What is the world coming to? It's strange enough to have fans of a conference rival being...pleasant and fair minded (even if all BYers were not), but UMass fans chiming in with good tidings for the Huskies? This has to be a sign of the coming Apocolypse. If anyone runs into a nice, intelligent Syracuse fan, you might want to run for a bomb shelter.
Believe it or not, I can like both programs. I'm not only a UMass grad but I've been employed at Umass since soon after graduation in 1977. I bleed maroon and love the Minutemen. That being said, I'm a sports nut and have followed UConn basketball since the Perno days. Also, my wife is a UConn girl, so we support each other's schools and go to a lot of games. The situation doesn't come up that often where they play each other any more so we don't aggravate each other too much.
I admire the success UConn has enjoyed and truth be told I'm somewhat jealous. UConn made some good decisions over the last couple of decades while UMass did not. I think they are making strides now, but some fear it might be too little too late. I'm not quite that pessimistic, but they definitely have their work cut out for them.
I never quite understood the animosity between the schools but I'm sure those that have them think they have very good reasons (on both sides). I'm an old school guy who misses regional conferences as I thought they were very good for all the schools involved.
I wish UConn well in every thing they do. It is a great school with an accomplished athletic department and they have a lot to be proud of. I'll be in the stands rooting for success except for those instances where we play each other!!