Spring Break
Assistant coaches deserve more credit for men's success
Marc Gauthier
Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: Sports
There's been a lot of talk about coach Jim Calhoun this season.
At first, it was "not a dime back."
Then, it was an illness that kept him out of the Huskies' NCAA first round game against Chattanooga.
And most recently, it's been the alleged recruiting violations with ex-UConn player Nate Miles.
Even as the Huskies get set to take on Michigan State in the Final Four, you can see the wear and tear behind Calhoun's smile.
Now, I'm sure this season hasn't been easy on the Hall of Fame Coach. And in fact, I know this season hasn't been easy on a lot of UConn fans. The whole Dyson injury, waiting on Ater Majok and losing Charles Okwandu to academic ineligibility - it's been tough.
But, throughout the course of the season, the Huskies have stuck together, five-as-one, and overcome all these adversities.
Go ahead, give the credit to A.J. Price as the senior leader who seems to hit every clutch shot UConn needs. Or maybe you can give some credit to Hasheem Thabeet for becoming one of the most dominant defensive forces in the country. Then again, Jeff Adrien has been called "the rock" by Calhoun, and where would this team be without their double-double machine.
Everyone can claim some credit for the Huskies success this season. But when it comes down to it, there's one guy in my mind who has constantly stepped up in every situation, filled in when needed to and just has been solid all season long.
I'm talking about associate head coach George Blaney.
The assistant coaches rarely get any credit. Sure, Blaney got some media time when he coached UConn to the 56-point beat down of Chattanooga, but other than that, no one has heard about all the great things these coaches have done this season.
Let's start with Blaney. Honestly, he is Calhoun's right-hand-man. Blaney also is his personal psychologist, therapist and consultant.
If you've ever been to a UConn game, I'm sure you know what I mean. Calhoun is notorious for challenging every call an official makes. When the referee won't listen to Calhoun's rant (which happens a lot), he immediately turns to Blaney and pleads his case. Blaney, in turn, listens.
At first, it was "not a dime back."
Then, it was an illness that kept him out of the Huskies' NCAA first round game against Chattanooga.
And most recently, it's been the alleged recruiting violations with ex-UConn player Nate Miles.
Even as the Huskies get set to take on Michigan State in the Final Four, you can see the wear and tear behind Calhoun's smile.
Now, I'm sure this season hasn't been easy on the Hall of Fame Coach. And in fact, I know this season hasn't been easy on a lot of UConn fans. The whole Dyson injury, waiting on Ater Majok and losing Charles Okwandu to academic ineligibility - it's been tough.
But, throughout the course of the season, the Huskies have stuck together, five-as-one, and overcome all these adversities.
Go ahead, give the credit to A.J. Price as the senior leader who seems to hit every clutch shot UConn needs. Or maybe you can give some credit to Hasheem Thabeet for becoming one of the most dominant defensive forces in the country. Then again, Jeff Adrien has been called "the rock" by Calhoun, and where would this team be without their double-double machine.
Everyone can claim some credit for the Huskies success this season. But when it comes down to it, there's one guy in my mind who has constantly stepped up in every situation, filled in when needed to and just has been solid all season long.
I'm talking about associate head coach George Blaney.
The assistant coaches rarely get any credit. Sure, Blaney got some media time when he coached UConn to the 56-point beat down of Chattanooga, but other than that, no one has heard about all the great things these coaches have done this season.
Let's start with Blaney. Honestly, he is Calhoun's right-hand-man. Blaney also is his personal psychologist, therapist and consultant.
If you've ever been to a UConn game, I'm sure you know what I mean. Calhoun is notorious for challenging every call an official makes. When the referee won't listen to Calhoun's rant (which happens a lot), he immediately turns to Blaney and pleads his case. Blaney, in turn, listens.
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