Phil
Stats Geek
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- Aug 25, 2011
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As UConn fans, we are spoiled. We know that, but I saw it up close and personal yesterday.
Bob (aka Bobster) and I decided to catch some of the afternoon games. These teams aren't considered the elite, but they are definitely not bottom feeders. Hampton was second in the nation (behind UConn) in defense last year, recording he third best defense in NCAA history. South Carolina is coached by a basketball legend, and is a regular at the NCAA Tournament. Florida Gulf Coast lead the country in three point shooting last year and earned an NCAA bid. DePaul has an Olympic assistant coach heading the program, is a regular at the NCAA Tournament and flirts with national rankings.
Bob and I sat behind the DePaul team. At a break in the action, I decided to turn around and count the fans. One, two… that was it. Counting Bob and myself. There were zero DePaul fans in the arena. We moved over behind the FGCU for the next game. There were several people in the stands, but oddly, just as the game started, most of them got up and left. There was a couple sitting a few rows up, but it wasn't clear whether they were locals coming to watch, or actual fans of the team. If I don't count them, there were three fans, counting the two of us. The mother of a fifth year senior was sitting behind us.
To their credit, Hampton had a decent contingent. I didn't count, but I saw several, meaning maybe a dozen. I think I saw a couple South Carolina fans, or possibly family members.
I understand these are away games, and maybe all the fans aren't going to consider being away from home for Thanksgiving, but it is a stark contrast between the UConn support and that of some very decent teams
Bob (aka Bobster) and I decided to catch some of the afternoon games. These teams aren't considered the elite, but they are definitely not bottom feeders. Hampton was second in the nation (behind UConn) in defense last year, recording he third best defense in NCAA history. South Carolina is coached by a basketball legend, and is a regular at the NCAA Tournament. Florida Gulf Coast lead the country in three point shooting last year and earned an NCAA bid. DePaul has an Olympic assistant coach heading the program, is a regular at the NCAA Tournament and flirts with national rankings.
Bob and I sat behind the DePaul team. At a break in the action, I decided to turn around and count the fans. One, two… that was it. Counting Bob and myself. There were zero DePaul fans in the arena. We moved over behind the FGCU for the next game. There were several people in the stands, but oddly, just as the game started, most of them got up and left. There was a couple sitting a few rows up, but it wasn't clear whether they were locals coming to watch, or actual fans of the team. If I don't count them, there were three fans, counting the two of us. The mother of a fifth year senior was sitting behind us.
To their credit, Hampton had a decent contingent. I didn't count, but I saw several, meaning maybe a dozen. I think I saw a couple South Carolina fans, or possibly family members.
I understand these are away games, and maybe all the fans aren't going to consider being away from home for Thanksgiving, but it is a stark contrast between the UConn support and that of some very decent teams
