I miss seeing DannyK and his photos of the game, I hope all is well. I believe that he was the one that also did the UConn chant. My favorite game is the 95 National Championship game, it was the first time I ever saw a Woman's college basketball game. It was on AFN when I was stationed in the Netherlands.
I grew up loving the Boston Celtics of the 60s, so a little different. I liked that era of Men's basketball, but as the free agency and skills of the men sort of outgrew the game I just got bored with it. Then my dad got me watching the Uconn women whenever I came back to visit, and I fell in love again.
Calhoun was a well-respected, winning coach in a sport that was recognized nationally. Geno came in as a nothing in a sport that was a nothing. I suspect in Jim's mind they were never going to be equals and Geno probably didn't see it that way. Friction between 2 alphas...
There were 4 or 5 games played in raging snowstorms. For at least 1 of the games I84 was officially closed, but I didn't pay any attention (hey, you can't believe everything you hear). My favorite is when the roof of Gampel pavilion leaked and the guy had to get in a cage and go up 150 feet to the ceiling to stop the leak. That was incredible. The guy was a BA.
Except for one very narrow time span, there has typically been mutual respect and support between the two teams. More so than I think the fans, some of whom are oddly polarized about it, realize. When Jim Calhoun was sponsoring the "Calhoun Classic" golf tournament and semi annual alumni game, Svetlana Abromosiva called Calhoun to ask if it would be OK if she came and participated as well. His response was "of course, and anyone else who would like to come is more than welcome." For a few years at least, that reunion game became a reunion of both men's and women's players. Her phone call doesn't happen if she didn't have an pre-existing relationship with Coach Calhoun.
Hurley has been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by Hall of Fame coaches, and is smart enough to use them as a resource. His father is a legendary hall of fame high school coach, and obviously at Connecticut he has access to Geno and Jim Calhoun. Calhoun has often been seen sitting in the stands and taking notes during early season practices and Dan has him address the team every month or so. When he first came to Connecticut, in particular, Dan went over and picked Geno's brain. I've often wondered if Hurleys nonstop frenetic practices and beautiful motion offense might have at least some influence from Geno.
One of my favorite Taurasi moments was at Cameron Indoor. Duke was showing signs of being a contender in women’s hoops. The Duke students were fired up. UConn starts out fast and then Diana scores on a layup, smiles and looks confidently at the student section and does the phone motion, “Call me!” The Huskies never looked back. So great!
Totally.
