The UConn Fast Break - 5/17/21
All the UConn sports news you need to know. Not affiliated with the University of Connecticut.
Welcome to this week’s Fast Break!
UConn will be seeing new leadership at the very top, men’s hoops has a new head trainer, and lots of postseason activity from spring sports in this week’s edition.
That and more in this weekly newsletter from the folks who bring you The UConn Blog on SB Nation, Storrs Central on Rivals, The UConn Hockey Hub on Patreon, and more!
Weekly Rewind
UConn President Thomas Katsouleas abruptly resigns
New director of sports performance Gavin Roberts joins UConn men’s basketball from Purdue
UConn football adds UAB to future schedule
UConn softball made an epic run to the Big East Championship in Storrs before falling to Villanova.
UConn women’s hoops signee Azzi Fudd named to U19 Team USA World Cup team
UConn women’s lacrosse falls in 1st round of NCAA Tournament
College Football News: UConn football 2021 preview
UConn men’s golf teed off in NCAA Tournament today:
Have you seen Homefield’s fresh lineup of retro Huskies swag?!
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Watch This!
Looks like Michigan will be the one to watch as UConn looks to lock in a commitment from in-state target Donovan Clingan. Syracuse is also reportedly in the mix.
Check out some of the 7-foot-1 center’s latest highlights.
UConn, Great Pic
Men’s Outdoor Track & Field wins the Big East championship!
You absolutely love to see it.
Memory Lane
Remember how disrespectful it was to be in the AAC?
One time, they made Rodney Purvis and others tape the microphone to their faces during LIVE ON-CAMERA INTERVIEWS at Basketball Media Day.
We will not miss you at all, AAC. Enjoy your many years of basketball tournaments at the hoops hotbed of Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Coach’s Corner
Not exactly coaching news but congrats to Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman!
Geno and Jonathan take in a softball game at the lovely new field.
Dan Hurley appears on the CT Scoreboard Podcast.
Randy Edsall pays respects to the family of a former player who passed away.
CLICK HERE for Championship Collection gear!
Big League Buzz
Breanna Stewart signs new deal with Puma, will be getting a signature shoe
James Bouknight is reportedly moving up NBA draft boards!
Kemba doing Kemba things:
UConn legend Sue Bird finds out that a teammate’s MOM is the same age as her!
Parting Thoughts
How does UConn president Thomas Katsouleas's departure affect UConn athletics?
Many people may be wondering how the departure of the university president might affect athletics going forward. For now, I don’t think we have much to worry about.
Katsouleas definitely seemed to do the right things with respect to his role in supporting athletics as a pillar of the school’s mission. He voiced support for the football program during tumultuous times, made regular appearances at Husky athletic events, oversaw a critical transition to the Big East, and signed off on extensions for Randy Edsall, Dan Hurley, and Mike Cavanaugh. He even participated in the Hot Sauce Challenge. Coming to UConn from the University of Virginia, he seemed like a great candidate to usher the school into a new era. It’s too bad it didn’t work out.
His departure opens the door for the possibility of a new president that is less keen on sports, but that isn’t likely. The state leadership in charge of filling the vacant position no doubt understands that the next president will be tasked with overseeing a key period for the athletic department, as it seeks to find stability as a new member of the Big East with an independent football program. They’ll be looking for candidates who understand the role major college sports play at a flagship state school.
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