This is a huge achievement for a program that as recently as 1986 was playing games in the old Field House, a cramped facility that was more suited for 1950s basketball. In 25 years, Jim Calhoun has turned UConn into an elite program. For that, he deserves all the credit in the world.
There have been bumps along the way. I personally remember when he brought his son, Jeff, onto the team while I was a student at UConn. He had no business being on that squad. Then there were the unfortunate ethical issues that have cropped up this past year. And there is also the low graduation rate of 33.3%. However, that is due in part to the fact that a large number of UConn's players go pro before they finish school. When Kemba Walker goes in the top 10 of the 2011 NBA draft, should that be a black mark on Calhoun because Walker chose to leave as a junior?
But that view also ignores the massive amount of charity work that Calhoun does in the state along with his wife and the tireless devotion he has given to the university. It has been a great partnership and one that alumni like myself are thankful for.
To see UConn now with the great programs is something that is astounding and amazing and pretty wonderful. And they deserve to be there. Over the past 15 years, only one school has won three titles. And it's located in Storrs, CT.
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