salted mango » UConn http://www.saltedmango.com/blog Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:54:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 en hourly 1 It’s all about UConn http://www.saltedmango.com/blog/2008/12/19/its-all-about-uconn.html http://www.saltedmango.com/blog/2008/12/19/its-all-about-uconn.html#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:49:49 +0000 aditya http://www.saltedmango.com/blog/?p=177 Yes, Kemba Walker is better than Jose Calderon.Every few years or so, I get really excited about UConn basketball. That’s because every few years, coach Jim Calhoun puts together a group of players that can beat any mediocre team in the NBA (eg. Raptors). UConn is ranked #2 in the country behind North Carolina. North Carolina was ranked #1 in the preseason – they haven’t lost a game… so naturally they still hold on to their #1 ranking. UConn hasn’t lost either. They face a tough opponent in Gonzaga this Saturday (CBS, 4pm). Some critics call this their first real test – but I disagree (only slightly). They faced a good team in Wisconsin in the Paradise Jam and held them to 37% shooting. Wisconsin takes pride in their offense so it’s a significant feat to beat them soundly. Moreover, they have shown composure and confidence in tight games. This is more important than any statistic in college ball because of the simple fact that most players are in their teens. One of many good characteristics of coach Jim Calhoun is that he makes you believe you’re the best player on the floor even when it isn’t exactly true. Confidence is key in college ball since there is very little room for mental errors. As you know, when it counts, every game is do or die. If you lack confidence, any team can beat you.

Here is why I believe when it is all said and done, UConn will cut the nets down in early April.

Hasheem Thabeet is a monster down low. His stat line is is ridiculous:15pts, 12 boards and 4 blocks per game. He’ll definitely be top 5 pick in next year’s NBA draft. Jeff Adrien is a nice compliment, averaging more than 14pts and 9 boards per game. They have one of the best rookies in Kemba Walker. Shooting guard, Jerome Dyson, will eat Anthony Parker (…I know… anyone can eat Anthony Parker…). But this kid is really amazing with ball in his hands. He can get to the heart of the defense with ease. Last year, he didn’t have the body control to avoid charges or blocks when he drove, but this year, he’s much more under control and finishes well with both hands. They have their leader, A.J. Price, healthy again from the ACL injury he sustained during last March Madness. Remember that he was the go-to guy for UConn last season. Stanley Robinson, the most athletic wing man on the team, is back from team issued suspension.

The pieces are there for UConn to compete for a national championship. The journey begins this Saturday. After all, in 1999, when UConn won it all, the run began with the defeat of Gonzaga. I am hoping 2009 is the new 1999 (you like that…).

So please, you Canadian basketball fans, support UConn (Denham Brown went here) this Saturday.

Enjoy the keys to the game.

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