was to toughen up forward play, a part he played to excellence and earning him a full scholarship in 2014.
Phil Nolan, a forward for those Huskies had this to say about Nnamdi: “...he’s a pretty strong and athletic. We just basically let him go wild in practice, let him push people around and get us ready. We feel like trying to contain him in practice all year, we’re pretty ready for whatever. He makes everyone have to be on alert and bring their ‘A’ game, or he’s going to bully you.” Amilo pushed back on that a little: “I’m sure I have my role, but that’s all their toughness right there,” he said. “I’m just helping them along. I mean, when they push around guys like Adrian Payne (Michigan State All-American forward who had a tough outing in the 2014 NCAAs vs the Huskies), though, that puts a smile on my face. I’m not going to lie.”
Amilo didn't play any minutes in the Final Four at Cowboys Stadium, but he had played a big role in the rotation players' results.

New Fairfield's own, Amilo was a student first, walking on to the basketball team. Majoring in Molecular Cell Biology, balancing that load with basketball was demanding. Amilio expands, "Juggling sports and a full class load can definitely be tricky at times, but ultimately it’s possible if you remain on top of your work. That means not only getting work/studying in whenever you can, but also being proactive and informing professors of any conflicts. In my experience, as long as I’ve communicated with my professors and coaches they were always willing to accommodate me. To me, being a Husky means acting with pride and representing the school wherever I go. The lessons I’ve learned here will help me well beyond my time here, and will travel with me to the next stages of my life and career."

He has since graduated to become an anesthesiologist at Northwestern Medical Center in Illinois.

Newtown native and two-sport athlete (baseball). Appeared in 2 games, not scoring. His lasting memory was from a practice: "I dunked on Olander (center Tyler) the first practice of 10/11. Next day JC points at me - "You! WTF was that?! *To Team* "Why can't you MFers do that?" *To Me* "I don't know your name. I may never know your name but I got home and told my wife about that!" He did learn my name."

His other winning moment came when the team had an outing at a bowling alley in Orange, CA prior to their Sweet 16 game vs. San Diego State in 2011. His score of 142 led all others. He gave credit to his time hanging out at Willi Bowl in Windham.

Never scored as a practice player from North Haven, getting into just one game but did experience winning the NIT over Ohio State in MSG.

He has coached youth teams up through AAU and has a little game left himself but spends most of his time working his Property Management business and involving himself in local and state politics with the Town Council and the State House of Representatives.

Norwalk product Enoch committed to UConn shortly after the team won the 2014 national title, choosing the Huskies over VCU, Virginia, Providence, UCLA, Seton Hall and Rhode Island. He cited his friendship with Andre Drummond, who he met at the age of nine.

Steve was a late-comer to basketball. His dad said, “He was a laid-back, shy kid, almost introverted,” his dad, Rick Enoch reported. “He didn’t have that confidence. He was a bit awkward, bigger than the other kids but they were running circles around him. It was discouraging for him.”
By the time Steve was about 13, his dad wanted him to play AAU ball. Steve was reluctant and didn’t play at first. By the time he got to Norwalk High, he was 6-5, still a little clumsy and “soft,” but more intent on becoming better. As a 6-7 sophomore, Enoch was exclusively a JV player. He was still struggling, particularly with staying in shape, when his future AAU coach George Matthews, saw him that night before the Norwalk-Trumbull varsity game. “His wind was bad, and his legs weren’t strong,” Matthews recalled. “Everything revolves around being in great shape.”
That next summer, Enoch played AAU ball on a team sponsored by Drummond. He was lost on the court initially but he always spent extra time working out. At 2:30 p.m. every day, he’d call me and say, ‘I’m ready.’ I was like, ‘Yes, this is what I like!’” “He went up against a lot of high-ranked guys and did real, real well,” Matthews recalled, The first morning before camp began, Enoch joined Drummond, Shabazz Napier, Klay Thompson and others in pick-up games. “He knew Steve was special to me,” Matthews said of Drummond. “He went out to Pangos for four days, and 80 percent of his downtime was with Andre. Video games and basketball, that’s all they did together.” After he committed, coach Kevin Ollie was pleased with his progress. “Every time I see Steve, he’s getting bigger, he’s getting better, he’s performing very well, he’s rebounding the ball,” Ollie said.

Enoch had grown to a manly 6'10", 255 lbs. and was dominating practices at times. After his sophomore season, a troubling one for the Huskies and personally for coach Ollie, Enoch joined Juwan Durham and Vance Jackson in transferring out. Enoch landed at Louisville where he blossomed.
Starting 42 of his 67 games there, he averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. With no outside shot to speak of and limited moves down low, he went undrafted but continues to play overseas. He has suited up for teams in Spain, Turkey and Lithuania. He also played for several FIBA 'U' teams on the Armenia squad as a naturalized citizen.

Energetic walk-on from Norwalk had no field goals but displayed his grittiness by scoring all 6 of his points on free throws and chipping in 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a block.

Practice players are a genre often regarded as the secret ingredient of a great team. The practice player is sometimes cheerleader, sometimes pit bull, sometimes psychologist. "I scream encouragement, whisper criticism," said Gyambibi, then a 24-year-old senior guard.
They are walk-ons, but they cannot be walked on. "You can't be walked on or they'll get rid of you," said Gyambibi.

Gyambibi was recruited by colleges like Drexel, Lafayette and Lehigh, tremendous academic institutions but not at the basketball level he felt his talent merited. Because he was academically solid -- a member of the National Honor Society -- Gyambibi didn't feel compelled to play basketball. "I hung up the hoop dream a long time ago," he said. "As a regular student," Gyambibi said, "I did community services, a lot of extracurricular activities. I was in the Mr. Black UConn pageant. I was a well-rounded student, my future looked promising just academically. "When I started to get my body, mind and soul into the team, a lot of things had to be put aside: friends, family, relationships. I hadn't been late for anything, but when I was on the basketball team, I started to be late for other things, such as class. The only thing I wasn't late for was basketball."

Gyambibi played intramural ball his first year at UConn and led his team to the championship. After his freshman year, Gyambibi left school to spend a year in the National Guard. He wanted to liberate himself from his Ghanian-born parents, who were disappointed in their son's first-year grades. After graduating from The School at Church Farm in Pennsylvania with a 3.4 grade-point average, Gyambibi had a 2.8 at Connecticut as a freshman. His plan was to have the Army -- not his parents, not UConn athletics -- pay for the rest of his education. "'Whoever's paying for you always has a say in what you do," Gyambibi said. "I wanted to work my hardest, but I wanted to work for me, so let me pay for me. That's why I left, so my parents wouldn't have so much control financially in my life. And it gave me a chance to become more of a man."

The 6-foot Gyambibi was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Lee, Va. He returned to UConn in the best physical and mental shape of his life for his sophomore year, and the following summer he played with the UConn team and impressed members of the staff, who asked him to come out for the team. He walked on in his junior year and played again in his senior year.

At the end of the season, coach Jim Calhoun called Gyambibi into his office and asked if he would like to come back if a year of eligibility could be restored. Under N.C.A.A. rules, a player has five years to play four. Eligibility for part, but not all of his time in the National Guard was restored to the N.C.A.A. clock. Gyambibi decided to come back, even though his eligibility would run out during the tournament. He said he spent last summer dedicating himself to becoming a leader in the young UConn locker room. "I stayed focused on being mature about every situation," said Gyambibi, who played in 10 games. "When the team got together in the preseason, I wanted to make sure everybody's on the same page, and really try to help take the team as far as it could go. This has been a great experience for me," Gyambibi said, "and worth every sacrifice I had to make."
It's difficult, what came next, with no apparent reasons why things went sour.

After school he was working at UConn's Stamford branch while sidelining as a salesman for Advantage Pharmacy. At that time he and his physician wife were charged in a 17-count federal indictment alleging a fraud scheme involving controversial “compounded medicines” — which victimized the Connecticut state employees’ pharmacy benefit plan and other health care programs, causing them more than $1.5 million in losses, federal authorities said. "Compounded medicines" are drug mixtures, mostly creams for pain and other conditions — that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Found as the instigator of the plot to pressure his wife into her deeds, he was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison. His wife spent 3 months in federal prison but was ultimately allowed to keep her license to practice medicine due mostly to the pressure she received at the behest of Kwasi as she became an acquiescent, obedient and dutiful wife as expected of her culture.

Appeared in 11 games without scoring but pulled in 3 rebounds with a steal. Is the only player to sport uniform #53. Often subbing in late for Kevin Freeman, he joined a long list of contributing bench players with whom fans fell in love.

At a bruising 6 feet 6 inches and 205 pounds, he was the Rock ‘Em-Sock ‘Em robot of the second team. He had to play Jake Voskuhl and Kevin Freeman in the post, day in and day out, and play them hard. Cybart got knocked down, he got up again. No, they’re never going to keep him down. He sported a black eye on senior night. (He had been elbowed by Antric Klaiber the day before.) “I don’t know how he gets his energy,” Freeman said of Cybart. “If I took that many blows, I wouldn’t get up.” That comes from the ultimate warrior. “You don’t know how hard it is to lose, every single day, in practice,” Voskuhl said. “It has got to be hard. You’ve got to respect walk-ons, they take so much stuff. Especially Jeff. He takes elbows. He gets dunked on. And he works his butt off every day.”

Cybart, from Orange, averaged close to a double-double at Amity-Woodbridge. He wanted to play collegiate ball at the Division II or III level, but the schools that showed interest carried some huge price tags. He went up to UConn, made the team as a sophomore walk-on, spent his junior year retooling his academics and came back as a senior.

He was well-liked and respected in the locker room — despite and because of the fact he absorbs so much punishment. “I love playing basketball,” Cybart said, “and I like competing with these guys every day.” He said Klaiber has the sharpest elbows while Freeman and Voskuhl are the toughest to move out of the post. He would not comment on which UConn forward had the best arsenal of dirty tricks.

Portland High player walked-on from the Hartford branch of UConn. Never made a 2pt FG but drained a 3 vs. Yale to go along with a FT and 5 rebounds in his 2 year career here.

Sadly, that involved a two tragedies.
Srb was just getting over the death of his father, a professor at Middlesex Community-Technical College in Middletown, from of a neurological disease when his mother was killed by a security guard on campus at Middlesex as she was cleaning out her recently deceased husband's professorial office.
Calhoun and academic counselor Ted Taigen spent the next few hours in Srb’s room, attempting the impossible task of consoling him. Calhoun, who was only 15 when his own father died, spoke from experience when he said, “There’s nothing right you can say.” “Coach Calhoun talked words of love,” Taigen said. “All year we talk basketball, basketball, basketball. But all we talked about in that room that night were words of love, caring.”

Srb was honored with a Special Recognition Plaque for his athletic and academic accomplishments by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Donald W. Gates, his principal at Portland High, said Srb has “reinforced my sincere belief that all young people are good and that the challenge is to build upon that good as one citizen develops into a successful contributor to society and a responsible citizen. I am proud of his personal, athletic and academic accomplishments.” Chamber president Larry McHugh spoke, calling him (and former Husky John Gwynn, also in attendance) 'UConn greats'. The wry and sarcastic Calhoun followed that up as only he can, "Justin Srb is one of the finest young men I'm been associated with, and Justin you've done a lot of great things, but I believe Larry overstepped his boundaries by calling you a great player. You're a great person. I love you to death. I would do anything in the world for you. But Srb, you were not a great player."

Rocky Hiller scored 4 points with 2 rebounds in his 3 years, 20 games and 25 minutes played. For some reason it wasn't official but he also should have received credit for a steal that led to his bench-erupting dunk against Central Connecticut.

“I went into UConn thinking, ‘I’m here, you never know what’s going to happen,'” said Foxen. “I went in thinking, I’ll get a good degree, but I’d work as hard as I can.” He made the team after trying out as a walk-on in 2014. “[Coach] Kevin [Ollie] pushed me every day,” Foxen said, “just like the other guys, walk-ons weren’t any different. If we were slacking off, he’d get on us. Learning the work ethic that’s needed to be successful, I got that from that coaching staff. K.O. worked extremely hard at his job, you can’t that take that away from him.”

After school came a dilemma. “I was kind of stuck,” Foxen said. “I put all my chips playing and trying to potentially play. I was kind lost, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I worked at a landscaping company, and after a couple of months, I realized I didn’t want to do that." He was working with a trainer who had connections and introduced Christian to the people at Europrobasket International Basketball Academy in Valencia, Spain. He soon received an invitation to play in Portugal. He was playing well, averaging 13/5/11 when the coronavirus hit Portugal hard. He had to return home to Rocky Hill That ended his basketball career.

He now works in the business world for UBS. Fun fact: He’s looking for information about his great great grandfather, Bill Foxen, a lefthander who pitched for the Phillies and Cubs between 1908 and 1911, threw three shutouts, hit a homer in one of them. Christian has an old photo on his wall.

Transfer from Holy Cross became an instant fan favorite due to his boundless energy and heady play. A strong combo guard, he had a good career at HC but wanted to test himself at a higher level as a 5th year grad player. Averaging 15 minutes, he routinely filled every stat sheet box. While averaging only 3 ppg, He also averaged 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Not big numbers but consistent performances night in and out. He also shot a career high 48%.

A solid player and student at Holy Cross, Evans, a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, had the chance to play against UConn at the XL Center, and reveled in the experience — even if his team was overmatched in a 77-40 loss. Evans took 17 shots, impressing the UConn coaches, and scored 15 points. “I guess I have to thank Coach [Milan] Brown for scheduling that game and bringing me home,” Evans said with a big smile. “If I didn’t play well, things might not have happened.” A chain of events began that connected Evans’ immense talent with great opportunities and led him to the University of Texas, where he obtained a second master’s degree and served as a graduate assistant on coach Shaka Smart’s staff. “It all began when Coach [Jim] Calhoun took a chance on me,” Evans said.

Calhoun retired before Evans played for UConn and Kevin Ollie later became the fourth coach for Evans in his college career. Said Ollie: “He’s got great potential. Anybody that can finish a grad program in eight months that’s supposed to be two years has got some brains up there. Coaching is relationship-based, your players have to trust you. R.J. fills right into that."

After leaving UConn with a master’s in educational psychology, Evans tried various directions, including playing pro ball in England, where he continued studying. But basketball was in his blood and he longed for it. He reconnected with Calhoun (and Mark Daigneault, former UConn grad assistant now a D-League coach) and that led to the Shaka Smart connection. His coaching career includes stops at Texas, Louisville, UHa, Holy Cross and Northern Kentucky.

Karsten Kibbe: 6'5" 225 lb bull from Simsbury saw action in 6 games, scoring a point and grabbing a rebound. Member of 1997-98 NIT Championship team.

Was a valued and well-liked teammate. Jim Calhoun went out of his way to mention Karsten during his Hall Of Fame induction speech as did Steve Pikiell during his Rutgers introductory speech as head basketball coach. He played before the internet was born or I'm sure we'd have more to say about this icon of a walk-on.

6'6" 250 lb bench player contributed hugely to the 2004 champs. The sturdy Southburian Barbarian, Baisch helped prepare dorm-mate Emeka Okafor for Big East rigors.

After all the sacrifices and commitment he made in the name of Team, coach Calhoun rewarded the walk-on with a scholarship in January of his sophomore year. "I started thinking about in the fall," Calhoun said. "I thought he was more than deserving. I think he's a great kid. He's the strongest kid on our team and he has a 3.1 (grade point average) in physics." Baisch, who was informed of Calhoun's decision in front of the team, was much more emotional. "My eyes were wide open. I was amazed. The money is nice, but the things coach said about me afterward were what really meant something to me," said Baisch. "I got a little teary-eyed and everything. But I tried to keep it in."

Played in 11 games each of his 2 seasons, pumping in 11 points and smothering 10 rebounds.

Talented 6'5" walk-on from Southington and St. Paul transferred after 2 years to Endicott where he averaged 10.8 / 7.2 / 1.5.

It didn't dawn on him until he started mixing with his teammates how fortunate he was. It wasn't like he was living his dream. "I never really thought of it like that, but I now realize how special it is," said Garry, a sophomore guard. "I know a lot of the guys on the team are from New York and New Jersey, so they're kind of close to home. But to play at the school that's representing my home state is pretty special."

As standout at St. Paul, he was being recruited by DII and DIII schools. That included the toughest school to say "No" to - St. Josephs with coach Jim Calhoun. "The educational programs that [UConn] offered were better," Garry said, "and I know I'm not going to play basketball as a pro, so getting an education was more important than basketball."

Due to a rigorous class schedule, Garry didn't join the team in September of his freshman year. He was offered a spot as a team manager in the Spring and a chance to tryout again the next fall. Fate had it that due to injuries, he was promoted to practice player and ultimately full blown walk-on that February. "It was nice to see the hard work that I've put in pay off as a manager and then practice player and all that stuff. So it was shocking, but also a little fulfilling", Garry said. "I think the most important thing is doing what I can to get our guys ready for action," Garry said. "In practice, I'm doing the best I can, whether that's helping out in drills or passing or scout team or just cheering guys on. Anything that I can do to help us win, even though it might be a little more limited than other guys, is the most important thing."

Walk-ons weren’t necessarily the players most expected to benefit from NIL legislation. Then again, they’re the ones still paying full tuition. They could use a few extra bucks. With that in mind, UConn’s Matt Garry has hatched one of the program’s most unique NIL ventures thus far. The Matt Garry Basketball Camp, for kids grades 5-12 in Bristol. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, even before (NIL),” said Garry, a Southington native. “Now that we’re able to do it, I thought it might be a nice way to make some extra money, because I’ve got to pay for school and stuff like that. But also to give back to the town I came from and the place I went to high school.”

Garry had a tougher road than most during COVID-19. He was quarantined time and again, via various coronavirus protocols, over the months despite testing negative all along. Garry was finally cleared to join the Huskies in early October. Then, he ruptured his left knee in practice. Torn ACL. Torn meniscus. Cartilage damage. Season over before it began. Knee surgery. Then, he contracted COVID-19, testing positive a few weeks later and suffered several symptoms including sort throat, headaches, sweats, fever and tinging sensations in his body. He was headstrong on coming back, which he did, successfully walking on in 2021 after a season lost to injury and misery. Through it all, his education did not suffer and he made All-Big East Academic both his playing seasons.

South Windsor 6'5" walk-on had 1 rebound in his 3 years as a mostly practice player. Remembered for giving the scout team a significant scorer and tough defender.
He was named the team's top student-athlete by the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes and made the All-Big East Academic Team. He went on to UConn Law and got his Doctor of Law and is now practicing mostly in the Boston area.

Few players have shown the consistent growth over their four Storrs season as Austrie. As a Gatorade Player of the Year (CT), Husky Nation's eyeballs bore into the freshman from Stamford's frequent early mistakes. As he grew into his role the gaffes started to melt away. A starter for 69 of his 131 games, he bloomed into a sure-handed dribbler and distributer. His 89.2 FT% in the last 2 minutes of games speaks to his calm demeanor. He ranks 3rd all-time in career FT% (81) and holds the freshman record with 14 assists in one game (Quinnipiac).

Austrie was supposed to attend the University of Massachusetts until its coach, Steve Lappas, was let go. UConn coach Jim Calhoun, in need of a guard, swooped in, and suddenly Austrie was a Husky, bucking the whispers of skeptics who said he was not up to playing for a program that was a national power. “Being an in-state player, UConn is every kids dream, and it was always my dream to come to UConn to play for Coach Calhoun.” "Craig has been a big part of a lot of success for us here," said UConn head coach Jim Calhoun. "From his freshman season, he has been dependable, and he has been a winner. Whatever we have asked of him, he has done it and has done it at a high level."

Craig is still often spotted at big UConn games and he was in attendance for all five of UConn's wins at Madison Square Garden en route to the Big East championship in the magic year of 2011. And he was just as excited six games later when the Huskies won the national championship. "I was ecstatic. I felt like I was going through it with them," said Austrie. "Seeing them do that was special. I really feel like Coach Calhoun is one of the greatest coaches out there. He's proven it." Craig has been inducted into the Fairfield County Hall of Fame and now teaches the skills he's developed at his own basketball academy.

Stamford High grad saw action in 6 games, sinking the only shot he attempted. That occurred at the XL Center vs. Central Connecticut. "It didn't really hit me until I got into the locker room. I scored two official points and they count." he said with an ear-to-ear smile.

Stamford High basketball coach Dan Melzer: "He wasn't a great basketball player when he started. We almost cut him his freshman year," said Melzer. "By the time he was a senior, he had some look, but he said, 'I want to go to UConn and try to walk-on the team.' I can't say we knew he was going to make it, but we were all for it." He was cut as a freshman but persevered, finally making the teams as a walk-on as a senior. Ditimi dreamed big and never gave up on that dream. Thanks to that perserverence, Terrance Ditimi realized the dream. He was a University of Connecticut men's basketball player.

Stonington guard walked on from UConn Avery Point. Never got onto the stat sheet but had some hilarious lay-up line moments with teammate Shabazz Napier.
Now working in Glastonbury.

Hometown hero from Mansfield and neighboring E.O. Smith High added toughness to two national championship teams. He, along with Niels Giffey are the only two NCAA athletes to accomplish this in their freshman and senior seasons.

Tyler Olander grew up wearing a UConn jersey while shooting hoops in his driveway about eight miles from Gampel Pavilion and spent the last four years becoming one of the better high school players in New England at E.O. Smith, which is adjacent to the UConn campus in Storrs. Olander, a 6-foot-9 forward, placed a local call to coach UConn coach Jim Calhoun, making an oral commitment and ending a recruiting process that presented opportunities up and down the East Coast. Olander visited no other schools and canceled trips to Virginia, Wake Forest and Florida. “It’s always been a dream and it’s coming true,” said Olander, who averaged 21.1 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior in leading E.O. Smith to the second round of the Class L playoffs. “I was thinking a lot about it recently because I have to make a decision soon. I sat down with Coach Calhoun and the assistants at UConn on Tuesday. It’s the place I want to be. It felt right. I felt comfortable there. I’m just ready to get to work."

“He’s very agile, he can pass the ball, shoot the three,” his high school coach Ron Pires said. “And he just works hard. I think he improved his game as years went on by handling the ball. He handles the ball almost like a guard. He can shoot the three and he’s a very good passer. His passing, his shooting, his dribbling – he just keeps improving.”, said Piers.

Although the multi-sport athlete (baseball) never quite approached Husky fans' often unrealistic expectations, he had his own. Needing to grow up, Olander was arrested on a trespassing charge during spring break of junior year and then on a DUI prior to his senior season which led to his suspension from the basketball team. The charges were dropped after he plead guilt to a lesser charge of driving without a license and pledged to coach Ollie how he would change, leading to his reinstatement to the team. "Tyler has demonstrated to me an added level of responsibility and maturity," Ollie said. "His time management has been outstanding, his academic work has been excellent. We have spoken at length and I thought it was time that he be given the chance to rejoin his teammates.

After UConn, he took his mid-90s fastball to Class A baseball. Approaching his 3rd baseball season he tore his achilles and it was over for him. Not totally, of course, just baseball playing.
Olander also worked as a teacher of financial literacy to inner-city kids at Achievement First High School in Hartford. He still got his sporting jones first as an assistant varsity Women's Rowing coach of all things at UConn and then as an assistant on the St. Joseph's men's basketball team developed by Jim Calhoun and coached by Glen Miller. In 2024, he was named a coach of the TBT team, Stars of Storrs.

He entered the university with the intention of staying for two years before transferring. However, he walked on for coach Jim Calhoun and stayed four years.
Managed a point and two rebounds as a walk-on from town (Mansfield).

Now the coach at Piedmont High School in California.
Prior to being named varsity coach, Spencer spent five years in the program, including as coach of the junior varsity. He had the pleasure of coaching a future D1 player in Luke Barrett, who suited up as sixth man for the St. Mary Gaels in the 2024 NCAA Tournament where he was a teammate of none other than UConn player-to-be, Aidan Mahaney.

Town of Torrington Hall Of Famer still is points leader at 1637. He sank some key FTs down the stretch to help give UConn its NIT championship in 1988. He was an awesome teammate, often the first one there.

With extremely long arms and a quick, altitudinal leap, he often made it look easy.
Never a great shooter, the 6'8" stringbean made his presence felt all over the court on both sides of the ball.

He was, however, plagued by drinking. His grades failed, his play as well. He was dismissed from the team midway through his senior season but coach Calhoun never turned his back on him. Rock bottom was a scare after a drinking binge in Storrs that left his heart weakened. That was his turning point. Bright side, He returned to school 4 years later and earned his degree.

During the 2004-2005 basketball season, Murray had the opportunity to be featured in a television commercial, and a print ad for hhe University of Connecticut Continuing Education Program. The commercial played during the UConn men’s and women’s games of CPTV, and the Fox Network, and the print ad was in several state papers. The message of the ad was “you may have forgotten me, and now fifteen years later my basketball days are long gone but you’re never going to be able to take the degree away from me. It’s about athletes succeeding athletically but it’s also about athletes succeeding in life, and getting that degree, being a successful and productive person.”

Murray downplays the significance of being new coach Jim Calhoun's first prominent in-state recruit. Others insist that Murray did set an example for others to follow.
Asked about his most memorable moments in a UConn uniform, Murray said cutting the net after winning the National Invitational Tournament in 1988, and contributing to the first Big East Championship win in 1990 were both memorable and satisfying. As a student on campus, Murray was surprised by the reception from other students as being something special. “You were known as a basketball player. Your identity was something you couldn’t hide.”

Walk-on from Vernon gained some acclaim by winning the 2004-05 pre-season Husky Run (3.4 miles in 21:36.)
Gagne was a star shooting guard at Rockville High. But at 6 feet, 220 pounds, Gagne would be a point guard here. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Gagne said. "I'll try to contribute and help in any way I can." That way, was via practice. He did get into 10 games, scoring 3 points.

He was certainly a focused kid. When speaking to a group of kids at a school in Danbury, Gagne told the students to respect their peers, their teachers and their parents -- and while basketball is fun, he wants to be a doctor." That, he did, and became an Emergency Room Doctor in NY.

For his part at UConn, he was dubbed with one of the great nicknames. When preparing to face Notre Dame, Marcus Williams was asked who played the part of guard Chris Quinn. "Bar Fight -- I mean, Marty," Williams said, referring to Gagne. "It's a long story. For a couple weeks, he came to practice with black eyes, a broken nose, stitches in his head. He said he got into a bar fight." Said senior guard Rashad Anderson, "Yeah, two years ago, like every other practice he'd come in with a busted lip, broken nose, black eyes. We just started calling him 'Bar Fight.' You know the old guys, they'd be at the bar fighting all the time, drunk, turning over tables. Yup, that's Bar Fight."

Walk-on picked up an assist over his 2 minutes in 2 games.
Continued on as basketball coach (and History teacher) at Rockville High and youth travel teams. Known for his shooting ability.
Per a reporter who knew him, “I actually worked with Pete McCann at Rockville High School, and he's a bro's bro. Pete, if you're reading this (he's not), way to be the man."

Heralded recruit out of Waterbury was a Parade All-American and the Gatorade Player of the Year.
Two events helped convince Saunders, the 1996 state high school player of the year, that Storrs was the only place for him. The first occurred when Saunders was in eighth grade. Former UConn recruiting coordinator Howie Dickenman flew across the country to watch Saunders play one AAU game in Yakima, Wash., then flew home. The second event occurred three years later. “When my father died, that’s basically when I made my decision,” Saunders said. “I realized that if I went to another school I might not be able to get home if I had a family problem. I also remember that before the funeral, Coach Calhoun and Coach Dickenman came to my house just to see how I was doing and to pay their respects. That touched me. It wasn’t fake.”

Strong forward at 6'9" 230 lbs, he was a key component of the 1999 National Champions, averaging 13.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg with 1.5 blocks, steals and assists.

After school played professionally in Iceland, Mexico, Uruguay and Finland followed by a time in the ABA and USBL.
He owes some of his success to Kevin Freeman to help learn what 'playing hard' really meant and to the 'best coach in the country', JC. While his living snarl put him across as a tough egg, he was a softie off the court.

From Westbrook, 1 pt, 2 Rebs in 5 games in 2 years as a walk-on.
Claim to college basketball fame might be the mention he got when going in late in a game vs. Texas Southern in December.
Bob Picozzi was doing the game with Bucky Waters when Picozzi noted that because they (walk-ons) work very hard during practice it’s good to see them get in a game, as such moments are rare-to-never. Analyst Waters agreed and soon noted that Nick Forostoski, now in the game, is a second-year walk-on and a senior.

Daniel Brocke: Bench player from West Hartford for the 2018-19 squad after averaging 18 pts, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks at Hall High. Sturdy 6'4" guard provided solid practice competition. He made the only shot he took in a game and had 2 rebounds.

Playing D1 was a big goal of his but it wasn’t looking like a realistic goal in his senior season at Hall High. Regardless of what others thought Brocke’s hard work and dedication helped him achieve his ultimate goal. He said "[Playing at UConn was] A surreal experience. While it’s fun, there’s also a lot of work that goes into it that a lot of people don’t see. Overall, it’s an amazing opportunity and experience”, Brocke stated.

When asked if there is any advice that he would give to a kid that is trying to do the same thing as him what would it be? Brocke said that he would tell the kid that he has to work and accept the role that he is given and do whatever he can to help the team, “No matter what”.

WeHa walk-on transfer from George Washington played little but earned rosters spots professionally in England, Norway and Germany.
He was a scholarship player at GW under former Husky Karl Hobbs and started two games his freshman year, averaging 10 minutes of action.
"Daniel Guest is a physical point guard with great ball handling and passing skills," Hobbs said. "He plays with confidence and composure and will add depth to the point guard position. He's capable of taking it to the opponent and matching their intensity."

His numbers were cut in half sophomore season and he looked to transfer. At UConn he suffered the indignity of a suspension for violating team rules. Sufficiently repented to Ollie's content, he ultimately rejoined the team and played in 9 games including 8 in the final NIT loss to ASU. He participated in Senior Night and went on to earn his MBA.

After pro ball, he remained in Germany where he founded a company, Teams United, that builds integrated communities that facilitate sport, cultural, and educational learning opportunities for all members of German society.

As coach Kevin Ollie was looking for walk-ons to round out his squad, he centered on the Windsor, CT product for his athleticism as much as his basketball abilities.

Allen was a football-first kid, playing basketball just to be around his friends. "It evolved into something that I loved to do", said Allen. Still, that football mentality helped him through even his first practice at UConn while putting a scare into the coaches: Allen and super-recruit Andre Drummond charged for a loose ball during a drill and collided full-speed. Somehow, the 270-pound Drummond got the worst end of it. Drummond was sent to the infirmary and later diagnosed with a broken nose and a mild concussion.

In high school, Allen was the kid who spoke up in class, constantly engaged in discussion and exhibited "laser focus," in his basketball coach WhitLesure's words. "He exuded student; student was coming out of his pores," the coach said. "He's the kind of kid the NCAA wants you to picture when you think of student-athlete," Lesure said. "He's definitely going to make the best of his experience at UConn."

"He gets better every day," Calhoun said. "I really like him. He kind of grows on you a little bit because he just keeps working every day."

Allen scored 2 points in his 2 years at Storrs and that was singly special: "I drove baseline and laid the ball up. It was at Gampel Pavilion, against Cincinnati. It was a simple play but it was my most memorable experience, my first two points scored here."

After graduation, the Biological Sciences major enrolled in Life University, gaining his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree. He practices in West Hartford.

High School 3rd Team Parade All-American long distance gunner who hit some big shots during the 2004 championship run. Made 41% of 3's and 48% of 2s during that season. Averaged 11 ppg for his career. At 6'5" he could hoist on demand with a spinless rotation.

Career leader in 3's at 276. Inaugurated to Huskies of Honor. His three against Duke right after they went up by 8 is in the top-10 if not top-5 most important plays in UConn basketball history. Post-grad, he spent 11 years in the D-League, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon and Venezuela.

The colleges Rashad was considering included the Universities of Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Connecticut. “I can’t really tell you how I chose UConn. I just knew. I just really felt like I belonged there. It’s just one of those things when you go with your gut.”

Rashad commented that he enjoyed the Connecticut fans, and admits the fans in Italy are comparable. “They are very passionate about basketball as well. The difference is that the Italy fans are often escorted out of the arena by the police; they are somewhat wild and crazy fans.”

When speaking about his former Coach Calhoun, Rashad simply said, “He’s the same guy he’s always been, crazy. That’s my guy though. He’s my guy.” On that path, the early steps were harsh. “I’m tired, I’m working, and [Jim Calhoun] comes in,” Anderson recalled on an episode of the UConn Insider podcast. “He says, ‘Hey, you better get it together. I’m not the same guy who was in your mom’s kitchen eating your food [on a recruiting visit]. Your mom can cook. Good God almighty. But you better get yourself together. After Midnight Madness, your [butt] is mine.”
“If you don’t challenge Coach, he’s not gonna respect you,” Anderson said. “I guess mentally, he was trying to break me [by benching him early in his career]. But you’re not gonna break me. I’ve played for too many crazy coaches in my life, with him being probably in the top two or three. … You have to buy in and try to learn what he wants from you. I just took it as, in order to get his respect, you can’t back down from a challenge from him. If you back down, you’ll transfer.”

"We may have had guys close to his equal, but no one ever has been better in making clutch shots," UConn coach Jim Calhoun said Monday. "He's made more big 3s than any player I've ever had."

Coach Ollie needed some girth underneath and picked Cobb up as a transfer from South Carolina.
6'9" 250-280 lbs (he was out of shape his first year here) wide body with agility, he was a 51% shooter but hit only 31% from the line.

Went through a suspension and came back with a new purpose. He took diet and training more seriously, in part due to new coach Dan Hurley's evaluation and personal growth plan. Apparently, some steps were missed. “When you’re at where we’re at as a program, your day-to-day effort, showing up to practice, your attitude and mindset, when you’re trying to build a culture and strong organization, you’ve got to put tons of value in the way guys show up every day and how hard they’re getting after it. That’s not to say Eric isn’t, but Kassoum (Yakwe) is really coming on and giving great effort. Eric’s got to do more to unseat some of those guys."

Tragically, arrested in 2025 for the murder of his 51 year old mother.

A tall, talented athlete, the 6'11" Durham never put things together during his year in Storrs under Ollie.
He was part of the mass player exodus after the season and transferred to Notre Dame, where he blossomed to average 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds senior season while shooting 61%. Played professionally in Lithuania and Hungary.

The Tampa, Florida native – ranked No. 38 in the 2016 ESPN 100 – visited Storrs and tweeted that he would be making a top-five list later that week. Durham, a 6-foot-9 power forward, never announced a top-five list, and instead verbally committed to the Huskies. Durham also had offers from Florida, Florida State, Louisville, LSU, Miami (FL), South Carolina, South Florida and Texas A&M.

Running, jogging, shooting — all gingerly as he slowly made his left knee strong again. It was all in a day’s work for Durham, another day closer to his goal of being ready to play for UConn, another day removed from the nightmare of torn ACLs in both knees.
He was going hard for a loose ball, two opponents collided and he fell awkwardly.
“It was the scariest moment of my life, I thought I was going to die,” Durham said. “My whole basketball career just flashed right in front of my eyes. From the moment I fell, I knew something bad happened. I just started bawling, I couldn’t do anything but cry.”
Some schools stopped recruiting him, but UConn didn’t and that mattered to him. After a spring and summer of rehab, he committed to the Huskies in September and signed his letter of intent in November.
Then, as he returned to school for the fall, he tweaked his other knee on a treadmill and felt it give out again while shooting in the gym one morning. He had another MRI. At first, when the doctor told him that his left ACL was now torn, Durham said, “Stop fooling.” There had been no fall, no event, or even much pain, but it soon sunk in that he’d have to go through surgery and the rehab process all over again.
“I just think about where I used to be and I don’t want to go back to that,” Durham said. “I want to be better than that. I think about all the people that tell me that it’s going to be tough to come back even better, and I just think about one of the doctors telling me there’s a 60 percent chance I don’t come back the same. The odds aren’t in my favor, so I feel like I can prove everybody wrong and come back better than I was before.”

Rudy, with forwards Donyell Marshall and Donny Marshall, guards Kevin Ollie and Brian Fair, and center Nantambu Willingham made up one of the nation's top recruiting classes of 1991. Johnson was considered one of the top 50 players in the nation. He arrived at UConn as part of the greatest recruiting class in school history, but his first season lasted one game. Johnson, a 6-foot-6 forward who built his reputation as a leaper and shot blocker, played eight minutes in UConn’s opener against the University of Hartford and then suffered a fractured right kneecap in practice three days later.

That first year, his statistics included a fractured knee, a separated shoulder, chronic tendinitis in both knees that cut short his senior year in high school, and a medical redshirt at UConn. More than once, he considered packing his bags and heading home to Jacksonville. "Rehabilitation was frustrating. Doing the same thing over and over again. I got tired of it. When I had other guys around me, I felt better. When I was alone, I felt kind of frustrated. I wasn’t with the guys, I couldn’t play basketball, and all I had to do was work. “Sometimes in the training room, I’d just stop whatever I was doing, and think about going home. Then when I went back to my room, [roommate] Brian [Fair] would be talking about what goes on on the court. I felt like I was missing something.”

Lithe and athletic at 6'6", injuries plagued his career. Infamously, he was involved in a shoving match with women's team player Sue Mayo that involved campus police and a breach of peace arrest. Mayo ended up withdrawing from school after the incident. As a senior, he finally had a full season and started every game, averaging 19 minutes and 7.5 ppg 2.7 rpg while shooting 57.9% from two. He has been back to Connecticut frequently to attend Jim Calhoun charity events and games in Hartford and Storrs.

Big man struggled in AAC play and transferred to Cal St. Northridge where he averaged 18.7/11.4 vs. Big West talent. "Rock" then transferred to LSU-Shreveport but did not play basketball.

He came in with pretty high expectations. At 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, he was described by Kevin Ollie as "muscles on top of muscles." The Alabama native looked like a bruiser. Ant article by SportzEdge.com stated that Lubin appears to be "the type of guy who looks like he eats car batteries for breakfast and could steal your lunch money from you simply by saying ‘hi.'" They stipulated in the article, by the way, that Lubin is in fact a great kid.

His numbers in high school attest to his "men among boys" stature. He averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds for the season, was named the MVP of the Georgia North-South All Star Game, and had a 37 point, 21 rebound, 5 blocked shots performance in the semi-final of that tournament. Per 'ontheradarhoops', "Lubin puts the “Power” in the term power forward. Lubin will provide interior rebounding and the lane presence needed to compete in the American Athletic Conference in the upcoming years." Despite all that, it turned out the level of play required at UConn was beyond Lubin's abilities.

In 2019 he was arrested for robbing a restaurant. He passed away at the age of 28. It has been reported he drowned while taking his sons swimming at a local tourist attraction falls/creek rapids.

"Two-timer" in its worst context means someone who deceives another. In Newton's case, it means quite the opposite. He aided, assisted and abetted his teammates to two consecutive national championships at UConn and an earned an immediate Huskies of Honor Wall spot.

Tristen was born in Florida but honed his game in El Paso, TX. Lightly recruited out of Burges High — by some rankings he was a zero-star recruit. Newton averaged 37.2 points as a senior. He was first in Texas and sixth in the country in scoring, yet college recruiters were not impressed. “I feel El Paso is overlooked,” Newton said. “People don’t think about Fort Bliss. People from all over the world are there. I was born in (Pensacola) Florida, but I ended up in El Paso. There are players there. KJ Lewis is going to Arizona. If you look there are a lot of talented players from there.”

His ride to notoriety began at East Carolina, where he had put together three nice seasons, culminating with a 17.7 ppg / 5.0 assist junior year while shooting 49.8% and 87.9% from the line, leading the AAC. As the Pirates were moored to the bottom half of the AAC, Newton yearned for more and entered the new transfer portal. The 6'5" point was snapped up by Dan Hurley, no doubt recalling his freshman performance vs. his UConn squad when he went off for 25/6/5 with 2 steals.

The writing of history had begun but things did not go smoothly from the start in Storrs. Tristen struggled with his shot, his defense and creativity. He wasn't the most athletic player, often targeted by opposing coaches as a weak link on defense. Relying on a strong set of assistant coaches, he learned angles on defense, how to best utilize his height and length when driving.
After going 21 for 60 from two and 21 for 61 from three in his first 19 games for the Huskies and bottoming out with zero points vs. St. Johns at home, he turned things around. He went 41 for 103 the second half of the season from two and 23 for 53 from three. He notched two triple doubles.
As a senior, he locked down his shot, shooting 50.9% from two and averaged 15.1 ppg with 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and a steal. He added 2 more triple-doubles to his resume, now being UConn's all-time leader with 4 of them. He was a consensus first team All-American, All-Big East, Big East All-Tournament, NCAA MOP, two-time NCAA All-Tournament. "Coming here meant a lot," Newton said. "Obviously, it changed my life. To see what I've done since I went here and what I've been able to accomplish, to win two national championships back to back, it's unheard of. ... And we had a whole different team."

Drafted by the Indiana Pacers with pick #49, he got into 5 games was waived and picked up by the Timberwolves, where he signed a two-way playing G-League with the Iowa Wolves. He turned heads after averaging 17 ppg, 6rpt and 7 apg, earning a promotion to the big club and was active for much of the rest of season. He scored his first and only basket vs. the Milwaukee Bucks. Knowing this kid's skill level, it's just a matter of time before he can get it done vs. the best of the best regardless of athleticism.

The smooth 6'9" Polley never really found that big-time groove but his jumper looked sweet indeed and fell a good amount of times (37.2%) including 41.7% as a freshman.
Not enough for many fans, of course, who ached for him to contribute in other areas.

After finally gaining some traction as a junior, he seemingly regressed and started only 4 games in his senior season but in actuality he performed admirably, winning the Big East Sixth Man of the Year award while being one of the countries' leaders in ball security, turning the ball over on just 5.0% of possessions – the third-best mark in the nation.
He basically replicated his numbers in his 5th, COVID season, after deciding to come back instead of declaring for the NBA Draft. ' “Tyler has been a big part of the progress we’ve made over the last three years,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said ... he is a UConn man who has been with us from the start and wants to finish what he started. “...Tyler’s experience and his leadership, as well as his shooting and versatility on the court, are invaluable to us as we continue to rebuild this program.”

While he did make some big shots, he never became one. He's currently playing for Sioux Falls in the G-League, averaging 3 ppg.

Big fella notorious for one of the most ferocious put-back dunks in UConn basketball history (Dunkin)

Never a real scorer, the 6'7" man-child never lost a rebound that touched his fingers. Unfortunately, he couldn't hang on to his scholarship, getting jettisoned from the team senior year after 1 game.

He had been scolded by Jim Calhoun for some indifferent play and failed to show up for practice the following week. Three days later he was suspended from the squad by Calhoun.
There wasn’t another player on UConn’s roster who could put power into the Huskies’ attack the way Walker could. That fact, combined with Walker’s bad habits, created a dangerous mix. On a daily basis, no one had a better chance of going from the penthouse to the doghouse.
“Our problem with Toraino is he doesn’t stay within the system,” Calhoun said Tuesday after UConn’s workout at Gampel Pavilion. “He just plays as hard as he can and as long as he can. He gives you everything he has, but he doesn’t stay within the system. Some kids are like that. “We don’t have to have him, but we need him — there’s a difference. The physical presence of Toraino Walker (for) the Big East season is something [UConn needs]. If I could do one thing for Rod [Sellers] and Scott [Burrell], it would be to play Toraino. I think they both benefit from having Toraino in the game, and I want to make sure we benefit as a team.”

Ultimately, Walker and Calhoun worked out an agreement. The coach announced in a statement: "Toraino has decided the demands upon him as a player including how much I was going to ask of him -- and I did ask a lot -- were not worth it. He feels it's in the best interest of our program if he steps away."

After school, he played at several correctional facilities after being busted on several drug-related charges. Self-reflection also came as did a plea for help from the man some (wrongly) thought verbally abused him, coach JC.

Key cog on the 2023 national champions, Alleyne brought an unorthodox jumper and a penchant for getting open and a knack for making big shots from his sweet spots. A solid 10 ppg scorer at Va. Tech, he transferred to UConn for the opportunity to win big (mic drop.). Used to starting, he relished his role as first guard off the bench.

A joyful player, he became a fan favorite. He started his first 8 games at UConn but struggled as the competition increased and was ultimately replaced in the lineup by Andre Jackson. He settled in to a 6th man role that fit for the eventual champions. It took a while before full comfort sank in but by tournament time he was efficient and prolific. He shot 42 for 130 (32%) through his first 27 games and then turned it up, going 29 for 66 (44%) down the stretch through to the 2022-23 National Championship. His shooting from two was the highest in his career (43%) and he showed shrewd skill in finishing with both hands.

Continued his ascent the next year at St. Johns for Rick Pitino, though he struggled in his games vs. UConn, going 3/11 for 10 pts in 3 games. Meanwhile, his accuracy and other contributions improved as a senior in Queens despite a similar amount of playing time.
“I was just disappointed,” coach Dan Hurley said of Alleyne’s decision to transfer. “We loved that team and we loved every player on that team. For me, selfishly I wanted to coach him again. It would’ve been awesome to bring him back and have a chance to go back-to-back with him. He would’ve been obviously a critical part of what we were doing. He saw a much bigger role for him or he was convinced there was a much bigger role for him there.

Look up 'basketball player' in the dictionary and you should find Castle's stud bio. With outsized height (6'6") for a PG, long arms, explosive first step, strangling defense, poise and polish, Steph shrugged off early injuries to become a huge piece of UConn's 2024 championship puzzle.

Ubiquitously tasked with corralling the opponent's top scorer, he did not disappoint. His shot was an early washout but became dependable from 22' and in as games' importance increased. He went on to become the unanimous Big East Freshman of the Year after being award the Freshman of the Week a record 11 times.
He made the NCAA All-Region (East) team and the All-Final Four team

Drafted #4 by the San Antonio Spurs, Castle had a nice rookie season, leading all rookies averaging 13.4 pts along with 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebs and .9 steals per game through March. He broke 20 points 6 times in 10 games from Jan 13 - Feb 3. He scored 140 points in a 6 game stretch in late Feb-Mar, good for a 23.3 average. He scored over 30 twice.
He was MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge game during the All-Star break and finished 2nd in the Dunk competition.

Castle grew from a 4-start prospect as a junior to a consensus 5-start recruit as a senior and a MacDonalds All-American.
There was a time, not too long ago, when Castle played a very different position: First base. Castle was a standout baseball player growing up in Covington, Georgia. Good hit, good glove, and at 6-foot-6, a good target at first base. Baseball never truly overtook basketball as his favorite sport, but it was close. "At one point, it was probably 1a, 1b," he said. That changed, however, after the death of one of his baseball coaches, with whom he was very close. Our sympathies and our blessing.

The PG from GA and MacDonalds AA was clearly a talent. The sad side was the chronic shoulder issues. Never shy around the basket, he had way more than his share of re-injuries to his surgical shoulder, which dated back to high school, not to mention a bloody whack to his face that required emergency room treatment.

Heady, strong, fearless and quick, his high school career was magnificent. His signature move was the 'In-and-Out Cross Step-Back'. “I start with the ball in my left hand and do a basic in-and-out cross in front of my man; that keeps the ball in my left hand. Then I cross over real quick and that gets them off balance and while they’re recovering on defense I step back, because I’m a little smaller, and take the shot. That’s the move!” “I haven’t had anyone stop this move.”

Gilbert was ranked as the No. 4 point guard in the nation and No. 28 overall by ESPN.com. He also played in the Jordan Brand Classic.

Gilbert spent much of his final season as a Husky stressed and frustrated and ineffective, lost in over-analysis, beaten back by shattered confidence. Gilbert did not possess a reliable shot. His struggles were affecting his leadership, his in-game blues occasionally contagious. Everything trickles down from the top and in basketball the top is the point guard.

That so much worked against Gilbert during his time at UConn is really sad. Basketball was always an important outlet, a source of pride. Basketball is where people have always pulled for him and celebrated him. Basketball is where he’s always had success. Hurley came to Gilbert’s defense, loudly, and ...no UConn coach and player have hugged more than these two. The relationship was inspiring. The way Hurley has handled every player he inherited has been admirable. All the while, though, Hurley was in the difficult spot of wondering whether, or when, to move Gilbert down in the rotation and risk losing him altogether. Hurley stuck with him for so long, not quite ready to turn the key on a youth movement for a number of reasons.

After a down season at UConn, he transferred to conference-mate Wichita State, where he averaged 10 pts/3 reb/4 asst/1.6 stls and made All-AAC.

"Q' was a heralded junior college transfer who provided steady minutes off the bench. Playing 16 minutes as 3rd guard, his 40-minute stats read: 14.5 pts, 3.6 asst, 1.6 stls, 5.7 rebs (66% offensive.) He started 6 games in his 2 years in Storrs.

Highlight may have been the 17 points he poured in off the bench during the Huskies' win over Arkansas in the NIT 3rd place Consolation game victory in 1997.
He came back to graduate in 2016 and that, as it has been for so many, was critical to his post-basketball success. "It was on top of my bucket list, man," Hardnett said. "It was always a dream if mine. Once my playing days are over, I always wanted to go back. With the goals that I want, I needed that degree and the UConn family was always there for me." Hardnett, who once looked enviously at the graduation photos he saw on the wall at UConn, has a degree to show his three children, and the teenagers he helps through the website, hypesouth.com, he started up with partner Kowacie Reeves. "I want them to know it's never too late," Hardnett said. "It wasn't easy, I had a couple of classes that seemed impossible, with the time frame I had, but having UConn, it already grabs people's attention." Hardnett was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame and became the head coach at Southwest High School, Macon, GA.

Silk. Mr. Tickle (long arms). Deadly shot. Feared defender. Robin to Kemba's Batman, he helped guide Huskies to the 2011 natty (and they both retired from the NBA after the 2023-24 season.) His length bailed out the Huskies often - whether to block an over-the-top pass, provide an outlet for an inbounds play or finish high above the rim.

His top ten dunk came vs. Columbia in a great display of length and athleticism: Lamb Slaughter He played seemingly effortlessly and to many, obliviously. Nothing seemed to bother him, not the spotlight nor the moment. "It hasn't sunk in yet," Lamb finally said. "I just like to go out there and play. I don't like to think about where we are and how big the stage is. Right now I'm just having fun playing basketball."

This was Arizona coach Sean Miller on Lamb during the 2011 Championship run: "The guy that we wanted to keep out of the secondary scoring was Jeremy Lamb," Miller said. "One of the things that UConn has in their favor is he's elevated his play to no only be a really good freshman but one of the best players in the tournament."

On the preparation path towards his sophomore year, he played in the notoriously competitive Hartford Pro-Am league, where he faced a DII player who issued a defensive to challenge to Lamb as he dribbled up the court. He fiddled and diddled for a moment at the top of the 3-point arc, then dribbled through his legs, unveiled a crossover for the ages, took off from just inside the foul line and threw down a dunk that those in attendance will be talking about for ages. "I wouldn't say it was Biblical," league organizer Peter Higgins gushed. "More like, extraterrestrial!".
Now, a rafter-shaking dunk in a summer league game is hardly a career-defining moment for Lamb, whose patented teardrop floaters, feather-soft 3-point touch and perfectly timed steals for dunks were lasting images of UConn's incredible 11-game run to Big East and NCAA championships (in 2011). But the dunk -- and the athleticism, and attitude, it took to pull it off -- served notice that Jeremy Lamb could be even bigger and better in 2011-12. That was a scary thought for UConn's foes with good reason. He went All-Big East.

Outstanding talent moved on the NBA to carve out a fine 10 year career with 5 teams and a lifetime 10.1 ppg, shooting 49.4% from 2 and 85.7% from the line.

Backup center didn't play much but offered plenty of practice fodder for Hasheem Thabeet.

He came back in 2017 to finish his degree requirements, which opened up career opportunities. This is the type of happy story we love to hear about. Mandledove left school after his junior year in a bad spot academically. It took a reach out from Jim Calhoun and the UConn Academic Counselor Victoria Siminoff to chart his quest to retake his future. "I'm nervous when it comes to finishing up and saying, 'What's next?' I laid the groundwork, did all the dirty work, making sure my foundation was strong, and now it's time for me to build a house."
His back was aching and his grades had plummeted. The team in general had the malaise and it spread to future teams as the graduation rate for Men's basketball plummeted to 8% in 2014 and led to NCAA penalty. "It means so much to me to do this for them," Mandeldove said, "because, and it's sad to say this, what we also took away from the university. We were part of the one year where we didn't meet the APR standards, so it's gratifying, almost like winning a national champ to me, personally. It makes me smile inside and out to be part of something like this."

Has been working with high school kids since graduation. First as coach and athletic director at Syracuse Academy of Science. Then, as a PE teacher and as a life/job coach. Next, in college as an assistant coach to the men's and head coach of the women's programs at Elizabeth St. and currently Franklin Pierce.

Grit not glamour. Top 40 recruit and 6'2" pure defender always took on opponents' top guard, with particular acclaim on Duke's Trajan Langdon in the 1999 NCAA final, until then praised as the Alaskan Assassin. He also handcuffed all-world guard Allen Iverson (Georgetown) in the Big East final. He was co-captain of the 1998-99 team and a member of the UConn All-Century team.

Played in Europe for 11 years in 5 countries plus the CBA and NBA D-League. Was an assistant on Kevin Ollie's staff in 2012-13 and now assists at NC A&T in Greensboro.

During his recruitment, Moore was looking at schools in the Southeast, such as Georgia Tech, but he wound up making only one visit — to UConn. During his visit, he went to Boo Willingham’s apartment with assistant coach Karl Hobbs to watch a fight featuring Roy Jones Jr. “They were joking with me, saying I looked like Roy Jones,” Moore said. “From then on, people kept calling me Roy Jones Jr. Ever since then, I knew I would have a good time if I came here.”
The twist in Moore’s recruiting tale is he signed his letter of intent at home, just prior to his visit. Signed but not sent. After he checked things out on the visit, he returned home and mailed the letter.
Then, there was the time in the Pittsburgh game, on the road, the one where Khalid El-Amin stood up on the scorer's table to flaunt the upset win to the home crowd. During a timeout, Ricky got into a heated exchange with coach Calhoun. As Kevin Freeman recalls, “Thank God we won that game, because Ricky Moore lost his mind for about 30 seconds and said something to Coach. They go back and forth for about 30 seconds. We’re like, ‘we gotta win this game for Ricky. If we don’t he’s a dead man.'”

Transfer from Cornell was a brickyard bouncer. Played to give rest to Carlton, Cobb or Whaley and at 6'9", 242 lbs. surely made them feel the floor in practices.

Onuorah had no illusions about his abilities. He suffered a season-ending injury senior season at Cornell allowing him another year of eligibility, NCAA_wise. However, the Ivy League prohibited grad players. He looked at UConn, who needed help inside. He reached out to former Cornell-to-UConn player Shonn Miller for advice and it made his own decision easier, knowing Miller had a good experience in Storrs. "I play hard, I play with a lot of effort and energy," Onuorah said at the time. "I like to rebound the ball, I like to block shots, and play defense and protect the rim. I'm very active on the defensive end."

He got a slow start, nursing a hip injury through exhibitions and missed the season opener but played in the next game vs. Stonybrook. "It felt good to finally be out there, I was anxious to be out there, excited to be out there.” He was out there, and Onuorah, 6-foot-9 and 242 pounds, made his presence felt. “Just energy,” coach Kevin Ollie said. “He was getting every rebound, he was playing hard out there, he was setting phenomenal screens.” Onuorah checked in late in the first half and played three minutes. He was on the court for 10 minutes in the second half, and finished with seven rebounds. But his screens helped free guards Jalen Adams, Alterique Gilbert and Antwoine Anderson, who combined for 43 points.

Oddity: He was the last player to wear #34 once it was retired for Ray Allen. He said, "It’s cool that I was able to wear 34 last year and by happenchance be the last one to wear it, but, obviously, it is not about me."

Made a buck playing in Finland and Denmark after graduation. Now a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch.

A hoops junkie, "Fuzzy" was a 5th guard, appearing in 16 games and scoring 24 points for the Huskies during his two years there. He went on to College of Charleston where he played more, averaging almost 6 ppg.

He began late, playing in the second semester after retaking the Science portion of the Georgia Master Test. He had good grades and other test scores. During that 'prep' first semester, he played on a Milford Academy powerhouse team that included the likes of future Fairfield Stag and NBA-er Deng Gai.
Swain averaged 29 points and eight rebounds at Tri-Cities as a senior land was expected to be part of an outstanding freshman class that included Caron Butler and Taliek Brown. An ankle injury also slowed his start but a dearth of 3 point shooting convinced coach Calhoun to insert Swain despite his better predilections concerning his readiness. "At this point, there's a chance that Robert Swain can play in the (St. John's) game," Calhoun said. "We've made that decision. We're obviously suffering from 3-point land. It's a lot to ask of him, but he's willing to do it and wants to do it. "I'm willing to do whatever I have to do it takes to help the team win," Swain said. "I'm excited and I'm ready to play. I've waited a long time for this."
Swain didn't play in that 82-80 win in Storrs and had to wait 7 more games before he did suit up vs. Virginia Tech, responding by making a three in the first half. He played scrub minutes the rest of the way that season and his next before transferring.

He then played professionally in France for 5 years before coming back home and opening the very successful Swain Basketball Academy. To date, he has coached over 10,000 athletes, including over 200 scholarship collegiate recipients, numerous players now playing in the NBA, WNBA and Euro leagues. One player in particular of interest he trained: future Husky Alterique Gibson.

"Boo" is quite imposing at 6'11", 235 lbs but as jovial a fellow as you'll ever meet. He made only 2 starts among the 100 games he played in his 4 years at UConn but did score 110 points and pulled down 174 rebounds as a backup, first to Dan Cyrulik, then Rod Sellers and Travis Knight.

He finished his career playing professionally in Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Turkey and China among others (14 in total) and has a boatload of stories from his overseas journey. “I know it’s a lot of places, but that’s fine for me,” said Willingham, who came to UConn from Atlanta and now calls Rex, Ga., home. “I just kept it moving. I liked the fact that I had the option of either going back to the same team or going to other places, whether it was just summer ball or the whole season, which is like eight months. I liked going to different places, doing something different, just to see what it was like. I’m single, don’t have a family, so this has been a good time to do that.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen some things, been a part of some things, too,” he said, laughing.
“I played in Saudi Arabia once, for about four months, and it was cool and everything but it’s a Muslim country and things are pretty strict over there,” Willingham said. “The men and women are completely isolated from each other as part of their religion. … I got arrested over there.”
Willingham was playing for a team in the holy city of Medina and was going to a restaurant in an area that he didn’t know was off-limits to him, not part of the international compound. “The police pull me over,” Willingham said. “They wanted to see my passport and it said ‘Christian’ on it. They took me down to the station and I was in jail for about an hour when the chief of police or the equivalent of the chief police came in and noticed that I played for one of the teams. “He took care of it and I was out, and he told me that I needed to stay in the area of the hotel.”

On the court, there was an adjustment to make, too. Muslims prayed five times a day and this even took place during games. Players, coaches and fans all gathered on the court and prayed together. Willingham said he would go in the locker room until it was over.
Willingham said he was in China one year and at halftime the coach barked at the team for about 15 minutes. The interpreter wasn’t very helpful. After the coach was done, Willingham said he turned to one of his teammates and asked what the coach said. Boo recalled the player saying, “Boo, he wants you to rebound.”
Willingham also recalls a coach being upset while a player was talking. “I saw him walk right over and karate chop the guy in the neck,” Willingham said, again laughing. “The guy said something back to the coach and the coach just walked right over to him, ‘Whop!”
Willingham said arenas for games in China are always packed, in the 10,000 to 12,000 range, and smoking is allowed. “There used to be so much smoke in there,” Willingham said, “you couldn’t see the lights or the ceiling.”
Willingham said Lebanon was among the best places he has been. “It was great. The people were nice. The food was really good,” Willingham said a month before Lebanon’s recent conflict with Israel. “It was a very multicultural place, and as far as basketball goes, all the teams play in Beirut or around there so you’re not taking these 15-hour bus rides.”
“I’ve enjoyed my time playing overseas,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m going to do it next year. I have to see, but I’ve seen a lot, done a lot, played the game I loved for money. Yeah, it’s been a pretty good life.”

Boo has dabbled in coaching at the international level and in the AAU in the USA.

Three level scorer who could handle PG even though he came in as a CG at 6'. Powerfully built to handle the fierce play in the Big East and AAC, he made all-conference teams and was on the 2014 NCAA all-tournament team when the Huskies won it all. Ubiquitously dynamic and never afraid of a big shot, he was always involved when the spotlight was brightest.

After the 2014 Natty, Boat took the Captain's reins and did his always turbulent best. Alas, not enough for that young group. They made the AAC Tournament finals, pushing away a Cincinnati comeback on his deadly dagger, a crossover-three-pointer for the win. Next, he carried the Huskies to a 14-1 closing run to top Tulsa and reach the final vs. SMU where he looked spent after expending so much energy after 4 games in 4 days.

He is all across the UConn record book, shooting 41.1% on threes for a season(6th); 2.9 steals per game (10th). Career-wise, he is 10th in Assists (491), 3 point FG (199), 3 point FGA (524) and FG attempts (1362). He is 4th in FTs (455), 8th in FT% (79.4%), 8th in points scored (1786), 3rd in minutes played (4322), 10th in steals (180), 4th in steal pct (2.6).

When remembering Huskies that had that extra intensity that get fans going, his is a memory etched in steel for his nerves and ability to fight through adversity. From the time of recruitment, things would never be easy. He committed to USC as an 8th grade sensation in Chicago. Coach Tim Floyd left that school and Ryan flipped to West Virginia but re-opened his recruitment when they signed Jabarie Hinds. Enter Jim Calhoun and Boatright would be a Husky.

Boatright was an incredible player, another in the long list of great UConn point guards. His love for UConn – his "second home" – through the good times and bad along with his identity as "The Boat Show" earned him the adoration of the fan base. But it was four rocky years for Boatright, four years that have made him stronger as a person and a player.
"It's a long road, man," Boatright said. "I'm a firm believer in nothing happens without a reason and everything happens for a reason. That was the road and the plan that God had worked out for me. I walked in his confidence and his faith. I'm glad I ended up here. It's been a hell of a career for me." "They had great insight into Ryan as a player and individual," Boatright's mother, Tanesha, said regarding assistant coaches Kevin Ollie and Andre LaFleur.. "They told him that you have to know how to get through adversity."

Adversity was part of Boatright's UConn career from the first day. Believed to be due to a phony claim of a bitter ex-boyfriend of his mother's, Boatright was twice ruled ineligible during his freshman season while the NCAA investigated claims that Boatright and his family had violated NCAA rules. It weighed heavily on the freshman guard. The second time around was especially hard to deal with. UConn received the news less than 24 hours before it was to play Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. By that time, a large group of Boatright's family and friends was on their way to the game from Illinois. When they got there, they had to watch Boatright cheer on his teammates from the bench as the Huskies upended Notre Dame. The situation weighed heavily on Boatright, who called family members in tears when he had to break the news.
UConn was banned from the NCAA Tournament. Ridiculous. Three players transferred, 2 went to the NBA. Boatright could have left. But that is not who Boatright is. That is not what you do when your right arm bears a tattoo of the king of the jungle and the phrase "Heart of a Lion," and your forearms join together to say "Fearless Warrior." That is not what you do when you play for UConn.
"I don't think another guard has been through as much ups and downs as he's had occur. And to stick with it really puts him up there with the best of them," Ollie said.

He has played for multiple teams in the NBA G-League, suited up for teams in Italy, China, Turkey, France, Greece, Russia, Libya, Lithuania, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia and Iran.

A late recruit add-on for the 2025-26 season, the 6'1" point brings leadership, sure hands and an eye for the deep three. Shooting the long ball at a 43.5% clip with the skill to dish (3.7 assists) and dribble (his assist-to-turnover ratio stood at 2.95:1, leading the Horizon League), he will be a fine practice piece, serving as the Huskies' third PG behind two other players new to UConn, Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith. What Millender's tape at Wayne St. and IU-Indy tells us is that he appears a low minute insurance policy with some benefits should coach Hurley need to make a claim. Make no mistake, the kid is a long range bomber, taking 3.9/game vs. 1.6 twos. He does show some PG skills running the team as shown by those 3.7 assists. A low athleticism guy, he may not blow by anyone at this level but appears to have a strong handle with both hands along with that fine eye for three. He is 24 and about to begin his 6th year in college, including a redshirt year due to a torn labrum and surgery.

His high school resume was eye-catching, playing in the Chicago Catholic League for St. Rita of Cascia. He averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game during his senior season. He also shot 45 percent from the field and 76 percent at the free throw line that year.
He made the All-Chicago Catholic League First Team on his way to be being awarded Player of the Year in the league. Millender also helped his team to the league title as a junior, averaging 10/3/3.

To some, this commitment seems curious. It seems he will only play in a pinch or specific circumstances. Why would a player in his final year of eligibility transfer to a team where he will likely see low minutes? Wouldn't he get more notice if he started for a mid or low major as opposed to being a deep piece for a national championship contender? The NIL money is likely negligible.
The answer may be two-fold. 1) He gets to participate and contribute on a daily basis to a team that will be playing the best of the best in college basketball. 2) The UConn brand. Attached to that brand comes a history of success, hard work and exceptionally complex schemes. It has gotten to the point where teams in foreign countries recognize UConn as a blue blood and relish the chance to pick up a player with the Huskies on his resume.

A late recruit add-on for the 2009-10 season, the 6'2" combo guard was all-state for 3 years in high school in Illinois and rated the #12 guard in his class nationally, so there was plenty of hype and hope surrounding his signing.

As a youth he had anger problems associated with the killing of his father in a case of mistaken identity in a supermarket parking lot when Darius was only 5 years old. Smith's memory of the incident is hazy, but in the ensuing years, growing up without a father led to a lot of pent-up anger. He was taken under the wing of coach Henry Cotton at Chicago's Austin YMCA. He knew his history and that he had plenty of game. "He was just an angry kid, he had no male guidance around him," Cotton said. "He wasn't fighting or anything, he was just a person who could get upset easily." Cotton stayed available to Smith as he entered high school. We had more than one conversation about my anger problem," Smith said. "He'd say, 'Life still goes on, you've got to do what you've got to do.' He helps me out a lot, telling me the dos and don'ts, and the way to go about things." Per Sharon Smith, Darius's mother, "(Cotton) stepped in, straightened him out and got him back on track. He was there for us, thank the Lord for him." "A lot of kids don't ask for guidance, but he asked for it," Cotton said. "He asked for my phone number, asked if he could call me whenever he needed. He took it upon himself. That's why he turned out to be the person he is now. He didn't deny help."

UConnn assistant Patrick Sellers first saw Smith play at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, last summer and liked what he saw. "He's very, very quick," Sellers said. "I don't know if he's as fast as Kemba, but he's just as quick. He's got really, really quick hands. He's sort of a combo of (Jerome) Dyson, as far as his toughness ... and A.J. (Price), as far as knowing how to play."
Smith was ticketed for Minnesota but pulled back once they signed another guard. Recruiting opened back up and Sellers drove to see him after a game in Marquette. "The first game I saw, he had eight steals. You put the ball anywhere near him, he was going to take it," Sellers said. "Another game he had, like, 10. And as good a defender as he was, he was also making 3s. In the summertime, he was an OK shooter, but he got a lot better at shooting it." While he never expected to unseat Kemba or Jerome, Darius saw a chance to compete with Donnell Beverly for bench minutes.
"It depends on how hard I work," Smith said. "They mapped my playing time out to me. They were like, 'A.J. was getting such and such minutes, you've seen the way Kemba got playing time. You can do that also as a freshman coming in.'"

Darius never saw the floor as much as he wanted and saw the future with Shabazz, Lamb and Giffey coming in and Kemba still around for what would be a season for the ages. He transferred to the College of Southern Idaho and helped steer that team to the NJCAA championship. Following that season, he signed with Eastern Illinois University but never suited up for the Panthers.

Talented 6'8" big had the injury bug and wasn't able to contribute to the 2004 championship. He didn't appear after game 4 and left the program after the fall semester's final exams midway through the 2004-05 season.

While was a high profile Chicago player who originally committed to DePaul. He reneged on that commitment amid a shakeup in Blue Demon hierarchy. Coach Pat Kennedy's decision to resign as well as assistant Tracy Dildy, White boyhood friend, spelled "Outta here" to White.
Ironically, it had nothing to with the incoming coach, Dave Leitao, a UConn associate coach. "I thought [Leitao] was a real great guy. I said, 'This is a good guy and I think their program is going in a good direction.' It just wasn't my place though, I just didn't feel it. I had already decided I was going to leave."

Coming off a season where he led his team to the championship of the Proviso West Holiday Tournament, White averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds a game for the season. He helped his team finish with an overall 18-10 record in the rugged Red West Conference, where they eventually lost to eventual state champion Westinghouse in the Public League Playoffs.
So the search for a new school began for the Second Team High School Elite All-State selection who led the state of Illinois in rebounding.
He ultimately chose the Huskies, not in small part due to Caron Butler's decision to make himself available to the NBA. He had his own rose-colored glasses on. "...My ultimate goal is to be in Caron Butler's position one day." His freshman season started so roughly and ended on the wrong end of the most famous possession arrow in UConn basketball history. In a Sweet Sixteen game vs, Texas, White’s short shot became stuck between the rim and backboard, and the arrow gave the ball, and the win, to the Longhorns.

Between all that was the good stuff for White. He went from being a homesick afterthought – 33 minutes in the first 16 games last season, including 10 DNPs – to one of the Huskies’ main rebounders over the final two months. “I was uncomfortable as far as the gym,” White said. “I’d been playing for four or five years in my gym and [Gampel] wasn’t my gym.” He became more at home in Gampel but did not lose the moxie that saved him the prior season.

“When I didn’t play I couldn’t wait for practice,” White said. “I was watching games and looking at the other team going, `I know I can do what he just did. Wait ’til practice.'” That attitude was appreciated. “He’s the kind of kid who just keeps going and just keeps playing,” Calhoun said. “Many kids would have quit in his situation, and yet in the second half he was our second-leading rebounder.”

The one knock on White was his struggles against beefy opponents. He had four rebounds in both games against Pittsburgh and the Huskies’ Sweet 16 loss to Texas. He did manage 3.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg in his 32 appearances before transferring to Purdue where he did put up decent numbers (10 ppg, 4 rpg) but only played 20 games, leaving before his second season due to lingering back issues.

If there is a state that can honestly compete with Connecticut as "Basketball Capital of the World", it might be Indiana. Its "Mr. Basketball" award comes with a glory steeped in deep tradition. Past honorees include Oscar Robertson, the Van Arsdale twins (yes, they tied for the honor), George McGinnis, Ray Tolbert, Steve Alford, Glenn Robinson, Greg Oden and so many other greats - 37 NBA draft choices in all. Braylon Mullins has joined that elite group and with it had the power to choose a university besides State U. Of the 85 honorees since 1939, 51 have gone on to attend colleges in the state (Indiana U. (29), Purdue (13)) and 32 out of state (2 players did not attend college.) In fact, Braylon is the first-ever recruit from Indiana to lace 'em up for UConn.

The 6'6" guard won it in a landslide, averaging 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists his senior season for Greenfield-Central high school. His efficiency from the 3-point line was astounding at 88-185 for 47.6%. Mullins earned 182 votes and no other player received more than 65 votes.
He also won Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana on top of being named a McDonald’s All-American.

He received plenty of flak in spurning Indiana (and North Carolina!) to ply his trade in Storrs, CT. “I wanted to do something that challenges myself and I felt like this was the best opportunity to do that,” Mullins said to IndyStar. “That’s why I picked UConn. I wanted that challenge, and I want to prove everybody wrong. I know it’s going to be tough. I’m going to be 13, 14 hours from home. But I knew that when I picked UConn. I’m excited for it now that it’s almost here. They are going to push me to be my best and I’m willing to work for that.”

Coach Dan Hurley was typically over-the-top when describing the incoming sharpshooter: "An explosive player. A big-time talent who comes from a great basketball state, son of a former big-time player, so it's in his DNA. He's got off-the-charts shooting, incredible athleticism at the rim and a guy that is going to continue this run of incredible guards that come here and are great players."

Mullins is a hometown kid. For high school, he stayed in the community, going to local Greenfield-Central instead of a prep school that might have tested and promoted his abilities a bit more. That idea has been disproven much like it was here in Connecticut for one Donovan Clingan who stayed in Bristol and grew to a 2-time NCAA champion and NBA lottery pick.

He broke school records for career points, single season points and single game points (52). The only thing that escaped Mullins was a sectional title. The Cougars were closing in on that goal. But despite 38 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals from Mullins, Greenfield-Central could not close the door on Mt. Vernon in an 83-76 double overtime heartbreaker.

“I felt like my best opportunity was staying home and playing for my community and my school and all my friends I’ve been playing with for a while,” Mullins said. “It’s something that I took advantage of and I’m happy I got to play my senior year in Greenfield in front of all these fans. Seeing my jersey on that wall 50 years from now is going to mean even more than it does right now.”
No, it did not end how Mullins hoped it would. But there is a generation of kids in Greenfield who see the program in a different light. “You think about how he changed the entire community,” his coach Luke Meredith said. “It wasn’t me or any other player — it was Braylon Mullins. You come to a game the last three years and it was sold out. That does not happen. It’s never happened before. That’s why I’ve said before and I’ll say it again: he’s the Greenfield GOAT. There are little kids here wearing UConn shirts and Braylon Mullins shirts because of him. He’s one of those guys who is going to be talked about for a really long time.”

Walk-on did not score, appearing on the stat sheet with just 1 TO in his 12 minutes and 7 games played for the Huskies.
He finished his college career at Binghamton, starting 19 games over 3 seasons.

Notably, for a home contest vs. Vermont, a reporter from Andover, Kansas, near Brett Watson’s hometown of Wichita, came to do a story on the walk-on guard. It wasn’t clear whether Calhoun knew this. It didn’t matter. Watson came in with 1:30 left, and Calhoun soon called a play for him on an inbounds. He got a double pick near the baseline and was open for a three in the corner, but missed.

A transfer from Clarence Junior College, he backed up starter Kevin Ollie. Possessing elite quickness, "Cupp" averaged 21 points on 60% shooting as a JuCo but 4.3 ppg on 43% shooting in 11 minutes per game in Storrs.

While being recruited, he caught the eye of coach Calhoun. “He could be a unique player, a special player,” Calhoun said. “As a talent, well, he’s quick. He’s 6 foot 2 but he plays a lot bigger. He’s a penetrator. We probably haven’t had one quite like that before. And of course, he’s gotten unanimous accolades.” “I want to be part of something that’s great,” Cormier said. “I want to go to a place that has a chance to win a national championship. We didn’t have a winning season (10-14) at Clarendon and it gets depressing coming home from those long trips after losing.” He averaged 21 ppg and shot 59.7% from the field and his name was circling the recruiting landscape. Cupp heard the same promise that Coach Calhoun had made to other recruits over the years. “I want to go wherever I can make the biggest impact,” Cormier said. “Coach [Jim] Calhoun told me my role here depends on my work ethic. If I come in and play hard, the playing time will be there for me. I like that. If he had said I could come in and start, that wouldn’t be fair to the players who are here already. He said I have a lot of qualities that can help the team.” A notable achievement came during a pickup game when he threw down a monster dunk over UConn's 6'9" all-American, Donyell Marshall.

He did not grow to starter level, never ridding himself of his over-penetration habit and penchant for turnovers (2.5/gm for his career.) He transferred after one season to Utah State and played 23 mpg, scoring 7.8 ppg for the Aggies.

Passed away in 2018 at the age of 46.

A solid paint-plugger, Hayward's teams were 49-5 in Big East play his sophomore through senior years. They went to two NCAA regional semifinals and a regional final those years, once being ranked #1 in the AP poll.

While he made the varsity as a freshman in high school, he could have been the 'big man on campus' at a bigger university but deferred to others. He was actively being recruited by a number of Louisiana schools in addition to Washington State and Temple.
“In high school they used to call me the ‘sleepy giant’ because they just never knew when it was going to be one of those nights,” he said. “The team used to force the ball in to me. They couldn’t stop me. I’m a very patient guy. I like teamwork. I like to have other people take the glory. I’m still that type of person, I haven’t really changed.”

He was a key player as a senior and the Huskies won their first-ever Big East crown over Georgetown.

After taking a few years off, Hayward tried the CBA but after his first game, received a call about his brother, who was diagnosed with leukemia. Eric left Connecticut to be with his brother, in fact becoming a bone-marrow donor but sadly, his brother eventually passed away.

Hayward had a wayward time post-college, with an arrest on sexual assault and risk of injury charges stemming from his relationship with two teen patients at a state-run psychiatric hospital where he worked after college.
He came back to Connecticut and reconnected with Coach Calhoun. “Like a family, Coach Calhoun will always be like a father figure to me. I still call him during the holidays to see how he is doing. I have a lot of respect for coach.”

Formed the Cajun frontcourt with fellow Louisianan Eric Hayward and went deep in 3 NCAA Tournaments.

He hold a notorious record of sorts, making 22 consecutive field goals across three games vs. Villanova, Providence and St. John's.

As King, who became a starter junior year, was preparing for his senior season, he was ready for the challenge of being the only returning starter, a leader on a team in transition. “All the guys who were here when I came in have left and are doing bigger and better things,” King said. “It’s time for me to try to lead the team by example and work as hard as I can so [the new players will] all work hard too.” “I’ve never been asked to do so much. I’ve never been asked to be a leader before. Even back in high school, I had other seniors on the team.”

King found himself sticking out like a bookmark between the chapters of UConn’s recent success and hope for the future. Eager freshmen like Richard Hamilton, Kevin Freeman and Jake Voskuhl were looking to him as a senior leader. “I think my role has changed as far as getting more points and more rebounds. But I don’t think it’s pressure. I feel I’m surrounded by a great group of young guys, who are willing to work hard, and an excellent coaching staff that’s going to push us to our limits."

That senior year cut was short after fourteen games due to an NCAA suspension. Kirk had accepted an airline ticket to fly home and the NCAA’s penalty was huge. Coach Calhoun, never one to just take what he's given, then named Kirk as a manager on the team. Kirk continued as a member and leader, managing the team but couldn’t play. Kirk can look back and be proud.

We shouldn't forget the 1996 Big East Tournament Championship Game, the one capped off when Ray Allen flipped in a twisted shot with 13 seconds left to play to win the game. UConn trailed by 11 points with less than 5 minutes to go. Kirk scored eight of the next 10 points to put UConn within one point with a minute left to play to set up the extraordinary win.
“I love Coach Calhoun and all the coaches that were there during my four years. They made me feel like a son to them. I can call them any time to talk to them. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the UConn players and developing a long lasting camaraderie."

Walk-on with a rebound and steal in 2 games played.

Lammi did once get a reaction from the crowd when he shot (and missed) a three at the end of a smacking of DePaul. While it was a groan and not a cheer, it did reflect the deep love UConn fans have for their team, their players. Even, and sometimes especially, the walk-ons.

Lammi was a fine high school athlete, winning the Midcoast Hall of Fame's 2009 Schoolboy Athlete of the Year, playing for Camden Hills High and making 2nd team All-Conference. He is now working in the Fitness industry.

Gifted CG was leading scorer soph-sr years. Led AAC in assists sophomore year and minutes played junior year. He made All-ACC teams in his sophomore, junior and senior years.

Natural scorer could get and make his own and difficult shots. Did not have much help during his 4 years, losing NCAAs in the 2nd round freshman year and never again made it to the tournament.
As the first (and at times only reliable) option, he had the ball in his hands a lot, evidenced by his school record of 10 turnovers in a game vs OK St. in 2016.

Expectations were high for Adams, not to mention coming out of Roxbury, Massachusetts — the same hometown of Shabazz Napier. The Huskies were in the midst of the greatest stretch of guards in program history, beginning with AJ Price, then going to Kemba Walker, who handed off to Napier and culminating with Ryan Boatright. Four players, six combined trips to the Final Four, and four national championships between them.

Those other greats became greats because of a great cast of talent around them. Adams never had that luxury. The best team he was on was during his freshmen season, when the Huskies had the likes of Shonn Miller, Daniel Hamilton, Amida Brimah, Sterling Gibbs and Rodney Purvis. Solid players all, but not legends.
That team wouldn’t have made the tournament without the emergence of Adams down the stretch and in the AAC Tournament. They would’ve been sweating it out on Selection Sunday if the freshmen didn’t hit a phenomenal 75-foot buzzer-beater. Adams had the talent, the fire and the clutch gene, frequently hitting difficult shots especially down the stretch.

Then things got bad. Three players left the program after his sophomore year but he stayed. It was an especially lousy season (14-18), one also marred by NCAA penalties on Coach Ollie. Ollie left but once again, Adams proved his loyalty by staying on to play for new coach Dan Hurley.

He had a hot/cold relationship with Hurley, who suspended him at one point due to "academics". Adams had maturity issues. Prior to the season opener of his junior year, Adams was issued a court summons after racing scooters around campus, crashing one, and then leaving the scooter at the crash.

He bridged multiple eras and offered some magical moments. At times, he was immature, frustrating and hard-headed. But mostly, he was exciting, charismatic and brilliant. Jalen never made it to the NBA but still plays professionally. He went to the NBA G-League followed by stints on teams in Israel, China and Turkey.

The son of the legend played for a state championship team at East Catholic and for his dad at UConn, scoring 6 points in 12 games in the 1992-93 season.

His career at Storrs started painfully when he suffered a shoulder injury during a pickup game after bumping into sturdy Brian Fair. He ended up redshirting that first season.
While not playing much he had the team's respect and served as a quasi-coach during practices and was often a conduit between players and his dad. Whether it was to act as a voice of reason, an interpreter of demands or a holder of information, as when his dad was going through some of his multiple health issues, Jeff would be the guy that players looked to for answers.

Jeff was always searched out by reporters looking for a nugget on his head coach father. He'd talk about his dad's sideline demeanor, how he handles players in practice, how he was feeling during a health recovery.
This one quote kind of summarizes all others, as it came as Jim was building the St. Josephs program post-UConn days: “It’s what he loves. The size of the gym and the rest of it never really drove him,” said Jeff, who is equal parts assistant coach and guardian, making sure his father doesn’t venture too far onto the court to work the officials. “He likes being around the players and teaching.”

After graduation, he stayed on the UConn bench, this time as an assistant coach under dad and followed him to St. Joseph's where Jeff is an assistant coach. He is often spotted attending Men's home games in Storrs and Hartford.

Committed as part of heralded duo with Tilton HS teammate Alex Oriakhi. Was a bench player who saw significant minutes and finally started producing in earnest after finding the bench more ofter sophomore year.

However, the 6-foot-7 guard/forward seemed to fall out of coach Jim Calhoun's favor early, and his playing time suffered.
He played a season-low five minutes in a Feb. 5 win at Seton Hall. However, seemingly out of nowhere two games later, Coombs-McDaniel erupted for a career-high 25 points against Providence, then netted 23 three nights later in a win over Georgetown and briefly found himself in the starting lineup. Coombs-McDaniel scored 16 in a Feb. 18 loss at Louisville and his production tapered off quite a bit after that, in no small part due to a knee injury. He scored just 12 points in UConn's six NCAA tournament games -- 10 of them in a third-round win over Cincinnati.

He was disciplined after a marijuana arrest and left school after his sophomore year, no longer playing basketball.

Undersized power forward who played high. Low and strong. Effective lifetime shooter at 54%, scoring 13.6 with 8.4 rebounds. Team Captain. NCAA All-Region, Big East Tourney MVP and All-Big East awards.

During his recruitment, UConn, at one point thought they had lost him to UMass. Then, Ray Allen decided he was going to go into the NBA Draft after the current season. UConn scrambled and renewed their pitch to Kevin. His parent were split on what was best for him, UMass or somewhere else. During his visit he and his parents were having brunch at coach Calhoun's home. Freeman: “I remember sitting there. I remember being tired of the whole recruiting process. Coach Calhoun was talking and talking and I interrupted him and said, ‘I want to come here.’ And that was it.”

An exciting memory is from the NCAA second round game vs. New Mexico in Denver during the 1998-99 championship season. Freeman skied between two New Mexico players for an eye-opening dunk, part of a 17-0 run to start the game. Prior to that magical season, Coach Calhoun had high praise for Freeman. In his book 'Dare to Dream', Calhoun said, “No kid ever had been a more solid, every-night constant for us than Kevin. He was our grit, our fiber, the backbone of what we did.” He also added, “He gave us everything he had in every game he played.”

Played professionally for 11 years in Italy, Australia, Greece, South Korea, China, Puerto Rico, Spain and Venezuela.

Continued on in various coaching and administrative roles at UConn after his basketball career ended. He is currently both Associate Director of Athletics and Executive Director of the National 'C' Club, an organization dedicated to building relationships with former varsity players in all sports.

While unable to do much here, Scott transferred to URI just 5 games into his sophomore season in which he averaged 12 minutes and 4.6 points.

At the root of Hazelton's unhappiness was losing the starting small forward slot to freshman Denham Brown in the 2002-03 preseason and averaging just 12 minutes and 4.6 points in five games. "Unfortunately, the University of Connecticut's basketball program has not been the best fit for me as I have been unable to find happiness or personal satisfaction as a member of the team," Hazelton said. "As a result, I feel the right choice is to move on and find a place where I believe I will be able to find this happiness and personal satisfaction."

During the recruiting process, he heard the same message Calhoun gives consistently, that of hard work leading to playing time with no promises. He was heavily recruited out of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Mass., where he was a McDonald’s All-American, and was generally regarded as one the top 20 players in the nation. He selected UConn, then the defending national champion, over Syracuse and Villanova, which were telling him he would play immediately. Calhoun made no such offer. Said Scott, “The last straw in my decision was when Coach Calhoun came to my house,” Hazelton said. “He said, ‘We’re going to bring the best out of you and you’re going to have to work hard. We can’t promise you anything.’ I liked that.”

"He (Hazelton) runs so easily and can score on the run ..that's what's so intriguing" said UConn assistant coach George Blaney, the longtime coach at Holy Cross and later Seton Hall. "He's got a variety of ways to score on the run, and that's not easy to do. He can get to the left, he can get to the right, he can dunk it, he can throw flip shots (jump hooks), he can throw it righty or lefty...he really can score in a lot of ways."

We may never know exactly why he did not progress at UConn but he finally blossomed as a 5th year senior, averaging 15.5 points and 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. After basketball as a player he got into coaching, teaching, as an Athletic Director and is currently Brand Director at the Rivals Basketball Club of '3 Step Sports' in Derry, NH.

Dubbed "Captain America" by his fans, known as the "Karaban Caravan", after helping UConn to consecutive National Championships as a freshman and sophomore, his legacy is still being written. Now called "Uncle Alex" by his increasingly young teammates, he won NCAA championships in his first 2 seasons and he has the chance to become the first player to win 3 titles since the days of the UCLA Bruins in the 1960s.

A veritable coach on the floor, he has been an extension of Husky head man Dan Hurley. Possessing the intangible quality of court vision and seeing a play before it happens, he parlays a deft shooting touch from long range and a bruising body built for the power forward position. He is mentioned with Nadav Henefeld and Daniel Hamilton when discussing the greatest point forwards in team history. He made the Big East All-Freshman team and as sophomore he made All-Big East.

Alex submitted his name for the NBA Draft but pulled out to return for his junior season, prior to which he was named to several pre-season watch lists including the Wooden Award for top player in the country. An ankle injury and concussion slowed his output that year. He sustained his first shooting slump after returning but finally started to put it together. “I feel fine with how everything is right now,” said Karaban, who was averaging 14.3 points and five rebounds at the time. “Obviously I probably went through a month or so where I didn’t shoot as well as I wanted, but what Coach has talked to me a lot about is we’re all in this spot together and we’ve got to embrace what’s happening right now with the team. So I’m perfectly fine with where it’s at. We’re going to continue to figure it out as a team. I’m going to continue to figure it out as a player. And just live where we’re at right now. Coming off a great game against Providence, my confidence is high right now.”

Still, he performed as a top player, making All-Big East Second Team. At MSG for the BET, he scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half and hit two clutch 3-pointers in the final six-plus minutes as third-seeded UConn pulled away for a 73-56 victory over sixth-seeded Villanova in the quarterfinals. A loss the next night to Creighton was tough but for a seasoned player like Alex, it served more as motivation to finish off the season as a champion does. “I will definitely watch the highlights of the last two years,” Karaban said. “Pretty much everything March Madness related that I have been a part of, I will watch. Whether that is game highlights or my own personal highlights.

Karaban said the biggest reason he withdrew from the NBA Draft was to come back and make history by leading UConn to a threepeat. He wanted to experience what it was like to be the face of the program rather than playing a complementary role. He wanted to be that go-to guy for a program he sincerely loves. In a good groove and mindset to match, he said he felt good about his play and couldn't wait to play Oklahoma in the first round of the West Region in the NCAA Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. “I’m super excited,” Karaban said. “It really is the best time of the year playing basketball in March. March Madness is always the best tournament so I can’t wait. It is a new season for everybody so it is super exciting.” An exciting win set up a Round of 32 matchup vs. #1 Florida, a superior game by Alex and his Huskies but they came up 1 point short.

Karaban was named the New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 25.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. After the end of the school year, he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida. Karaban was rated a four-star recruit and committed to playing college basketball for UConn over offers from Stanford, Iowa, and Creighton.
As a team leader really since the beginning, Alex was a coach on the floor, channeling coach Dan Hurley. Whether it is vocally to teammates or by example with his passing, offensive rebounding or distant threes, he is who all on the team look to for guidance on and off the floor. As far as the NBA Draft after his junior year, he again took it slow. “Haven’t thought about that yet,” said Karaban soon after the season-ending NCAA loss to eventual champ, Florida, in 2025. Alex, who personified the highs and lows of that year’s team and embodies the program’s past, present and future as much as any player. After much thought and surely discussions with the coaching staff and NBA personnel, he made Husky fans happy by declaring his intention to return for his graduate season in 2025-26.

Member of the elite '2 Championships' club, "Bazz" blossomed from a cocky, skilled kid into a leader of champions. Learning at the step-back feet of Kamba Walker, he grew into a PG savant with ice in his veins and onions where they count.

It never showed better than in Gampel vs. Florida, the future #1 seed of the 2014 tourney. Trailing by three down the stretch, Napier drilled a shot from behind-the-arc and drew a foul to send him to the line where he converted on a four-point play and gave the Huskies the lead. After the SEC Player of the Year Scottie Wilbekin drove to the basket to re-take the lead, it was Shabazz time. After dribbling through a Florida trap, Napier missed badly, but when a DeAndre Daniels quick tip-out found him with the ball in his hands once again, he wouldn't miss a second time, nailing the shot from the free throw line at the buzzer to give UConn their most impressive win of the season.
Said Napier: "Growing up, I've always been in tough situations -- whether it be on the court or off the court. Once you recognize those tough situations throughout your life, they become easier for you, in a way. In basketball, I've been a guy everyone wants to play with or against, because I just work so hard. When it came down to it, I always demanded the ball at the end. I just try my best, be aggressive every time I can get the ball, especially in games where it's overtime or I need to make the game-winning shots."

After he led the team to a National Championship in coach Kevin Ollie's second season as head coach, he was famously called out by LeBron James "No way u take another PG in the lottery before Napier." Awards were numerous. Big East All Freshman; All-AAC, AAC Player of the Year; NCAA All-Region, All-Tourney and Most Outstanding Player; Consensus All-American; Bob Cousy Award as best point guard.

He played for 6 teams across 6 NBA seasons and post-NBA played in Russia, Serbia, Mexico, Italy and Germany, all in each country's top leagues. He joined former Husky teammate Niels Giffey while playing in Germany for Bayern Munich.

Napier will also be remembered for speaking out for athletes, claiming "starvation" tongue-in-cheek to reporters after winning a natty. Many think this was the first large step forward toward athletes being paid under NIL rules.

Shabazz is the all-time leader in games played at UConn (143). He is 4th in points scored (1959); 11th in Field Goals (595); 1st in Free Throws Made(509); 3rd in Steals per game (1.76); 2nd in Total Steals (251); 3rd in Assists (646); 3rd in Three Pointers Made (260); and Attempted (693). His 720 points in 2013-14 is good for 7th best for a season and most ever for a senior. His 207 FTs made that season is 2nd best and 238 FTs taken the 7th best. He has 2 of the top 9 Assist seasons in history (198, 195). He has the 9th most steals in a season (73); 8th most Three Pointers Made (87); 2nd most Minutes Played (2013-14: 1404). For a single game, he scored 25 points in the 2nd half in a game vs. Houston, good for 8th most in a half. He had 13 assists twice, the third most ever.
Bazz was inducted into the Huskies of Honor immediately following the 2013-14 season.

Big-time burly sophomore transfer out of GA Tech, where he was the ACC rookie of the year as a freshman. He was a big-time recruit, also listing Kentucky, Boston College and Notre Dame University among his final choices.

His sophomore year at Tech, the team had met some bumps in the road, and Ed wasn’t enjoying himself. “I was happy on the court but off the court was a situation I just wasn’t happy with. I thought it would be best to relocate.” Most of his family was in the Boston, MA area so he decided he wanted to play in the Northeast. Ed chose UConn because he knew Emeka Okafor would be leaving college early for an NBA career. Ed wanted a year working with Emeka to polish his own game, and UConn was expected to have a great year. And the team did, winning the NCAA Tournament.

At UConn, he played 2 years. A fan fave, he brought strength and depth to the front line and helped them to a championship during practices in 2004 while sitting out due to transfer rules. Ed couldn’t be happier with his decision to go to UConn. Although his numbers and minutes dropped, Ed knew that there were a lot of talented players in front of him so he had to think about the team first. “When coach put me in the game I did what the team needed whether it was taking charges, diving for the ball or getting rebounds, that’s what I did.” He scored and rebounded at a 50% lower rate than while at GA Tech but his teams here went 51-12, going to the 2nd round and an NCAA regional final as opposed to missing the tournament both his years with the Yellow Jackets.

Major 2009 commit from the Tilton School. As a MacDonalds and Parade All-American at 6'9" 245, he was expected to anchor the paint for the Huskies and he did not disappoint, until he did.

Averaged 9.6/8.7 in his sophomore, national championship season. However, as a junior he regressed to 6.7/4.8. He found the pine position more and more, losing 8 mpg from his sophomore season. Oriakhi never adjusted to his diminished role. He couldn’t coexist with freshman Andre Drummond in the paint, or with the shot-happy backcourt of Shabazz Napier and Jeremy Lamb. His minutes dropped. His production dropped. His attitude soured. And he quit. Blame was cast about, chiefly from his father towards the program and he wasn't completely wrong.

In a comment on the Hartford Courant web site, Alex Oriakhi Sr. blamed the coaching staff for his son’s struggles. The remarks followed a disheartening pattern where both Jr. and Sr. seemed completely unwilling to accept any fault in the situation. Poor play? Coach’s fault. Bad attitude? Coach’s fault. Disappointing record? Coach’s fault. The Huskies were ultimately banned from the 2013 tournament due to subpar academic performance and Kevin Ollie would be taking the coaching reins from The Legend, Jim Calhoun.

Oriakhi transferred to Missouri without having to sit out a year (then the rule.) His game returned and he averaged 11.2/8.4. As a 9-seed, Missouri lost in the 1st round of the NCAAs to 8-seed Colorado State. Alex was drafted in the 2nd round by Phoenix but never played in the league. He played for 14 teams in 10 professional seasons in Europe, Asia, D League and NBA Summer League.

Transferred to UConn from URI, riding the magic carpet of Danny Hurley across Southern New England.

Usually the first guard off the bench, he brought knowledge of Hurley's system along with a 6'4" body that could guard 4 positions. He provided a vocal, stabilizing influence for the team as they began to understand the Hurley system. “Brendan, he’s one of the most hardworking, intense players on this team,” senior forward Isaiah Whaley said. “He pushes everybody, he pushes me a lot too.” Whaley said that Adams is always pushing him, telling him when he can work harder in practice. “Brendan’s in everybody’s ear,” freshman forward Andre Jackson said. “He’s one of the loudest people in the gym every day. He brings energy to the whole group. His personality is very talkative, so I mean he’s getting to everybody. He’s got a word for everybody.”

He never did find a consistent scoring touch but never could be accused of not giving 100% on both ends nor in the locker room. In his second year with the Huskies, Hurley saw something. “Brendan was awesome last year, I thought he took a big step forward as a sophomore,” Hurley said in September. “Defensively, his ability to get to the rim and use his physicality to score and finish.” “We see a guy day-in-and-day-out that shows the ability to be a high-level shooter,” Hurley continued. “It hasn’t transferred onto the court yet, in terms of percentages, but I just think you’re going to see that this year with him.”

Hurley was right but a couple of years short. Adams transferred to George Washington for his senior and extra Covid season, where he finally blossomed into a 17.4 ppg scorer for the Revolutionaries with 4 rebounds and 3 assists to earn 3rd team All-A10 and won the A-10's Most Improved Player award. He continued to play in the NBA Summer League followed by stints overseas in Latvia, Turkey, Russia and Israel.

Big man with superb hands, footwork and athleticism. He anchored the post for the 2004 national champs, starting all 37 games as a freshman. Shot 57.8% for his career and led the conference in blocks (2.9) as a sophomore. He was an All-Big East Freshman team, All-Big East and the DPOY as a sophomore.

During his recruitment, Boone was particular. He didn't fall for showman coaches or snake oil salesmen. He wanted to go to a place where he'd grow. “Ultimately I chose UConn, because ‘A’, I thought it would probably be my best chance to go to the NBA. They were known for producing very good big men and wings that go on to the NBA,” said Boone. However, it was the fact that Emeka Okafor was in blue and white that solidified his decision. “The chance to get to play a year with Emeka Okafor was something that I just couldn’t pass up,” Boone said, “He was the best player in college basketball at the time in my opinion. And especially at my position, he was the best player.” Boone’s praise for Okafor continued, saying how Emeka’s ability to lead by example, such as always being the first to practice, was what stood out above the rest. “The fact that he was there an hour and a half early really says a lot,” Boone explained, “I remember this one day that he chose to shoot every shot with his left hand. It was things like that, that kind of stuck out to me.”

With all the talent they had in 2003-04, the Huskies were picked first in the pre-season poll. However, after a neutral court loss at Madison Square Garden by 16 points to Georgia Tech, the Huskies got a well-deserved shaking. As Boone puts it: I think the best thing that could’ve happened to us was losing to Georgia Tech (at MSG). That was a real wake up call. Going into it, we were certainly very high on ourselves. I think that game kind of taught us talent alone is just not gonna win this thing. We’re going to have to become a very good basketball team. The very next game, the Huskies destroyed an eventual NCAA Tournament team in Utah, 76-44, which started an eleven game win streak.

They won the Big East Tournament, and a month later, finding themselves in the National Championship against none other than the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where, of course, they won battle number two, 82-73, crowning them champions of the college basketball world for the second time in six years.

A first-round draft pick by the Nets, Josh averaged 5/5 for his 4 years with them before embarking on a well-traveled professional career in China, Philippines, Bahrain, Estonia, Russia, Turkey, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New South Wales and finally Canada.
He is the head coach at St. John's School in Houston.

Ah, what could've been. UConn was riding high at 23-1 when "Rome" went down with a torn meniscus. They staggered to finish 27-7, losing in the Regional Finals to Maryland despite 32 from Caron Butler. “I was playing my best basketball at that time,” Dyson said of his injury. “It's just hitting that right moment. We were rolling..."

Dyson could shoot the 3 but was no gunner. He could pull up for an elbow jumper with the best of them. The clearest lingering memory of Dyson is his slashability. He didn't just have a bursting first step, he had a burst in him, just waiting, on every step. Defensively he was a pest. Notably, his 9 steals vs. St. Johns in 2008 are a school record. He made the Big East All-Freshman team and the All-Big East team in 2009-10.

Dyson was a bulldog as a Husky. No player chased down more ball-handlers from behind. He was linebacker-tough as a defender. He once smashed his face and shattered some teeth diving for a loose ball at DePaul. If not for a whistle that ruined the moment, the most athletically impressive play of Jerome Dyson’s UConn men’s basketball career would be remembered differently than it is — if it is remembered much at all. “I remember it,” Dyson said. “Like it was yesterday.” On Nov. 15, 2007, Dyson sprinted the Madison Square Garden court as if out of a sling shot, received a pass around mid-court and essentially started winding up for a dunk by the time he became a blurry figure crossing the 3-point line. Dyson dribbled once, accelerating all the way, before throwing down a thunderous one-handed slam against Gardner Webb. The crowd on hand for a College Hoops Classic semifinal went bonkers. Doug Wiggins, Craig Austrie, Hasheem Thabeet and others jumped off the Huskies’ bench in celebration. It was a remarkable play. It was fast. It was loud. It’s in the books as an offensive foul, though, no basket. The poor soul Dyson dunked over was Gardner Webb freshman guard Nate Blank. An official deemed A) that Blank had established position and B) that there was sufficient contact. “They called a charge,” Dyson said. “I got the pass from A.J. [Price]. I throw it in, then I go back and look at it on the monitor, and there's no way. I couldn't believe it. No, no, no, no.” “There's a big-time riser!” Dick Vitale said on the ESPN telecast, initially unaware of the call. “He's dancing with joyyyyy!" Dyson wasn't, though. He was retreating in disbelief. “That should have been the No. 1 play on SportsCenter,” Dyson said. Take a look and you'll watch it over and over again: Big Time, baby!

Looking back on his time at UConn, Dyson has clear eyes. “It was interesting,” Dyson said. “But that's basketball. It's ups and downs. That's what I had throughout the four seasons. ... Sometimes it comes together, sometimes it doesn't. I made a lot of great relationships. My guys from '09, I still think that's one of our greatest teams.”

Member of Dom Perno's final recruiting class stayed on to play for Jim Calhoun. Big CG could leap and shoot. Double digit scorer all 4 years with career averages of 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Played over 30 mpg all 4 years. Big East All-Freshman team. Member of NIT Championship team, winning MVP honors after scoring 25 points in the 72-67 victory over OSU.

He did get into academic trouble as a sophomore, missing 15 games, but new coach Jim Calhoun helped him get back on track. He hit 5 three-pointers in leading the Huskies to the NIT championship as a junior. “That was the beginning of the beginning for UConn,” Gamble said. “We came from the bottom of the barrel.” When the game ended, Gamble, the MVP, his roommate, Jeff King, and eventually Robert Ursery were pushed by fans up the pole and they sat perched upon the backboard, as UConn fans flooded the Garden floor. It’s one of the iconic images of UConn history. “Even now, when I see Ohio State on TV, I kind of get a smirk and a smile,” he said.
He became team captain as a senior, leading the likes of 3 future NBA players (Cliff Robinson, Tate George and Chris Smith).

Gamble learned one day in 2003 that what he thought was a harmless lump on his forehead was cancer, and he had to have it immediately removed. He recovered, but in 2012, just as he moved into a new, fourth-floor apartment in Washington, the building caught fire and his apartment filled with smoke. “I really thought I was going to die,” he said. He had to pull a drawer out of a bureau and smash the window to escape, with the help of firefighters. A hideous V-shaped gash in his leg required 77 stitches. Gamble lost most of his belongings, including his MVP Trophy, his ring, his treasured photos, and the basketballs from UConn commemorating his 1,000th point and his long string of 22 games with at least one three-pointer, a record later broken by Ray Allen. Shortly after that, Gamble was laid off from his job.
His mother, Glover Gamble, is still his true north. She was in her 80s, but she could see her son was unhappy, and she told him, “You’re not happy here. Your life is in Connecticut. You know a lot of people. Things happen for you there. I’ll be all right.”

People still recognize him in Connecticut. In 2011, he and Robinson visited the UConn locker room during the Big East tournament and Gamble beams when he recalls Kemba Walker saying to him, “Phil Gamble. Man. You’re the one sitting up on the backboard?” Gamble suddenly felt at ease, like he belonged.

After starring for a high school team ranked in the top 3 in the country, Phil had options for college. He selected UConn for a couple of reasons. None of his brothers and sisters had been successful in some of their choices in life, none of them had graduated from high school ...and all of them had been incarcerated. Phil’s brother advised Phil to get out of DC so he didn’t fall into the footsteps the rest of the family had. Phil was also tired of seeing his mom cry all the time over the situations of the rest of his family. His mom loved the rural area surrounding UConn, and she also liked the coaches at UConn, Head Coach Dom Perno at the time and Assistant Coach Howie Dickenman.

He was not drafted but was invited to camp and eventually cut by the Philadelphia 76ers. He did play professionally in Belgium, Russia, Finland and Sweden and South Korea. He then came back to the states and played in the American Basketball Association.
After his playing days were over, he coached Hall High in West Hartford, then Teikyo Post in Waterbury before going back to DC where he coached middle school and taught kindergarten.

Star power personified. UConn won a fierce recruiting battle with Syracuse and Maryland for the lithe, athletic Gay. He was a MacDonalds and Parade All-American and eventually a consensus college All-American who was drafted 8th overall by the Houston Rockets and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies where he made the All-Rookie team. He would play with them for 7 years and then for 4 more teams, completing an 18 year NBA career with a final average of 15.8 ppg and 5.6 rebounds.

“After I took a visit to Connecticut, I knew I wanted to go there because of the number of players from Connecticut that are in the NBA right now, and I liked the way Coach Calhoun teaches. I like the way he motivates his players.” Rudy also talked to former AAU teammate Josh Boone who was already a member of the UConn Huskies. “Josh likes to think he sealed the deal for me to go to UConn, but I knew I wanted to go there anyway.”
“My first college practice was crazy. Coach Calhoun, he scared me. It was hard. We stayed on the court practicing for like three hours. I was definitely tired.” “Coach Calhoun taught us young boys how to be men, and how we wanted to be treated as men. He’d fight for us, and with us. He’ll do anything for all of us. I appreciate some of the things coach does, more now, than I did then.”

At UConn, he was the focus of all opponents but was rarely stopped. He was a ferocious driver/dunker with a decent but inconsistent 3 point shot. His back-down/step-back was unstoppable. Inducted into the Huskies of Honor in 2012.

In Storrs, he learned what cold really is. "Freakin' cold", he said. As far as the coach, "...he could absolutely be a nut sometimes...I’m thankful for that overall. It prepared me well for the NBA. But there was this one time…. Dead of winter. Freshman year. Gotta be like 10 below zero. I have this 8 a.m. class. And it’s a MONDAY, by the way. So, what do I do? I sleep in. I miss the class. Instead of going to class, I head straight to the team breakfast. I’m like: The sun’s barely up! No one will even know if I don’t go to that lecture.
I walk to the cafeteria wearing this gigantic, oversized winter jacket, some sweatpants, and those big-ass Timberlands everyone used to wear back then. As soon as I grab my eggs and some juice and take a seat … there’s Coach, snagging the chair right next to me.
“Hey, Rudy! How’s your morning going?”
Play it cool, Rude.
“Oh, good! Cold one out. But good, good.”
Silence.
“Wonderful. Wonderful!”
More silence.
I’m looking straight down at my eggs, not lifting my head up, not saying anything. Just hoping that maybe he’ll leave and go talk to someone else. But….
He doesn’t leave.
“So, how was class this morning, Rudy?”
Wait, does he know? Are you kidding me? Did he talk to the roosters or something? Or does he really just want to know how class was? Maybe he’s just curious.
So, then it’s like … to lie, or not to lie? Right? That was my choice.
And I was 18, sooooooooo….
“Oh good, Coach. It was good! You know, class is so important. Always want to be learning.”
I’m shaking my head right now remembering this.
Coach Calhoun, he’s not someone you can just trick and keep it movin’.
He says, “Oh yeah?”
He points to my boy.
“Because this guy right here, you know what he told me?” (You know who you are, you rat!) “He was in class, and he told me you weren’t there.”
Then, I kid you not, Coach Calhoun, I still can’t believe this … he looks at me and is like, “OK, here’s what’s going to happen now….”
When he laid it out, for a second, I thought maybe he was joking. But….
Coach Calhoun doesn’t joke like that.
He made me get up from the table, leave the cafeteria, walk outside and … run a damn mile.
Right through the middle of campus.
Picture it. Six-foot-nine dude, big-ass jacket on, sprinting down the quad. Timberlands sliding all over the place. Sleet all up in my eyes. People looking at me like I’m nuts.
“Chop, chop,” Coach Calhoun yelled, sending me off. “Get yer’ ass out there and run, Rudy. Since you’re so well-rested, it shouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“Eighteen years in the league,” Gay concluded. “Learned from some of the best to ever do it. Made some incredible lifelong friends. Feeling good. Healthy. Inspired. Have a family that loves me, and who I love more than anything. I’m not just OK. It’s like… ‘I’m the luckiest man in the world.’”

CG from DC who played for the legendary Morgan Wooten at DeMatha High. Gwynnie found fame as the first guard off the bench, instantly electrifying the crowd with jumpers and earning the nickname "The Microwave".

“He’s the best,” Jim Calhoun said. “You still see him jumping up and down, he’s very emotional. We called him microwave, he was microwave. He brought spirit and energy to the team.” He actually earned the “microwave nickname right away because of his resemblance to Vinnie Johnson, also short and stocky, a key player for the Pistons throughout the 1980s.

In his own personal Dream Season montage, he averaged 10.6 points and had 30 steals. He was on the Big East’s all-tournament team after the win over Syracuse that sent him up the ladder to help cut down the net. “At that time we had really good players,” Gwynn said. “But we didn’t have that super, superstar. The only real star we had was Chris Smith, we really didn’t have those McDonald All-Americans at that time, so we really had to play well as a team, as a unit. So I remember we got on a run, and then in the tournament, it just continued and our confidence built.”
The Huskies were picked to finish last in the Big East preseason poll but they ran off a six-game winning streak against conference opponents and reached first place on Jan. 27, 1990 – the day Gampel Pavilion opened. Gwynn came off the bench and scored 13 points as the Huskies defeated St. John’s 72-58 in the new arena.

It is interesting to note that despite averaging double digits as a junior and senior (and 9.8 career) and shooting at a 48% clip, he only started 1 game of his 96 at UConn. Coach Calhoun had told John that he was talented enough to start but he liked the luxury of having him come in off the bench and score points and give the team a boost. That one start, by the way, he went 0 for 11.

After school, John played in the CBA, USBL and NBA summer league. He spent time as a probation officer in CT and started to officiate basketball games to have fun. He enjoyed it and started to take it more seriously and worked high school and eventually college games in America East and the Colonial Athletic Association.

Gwynnie can still be seen around town in West Hartford, working out in a gym, knocking the golf ball around at Rockledge and being gracious to all who approach him.

Stud shooter who shined the brightest when the lights were dazzling.

His career was pockmarked by minor and moderate injuries on a surface of brilliance.
The stop-and-start narrative resulted in inconsistent performances but the talent was pure and clear. The question was, would he get a chance to exploit it and would he deliver? Big-time YES!. In Dan Hurley's schemes, he made the most of his ability to curl around picks, quickly set his feet, square his shoulders and let it fly from deep. His fourteen 3's attempted in 2022 vs Oregon are a school record. While "Hawk" was never the most consistent, he did get into the zone often and he was able to free himself for 7.6 threes per game as a sophomore, when he helped the team to the NCAA championship, making the all-tournament team.

He was also on the All-Big East Freshman team and was All-Big East as sophomore. Hawkins was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans and has averaged 9.0 ppg so far in his short NBA career while shooting 84% from the line.

At UConn, he is 2nd all-time in FT% at 87.2% for his career. His final season he recorded 109 threes at 2.95/game, both 2nd all-time. His 281 attempted threes were a school record. He mad at least one three in 31 straight games, second only to Ray Allen's 42. His 26 2nd half points vs. Xavier are tied for 7th.

With the Pelicans, he had some big games early but languished on the bench due to inconsistency. That rookie season he was sent down to Birmingham in the G-League to get some playing time. Coach Hurley was much-impressed by how he handled the demotion. "It starts at home," Hurley said. "When you get (Jordan's parents) Craig and Jasmine and the job they did with their son, the accountability, you’re never the victim. They didn’t buy into the victimology thing. Anytime he had struggles while he was at UConn it was a Jordan issue and not a coach-screwing-him issue." “When you have that type of base and talent, there’s a mindset there." But make no mistake, Hurley is impressed by what "Hawk" has done on the floor, as well. "He’s just a perfect, modern NBA player," Hurley said. "His skill set, the way he shoots the ball. He handled (the demotion) like a pro and a man and played well. Now, he’s gotten his opportunity. He’s had multiple 30-point games. I think some of the scouts were wondering about his defense. Nobody’s playing defense. He’s had more higher-scoring games in the NBA than he did here.

Recruited as a high 4-star from famed Dematha Catholic, Hawkins mulled offers from Louisville, Marquette, Xavier, and Seton Hall before making his choice to become a Husky. Per his coach, Mike Jones: “Great young man,” Jones said. “Everybody will be proud of him. Everybody in the DeMatha family is proud of him. He comes from a great family. He’ll work hard. Very coachable. Low maintenance.” Per analyst Adam Finklestein: “First and foremost, Hawkins has true star potential. This guy is long, athletic, has good positional size and he is a budding shot-maker. He has a beautiful stroke from the 3-point line and in his pull-up game. As he continues to get more confident and assertive, he’s going to get better and better.”
Even then, he knew what his potential was. “One thing I shared with the [UConn] staff was that I wanted to be in college for one or two years, and they understood and committed to helping me develop to fulfill that goal and hopefully achieve my ultimate goal of reaching the NBA.”
Check, check, check.
When Hawkins told Hurley of his choice (to attend UConn), he felt the elation, too. “When I called Coach Hurley and the other assistant coaches, he ran off camera when we were on FaceTime because he was so excited,” Hawkins wrote for SI. “Haha! It just let me know how much I was wanted there, and that was a good feeling.”

At the time, he was in the conversation for best transfer-in ever. <>BR> He came from George Washington where he made the All-Freshman A-10 team, averaged in double figures in each of his three seasons with the Colonials, and finished his 92-game career with 1,013 points (11.0 average), 373 rebounds (4.1), and 194 assists (2.1). He started 71 games and averaged 26.2 minutes per game. "I wanted to explore somewhere else, in a different environment, and play basketball at a higher level," said Kromah. "I got a good vibe, I really got a sense of family," he said. "I have a good relationship with Coach (Karl) Hobbs. It's an opportunity for me to develop and play."

With a matured body, the 6'6" Kromah facilitated on both sides of the court, shooting over 47% with 6 ppg, 3 rebounds and over 1 assist and steal per game, guarding at any position. He was on the floor 22 minutes per game to help get the team to the Promised Land - the 2014 NCAA Championship!

While not drafted, he did play NBA Summer and D League ball and went overseas to play in Hungary, Turkey, Greece, Australia, France, Spain and Taiwan, where he was All-League and named the Most Valuable Import in 2023-24.

“He’s just all over the place,” said coach Kevin Ollie after a game vs, Loyola. “One thing I see is his defensive effort … He can really play the 1, 2, 3, very, very well. You see him playing Yogi (Ferrell, the All-American guard from Indiana) in Madison Square Garden, playing him great. You see him playing a bigger guy, he’s always getting his hands on balls and deflecting balls, getting layups.” From GW assistant coach Pete Strickland: "Defensively, because of his length, he's kind of disarming," Strickland said. "He had nine steals in a game (on Dec. 28, 2011, against UAB) that set a school record. He just kind of unfolds. You think you have a pass ... now you don't."

Before the Sweet 16 NCAA game vs Iowa State, Ollie had more to say: "He's been kind of my versatile player, where I can stick him in four positions," said Ollie. "He can play the one or he can play a smaller forward. Off the bench, he also gave me another facilitator. He really gave me an option where I can manipulate the defense with him."

In the Championship game val Kentucky, Kromah logged 20 impactful minutes off the bench, scoring 4 points with 6 rebounds and assisted in choking the production of the vaunted Harrison twins to 15 points total on 6/16 shooting. They were averaging 25 ppg total going into the final.
UConn won this game by staying with the Wildcats on the boards and hitting all their FTs while Kentucky's young kids faltered, going 13-24. Fittingly, Kromah's 2 FTs with 25 seconds left sealed the win.

Springy JuCo transfer was an efficient shooter (49.8%), he just didn't get that many shots off (4 per game in 18 minutes).
Yet, he did fill across the stat sheet averaging 5 points, 3.5 rebounds, .6 assists and a steal in those 18 minutes. He won the NIT on their 1987-88 team, playing 14 minutes in the final.

Other memorable moments for McCloud were his 11 point/10 rebound double/double vs. Villanova and a 8 point/8 rebound/4 block performance vs. St. John's.

McCloud, a 6-5 senior from DuVal and Allegany (Md.) Community College, also had to be patient -- particularly at the beginning of the 1987-88 season when he did not play much. But over a course of six games, McCloud had 41 points and 35 rebounds -- more than half his season totals. "It may sound like I'm going overboard," coach Jim Calhoun said, "but because of his personality and his attitude, Willie's a leader on the team, if not the leader. We'll be needing that {tonight} against Georgetown." Willie came through, especially down the stretch, forcing a charge, hitting the boards and starting the ending foul line parade to victory.

Sadly but with hope we mention he has been battling prostate cancer. There is a 'gofundme' page for him as the costs are great. Good luck, Willie!

True shooter helped support UConn's 1999 first championship run. He was a baller who came because of ball. And Husky Nation.
When he came up and watched the Blue-White scrimmage two years ago, he reached an immediate conclusion. "I liked the fans,” Mouring said, “and I liked the team.” It wasn’t much more complicated than that. Albert became a starter as a junior and averaged 14 and 15 ppg junior and senior year. Shot 41% from 3 and 45% on 2s for his career along with a stealthy 85% from the line (89% as a senior.

The accuracy was borne of work, not hard work for Albert. It was all fun for him. "Albert played all day, every day," Shanelle Mouring said. "He played when it was snowing and raining." He also couldn't wait to finish his veggies so he could return to shooting hoops after dinner. He would keep shooting in the darkness and his father, Albert Sr., eventually put up a light on the basketball pole that allowed him to play while the other neighborhood kids were watching television or already in bed. "I loved the game so much that I would shoot until 11 at night," Mouring said. "It's a great feeling to be able to knock down shots." Some people are born with the ability to shoot. Some are born with great desire to play the game. It's safe to say that Albert Mouring was born with both.

Mouring was not a vocal leader, choosing to lead by example as a senior to fill the large void left by the graduated and stocky Khalid El-Amin. "I'll have to step up and be a leader and be the leader of this team," Mouring said. "It's a new era. It went from Ray Allen to Rip Hamilton to Khalid. Now it's my turn to step up. Each year Connecticut produces a great player and this year ..."

One vivid memory he has is the assist that set up his fadeaway 22-footer with 9 seconds to play vs. Pittsburgh at Fitzgerald Field House. He still can see Vonteego Cummings' errant inbounds pass, and Khalid El-Amin's game-winner as the top-ranked and eventual national champion Huskies, down by four with 11 seconds to play, stunned Pitt, 70-69.
Notoriously, El-Amin punctuated the Dec. 12, 1998, win by jumping on the scorer's table and taunting the stunned Pitt faithful, some of whom tossed plastic water bottles at the gloating point guard.
"I guess the fans were pretty upset that they lost the game," said Mouring.

As a high school senior he once scored 62 points in a game, hitting 22 of 30 shots, including 11 of 14 3-point tries.
He has the 4th highest career FT% as a Husky (84.2%) and 6th highest 3pt % at 41.1%.

He played professionally in Bahrain, Finland, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey and in the US in the Ohio Valley Basketball League. He also played in the FIBA European Cup tournament from 2003-04 and led the tournament in scoring at 26.8 ppg. He then took to helping out young players as a player agent.

6'8" SF that was on the 2011 national champions as a freshman, playing in all 41 games.

Skilled, talented and with huge hands, he shot 49% for his career, having perhaps his best season after transferring to UNLV where he averaged 11.1 points and 10.9 rebounds. In fact, through the first half of his season at UNLV he was the answer to the trivia question "Who is leading the nation in rebounding?" Yup. 13.9 per game. When that was mentioned to the Detroit Piston's Andre Drummond, he had this to say about his former teammate: "The leading rebounder in the country? Roscoe does it the same way (as I do) -- he just has a motor to go get it," Drummond says. "I'm not surprised he's the leading rebounder in the country."

Now try to understand the evolution of Roscoe Smith. Try to understand his per-40 minute numbers: 8.2 rebounds as a freshman, 7.5 as a sophomore, 17.9 as a junior.
If rebounding is a formula of physicality, instinct and desire -- the percentage of each depending on the player -- Smith says he's heavy on the latter. His teammates joke that he's like Dennis Rodman. "It just comes down to passion," Smith says simply. Then he got all profound. "My philosophy is, if we have the basketball more times than the other team, we have a better chance at winning," Smith says. "So even if I can't get a rebound, if I just tip it or whatever, if I just try to work harder than everyone else ..."

In a regrettable, unforgettable and notorious moment, as he dribbled the ball up court with UConn tied with Texas, he heaved an 80 footer in an attempt to win the game at the buzzer. Unfortunately and ridiculously, there were still 11 seconds left: Roscoe---no!
If you look closely at the video, you notice a cheerleader moving his bullhorn ever so slightly to adjust for the ball's incoming parabolic trajectory and caught it. That was an intentional catch, folks. Fortunately, UConn did win the game in overtime and the moment can live as a humorous interlude in Husky lore.

An afterthought after the one that got away, Cam became stamped an indelible legend during his one season in Storrs.

In the first year of the NIL transfer pool, the Huskies were after a shooting guard. They, as did many other schools, had their eyes on Nick Timberlake, a sharpshooter from Towson St. Nick famously chose Kansas over UConn in one of the most ironic moments in Husky history.
As Timberlake struggled at the true major level, playing 15 minutes and averaging 5 ppg, Spencer thrived as the second choice in Storrs. Not only did he bring a deadeye shot from anywhere on the court, he brought a fever pitch intensity that matched that of his new coach, Dan Hurley, and it was a marriage made in basketball heaven.

He shot 48% overall including 44% from 3, 91% at the line, averaged 14.3 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and led the team in steals with 59. A basketball savant, the Rutgers transfer fit into the Huskies' scheme seamlessly, seemingly always making the right read and big shot.

Long before he joined UConn, it's obvious that someone taught Cam Spencer the right way to play basketball. The rest came about because of a true love for the game, a tireless work ethic, a willingness to be coached, and an inner competitive fire that can't be taught.
Spencer had one Division I offer to play college basketball coming out of high school in Davidsonville, Maryland. He had no choice but to take it – or play college lacrosse instead – and spent three years at Loyola Maryland before one at Rutgers and choosing to join the reigning national champions.
His fist pumping exclamation points could have seemed over the top on just any team but not with this UConn squad. They flocked to him, with him and rode his consistent and prolific play all season and to the NCAA title in 2024. As a leader, Spencer naturally voices his appreciation of team. "Everyone is just so unselfish," Spencer said. "No one cares who scores, everyone looks for each other. It's just playing basketball the way it's supposed to be played." "The teammates that I have, they make you look good," he said. "It's so easy to play with them." Coach Dan Hurley said this outside the Huskies’ locker room that was adorned with a national champions decal for the second year in a row, “The fire that he instilled was the Andre Jackson stuff and the Adama Sanogo stuff that you have to have, because Tristen (Newton) is total ice, to have that fire and ice in the backcourt, I just think that he pushed this team a lot this year, just his maniacal pursuit of a championship this year because he hadn’t experienced it. He’s got a toughness about him that’s unmatched.”>BR>
Drafted by the Detroit Pistons at #53, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft day. Thus far he's had a cup of coffee in The League for 10 games but his brightest moment might be the 51 points on 12 3s he scored for the Memphis Hustle of the G-League.
Perhaps his most memorable NBA moment was playing vs. his older brother, Pat, of the Golden State Warriors, and outscoring him 7-2.

6'-6.5" with a 7'2" wingspan on a statuesque body Michelangelo would love. Add in a fierceness to his game that was seemingly always present, the impactful results of his desire to add to his game and you get a rebounding machine that grew into a complete basketball player.

He was an honorable mention All-American and third-team All Big East for the team that went to the Final Four. He ranked second on the 2009 team in points and rebounding, at 13.6 points a game and 9.9 rebounds a game. For his career, he scored 1,600 points and had 1,100 rebounds, which made him only the second player in coach Jim Calhoun’s reign to accomplish that feat (the other is Emeka Okafor,) He had 47 career double-doubles.

He captained the Huskies for three seasons, bringing a fierce desire to win. "Everyone on the team looks up to him because of how hard he works," guard AJ Price said. "He's so competitive and so passionate about winning. He didn't want his career to end without leaving his mark. He didn't want it to end without going to the Final Four."
Calhoun saw it this way, "Jeff, I call you the rock for a reason. We are 40 minutes away from Detroit (and the Final Four) and you're going to be the guy that gets us there." A few hours later, the Huskies had advanced to college basketball's final weekend thanks to a banner performance from Adrien that included 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

Donning the metaphoric Superman cape as the Ultimate Warrior, he was often compared to another undersized forward at UConn, Kevin Freeman, who helped UConn to the 1999 national title. "I remember watching it. I was in seventh grade," Adrien said. "That's basically when I realized I wanted to be a Connecticut Husky."

On his Senior Day performance vs. Notre Dame, Adrien was exuberant.. He made his first eight shots from the floor in the game -- using an impressive mix of jump shots and post moves. He also made the Huskies' final field goal of the game, a powerful drive to the basket that put the home team up three with 1:21 left. "I felt like I needed to put on a show for these guys [the fans]. They deserved it"

Undrafted, he worked his way in from the D League to a spot on the Golden State Warriors and stayed in the league for 5 years, capped by his stint in Milwaukee where he averaged 10.9 / 7.8.

He considers the years he spent in Storrs - 2005 through 2009 - to be among the most vital ones in his life. "They were very important,” Adrien said. “During those years of your life, you're making the transition in life from a boy to a young adult. I've had great coaching and great teachers to help me become that and become who I am now. I'm really thankful for that."

Undersized at 6'5" but blessed with a linebacker's body, DePriest found a niche as a defensive stopper.

While an efficient shooter (47.4%), he wasn't built to score. He was the guy Jim Calhoun called on to stop the opponent's best player. That included centers and point guards. The kid was just possessed on defense, provided with an effective combination size and some of the quickest, wide-striding legs you'll ever see. He was Jim Calhoun's first recruit at UConn, setting the tone for the program for years to come. “Coming out of high school, my high school coach, Darrell Pursiful, that’s what he stressed, defense, defense. So that was always in me," DePriest said.

In the NIT semifinals of 1988, Calhoun put the 6-foot-5 DePriest, a freshman, on Boston College’s quick, high-scoring guard Dana Barros. “Dana was very much like Shabazz [Napier] offensively,” Calhoun said. “So difficult to guard. And Lyman, did he hold him to two points? No. Two shots.”

Back for one of the Calhoun Celebrity Classic games, DePriest was asked to compare his game to another defensive stopper in Husky history, the Langdon Strangler, Ricky Moore. "Ricky was really good (defensively), but the difference between me and Ricky was that Ricky didn't guard 6-foot-9 guys down to 5-11 guys."
He watched the Huskies compete at the top echelon of major college basketball with great pride. "But I think (Calhoun's) gotten a little soft," he cracked -- perhaps a touche for Calhoun calling Moore the greatest defensive player. "He knows how soft he's gotten." Asked how Calhoun differed in his early days at UConn, DePriest just said, "You wouldn't believe (the difference). But he was just trying to get the best out of the people he had. Now he gets these top-10 recruits, and the guys will threaten to transfer (if they don't get their way). That's just how it is now."

Now, he works as a case manager at Youth Continuum in New Haven, where his vaunted toughness still moves mountains. "Sometimes it is," DePriest laughed. "The guys know I'm a man of few words. I guess that works out well with the kids. But they know that when I start talking a little much, they know that whatever they've done is going to be dealt with."
“Those are important years for a young black male, age 18 to 22,” he said. “It helps you grow as a person. You deal with a lot of adversity during those periods, and it helped me become a man, being a part of that group. These kids [today] who leave as freshman, they miss a whole lot. You go to college four years, you’re ready for life.”

6 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and a block in 18 games for the walk-on from Ann Arbor. A deep-blue Husky, Dr. Evanovich stuck around Storrs after winning the 2004 championship for his BA in Sociology, an MA in Sports Management and PhD in Sport Management.

He was, to use a word, involved. From Team Manager to Walk-on to Graduate Assistant, Evanovich frequently spent his basketball time with fellow Team Manager and future NBA Coach, Mark Daigneault. Per Daigneault's dad, Rick, "They’d watch film for hours and take notes. They did scouting reports. If a player wanted to shoot at 1 a.m., they were right there."

Speaking to group of third graders in Milford, Evanovich preached how hard work leads to rewards. He told pupils that initially he was team manager, which meant bringing players water and picking up after them. But after working hard, he made it onto the team, too.

Asked who was the toughest team he faced, Justin was clear. "The hardest team we played was the team in practice, as Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon would dunk on us and throw us around," Evanovich said. Speaking of tough, he even had a 'D' moment, as in UConn triple champion Diana Taurasi. "I met Diana," Evanovich said. "She’ is the loudest person in the world. Diana is amazing and very nice."

Well-spoken, Evanovich was often selected to accompany a select group of Huskies to speak to area youth. At an event in Vernon, he reiterated the value of hard work. “Don’t give up if something’s hard. Work harder,” Evanovich said.
He also has comic chops. A student asked the players to give their names and Evanovich kept a straight face when he answered “Michael Jordan.” To another query about their heights, Evanovich got a big laugh by answering “25 feet.”

He currently works at the UConn NEAG School of Education as an Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and is Co-PI and Managing Director of UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport.

Fans had an issue with Jeff King. How could an athletic 6'10" player be so inept catching, shooting and rebounding the ball? Well, fold in only 190 pounds on that frame and you can envision him being muscled out of position. Consider he had it easy in high school at that height, he'd have to learn more ways to impact the game.

Those fans's patience paid off big-time in 1988 when King anchored the post while contributing 2 huge blocks in the team's NIT championship victory.

King had actually 'come out' a year earlier as a junior when new coach Jim Calhoun joined the Husky family. His contribution share from sophomore year grew gigantically. More than doubled his minutes per game to 14 to 32, FGA 3.7 to 8.9, FTA to 2.0 to 4.0, STL 0.4 to 0.8, BLK 0.6 to 1.7, PPG 4.6 to 11.8 while improving his FG Pct from 39% to 49.8%. Jeff sitting atop the backboard with Phil Gamble after the NIT win remains an indelible image in UConn basketball history.

Jeff left us far too early, passing from heart disease at the age of 31. “When Jeff died I went back to our media guide and stared at the picture,” coach Jim Calhoun said. “He was a Renaissance man. He cared about his basketball. But he cared about his art, friends and socializing, too. He was the freeest of spirits. “He’d leave a pizza under his bed for two weeks. But he’d do a beautiful painting that could give you goosebumps. When you first met him, you think he doesn’t care enough about the game, so happy, so many things going. Then you realize how small- minded you are. He had life in perspective at a very young age. That’s the real tragedy of his death.”

When you talk about best transfers in UConn history, Selvie's name is always blurted out.

He came from community college competition, earning national JuCo player of the year honors and it was clear from the outset that he was ready for the big time.
His constant motor, installed on a 6'7", 235 lb frame endeared him to UConn fans and the coach. After a junior season taking his Big East licks while dishing out plenty of his own, he started all 33 games as a senior, averaging 11.4 ppg and 6 rebounds on 53% shooting.

The battle for the JuCo's services was intense as Michigan, Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida were after him. "At first, I was a little scared because I thought I might not get playing time," Selvie said. "Now, I'm not worried about playing time. My goal is to start. If I keep working hard, you never know, I might start. Either way, I know I will contribute."

"He's a very good offensive rebounder, and he's real strong," UConn senior center Souleymane Wane said. "He's a guy that battles every second..." Coach Calhoun's assessment: "Johnnie is a ferocious rebounder, a tremendous inside player. He will fit in perfect for us."

Memorable was the game vs. Miami, when that school was undefeated in January and facing the unranked Huskies. Right after 6-foot-10 forward Darius Rice gave Miami its first lead since early in the second half when he buried his fourth 3-pointer of the game with 36 seconds left, Selvie was then fouled as he drove the lane after an offensive rebound. He calmly sank two free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining, lifting the Huskies to a 76-75 upset victory.
In the early season matchup vs. preseason #1 Arizona, Selvie had 12 points and a winning play near the end. Michael Wright, who led the Wildcats with 18 points and 10 rebounds, (got) a shot off with 12 seconds left but it was blocked by Selvie and the clock expired as the ball went toward the sideline. "I just came through with the block and my teammates saved it," Selvie said.

Johnnie had his problems after school. Twice in 2003. He was charged with second-degree unlawful restraint and breach of peace in an on-campus assault on a woman. The charges were later dropped. Nine months later, a DUI arrest plus second-degree reckless endangerment, drinking while operating a motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license and disobeying the signal of an officer.

"The Kid" was a highly ranked recruit, sure. Jim Calhoun was thrilled at the final LOI signing because his recruitment was a bit odd.

During JC's home visit, El-Amin sat and listened for an hour-plus and didn’t say a word until he popped The Question: “Are you bringing me in to be a backup for Ricky Moore?” To which Calhoun answered, “Anyone who is telling you that must think you’re not very good, and I happen to think you’re very good. You shouldn’t be backing anyone up.” And then El-Amin, who had his coat on, got up and left.
There are two lesser-known quirks to the story.
First, there was the phone call. Calhoun said, “When I talked to him on the phone [prior to the visit] he said, ‘Just don’t sign anyone for two weeks. Promise me you won’t do that.’ I said, ‘Well, I can’t promise you anything.’ He said, ‘Just wait.’ It was an unusual request because we’d just gotten involved with him, late in the recruiting process.”
Second, there was the post-visit divergence of opinion. Hobbs thought there wasn’t a chance El-Amin was coming to Storrs. Calhoun: “Khalid had to leave for a game; we knew that beforehand. He sat there and said nothing beyond a grunt or a groan after something his father might have said. He was very polite and there was nothing disrespectful about him — he just didn’t say a word. Then, boom, he asked the question, I gave him the answer and he left. We walked out of there and I said to Coach Hobbs, ‘You know, those were very nice people and I’m really very encouraged.’ “
El-Amin: “I was liking UConn and I really wanted the answer to that one question. I wanted to look at Coach when he answered. After I visited, I really felt comfortable and I felt the guys really wanted me here.”
Which leads to the other oft-unearthed nugget about El-Amin’s brief recruitment. He ran the pickup game when he visited.

When fans finally got an in-person glimpse they were a bit unsure but not for long. Would the skills of a stocky, 5'8" 210 lb kid play against the talents that awaited in the Big East? It didn't take long to give comfort to the dithering fandom. As a freshman he appeared on the scene with a swagger that would suit him, a feel that would propel the team to heights previously unseen and skills that warranted his selection to the MacDonalds and Parade All-American teams. He coined the phrase "We shocked the world!" upon beating Duke for the 1999 natty.

Speaking of unforgettable, How could you forget how this one unfolded? 12-12-1998, UConn at Pittsburgh. Down four with nine seconds left, Albert Mouring made a three, Pitt threw the inbounds away, then El-Amin hit a tough shot in the lane to keep the eventual national champions undefeated. El-Amin then jumped up on the scorer’s table in celebration.

El-Amin ranks 14th on UConn’s all-time scoring list with 1,650 points. Khalid was the 34 overall pick in the draft by the Chicago Bulls but only played that one season. He found much more success overseas. After beginning his journey in France, he went on to Israel. From there, he played in Turkey in dominating fashion, averaging 20.9 ppg and 5.2 assists. He also played in Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany, Kosovo and Germany. He was inducted into the Huskies of Honor in 2014 and finally, proudly earned his Bachelor's degree in 2024. He has been coaching high school but this opens his life to college coaching opportunities.

We're still waiting to see what can become of this kid. Post-season 2025, he's become more than a ditto of what he was in Michigan. Shooting better from the field and line. Disappearing in many big games vs. strong centers and inching towards steadiness He's shown what he can do but hasn't hit consistency quite yet.

Reed came to UConn to be the Sundance Kid to Samson Johnson's Butch Cassidy, forming the 2024-25 version of what has become legacy at UConn - the double-headed monster at Center. From Adams Sanogo/Donovan Clingan to Clingan/Johnson and now Johnson/Reed Jr, Tarris seems ready to be the headliner of next season's big-man cast that will include freshman 7-footer Eric Reibe.

We must have faith in our coaching, this kid is talented and seems to have what it takes to dominate at this level. Whether it's decision making or scheme, he has openings from which he can take it to the hoop but often ignores the option. Silly fouls plague him as they do many bigs.

Tarris transferred here from UM, where he played below their high expectations. In high school he was a consensus top-35 recruit and invited to both the Jordan Brand and Iverson Classics. Despite the stats showing Reed has been more successful on defense to this point, the part of his game that represents the most upside is on offense. He’s quite good at the rim, scoring on approximately 59% of his attempts. He’s come a ways from being only average in post-up situations, and his early struggles in put-back situations, despite being a quality offensive rebounder. Where he truly succeeds and doesn't yet utilize enough is face-to-the-basket possessions.
Reed is very quick for his size and defensively he’s able to pick up smaller guards from the perimeter and stick with them on drives. He is at his best operating in space in interior one-on-ones. Reed can put the ball on the floor and use his speed and quickness to maneuver past opponents, or hit less mobile opponents with a spin move or drop step. His post moves need work, but if he catches the ball in the right spot he can get to the rim.

By March, the switch had been flipped. Against Providence in the BET he had a second consecutive dominant game in a row for the first time, going off for personal highs in points (24), rebounds (18) and blocks (6) following a 20/10/1 performance vs. Georgetown.
He won the Big East Sixth Man Award. Although he came off the bench, averaging 20 minutes, he led the Big East in both offensive rebounding percentage (17.8) and defensive rebound percentage (25.3) during conference action. He was also second in block rate (9.8 percent) and fourth in field goal percentage over the Big East season.

"(Hurley) set the tone on day one. There was definitely a culture shock, it took me a while to get used to it. Coach was on me like crazy. It was on my part, I wasn't bought in, doing what I needed to be doing, sacrificing my body for the team. But once you get used to it? This place is like rocket fuel for growth." He still has a year of eligibility left after declaring he will return for the 2025-26 season.

"Spider" came in during coach Dom Perno's last season. In his senior season he never started a game but he was Co-Captain when the team won its first ever National Invitational Tournament Championship in 1988.

Spider was one of the stars of the Public High League in Missouri during the early 1980’s. He was a three-year starter for legendary coach Jodie Bailey at Northwest High School between 1981-83. He averaged 16 points a game as a sophomore. As a junior, Ursery averaged 23 points a game. He earned All-State and All-Metro honors as a senior when he averaged an area high 24 points a game. He was a smooth 6’6” forward who score from anywhere on the court, but he was especially unstoppable in the lane with his feathery shooting touch.

He began his collegiate career at Iowa and then transferred to Jefferson Junior College before rising up to the UConn level.
Ursery was a valuable role player and developed into one of the Huskies’ defensive stoppers while emerging as a leader.

He was given the nickname “Spider” by his parents as a baby because he was very small, eventually the smallest of six children.
Spider became a probation officer in CT in 1993, working there until his Hodgkins Disease diagnosis. He passed on in 2008 at the age of 44, leaving his wife, 3 children and 2 stepsons. Though his six-year battle with Hodgkins Disease left him frail; his unwavering faith, perseverance, and amazing courage to fight on against incredible odds is an encouragement and inspiration to us all.
“The measure of a person is how they deal with the realities of life that conflict with dreams,” said UConn coach Jim Calhoun, who was the first of many to speak at the funeral service. “He left us all with so much more, unfortunately, than he was given.”
Long-time associate coach Howie Dickenman: “Spider wasn’t an all-star player, but he was an all-star person. He was a fighter. I admire him.”
Ursery attended many UConn games in recent years. “I would turn around every game just to see his face there,” Calhoun said. “It was an inspiration to me.”

The 6'8" forward had little success in Storrs and transferred to North Texas St., where he enjoyed more success and started every game his senior season.

“I liked to watch Donyell Marshall,” Funches said. “I like what [the UConn coaches] did to his game, how they improved his game. I just think they are going to make me play the best I can play.” Coach-speak fwiw: “Everybody knows Sam is a pretty good high school player, but I think two or three years from now people are going to think he’s a great college player,” coach Bernie Miller said. “For a tall, lanky guy, he’s got a real nice shot. Good mechanics. A good, accurate jump shot from 16 to 18 feet. He’s got a lot of speed and some nice, soft hands. Plus, he’s a real good passer. His chief weakness is that he needs to get a little bit tougher physically.”

Upon his decision to leave UConn, Calhoun spoke, “We talked once [before the semester] about playing time and if things didn’t work out well for him, then this [semester] would be a good time to go someplace else, wait a year, weight-train, get stronger and then play two years. Right now, he’s going somewhere and he’s … going to be joining a team in midstream in his junior year."
“Sam understood what the playing time situation was for him,” UConn co-captain Ricky Moore said. “As a player, you have to look at those things.”

He was a top-50 recruit out of high school with a nice shot, shooting 51% from 2 for his career. The apple of his eye has fallen next to the tree. Sam, the son of Sam (sorry), is a 2026 kid, 6'11", and raking in offers from big programs.

Haralson was supposed to provide the team with the legitimate deep threat in seemingly lacked. However, despite rave reviews of his range in preseason practices, Haralson's tenure was filled with disappointment.

After his season got off to a rough start when he missed his first five attempts (all 3s), he never really recovered, and was banished to the 'B' team for most of the season. He finished the year averaging 1.4 points in 4.1 minutes per game, and shooting 31.5 pct. (6-for-19) from three. He also took only two shots inside the arc, making one of them.

Aside from his shooting woes, Haralson's movements were very rigid, making him looking like a robot as he moved around the court. He also looked lost a lot while the team ran its offense, and for a 3-point shooter who only really needs to sit near the arc, he had a tough time spacing.

Freshman woes are expected but he just had a tough time translating practice success vs. legitimate competition. Scottie spoke to coach Calhoun, the left-handed complimentarian. "It's a strong possibility," Haralson said regarding transferring. "I talked to Coach. He told me that he likes me as a person and would not mind me being part of the program, but he said, 'If I were you, I would make transferring part of the consideration.'"

He transferred to Tulsa and the fresh start awakened the sharpshooter in him. He was a double digit scorer in each of his last 3 seasons including going over 38% from three. Tulsa Head Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik on the acquisition: "Scottie fills a huge need. He's a big, strong and powerful kid who can really shoot the basketball. He was a very exceptional high school player with national recognition."

The walk-on from North Carolina played for the Huskies from 2005-09 and wrote a book called “The Toughest Two,” documenting his experiences as a member of the team who didn’t actually get to play, or sometimes, even go into the locker room.

Bird said that being a walk-on at a big-time program was like being a second-class citizen, and that it tested him as a person. "Jim Calhoun was a strict, calculated coach. You had to be on your toes when he came into the room. He wasn't really involved with the walk-ons. We were pretty low on the program's totem pole and scholarship players obviously got more attention from him." "Walk-ons are a group that is to be seen and not heard. The walk-on's -along with everyone else in the program- mission was to get the scholarship players better. The nature of a walk-on's role was to take what ever was thrown our way with a "happy to be there" attitude - an attitude that I clearly lacked. My attitude towards how we as walk-ons were being treated wasn't received well, but I did become friends with some scholarship players because of it."
He did get to experience a Final Four, albeit the 2009 version that culminated in the sole loss in team FF history.

After school, he worked at Yale in their student financial services department as an assistant director. He also coached AAU and winter league basketball and started his own basketball development organization called "Johnnie Bird's Hoop Stars Academy"

A holdover from the Ollie administration, the 6'11" Josh stood tall for new coach Dan Hurley and stayed the course. For a while.

While often impressive, he never seemed to get his footing here. He always projected being a good kid. Doing whatever it took to help the team or a teammate. “Just filling a need, doing my part,” Carlton said. “Whenever I’m called to get in the game, do what coaches ask me to do. Whenever I’m in practice, compete and just help all the younger guys. Any time they need any type of advice or mentorship, just be there to help guide them.”

His favorite moment was typically team-related. “When our name is called on Selection Sunday and we’re able to play in the tournament, that will probably be my favorite moment, just to experience my first Selection Sunday.” “I would watch the tournament in the years we didn’t make it,” Carlton said. “It was hard, just knowing you won’t be part of it, to watch it and see how electric the environment was and how exciting the games were. Being able to watch that, we had that motivation that’s where we wanted to be at one point.”

As his usage rate was reduced, coach Hurley realized how this can affect a young man. “Josh was raised by an incredible family, in terms of his character and how he’s handled everything this year,” coach Dan Hurley said. “It’s a tough situation for a guy who has started as many games, and his expectations. He’s battled his tail off every single day. He has fought and pushed Adama (Sanogo) and pushed himself to try to regain his spot, or increase his role. He’s been relentless. But by the same token, he’s been an incredible teammate and a mentor for Adama and an incredible teammate for our players.”

“He teaches me a lot of stuff … in basketball, as a person,” Sanogo said. “He’s a good dude. We have a good relationship. He’s kind of like a brother to me.”

While it was obvious he worked at improving his shortcomings, he often showed his limitations with the ball in his hands, averaging 3 turnovers per 40 minutes played. He made the decision to finally transfer when it was clear that UConn would give the majority of post minutes to the talented Sanogo.

Carlton finished his UConn career having played 115 games, including 82 starts and averaging 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. As a grad transfer using his extra COVID year, he transferred back to the AAC with Houston, playing for coach Kelvin Sampson and joining a team that had NCAA title aspirations having made it to national semifinal the prior year where they lost to the Baylor Bears. They finished 32-6, won the AAC and lost in the NCAA Regional Final to Villanova.
Josh had a good grad season, starting most games and finishing with 11.6/7.2 averages and 1 block. During his career his was the AAC's Most Improved Player in 2018-19 with UConn and made the All-AAC First Team with Houston.
He has been playing professionally in France, Turkey, Russia, Hong Kong and China.

The JuCo transfer fulfilled a dream - he played in the Big East.

Most kids coming from JuCo programs still have some out-of-control habits. Not Dion. “I think he is the exact opposite,” Calhoun said of the 6'3" guard. “He has been really solid. He’s different from most junior college kids. There was no academic reason for him to go to junior college. The reason he went to junior college was to be seen so he could play at this level.”

Calhoun liked Carson’s quickness, defensive skills and mid-range shooting ability. He compared Carson’s practice work habits to former point guard Kevin Ollie, who was one of the hardest workers Calhoun ever had. “He is hard on himself,” Calhoun said. “He doesn’t let it affect his play but he’s hard on himself over mistakes — which I like. He is very businesslike.”

He said Carson could have made the jump to a mid-major Division I program after prep school. Instead, Carson sought the exposure that led him to his dream. “When we put on our [uniforms] for the first time, to take pictures . . . oh, man,” Carson said Wednesday. “I started crying. It’s been a long road to get here. Now I’m here and I’m just going to try to make the best of it.”

Carson played at a highly competitive JuCo program at Spartanburg Methodist that had sent 21 of 28 players to Division 1 schools over the previous 5 seasons. His team went 34-2 and finished second at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament.
He joined a crowded and talented backcourt at UConn with Ray Allen, Doron Sheffer, Ricky Moore and Rashamel Jones but Calhoun liked his defensive intensity and attitude. Dion averaged 10 mpg in his two years in Storrs, with 2 pts, 2 rebs, half a steal and half an assist.

The All-SEC Freshman and rising junior comes to Storrs via the portal and brings a tantalizing and increasingly prolific game with him.

The 6'5", 185 lb. sophomore's second year at Georgia had him featured as the point guard and he plied the reins with sure and strong hands. In four more minutes per game (31.5) than as a freshman, his scoring increased by 4 and every offensive statistic improved save his 2-point shooting percentage. Part of this might be due to his increased use as a three point shooter as he took 4.7/game, a large increase over the 1.8 he launched as a frosh. Making 1.8 of his three tries as a soph, he shot 37.5%, healthy numbers. He also got to the line 5 times a game, a great indicator of his ability to break down the defense for some free shots. The defensive numbers support the eye test of his size, strength and quickness, with over 3 DRB and 1.7 steals. He played his best in February and March, leading a bubble team to the NCAA Tournament, a first in 10 years for Georgia.

Demary Jr. scored at least 15 points in each of Georgia's last 10 games and he scored over 20 points in four of those contests. He was named a National Player of the Week in March in association with the Oscar Robertson trophy chase. Given UConn's recent history of the similarly-sized and skilled Tristen Newton leading the attack, it is no surprise that fans are expecting great things while Silas competes as a Husky with a better surrounding cast to execute the coaching staff's intricate sets and schemes.

Demary Jr. surely received many of his physical gifts from his father, a former standout 6'3" 285 lb. offensive/defensive lineman who was a DII All-American at Virginia State and played in the Arena Football League, once earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Growing up in the basketball hotbed of Raleigh, NC, those traits helped junior navigate some high level hoops in high school, leading his undefeated Millbrook team to the state 4A championship as a sophomore.
As his value soared, he was linked to some major programs. UNC, Wake Forest, NC State, Alabama and Tennessee all showed interest. Per tarheeltimes, his scouting blurb: "Silas Demary is a potential big lead guard in the making. He plays both on and off the ball right now, approaches the game with a scoring mentality, and does not yet create a ton of easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, but also is not especially turnover prone either. He is at his best scoring the ball from the mid-range and in." Ultimately, he committed to the USC Trojans. However, the opening at point guard closed up when Boogie Ellis chose to return for his fifth year and Demary Jr. reopened his recruitment, eventually going to Athens to compete for the Georgia Bulldogs.

While awaiting his turn sitting out his transfer year from North Carolina State, Coach Ollie famously talked about the Ferrari sitting in the garage. Eventually, UConn fans saw the roadster in the form of a strong-bodied speedster.

He could hit the the two, the three or fly by you to the rim, often topping it off with a bicep flex. A first team Parade All-American and Mr. Basketball in North Carolina, Rodney brought it every game and was a tough matchup with his tall frame (6'4") and strong build.

Purvis was handcuffed by NCAA transfer regulations. While he could practice with the team he couldn't play during that transfer season. He watched as his new team made hay to win the NCAA Championship in 2014, making his itch even more burning. He was asked who on [the 2016-17] team would step up to take the reins of leader with the departure of Ryan Boatright? "Me.", he said with complete authoritative audacity.

His opinions of players he teamed with are out there, meaning on X, forever. In total, it represents what he (and many of us) feels about player development under coach Kevin Ollie. "Jalen Adams is probably the most talented teammate I've had in the last 10 years." Point is, he did not improve under Ollie and wasted his talent, languishing as a me-first schoolyard guard. This aligns with Purvis himself, not improving but plying his natural talents to their limits.
From 2022: "I would be content if one of us from our era was in the NBA. But none is just ridiculous. I’m not here to blame anyone but hey just check the eras. Calhoun plenty NBA guys, Hurley 2 (then) already. But we’re all having successful overseas careers, can’t base everything on NBA. But damn." I was so confused in college I didn’t know what shot was good or bad."

Amida (Brimah) and Daniel (Hamilton) both should of left after their freshman year. Coming back to college didn’t help them. None of us really got better we just got older if you ask me. Amida being a shot blocker and lob threat would of got him paid. Daniel being Daniel would of got him paid." "Shabazz is the smartest and the toughest." We saw. We agree. "Shabazz was the coach of that national championship team if I’m being honest. The entire locker room listened and respected him. After he left sh*t was never the same."

He averaged double figures all three Storrs campaigns with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. He shot 36% from 3 and 46% from 2. He started 77 of 102 games at UConn and went to the NCAAs as a junior, losing to Kansas in the 2nd round. Purvis made the all-Rookie G-League team and finally hit the NBA floor for the Orlando Magic, averaging 6 points in his only season. He continued his play overseas with teams in Israel, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Kosovo, Lithuania and Bulgaria.
I went to the g-league got my swagger back and got to the league. Everybody wrote me off. Half the people at UConn liked me cause I was a good person. Def thought I was trash at basketball. But all I needed was a positive environment. Talent wise I can go toe to toe with whoever."

"The Wrench". One of the great nicknames in UConn history.

Isaiah made a dramatic improvement in his senior and grad years, leveraging his size and smarts to become a leader in the front court. After 3 seasons in which he averaged 12 mpg, he blossomed, seeing the floor for 28 mpg his last 2 seasons.
He scored (8ppg), rebounded (5.5) with 2.5 blocks and a steal, frequently impacting the game with his multiple skills (therefore, "The Wrench") and relentless energy. The growth of Whaley launched him from disappointment/afterthought into legendary territory. He was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2020-21.

Whaley has always had length as a defender, but didn’t emerge as a dominant shot-blocker until his senior season, putting up a block percentage that ranked 20th among all Division I players. The improvement was sparked by increased foot speed, allowing him to close gaps on defense much quicker than before, and better timing.
What made him so good was two key components of his play: he was one of the best shot-blockers in the nation, and was able to single-handedly shut down pick and rolls when making the right read.
His anticipation wasn’t perfect, but any time he made the right read in a ball-screen situation, it killed the opponents’ play in its tracks. His quickness and length made this possible, but his understanding of the designed actions of these sets helped too. It’s the same set of instincts that has led him to become a solid defender in transition as well, disrupting passing lanes in space and being able to close out on a shooter when necessary, without having to sacrifice a vulnerable area on the court in order to do so.

When he made the decision to come back for a 5th (COVID) year, coach Dan Hurley was happy, “Isaiah has worked extremely hard to become one of the most productive players in our program. His tireless work ethic, his leadership, and his attitude epitomize the type of player we want at UConn. I couldn’t be happier to welcome him back for another season.”

While getting to 2 NCAA tournaments, they were both 1st round losses. UConn fans, however, will never again remember "The Wrench" (I just love saying that) as a lost cause.

Professionally, he has played in the NBA Summer League and the G-League and overseas in Russia, Germany, Mexico.

That G-League team was the Greensboro Swarm, a Charlotte Hornets affiliate. When playing on the road vs. the Westchester Knicks in Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Whaley was caught with assistant coach, none other than Donyell Marshall, following his Huskies on their phones. “We take pride in that,” Whaley said. “At halftime of our game, if UConn is playing, Donyell will come over and be like, ‘Yo, we're up five.' And we'll look at each other, like, ‘C'mon!’” “For me, it's a comfortable living, especially where I come from,” said Whaley, who grew up in Gastonia, N.C., about a half-hour outside of Charlotte and an hour and a half from Greensboro. “I didn't really come from, like, a lot. So for my rookie year, to start off and build up, this is great. I’ll put everything into this first two or three years and if it doesn’t work out, maybe try to make some really good money overseas. But I want to at least keep getting myself opportunities here. My foot is in the door. I just want to keep on opening that door.”

In 2007, former White Mountains Regional (NH) star Kyle Bailey tried out for the UConn basketball team as a walk-on. As a senior, Bailey was a national champion -- a member of the UConn team which capped an unlikely late-season run with a 53-41 win over Butler to claim the national championship.
"Coming into the year," Bailey said, "we were young. But on the court, you're not freshmen, you're all basketball players. "We thought we could be good. The chemistry was there. "And we had Kemba." Bailey roomed with Kemba Walker, a consensus first-team All-American and the leader of the Huskies
Walker said, "Kyle is a great roommate. He has a great sense of humor and gets along with everyone. He has become a good friend and teammate." Kemba said it was Bailey's work ethic that impressed him the most. "I have incredible respect for how hard he has worked," he wrote. "He knows he is not going to play in games, but still does everything he can to make us better in practice. "That is not as easy as people might think, but incredibly important to our success as a team."
Bailey said, "cutting down the net" in Houston after the Butler win was his favorite experience, adding that the tournament win in Maui -- where they defeated then No. 2 Michigan State and then Kentucky on successive nights -- and the Big East tournament championship -- where they defeated five teams in five days -- were special as well.

Many had UConn written off after they lost four of their last five games to end the regular season. Then, after they won the five games in five days, a lot of people said it took too much out of them to expect them to make a run at a national championship. "You can't let that stuff get to you," Bailey said. "The Big East schedule is a grind. "We just got hot at the right time." "Coming into the year," Bailey said, "we were young. But on the court, you're not freshmen, you're all basketball players. "We thought we could be good. The chemistry was there. "And we had Kemba."

When New Jersey-bred Dan Hurley introduced transfer RJ Cole, he knew what he had in the NJ product who had played for Hurley's dad, Bob, at St. Anthony's but it took a little while for the fans to understand what they would get in Cole. He didn't seem able to keep up with the speed of the Big East, coming from Howard of the MEAC.

After sitting out his transfer year, he showed flashes from the start but often over-penetrated and lost the ball or broke down the flow. These are often traits of freshmen and UConn fans were mostly unimpressed. Well, cream rises to the top and RJ averaged 12.2 and 15.8 his 2 Storrs seasons.
Figuring it out, he was able to parlay his strength, vision and elusiveness to overcome any lack of elite speed. The 6'1" Cole was able to sneak in for 3.7 rebounds and dish 5.3 assists at UConn and made the 2021-22 All-Big East team. He had streaky 3 point range and shot 80% from the line while making the NCAAs both seasons here.

Just below the talent level of UConn star PGs past, Cole was nonetheless able to persevere and live up to the bright lights in Storrs. He was just solid, inspiring and so valuable to his team, a project well underway in Dan Hurley's 4th season as coach.
“You don’t win big without great guard play, without great point guard play,” Hurley said after a game vs. Seton Hall. “R.J. has played great. He’s really quarterbacked this team. Not only did he get us to 16 [points] on 12 shots, so he was pretty efficient, he really should have had a 20-point game but he missed the two front ends. … But what he’s done for us the last two years at point is why we’re in a much better spot.”
“I was just trying to do whatever I can to help my team, no matter hurt or not, just put myself in a position where these guys knew I was going to be there for them,” Cole said. “I just continued being a leader for this team. They know what I’m supposed to be doing. I know what I’m supposed to be doing. Just continuing to take the next step to stay on the floor no matter what’s going on.”

He made first team All-Big East and while at Howard was 2x All-MEAC and the MEAC POY.
After playing in the NBA Summer League, Greece, Germany and Lithuania were the countries fortunate to have had him lead teams there. Still a winner, he won a league championship in Lithuania.

Floyd came to UConn to be part of the resurrection but as he sat out his redshirt freshman season he became disenchanted and transferred to Providence, never having suited up for the Huskies.
Considering both schools play in the Big East, Husky fans were afforded a disagreeable moment to boo Floyd at least twice a season.

The transfer out was a surprise as Floyd had a chance to battle Tristen Newton, Jordan Hawkins and whomever else for at least 15 minutes or so per game. Ultimately, the Huskies wound up bringing in transfers Nahiem Alleyne (Virginia Tech), Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M) and Joey Calcaterra (San Diego).

Originally, he was all-in as a recruit to Storrs. “The atmosphere there, I fell in love with it,” Floyd told Hearst Connecticut Media. “The fans are 100-percent into it all. The coaching staff is great, they recruited me and my family as a whole. They pitched me the big picture, and I just loved it.”
“If I stay the course and continue to be aggressive, continue to have the ‘dog’ mentality, I can be an instant impact from Day One,” he said. “I know at the highest level, most point guards are my size, so that’s definitely something I’m working on and making it a strength.”

Per his high school coach, Dave Boff: “He’s a very unique combination right now of a high level of skill, very powerful strength-wise and build-wise, and has elite athleticism. That’s a rare combination, certainly at the high school level.” Floyd’s father, Corey Floyd Sr., played two seasons at Providence from 1990-92, averaging 6.1 points per game. He went up against Dan Hurley’s Seton Hall team twice in 1991-92 when Hurley was a freshman backup point guard. Seton Hall, the Big East regular season champs that year, beat the Friars in both games.
From the son: “My dad played in the Big East, he always tells me that there’s nothing like it,” Floyd said. “I’m excited to get a taste of that. Coach Hurley is turning the program around. They just came back to the Big East, and I’m looking to put them back on the map.”

While not blossoming into even a decent three point shooter (30.6 at PU), he shot 48.3% from two in his junior season, averaging 9.2 ppg. Here, we wish him luck only if because our beloved coach Hurley had taken a liking to him at the beginning.

Jalen arrived with the James Bouknight recruiting class, targeted as a versatile combo guard.
Despite many chances to perform and several big games he never found consistency and transferred to Florida Atlantic ("for a change of scenery") for his extra COVID and senior seasons.

He has always been an old-school hoops junkie, no doubt credit the influence of his dad, A.D. Gaffney, who played at U of Portland.
He grew up watching Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier star at UConn, and was even familiar with Richard Hamilton’s career in Storrs. Dad used to regale him with other stories about UConn’s past successes in car rides to games and practices, and apparently Jalen took note. When it came time to start narrowing down schools, the younger Gaffney started talking UConn history with pops.
“I was like, ‘I guess you were paying attention all this time,’” A.D. recalled. “You don’t know if they’re always soaking this stuff up, or if it’s in one ear out the other. Then all of a sudden, he’s spilling back some of the things that I said to him!” Jalen took his official visit to UConn in October and cancelled all his others. “He said, ‘Dad, I don’t need to go anywhere else. Shut it down,’” A.D. recalled. “Those were his exact words.”

When playing time seemed more limited he looked for greener pastures. Gaffney says he "just needed a change of scenery" when he decided to leave the UConn men's basketball team and enter the transfer portal as a fourth year COVID junior. "When I took a visit there, I was blown away," Gaffney recalled. "Obviously, the facilities aren't all that are great. But I wanted to go somewhere I can be myself, where I can play."
Somewhat miraculously, he went to the Final Four with FAU (a loss to eventual runner-up to UConn, San Diego State) and his former teammates were thrilled for him. "I love Gaff," said Jordan Hawkins. "I'm really proud of him." "That’s my boy," added Adama Sanogo. "I'm happy for him. He was a good teammate to me, a good guy, so I’m happy for him to go to the Final Four."
So was his former coach. “I’m thrilled for Jalen, thrilled for his family that it’s played out so great and that he’s had such a successful season,” Dan Hurley said. “I have a lot of appreciation and gratitude towards Jalen, because just like the Bouknights, and Isaiah Whaleys and Tyler Polleys and Akok Akok’s, everyone, Christian Vital and Jalen Adams, he’s a huge reason why we’re here as a program. He helped us build the culture and begin to have success.” "Everybody knows who we are now," Gaffney said. "I'm glad I decided to come here and experience this with this great group of guys."

While his shooting percentage grew, he left college scoring 5.6 ppg as a senior. Playing professionally in North Macedonia, I kid you not.

"It's late, it's Tate, it's great!" That was the memorable headline on the front page of The Hartford Courant.

The night previous vs. Clemson in the Sweet Sixteen, 1990 vintage, Scott Burrell inbounded a court-length pass to George on the right baseline, he spun away from the defender and calmly (how?) sank the 17 footer to send UConn to their first ever Elite 8.
“The Shot,” as it’s affectionately called by UConn fans all over, instantly became an unforgettable moment in both NCAA Tournament and Huskies history. UConn’s “Dream Season” would live on another day.
UConn’s tournament run would fall just short of the Final Four one round later in the Elite Eight thanks to a overtime buzzer-beater from Duke’s Christian Laettner, ironically after George fumbled a clean steal that would have given UConn possession and a likely win.

George was also on the NIT championship team in 1988. The lanky George finished his career at 9.7 with 5.3 assists, 201 steals (#2 all-time) and 3.3 rebounds on 46.7% shooting. You'd think one of those two accomplishments would rate as his most memorable at Storrs, but no.
“Being part of the organization, and the beginning of it is really what’s been important to me.”

Tate left UConn as the number one career assists leader, the number two career steals leader, had scored over 1,000 career points, and was named to several All Tournament teams during his four years at UConn. Tate was working for WFSB Channel 3, the CBS Television affiliate out of Hartford during UConn’s first NCAA championship in 1999. “It was a great win! I was there when we barely had a bus to ride on so I’m sure all the guys who have gone through the UConn basketball program can identify with that particular team.”
The 22nd pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, he played for the New Jersey Nets and later the Milwaukee Bucks in his 4 seasons.

His reputation and legacy took a big hit when, in 2016 he was sentenced to 9 years in prison for running a Ponzi scheme after 3 years already served. A subsequent appeal failed. The millionaire was down to $1,000 after restitution and legal fees.
“It’s a sad situation,” teammate Scott Burrell said. “It just shows you can’t take short cuts in life. You won’t be happy taking a short cut.”
“If he’s doing his time now, serve it well and get out and change your life to a better life. And teach young kids that taking shortcuts is not going to work.”

The future is up to Tate but "The Shot" remains etched in the memory of UConn Nation forever.

Gibbs was brought on board by Kevin Ollie as a missing piece at guard.
Rated by ESPN as the #1 transfer, Gibbs was an accomplished scorer at Seton Hall and he did not disappoint in Storrs, starting every game at SG, scoring 12.3 ppg, 39% from 3 and 85.5% from the line while providing solid secondary ball handling as the Huskies made the NCAAs for the first time since the 2014 championship.

Gibbs was heady and steady. Not a streaky guy, Gibbs' beautiful and athletic mechanics served him well as the played a key role in the roll to the AAC championship and NCAA tournament, ended by a loss to the Kansas team that would lose in the Final Four to eventual champion Villanova.
That loss wore heavy on Gibbs. He was so overcome with distress he couldn't speak, weeping on the podium afterwards. “To be completely honest, the main reason was Kevin Ollie,” Gibbs said. “We’re still close. I talked to him (Sunday), he was at my wedding. K.O. was such a genuine guy. When he recruited me, he never promised me anything, it was more, ‘I can relate to you.’

As a recruit out of Seton Hall Prep, New Jersey, Gibbs was well-traveled. He initially committed to Maryland but re-opened his recruitment after coach Gary Williams retired. He wound up at Texas with Rick Barnes, playing one season. Then, he had a life moment when his father became ill. He transferred again, back to New Jersey and Seton Hall University.
The final transfer to UConn was borne out of both the program/coach and geography. It was down to UConn and Ohio State. “UConn was a little closer to home,” he said. “I think I made the right choice.” "It’s a great opportunity to be able to come into a veteran team with a great coach and have the chance to make an impact," Gibbs told SNY.TV. "The tradition of UConn and their guards speaks for itself."

He was All-Big East with SHU in 2014-15, and won championships in Europe. Undrafted, he has played overseas in Hungary, Dominican Republic, Russia, Greece, France, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, Belgium, Poland and Lithuania.
He gives back through his youth training programs involving camps, clinics and an AAU U-11 team. He was also named coach of his high school alma mater, Seton Hall Prep in New Jersey.

"The Man From Manalapan" was a walk-on, getting into 2 games, netting a rebound.
This player made the NBA? Yessir. He worked in the NBA as Director, Global Marketing and Merchandising Partnerships and as Senior Director of Corporate Partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Son of the coach, so very familiar with his style and standards. Popular among team-mates. Anointed end of game clock dribble-outer.

As a walk-on, appeared in 43 games, scoring 12 points with 6 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals.
“He's done so much damage control for me,” Dan Hurley said after a practice. “He humanizes me a little bit with the players.”
Andrew did dribble out the final seconds of last season’s national championship game victory over San Diego State, and he did sometimes take the court in Hartford and Storrs to crowds chanting his name. But his real responsibilities to the Huskies were out of public view, behind the curtain of that “cauldron of intensity,” as his father calls the culture created in the reawakening a sleeping basketball giant.
“I think being able to connect with the guys and kind of being that voice, the voice between the coach and the players, a lot of that has to do with just the players in the locker room accepting me and listening to what I have to say sometimes and accepting what I have to do,” Andrew said. “I started off doing anything I could, just practicing hard or just kind of earning some sort of respect just to be able to be a voice.” “Coaches' kids, I guess it's exciting in some way because it's all these great, big — Big East Tournament, going to the Final Four,” said Dan Hurley, himself a coach’s son. “But when things aren't going good, it takes a toll on the family. Sometimes they read stuff about their dad on social that's scarring, especially when it's not going well. So it's tough. It's not this unbelievable experience. But I'll say this, it makes me so proud of him because he's been a huge part of that locker room ... his relationship with the players and coaches.”

“I know my role,” Andrew said. “I never came here because I wanted to do the interviews or wanted to be on the social media. Not that that's a bad thing. Everyone does something differently. I wasn't about that. I'm here because I love basketball, I love being a part of a team and I love being around my family. I kind of prioritize that ahead of stuff like that.”
“Everybody wants to play,” Andrew said. “Whoever's involved in this, whatever level, you love playing basketball. Everyone wishes they could play, right? Like, I wish I could play but it is what it is. I love my role here. And I know what my role is. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

As a junior at East Catholic High, won the state Division 1 championship (27-1) and as a senior led the team to a 23-1 record before COVID halted all game play.
Came on as a graduate manager after winning 2 consecutive national championships.

Transfer from Duquesne (via Nebraska) provided guard depth for the 2018-19 squad. He had been the Atlantic 10's Sixth Man of the Year.

"I just feel like it was a perfect fit for me for a lot of reasons – from the coach, to the new start," Smith said. "I just felt that this is a school where the basketball history is unmatched and it's a school I grew up watching. So to be able to play here, and maybe leave my mark on the program, is just something I wanted to do."

It also didn't hurt that he played high school ball for Bob Hurley at St. Anthony's in New Jersey.
"Sure, playing for Coach's dad had something to do with it, just because I knew the family," Smith explained. "I knew what Dan Hurley was about. I've obviously known him for a while now, so that also attracted me." "When Tarin decided to transfer, we thought he would be a key guy for us to get here – a guy who could change the work ethic, change the mindset," Dan Hurley said. "We wanted to be smart about the kind of players we brought in to what was a fragile program. Tarin is a smart, experienced player who knows how to work hard. He will definitely help us."

"Yeah, it's a little weird – sometimes I feel like an old veteran, sometimes I feel like the new guy," said Smith.
"We're definitely going to surprise people," he said. "That's the mission and goal of everyone in that locker room. That's why we work so hard every day. For me, it's been great so far --- everything I thought it would be and more."

Made 49% of 2s, his career best, in Dan Hurley's first year as coach at UConn. Scored 8 ppg in his 27 minutes and 13 starts. Scored 20 vs. Missouri-KC and 22 vs Drexel.

Played in Italy as a pro and for the Los Angeles Ignite in The Basketball Tournament in 2024, netting a double-double in a win vs. the Potawatomi Fire.

Started 16 games for the 2017-18 squad after transferring from Fordham. He was one of the few bright lights in the rock-bottom season (14-18 W-L), scoring 7.6 ppg.

Lefty who could drive and dish and shoot.
A 6-foot-2 guard, Anderson was mostly recruited by low-major Division I schools out of Bishop Kearney (New York) High School. Niagara, Boston University and James Madison extended him scholarship offers, he recalled, but he eventually chose Fordham due to its strong business school and the potential upside he saw in the program.
After his redshirt freshman season for the Rams, Anderson’s head coach left and the new one told Anderson he’d never play for him, Anderson said. He stayed and turned into one of the team’s best players, averaging the most minutes (33.6) on the team last year. “I figured that I would play all four years at Fordham,” Anderson said. “So for me to have this opportunity (at UConn) is amazing and very exciting for me.”
After an opening night 70-58 win at home over Colgate, he had this to say about the experience. "It’s definitely what I signed up for," Anderson said. "I just like the experience in general, having a crowd like that. I never had that at Fordham. Usually our road games were like that. So being there and having the crowd rooting for me is an amazing experience." “He has heart, he got pride,” coach Kevin Ollie told UConn's Daily Campus newspaper. “He came in to do one thing, and it’s for us to get to a tournament game and for us to win. And he’s not worried about scoring, he’s not worrying about nothing. He’s worried about playing defense.”
“He keeps the ball in front of him, he’s very smart,” Ollie said. “He’s always in position. He has quick feet and he uses his explosion step to get back in front. He never stays down, I mean, he never jumps up and gets off his feet. He’s a sound defender who moves his feet, and that’s what makes you a great defender.”

He saved his best for last, scoring 19 with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals vs. SMU in an AAC tournament loss.

"Uncle Hiltie" was a prototype. 6'11" and athletic enough to play PF and C, he struggled to find his niche at this level but ultimately succeeded.

He provided secure board play throughout his career, but only played around 11 mpg prior to his senior season.
As a senior during he seemingly came out of nowhere, improving into an offensive threat with 10 ppg and his 320 points more than doubling his total across his first three seasons.

He blocked 107 shots at 3.1 per game (both #9 all-time) and improved his FT% from 52.5 to 69.2. His improvement shot him up the NBA draft board and he was picked 12th by the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. He played for 6 different teams across 6 NBA seasons, starting 40 games as a center off the bench. His best season was 2008-09 with New Orleans when he played 15.6 mpg, scoring 4.8 pts with 2.8 rebounds shooting 56%, all career highs. He finished out his basketball career in the D League and overseas in France, Turkey, Japan and Israel.

At UConn, he won the 2004 national championship, was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and made several D League All-star squads. After winning the NCAA Tournament in 2004. He was so proud of it he had a tattoo of the ring put on his arm. He was one of the most improved players we've seen during his college career. As a senior he was a key member of the Maui Invitational Tournament making the All Tournament Team. “I never played that good in my life. Because of that tournament, I knew it was going to be a breakout year for me.” Hilton also received the honor of being voted Big East Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year. “It was my first personal trophy that I had ever received, and it meant a lot to me.”

A memorable game from high school was a regional championship game when Hilton brought the wrong sneakers. “All the games that I went to, I wore two different colored sneakers, one red and one blue. For this game I was in a rush so I grabbed one of each color, and they ended up both being left sneakers. It was an away game so someone had to go to the store, and get me a pair of sneakers. (It’s not easy finding size 14.) Just as the sneakers arrived, it was time for the jump ball, and the game to begin."
During a high school tournament in Springfield, MA, Coach Calhoun was there recruiting another player, saw and liked Hilton, and introduced himself to Hilton after the game. “[Coach Calhoun] introduced himself to me, and I was like OK, I really don’t know you but that’s OK.” Hilton at that time hadn’t really been that serious about basketball for very long so he hadn’t watched much college basketball. “When I told my teammates, they all knew Coach Calhoun, and said you have to go there (to UConn), they just won a championship a couple of years ago, and they were telling me what a great coach he is. I ended up going to UConn probably because my friends said UConn was the best school of all the schools that were recruiting me.” Other schools that had been recruiting Hilton were Boston University, Siena Heights University and LaSalle University whom he had verbally committed to but withdrew when UConn became interested in him.
Regarding Coach Calhoun he remarked, “He’s a good coach that expects a lot. Even if you do your best he expects more, to push yourself, and make you better, and I think I really needed that.”

He was recruited because of his tough defense and NYC background.

Richie was a 1990-92 recruit but had to sit out due to academics. He then made his debut along with the vaunted 1991-92 class that also included Donyell Marshall, Donny Marshall and Kevin Ollie.

After encountering Wake Forest's 6'7", 235-pound Rodney Rogers in the ACC/Big East Challenge Series , two UConn freshmen, Richie Ashmeade and Brian Fair, were impressed, but they couldn't agree on exactly how impressed. "He takes up a lot of room," said Ashmeade. "He's like a split-level home."
"No, he's more like a small town," said Fair.
"No, he's more like a state," said Ashmeade. "Like Rhode Island."

Richie got into 14 games but didn't make much of an impression himself. He transferred to Rutgers, where he averaged 7 points in 20 mpg, starting 20.

Dan Hurley's first major recruit went on to the NBA after two collegiate seasons filled with points, injuries, highlight film leaps and consternation.

See this one-handed slam for instance - Slamma

Fans, always asking for more, had doubts about his handle - he cleaned that up. He often went into gunner mode - no worries, if there was ever a shot-maker in blue and white it was James, shown in numbers by his 52.8% FG% sophomore year in which he averaged 18.7 ppg and crashed the boards at a 5.7 per game rate.

He made the AAC All-Freshman and third team All-Conference in his first year and then the All-Big East First team when the school moved back to that league.

He was slowed by an elbow injury in 2021, missing a month. That year he had two double-doubles (points, rebounds) and threw in 40 vs. Creighton. He could slash and cash and this all earned him being drafted #11 by the Charlotte Hornets.

James was a mercurial sort and has had his share of troubles. At UConn he was charged this week with evading responsibility, interfering with a police officer, traveling too fast for conditions and operation of a motor vehicle without a license after police say he crashed a car into a street sign near campus and then ran from the scene at about 1:30 a.m.
“Like many college freshmen away from home for the first time, James made some immature decisions that will affect not only himself, but his family and his teammates,” head coach Dan Hurley said. “But he accepted responsibility for his actions early on and will deal with the consequences—- within the structure of the team as well as on the outside. I am confident that he will use this unfortunate situation as a hard learning experience.”
He was suspended for 3 games.
“I was irresponsible and made some foolish choices that I regret,” Bouknight said. “I want to apologize to my family, my coaches, and my teammates for this situation and for creating an unnecessary distraction as we get ready for the upcoming season. But I intend to use this experience to learn from my mistakes and make better life decisions going forward.”
In February of 2022, he attended the UConn game in Storrs vs. Xavier, sitting in a courtside seat. He got a little too demonstrative, yapping at referees and finding his way onto the court. He was ejected from the building and made his way out by walking through the student section to raucous applause. The 'official' reason for the ejection was use of his cell phone.
“I allowed my emotions to get the better of me during a heated and competitive game and I regret part in the incident that took place with the officials,” Bouknight said in the apology. “I will remain a true and committed of our program and I intend to be back for more games in the future.”
In Charlotte, he had a DWI in October 2022, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers found Bouknight unconscious inside his vehicle with the car running and in drive, while holding a Glock handgun in his hands around 12:44 a.m. in a parking garage in Uptown Charlotte. officers set up a perimeter and attempted to wake Bouknight up by using a P.A. system, blasting airhorns and using lights for almost an hour. Bouknight refused to comply with commands and appeared confused. He then ate food inside his car and crashed into a police vehicle in front of his car and then another one behind it.

His play in the NBA never lived up to his talent or skill levels. After some up/downs to the G-League, the Hornets ultimately waived James. He signed with the Portland Trail Blazers but was waived the next day. He is currently playing for their G-League team, the Rip City Remix. In his 79 game NBA career, his high was 24 points vs the Sacramento Kings.

Top recruit was a Parade and MacDonalds All-American PG. He chose UConn "because of "their winning tradition, the great players they had come through here, and just the whole total UConn. This is a big program."

As per the usual, it took him a while to get used to the speed up here and had over-penetration problems. Still, he displayed class on the court and started 128 of his 134 games at UConn (2nd most in program history.)
Not a great shooter by any means, he became dependable from midrange as junior and could always dish, averaging no less than 4.8 mpg with a conference high 6.5 as a senior. He owns the all-time record for assists at 722 and most assists in a season (253). He had 13 games of 10 or more assists. He is the only player in UConn history to score at least 1,000 points (1,039) and dole out at least 700 assists.

He was an All-Big East Tournament selection and captained the NCAA championship team here in 2004.
After college he went undrafted and plied his skills in the G-League, Turkey, China, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Canada and the PBL (Atlanta).

He then coached high school and community college in New York City before returning to UConn to join Dan Hurley’s staff in 2018 and for 4 years served as the Director of Player Development.
He then went back to coaching, joining Rick Pitino's staff at Iona and followed him to St. Johns, ensuring we'd see him again each year in Connecticut, where he remains a joy to be around and a lifelong Husky.

A member of the all-enigma team, Calhoun never could approach his success as a freshman in the Big East.

After a prosperous freshman campaign in which he made the Big East All-Freshman team, he could never replicate that success.
In the following off season, Calhoun had surgery on both hips and UConn left the Big East for the supposed riches of football in the newly formed AAC.
The recovery time is long for that type of surgery and it showed in his mobility. The 6'5" 205 lb. Calhoun previously performed as a powerful and explosive guard but post-surgery the results were an implosion. His scoring average fell from 11.1 to 3.8 and his minutes played followed, dropping from 32 to 13.
While he enjoyed a national championship as a sophomore, his contribution was nil. He did not score in the four total minutes he played in the first 2 NCAA games and did not see the floor the rest of the tournament.

He maintained a reserve role as a junior and senior, culminating in a second round loss to Kansas in the NCAAs where he did not score a point. “It’s definitely tough,” Calhoun said afterwards. “It’s been a long four years, a lot of ups and downs throughout the whole process. But there always comes a time in people’s lives when you have to go on to the next chapter. But, I definitely enjoyed it.” He added, “It’s definitely disappointing. You want to be on the floor, especially a competitor like me. I always want to be on the floor, I feel like I can make a difference in the team winning a game. It definitely was tough to deal with, but I just wanted to work hard and make the team better.”
“I feel like everything happened for a reason,” Omar Calhoun said. “Coach Ollie was the one who recruited me, originally. I knew he was a good person and he would try to get the most out of everyone. UConn is a great place, the fans, the support system were second to none, so I always wanted to stick with it, even if things weren’t going my way.”
“I remember the first time I played a game here,” Calhoun said. “It’s gone by so quick. A lot of hard work and dedication on this court."

After school he played professionally in Belgium, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Russia. His team made it to the Polish final in 2020 and he won a league title in Georgia. He was an All-Finnish 1st Division A Player of the Year award and All-Finnish 1st Division A Import Player of the Year award back in 2017. He was still playing in 2025.

Had a point, rebound and block in the 8 games in which he appeared as a walk-on.

Left the team after the first semester to concentrate on class work “because my parents want me to graduate” but still participated in Senior Night activities.
In the second semester, Crowley never dressed for games but still practiced with the team. Why? “Just to hang with it and play basketball every day,” he said. “You can’t get these kinds of games over at the Field House.” Crowley got a Big East championship ring and had his name painted on the locker room wall, just like every other graduating senior in the program.

The athletic Crowley also earned two soccer letters in a previous athletic career at UConn. He is believed to be the only athlete to have played for both Joe Morrone and Jim Calhoun. Now that’s a double-double to behold.

There are so many pictures out there of Dan Cyrulik as a Husky, one might believe he was a key cog in their hoops machine. Not the case, but he did bring a fiery, elbowing, knee-scraped attitude to the floor.

Growing up in Williamsville, New York, Dan played in high school against Christian Laettner (Duke University Center at the time). “Christian and I were the #1 and #2 centers (position) growing up so we were always battling each other, and that continued when we reached college.”
After being recruited by 50- 60 Division I schools, Dan narrowed his choices to Syracuse and UConn. “Syracuse was so close to my house, and UConn just because of Assistant Coach Dickenman and Coach Calhoun and the way the treated me through the recruiting process. When I finally came for my visit to Storrs, Connecticut I just fell in love with it. The academic program was good and I could see that the basketball program was on the rise. It was a great opportunity to be there and the rest is history.”

He was on the 1989-90 Dream Season team and actually posted a double-double coming off the bench vs. St. Johns (13p/10r) in the game that opened Gampel Pavilion. Besides "The Shot" game vs. Clemson, that team also won the Big East regular season and tournament championships. “We were really like brothers,” said Cyrulik. “We were so close. It’s something unique. We gelled on the court that year, we kind of came together, after rough start, and we came into our own.”

Played for the New Haven Skyhawks in the U.S. Basketball league in '92 and '93. CBA's Rapid City Thrillers and Sioux Falls Skyforce. Attended the Atlanta Hawks rookie and free agent camp in 1992 and made their pre-season roster only to be released just before the season began. Played for the Fort Wayne Fury in the CBA in 1993.
Bob Weiss was with the Hawks organization at the time and had this to say, “He’s got some talent,” Weiss said. “He just needs somewhere to play. … If there was [a spot] then I’d be happy to have him. I think he can play in this league some day. He just needs some more work. He’s a good rebounder, not great, but adequate. And he’s got a good [shooting] touch.”
“I have a good gut feeling,” Cyrulik said. “I think they like what they see, but it’s a numbers game. In some respects it is pressure, but the NBA was always a dream. For the most part it’s just an opportunity. That’s the way I try to look at it.”
Also attended the Boston Celtics rookie and free agent camp in 1993. Later played for Edmonton in the National Basketball League (a summer league in Canada), and in '94-95 played for the Hartford Hellcats of the CBA. Received his degree from UConn in May, 1995. Played in France and Czechoslovakia where he was MVP in the 1998 All-Star game, and he was named to the 1999 1st team.

He has written the final chapter of an extremely successful book of work at UConn after transferring over from Texas A&M to become 5th guard on the team that went on to win the 2022-23 National Championship and third guard on the 2023-24 champions.

He played only 12 mpg that first year in Storrs but did enough defensively and with ball handling to impress the coaching staff and earn not only a return in 2023-24 but gaining a larger role that saw his minutes go up to 19 and his field goal percentage rise from a horrid 34.3% to an astonishing 55.3%.

Determined to carve out a bigger role, he re-shaped his jump shot, leaned heavily on his high basketball IQ and became an invaluable piece of the Huskies’ 2024 national championship team while earning the Big East Sixth Man Award. “He went from helping the team to being a critical piece,” Hurley said. “He made the 2024 team a bullet-proof team with what he was as the first guard off the bench or the backup point guard.”
While his most valuable assets remained his field generalship and suffocating defense, he added controlled finishing to his arsenal and teamed with Stephon Castle to deny opposing back courts all season.

As primary ball-handler in his final season, he edged into the assist record book, averaging 5.7 apg with 2 games of 11 assists. He improved his scoring average to almost 8 ppg. A knee injury slowed him down severely but played on and on, regaining his footing and stifling defense in time for the Big East tournament and beyond, culminating in a heartbreaking 2 point loss to #1 seed Florida in the round of 32.

His guts were legendary and the team wore his heart on their sleeves.
Diarra said, “I’m feeling every emotion. It’s an honor to wear this jersey. It’s tough to take it off. You’re sad, you’re mad, you’re happy for all the good memories. It’s hard to say the feelings I’m feeling right now.” Diarra had six points and five assists vs. Florida. He made a 3-pointer just before halftime that tied the game 31-31, one of his several half-ending or clock-ending exceedingly long distance threes that helped define his senior season.

In high school this is the impression he left on coach Tom Espinosa. “People didn’t mess with Hass. He was just a tough, tough, tough kid on and off the court. He had that swagger to him, and he brought it every day to get respect from everybody. He was a very, very good practice player who didn’t take days off or back down from a challenge.”

Older and bigger brother of Hassan, the 6'8" Mamadou never got untracked at UConn, largely due to injury. A left knee meniscus tear sidelined him for 6 months and what followed was a journey of pain and redemption.
His knee condition turned out to be chronic (significant patellofemoral syndrome) and he eventually made the difficult decision to give up basketball, his lifetime love and for which he, like most college players, had dreams of the NBA.

Tthe hard-working Diarra was not to be left behind by coach Dan Hurley. He was brought on first as student assistant coach and then a grad assistant. It was really as if Mamadou had two fulltime jobs. Being a GA is pretty much 24-7-365, while also having to maintain high grades in high-level graduate school work.

While his future plans changed over those years he's the very definition of 'one door closes, another door opens.' Diarra remarked, "Basketball has always been my world and just because I'm not bouncing the ball myself, doesn't mean I can't be a part of it. That's what I see coaching is for me. Just being able to be like a big brother to the players has meant a lot to me. I've really enjoyed it and I want it to continue. I still want to chase the dream." In 2022, Hurley rewarded Diarra with a promotion to Director of Player Development.

After the 2023 championship Diarra reflected, “Truthfully, it’s hard to put into words. When I got here, we had huge expectations, and things didn’t go as planned. Just being able to see it through, and being a part of UConn getting back to what it’s supposed to [be] has just been amazing. I’m the luckiest person here, for real. I’ve seen it all.”
“It definitely has its struggles, just because I’m used to being the player, I wanna still be out there,” Diarra admitted. “But it’s been great because I just learn. I’m with the best coaches in the country..." “There were a couple times during the game where the other team punched back, as expected,” explained the Putnam Science Academy graduate. “Those times are important for me and the rest of our staff, to keep the team on the right pace, to keep the team confident. That’s what it’s been all season, that’s what my role is, just to be able to pick guys up when they need it.”
“Mamadou’s great,” said graduate assistant Chris Mastrangelo. “He’s been there since the beginning. He’s a great leader. When he takes control, he’s been phenomenal all year. He’s part of the building blocks here at UConn, he’s pivotal to what we do.”
“I just can’t put [the joy of being alongside Hassan] into words, man,” said Mamadou. “Just being able to be here with him. We’ve talked about this forever. We talked about it when he was making his [transfer portal] decision… talked about this growing up. We’ve been basketball guys our whole lives, so to be able to see the height of college basketball and win a national championship has been everything. Together.”

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Mamadou noted. “I get to see him grow, and that’s the biggest thing. You want to see your siblings grow, you want to see your family grow. Obviously he’s had some adversity throughout the season, but the way he’s been able to weather the storm and just keep going, it’s been amazing.”

The big guy from Middletown (but born in Mt. Vernon, NY) was a unicorn. Possessing unreal athleticism and strength at 6'10" and 270 lbs, he was targeted by most colleges and didn't commit to UConn until August before enrolling in September 2011.

The delays were due to his family's desire to watch him play locally, which influenced his decision greatly and his early desire to go directly from prep school to the NBA, skipping college altogether. "People forget because they say it happened so quick, but we recruited him for four years," coach Jim Calhoun said at the time. "He's got more games in this gym than any player on our team presently."
His parents left him with little choice, "You're going (to UConn), whether you like it or not," the center recalled. "Like, I had zero choice. They heard me out of that game. I'm like, what schools do you like? You know, they gave me a chance to talk. Okay, well, I'm glad you said that, but this is where we want you to go. So, that's how I got."
"I mean, my family's tight-knit. We got a small family. So, everybody wanted to see the game. Everybody wanted to be right in what I'm saying. So, I didn't have a bunch of people where, you know, around the country."

The all-world center came with unreal expectations and had what was then considered by some as a disappointing freshman season. Though averaging 10 points, 7.6 rebounds would be considered an excellent freshman season by almost any measure, more was expected of Andre.

"The Big Avocado" left as a one-and-done (UConn's first) and was drafter 9th overall by the Detroit Pistons

Still in the NBA in 2025, he is with his 7th team and career averages of 12.6 points and 12.2 rebounds, leading the league in that category 4 times, topped out by his 16.0 with the Detroit Pistons in 2017-18. His FT pct has improved to a dependable high 50s. He was 4th in the Rookie of the Year voting, has appeared in 2 All-Star games and made the All-NBA 3rd team in 2015-16 with the Pistons.
One thing he improved upon was his historically poor FT% - 29% at UConn, 37% as an NBA rookie, though 'improve' does not begin to tell that story. His NBA lifetime rate is 48.6%, a poor rate by any measure. He was often targeted a la the way Shaquille O'Neal was during his 'hack-a-Shaq' years. For that reason, Drummond was usually pulled off the floor late in games.

He is already giving back to the community and helping former NBA players down on their luck to find affordable housing. His company, Special Teams Real Estate is redeveloping commercial and industrial properties for conversion to apartments throughout the Northeast. He has also taken an active interest in his hometown over the years, holding an annual youth basketball clinic in Middletown; supporting the Middlesex YMCA; and donating $100,000 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic for emergency health expenses there.
"I get chills walking through these hallways,” Drummond said in 2017 during a visit to the Middlesex YMCA in Middletown. "Being a kid from out of here to make it to where I am and accomplish the things I’ve accomplished is huge, and it gives all the kids here hope that, no matter where you’re from, anything is possible.”

Not many college basketball coaches are interested in 6'2" centers. So no one paid much attention to Greg Economou during his senior year at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, N.Y.

He was captain of the basketball, baseball and soccer teams senior year. He played guard to start and averaged 21 ppg but injuries forced him in as center, where he still averaged 16 ppg. He was accepted academically to UConn but they did know about his basketball abilities and urged him to try to walk on.
After working on his game all summer, he was told there was not a spot for him due to some late recruits being signed. He then just played intramurally with some pick-up games that included UConn forward Gerry Besselink, who was impressed and recommended Greg to new coach Jim Calhoun who now actually needed some roster help due to losing some of those recruits in the transition from former coach Dom Perno.
Calhoun said, "Since we only had eight scholarship players and I had practically no time to recruit, I knew I'd need some walk-ons, if only just to make sure we had enough practice players. Anyway, Economou, who I had never heard of, came out and it was obvious from the start that he was a good shooter and a very good athlete."

Though he was used sparingly as a fourth guard, Economou did appear in 15 of UConn's first 16 games, scoring 16 points and averaging 5.7 minutes a game as the team compiled a 6-10 record. Still, that was far more than the team's other three walk-ons who, combined, played less than 4 minutes while essentially serving as practice players.

Content to be on the squad as a role player, Economou never envisioned himself as a starter. But he became one after three Huskies - two of them starters - were lost to the team because of academic problems. "I wasn't worried about starting Greg because he had progressed very well," Calhoun said. ''He's a tough kid with a good outside shot who crashes the boards very well. And he's very aggressive and poised. But if you had told me back in October that we'd be starting a walk-on against Boston College in the Boston Garden in a nationally televised game, well, I'd have to wonder. At that point, frankly, I looked on Greg as a practice player."
Neither the aura of the Boston Garden nor the pressure of starting seemed to have affected Economou. His first basket, a 3-pointer, gave the Huskies an 8-5 lead that they never relinquished. Economou connected on two of his three field-goal attempts and hit all four of his attempts from the foul line as Connecticut snapped a six-game losing streak with a 66-60 victory over Boston College. In the Huskies' next game, a 73-52 loss to Pitt, Economou led the team with 13 points.
"Greg is still a little rusty after not having played for three years," Calhoun said. "But I was convinced he could handle the pressure of playing in the Boston Garden, and he did a great job."

Came to UConn in the glow of the NIT championship the season before. The 6'5" Fleming was envisioned as an outside shooter who would complement UConn's inside game, anchored by NBA-bound senior center Cliff Robinson and another freshman guard by the name of Chris Smith, who would go on to become the school's all-time leading scorer.

It was not to be for Chris, who was rail thin and ran below the speed standards required in the Big East. He transferred to Richmond and became a starter his senior year, averaging 11.4 ppg. For the Spiders, Fleming showed his shooting prowess, canning 41% from 3 and 55% from 2 for his career there.

He was part of the 1991 Richmond team that shocked Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament and Fleming poured in 25 points, including seven three-pointers, in the second-round loss to Temple.

After playing professionally in Germany for the same team (Artland Dragons) for 7 seasons, 2 also as player-assistant coach. He moved to the head coaching job for 9 more seasons, winning the German Cup in 2008, sprinkled in a year coaching Germany's Under-20 team, moved to coach Brose Baskets in Bramberg for 7 seasons and captured four German championships and three German Cup titles.
Fleming also received Bundesliga Coach of the Year honors in 2011. He then coached the German National Team for 4 seasons, a team that included NBA Hall of Fame Dirt Nowitzki. That caught the eye of the NBA.
Since 2015, he has been an assistant coach on the Nuggets, Nets, Bulls (lead assistant) and of late, the Trail Blazers, where he will bond with former Husky great, Donovan Clingan.

Jet-quick but lacking fundamentals and a late recruit due to the unsure circumstances surrounding the 'laptop gate' arrest of Marcus Williams and AJ Price, Garrison could not crack the starting line-up at UConn and played few minutes when he did get on the floor (8.9 as a freshman, 2.3 as a sophomore), playing in just 29 games in two years before transferring.

"I left Niagara Falls because of basketball, so I'm not going back. I'm keeping my options open. I'd like to go somewhere warm and somewhere where I can play, but I'm staying at this level," Garrison said. "I was frustrated here, and it's the best move. I guess what I really wanted was a chance. If we were winning this season, I could understand, but we weren't. I just wasn't able to get in there, so I'm moving on."

Best laid plans went awry and he eventually did indeed go to the school in his home's backyard, Niagara University in Niagara Falls. Slowly I turned....
This was where Rob was a two-time captain for national power Niagara Falls HS and was named third team All-State and first team All-Western New York as a high school senior. His team captured the 2005 State and Federation Championships and finished the year among the top five nationally-ranked high school teams in the country.

After transferring, he started every game for the Purple Eagles, averaging 10.7 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals. His teams, both of which he co-captained, went 26-9 and 18-15 those final 2 years.

Garrison played professionally in Prague after college. Since then he has been involved in youth basketball - camps, coaching and speaking about recruiting, nutrition and team operations.

The walk-on was a fan favorite due to his exuberance. He never scored a point but claimed many cheers from the fans.

The national championship ring that Emmett Hendry earned as perhaps the most jovial member of the 2022-23 UConn men’s basketball team is stored away safely in his Brooklyn, N.Y., home. “I’ll see it when I get home for Christmas,” Hendry said. “It’s probably the first thing I’ll do when I get to my house. Maybe I’ll pet my dog first, when he jumps up on me. But besides that, I’m going to run to wherever that is and open that box up.”

As a recruit, Hendry played for powerhouse Monteverde in Florida and spurned several low Division 1 offers to suit up as a walk-on at UConn."
“I really feel like there’s a love for their players and a love for the game, too. Just a deep love for everyone getting better and for us, too...”
“But, there will definitely be times where we’re running a play or we’re scouting the other team and they’ll say something about the hold or about scraping, or Coach will implement a play and I’ll just be like, ‘Wow, how do you think of that?'” Hendry said. “Sometimes it almost, like, deters me. I’m like, ‘Man, I gotta think about that stuff?’ Like, ‘You just came up with that? How do I do that?'”

Coaching may be in his future and he will surely take cues from his leaders at UConn. “I would say hopefully Coach Hurley, you know, but like all of our coaches are so great. I think Coach Murray is super detailed in the game – sometimes I feel like he’s a basketball genius with the stuff he knows – it’s very detailed when we’re doing the scout. Same thing with Coach Young and obviously Coach Moore is a (three-time) national champion. So like, all across the board you could pick little things out and it’s almost like if you’re making one coach it would just be like the best coach ever, probably.”

Hendry is in Kansas now, a sophomore guard at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, a town of about 5,000. “I wanted to go to a place where I was going to play and be able to compete in front of coaches and get back to Division I,” said Hendry, who played just seven minutes last season but symbolized the joy of the Huskies' entire experience with his celebrations and mannerisms on the bench.

In Storrs, 10,000 attended every game. The last time Hendry had been in uniform, he was whooping it up on the UConn bench as the Huskies closed out San Diego State in the national championship game before a crowd of more than 70,000. In Concordia, Kansas, a crowd of 281 attended the season opener.
“It was just too cool,” said Hendry, an important part UConn's practices and game preparation. “I loved it. I was like, I’ll take a shot. I don’t regret it at all. I learned so much. It was an amazing year. That was a hard decision. Entering the portal was an even harder decision. It’s big to me to prove to myself that I can do it. I just wanted to take a chance on myself. You only have so much time to play basketball and I didn’t want to regret never taking a shot.
“It was being part of something much bigger than myself,” Hendry said. “Everyone had a role in winning that national championship, no matter what it was."
“I don’t have Werth [Champions Center] anymore, with the kitchen and the chefs,” he said. “So I have to cook for myself. I don’t like the cleanup. It’s funny, I always asked my mom to make big meals and she’d always be like, ‘I’m not making that. I just got home from work.’ But it’s true. It is really amazing.”

Look, up in the sky. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's.....Andre Jackson Jr.!

The high-flying weapon from Amsterdam, NY was a legend in the making as soon as he jumped into Storrs. Possessing other-world leaping ability, shotgun speed, ball hawking defense and superior court vision, the only thing to seemingly improve upon was his offensive game.

It continued that way his entire career at UConn, yet somehow they won a national championship under his leadership. And, by the way, he was selected 36th in the NBA draft, so scoring isn't everything.
It got so 'bad' at one point that teams would ignore Jackson in the corner, unafraid of his non-existent, 3 point shot from the hip. Why couldn't he parlay his speed and leaping ability into a demon floater in the paint? It surely wasn't for lack of trying. He was a noted hard worker, coming early to practice and leaving late.
Well, Team Hurley finally figured it out and brought Andre down low instead of floating in the corner. That way his skills and talent could be better utilized and it worked all the way to the national championship.

A draft day trade moved him from Orlando to Milwaukee and there he has become legendary again with his high flying antics. Besides that slice of athleticism, his coach, Doc Rivers had this to say regarding how Jackson has surprised. "I think his passing, even though sometimes it can go haywire. I think he has better vision than I thought, and we're trying to use that more."
He's improved his 3 pointer up to 38.6% and has started 41 of 53 games in the 2024-25 season. He also shoots over 50% from 2. Truth is, most baskets come from loose balls, rebounds or signature dunks rather than him carving up a defender. He's playing 17 mpg and is their defensive leader.
He also be participated in the NBA Dunk contest at the 2025 All Star game, coming in 3rd place behind winner Mac McClung and UConn's own, Stephon Castle. Before it began, Dan Hurley was asked to predict the winner. "I've got to go with Andre," Hurley said. "It's hard to pick between the two champions. Steph is really athletic and strong. I don't know if I ever looked at Steph and said, 'high-flying dunk contest guy,' although he's been all over the rims this year. He's been hanging all over the rims in the NBA."

Before it all began, a wary Jackson was courted by the UConn staff and team on his visit. “Going into the visit, I wasn’t that confident that I was going to be going to UConn,” Jackson said Wednesday at his high school, Albany Academy in Albany, N.Y. “And then after the visit, it was clear. So I was like, ‘If it goes from zero to 100, then it’s definitely the right choice, I’m not going to overthink it.'”
“Right after the visit, he said to us in the car service, ‘I’m going to UConn,'” said Tricia Altieri, Jackson’s mother, “‘One hundred percent, I’m gong to UConn.’ He was very impressed with coach Hurley’s practice, how he ran practice, his whole presentation, how he would fit in the program. Andre was able to visualize everything he was saying.”
Other schools in the mix were Iowa (visit canceled), UCLA, Maryland and local Syracuse (suck it). “I just felt UConn was the best fit for me. … Coach Hurley and his energy on the court, off the court really brings a lot out of me. I also had a good time with some of the players down there. It pretty much sold me.”

“He’s a great student, a low-maintenance student,” said Brian Fruscio, Albany Academy’s coach, “a low-maintenance kid. [UConn] is getting a great, great player. He’s constantly improving. The best parts of his game, he guards, he rebounds, he puts the ball on the ground, he gets downhill. He’s one of the top finishers in transition in the country, and his shooting is much improved.” Hyperbole a bit, especially the shooting part. You mean it was worse, lol?!

“He (Hurley) plays a really good defensive system for the way I play,” Jackson said. “He’s going to help me speed guys up, jump to the ball. I feel like I will fit really good in his system. There are a lot of good guys there; they’ve got a lot of pieces. I think they’re just missing a little bit and I feel like me and a couple of other guys from the 2020 class can really help that and give them a spark.” “I could have chosen a school that was higher in the rankings early in the process,” Jackson said. “I feel like I have the chance to do something and leave my mark on the program.”
Well done, sir.

Born in Mt. Vernon, NY, the eventual Trinity Catholic of Stamford kid was Gatorade Player of the year in CT as a senior at Trinity Catholic.

His decision came down to UConn or UMass, then coached by John Calipari. "There was something about [him] that I just wasn’t feeling. You know? When he talked to me it was like . . . I’ll just say I’ve got a good ear about picking up whether people are really being honest with me, being sincere about what they’re telling me.”

"Rash" was co-captain of the 1998-99 championship team. He also won 3 Big East championships.

As a youngster Rashamel was a three-sport guy playing basketball, baseball and football. “I was playing football and baseball before I ever picked up a basketball.” Rash had been on football and baseball teams starting around 5 but didn’t join a basketball team until around the age of 12. It wasn’t long before he realized basketball was becoming his favorite of the three sports.
Rash’s gym teacher went on to tell him that he had accepted a new job as head football coach at Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, Connecticut, and wanted to take Rash with him to play on his team. Rash visited with his teacher and while there he saw the varsity basketball team practicing. The basketball coach asked Rash if he wanted to join the team for the practice. Rash ended up practicing, and was able to dunk the basketball on Trinity’s player who played center position. Trinity’s basketball coach was pretty impressed, and invited Rash to Trinity to play for his team. The basketball coach talked to Rash’s father, and they left the decision up to Rash. “I said yeah I wanted to give it a shot, and it was the best decision I had made at that time of my life. It just opened up so many doors for me.” It was the right decision to focus on basketball rather than football.

Rash was tall but not his body had not yet filled out. Basketball was going very well, and he didn’t want to take the chance of getting hurt playing football. “The decision made sense, and I have no regrets.” Although Rash’s eighth grade gym teacher had invited Rash to Trinity to be on his football team, Rash actually never even played on the football team.

As the Huskies made their 1999 run, Rash's role was reduced, at least in minutes played. Where was the player who was showered with accolades coming out of Trinity Catholic? Where have his minutes gone? Where is the guy who was supposed to be an integral part of UConn reaching the Final Four?
What’s up with Rashamel Jones? He was still around, though not so noticeable. He became more of a defensive stopper, a niche he was very comfortable with. As a co-captain with guard Ricky Moore, Jones provided leadership and made contributions — albeit off the bench — for most of his last two seasons after starting 31 games as a sophomore.
He was also one of coach Jim Calhoun’s hardest workers in practice and games. “Right now, getting prepared for the Big East and the NCAA Tournament is big,” Jones said. “Because we have a good chance of taking it all this year. And with everything that’s happened to me? Aw, man. That would be icing on the cake. Sweet, indeed.

Played 2 years in Europe before a career-ending knee injury. Got his feet wet as an assistant with Jim Calhoun at St. Joseph College and is currently coaching girl's varsity at Greenwich High. Member of Fairfield County Hall of Fame and is still a top 10 all-time scorer in CT high school history.

After his senior season in high school was over, Kelly went onto earn many post-season honors including the New York Post and New York Daily News player of the year. Kelly received scholarship offers from several schools, including Texas and North Carolina, but ultimately decided to go to UConn.

After failing to hit the floor very much in his freshman year, the Uber-talented Curtis Kelly, used to the spotlight after a acting the star while at Rice High in the Bronx, just up the river from Manhattan, NY, listened to his friends and his inner self and found someone else to blame.

Kelly thought he could rely on his success in high school and he and Coach Calhoun did not strike it together. Kelly could not become used to the ornery coach and his demand for doing things right both on and off the court. Lacking the maturity to follow coaching demands, he became the face of the young player that thinks he's better than everyone else and knows more than the coach. Not surprisingly, he blamed Calhoun for his freshman funk.

With a new start as a sophomore, Kelly did not take advantage, did not do the work, content to rely on what he thought of himself. After two years of failure, he found himself in a completely different Manhattan playground, the one in Kansas.

He transferred to Kansas State and eventually matured and actually thrived, averaging 11 and 6 in 62 games, 58 starts.
“I blame myself,” the maturing Kelly said. “I will never blame Coach Calhoun again. It wasn’t him or him not believing in me. I hadn’t built his trust. You have to do the right things on the court and off, and I just did that wrong.“ Assistant Coach George Blaney said, “I don’t think he wants to leave, and quite honestly, we don’t want him to leave, either. But it might be time for him to do it, and he’s made a decision, and I think it will be a decision that will be good for him.”

Kelly said he has always enjoyed the game of basketball. It’s something that has run in his family all the way back to his grandparents. “My grandmother played surprisingly, and my grandfather did too,” Kelly said. “My uncle definitely played. He played college basketball, and he played for the Harlem Globetrotters for a little while and he also played overseas.”

Kelly went undrafted but like his uncle had a nice, long career overseas in Israel, Italy, Lebanon, France, Philippines and Turkey.
Believe it or not, Kelly eventually got into coaching as an assistant at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Larrier transferred in from VCU after Shaka Smart left. Hewas an exciting prospect.

After sitting out his transfer year, the expectations were high. He made the pre-season Julius Erving Award watch list (best small forward.)
At UConn he joined an experienced team and began with a bang but then, bang! He went down with an ACL tear after just 4 games, had surgery and was out until the next season.

That offseason was calamitous for the Huskies, as Kevin Ollie's off-court problems led to the transfers of freshmen Vance Jackson and Juwan Durham as well as sophomore Steve Enoch.

With Amidah Brimah, Rodney Purvis and Kentan Facey graduating, only Larrier and Jalen Adams had the ability to break down players off the dribble. Larrier was often spectacular but more often a chucker and not to his fault. If it weren't for Larrier and Adams, this team had problems getting shots off.

Looking back, his numbers did not tell a complete horror story, it's just that his obvious talent had fans aching for more. Taking 13 shots a game, he scored 14 points. A respectable 37.8% from 3 but only 41% from two and 39.8% overall. His efficiency suffered as he continuously took deep twos rather than work to set up behind the three point line. He also loved his fallaway fadeaway which led to no way. Defense was an afterthought and assists were not in his playbook.

Injuries plagued him, including that season-ending torn ACL and medial meniscus and then a fractured sinus wall that resulted in 4 missed games and left him wearing a mask for the rest of the season in his junior year, his last for the Huskies.

On Senior Night Larrier reflected. “It’s definitely been interesting,” he said of his UConn tenure. “Not how I planned it to go, but things happen. But my time here has been great, it’s been fun. I just want to go out, get the win, play hard and enjoy the game with my teammates.”
"Definitely pro, pursuing basketball,” Larrier said, when asked of his plans. “I am going to continue to pursue basketball and see where it takes me and hopefully things work out for the best.”
He declared for the draft after his junior year but found no suitors. He began his professional career playing for the Dallas Mavericks summer team, was released, then in the G-League, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Romania, Venezuela, South Africa, France, Qatar, Lebanon and Mexico. This, in only 6 years and it shows how talent, regardless of skill, will be discovered worldwide in this sport.

The collegiate career of Price began ominously.

Before his freshman season even started, he was diagnosed with an intracranial hemorrhage arteriovenous brain malformation that took away his season and almost his life. Doctors, radiosurgery and his own determination got him past the issue and he was good to suit up as a sophomore. However, in May preceding, he along with Marcus Williams were caught stealing laptop computers. He was suspended for the entire 2005-06 season. He came back a new man, matured, but suffered from rust after 2 seasons without basketball.

As a junior he was ready. Price averaged 14.5 points per game, earned a spot on the All-Big East first team and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association All-American team.
And then, after nine minutes in the NCAA tournament, Price was done once more. He tore his ACL, and the 4th seeded Huskies crumbled without him, losing to San Diego in overtime.

As a senior it all came together. Pairing with Jerome Dyson, the UConn backcourt was an opponent's nightmare. In the NCAAs, he was named the West Regional Most Outstanding Player and the Huskies were off to Detroit for the Final Four but without Dyson, who tore his knee up with 6 games left in the season. That was too much for the Huskies, who lost in a Final Four for the only time in school history.

A.J. is 8th on the all time UConn season assists list with 192. His 8 three pointers vs. Marquette (on the way to 36 points) are tied for second most in a game behind Ray Allen's 9 vs. Miami.

Pro ball followed with a 6 year NBA career on 5 different teams. He averaged 15 mpg and scored 5.8 ppg with four games of more than 20 points. In 2012 he had 14 assists for the Washington Wizard vs. his old team, the Indiana Pacers.

His career over, many would sit back and enjoy the riches. Not AJ. With all he had overcome, giving back was foremost in his mind. That and coming back - to Amityville High, his alma mater, as assistant head coach. “I would like to think just me coming from these same hallways . . . and making it to the highest level of basketball, that I give these kids a newfound sense of hope or a chance, the opportunity,” Price said. “Just to be able to see me, touch me, feel me, hear me every single day."
“I played in the NBA. Let them know their dreams can come true.” He hasn't shied away from discussing 'laptopgate' either. He’s willing to talk about his mistake with the Amityville players. “I was a kid,” Price said. “I grew. And things happen . . . All I can do is try to tell kids what and what not to do and situations that I went through.” Now he has his own kids with fiancee Lissa Pichardo, 11-year-old Alissa and 5-year-old Alia. His general message to the players also illustrates his growth. “It’s just an everyday consistency,” Price said, “being on these guys, get your grades, be respectful, be a good human being.”

He came from Buffalo and for some reason, committed to UConn instead of Oklahoma and the clock starting ticking on a great career (no, Syracuse was never an option.)

"Uncle Cliffy" (and later "Uncle Spliffy") could be surly and temperamental but had a maturity about him that portended his penchant for hard work. His soft inside often appeared after thinking things through.
After a mostly ineffective freshman season under Dom Perno, Jim Calhoun took over the next year and challenged Robinson to be great and to stay at UConn. Cliff took off, averaging 18.5 points and 7.3 rebounds under the legendary coach, soaked in the NIT championship and earned All-Big East honors twice. He was part of the original inauguration class to grace the wall as a Husky of Honor.

There were always well-placed rumors about his cannabis use and that came into full view as he trademarked "Uncle Spliffy" into a business as marijuana use was being legalized state by state. Twice suspended by the NBA for violating its anti-drug policy, Robinson said, “I’ve been a fan of the cannabis plant for a long time now, so I decided to jump into the cannabis space because I know what cannabis products work, and believe that social entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with my cannabis reform advocacy” He added, “I personally help develop all of my products so I know that we are only putting out the best products possible.”

He, himself as a hoopster, was a special NBA product as well. After uncomfortably sitting through the first round of the draft without being picked, he stormed out of MSG, through a kitchen and out into the street. Horde reporters followed him. "They don't know me," Cliff remarked. Finally selected with the 36th pick by Portland, Robinson played until he was 40, scoring 19,951 points (54th all time) in 1,380 games (14th, not including 141 playoff games). He entered the NBA a year after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final season and lasted long enough to share the court with Chris Paul and LeBron James. Robinson was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year while playing for the Trail Blazers in the 1992-93 season. He was an NBA. All-Star in 1994, and he was selected for the league’s all-defensive second team in 2000 and 2002.

Cliff said “I’ve had a lot of fond memories but I think the biggest one was probably my rookie season with the Portland Trailblazers, our team made it to the NBA finals that year.” The mercurial Robinson wore headbands before they were popular, flew to North Korea with Dennis Rodman to visit leader Kim Jung-un and was a contestant on "Survivor". Cliff was indeed as survivor as evidenced by his 18 NBA seasons but he was taken from us far too early, falling victim to lymphoma at age 53.

“He came from difficult circumstances in Buffalo,” Calhoun said. “From a guy who didn’t play much his freshman year to grow into a guy who had an 18-year NBA career, all-defensive team a couple of times, was in the top 50 scoring all-time in NBA history when he retired, played on some great teams in Portland [that went to the Finals twice] ... most importantly,” Calhoun said, “he became a good man." “Cliff had strong beliefs,” Calhoun said. “Look, there were times when he was young when I nearly loved him to death. He had his opinions, very strong opinions. He believed what he believed. Yet he also called for advice. He was smart. He realized things about life and things about death. He believed, ‘If you can have a beer, I can have a joint.’ And I’m not being loose about that statement. As the country has become more liberal, there’s an understanding there are more ways than taking prescription medication and they can be less dangerous.”

Entering the 2025-26 season, the coaching staff was looking for players to fill out the roster. The search was on for 'developmental' players. We'd define them as players that provide sincere competition in practice with the ability to masquerade as targeted opponents. The prime candidate would provide either the muscle or quickness with enough size to compete in practice as well as possess enough skill or talent that could be developed to increase the player's use rate at UConn or eventually elsewhere.
The type of player this would attract wants to play D1 ball but understands he is not quite ready for the level he aspires to and feels he would benefit from the superior coaching provided at the highest of the high levels. Jacob Ross is one such player.

Ross is the three-star younger brother of Jayden Ross, slated to be a key reserve for the 2025-26 squad. Jacob Ross had committed to Minnesota but pulled out after a coaching change. Out of high school, he also fielded offers from VCU, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Albany and Old Dominion. He is similarly sized to his brother at 6'6" with at least one common elite trait: athleticism. The way Ross describes himself, he seems a perfect fit for the way newly appointed GM Tom Moore wants to utilize the deep roster spots. As Ross said to On3, “I would describe my game as a Swiss Army knife. Someone who’s going to be a dog and someone who’s going to do what it takes to win." Per his SoCal Academy head coach Julius Von Hanzlik, “He leaves it all on the floor. Jacob is willing to do whatever it takes to win. With Jacob being 6-6 long and athletic, we were able to do a ton of different things on both offense and defense. He legitimately guarded and played 1-5 for us. Jacob played point guard for us often as well as guard true bigs.” That athleticism brings an upside that will be extremely valuable in practice and could blossom with development time in the UConn program.

After celebrating in the wake of UConn's national championship in 2014, freshman Samuel, a long 6'4" guard who played 18 and 11 minutes in the Final Four games, making all his field goal attempts, had high expectations for himself.

Known for his defense, he knew he'd have trouble starting over Ryan Boatright and Rodney Purvis but he did have some moments that were hoped to be 'coming out' events. Not to be but Terrence had that game vs. Columbia when, on a twisted ankle, he scored 6, assisted on 4 and stole one.
Head coach Kevin Ollie often called Samuel "the disrupter" because of his ability to come off the bench and create problems for the opposition on defense. "I feel like when he (Ollie) tells me that before I go into the game, it gives me that extra confidence," Samuel said. "He has the confidence in me to go in there and change the game, so it gives me that extra push to go out there, stop guys, create baskets and get guys the ball." "I don't think I am being overlooked," he said. "Guys didn't really see what I could do (freshman season), they just saw glimpses of it. So this year when my number's called, I'm just going to go in there and do what I do. I just have to go in there and play my game." Yes, when given a chance, Samuel played his way off the bench with his knack for being a disrupter on the floor and turned into a key reserve during the Huskies' championship run. After that, not so much. Pushing past a crowded backcourt of Ryan Boatright, Rodney Purvis, Cassell Jr. and Omar Calhoun proved too daunting to overcome. He had a few nights when he scored 10 or more including the 10 vs. ASU in the NIT loss to Arizona State, which ended up being the final game he suited up as a Husky.

Transfers to Penn St. and USF followed. For USF, he surely hoped to get some sweet revenge when they traveled to Connecticut but Samuel was scoreless in 31 minutes vs. the Huskies.

Used to being the focus as a playmaking PG at a mid-major (Dayton), Smith is using a medical redshirt fifth year to be part of a championship-minded squad at UConn.

Smith started 77 of 86 games for the Flyers, a stretch that included a year away due to left knee meniscus surgery as a junior. He came back as a senior and scored 10.4/game along with 5.3 assists, making him 14th nationally in assist rate and was 12th among active players in career assists per game (5.3) and eighth among all D-1 players in career assist/turnover ratio (2.63).

His experience and skill will be valuable as the first PG off the bench at UConn. He is a proven shooter, though low volume from three. He can dish with the best and will be a defensive pest. Per coach Dan Hurley: "We're excited to add a guard like Malachi into the mix here in Storrs, He is a dynamic playmaker, a strong outside shooter and a veteran presence that has played in - and won - a lot of games. We have no doubt that he can be the next great New York City Husky and help our program reach our championship goals."

In high school, Malachi played for storied St. Raymonds in the Bronx. That team won the NYCHSAA AA regular season championship. He was a First Team All-CHSAA pick and Third Team All-New York after his junior season before his senior year canceled by the pandemic.

On the day he committed to Dayton, he let prospectiveinsight.com know more about the person, the player that is Malachi Smith. "I’m a 6-foot guard — I play point guard. Just trying to make it, feed my family and get out of New York. Get my Mom a house."
What does he like the most about the game? "I think when the crowd gets into it and gets hype. I feel like I feed off of that and it makes me want to play more. I feel like that’s fun for me. When it’s a close game, the pressure, every possession counts, stuff like that. That’s what makes me want to play."
What kind of player will Dayton be getting? "I’m a playmaker. Defense, two-way. Rebounding guard. I literally do everything; pass, shoot. I make my teammates better. They’re getting a lot next year."
His three words to describe himself? "Humble. Hardworking. Fearless. That’s the main three."
His most underrated skill? "I think my finishing. I’m only like 6-feet and I think I can finish around the rim better than most guards and I think that’s what puts me over the top."

UConn was sorely lacking that particular skill in 2024-25 and between Smith and newly acquired Silas Demary Jr., fans and coaches alike hope to see a lot more of it in 2025-26.

The big guy looked so good in his limited appearances, one wondered what was holding him back from a larger role.

So what did Springs have to do to finally get some meaningful minutes? "Improve his confidence, his presence, his maturity." according to coach Dan Hurley. "Improve his on-court communication (calling out ball-screens, etc.) and knowing where to be on the floor. And establishing an offensive identity: Is he a face-up, drive-to-the-hoop forward? A stretch four who can hit 3-pointers?" By any measure, Springs had a large wall of big men to break through to get court time while at UConn. Players like Sanogo, Whaley, Samson, Carlton, Akok, Karaban and Clingan were bricks in that wall.

Springs kept working, working but after winning the 2023 natty, he decided to transfer down I-91 to Quinnipiac for a chance at playing time.
Per Quinnipiac coach Tom Pecora, "With his size and athleticism, and once again the experience of playing every day (in practice) ... games are a reflection of practice, I've always believed that. The practices he went through, I know how hard they practice at UConn. I know the level of athlete he was competing against. So, I wanted him to carry that into our practices here. Our style of play will be similar, so he'll be able to get up and down the floor, take advantage of his size and his speed." "They (UConn) think the world of him. I had no doubts about the quality of young man I was getting. His parents have done a great job. I give him a lot of credit for staying there, knowing you're not going to get on the floor. He got his degree, he was a great teammate, from what everyone's told me. That's quite rare nowadays. Guys jump ship if the coach looks at him the wrong way."

"We appreciate UConn so much for giving him that opportunity," Springs' mother said. "To be there four years, academically, that's a blessing. Now he's graduating. I couldn't ask for anything else." In Hamden, he scored 3.8 points in 9.5 bench minute per game as a senior and used his COVID year in 2024-25 but received reduced minutes, scoring 1.6 per game.

A MacDonalds All-American, Charlie was a late (July) commit for the Huskies as they already had Josh Boone coming in at power forward.

Both kids spurned the potential glamor of becoming a KU Jayhawk and so the writing of history could begin.
The adjustment to playing for Coach Calhoun, Charlie said, “Was a little tough at first, he’s a very intense guy. It took me a little time to adjust to him, but I loved playing for him. I’d play for him for the rest of my life. Charlie’s thoughts on Coach Calhoun, “Coach Calhoun was great. He’s a Hall of Fame Coach, and I just want to thank him for getting the best out of me, and showing me the ropes because what I’ve learned from Coach Calhoun has definitely helped me in the NBA. I knew he was going to get the best out of me, and going to UConn was the best decision I ever made.”

With Boone as a front court partner, Villanueva came in ready and able. His ability to finish at all angles near the hoop caught the eye. He was 6'10, 233, athletic, strong and had the mean streak you need to succeed underneath. After scoring almost 9 ppg for the national champs in 2003-04, and with NBA thoughts, he strategically pulled out of the draft to better position himself after his sophomore campaign. Regarding his decision to declare, Charlie was pragmatic and a bit romantic. “I felt like it was my time to go. My heart was telling me it was the right thing to do.” It proved a great decision in the long run. However, while the team and Charlie had good seasons, the #2-seeded Huskies were upset in the 2nd round of the NCAAs by NC State. Charlie averaged 13.6/8.3 with 57 blocks in 31 games and the scouts noticed.

The All-Big East performer went to the Toronto Raptors with the 7th pick of the NBA draft and built an 11 year NBA career that included making the All-Rookie team and a career average of 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, capped by his 2008-09 year with Milwaukee when he averaged 16.2/6.7 with 47 starts, all career bests. In 2008, he scored a career-high 38 points with seven 3 pointers vs. his former club, the Raptors. Charlie also broke the internet. Yup. Playing for the Bucks in 2009 Charlie tweets at halftime: "In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up." "So he goes out, balls in the second half," said teammate Richard Jefferson. "Now, everybody's picking up this tweet that he said this and everyone's minds are exploding that athletes can now tweet in the middle of the game." The 2004 NCAA champion changed Twitter's landscape forever. After his tweet broke the Internet, the NBA created a rule that said NBA players could only tweet 30 minutes prior or 45 minutes after a game, according to Jefferson. No social media posts during games. "That was all because of Charlie Villanueva and him posting that on Twitter. He launched 'Sports Twitter,' and it was a huge deal at the time because people were like, 'This ... is going to change forever.'

"CV" scaled great heights as a CG at UConn. Even as the 5th guard as a freshman (Adams, Purvis, Larrier, Gilbert), he made season-long impact.

He scored 9.1 ppg, with 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 28 mpg.
He grew to legendary status as a senior, dependable from three, 89.9 (4th all-time at UConn) from the line and led the AAC in steals at 2.5 per game, making the All-AAC first team. He ended the COVID-shortened season scoring 167 points, snagging 44 rebounds with 19 steals and 24 assists in his final 7 games. His career high was 30 vs. BU.

Things weren't always rosy for him. Vital’s college career had a little of everything — losing (lots of it), clashes with coaches Kevin Ollie and Dan Hurley, even contemplation about leaving the program. “I’ll be honest with you, I had times where I was like, ‘Is this the place for me?’” Vital said. “You question a lot of stuff during times of negativity and losing, especially.”

In Vital’s final six games, tournament tough time, he averaged 23.8 points — nearly double his career average to that point. “The way that I was playing at the end of the year, the numbers I was putting up and how efficient it was, I felt like I was working out in front of the country at the time,” he said. “And I planned on using the conference tournament and the NCAA tournament to really put myself on the map.”
That didn’t happen, a COVID-shortened season did. Through no fault of his own, Vital ended his career as the first 4-year player not to have played in the postseason since Gerry Besselink in 1987.

Ultimately, Vital left a lasting legacy at UConn. He stayed when many others transferred out of coach Kevin Ollie's crumbling administration. “From freshman year to senior year, there were so many things that happened in the program — from the program, players, the team, myself personally — that were really crazy,” he said. “To look back on it and understand that I was right in the middle of that and to come out, not to say on top, but a lot better than the situation I was in … it just shows that if you work hard, you’ll get in a better spot.”

A bit of prescient vision from the kid from Queens, “When Coach Hurley and the program does win another championship, I’m not gonna take credit for that,” Vital said. “That’ll be the guys on that team. Did I have a part in bringing back the competitiveness and stuff like that? I believe so. We were competitive every game this year, for the most part. I’ll be happy, I’ll try to feel a part of it, because I’m an alum now, I’ll always be happy when they win.”

At graduation, he held the all-time AAC record of 245 3-pointers made. He is 10th on the all-time UConn scoring list with 1735 points, 8th in FT% at 83.6%, 5th in spg at 1.69, 3rd in total steals (215) and 2nd in threes made (127).

Undrafted as a 6'3" shooting guard, he really had much to prove vs. so many players of that size dreaming of NBA riches. He has played professionally in Germany, the G-League, in Canada, Poland, China and currently is in Italy. He was FIBA Europe Cup Top Scorer, All-League and his team won the Polish cup in 2024. In 2022 his team was NBA G-League champion (2022) as was his Canadian team where he performed as Finals MVP. He was a 2-time All-CEBL Second Team player (2022, 2023), led that league in steals in 2022. Coming to UConn from Queens, NY, Vital had that street-tough mindset from the beginning and it served him and therefore his team and the program very well. Hurley said this about Christian Vital: "His legacy here is not just a guy who accumulated stats, but I think you’re gonna look two, three years down the line when we win a championship — he’s gonna have his fingerprints on it." That was in 2020. Guess he was right.

It's all too clear, still, when Kemba Walker became just "Kemba".

After nailing the knee-buckling step back jumper to beat Pittsburgh in the 2011 Big East tournament to become "Cardiac Kemba", he proceeded to lead the team to the national championship and immediately was anointed to the one-name-is-enough list of celebrities. You say "Kemba" and coast-to-coast everyone knows who you mean.

That team, the one that limped into MSG with a 9-9 conference record, won 5 straight there and 6 more in a row to capture the college basketball crown, was, it turned out, built for the brightest spotlight. So was Kemba. A Bronx product, the 6-foot Walker began his UConn career slowly after rising to the country's #15 prospect through high school, garnering accolades and honors including both MacDonalds and Parade All-American. He had the freshman over-penetration disease whose only sure cure is coaching doused with playing time. When it all came together for him, it was clear UConn had a stud - one they could jump on the back of to historical heights. In his 2010-11 senior season, he averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals. He was a Big East All-Freshman, and in 2011 was All-Big East, All-Big East Tournament MVP, NCAA All-Region, NCAA All-Tournament and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. His 130 points was an NCAA Tournament record.

“I still can’t believe the things that I’ve done in my basketball career, especially with all the doubt that I got coming into all levels,” the 6-foot nothing Walker said. In crediting the coaches that got him there, Walker said Rice High School is where he became a man and why he was able to acclimate to any of the next levels of basketball. He also mentioned how much his time at UConn meant to him. “That was my dream school,” he said. “To get the opportunity to go there and play and flourish, and for him to believe in me... it’s like a dream still.”

Somehow, voters found a way to out to anoint Notre Dame’s Ben Hansbrough for Big East Player of the Year and BYU’s Jimmer Fredette for national Player of the Year. “...anytime they showed Jimmer Fredette (on TV), Kemba was like, ‘I’ll kill him,’” teammate Alex Oriakhi recalled. “He was just an assassin, man. He was a killer.”
“I knew he was gonna score that,” center Charles Okwandu said of Walker’s buzzer-beating 15-footer that left poor Pitt big man Gary McGhee crumpled on the floor, forever posterized. “He always made that in practice, and I was like, ‘This is the time he’s gonna do this move.’ And he did it.”

He left as a junior and was drafted by the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats with the 9th pick. Twelve years later he retired after an NBA career where he had 5 consecutive seasons scoring over 20 ppg (high of 25.6 in 2018-19), a skein during which he made 4 straight NBA All-Star Teams and once finished All-NBA. For NBA his career he finished with more than 14,000 points and nearly 4,000 assists while shooting 84% from the line and starting 697 of 750 games. He was traded 3 times and was able to give his local New England fans an extended glimpse to his pro game with 2 years in Celtic green and one for the Knicks, finishing out with a brief stay on the Mavericks. He battled injuries late in his career, slowing him down considerably but he was able to use his instincts to play on, contribute and lead.
After never making it past the first round of the playoffs playing for the lowly Hornets/Bobcats, he nearly made it to the NBA finals in 2020 with Boston, losing in 7 games to the Miami Heat.
A great ambassador for the game and well-respected around the league, Walker won the NBA Sportsmanship Award twice. Needless to say, he's on the wall as a Husky of Honor in Storrs.

Small in stature but large in the souls of students, Ace, at 5'6" was a dizzyingly quick practice player - his popularity ginormous.

Once he hit the floor, he became the first Asian-American player to suit up for the Huskies. He produced a video on what it's like to tryout and finally become a walk-on at UConn (see: Walk the Walk-on Walk

The kid didn't even score a point but score he did with his fellow undergraduates. He has risen to Senior Vice President at Citizens Bank in Manhattan and with his cousin has opened 7 boutique dessert bars.

Despite the hard practices and limited court time, he was proud to contribute to the team. “Just knowing that I was there, pushing the scholarship players was enough. I thought whatever I can contribute, whether it’s small or large, whether it’s emotional, or psychological, I was just so proud to put on the uniform. I loved just being part of the team, being a part of the history, being a Husky.”

Playing for Coach Jim Calhoun was nothing short of life-changing. “He taught us a lot of things that I bring to my job, like discipline, hard work, determination, not being selfish, and playing for one another,” Watanasuparp said. “He taught me so much on and off the court. He played a huge role in my life and in the success I’ve achieved.”

Having a NY player for practices like the burly 6'1" 200 lb. Watts was important to the Huskies as they chased the championship in 2014.

Bodying up to Shabazz in practice was challenging but Watts said he never found the answer.
In 2012-13, Kevin Ollie wouldn't let the Huskies leave practice one day until Watts got a stop.
"I think it took me at least 25 minutes," Watts said. "He might have hit 30 shots in a row. It was embarrassing at first, but you look it, it's Shabazz. That's what he does."
In 2013-14, Watts got to be on the other side of it. He was on Napier's team during a four-on-four drill and you didn't get on offense until you got a stop. Napier spent a few more possessions on defense than he would have liked. "So Bazz got mad and he said we're going to keep them in for the rest of practice, and he literally did not miss a shot," Watts said. "We were there for about 30 minutes with him just scoring."

After the 2014 NCAA natty win, Watts had this to say about: "The game plan was keep them (Kentucky) off the glass because they're an incredible offense. We rebound... we win the game... thats what we wrote on the board. We make them shoot three's and we make them go in."

After a spate of transfer-outs and two below .500 seasons in a row (unseen since 1982-83:1986-87), coach Ollie was looking for immediate help in the way of a transfer-in. He found the talented Wilson at St. Johns during the summer of 2017 before he was set to begin his college career.

Wilson had a change of heart and enrolled at UConn. However, his transfer from junior college was being held up in the waiver process to allow him to play immediately and he sat the season out while still able to practice with the team. Once he suited up the following season, fans saw the talent. Very springy with a quick second leap, Wilson could be envisioned operating in the paint with hopefully the hands of a basketball surgeon.
In the end, they saw a few highlight reel moments but they were the exception rather than the rule and he transferred out to SIU-Edwardsville after 2 seasons in which he started 6 of 49 games and averaged 4.6 and 3.3 ppg.

He was twice-suspended in his time in Storrs for team rules violations. His path to playing was in baby steps. Almost literally. “He was being a baby 10 days, two weeks ago,” coach Dan Hurley said, pointedly. Hurley sat down with the talented redshirt freshman to set things straight. It seemed to have worked. Wilson, in his first collegiate start, scored a career-high 16 points to go with six rebounds and three blocks in UConn’s 78-71 loss at Memphis. “We had a great meeting,” Hurley recalled, “and his whole practice mindset has changed. Now, two of the last three games, he’s looked like a good player with a good future.” He added that, during their meeting, Hurley conveyed to him that “he believes in me, believes in the talent that I have. He feels like all the answers to my problems are in the gym. So, that’s what I’ve been doing.” But that’s not the only reason Hurley gave Wilson the start. “Sid’s earned it with his attitude, with his practice, with his personality every day.”

Alas, it did not last as he struggled to maintain consistency and, ultimately found himself coming off the bench again by season’s end.
After college, Wilson played ball in Argentina, Lebanon and Greece. He averaged over 16 ppg with a 33 point game last season in Greece.

They needed a big forward and needed to go shopping. They found him in Ithaca, NY after two years making the All-Ivy League team and was its Rookie Of the Year.

After his senior season, Miller had a year of eligibility remaining, wanted to keep playing but the Ivy League forbade graduate players. Cornell might not be an NBA breeding ground but it certainly produces smart players and in the case of Miller, a player that added sizable talent.

Miller fit in immediately with the Huskies, debuting with 17 points and 10 boards vs. Maine and then scoring in double figures in 28 of 36 contests. He wound up averaging 12.3 ppg and rebounds for the Huskies, helping them into the NCAA Tournament where they suffered a second round loss to Kansas.

Watching Miller in his one year of eligibility for UConn, slamming home highlight-reel putbacks and alley-oop dunks and snaring rebounds out of thin air, it’s frightening to think how dominant the 6-foot-7 jumping jack might still have been at the Ivy League level. Instead, Miller was among the top players in the American Conference, and made the all-AAC Tournament team.
“I mean, they said he was a great athlete, but I didn’t know that he was that type of athlete,” UConn coach Kevin Ollie confessed after a practice. “I knew he was an explosive athlete, but until you see it on a day-to-day basis, the things that he can do, just being 6-7 ... it’s pretty incredible.”

He scored in double figures in 28 or 36 games that season and took a team high 18 charges. That translated directly from the intensity he displays on the court and he is his own toughest critic. “I think I’m harder on myself than anybody ever could be,” he said. “Some plays, I’ve got to realize, ‘Alright, next play ...’ and just move on to the next play.”

A bit undersized for the NBA as a 6'7" 210 lb power forward, Miller did not get drafted but continues to play overseas. He played in the G-League and the NBA Summer League in 2016. Portugal, Mexico, Sicily, Greece, Germany, Philippines and Israeli teams have benefited from Miller's assets on and off the court.

Mike was unique in that he was a walk-on who played for 4 seasons.

Scoring 1 point with 7 boards and a block in his 20 minutes across 16 games, the 6'5" guard represents the ultimate in a teammate.
For four years Woodward has showed up every day knowing that there was no light at the end of the tunnel. He was never going to have his name introduced in the starting lineup at Gampel Pavilion. He was never going to see minutes when the game was in doubt.
Some of his friends from back in Rocky River, Ohio told him to go to a Division II school where he could play. He never listened. And so for four years Woodward was content to impersonate Troy Murphy or Troy Bell or Jerome Coleman. “It was an easy decision to be a walk-on for four years here,” Woodward said. “Everybody is great here from the fans, teammates, coaches and even everybody in the basketball office. It was a good four years. I have no regrets.” Calhoun said: “He’s hacked more guys than Lizzie Borden. And yet, he’s a good golfer and so you can always find a place for a guy who is a good golfer. And he’s actually a pretty good basketball player and he’s a great, great teammate. He gets in there and punches guys and does all kinds of things to get us better. He’s been a terrific kid for us.”

The big guy from Katy, TX by way of Tulsa, Oklahoma showed he was ready for the big-time.

An unexpected recruit (Calhoun was looking at Schea Cotton when Jake broke out for 20 rebounds), he fit in immediately and throughout his successful career at UConn.
He started 135 (#1 in UConn history) of his 138 games and increased his numbers along the way, culminating in scoring 8.5 ppg with 6.4 rebounds senior season while shooting at a 57.1% clip.

Voskuhl finished his career seventh in UConn history in blocks with 193 and ninth in total rebounds with 880. He was the starting center on the team's first national championship in 1999. Coach Jim Calhoun likened Voskuhl’s role to that of a hockey goalie during the 1999 NCAA Tournament and the title fit well. Executing coach's game plan to a 'T', he, along with Kevin Freeman '"cut the head off the snake" by doubling and holding down Duke All-American center Elton Brand. Without that effort, the Huskies might still be waiting for their first title.

It was not a straight line of succsss for Jake, who grew frustrated after one particularly tough practice. He called his father and asked him to get on the phone with Arizona’s Lute Olson the next day, because he wanted to transfer. He never did and the rest, as they say, is history, as Jake made the UConn All-Decade team.

He was seen by the NBA as a valuable backup center and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 33rd overall pick of the 2000 NBA draft. He only played 16 games in his rookie season, averaging 1.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he toiled for 4 seasons, averaging 5 and 4 over his 59 games played and played in the playoffs. He then played for the Bobcats, Bucks and Raptors to finish his 9 year NBA career. His game highs were 20 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 steals. He played one more year, in the Dominican Republic.

At UConn, His play was slowed early on by a stress fracture in his foot. The training squad diagnosed the reason after noticing how hard Jake was on his feet. The solution was to wear a new pair of shoes every game. Jake was heavily involved in giving back to the University.

He, along with Coach Calhoun, created the Stanley "Sticks" Robinson Memorial fund specifically for Sticks's daughters upon his death.
When the Werth Champions Center opened in 2014, Jake worked with former Women's player Meghan (Pattyson) Culmo to lead the outreach to former student-athletes. "Every student-athlete who has put on the Huskies uniform and stepped on the court is part of a special fraternity, a special group that shares a common bond. It’s a brotherhood bound by hard work, determination and discipline. We individually and collectively have learned life lessons, matured and grown up together. Now we have an opportunity to give back and help support (what coaches do) for others (and) what Coach Calhoun has done for us.”

At this moment, Voskuhl is the CEO of Four Three Energy, an energy brokerage firm in the Houston, Texas area. He has often made appearances at UConn for championship reunions and other celebrations.

Temi was unique in that he was a walk-on who played for 4 seasons. Scored 2 points with 2 boards and 2 assists in his 41 minutes across 28 games.

While he helped the Huskies in practice, he is now aiming to practice medicine as an M.D. candidate at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. On top of getting his B.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, he was able to balance that work with the 30+ hours per week required of a student athlete in practice, meetings plus home/away games. Junior year, UConn got a new coach in Dan Hurley. Aiyegbusi was excited for the future. “I’m from the tri-state area, Philadelphia, and right next to New Jersey. I know he’s from Jersey. His dad (Bob) is a legendary high school coach from around there. So, like, the Hurley name is definitely very prevalent where I’m from,”
“I’m just hoping for the best,” said Aiyegbusi. “Hope we can all stay together as a unit as a team, continue to do what we’re doing, and go in the right direction.”

Unlike most walk-ons, he had a moment in the sun. In January 2020, UConn was playing at #25 Houston and this was a crazy one - there were 54 fouls called including 3 technicals. With five seconds left and the Huskies trailing by two, the ball somehow got into the hands of Aiyegbusi. What an absurd way for UConn’s six-year skein of losing to ranked teams on the road to be snapped than on a 3-pointer by a walk-on who had played exactly 7 minutes, 10 seconds of garbage time all season?
Aiyegbusi pump-faked, put the ball on the floor and put up a jumper from the wing. The shot was short but the memory indelible. In fact, Temi should not have even been in the game. He was inserted in place of Josh Carlton to allow Akok Akok to guard an inbounds pass, hopefully forcing a 5 second violation. That worked and Hurley sent Carlton back in for Aiyegbusi but the officials erroneously disallowed the substitution since no time had come off the clock. The AAC recognized the error after the game - it should have been allowed since a violation occurred.

Temi made the AAC All-Academic Team three consecutive years.

Rahsool Diggins arrived in Storrs full of confidence and swagger, seemingly intent on being one of the program’s next great point guards one day.
He wound up playing just 46 minutes over nine games as a Husky.

The 6-foot-1 combo guard and a four-star recruit from Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia, was Hurley’s first Class of 2021 commit. He was recruited by Villanova and fellow Big East rival DePaul, along with Kansas, Miami, Rutgers and Virginia Tech, among numerous others.
He was a top-50 recruit with PG skills who could shoot and score. He just couldn't replicate that in Storrs and went into the portal after year 1, committing to UMass. “A combination of (wanting to play) closer to home, a little bit more playing time,” John Mosco, Diggins’ coach at Archbishop Wood in Philadelphia, explained. “He wasn’t chased out. It was ‘Sool’s decision. Danny (Hurley) wanted him to stay.”

“Danny’s got to get the confidence in him, he’s got to get confidence in Danny. It’s a long process.”
“It was a frustrating year for Rahsool,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “And you just wish him well. He’s a really good player and a quality guy. When you’re a young player and you don’t get the opportunity to get in there and you’re as competitive as he is, basketball’s a big part of his life and he feels there is a better place for him.”

Diggins started slowly for the Minutemen but improved as a junior to average 12.8 ppg. As a senior he scored 16.8 ppg on over 15 shots per game and 31% from three on almost 9 attempts per game for the low-achieving Minutemen.

In 2024, "Rip" joined Ray Allen as the only 2 Huskies to have their number retired. #32 will never again be worn because of all the wear and tear Hamilton put in while wearing the number.

Jim Calhoun said that he knew by halftime that he wasn't getting the kid he had come to watch play in the high school basketball game in the Philadelphia suburbs.
The UConn men's basketball coach was also pretty sure that none of the other college coaches in attendance were getting Kobe Bryant, either. But Calhoun was intrigued by a skinny guard playing for the opposing team.
And so began the recruitment of Richard Hamilton to UConn."Coach said if I came to UConn, I'd have the chance to do a lot of things," Hamilton said. "Be an All-American, be a Big East Player of the Year, win Big East championships, win national championships – but he never said anything about getting my number retired."

As a high school senior, he graduated his game to both the MacDonalds and Parade All-American teams. He started all of his 103 games for the Huskies, was a two-time BIG EAST Player of the Year and two time All-American, led the Huskies to the BIG EAST regular season and tournament championships in both 1998 and 1999. He was a member of the original inauguration class for the Huskies of Honor wall. His Huskies reached the NCAA Elite Eight in 1998 and won the program's first NCAA title in 1999. During his three seasons, UConn's record was 84-22. Hamilton was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

He was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. After three seasons, he was traded to the Pistons, where in 2004 he helped them win an NBA championship. He played seven more seasons in Detroit, was a three-time NBA All-Star, then two more for the Chicago Bulls before retiring in 2015.
His #32 was also retired by the Pistons and he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. BTW, the nickname 'Rip' was passed down from his dad, who, it is said, had such strong hands he could 'rip' a telephone book in half.

Athletic walk-on played one half of one season, getting in for 10 minutes in 9 games with no points scored.

The mountain of a man at 6'4", 258 lbs was a beast at practice as you might imagine when you consider he was also a defensive end on the football team.

Some may recall a 50 foot-long, 11 foot-high shot at the buzzer that was an all-ugly consideration.

The first. As in MacDonalds All-American to come to UConn. As in consensus First Team All-American at UConn.

He was a big fish in what was becoming a very big pond. Two years removed from the Dream Season of 1989-90, Donyell only committed after fretting about the decision. His mom slammed her fist down to say "No!" to Syracuse. Can't blame her, there. Maryland had him but NCAA penalties including no NCAA tournament appearances loomed and he did not like that. The MacDonalds game was in Springfield and afterwards he stopped in Storrs to visit with coach Calhoun and he committed on his way home.

Early on, he struggled and self-doubt crept in. Coach Calhoun firmly told Donyell that if he couldn’t play at CT’s level, he wouldn’t have been recruited. “Coach Calhoun is a great guy. I think any player who’s played for him learns to love the man. He was some of ours' father figure, he disciplined us, he loved us, and he cared for us as if we were his own – all of us.”

Donyell was such a tough cover. 6'9" with arms down to his knees, leaping ability, gigantic hands and a smooth shooting stroke. His dunk vs. Seton Hall is surely top-ten and maybe top ever in a UConn uniform: Donyell Dunks.
He is all over the UConn records list, in the top ten in multip[e categories including points blocks, field goals, field goal percentage and free throws. He was a Big East Player of the Year, Big East Defensive Player of the Year and was on the Big East All-Star team twice in his 3 Storrs seasons. He was in the inaugural class of inductees into the Huskies of Honor.

After UConn, he was picked #4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His All-Rookie Team first season curiously included him being traded to the Golden State Warriors. After that, he suffered a decline in production and playing time. He acknowledged he had more adjustments to make and turned it around in year 5 and became a solid double digit scorer for most of his 15 year, 8 team career, topping out in Toronto where he averaged 16.2 ppg and 10.7 rebounds.
He won NBA 6th man of the year twice. After the NBA, he went into coaching, first as an assistant to Karl Hobbs at George Washington, then the G-League, Rider U., and Buffalo before landing his first head coaching job at Central Connecticut. After his 6 year stint there he is now an assistant coach in the G-League.
“The older you get, when you’re out of the league or out of coaching, sometimes it’s harder to get back,” Marshall said. “So it’s something I wanted to do, make sure I stayed to keep my name fresh. … This is considered the second best league in the world and there’s big, big talent here.”

Marshall has worked closely with former UConn players Isaiah Whaley, of the Greensboro Swarm, and James Bouknight, who was selected by the Hornets with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft and has split time between the NBA and the G League. “One of the things I tell them is you’re in a business right away,” Marshall said of Whaley and Bouknight. “You look at some guys who think, ‘I was a top-10 pick, I should be playing right away and I should be starting,' this and that. … Bouk knows when I coach him and I’m on him, it’s coming from love. It’s not necessarily just about being his coach. It’s also about love because of the UConn family. Me being here as your coach, I’m always going to root for you, I’m always here for you as a friend and as a brother before a coach. I think he really liked that. Even during games, when he gets down on himself, I’m able to approach him and he understands where it’s coming from.” He sees his playing days as a big plus when coaching up-and-comers in college and beyond. “I think one asset I bring, besides the X’s and O’s, is when we’re in meetings there are times when I’m able to tell [a kid] what the players are actually feeling without me talking to the players,” said Marshall. “I’ll tell him, ‘I’m giving you a player’s perspective now.’ … Being an ex-player, I’ve also been able to go to the players and say, ‘This is a coach’s perspective,’ and they understand it."

Tyrese followed Dan Hurley from URI to UConn and due to recently revised rules played immediately. Happily for UConn fans.

A real lunch bucket type, he used his large frame to advantage from the guard position, crashing the boards and taking it to the rack with impunity. “Now here being at UConn it’s more like, it’s a higher level obviously, so I have to do things differently, the expectations are greater and higher from the coaching staff, so now I feel like it’s all about doing what I have to do on the court and off the court to make sure I excel and help the team be successful altogether.”

His 3 was a useful weapon and he upped his 3p average to 43% as a senior, also pulling in 7.5 boards and scoring 13.6. He made the All-Big East Tournament Team.
A consistent force for good vs. evil that could be relied upon, Tyrese scored in double figures in 21 of 29 games senior year. He scored 27 points vs. Butler and snared 16 boards vs. DePaul.

Not a top athlete, pundits did not see a life for him in the NBA. He fooled 'em all. Picked in the 2nd round (51st) by Golden State, he was traded on draft day to the Atlanta Hawks. He only got into 16 games and started considering his options after being waived. He signed with the Timberwolves, was again waived before playing a game and signed with their G-League team for the rest of 2023-24.
He then signed with the Brooklyn Nets and impressed during training camp to earn a two-way contract. Martin scored a career-high 30 points in a 127-117 win over the Phoenix Suns. He was 10-13 from the field and made a career-high 8 threes. Martin also set a franchise record for points in a game by a player on a two-way contract. He's been with the parent team since and earned a full-ticket NBA multi-year contract. No more two-way deals and no need to bring his own lunch bucket.
“Nobody deserves it more than him,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez told reporters Wednesday. “He’s about what we’re trying to build here. He helps us build the culture. He’s had big games, but the most important thing is he’s about the right things, working every day, getting better. And we love him. We love him around here. So that’s the reason why, and I’m very, very proud of him and happy for him.”

Ahmad came to UConn with a reputation and the goods to back it up.

In high school, Nowell garnered much success for himself and his team, winning three state titles along with numerous individual awards. He also got it done on the AAU circuit, consistently racking up 20-point nights against elite competition.
In these contests, Nowell also showcased his diverse skillset. On offense, the combo guard can execute from just about anywhere, sinking the three-ball and midrange at a high level. He can make tough shots both on and off the dribble. However, Nowell shines the most inside the arc, specifically near the paint. He came with a polished layup package and isn’t afraid to shed off contact for the and-1 bucket. Even if Nowell finds himself double-teamed or with a low percentage look, he has shown that he can often find a teammate in a good position to score. While impressive, that was all high school.

In his limited minutes for UConn he showed a few flashes of that brilliance chased by freshman blunders and held back due to an apparent shoulder injury. He rarely saw the floor again but health didn't seem to be the problem as coach Hurley eventually worked in revitalized Aidan Mahaney as second PG to back up the injured-knee slowed Hassan Diarra.

Entered the Portal after the 2024-25 season.

A Swiss Army knife type, he became a fan-favorite to many.

He wasn't a scorer, he wasn't a rebounder, he wasn't.....stop.....he had a little bit of everything, most importantly energy. When he subbed in, it seemed like he played multiple positions all at once, he was so everywhere.

Coach could always count on "Toolezy" to either keep the deficit or lead at least even while he was out there. During the off season he rapped. For real. He cut CDs, sharing them with the team who loved the music. Even SLAM magazine gave him a little 'pub' during a Ben Gordon interview after winning the 2004 natty.
Coach Jim Calhoun, in joke mode said, "I was in the French Riviera this summer and I saw P. Diddy and his entourage," Calhoun joked. "Maybe someday I'll be part of that (entourage) with Shamon when I don't work anymore." Back to serious, "It's not that he's played more than I expected, but when we're in trouble defensively, we've been going to him," Calhoun said "I know my role out there," Tooles said. "Guys like Ben (Gordon), Rashad (Anderson) and Denham (Brown) are the ones that are going to make shots. I have to do the small things like set screens and deliver passes, things that help us win games." "I know he can screen, he can guard a two (shooting guard), a three (small forward) or a four (power forward)," Calhoun said."So he's so much more valuable...The great thing is that he's a 'know' -- you know what he's going to give you. He can defend, and he works his (butt) off. He's a positive for the team when he's on the floor."

They remain close, Ben and Toolezy, him alongside during Ben's induction into the Huskies of Honor. His appreciation for coach Calhoun is supreme, "It’s after you graduate that you realize the knowledge and information that Coach has given to you that you can apply outside of basketball. It was a humbling experience to say the least, to have been given the opportunity to be a part of UConn basketball. I remember everything about my college experience. It was the most impactful time of my life. Everything that was happening was happening for the first time.”

Growing up, he was good at all sports but decided not to pursue football at the high school level even though he was especially good at it, because he didn’t enjoy all the summer practices, and it was the basketball players that the girls were interested in. Shamon’s cousin, UConn and NBA star, Richard Hamilton, encouraged Shamon to come to Connecticut while Shamon’s friend, St. Joseph's and NBA star, Jameer Nelson, was encouraging him to join him at Saint Joe’s. In making his decision to come to UConn, Shamon said, “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I could have gotten more playing time at Saint Joe’s based on the style of basketball they play, but given the opportunity to play for Coach Calhoun, a Hall of Fame Coach, playing against Big East teams, you just can’t turn that down.”

Keeping a New England recruit here was the chore. In the hands of Jim Calhoun, we trust.

The slashing guard with an explosive first step was a national recruit at the highest of levels. Programs like Kansas and Kentucky were involved. Florida made a hard push.
After revealing his decision, Tony made clear where he wanted to be all along. "“It’s a relief,” Robertson said Tuesday. “I just needed to get a spot before my first choice was taken. I feel comfortable.” He felt he had made the right decision and it showed to be true. The Parade HS All-American went on to a fine career at UConn, replete with highlight moments but also with some down times.

“In my junior year, I was in a five-game slump. I wasn’t scoring, but instead of benching me he stuck by me and let me play through it. There was pressure to put other players in—practice guys who didn’t play much. But I was practicing hard. He told me, ’Stick with it and it’ll be over before you know it.’ And it turned out he was right.”

A year earlier, after a mediocre, for him, sophomore season where he never started a game, Tony had thoughts of transferring and hashed it out with coach. He told Tony that he would in fact be the starting two-guard the next season and would be a leader on and off the court. That was what he needed to hear. To Calhoun's word, Robertson started all 34 games his junior season, finishing with 11.3 ppg, shooting 43.6% from three and 53.9% from two. Tony had one of the most memorable dunks in program history. See: Oh my! That it was vs. Boston College only makes it tastier.

Robertson's UConn career concluded with him as having played in the 8th most games in program history (132). He had the 4th most double figure point games (29) as a reserve.
He played professionally in Sweden, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Spain and Mexico. Since then, he's had to take stock. Playing ball overseas was like a vacation to him and now he had to work. Step one was getting his degree. With help from Calhoun and assistant George Blaney, Tony came back in 2013 and did it. “I felt weird in the beginning,” he said. “I was the oldest person there. I lived by myself. But I never felt uncomfortable. It was something that had to be done.”
“I’m Antonio now,” he said, a reference to his real name. “Tony’s my alter-ego, and I’m going to put him in the past, and reinvent myself. I want to own my own home, maybe be a coach. I’ve got dreams.”
He knew it was time to put the bouncing ball in the closet somewhere, his playing days were all in the past tense. “I’m the first person in my family to ever graduate from college,” Robertson said. “I don’t want to be the last.”

Say it. Breathe it. What. A. Talent.

It was the fall of 1993 when we first got a glimpse of the 6'4" South Carolina guard, consistently ranked in the high 30's by recruiting services. It was an open practice behind floor-surrounding curtains that were all netting from 8 feet up to the ceiling but opaque canvas back down to the floor - this kept prying eyes away from team activities. The practice took place in the old Field House and while it rang and reeked from decades of Yankee Conference basketball (and indoor track and other sports), it marked a clear distinction from Big East realities that took place in Gampel Pavilion, just a full court pass away up Hillside Road.
Of course, the new freshmen were the focus because few had seen them play and the internet was an infant. Besides Allen, we saw Doron Sheffer, Kirk King and Marcus Thomas (who?) for the first time. Allen gets the ball on the right wing, explodes by a blurred defender, sleekly shifts direction, slithers to the hoop and lays it in.
We look at each other from our bleacher seats to see all our mouths agape at what we had just witnessed. What were those silent mouths saying? "Oh my god, Ray Allen!" What was omnipresent was the thought we were seeing the type of greatness in an athletic ballplayer that we had never experienced at UConn.

Assistant Howie Dickenman saw it this way after seeing Ray play on a recruiting visit, "I just watched a kid who's got 'NBA' written all over him. This young man is going to be special." "He enjoyed playing the game. He was having fun playing basketball. I liked his overall demeanor. He was really smooth about his game and he showed leadership qualities and in summer camp, that usually doesn't express itself. And obviously, the way he could shoot the ball….."

As often happens in the wild world of recruiting, fate played a part. Dickenman would not have even been there had not his plane been delayed and then cancelled on his way to see Kirk King in Baton Rouge, La. Instead, Dickenman went to Columbia, S.C., and showed up unannounced at Hillcrest, looking for a chance to speak to Allen. "We just sat across from each other and talked for about half an hour," Dickenman said, "I remember his eyes were riveted on me, listening to every word I was saying. He was really focused." "We told Ray, 'There are a whole lot of guys we could be visiting today, but we're here to see you,' "

That Ray would be a coachable talent was perhaps his most significant personality trait in those early days. He never started as a freshman (typical Calhoun) but no one could call him a disappointment as he scored 12.6 with 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steal in his 21.6 minutes per game. He shot 40% from three and 54.8% from two. Terrific. More shots would come once he got starter minutes as a sophomore but the main thing Calhoun had Ray work on in the off season was his handle. It was a little loose. He'd get stripped, lose the ball on the way up, make wayward passes. This was occasional stuff but JC knew what he had and wanted to polish the already beautiful gem. He had Ray live with that basketball. He'd dribble to and from classes. Eat with it, sleep with it. Make it like a child, one you care for and hold on to for dear life. The scheme worked and Ray would go on to unquestioned greatness.

The awards and accolades are breathtaking. The meetings vs. Georgetown and Allen Iverson were awe-inspiring. Award-wise, let's just leave it at consensus first team All-American as a junior and ultimately, Husky of Honor, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
In the NBA, he went to even greater heights. After being drafted #5 by the Timberwolves and traded to the Bucks on draft day, he went on to have 3 all-star seasons in his 7 years in Milwaukee and 7 more with the Seattle Supersonics and Boston Celtics.
After his 18 years in the league, his career numbers included 18.9 ppg (10 straight years over 20 ppg), 89.4 FT%, 45% FG, 40% 3pt. His 2973 threes made were #1 all-time in NBA history and he led the league 3 times. He had game highs of 54 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 6 steals and recorded 3 triple doubles. He made the All-Rookie team, was a 2-time NBA champ, 2-time All-NBA and made the NBA 75th Anniversary team. He even has Hollywood on his resume, playing Jesus Shuttlesworth alongside Denzel Washington in the legendary Spike Lee film "He Got Game".

He was always in Kevin Ollie's court during Ollie's departure as coach and the lawsuit that followed. This put a wedge between him and the athletic department but that gap has been closed as part of a Dan Hurley reach-out. He didn't know Hurley well before he was hired, although he played against him when the UConn coach was a guard at Seton Hall in the 1990s but he has come to respect him. “I was always in awe of the way they played,” Allen said when discussing the 2023-24 vintage. “I think, personally, this is the best UConn team that I have seen."

The skinny 6'9" kid appeared undersized for the center position but he had long arms, the work ethic of a tireless machine and the grit of a country oppossum.

A member of the 1989-90 Dream Team, Sellers took to coaching and dramatically improved every season.
As a senior, he shot 59.2% (up from 55.4), 66.3 from the line (57.0) and averaged 8.7 rebounds (8.0). He started 95 of his last 97 games. Perhaps his most notorious moment was vs. Kentucky in the Midwest Regional semi-final vs. Duke.

Christian Laettner had just flagrantly elbowed him in the cheek (no call) and Sellers responded by dribbling Laettner's head to the court while pursuing a loose ball (no call). This immediately put Sellers into the fans' Hall of Fame for giving the notoriously dirty Laettner his due

. Per UConn's all-time leading scorer Chris Smith, “Rod was a monster for us under the rim. He was a great rebounder and defender of the paint. If we needed a score in the paint, Rod was our man.” NCAA officials, in all their intellectual integrity, took it upon themselves to ban Sellers from the first round game - the following season!

Blossoming his junior year in high school, he relied heavily on his brother, Pat, who was playing at Central Connecticut. Pat had told his own coaches about Rod but when they saw him they could see he was too good for them. They called Howie Dickenman (UConn Associate Coach) in Storrs and they began recruiting him. "I think the 89-90 season, which they call the Dream Season in Connecticut, was huge for the state. It was the building block for the UConn program. I think it helped build the program from a regional school to a National Powerhouse. But the love we received in the State was tremendous. It was like a dream come true. Now we are not just playing for the school anymore. We are now playing for the state."

As that season was building, one of the stepping stones was the Big East Tournament. "To watch the fans storm the court after winning it (over Syracuse) and then watching the committee give us a number 1 seed in the East immediately after was something many players dream about."
His overseas play after graduation was highly successful. Throughout Europe he became known as "Mr. Double Double". Rod played on successful teams in the top level leagues in Greece, Spain, Turkey, Italy and France. He has led leagues in rebounding, made all-star squads, won league titles and two French Cups.
Coming to UConn was actually a blessing to Storrs. “I tell everybody I play with overseas when they talk about their high schools and colleges and their fans, that they can’t beat UConn. Fans are awesome up there. Those days at UConn are truly some memorable days.”
Now that I’m in the working world I think back to my college days and all the fun we had and all the experiences that I was afforded just by playing a game that I love and I can’t help but be thankful for everything. Basketball has given me so much. It has taught me so much. It has helped shape me into the person I am today. It also pushes me to help others achieve their dreams of playing college ball. I live in Atlanta now and I get asked everyday where did I play college ball, and when I mention UConn the reactions I get are priceless.

r He showed some skill, did the kid from Strake Jesuit High in Houston that won four straight state championships.

He followed teammate Jake Voskuhl to the northlands of Storrs but had a lot to learn about hard work.
LeBlanc had been relegated to a mop-up time role and starters Dion Carson and Monquencio Hardnett were struggling from three. Coach Calhoun gave LeBlanc, who made his only three-pointer in the previous game against Rutgers and was 5-for-5 from the field for the season, a chance to get into the playing rotation. “He’s better equipped to play more than a month ago,” said Calhoun, who had been displeased with LeBlanc’s work ethic and defense in practice. Leblanc, humorously called "Mike the White" by fans, a reference to his French last name, transferred to Vanderbilt after the one season in Storrs.

He played a key role for a tremendous high school team. LeBlanc Made a pivotal three-point field goal with 3 1/2 minutes left and his team trailing by four in the Texas Christian Interscholastic League 4A title game against Dallas Jesuit. Then made four free throws in overtime in his team’s 63-61 victory. “Michael might be the only player in the country who played on four consecutive state championship teams,” coach Butch Siegler said. He played professionally in 25 different countries over 10 years. After ball, work includes Campus Athletic Coordinator / Performance Coach / Head Boy’s Basketball Coach / Head Boy’s Baseball Coach at International Leadership of Texas.

Consensus 5* prospect and MacDonalds All-American de-comitted from Indiana to come to the defending national champions.

He showed his diversity as his freshman season progressed. He could hit the three, carve and finish, handle the ball well, rebound willingly and had a fierce determination that he's not afraid to let loose on the court. His body was thick for his age and only occasionally got displaced underneath or bodied off the ball. Vision excellent. Decision-making, good.

He picked up the complex UConn system well but certainly not completely as a freshman. He was hobbled by a high ankle sprain, missing the month of January, which hindered not only his progression but the team's performance. Took over games at times and eventually learned how to conserve his energy to be available at the end of close games. Had 4 double-doubles including 38 and 10 vs. Creighton in an upset win in Omaha.

Expectations were high for Liam as a projected one-and-done. His high school team, Monteverde, was the national champion. He played alongside 4 future D1 studs. Robert Wright, Baylor's starting point guard; Asa Newell and Derik Queen, dominant big men at Georgia and Maryland, respectively; and Cooper Flagg, the all-over-your-devices, do-it-all sensation who led Duke to the Final Four. "That's the best high school team of all time, right there," McNeeley proudly proclaimed"

His 38/10 double-double vs. Creighton stands out as the best game of any of those five but served only as a reminder of what McNeeley can be, not what he was. Again, expectations are ridiculously high. Any other kid who averaged 14.5 with 6 rebounds and over 2 assists as a freshman in the Big East would be decorated without a thought. And decorated he was as UConn's second consecutive (Stephon Castle) runaway winner of Big East Freshman of the Year.

While he was the Huskies most prominent scorer, he showed his youth by frequently banging into teammates while running a play, failing to cover down low when post players hedged high and neglected to go all-out on three point shooters. Unfairly, he was put into the position of point guard by default when Hassan Diarra went down with a bad knee and Aidan Mahaney struggled to keep pace. To his credit, he performed admirably but the extra worked seemed to wear him down toward the end of games. His left hand shooting down low needs work and his strong hand shot more consistency.

While there were moments, his freshman season did nothing to raise his already high profile. In fact, most mock drafts have him rated lower than preseason expectations. He has now declared his intention to be available in the NBA Draft.

The 2004 national championship was the cherry on top for the decorated center.

Chukwuemeka Ndubuisi “Emeka” Okafor was born in Houston to parents Celestina and Pius, both natives of Nigeria. His first name means “God has done well” in the Igbo language.

Coming to Storrs as a top-100 recruit, he was raw, especially on the offensive end. The hard-working Okafor developed an unstoppable turnaround bank shot that served the Huskies quite well. In 3 seasons his teams were 83-23 and made an NCAA regional final, semi-final in addition to the 2004 natty.
He was Big East Freshman of the Year, three-time All-Big East, two-time Big East DPOY, Big East POY, NCAA All-Tournament and MOP. In 2003-04 he was a consensus All-American and the NABC Player of the Year. He averaged 17.6/11.5 with 4.1 blocks in the natty run and the previous year 4.7 blocks to lead the country.
He owns 3 of the top 5 seasons with the most blocks (156 in 2002-03), 3 of the top 7 Defensive Rebound seasons, 6th most field goals in a season and we could go on. In the 2003 NCAAs, he had 59 pts and 40 rebounds in the 3 games. In the 2004 NCAAs, he had 4 double-doubles including 24/15 with 2 blocks in the final.
He is the only UConn player to post 400 blocks, 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He was inducted to the Huskies of Honor in the inaugural class of 2007.

In the pros, he was the 2nd overall pick, going to the Charlotte Bobcats where he became Rookie of the Year. After 5 seasons of averaging 14.0/10.7 he was traded to the New Orleans Hornets and later to the Wizards. In a 2006 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Emeka recorded 22 points, 25 rebounds, and 4 blocks in over 51 minutes of play in an epic 133–124 triple overtime victory. He also had eight blocks in games against the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. In 2007, he had an NBA season high ten blocks in a game against the New York Knicks. His ten blocks were the most ever recorded in a single game at Madison Square Garden. His final 5 seasons were injury-plagued, including 3 seasons where he did not play at all due to a herniated disc in his back. He did come back to play in New Orleans for 26 games in 2018 and then signed but was eventually waived by the 76ers before the season started.

In Jim Calhoun's words, "“There’s a lot to like about Emeka as a person. He’s a wonderful athlete, a terrific basketball player, and was an outstanding student. I still talk to him now and then. He was one of the great, successful kids; one of the best to come out of UConn.”
He was able to graduate college in 3 years, earning a 3.8 GPA in Finance. He also extends himself to kids: “It’s OK if you don’t play for the Rockets. You can be a rocket scientist,” he told hundreds of children at an elementary school in Hartford in 2007. “It’s OK if you don’t play for the Rams. You can be a veterinarian.”

He once spoke at a Big East Freshman Orientation event in New York. "He was nothing short of tremendous," Big East executive associate commissioner Stu Jackson noted. "It was cool," Okafor said. "It was a great experience to go there and chat with incoming freshmen. It was nostalgic for me to reminisce about that time. We didn’t have that program when I was a freshman, but being there reminded me of what it was like to be a freshman." UConn star Donovan Clingan was there and came away impressed. One of Okafor's anecdotes that really stuck with Clingan was a story about how Okafor and his roommate, Ben Gordon, worked together to balance each other out on both the basketball court and in the classroom. "Gordon was heavily into basketball, and Emeka was big in academics," Clingan recalled. "There were times when, before practice, Ben would be getting extra shots up and doing extra work, and Emeka would be doing his schoolwork. He was saying how he (wondered), was he doing something wrong because he's not getting extra shots up? But they would rub off on each other, and Ben would start doing more of his schoolwork, getting better grades academically. And Emeka was taking more time to get more work in, get more shots up."

JC reached into LA to pluck the heady PG. Never a great shooter, he averaged 9.8 ppg and 6.4 assists as a senior.

He was a terrific defender. Undrafted, his smarts and leadership was noticed in the CBA and earned him NBA roster spots with 12 different franchises over a 13 year career.

Eventually, he succeeded legend Jim Calhoun as UConn coach and took his second squad to an NCAA title in 2014. Personal troubles and NCAA investigations plagued him thereafter and he left under a shadow of lawsuits before ultimately resurrecting his coaching career as an assistant and ultimately head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2024.

Career-wise he is 5th all-time in assists per game (5.0); 4th in total assists (619). His single season marks of 212 and 209 assists place him 5th and 6th; he averaged 6.4 and 6.1 assists, good for 4th and 7th. For a game, he had 14 assists twice, trailing only Marcus Williams (16). Kevin made the All-Big East first team in 1994-95. As a coach, his teams went 127-79 (including the final two lousy 16-17 and 14-18 seasons).

While he had great personal problems towards the end of his reign, he did show his commitment to UConn by donating $100,000 towards the construction of the (Werth) UConn Basketball Champions Center.
Prior to that, as a player in the NBA, he had the respect of the league. NBA player Kevin Durant in an interview with Grantland said that Ollie (who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2009–10 season) "taught him the ropes", and "changed the culture of Oklahoma City". He also said, "Kevin Ollie, he was a game changer for us. I think he changed the whole culture in Oklahoma City. Just his mind set, professionalism, every single day. And we all watched that, and we all wanted to be like that.

It rubbed off on Russell Westbrook, myself, Jeff Green, James Harden. And then everybody who comes through now, it's the standard that you've got to live up to as a Thunder player. And it all started with Kevin Ollie." While Olllie hit his high school fame at Crenshaw High in Los Angeles, he was born in Dallas, TX. He, his two sisters and recently divorced mother moved to California when Kevin was 8 years old. His mom was a preacher at their Baptist church and her speaking left Kevin mesmerized. "I fell in love (with church) when I was able to hear her preach," Kevin says. "She did it with such passion and was always able to help people, so I think I tried to take on that personality, too." Kevin sang and led bible study groups. This was the birth of the leadership traits Kevin displayed throughout his basketball career as a point guard and coach.

As new coach Jim Calhoun was looking to fill out his first roster, he needed depth up front. Enter his first recruit, the 6'8", 210 lb forward from Carrollton, Texas.

Spradling played sparingly, accumulating 25 points, 25 rebounds and 36 fouls in his 34 games and 210 minutes. Known for his sharp elbows in practice, he helped with toughness and did get to experience the 1987-88 team's NIT championship.
After transferring to UT-Arlington, he finished his degree in Mechanical Engineering and has worked in the fire protections engineering industry for his career.

Thomas was a reserve guard for two teams that went 57-10 and made two NCAA regionals.
He scored 20 points with 11 assists in his 37 games played, including swishing 5 of his 13 launched threes.

Thomas averaged 10 points, eight assists and shot 40 percent from three-point range at the New Castle school in Pittsburgh. Upon selecting UConn to play hoops he remarked, “I liked everything there. It’s a great school. It’s positioned in a nice area. It’s not a city school like Pittsburgh. It’s out by itself.
If you step out of your dorm room, you’re not stepping into the city. My brother [freshman forward Garrick Thomas] goes to Pitt, and when you step out of his dorm you’re in the city. It has been like a dream for me to play in the Big East. I saw my brother go on to do it and now I’m going too.”

After a year at Washington State, Beau went to junior college to get his grades and game up to speed. His improvement caught the eye of Jim Calhoun and he offered the Utah Valley State gunner a scholarship.

Speaking after his commitment, he said, “[The UConn coaches] said they just need a little bit more, to get past a North Carolina and stuff like that. I’m just happy they think I can maybe come in and put them over the hump. But it’s not like they need it. They’ve got all young guys, and that’ll probably put them over the hump by itself.”

Though he showed some promise, he had a tough time seeing the floor as UConn was returning a solid nucleus after their national championship the year before.
After graduation, he went into coaching, first as an assistant at UConn with subsequent stints at Texas Tech, FAU, Jacksonville, FIU and then back at UConn where he was name Director of Men's Basketball. That's when the dark clouds formed. Over the course of a 14-month internal investigation that centered on the recruitment of Nate Miles and the involvement of former UConn basketball manager Josh Nochimson, the university determined that members of the men's basketball staff, including ... Beau Archibald and former assistant coach Patrick Sellers, engaged in hundreds of impermissible telephone calls and text messages and provided game tickets to various individuals, contrary to NCAA legislation.
Archibald and Sellers resigned just before the NCAA's Notice of Allegations was delivered, The university's report also concluded that Archibald provided impermissible assistance to a certain student-athlete, in all likelihood Miles. Further, the school determined that Nochimson provided impermissible benefits to the same prospective student-athlete.
The NCAA also hit UConn with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years probation. Coach Calhoun was cited for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within his program and was suspended for three Big East games during the 2011-12 season. Miles was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without ever playing for the Huskies.
Beau went back into coaching as an assistant at Florida Atlantic in 2010 and at camps all over the world.

The 7-footer with a longer reach steadily improved his performances over his 4 Storrs seasons.

Coming to UConn, the top-40 recruit spurned local schools BYU (he was not attracted to having to go on a year's mission nor having to fight 7'6" Shaun Bradley for playing time) and Utah U., with Rick Majerus coaching but the school was not to Knight's liking.

Knight’s junior season was where he made a huge splash. He played in 33 games, which ranked first among Big East qualifiers, and averaged an impressive 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.7 blocks. Knight helped lead UConn to an Elite Eight appearance in the 1995 Men’s NCAA Tournament before falling to the No. 1 seed in the West region, UCLA. Knight averaged 11.3 points and 8.5 rebounds throughout the rounds. Back with more experience, Knight replicated his junior season success and then some. The senior averaged 9.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and two blocks in 34 games while ranking second in the Big East for blocked shots with a total of 68.

What’s more impressive is the advanced numbers that showcase how essential Knight was to the Huskies success in the 1995-1996 season. Knight ranked first in the Big East in defensive win shares with a rating of 4.4. The statistic shows how the team’s defensive capability was immediately increased once Knight checked into the game.
During that season, Knight grabbed a total of 317 rebounds, which ranked 14th in the NCAA and third overall in the Big East. The defensive-minded, rebound-machine center proved invaluable to Coach Calhoun in 1995-96. He made the 1996 All-Big East Tournament First Team. Knight didn’t stop after college basketball. With the 29th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Knight was drafted to the reigning NBA champion Chicago Bulls. Knight’s contract was never honored by the Bulls, so he signed to the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent on July 31, 1996.

He’d spend a season in Los Angeles averaging 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, earning himself a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1997. Knight made a few stops throughout the league including the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. Knight was a member of the 2000 NBA championship winning Los Angeles Lakers and spent seven years as an NBA player before retiring after the 2003 season posting career averages of 3.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. After his basketball career, Knight has been utilizing his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, as well as giving back to the youth with his time as a basketball coach in the Austin, Texas area since 2014.

Knight has been the owner of Aquaholic Fishing and Surf Charters in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua since 2006. The company offers day excursions off the coast of Nicaragua to adventurous customers.

The 2024-25 freshman saw little time on the court as he ramped up his understanding of the system and got used to the college game.

In his few chances early in the season he showed a deft touch, high motor and talent that should propel him to more opportunities as a sophomore.
He brought budding athleticism in his above the rim game. Asked what he thought Dan Hurley saw in him as a recruit, Abraham said, "My passion for the game and my work ethic, as I am willing to work at whatever a coach tells me to do. I will do whatever is required to win. My mindset and my versatility I think separates me. I play with a real desire and I want to do whatever I can to help produce the win. I felt like he saw that and we connected on this." As his offensive game develops, his athleticism is what sets him up for the future. "He's always been an athletic, high-motor, high-energy," Hurley said, "but the skills are starting to really develop, which is nice."

Hopefully nice for the team that picks him up as he entered the portal after his freshman season.

The leap made by Solomon (Solo) Ball in his sophomore campaign was gigantic. From a bench player (who started for a while during Stephon Castle's injury) averaging 3 points per game for the national champions, he blossomed for real, averaging 14.7 points and scoring in double figures in 32 of 35 games hitting over 41% of his threes. While he surely can be hot or cold, he was mostly consistent from three including two 7 for 9 games. He also shoots a nice 84% from the line but took only 88 free throws, just over two per game. It is this, his ball handing and decision making that need to keep improving. He has the body to get to the hole but struggles finishing with his right (off) hand.
He also needs to possess the ball better and absorb the game flow to anticipate better. Big shots have not been a problem as he led the Huskies to a big win on the road vs. 5th ranked Marquette. In that game he outshone Player of the Year candidate Kam Jones, one-upping the star numerous times.
Upon meeting top ranked Florida in a Round of 32, 2025 NCAA game he opined, “I love pressure,” Ball said. “Pressure makes diamonds.”

Freshman year he mostly sat after Castles return. He learned a lot from his roommate. “Seeing it for him just made me believe in myself even more,” Ball said. “One thing I saw in him last year that I tried to carry into this year is just how much confidence he carries in himself. No matter who he plays against, he knows all the hard work he puts in is going to show.” “He worked his ass off last year and he could have went to another team because he is talented,” said senior forward Samson Johnson, who has had a similar wait-for-reward UConn experience. “He decided to stay and trust the process. He’s just a guy who works hard, and he’s a really talented dude.”

By the age of 10, Solomon told his dad (Mike) he wanted to be a professional basketball player. Mike remembers that day like it was yesterday. “I took him very seriously because he had this look in his eyes and he did not blink,” he said. “While he didn’t know what it took, he was serious about what he wanted.” Mike was his coach and didn’t make anything easy for his son. He always made sure Solomon stayed in the gym longer than his teammates. When they watched games together Solomon would do pushups during commercial breaks. “I would not give anybody the satisfaction of thinking they outworked Solo and Solo adapted to that quickly,” Mike said. “Solo won’t let anybody outwork him.” “There are times when I had to tell Solo, ‘I’m the coach right now, not dad. I still love you but you have got to hear it this way. You have to learn how to take this harsh criticism.’ I had to coach him really hard.” Solo responds, “You see how Hurley coaches, he just wants to win,” he said. “You are going to hear his voice and you are going to hear it over a lot of people, even in a big crowd. That’s the way my dad was. That kind of energy fires me up.”

It was clear even before 'the beginning' that Jayden Ross had some growing to do. In high school, the quick-twitchful Ross grew from a 5'8" freshman to 6'7" by graduation day.

For basketball body to adjust to 11 new inches in that short a time frame, that is a lot to ask. Dan Hurley liked what he saw and took the gamble that such an athlete could mature into a lock-down wing defender in the Husky system. Round 1 was uneventful as it related to on-the-court growth as his freshman year was spent mostly practicing and watching.

Prepping for Round 2 in November, Hurley noticed that "A switch has been flipped" within Ross...We saw it in our closed scrimmage when he took what he's been doing on the practice court for the last 10 days, and he took it into that scrimmage where he was our best player." Ross just had to figure out what they want him to be - a dawg on D and a catch and shoot and finisher at the rim.
Hurley specifically mentioned how Ross was struggling with dribble penetration and how Hurley didn't care because Ross wasn't going to be doing that in games. That's pretty much what he's presented as March approached in his sophomore season. His quickness is such an advantage but how and when and importantly, how much to use it has been a work in progress.

He opened the season scoring 14 vs New Hampshire and tongues were wagging about his impact going forward. Over the next 24 games, only one sticks out - his 10 and 10 performance vs. Maryland Eastern Shore. He played regular double digit minutes through the first Marquette game on 2/1 but only once afterwards when he was, if used at all, put on a hot opponent for defense.
His three pointer has been abysmal (22%) but his scores off fast break dunks helped him to a 64.7% two-pointer average.

Without an offensive game as yet, the plan is to use him to guard the opponent's best player and at 6'7", 195 lbs he has the length and quickness to guard 4 positions. Alas, the consistency never showed and his minutes dwindled. It did appear he was trying too hard at times, fearing reckless mistakes, becoming indecisive instead of focusing on what he does best at least for now. This is too bad because the 2024-25 minutes leaders at UConn all lack the defensive stop-ability Ross possesses, excepting for a healthy Diarra.
March arrived and minutes got scarce and we saw Ross for 7 Big East Tournament minutes and none in two NCAA Tournament games.
He declared his intention to return as a junior in 2025-26.

He came from 3,000 miles away, a tasty ingredient to the phenomenal recruiting plate of 1991-92, joining MacDonalds All-American Donyell Marshall (no relation for the millionth time), Kevin Ollie, Brian Fair, Boo Willingham and Rudy Johnson.

For his career, Marshall seemed a 'tweener at 6'7' 220 lbs with a terrible looking shot, not tall enough to guard strong forwards nor quick enough to stay with anyone and little leaping ability. He did have something, though. Call it determination, readiness or flexibility. Certainly self-confidence. Enter Jim Calhoun and staff.

Marshall played mostly center in high school so he had some major adjustments to make. "When I got here," he said, "and watched these guys play, I was worried. I'd been playing a different position (center) at a different level and saw I had to start over. So I did."
By his junior season, Marshall had made good on his mandate. "He's had a remarkable development," said UConn coach Jim Calhoun as the Huskies prepared for the 1994 NCAAs. "He came here with a two-foot jump shot, and he wasn't a good jumper. Now he's a focal point."

Donny was a bit out of sorts, going from a high school star from the upper northwest to New England where no one recognized him. It became too much after his freshman season and he left that summer to go back to Washington and be there for his mom. Early that summer, Marshall, helping teach at a basketball camp, was invited to watch the SuperSonic rookies prepare for an exhibition against the Brazilian national team at the Pro Sports Club in Bellevue. There, Marshall was asked if he wanted to work with the rookies. He did. Soon, he was spending five hours a day, six days a week at the club. He practiced with the pros - Shawn Kemp, Detlef Schrempf and Xavier McDaniel. Marshall took so much from the sessions, he returned the following year and the year after that. "When he came back that first fall," Ollie said, "we knew something happened. He came alive."

Through it all, Marshall had developed a reliable jumper and it was a thrill for fans to see the growth.

He averaged 15.8/5.8 senior year and was drafted 39th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He interspersed 5 NBA seasons with 3 others playing for the CBA's Connecticut Pride, making the CBA All-Star second team in 2000. At UConn he made All-Big East twice and was named to the 25 player All-Century team.

His post hoops life has kept him in basketball. Marshall has been in television broadcasting for 19 years, covering over 1,300 professional and collegiate basketball games. He worked as a color commentator/basketball studio analyst for the Boston Celtics on Comcast SportsNet in New England for 8 years covering over 650 NBA games. He was also a color commentator for NBC Sports Network college basketball telecasts. Marshall provided basketball color commentary for NBC during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Marshall covered games from the sidelines for the Brooklyn Nets from the 2013 to 2017 NBA seasons. He currently is an NCAA basketball television analyst for FOX Sports where he is frequently seen and treated with roses in Gampel and the XL Center. He also provides analysis for Westwood One national radio broadcasts during the men's NCAA championship basketball tournament each spring since 2014.

Ah, this is his breakout game. No, that wasn't it. This'll be the one. Nope. And so it goes. We wait for the consistency to take advantage of the serious talent shown by the 6'7" high flier. In the 2024 national championship run he became the microwave, one that could heat up quickly and make an instant impact.
Those games still happen but are frequently followed by duds. His numbers from freshman to sophomore year have doubled as have his minutes and notably his field goal percentage has increased from 65.9 to 72.51% on twos and 27 to 36% on threes. Those are the basis for some serious impact but he remains flummoxed too often.

Thoughtless passes, head turned the wrong way on defense leading to easy baskets by his man are the traits chaining him to the bench more often than not. He got a chance to start 12 games sophomore season after injuries to Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban but his inconsistency remained unchanged. He has had 7 games of 10 points or more - never 2 in a row. Also 12 games of zero or two points. He can really score at all three levels and possesses a nice post-up game but at this point it isn't in his game-time arsenal. He has the skills and the talent to be an all-star level player but apparently (hopefully) needs more reps to burst out for good. Deciding to stay for his junior campaign is a sign that he and the staff believe in each other.

Before he and his family had even reached the parking lot at the Lenovo Center following the 2024-25 team's season-ending, NCAA tournament loss to Florida in Raleigh, N.C., Jaylin was getting contacted by numerous programs. Stewart hadn't even entered the NCAA transfer portal — hadn't even left the premises, for that matter — before the sophomore forward was garnering interest, including at least one close to his Seattle home. But Stewart, despite not quite getting the playing time expected this season on a team clogged with similar, 6-foot-7 wings, decided to stay in Storrs. Stewart is cognizant that junior seasons can be huge for a player, especially when a sophomore year doesn't go as planned. He's betting that the playing time and utilization of his skills get maximized. Sources say Stewart loves and is fiercely loyal to UConn.

As he unveiled in his 'arrival' during the 2024 post-season, he showed up in a big way in those most important games of 2025. He made a late, big three to put a final stamp on a Villanova victory at MSG. “Madison Stew Garden, more like it,” teammate Solo Ball said. “Hell of a player. Steps up in big moments. You know you can trust him.”
“I don’t think there’s any magic moment,” coach Dan Hurley said. “I just think with different players, the light switch comes on, the level of confidence, the maturity, the comfortability. They just hit a point where they’re no longer jittery and nervous and not knowing where to go. They just get comfortable out on the court. He’s just scratching the surface. This guy’s got so much game and so much ability and hopefully he starts playing like a junior at the end of his sophomore year.”
It turned out to be like a sophomore and a half but the future is bright.

Much was expected of the uber-talented Parade All-American forward answered state player of the year from Washington State.

Catch his high flying and powerful antics on Youtube, you'll be entertained. However, the streets are littered with talented guys who thrived for a while on talent alone.

Doug Wrenn owned superior skills and scoring ability. But he started college with an attitude neither of them ever displayed. Poor behavior in practice and in New York during the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic earned Wrenn a seat on the bench for Connecticut's game against Duke.
The one-game suspension came after a one-minute, one-turnover college debut against Iowa. "It was something that happened on this trip and I've got to use better judgment," said Wrenn, who had a brush with the law in high school when he was charged with shoplifting.
Wrenn's record was cleared after he paid a fine and did community service work but his immaturity peeked through again as he first committed to Minnesota and flipped to Washington U. before finally ultimately enrolling at UConn. When he arrived on campus, he spent time going one-on-one with former Husky Ray Allen, then a rising star with the Milwaukee Bucks. Assistant Karl Hobbs said that Wrenn held his own against Allen and beat him off the dribble to the basket a few times.

Wrenn was the natural choice to replace NBAer Rip Hamilton as the go-to scorer. Instead, Wrenn took himself out of the lineup with his attitude. "We need him," Hobbs said of Wrenn. "He can play. It's not about defense or scoring or his talent. It's about his head, his attitude and how he respects his teammates."
Wrenn said he doesn't want the reputation of abandoning a situation when he's not happy. "If I give up on (UConn coach Jim Calhoun), a lot of people won't trust me," Wrenn said. "I don't want to go to another school or take a chance and go pro. You see how many people came down here to see us play? I just got to be smarter. I've got a lot of maturing to do."

Wrenn Island ultimately did transfer out after one season, to the Huskies out west in Washington. He had a solid 2 years there including averaging 19.5/6.4 his first season, making All-PAC 12.

He played overseas in Iceland, Montenegro and Korea.

Two years later, Calhoun was approached by a reporter who had regularly bashed Wrenn. “Doug Wrenn isn’t as bad a kid as you think he is,” Calhoun said.

The recruitment of Butler was signature Jim Calhoun. Take the troubled kid and turn him into a respectful adult.

As a senior in high school he was 6'7", strong as a bull with balletic offensive skills but carried near 270 pounds. When JC went to visit him in Racine, Wisconsin he said "You'd better slim down."
Butler didn't want to hear that or ignored it. "I’ll tell you one thing that UConn players know: You don’t want Coach Calhoun mad-dogging you", Butler said. "As my freshman year went on, Coach was on me about every little thing. He was always watching me. Never letting me coast on skill or talent. It always seemed like he had to make me the example. For a while, I thought maybe he didn’t like me. Later I started to learn: That was just Coach being Coach." (See Butler's recollection of his UConn days: Caronimo).
Yes, his freshman year was superlative with a line of 15.3 pts, 7.6 boards (3.4 ORB), 3.1 assists and 2.2 steals.
While he was an All-Big East Freshman and All-Big East, it still seemed he had only scratched the surface. He didn't take over games and his shot was inconsistent. He still had weight to lose. Enter sophomore season and we saw the child become a man

. The switch was flipped in January and the electricity was full bore the rest of the way. He dominated the floor, shot 40% from three and 50% from two. Scored 20 ppg. Named the Big East Player of the Year, Tourney MVP and was NCAA All-Region.

Looking back at his youth he finds many messages. His words. "As a teenager, I made some serious mistakes and was incarcerated. I was held in solitary confinement. It was damaging, physically and mentally. Despite the love and care of an amazing mom, I was exposed to drug-dealing and violence from a young age. I had multiple run-ins with the law before I was 15 and got an 18-month sentence. My time in prison — where I was one of the youngest — was frightening. Violence was everywhere. I tried to mask my fear by acting tough and ended up in solitary for nearly two weeks. During those excruciating days, I had to dig deep to hold on to the things I cherish — my faith, my mother’s embrace, my brothers’ laughter, a perfect shot on the basketball court. I got the message loud and clear: Our aim is not to rehabilitate you. We aim to break you."

When I played for UConn, I felt part of the “We.” Connecticut supported me to grow as a player and a person. I remember my time as a Husky and the love from fans all over the state. Together, we went on to many victories. And as a proud home and business owner in the state, I still feel part of the “We” in Connecticut."

He was the first player at UConn to leave for the NBA after his sophomore season and he was ready. He was drafted by the Miami Heat 10th overall and played for 9 different franchises in his terrific 14 year NBA career. He was on the All-Rookie team, made two All-Star teams and won a championship with the 2001 Dallas Mavericks.
He scored 12,430 NBA points with 4,487 rebounds, 2,007 assists and 1,163 steals in his 881 games played with bests of 40 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals. He had 3 triple-doubles.
He was inducted onto the wall of Huskies of Honor in 2016 and owns top 10 all-time season performances for minutes played, points, steals, field goals and attempts.

He was a late add-on recruit by new coach Kevin Ollie who was scrambling to fill out his first front court.
While Nolan was 6'9" with long arms, he was exceptionally thin for the rigors of the Big East (and then AAC.) Nolan worked hard in practice, evidenced by his 10-15 mpg over his career.

At the beginning of what would be a 2014 NCAA championship season, coach Ollie wanted, "...Nolan to work more on consistency, but that he’s much improved from last season. “He’s got all his moves in his head,” Ollie said. “And sometimes he tries to do two at the same time.” After putting on 20 pounds he did match up better with the AAC PFs.

While Phil never filled up the stat sheet, two things he was were dependable and defending. If a tough rebound was required, Phil would be jumping in for it. Need to force a turnover? Nolan drew dozens of charges, a king of causing the violation.
If there is one particular talent Nolan possesses it is his footwork, which elevates his defensive ability. UConn coach Kevin Ollie said the footwork Nolan has cannot be taught. "I have no clue," Nolan said. "To be honest, I have no clue. I promise you I have no clue. Probably from, as a child, I played around a lot, chasing my little sisters around. I don't know. I did a lot of running as a child. That's all I can say."
"He does a lot of stuff that doesn't show up on the stat sheet," Shonn Miller said. "He is all about the team. He probably didn't start off the season playing as much as he would have wanted to, but when he was called upon he was ready.
"He's just so special in his own way," Rodney Purvis said. "I've never really played with a guy like him. Defensively, he covers up for everybody. He's just a great teammate. He doesn't care about scoring, doesn't care about anything. He just wants to help the team win and go out with a bang."

Start with the body, add a dose of good coaching and sprinkle in some determination and skill and you have a recipe for success.

Besselink's progression from a soft-looking 6'9"er to a hard-nosed difference-maker was eye-popping.
As fans grew impatient with the kid, the coaches knew it was in there - the grit, the strength of character that could help raise on-the-court production his skills had shown.
Besselink had committed to Dom Perno when the Huskies were still playing in the old Field House. "Coach Dom Perno was so nice to me and my family. I really have to make it clear how sad it was for me when Coach Perno decided to step down, but I understood.”

Gerry had the honor of being the first player in NCAA history to be on the search committee when Coach Calhoun was being hired. “I didn’t say much, I listened mostly, but I was quite sure who was going to get the job even before the decision was made. It was clear what Coach Calhoun brought to the table, how that would transfer into a Big East program. The potential was unbelievable.”

The results were immediate. He had averaged 4.4/4.9 as a junior. Now, his senior year at UConn was Coach Calhoun’s first year, and that’s when Gerry averaged a double-double (10.7/10.3), and was in the top ten in the nation in rebounding. “I bought in to what Coach Calhoun was trying to sell us. You work hard, and good things happen.”

He was not drafted, hurting his earning potential and the level of basketball league that would notice him. When he got to Europe, Gerry was in Holland and played for five months. He hadn’t finished his college studies, and wasn’t comfortable, so during all of 1988 he came back to UConn and worked on finishing his education.

Gerry graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education/Rehabilitation, and said it was one of the best decisions of his life. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he went back to Europe to play professional basketball again, and for 15 years was still there rocking ther boats. He played for various countries, New Zealand, Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, and Finland. While in Sweden during the 1993-1994 season, Gerry was Most Valuable Player of the league, and during several years his teams were in playoff situations.

How to define a player like Denham Brown? Do you start with the 111 point game in high school?

Sure, let's begin there. That was in a 150-58 victory after which he said, "[he wanted to go out with a bang.] " Boom shakalaka!
His talent? Not the most athletic, he dominated with a practiced mid-range game.
Skills? Quite mechanical, which he could get away with in high school, but in the Big East, he was often harnessed by more talented defenders. His ball-handling was in need of repair.
Size? At 6'6", 220 with long arms, he could rise above for his shot but that shot was wildly inconsistent.
Desire? He had that in bunches. Defensive intensity was not something he lacked. He had more scabs on his knees than DePaul has had losing seasons.
While a relatively dependable performer, the lack of consistency plagued Brown at UConn and beyond. He had that effortless and devastating mid-range game but struggled on plays that required pure skill, such as comfortably getting his own shot.

He played a large role in UConn's 2nd National Championship and averaged 9.4 ppg for his career, topping out at 10.7 as a senior.

That 111 point game got a lot of attention in recruiting circles including Jim Calhoun, who chartered a plane north of the border to see the Canadian stud work out at a local Community Centre. Calhoun & co. were already ahead of the curve when it came to recruiting international talent.
Per Calhoun: "When I first came here in 1986, we couldn't compete (in recruiting) because we had five consecutive losing seasons...we needed to expand the parameters where UConn recruited."
Brown, largely considered the best recruit in the country, brought Canada basketball a lot of exposure. His performance, though controversial in Canada, was featured in American publication SLAM Magazine, which was unprecedented at the time for a Canadian hoopster.

Brown was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics with the 40th pick of the NBA draft but couldn't catch on to the team after playing on its Summer League team. He moved around to the D-League, Turkey, Spain, G-League, Poland, Venezuela, Philippines, Ukraine, Canada, Argentina and Romania. He represented his home Canada on its National team for several seasons.