Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="SwingDog, post: 2073102, member: 7919"] Greetings everyone. Though I've been checking posts on The Boneyard for some time, I've been a supporter of UConn men's basketball for 30 years now. In fact, I can remember as a teenager going to see the Huskies take on the Pearl Washington-led Syracuse Orange at the Hartford Civic Center. There are a few reasons why I am a fan of UConn men's basketball and I thought I'd share them in hopes others might to do the same thing. One reason is that as a Connecticut resident, rooting for the Huskies allows me to express some pride for my home state. With that, I also find great meaning in the learning and character development that is forged out of discipline, dedication, loyalty and perseverance. And I did say character development, although player development is part of it as well. Sure, I want to see the Huskies win and continue be recognized as one of the nation's premier basketball programs, but I am not satisfied with winning for the just the sake of winning. I've always liked the quote from legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice who said, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." Yes, I believe in playing to win and in giving nothing less than 100%, but character counts. Long after games are played, things like teamwork, respect and camaraderie will continue to matter and have an impact on the lives of former athletes and the lives of those around them. The opportunity to deal with and respond to adversity is also exemplified on the basketball court. And it's an opportunity that can pay lifelong dividends. (Incidentally, the lack of experiencing/witnessing "the pain of defeat" is a primary reason why I'm NOT a fan of UConn women's basketball.) I remember reading a post here a couple of weeks ago where UConn men's basketball was compared to Kentucky. And I wish I could remember who said it, but there was an insightful comment to the effect that UConn's success is the product of the development of student athletes whereas UK's comes about by attracting the very best blue chip recruits, most of whom play only a single season before running off to the NBA. (And though I'm no fan of John Calipari, you have to give him credit for assembling powerhouse teams with lineups that change significantly from season to season.) I don't know about you, but despite Kentucky's success, I don't think I could ever root for a program like that. I find much greater appeal in the way UConn's program has been built and continues to operate. So, in conclusion, despite the off years and setbacks, my support for UConn basketball remains strong and I have no doubt that with Kevin Ollie at the helm, they will once again achieve excellence on the court. (I should also mention that I am proud of the program's improved level of academic achievement!) But regardless, I support student athletes like Amida Brimah, Rodney Purvis and Kentan Facey and my hope is that whether they play basketball professionally or not, they become good, productive citizens who make a positive impact wherever they go. And that's true Husky pride. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach

Forum statistics

Threads: 164,599

Messages: 4,402,766

Members: 10,216

Latest member: illini2013