By KEN DAVIS UConn’s return to prominence in the Big East Conference hasn’t happened overnight. It couldn’t. It required a process. But under the leadership of coach Dan Hurley, it has happened pretty fast. Hurley’s dedication to success, his recruiting, his installation of a system built on defense, rebounding and hard work, has elevated the […]
John Thompson: In his own words
September 3, 2020 by Leave a Comment
By Ken Davis Hall of Fame basketball coach John Thompson Jr. was many things to many people. He was never just about basketball. If you thought that about the man, you were missing the big picture. Thompson was a coach, a teacher, a counselor, a man of convictions and principle, extremely intelligent, extremely large, secretive […]
Nothing came easy for Uncle Cliffy, but he did enjoy the last laugh
August 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment
By Ken Davis The night of the 1989 NBA Draft is forever etched in my mind. It was one of the most uncomfortable nights of my sportswriting career and I remember every difficult, painful moment as if they happened yesterday. At the same time, it may have been one of the most inspirational moments I […]
Hurley, Huskies begin transition back to Big East
March 20, 2020 by Leave a Comment
By Ken Davis The NCAA basketball tournament was scheduled to begin Thursday. Of course, it did not. Like almost everything else in our country, March Madness was shut down last week by the pandemic threat of COVID-19 and replaced by a new event known as March Sadness. For fans, coaches, and players who look forward […]
Ray Allen trying to trigger another renaissance at UConn
March 4, 2019 by Leave a Comment
BY KEN DAVIS It could be the greatest plan in history. But without execution, it’s not worth a thing. Many times, an overlooked detail can make all the difference. It can leave behind a bruise. The same thing is true when planning a celebration. One oversight, just one omission, can turn a ceremony […]
Rutgers reportedly plans to hire Steve Pikiell
March 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment
What a week it was for Steve Pikiell, the Bristol, Conn., native who went on star for Jim Calhoun’s UConn basketball team and later served as Calhoun’s assistant coach. One week after winning his first America East tournament championship in 11 seasons at Stony Brook, Pikiell was selected to become the new head coach at […]
NCAA history: “The Shot” lives on 25 years later
March 22, 2015 by Leave a Comment
A reflection on the NCAA tournament 25 years ago, while wondering whether Kansas State fans are rooting for Kansas or Wichita State today. I’m guessing Wichita State – or they just aren’t interested. THE SHOT UConn isn’t in the NCAA tournament this season, but today is a special anniversary in Huskies history. Scott Burrell made […]
Jim Calhoun issues statement praising Smith
February 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
UConn has just released a statement from Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun regarding the passing of former North Carolina coach Dean Smith: Coach Calhoun: “Like the rest of the college basketball world, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Smith, who was not only one of one of the greatest […]
UConn, Georgetown to renew basketball rivalry
October 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Good news today for fans of the old Big East basketball conference. UConn and Georgetown have announced the renewal of their rivalry in a home-and-home series the next two seasons. Georgetown is scheduled to come to Connecticut on Jan. 23, 2016, with the Huskies visiting the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., to play the Hoyas on […]
UConn basketball notebook
September 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
UConn has announced that the Alumni Association will honor the men’s and women’s basketball national champions with “An Evening With Champions” on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Conn. Tickets are $85 per person and table sponsorships are available. Former UConn star Rebecca Lobo will host the event. Here’s […]