The Official Championship #9 Celebration Thread

[alexrgct]

Everyone, come in and celebrate a while! We've had plenty of threads about the game, anticipation for another great season in 2014-15, upcoming TV shows and parades, and so on. But let's all indulge in a little more euphoria for #9. Here are some of the things in which I can't stop reveling:

• How about yet another year where the men AND women won it all? We are all brimming with state pride this year.
• We expected the moon of this WBB team in 2013-14...and they delivered it comprehensively. Yet another perfect season, this time 40-0, and the lowest point spread in each game was even higher than it was in either 2002. 2009, or 2010!
• Holy crap, did we ever teach Notre Dame a lesson on Tuesday. I mean, we barely trailed at all the entire game. This ND team was GOOD, notwithstanding the loss of Achonwa. And we beat 'em by 21! Kind of reminds me of the 2000 NC game. Whereas ND didn't have Achonwa, the LVs were without Ace Clement. Both matchups were highly anticipated. And in both cases, UConn executed to perfection some offense the opposition couldn't stop.
• I really can't get over how freaking spectacular Stewie was in the finale. She played beautiful basketball and deserved the MOP award. Hell, she's my MOP regardless.
• Kaleena had a rough season, but she had an excellent NCAA tournament and was a big part of UConn's success. Seriously, top recruits nationwide should be taking notes. How routinely does the allure of playing for UConn pay off? In 2011 and 2012, two national #1s in a row signed LOIs to come to Storrs, and they're getting everything that's coming to them.
• What a great season schedule all around. UConn beat Notre Dame in the finals, Stanford twice, Baylor in Waco, UMD in Maryland, Texas A&M, Penn State in Penn State, Duke in Durham, Louisville thrice, and on and on. I mean, UConn did NOT have a remotely soft schedule, even if the AAC isn't deep.
• Finally, it's always sad to bid adieu to our seniors. I'm thrilled they got to go out on top. I'm thrilled with how great a performance Stef in particular gave on Tuesday. I'm thrilled they made Geno cry. And I'll be a little bit melancholy in the ensuing seasons at Gampel where I see their names on the wall without seeing them on the court again.

Folks, now is the time to rejoice. Nine NCs, more than any other program, seven straight Final Fours, and a program that's a gift that keep on giving. I look at the Huskies of Honor wall, from Kerry Bascom to Bria Hartley, and you know what? The beat keeps going on. What a joy for a man with a daughter, for any fan of basketball, and for anyone looking to have validated everything that is so unique and special about the state of Connecticut.

Now, come join the party!

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

It was so much fun, I tell ya, so much fun...

 

[rocky rococo]

It's just hard to believe since I first caught a UConn game on CPTV and fell in love again with basketball played right. There weren't any NCs yet then. But the way they played, you knew that coach was going to win some. And then there were 9, 13, 13-0 even. No one else has even pulled the double once, the Huskies have done it twice. And nobody has room in their conference for that legacy of excellence?

 

[GoUconn7961]

I think this was special because I've never seen Geno and the players so emotional. I've shed a tear or two when my favorites move on (DT I'm looking at you), but to see Bria (who is normally so composed) and Stef (who is normally smiling) break down - well, that did it for me.

My second favorite thing - making Muffet eat her words..

Let's Party!!

 

[MilfordHusky]

Last year, I saw the Huskies in person in all 6 NCAA tourney games and thought they looked fabulous.

This year, I saw them only 3 times. Stewie brought her A game to Madison Square Garden, as they beat Cal. Then we beat the best competition the game had to offer in the Final Four--and did it decisively against 2 Hall of Fame coaches and 2 All-American players.

It is such a joy to watch our players play as a unit. Individually, each is spectacular. Together, they are like a symphony. We have the best player, best center, best point guard, best shooter, and one of the best shooting guards and competitors. Oh, and the best defensive post in the country comes off the bench. Wow!!!

 

[terif831]

DEFINITELY time to celebrate . . . . A men's team, a seventh seed, banned from the tourney last year with player defections because of that, not given a corn kernel's chance in a chicken coop . . . and BAM! They're bringing home the trophy!

And MOST CERTAINLY time to celebrate . . . . a women's team, a number one seed who proved themselves all year long while working through injuries and illnesses, a heavy favorite whose members had to deal with pressure and expectations that most never experience, not to mention undeserved disdain, and did it all with class and good humor . . . . and WHAM! They come through with AUTHORITY!

It's a great time to be a fan in CONNECTICUT!

 

[DaddyChoc]

time to pop bottles

 

[ed4ourgirls]

I've seen a lot of UConn national championships over the past 20 years, but for whatever reason,
I was more emotionally invested in this one than in any other.

So very very happy for Bria and Stef and for all the kids.

Once again ladies, I thank you for all your hard work and for giving us such an
entertaining season.

 

[HuskyPhan]

Damn, this group is uber likable

 

[HuskyPhan]

Talking about the women, of course. But some of you BY'ers aren't bad yourself!

 

[ChicagoGG]

Thanks, Alex! And may we add that Kia had a very good tournament and seems to be in a good place. Happy for her!

 

[Geno-ista]

It was a truly magical season in every way!

 

[mrmojack]

Congrats to the Lady Huskies. Kiah, its your time now to take charge.
You are the key to next season. Three years in the back seat and now you
have the car keys in your hand. You'll do it!!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

As ed4ourgirls said this game grabbed me like no other. Muffet the classless certainly contributed. The thought of her getting a NC when she behaved so badly was too painful to tolerate. In the final few minutes of the game the comments of the ESPN broadcast team were so appropriate and supportive of Geno and told Muffet in no uncertain terms we are not buying your act; an on air stuff it for Muffet. Her desperate full court press in the end - sorry, margin actually grew a bit. The whole thing so sweet for a program full of people who work so hard to achieve perfection.

 

[Geno-ista]

As ed4ourgirls said this game grabbed me like no other. Muffet the classless certainly contributed. The thought of her getting a NC when she behaved so badly was too painful to tolerate. In the final few minutes of the game the comments of the ESPN broadcast team were so appropriate and supportive of Geno and told Muffet in no uncertain terms we are not buying your act; an on air stuff it for Muffet. Her desperate full court press in the end - sorry, margin actually grew a bit. The whole thing so sweet for a program full of people who work so hard to achieve perfection.

The commentators alluded to her comments two separate times at/near the end of the game. I was shocked and happy because the comments of hers that there was no class at the top of Women's Basketball since we lost Pat were really really classless. I'm almost surprised she hasn't apologized about those comments.

 

[MarlboroughMike]

What struck me was Muffet's difference in tone from the uncivil prior to the game to the effusive praise after the game. Having spent many years in management, I would bet the house that she got a call or a message sent from the President of Notre Dame, the Rev. John I. Jenkins. Her comments, especially the undignified and sick actions toward Stewart, not only reflected poorly on her but also on the University. No way, no how, as President of a Catholic University, is he going allow someone, even a hall of fame coach, smear the reputation of that school. The over the top praise she accorded UCONN after the game was not only a comment on the great game UCONN played, but also a "I heard your message loud and clear" to the University. I have no direct (or indirect) knowledge of any message, but as I said, I would bet the house there was one.

 

[Icebear]

Some of us may have emailed the ND administrative offices.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Some of us may have emailed the ND administrative offices.

How'd you know.

 

[Icebear]

 

[Wally East]

An incredible season that was just so much fun to watch.

 

[David 76]

Muffet overestimates the value of her team. Perhaps when she said there is no class at the top of WCBB it was a confession.

 

[veryolddog]

I am a lurker. I was born and raised in New Mexico and split my time between New Mexico and Texas. I graduated UConn in 1964 when basketball along with most UConn sports except baseball were elementary competition. Having gone through some serious repair issues this year, I looked forward to the UConn basketball season for both the men and women. I convalesced watching both the men and women charge their way through the process of winning their respective National Championships. Since my 72 nd birthday is coming up, I was overjoyed in watching what may be one of the few opportunities to see this joint victory and any more victories by the women. Even though I am in the Southwest, I still am a tried and true UConn fan and I am grateful that my Dad insisted that I go East to get a college education. Thanks, UConn for a wonderful season and great memories and lots of enjoyment.

 

[alexrgct]

I am a lurker. I was born and raised in New Mexico and split my time between New Mexico and Texas. I graduated UConn in 1964 when basketball along with most UConn sports except baseball were elementary competition. Having gone through some serious repair issues this year, I looked forward to the UConn basketball season for both the men and women. I convalesced watching both the men and women charge their way through the process of winning their respective National Championships. Since my 72 nd birthday is coming up, I was overjoyed in watching what may be one of the few opportunities to see this joint victory and any more victories by the women. Even though I am in the Southwest, I still am a tried and true UConn fan and I am grateful that my Dad insisted that I go East to get a college education. Thanks, UConn for a wonderful season and great memories and lots of enjoyment.

. Thank you for your interest in uconn basketball.











Seriously, just kidding. Welcome and hope you get well soon.