The UConn Fast Break - 12/23/2022
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The UConn Fast Break - 12/23/2022
National Signing Day, the end of football season, and continued basketball excellence.
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UConn’s hype machine running wild
UConn men’s basketball continues to give us every reason to have the highest of hopes for this season.
After the end of non-conference play, Dan Hurley has what many consider to be the best team in the country. Read that last sentence again.
Back in March, most of us thought it would be a challenge to even get back to the NCAA Tournament in 2023. The Huskies were unranked before the season, picked FOURTH in the Big East preseason poll.
To date, the Huskies have won all 13 of their games by 10 or more points. They’re ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll and KenPom efficiency rankings, where they’re the only team ranked in the top six on offense and defense.
They also do it with different dudes stepping up each night. Tristen Newton and Joey Calcaterra gave them a spark against Georgetown. Adama Sanogo was the man against Butler, and in many other games. Jordan Hawkins and Donovan Clingan were filling it up at Florida.
Andre Jackson isn’t a scorer but gives UConn so much all over the court, leading the way for a team whose defensive intensity is elite. Alex Karaban has stood out as a freshman. The team is talented, deep, and disciplined.
Things are looking really, really good, folks.
Weekly Rewind
Men’s Basketball
Hoyas handled - It was closer than it should have been for much too long, but the Huskies are 13-0 headed into their holiday break.
Bulldogs blitzed - The Huskies were too much for Butler, with a 22-point win for Dan Hurley’s crew.
Huskies up to No. 2 - Virginia’s defeat paved the way for UConn to move up one spot in this week’s AP Poll.
Women’s Basketball
Pirates walked the plank - The Huskies easily handled Seton Hall in a Wednesday matinee before the holiday break.
Seminoles sent away - Nika Muhl and Dorka Juhasz both returned, and it was great.
Auriemma misses two games due to illness - Geno’s been out sick.
Dorka Juhasz’s return welcome ($) - The forward is back from a thumb injury.
Football
Teal turf trouble - Turnovers helped Marshall top UConn in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Thirteen pledges sign NLIs - The football early signing period began on Wednesday, with 12 new Huskies joining the fold.
Optimism is high despite bowl loss - UConn was outplayed in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, but the outlook for the Huskies is positive.
Outlook for 2023 - Previewing the 2023 football schedule and keys to the offseason.
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The UConn Hockey Hub
Highlights
Where were you when the Joey California Game hit?
Memory Lane
While we wait for Geno Auriemma to get well and return to the bench, let’s look back five years at the coach’s 1,000th win over Oklahoma on Dec. 19, 2017. The victory came at Mohegan Sun Arena as part of the Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase.
The 88-64 win moved UConn to 9-0 on the season. Azura Stevens led the way with 20 points, while Katie Lou Samuelson and Napheesa Collier each had 19.
Here’s our game story and a video from the milestone moment.
UConn, Great Pic
Dan Hurley’s squad welcomed former Husky Akok Akok and the Georgetown Hoyas to Gampel Pavilion on Tuesday. Though his team had a lead in the second half, Patrick Ewing was not having a good time.
Parting Thoughts
Check out this smart analysis of what makes UConn men’s hoops good.
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