Storrs Central: On-Court Autograph & Picture Session with UConn MBB - August 3rd following the Open Team Workout

[bigknight3]

I reserved a ticket and had a confirmation but received an email that I couldn't print or use a paper ticket and had to download the ticket and present the ticket at entry from a 'wallet' on my phone. Only $500 or so in NIL contributions so far this spring, but my 'real wallet' will be closed until they decide an attendee doesn't need to be fluent in the latest technology to enter an event. I wasn't going to drive 3:30 min each way and have to risk not getting in. Looking forward to these observations but wanted to see the guys on the court myself.

Security handed out paper tickets at the door if you didn't already have one. I took the paper ticket instead of going through my phone to find find the tickets that I ordered.

 

[ItsNotSo]

Since I was corralling a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old at Gampel, I’ll keep my takeaways to the post-practice autograph session and let others vouch for the fact that we are deeeeep and going to be a problem for the rest of the country again on the court.

They were clearly overwhelmed by the turnout. Tom Moore running around trying to appease everyone, they brought out the championship trophy for pictures for everyone waiting. The line was still halfway around the concourse when I left at 2:15, but I think everyone who stayed got down.

That said, once we got to the court it was AWESOME. Everyone who attended got an autograph, photo and meaningful conversation with every single player.

We’ve won two straight national championships but I continue to be blown away by the culture and people on our roster. Every single player was genuine, engaged, excited, respectful and finished every interaction with a sincere “Thanks for coming today.” Not one of them was too cool or acting like they had somewhere else to be even hours into this event coming directly off of a practice.

Some highlights:

+ Alex. He’s family by now. We printed out a picture of Alex and my toddler together from a year ago to sign and he was so genuinely appreciative of us doing that. Saw it and immediately said “Was that Red Fox? Fun night”

My wife said something about being glad he’s back and I added “Mostly for the podcast” he loved that and responded “I know, right? Season 3!” My two-year-old was so comfortable with him, that he took Alex’s seat and sat in it, and Alex was like sure, he can just stay with me for the day.

+ Aidan. For 3 hours, he asked every fan who came to the table with him and Abraham if they enjoyed practice and what their favorite part was with a huge smile.

+ Solo. Just an awesome guy. Bright personality, big smile. Signed our ball in silver when everyone else had in black and you could just immediately tell it was a very Solo thing to do as he laughed at himself and apologized

+ Youssouf. Seeing him bend his 6’10” frame down to pose with my toddler was hilarious.

+ Liam. My wife said afterward there was something about his calm presence that she really liked. Just a guy you instantly feel like you connected with.

+ Jayden, Samson. Both went out of their way to get down and give high fives and fist bumps on the ground while starting convos with tiny human beings.

+ Ahmad. Not gonna lie, my kids are ridiculously cute. They get all the attention. Nowell was the one player who went out of his way to shake my hand, look me in the eye and say “Nice to meet you.”

I interacted with each of these guys for like 30-45 seconds and automatically went to a first name like I know them well typing this. That says it all.

Anyone who walked out of the open practice saw a team with a damn good chance at 3 in a row, but everyone who stuck around for the next couple hours left Gampel even more impressed.

Same experience with all the players - they were all wonderful and engaged. My high school senior daughter surprised Singare with her French that she’s taken for several years. They had a 60 second exchange in French. Great day!

 

[huskymedic]

 

[jleves]

I reserved a ticket and had a confirmation but received an email that I couldn't print or use a paper ticket and had to download the ticket and present the ticket at entry from a 'wallet' on my phone. Only $500 or so in NIL contributions so far this spring, but my 'real wallet' will be closed until they decide an attendee doesn't need to be fluent in the latest technology to enter an event. I wasn't going to drive 3:30 min each way and have to risk not getting in. Looking forward to these observations but wanted to see the guys on the court myself.

Sounds like pretty soon, you'll just need to bring your face.

The NFL is implementing facial authentication across all stadiums (updated)

Correction (Aug 5): The new NFL credentialing system does not affect fans entering stadiums, in other words, fans are not a part of the program, they will...

www.techspot.com

 

[huskymedic]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[auror]

So do we start Ross, McNeeley, Stewart, Abraham, and Karaban?

 

[Scrutineer]

Surprised no one has mentioned JR looks like he's spent a lot of time in the weight room. Or is it just the angle at which the photo of the block was taken.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

So do we start Ross, McNeeley, Stewart, Abraham, and Karaban?

Ross did play PG in HS

 

[Scrutineer]

Maybe the best part was watching Mahaney immediately walk away after making the pass to AK...............not a second's thought about looking for a rebound.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Surprised no one has mentioned JR looks like he's spent a lot of time in the weight room. Or is it just the angle at which the photo of the block was taken.

He looks like Andre in this picture.

 

[Scrutineer]

That's good to hear. We've got a stable of tough, talented wings right now. Whoever doesn't end up playing much is just going to make the rotation guys that much better in practice.

Then again, if that's true it'll kick start the traditional Boneyard wringing of the hands and gnashing of teeth about who might leave due to lack of playing time.....

 

[husky429]

Then again, if that's true it'll kick start the traditional Boneyard wringing of the hands and gnashing of teeth about who might leave due to lack of playing time.....

I really have no problem with that. In all likelihood, someone (I have no idea who) isn't going to be quite up to our elite level. I respect the heck out of a kid who wants to go get a crapton of PT and show off what they learned under this staff.

 

[Scrutineer]

Since I was corralling a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old at Gampel, I’ll keep my takeaways to the post-practice autograph session and let others vouch for the fact that we are deeeeep and going to be a problem for the rest of the country again on the court.

They were clearly overwhelmed by the turnout. Tom Moore running around trying to appease everyone, they brought out the championship trophy for pictures for everyone waiting. The line was still halfway around the concourse when I left at 2:15, but I think everyone who stayed got down.

That said, once we got to the court it was AWESOME. Everyone who attended got an autograph, photo and meaningful conversation with every single player.

We’ve won two straight national championships but I continue to be blown away by the culture and people on our roster. Every single player was genuine, engaged, excited, respectful and finished every interaction with a sincere “Thanks for coming today.” Not one of them was too cool or acting like they had somewhere else to be even hours into this event coming directly off of a practice.

Some highlights:

+ Alex. He’s family by now. We printed out a picture of Alex and my toddler together from a year ago to sign and he was so genuinely appreciative of us doing that. Saw it and immediately said “Was that Red Fox? Fun night”

My wife said something about being glad he’s back and I added “Mostly for the podcast” he loved that and responded “I know, right? Season 3!” My two-year-old was so comfortable with him, that he took Alex’s seat and sat in it, and Alex was like sure, he can just stay with me for the day.

+ Aidan. For 3 hours, he asked every fan who came to the table with him and Abraham if they enjoyed practice and what their favorite part was with a huge smile.

+ Solo. Just an awesome guy. Bright personality, big smile. Signed our ball in silver when everyone else had in black and you could just immediately tell it was a very Solo thing to do as he laughed at himself and apologized

+ Youssouf. Seeing him bend his 6’10” frame down to pose with my toddler was hilarious.

+ Liam. My wife said afterward there was something about his calm presence that she really liked. Just a guy you instantly feel like you connected with.

+ Jayden, Samson. Both went out of their way to get down and give high fives and fist bumps on the ground while starting convos with tiny human beings.

+ Ahmad. Not gonna lie, my kids are ridiculously cute. They get all the attention. Nowell was the one player who went out of his way to shake my hand, look me in the eye and say “Nice to meet you.”

I interacted with each of these guys for like 30-45 seconds and automatically went to a first name like I know them well typing this. That says it all.

Anyone who walked out of the open practice saw a team with a damn good chance at 3 in a row, but everyone who stuck around for the next couple hours left Gampel even more impressed.

What you described about the players' demeanor and how likeable they are should answer anyone's questions about why DH pursues certain players while shying away from others, regardless of their rankings by the recruiting services.

 

[Scrutineer]

I really have no problem with that. In all likelihood, someone (I have no idea who) isn't going to be quite up to our elite level. I respect the heck out of a kid who wants to go get a crapton of PT and show off what they learned under this staff.

Agreed, but I was referencing those on the Boneyard who won't let themselves savor the moments we've enjoyed the last two years because they switch to "worry about next year" mode right after DH is handed the trophy.