Jim Calhoun helps save St. Joes.

[KembaStepback]

The return of Jim Calhoun leaves St. Joe's in an identity crisis

A very close friend of mine wrote this for ESPN/ESPNw. Give it a read and some positive comments. Interesting stuff about our legendary coach, Jim Calhoun.

 

[Waquoit]

An excellent read. I especially like this part:
"In the process, Calhoun helped transform UConn from a regional school to one of the nation's top public universities."
JC doesn't get enough credit for that.

 

[superjohn]

An excellent read. I especially like this part:
"In the process, Calhoun helped transform UConn from a regional school to one of the nation's top public universities."
JC doesn't get enough credit for that.

As Boeheim always says, what Calhoun did is the best job in the history of college basketball.

 

[Waquoit]

As Boeheim always says, what Calhoun did is the best job in the history of college basketball.

Yes, but we're talking about the school here, not just the basketball program.

 

[businesslawyer]

Yes, but we're talking about the school here, not just the basketball program.

The political support to make UConn a very good public institution was only there because of the basketball program.

 

[uconnfan68]

The political support to make UConn a very good public institution was only there because of the basketball program.

Program(s).

 

[goskis2018]

Program(s).

Program*

 

[Palatine]

Hate to admit it. The woman's basketball program was very key in turning UConn from a regional school to one of the nation's top public universities."

 

[tykurez]

Program*

No.

Hate to admit it. The woman's basketball program was very key in turning UConn from a regional school to one of the nation's top public universities."

Why?

 

[Guapo]

The political support to make UConn a very good public institution was only there because of the basketball program.

Not just the political support, but also making UConn an attractive destination for top students.

We are the only “big state school” in the New England and New York areas that can offer that “big state school experience” with regards to sports and campus spirit.

 

[EricLA]

Hate to admit it. The woman's basketball program was very key in turning UConn from a regional school to one of the nation's top public universities."

Why hate to admit? It's great when any sport at UCONN achieves success - Men's and women's soccer, polo, field hockey, and both men's and women's hoops have all won national championships. I think all of it helps. Of course, football and men's hoops are the most important, but WCBB is not chopped liver...

Are there any other sports we've won a NC in?

 

[Guapo]

Program*

Yeah there are some fools here who like to poke fun at the women’s program (and it’s generally good natured)...but you’re not winning any friends going down this track.

You can take or leave WBB as a sport, whatever. However, do not try and downplay or discredit the amazing success that program has had or the impact it’s had on the school.

 

[Guapo]

Why hate to admit? It's great when any sport at UCONN achieves success - Men's and women's soccer, polo, field hockey, and both men's and women's hoops have all won national championships. I think all of it helps. Of course, football and men's hoops are the most important, but WCBB is not chopped liver...

Are there any other sports we've won a NC in?

Field Hockey, Soccer

 

[tykurez]

Yeah there are some fools here who like to poke fun at the women’s program (and it’s geberally good natured)...but you’re not winning any friends going down this track.

You can take or leave WBB as a sport, whatever. However, do not try and downplay or discredit the amazing success that program has had or the impact it’s had on the school.

There’s nothing “generally good natured” about poking fun at student athletes performing at the highest level because “I’m a man and I don’t like watching women’s basketball.”

That’s called being an imbecile.


(not calling you out)

 

[Huskyfan990411]

I truly believe without the success of BOTH basketball programs on the national stage the legislators would have never believed UConn could reach these levels as a school.

 

[Palatine]

No.
Why?

Because, in general, I don't watch women's sports. The level of play is a big step down from the men. That ain't hate, it's just a fact.

But their win of the '95 championship really put UConn 2000 over the top in Hartofrd. So they deserve a lot of credit for that. They deserve their due.

 

[Guapo]

There’s nothing “generally good natured” about poking fun at student athletes performing at the highest level because “I’m a man and I don’t like watching women’s basketball.”

That’s called being an imbecile.


(not calling you out)

No of course not, I’m thinking more along the lines of the jabs about the age of the fans. It’s never acceptable to make fun of the players.

 

[Pudge]

The political support to make UConn a very good public institution was only there because of the basketball program.

Can we ... put this in CAPITAL LETTERS and BOLD

Many of us who’ve watched this University over 40-50 years know this. A solid school ... made a Leap because of Calhoun. Then Auriemma + Morrone ... and sprinkling in a academic thrust. It’s a far better and more substantial school today.

 

[CbbisGreat]

You can like Women's basketball or you can hate it, but anyone who doesn't appreciate the outstanding excellence and achievements of the Lady Huskies knows nothing about this game on any level.

 

[goskis2018]

Yeah there are some fools here who like to poke fun at the women’s program (and it’s generally good natured)...but you’re not winning any friends going down this track.

You can take or leave WBB as a sport, whatever. However, do not try and downplay or discredit the amazing success that program has had or the impact it’s had on the school.

I actually respect the program and tune in and root for them when it's final four time. My angle is that success in Men's basketball plays a much bigger role in elevating the prestige and brand recognition than success in Women's basketball. I also think that success in football increases national prestige more than basketball does.