Omar Calhoun?

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Calhoun was/is/will be indispensible to the media mojo.

All the idiots will continue to say that St. Joe's short bench, Niang's foot, Appling's wrist, Wilbekin's whatever, and Cauley-Stein's ankle were the reason why UCONN could win. (Nova we won cuz KO said so). They can even throw in Bohannon's emotions, McGary's back and Ashley's foot as well, if they want to scour other brackets for why UCONN's need for a 'perfect' game strategy somehow worked. Forget about Shabazz's pinky and DD's ankle: we had Omar's hips. We never had to use it, but we knew it was there.

And Omar also didn't back off/renege/disappear when the APR ban took effect. This means that for two more years the talking heads can say that it's really been JC's recruits and not KO's coaching success.

I wish for him to come back a "monster" but don't discount his contribution to this magical season, including his ability to flush out who to Ignore sometimes.

There's a reason why the txts to my sister before/during/after the game were laced with choice thoughts for the haters and doubters. Today, I'm just happy for how the season ended and sad that I won't get to see "these kids" being "special" anymore.

 

[djct1999]

Admittedly, I was hard on him earlier this year. Since then, he has handled this season with nothing but grace, saying the right things, and acting even better. If there is a symbol for "ten toes in", its this kid. He can stay as long as he wants.

 

[businesslawyer]

We failed miserably in 2012 not because we didn't have enough talent to beat anyone in the country, with the possible exception of Kentucky. We failed in 2012 because the team chemistry was awful.

When team chemistry is great, you not only have to credit the team's leaders, but those who could, if self centered, pull the team apart and don't. Both Omar and Tyler were starters last year who played the majority of games. Each of them were relegated deep on the bench by the end of the year, where they only played late in first halves where someone was in foul trouble. As much as Shabazz and Dre and Ryan led us to this title, Omar and Tyler allowed it to happen by shutting up, working hard in practice and showing the team that however KO played it was o.k. with them.

Kudos to each of them. And Omar isn't going anywhere unless the hip is a problem long term.

 

[Palatine]

We failed miserably in 2012 not because we didn't have enough talent to beat anyone in the country, with the possible exception of Kentucky. We failed in 2012 because the team chemistry was awful.

When team chemistry is great, you not only have to credit the team's leaders, but those who could, if self centered, pull the team apart and don't. Both Omar and Tyler were starters last year who played the majority of games. Each of them were relegated deep on the bench by the end of the year, where they only played late in first halves where someone was in foul trouble. As much as Shabazz and Dre and Ryan led us to this title, Omar and Tyler allowed it to happen by shutting up, working hard in practice and showing the team that however KO played it was o.k. with them.

Kudos to each of them. And Omar isn't going anywhere unless the hip is a problem long term.

We failed in 2012 because Jim Calhoun was not healthy.

The chemistry was bad because Jim Calhoun was not healthy. Because of this he was unable to mold his team. If JC wasn't missing games because he was in and out of the hospital in 2012 (and throw in a suspension) it's a whole different outcome.

 

[aceboon]

if you guys watch the videos that UConn puts up on their youtube page showing practices and behind the scenes all access, Omar is always laughing, enjoying himself, and has a smile on his face. Omar isn't going anywhere and he's going to come back stronger than ever, our staff knows how to develop guys.

 

[intlzncster]

We failed in 2012 because Jim Calhoun was not healthy.

The chemistry was bad because Jim Calhoun was not healthy. Because of this he was unable to mold his team. If JC wasn't missing games because he was in and out of the hospital in 2012 (and throw in a suspension) it's a whole different outcome.

Shabazz was too young. The leader wasn't ready. He, JC and KO have admitted as much.

 

[aceboon]

great quotes from Omar

http://blog.ctnews.com/uconnbasketball/2014/04/08/omar-calhoun-were-going-to-do-it-again/

 

[superjohn]

He's a National Champion and bleeds blue, we will see big things from Omar in the next couple of years.

 

[Jluc]

I honestly expect Omar to start next year with a lineup of Boat, Purvis, Omar, Deandre, Brimah. That is if Boat and Deandre return

 

[BNich]

Or he could work hard and make it tough for the other guys to get minutes.

Exactly. All others are unknown commodities, aside from Purvis. But he sat outa year, who knows how that will affect his play.

 

[TheChamps990411]

He loved Uconn since he was a kid coming up in NYC. But its going to be tough for him to get minutes with Hamilton, Purvis and Cassell Jr. coming in next year. He might want to transfer if he has plans on the NBA.

I disagree. Omar had a tough year but he should remain a Husky.

 

[rip7774]

Omar will b back, every time I saw him on bench he was smiling, he was a terrific frosh & big-time recruit. How many kids in his shoes would have been ten toes in?

He has outstanding character. That is a huge part of being successful.

Plenty of mins at the 3, even with DHam being a monster from day one.

 

[DMW88]

Lets hope and pray he's healthy, works hard like he stated and comes back with more confidence. I see him being a Giffey / Kromah combo guard off the bench. If he can knock down open 3s he can be a valuable guy in the rotation.

 

[Dmike]

He loved Uconn since he was a kid coming up in NYC. But its going to be tough for him to get minutes with Hamilton, Purvis and Cassell Jr. coming in next year. He might want to transfer if he has plans on the NBA.

That's a foolish statement if I ever heard one. Casey Prather at FL this year averaged 3.3 pts. until his senior year. Now he's a legitimate draft pick. Have you forgotten about HILTON ARMSTRONG for goodness sakes. This team is all about not transferring because times get tough. I believe in Calhoun and if he wants minutes, they're there for the taking, but they won't be given, they have to be earned.

When you watch the bench, my images of Omar over this tournament isn't of a forgotten player sulking at the end of the bench, its of a teammate accepting his role, cheering, and celebrating. He earned this championship as much as any player on this team and I hope he wears his ring with pride.

I also hope he's motivated for next year and comes back to achieve his goals. I believe in him and he can count me as one of his fans.

 

[stickyrice]

Omar Calhoun stuck with Uconn and Coach when others didn't . He could have easily decide to commit to another school but Uconn needed him and he came. He might not produce like you want but he remained positive all season and was never a cancer to the team. I hope he remains a Husky