This past week has been one of the most historic, exciting and special moments in UConn Men’s Basketball history. Just a short nine days ago, UConn suffered a devastating 3-point home loss to Notre Dame in their season finale. UConn fans across the country were worried to say the least. The Huskies had gone 4-7 in their final 11-game stretch and panic had spread across Husky Nation. Although most of their losses came down to the final few minutes, UConn could not seem to seal the deal in close games. With a Big East Tournament and the NCAA Tournament fast approaching, not many can say they were optimistic for the madness in store for the Huskies. Projected as a mid-level seed before the Big East Tournament, UConn had to get to work, maybe even put in a little overtime to right the ship.
Returning to his roots back home in New York City and playing at Madison Square Garden, UConn stud Kemba Walker shined like this star he is, setting the Big East Tournament scoring record and lifting UConn past four ranked teams in five days to win the Big East Tournament Championship game — No. 22 Georgetown, No. 3 Pittsburgh, No. 11 Syracuse and No. 14 Louisville. Walker was terrific but even he’ll tell you he could not have done it without his supporting cast of teammates. Freshman Jeremy Lamb, Shabazz Napier, and Roscoe Smith all played key roles in their Big East Title quest. Even slumping sophomore big man Alex Oriakhi came alive on the biggest stage in the world. The Huskies hope their grueling Big East run will pay off come NCAA Tournament time.
Solidifying themselves as a 3 seed in the tournament, UConn (26-9) will now travel to Washington DC to face the 14th seeded Patriot League- champion Bucknell Bison (24-8) on Thursday in the West Regional game. UConn Country must be happy with their seeding and region. Both of UConn’s National Championship teams and all three of its Final Four appearances were placed in the West region. The road to Houston and the Final Four will be a tough one though. If they can get past their first game jitters, the Huskies will possibly have to get past teams such as Duke, San Diego State, Texas, Arizona, Cincinnati, Tennessee and Michigan, who can all advance to a Sweet 16 birth.
UConn has to feel great about their current position but must continue to remain focused and not be overconfident entering Thursday’s first round match-up in DC. If they can somehow carry over their resilient energy from the Big East Tournament, we could very well see this young UConn squad bring another Final Four banner and perhaps even another National Championship trophy back to Storrs, CT.
Don’t forget, any tournament the Huskies have entered this year, they’ve won. You’ve got to like those odds.
—Chris The Intern
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