Khalid El-Amin is the guy most associate with bringing swagger to the program. His bravado helped vault UConn from final four wannabe to national champions.
But long before that Calhoun had to instill toughness, the refuse to take crap attitude that we didn’t have and that was allowing the BEast upper echelon to own the huskies. Lyman DePriest was a key player that brought the toughness. Lyman was not going to let anyone punk him. A physical statement needed to be made and he was the guy. I remember one play in particular where I think a Pitt player was all over DePriest near halfcourt and Lyman simply turned and delivered a sharp elbow. Foul on Lyman, but message received, UConn was NOT backing down any more. Next year’s huskies need a Lyman.
Khalid brought looseness to the team. He had a moxie personality plus the leadership goods that JC accepted with the result being the team reflected him. I remember this forum being divided with the players (usually Rip and KFree) bowing to each other after a dunk. That bowing and swagger did not happen the prior year.
Contrast that to Okafer who was quietly stoic. The players on his team respected him and without the coaches pushing them followed his incredible routine of discipline (eating, studying, body conditioning and practice).
There was Caron who also was the most respected player on his team. He helped by supporting his players with consolation and encouragement that negated some of the pressure of an over demanding coach.
You had Kemba whose charisma and positive personality inspired the puppies to believe in themselves and want to go through walls for him. He led by example and elevated them with his smile.
And then you had Bazz who knew he didn't have Kemba's personality but understood the importance UConn men's bb was to the university and fans. He learned from Kemba the value of team play and the importance of other players in getting wins.
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