Omar Calhoun: City of Palm Highlights

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

Caron Butler Flopping

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

D.C. Will Host East Regionals

Source: New Haven Register

Not that this is likely to affect UConn, but a Big East school will be hosting next year's East Regionals.

Washington, D.C. will join Arlington, Texas, Indianapolis and Los Angeles as sites for the regional semifinals and finals from March 28-31. Cities hosting first and second-round games will be Dayton, Ohio; Auburn Hills, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Kansas City; Lexington, Ky.; Philadelphia; Salt Lake City; and San Jose. The Final Four will be held April 6 and 8 in Atlanta.

Of course, barring some miracle reversal in thinking by the NCAA, UConn won't be invited to any of the sites.

Big East mailblog

Source: Big East Football Blog

Welcome to your mid-week Big East mailblog. Let's get to some questions. Andrew in New York writes: Hi Andrea, Regarding the move by Gov. Dan Malloy - his peace plea to BC may also be due to UConn's interest in joining the Hockey East (as the 12th member after they recently added Notre Dame), with an invite possibly coming in June. Naturally, another block by BC would be a giant blow to the schools repairing relations and would also further prevent UConn from any ties with ND, who could be looking for a home in the ACC (with rivals Cuse, BC and Miami and where they would likely have the best shot at going 12-0 in football) if the BE collapses.

M. Ice Hockey. Take The Captain's Challenge

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The captains of the UConn men's hockey team have made part two of their public service announcement to support the You Can Play Project to help put an end to homophobia in sports. Captains Sean Ambrosie, Alex Gerke, Billy Latta and Brant Harris have combined to promote the "Captain's Challenge".

Football. A Farewell To Memorial Stadium

Source: UConnHuskies.com

On Saturday, former UConn football players and coaches gathered to have one last event at Memorial Stadium.

Big East chat canceled

Source: Big East Football Blog

Our regularly scheduled Big East chat for this afternoon has been canceled, as I head home from the ACC spring meetings. As always, you can send in your questions to the mailbag, with posts set for this afternoon and Friday. The Big East chat is scheduled to return next Thursday, May 24, after I return from the Big East spring meetings. Hope to see you after an eventful two weeks!

Big East lunchtime links

Source: Big East Football Blog

So I don't think Pitt fans are too happy about the Sunseri news. Understatement? Cincinnati linebacker JK Schaffer was tabbed Mr. Bearcat, the first student-athlete in the last 20 years to win the award. UConn is the first to offer prep quarterback Richard Lagow of Plano, Texas. A look at Kentucky vs. Louisville financially. Here is a Pitt preview. Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti is flattered, but he isn't thinking about becoming the next Big East commissioner.

M. Soccer. Men's Soccer Foreign Tour, Day 6

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The men's soccer team continues its tour through Toronto. On day 6, the team toured Old Toronto.

TheRoundUp 5/16: Hathaway named AD at Hofstra

Source: The UConn Blog by Andrew Porter

Editors Note: Things have been pretty quiet around here over the past month as I've had to contented with a much larger than usual workload in my non-blog life. That's over now, so expect to see more content in the coming weeks. Thanks for your patience.

SNY president provides answers on network's plans for UConn - Connecticut Post
Raab said that the search for on-air talent has begun. It is being handled by executive producer Curt Gowdy Jr. Individuals who have experience being around the program will have an advantage. And longtime CPTV announcers Bob Picozzi and Meghan Culmo will be considered.

Should USF build an on-campus stadium?

Source: Big East Football Blog

USF coach Skip Holtz set the conversation on building an on-campus stadium off and rolling last year when he said in a national interview he would be in favor of one if done the right way. Since then, Bulls fans have waited in anticipation to see if anything would actually happen. Athletic director Doug Woolard was recently asked the same question in an interview with WUSF-TV after renovations to the basketball arena were completed. This is what he said: "It's something I know are in some long-range plans.

Top Ten UConn Moments

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

Pitt, Syracuse take places at ACC meetings

Source: Big East Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Pitt and Syracuse are caught in a bit of no man's land right now. With one foot out of the Big East door and one foot in the ACC door, the two schools had their representatives at the ACC spring meetings this week. It may seem strange or awkward, but the programs are persona non grata at the Big East, after announcing their defections last September. They will not be at the Big East spring meetings next week, and are trying to move forward with their eyes to the ACC future.

Baseball. Connecticut and Rhode Island Play to 2-2 Draw at Dodd

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Connecticut baseball team hosted the University of Rhode Island in a 2-2 tie at Dodd Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Big East spending, revenue figures

Source: Big East Football Blog

USA Today has come out with its thorough annual study into expenses and revenues at every single Division I public school, and the results are not all that surprising. Only 22 schools among all Division I public schools operate in the black, generating enough revenue to cover all athletics expenses. UConn and Louisville are the only two Big East schools that fit that category among the six public league schools that provided information to the news organization.

Chryst says Tino Sunseri is his starter

Source: Big East Football Blog

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Pitt coach Paul Chryst came right out and said what had become obvious this spring -- Tino Sunseri is his starting quarterback going into fall practice. Chryst said Tuesday during the ACC spring meetings, "He was the best quarterback we had out of spring. That's why he's the starter." Sunseri had been competing with Mark Myers and Trey Anderson for the starting job after a pretty brutal 2011 season. The truth is that Sunseri was not really a match for the spread offense under former coach Todd Graham.

Hathaway Named A.D. at Hofstra

Source: New Haven Register

Hofstra University is becoming UConn West (OK, only a couple hundred miles west, but still west). Patrick Sellers is an assistant coach of the men's basketball team, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel is a player on the team and now Jeff Hathaway is the school's new athletic director.

Here's the press release from Hofstra on Hathaway's hire:


Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz today announced that the University had hired Jeffrey A. Hathaway, formerly the Director of Athletics for the University of Connecticut and the outgoing chairman of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, as Hofstra University’s new Vice President and Director of Athletics.“In collegiate athletics, the name Jeff Hathaway means success on any number of levels: in the classroom, on the playing field, in the boardroom, with donors and the media. Most importantly, Jeff’s focus on excellence, ethics, leadership and academics will allow the Hofstra Pride athletics program to move to the next level of excellence,” said Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz. “His tenure at the University of Connecticut was one of unprecedented growth, and under his leadership, we look forward to ushering in a new era of Hofstra Pride athletic success.”
“I am excited to join the Hofstra University community and to have the opportunity to provide leadership and serve the student-athletes, coaches and staff in this outstanding athletics program,” commented Hathaway. “I particularly would like to thank President Stuart Rabinowitz for allowing me to become part of the Hofstra University family.

Throughout my career I have been be part of programs that have competed against Hofstra and I have seen firsthand the success the Pride has had over the years. My primary focus will be on the academic achievement of our student-athletes and providing them the opportunity to participate and achieve in their academic and athletic endeavors as we prepare them for their lives after graduation from Hofstra.”
Hathaway is signing a 5-year agreement with Hofstra University. He will begin in June 2012, at a date to be determined later this week. Eastman & Beaudine assisted in the search, and President Rabinowitz, consistent with the need for confidentiality and speed, consulted with members of the Hofstra University Board of Trustees as appropriate. “We had an opportunity to bring Jeff to Hofstra so we moved quickly to come to an agreement,” said President Rabinowitz. “We want to thank Danny McCabe and the athletics staff for ensuring a smooth transition.”
Hathaway and President Rabinowitz also confirmed an agreement with Acting Athletic Director Danny McCabe to remain the program’s Executive Associate Director of Athletics

Entering the Hall: Art Monk

Source: Big East Football Blog

Before he became one of the most successful wide receivers in NFL history, Art Monk was a collegiate running back. Monk, who was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday, looked like he might follow in the footsteps of great Syracuse running backs like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. He rushed for more than 560 yards as a sophomore and a junior. But Monk eventually proved even more valuable as a receiver, where he became an All-American as a senior in 1979.

Big East lunchtime links

Source: Big East Football Blog

Serving up your links. ... Cincinnati was the only Big East team to finish in the top 25 in the ESPN "College GameDay" contest. Former UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway will take over at Hofstra. Without Howard Schnellenberger, the College Football Hall of Fame class lacks fire. Video: former Louisville defensive end Greg Scruggs doesn't like the term "turf toe." Pitt's lawsuit against the Big East will most likely benefit the Panthers.

W. Lacrosse. Lapham and Gross Sit Down For Interviews

Source: UConnHuskies.com

UConn's women's lacrosse squad wrapped up the season with a 10-6 record, the most wins since 2007. At the end of the season, senior M.E. Lapham and junior Catherine Gross sat down for interviews. Below are the articles with two UConn attackers.

Big East schools making academic gains

Source: Big East Football Blog

Every once in a while, it is important to remember that there is a reason players at every single university in America are called student-athletes. Because, you know, they are on campus to get that all-important degree. While everybody is familiar with what football players do on Saturday, every athlete you root for has an overloaded schedule filled with classes, study hall, home work, practice and film study. So I felt it is important to recognize two Big East schools that have made some serious strides with their academic reputations this last semester.

Ray Allen Post Game on Game Two vs. 76ers

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

Remember The Name: Kahari Beaufort

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

Kahari Beaufort is a 6’2”, guard, out of Hartford, Connecticut. He is still young, class of 2014, and possesses a ton of talent. He has a strong body and if he grows some more could possibly become a small forward. He is a gifted scorer that gets to the rim and has the ability to knock down shots. He is determined to become a great defender and is working on moving his feet better to be in position to take charges. He played on the AAU team the New England Playaz and was on the second team All-New England Class “B” squad. He is very close with Kuran Iverson and might lean to the college that lands Iverson. So far Uconn, Kansas, and Georgetown have shown interest in this talented local talent.

USF sets academic record

Source: Big East Football Blog

USF has set a program record in the classroom, the school announced Monday. Thirty-seven student-athletes posted a grade-point average of 3.0 or better this spring. USF also set a new record for semester GPA, as the team combined for a mark of 2.76. That bettered the previous program record of 2.64, set in the fall 2011. "It speaks volumes for these players and the way that they have bought in. I'm seeing the culture change," coach Skip Holtz told the Bulls' athletic department website.

UConn Basketball: Why the 2012-13 Team Will Be Better Than Last Year

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAB

There were high hopes around Storrs, Connecticut heading into the 2011-12 season. The UConn Huskies were coming off the most exciting run in their program's history en route to winning the 2011 Big East and National Championships. 

Andre Drummond, then the most prized recruit in UConn history, had just shocked the college basketball world by announcing (via Twitter, naturally) his last-minute decision to forgo a final year of prep ball and join the UConn team for the upcoming season. 

Jeremy Lamb had emerged as a potential superstar, expected to replace the recently departed and much beloved Kemba Walker as the team's backbone.

On paper, the 2011-12 Huskies looked like legitimate contenders to defend their title. A preseason No. 4 ranking reflected the perception that UConn was stocked with enough talent to make a run at another Final Four. 

It didn't take long for those high hopes to be dashed. 

An early-season loss to Central Florida raised some red flags, but no one expected the Huskies to stumble through an entire season like they did. UConn finished 8-10 in the Big East, including losses to lowly Big East bottom-feeders Rutgers and Providence, an embarrassing blowout at Louisville and a whooping on their home court by Marquette. 

An uninspired and bona fide beat down at the hands of Iowa St. in the first round of the NCAA Tournament put the final nail in the already closed coffin of UConn's disappointing season. 

How did a team with so much talent and big game experience fall so drastically short of their potential? 

For starters, it is impossible to replace what Kemba Walker brought to the team the previous season—no matter how much talent is on the floor. Kemba's value ran far deeper than his 23 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. He was the heart and soul of a young, impressionable team. He instilled confidence in everyone on the floor with him. He played fearlessly, and it rubbed off on his teammates. 

Without their leader, the 2011-12 UConn team had no identity. They had no idea what their roles were.

Alex Oriakhi's performance was greatly hindered by the presence of Andre Drummond. Both players were accustomed to owning the paint, and neither could adjust to sharing their usual territory. 

Shabazz Napier felt pressure to become Kemba 2.0: mixing penetration and scoring with creating for his teammates. As much as Napier tried to be the leader and facilitator, it never quite clicked. 

Jeremy Lamb just wasn't the type of kid to be the vocal leader and calming presence that Kemba was. Also, Lamb's game is much better suited to run off screens and create space by moving without the ball. He struggled to make plays when the offense broke down—something Kemba excelled at.

Roscoe Smith, Tyler Olander, Oriakhi and Drummond all failed to provide a formidable inside presence. This allowed defenses to zone in on UConn's perimeter scorers—Lamb, Napier and Ryan Boatright. 

So how in the world, given the departure of so many key players from an already underwhelming team, could next year's squad be better? I'm glad you asked. 

Basketball, more than any other sport, is a game that relies on chemistry as much as talent—and to say last year's UConn team had zero chemistry is being generous. 

Oriakhi, when he wasn't bricking five-footers or getting in foul trouble, was constantly arguing with refs and coaches. Unless he was catching an alley-oop, Drummond was completely lost on both ends of the court. Napier would switch from shoot-first gunner to refuse-to-shoot facilitator from game to game. Boatright, when available, showed signs of being a potent scorer, but also exhibited some classic freshman shakiness. Lamb relied too heavily on a steady diet of threes instead of utilizing his elite athleticism. The offense in general was uncreative and ineffective. 

With the losses of Lamb, Drummond, Oriakhi and Smith, UConn has no other options on offense than Napier, Boatright and incoming five-star recruit Omar Calhoun. This will be a blessing in disguise for the Huskies.

No longer will Napier have to worry about getting enough touches for Lamb, Oriakhi and Drummond—all players who considered themselves scoring options (with some more mistaken than others...ahem Oriakhi...). Napier has the ability to be an excellent scorer, and the team's success will depend heavily upon those skills. 

No longer will Boatright have to worry about fitting in as a freshman and not stepping on the toes of the accomplished upperclassmen. As mentioned earlier, Boatright showed flashes of what he is capable of. He has elite quickness and leaping ability to go with a decent jump-shot and excellent finishing skills. 

Omar Calhoun will know from the moment he arrives on campus that he is to shoot, and shoot often. He will be expected to be a consistent scoring threat from the opening tip of the first scrimmage. 

The anonymous group of post players—Olander, Enosch Wolf, Philip Nolan and whoever else is added this summer—will know their role is to rebound, defend and set screens for the scorers. Unlike Oriakhi and Drummond, who were expected to be integral parts of the offense, this group of bigs should know their limitations and thrive in their roles as bangers and hustlers. 

Coach Calhoun's health, while always a wild card, appears to be much improved following last season's spinal surgery. This should allow him to remain with the team throughout the entire season, providing much needed consistency and stability to this unproven group of players.

The lofty expectations of last year's team undoubtedly played a role in their inconsistent performance. This year, UConn is expected to fall to the bottom of the Big East and is ineligible for any postseason tournaments. The lack of any kind of pressure should free the team to play to their potential, without fear of falling short of preseason goals and hype. 

The motivation of proving critics and haters wrong can be a valuable tool, and is one that Coach Calhoun has thrived on for years. 

In the mid-1990s, through the Donyell Marshall and Ray Allen years, UConn always seemed to fall just short in March. A couple chokes in the Sweet 16 led many to believe that Calhoun and UConn just weren't quite the type of program that could reach the top of the mountain. 

All that changed in 1999, when UConn upset what many believed to be Coach K's best Duke team ever in the National Championship.

In 2011, a year after losing in the second round of the NIT and expected to be on the decline, UConn shocked the world again, running off 11 straight victories to capture both the Big East and NCAA Championship.  

This year, UConn is expected to struggle again. If history is any indicator, that means they should over-perform and silence the critics once again. Unfortunately, they only have a regular season to try to do it. If there's one thing Jim Calhoun has showed us over the last quarter century, it's his ability to embrace criticism and turn it into motivation. He shouldn't be doubted again.  

Read more UConn Basketball news on BleacherReport.com

Ultimate Big East road trip: Week 8

Source: Big East Football Blog

Time to move along to Week 8 in my ultimate Big East road trip. For those just tuning in, I am selecting the games I would choose to see each and every week this season. My editors usually do that for me. But if the scheduling were up to me, this is where I would want to go. Here is the Week 8 schedule: Fri., Oct. 19 UConn at Syracuse Sat., Oct. 20 Cincinnati at Toledo USF at Louisville Pittsburgh at Buffalo Rutgers at Temple My choice: Rutgers at Temple Why: The easy choice would be to take UConn at Syracuse, since the game is on a Friday night and the Orange seem to do well on weeknight national television games.

Big East lunchtime links

Source: Big East Football Blog

Better late than never ... Adrien Robinson is the Jason Pierre-Paul of tight ends, says Giants general manager Jerry Reese. Cincinnati leads the way with early enrollees. Memories of UConn's Memorial Stadium. Silence is the right choice for Louisville. Joe Martinek made a mark at Giants rookie camp. USF coach Skip Holtz opens up about what he learned from his mom. Philadelphia officially signs Syracuse safety Phillip Thomas. Temple nears completion on its practice facility.

All-Freshman team boasts a lot of firepower (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

The past two national titlists counted on key freshmen to win it all. It wouldn't be a surprise if a freshman played a big role on next season's title team, too.

W. Rowing. Rowing Takes Part In Dad Vail Regatta

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Connecticut women’s rowing team competed at the Dad Vail Regatta on Friday and Saturday on the Schuylkill River.

Big East notes roundup

Source: Big East Football Blog

It was a pretty busy weekend around the Big East. Where to begin ... Interesting comments out of Connecticut, where Gov. Dannell P. Malloy says it's time for the Huskies and Boston College to put away their grudge and renew their rivalry. The relationship between the two schools ended abruptly after Boston College left for the ACC in 2005 and Connecticut was involved in a lawsuit over the move. You all will recall that it was Malloy who said last year that UConn had an interest in moving to the ACC.

M. Soccer. Men's Soccer Handles Toronto FC Reserves, 4-0

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University Of Connecticut men's soccer team took on a Toronto FC Reserve team on Saturday at 4:00pm at Downsview Park in Toronto. The match highlighted the first of four matches the team will participate in during their 10 day foreign tour in Toronto.

Programming note

Source: Big East Football Blog

I am headed to the ACC spring meetings this week, so the blog will be a little lighter while I am away. I trust that all you fantastic readers and commenters can keep yourselves entertained in my absence. I will resume daily posting duties from the Big East spring meetings in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., starting next Monday, May 21. Have a great week, everyone!

W. Rowing. Rowing Finishes Fifth At BIG EAST Championship

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Notre Dame claimed its ninth-straight BIG EAST Women's Rowing Championship title Sunday on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J. Notre Dame totaled 111 points to edge second-place Syracuse by 14 points. The Irish have taken home every BIG EAST women's rowing title since 2004, giving the team the longest current active streak of BIG EAST Championship titles in any sport.

Alex Oriakhi Free Style Rap

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

This Video Contains Swears

Rudy Gay Post Game After Losing Series to Clippers

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

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Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

W. Basketball. Auriemma and Six Former Huskies Lead Team USA Over China in Exhibition Play

Source: UConnHuskies.com

SEATTLE (courtesy USA Basketball) - Including five players that scored in double-digits, the 2012 USA Women's National Team (1-0) was impressive in its 100-62 exhibition win over China on Saturday night at KeyArena in Seattle, Wash. Led by 19 points from Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), the U.S. compiled a 35-17 advantage on the glass, which led to 60 points in the paint compared to China's 20, and shot 60.9 percent from the field (42-69 FGs).

M. Track. Men's Track Concludes IC4A Championships

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Connecticut men's track and field squad concluded the IC4A Championships tied for eighth place with 31 points. UConn, who entered the final day in first place with 30 points, had its 4x100m relay team register its best performance on Sunday as they ended the day in second.

W. Rowing. Notre Dame Claims 2012 BIG EAST Rowing Championship Title

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Notre Dame claimed its ninth-straight BIG EAST Women's Rowing Championship title Sunday on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J. Notre Dame totaled 111 points to edge second-place Syracuse by 14 points. The Irish have taken home every BIG EAST women's rowing title since 2004, giving the team the longest current active streak of BIG EAST Championship titles in any sport.

W. Track. Crevoiserat & Wilson Bring Home Gold Medals At ECAC Championships

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The Huskies concluded the 2012 ECAC Championships in second place with 59 points following an impressive third and final day at Princeton's William Weaver Track and Field Stadium. UConn had two athletes reach the top tier of the podium with Heather Wilson and Lindsay Crevoiserat capturing gold medals in their respective events.

Baseball. Huskies Suffer First BIG EAST Sweep of the Season

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The University of Connecticut baseball team was swept in BIG EAST play for the first time this season after an 8-3 loss at the University of South Florida, Sunday afternoon.

Baseball. Chat Live as Huskies Try to Salvage Series at USF

Source: UConnHuskies.com

Today's live chat for the UConn vs. USF baseball game begins at 1:00 pm, while the Huskies aim to scratch out a win before leaving Florida.

Pitt files suit against Big East

Source: Big East Football Blog

Another suit has been filed against the embattled Big East. This time, Pitt has filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, saying the Big East has waived its right to enforce the required 27-month waiting period. Therefore, the Panthers should be allowed to join the ACC without further penalty in time for the 2013-14 season. Previously, former commissioner John Marinatto and Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson seemed hopeful the two sides could reach a resolution about allowing the Panthers to leave a year earlier than July 1, 2014.

Ray Allen on Boston Fans

Source: UConn Huskies Basketball by David Gillett

M. Track. Huskies Sit In First Place Heading Into Final Day Of IC4As

Source: UConnHuskies.com

At the conclusion of the second day of the IC4A Championships, the Huskies sit in first place with thirty points. Connecticut had great success across the board at Princeton's William Weaver Track & Field Stadium and earned four top-five in final events.

W. Track. Flowers Takes Second Place In Hammer At ECAC Championships

Source: UConnHuskies.com

The women's track squad concluded the first two days of the 2012 ECAC Outdoor Championships on Saturday night at Princeton's William Weaver Track & Field Stadium. The Huskies will enter Sunday with 13 points after sophomore Allison Lasnicki earned five and senior Victoria Flowers gained eight for the Huskies with their top-five performances in their respective events.

Baseball. Fifth Inning Woes Continue for Huskies

Source: UConnHuskies.com

For the second straight game, the University of Connecticut starter pitched a complete game, but lost as the Husky baseball team fell to the University of South Florida, 3-0, Saturday night.