1/1 Connecticut Huskies (23-0, 9-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 83, Marquette 49
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Fast Break Pts.: UConn 20, Marquette 3

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Marquette Golden Eagles (13-9, 4-4 BE).

TV: CPTV, 8:00 pm (Geno Show 7:00 pm)

UConn Sr. PG Renee Montgomery was named one of ten finalists for the 2008-09 Lowe's Senior Class Women's Basketball Award. The award is based on an evaluation of their performance: in the classroom, of their character, during competition, and in the community. 1/3 of the ballot comes from fan voting and 2/3 of the ballot comes from NCAA Division I coaches and national media memebers voting.

**Fans can vote for up to 3 players, but may I suggest to you UConn fans that you ONLY cast a vote for Renee because then you are just helping two other players for no reason and perhaps lessening Renee's chances on winning the fan vote portion.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (22-0, 8-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 75, Rutgers 56
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. SF Meghan Gardler
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FT's: UConn 21-22, Rutgers 5-13

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV Rutgers Scarlett Knights (12-7, 4-4 BE).

TV: CBS College Sports, 8:00 pm

Hayes was named Big East Freshman of the Week today for 1st time this season after averaging 18.5 ppg (9-18 3pt FGs) and 3.5 rpg while helping UConn to a 2-0 Big East record against #6/10 Louisville and Georgetown.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (21-0, 7-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 80, Georgetown 61
Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 41, Georgetown 27

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Georgetown Hoyas (13-7, 3-4 BE).

TV: CPTV, 3:00 pm (Geno Show 2:00 pm)

UConn's Terrific Trio of All Americans were named to the 2008-09 John Wooden Award Midseason Top 20 list today. Montgomery, Charles, and Moore led Connecticut as the only school with more than one player named to the list.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (20-0, 6-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 93, Louisville 65
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: A/TO: UConn 27/17, Louisville 5/23

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 6/10 Louisville Cardinals (19-1, 6-0 BE).

TV: ESPN2 & ESPN360.com, 7:30 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (19-0, 5-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 65, Cincinnati 34
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TO's: UConn 20, Cincinnati 3

Heartbreaking News:

NC State Head Coach Kay Yow has lost her long battle with breast cancer and peacefully passed away today at the age of 66. My heart and prayers go out the Coach Kay and her family, friends, players, and staff. And while we (the WCBB world) may have lost a legend today, her legacy will live on forever through the people, coaches, and players she has touched as well as the awareness she has brought to cancer research. Please join her in her eternal fight and support the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Cincinnati Bearcats (13-5, 3-2 BE).

TV: CPTV, 7:00 pm (Geno Show 6:00 pm)

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (18-0, 4-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 88, North Carolina 58
Player of the Game: So. PG Lorin Dixon
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 53, UNC 32

Moore was named Big East Player of the Week today after averaging 29.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg while shooting 20-38 (11-18 3's) from the floor, and helping UConn to a 2-0 Big East record last week. Her 10 3pt FG's made against Syracuse was a UConn single-game record.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 2/2 North Carolina Tar Heels (17-0).

TV: ESPN2 & ESPN360.com, 7:00 pm

The one good thing that came out of yesterday's Syracuse game (and was slightly overshadowed by Doty's injury) was we got a chance to see UConn play MAD and PISSED OFF. And boy did they slam it right back in the face of the Orange (who bragged before the game that the only difference between the two of them was UConn's #1 ranking). Maya Moore played out of her mind (hitting a UConn record 10-14 3pt FG's and became the 2nd Husky ever to have a 40-pt. game all while becoming the fastest player in UConn history to score 1,000pts. - 55 games). Charles and Montgomery also came alive in the 2nd half finishing with 20 and 9 rebs and 14 and 11 asts respectively to help UConn obliterate Syracuse 107-53 behind a UConn record and Big East tying 18 3pt FG's made.

It's Official: Doty is done for the season after reinjuring her left knee at the end of the 1st half of yesterday's Syracuse game. After first reports out of the game said "knee sprain", it was today confirmed by MRI that she in fact re-tore her left ACL. Surgery has been set for this coming Thursday. Our prayers go out to her and her family and we hope for a fast and full recovery.

P.S. - I say next season UConn forfeits the Syracuse game, takes the loss, and keeps all its players healthy for the rest of the season (Mel Thomas tore her ACL in last year's Syracuse game). Especially if the Orange are just going to continue to play DIRTY.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (17-0, 4-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 107, Syracuse 53
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: 3pt FG's: UConn 18, Syracuse 3

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV/ARV Syracuse Orange (13-4, 2-2 BE).

TV: CPTV & SNY, 2:00 pm (Geno Show 1:00 pm)

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (16-0, 3-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 77, DePaul 62
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TO's: UConn 24, DePaul 15

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV/ARV DePaul Blue Demons (13-4, 1-2 BE).

TV: CPTV, 7:30 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (15-0, 2-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 85, West Virginia 55
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FT's: UConn 18-24, West Virginia 2-8

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at West Virginia Mountaineers (10-4, 0-1 BE).

TV: CPTV, 7:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (14-0, 1-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 83, South Florida 37
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FG %: UConn 49.3%, USF 24.6%

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at ARV South Florida Bulls (13-2, 0-1 BE).

TV: CPTV, 7:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (13-0)

Results: Connecticut 76, Louisiana State 63
Player of the Game: Sr. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. C Ayana Dunning (LSU)
Stat of the Game: 3pt FG's: UConn 6-25, LSU 2-7

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Louisiana State Tigers (6-4).

TV: CBS, 12:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (12-0)

Results: Connecticut 78, Hartford 41
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: So. PG Lorin Dixon
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 45, Hartford 29

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Hartford Hawks (5-6).

TV: CPTV, 12:00 pm (Geno Show 11:00 am)

Not Suprising News...

UConn Freshman Heather Buck will indeed sit out the remainder of the 2008-09 season and redshirt this season to preserve all four of a remaining years of eligibility. The decision comes after having missed the last two months recovering from mono. Head Coach Geno Auriemma says, "It's getting clearer every day that she's not going to be ready to play... I've talked to her and her parents about it and it's in her best interest to keep working in practice with an eye to the future." According to the UConn compliance department, a student/athlete is eligible to red-shirt if their injury or illness occurs in the first half of the season or if they do not appear in 30 percent of the team’s regular season games, but if they appear in any of the games in the second half of the regular season their eligibility would be forfeited.

In other Redshirt News, UConn Senior Kalana Greene won't rush her decision on coming back to play for Connecticut next year. She can opt to enter the 2008 WNBA Draft or use her medical redshirt from last season when she tore her right ACL and LCL and return to the Huskies for a 5th year. She says she hasn't given much thought to the idea, but at this point in the season she has not fully returned to the old KG (prior to injury). And while she would likely be drafted somewhere in the 2nd round of the draft; she would have a very tough time making any roster.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (11-0)

Results: Connecticut 77, South Carolina 48
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Fastbreak Pts.: UConn 29, S. Carolina 2

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at South Carolina Gamecocks (6-4).

TV: CPTV, 3:00 pm

More (Great) Recruiting News!!!

The #1 HS Junior Center and #10 Overall (Class of '10) according to HoopGurlz, 6'5 C Stefanie Dolson verbally committed to the UConn Huskies on Christmas Day. She becomes the 2nd top 10 prospect to committ along with #1 Overall Junior Samarie Walker. Dolson chose UConn over Duke, Maryland, Penn State, and Rutgers. Her AAU Coach says, "It's a perfect fit for her. They have top-notch coaches, it's a top-notch program, it's close to home, and she will be able to grow academically and basketball (wise)."

Merry Christmas!!!! (from UConn's Starting 5)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (10-0)

Results: Connecticut 83, Florida State 71
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 42, FSU 16

Game notes & more (pdf) for today's game vs. Florida State Seminoles (9-3) at Cancun, Mexico.

TV: CPTV, 4:30 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (9-0)

Results: Connecticut 86, Northern Colorado 40
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 48, N. Colorado 12

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Northern Colorado Bears (4-5) at Cancun, Mexico.

TV: CPTV, 7:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (8-0)

Results: Connecticut 109, Washington 51
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 64, Washington 22

Time Change Alert!!!!

Today's UConn game vs. Washington has been pushed back one hour to allow Florida State more time to prepare for tonight's game after they experienced travel issues and did not arrive to Cancun until early this morning. All of UConn's other games will remain as scheduled.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Washington Huskies (3-3) at Cancun, Mexico.

TV: none, 45:30 pm

Bad Sad News (part II):

UConn senior Cassie Kerns has also been diagnosed with Mono and will miss 4-6 weeks of playing time. They just got freshman Heather Buck back in practice after suffering from Mono and now Geno is exploring the possibility of redshirting. They will decide once they get back from South Carolina just before the new year. Kerns was diagnosed last week during finals and will hopefully be back at full strength as soon as possible. UConn now gets even MORE thin in the post. Not a fun way to spend your time in Cancun, Mexico.

Get Well Soon, Cassie!

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (7-0)

Results: Connecticut 77, Penn State 63
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: UConn 20, Penn State 2

Three Cheers for CPTV....

Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

CPTV has come through for their customers once again and deserve a big, big hand. Just 10 minutes ago at the end of the Geno Show broadcast on CPTV it was officially announced that they will now be televising two of the three Caribbean Classic games in Cancun, Mexico. CPTV will televise UConn vs. Northern Colorado on Fri. Dec. 19th at 7:00 pm and UConn vs. Florida State on Sun. Dec. 21st at 4:30 pm (UConn vs. Washington on Thu. Dec. 18th will not be televised). Send your thanks by pledging your support to CPTV here.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (5-4) at Madison Square Garden, NYC.

TV: ESPNU & CPTV, 2:00 pm (Geno Show, 1:30 pm)

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (6-0)

Results: Connecticut 96, Holy Cross 37
Player of the Game: Sr. SF Tahirah Williams
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 41, Holy Cross 5

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Holy Cross Crusaders (1-5).

TV: CPTV, 7:30 pm

Montgomery was named Big East Player of the Week today after averaging 24.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 7.5 apg, shooting 19-32 (9-14 3's) from the floor, and only having 3 TO's and helping UConn to a 2-0 record last week. Her 13 assists against #4 Oklahoma was tied for a UConn single-game record.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (5-0)

Results: Connecticut 106, Oklahoma 78
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Fast Break Pts.: UConn 26, Oklahoma 4

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 4/4 Oklahoma Sooners (4-1).

TV: ESPN & ESPN360.com, 8:15 pm

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (4-0)

Results: Connecticut 96, Brigham Young 47
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: 3pt FG's: UConn 12-23, BYU 6-19

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Brigham Young Cougars (2-1).

TV: CPTV, 9:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (3-0)

Results: Connecticut 91, Rhode Island 43
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Pts Off TO's: UConn 37, Rhode Island 19

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Rhode Island Rams (1-1).

TV: CPTV, 1:00 pm (Geno Show 12:00 pm)

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (2-0)

Results: Connecticut 99, San Diego State 55
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: So SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FG Shooting: UConn 64%, SDSU 37%

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. San Diego State Aztecs (2-0).

TV: CPTV, 7:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (1-0)

Results: Connecticut 82, Georgia Tech 71
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Freshman Co-Players of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty/Fr. SG Mo Bennett (Ga Tech)
Stat of the Game: 3pt Shooting: UConn 4-19, Ga Tech 10-15

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV/ARV Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-0).

TV: CPTV, 2:00 pm

Recruiting News!!!

UConn wrapped up its 2009 Recruiting Class rather quickly this early signing period. UConn signed 5'11 SG Kelly Faris from Indiana to their only Lettor of Intent for the Class of 2013 on Wednesday. UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma says he expects Faris to make an immediate impact and reminds him of current UConn freshman Caroline Doty with better defensive skills. UConn now officially shifts its enitre focus to the Class of 2014 which is already underway with a verbal commitment from the #1 recruit in the class 6'1 SF Samarie Walker.

Welcome to Storrs, Kelly!!!

Bad Sad News:

UConn freshman Heather Buck has been diagnosed with Mono and will miss at least 3 weeks of playing time. Her symptoms started on Monday and will hopefully be back at full strength as soon as possible. UConn now gets even thinner in the post and will likely spend time with a 4-guard line-up out on the floor until she returns.

Get Well Soon, Heather!

2008-09 ESPN Women's College Basketball Season Preview:

Preseason Player of the Year:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut (unanimous)

Preseason All-American Teams:
1st:
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut

2nd:
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Jr. C Jane Appel, Stanford
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Jr. SG Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers
Jr. PG Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State

Best Players (per position):
Point Guard:
1. Sr. Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
Sr. Shalee Lehning, Kansas State
Sr. Kristi Toliver, Maryland
Jr. Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State
So. Cetera DeGraffenreid, North Carolina

Two Guard:
1. Jr. Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers
Sr. Krystal Ellis, Marquette
Sr. Takia Starks, Texas A&M
Jr. Alexis Gray-Lawson, California
Jr. Monica Wright, Virginia

Wing:
1. So. Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Sr. Rashanda McCants, North Carolina
Sr. Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. Christina Wirth, Vanderbilt

Power Forward:
1. Sr. Ashley Walker, California
Sr. Candyce Bingham, Louisville
Sr. DeWanna Bonner, Auburn
Sr. Ashley Paris, Oklahoma
So. Kayla Pedersen, Stanford

Center:
1. Sr. Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Sr. Kia Vaughn, Rutgers
Jr. Jayne Appel, Stanford
Jr. Tina Charles, Connecticut
So. Jantel Lavender, Ohio State

ARV (any position):
Sr. Demetress Adams, South Carolina; Jr. Ashley Barlow, Notre Dame; Sr. Chante Black, Duke; Sr. Kristi Cirone, Illinois State; Sr. Marshae Dotson, Florida; Jr. Rachel Fitz, Marist; Sr. Danielle Gant, Texas A&M; Jr. Kalana Greene, Connecticut; Sr. Devanei Hampton, California; Jr. Jareica Hughes, UTEP; Sr. Briann January, Arizona State; So. Ta'Shia Phillips, Xavier; Sr. Morgan Warburton, Utah; Sr. Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh

Preseason Top 25:
1. Connecticut (unanimous)
2. Stanford
3. Rutgers**
4. Duke
5. California
6. Oklahoma*
7. North Carolina*
8. Maryland
9. Tennessee
10. Vanderbilt
11. Louisville*
12. Virginia
13. Texas A&M
14. Texas
15. Baylor
16. Ohio State
17. Auburn
18. Arizona State
19. Purdue
20. Oklahoma State
21. Notre Dame*
22. Iowa State
23. Florida State*
24. Marist
25. Marquette*

*2008-09 UConn Opponent

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (0-0)

Results: Connecticut 103, Team SRP 37
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 57, Team SRP 23

Game notes (pdf) for today's exhibition game vs. Team SRP.

TV: none (AT&T Huskies All-Access online only)

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!




















The University of Connecticut is among six schools around the country to be featured on the college basketball preview issue of Sports Illustrated. Featured on the UConn version of the cover are men's basketball player Jr. C Hasheem Thabeet and women's basketball player So. SF Maya Moore. It will be on stands tomorrow November 12th.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (0-0)

Results: Connecticut 100, Stonehill 49
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Caroline Doty
Stat of the Game: Blocks: UConn 10, Stonehill 0

Game notes (pdf) for today's exhibition game vs. 8 Stonehill Hawks (DII).

TV: none (AT&T Huskies All-Access online only)

The preseason awards lists continue and UConn's All-American trio again made the cut. Today the 2008-09 Preseason Wooden Award list was released and the list of 30 candidates include Sr. Renee Montgomery, Jr. Tina Charles, and So. Maya Moore. Moore was a member of the 2008 Women's Wooden Award All American team.

The last major preseason poll was released today and again UConn was the overwhelming favorite. The Huskies were the near-unanimous #1 pick in the 2008-09 Preseason ESPN/USA Today poll garnering 30 out of the 31 1st place vote (some coach lost in outer space voted Tennessee their #1).

There's always one a-hole in the bunch....

Today the 2008-09 Preseason AP All American team was announced and UConn So. SF Maya Moore was on 44 out of the 45 voter's ballots. Please whoever you are (the voter who left her off)...come forward you coward and somehow try and justify your decision...please I would really love to know how you could possibly argue Moore not being one of the FIVE BEST players in the country (she is the BEST in my (slightly biased) opinion). I mean come on, please crawl out from the rock you live under and admit you know nothing about WCBB and you should be thrown off the AP voters list. Oklahoma Sr. C Courtney Paris was the only unanimous member of the team joining the special list of previous unanimous preseason selections (Holdsclaw, Taurasi, Beard, Augustus, and Parker). UConn's Sr. PG Renee Montgomery and Jr. C Tina Charles also received votes.

2008-09 Preseason AP All American team:
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma (45)
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut (44)
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville (39)
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland (38)
Jr. PG Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State (19)

The first major preseason poll was released today and shockingly UConn was #1. The Huskies were the near-unanimous #1 pick in the 2008-09 Preseason AP poll garnering 44 out of the 45 1st place vote (some dope down in UNC territory voted Stanford his #1).

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Stop the Press!! Stop the Press!! Today Connecticut was picked to win the 2008-09 Big East Conference Regular Season title in a poll voted on by the league coaches. Connecticut was the overwhelming favorite by the coaches. Connecticut's Maya Moore was picked as the 2008-09 Preseason Big East POTY and Rutger's April Sykes was picked as the 2008-09 Preseason Big East FOTY. Eleven players were named to the 2008-09 Preseason All Big East Team including Connecticut's Moore, Tina Charles, and Renee Montgomery.

2008-09 Preseason Big East Poll:
1. Connecticut (14) 224
2. Rutgers (1) 201
3. Louisville (1) 200
4. Notre Dame 182
5. Pittsburgh 162
6. Syracuse 156
7. Marquette 147
8. DePaul 132
9. West Virginia 109
10. Villanova 85
11. Georgetown 77
12. South Florida 76
13. St. John's 66
14. Seton Hall 40
15. Cincinnati 33
16. Providence 30

(-) - Indicates first-place votes

2008-09 Preseason BIG EAST Honors:
Player of the Year: Maya Moore, Connecticut, So., F
Freshman of the Year: April Sykes, Rutgers, Fr., G/F

2008-09 Preseason All-BIG EAST Team:
Candyce Bingham, Louisville, Sr., F
*Tina Charles, Connecticut, Jr., C
*Krystal Ellis, Marquette, Sr., G
Shantia Grace, USF, Sr., G
Chandrea Jones, Syracuse, Sr., G
*Angel McCoughtry, Louisville, Sr., F
Renee Montgomery, Connecticut, Sr., G
*Maya Moore, Connecticut, So., F
*Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers, Jr., G
Kia Vaughn, Rutgers, Sr., C*
Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh, RS-Sr., G

Honorable Mention:
Laura Kurz, Villanova, Sr., F
Deirdre Naughton, DePaul, Jr., G
Lindsay Schrader, Notre Dame, Sr., G

* - unanimous selection

(Great) Recruiting News!!!

The #1 HS Junior (Class of '10) according to HoopGurlz, 6'1 SF Samarie Walker verbally committed to the UConn Huskies this weekend after being offered a scholarship during her unofficial visit to campus for First Night and opening day practice. Walker attends the same HS as former UConn Great Tamika (Williams) Raymond and the two spoke recently about how great UConn is athletically and academically and how she would be a perfect fit. Her HS coach says that this weekend's visit was just a confirmation of all Walker's dreams and hard work paying off.

Still no word on 6'0 SG Krista Gross (Class of '09) who visited First Night and opening day practice as well. Gross is down to UConn, Stanford, North Carolina, and Florida. Also attending First Night and opening day practice were Kelly Faris, a 5'11 SG from the Class of '09, the only player that has already given an oral commitment and Olivia Bresnahan, a 5'11 SF from the Class of '10.

My 2008-09 Preseason Top 25 Poll:

1. Connecticut
2. Stanford
3. Maryland
4. California
5. Rutgers**
6. Oklahoma*
7. Louisville*
8. Duke
9. Tennessee
10. North Carolina*
11. Arizona State
12. Oklahoma State
13. Vanderbilt
14. Notre Dame*
15. Texas A&M
16. Texas
17. Virginia
18. Xavier
19. Ohio State
20. Florida State*
21. Purdue
22. Syracuse*
23. Auburn
24. Penn State*
25. LSU*

*UConn opponent

UConn First Night 2008



Dunk Contest

6'0 So. SF Maya Moore vs. 6'4 Jr. C Tina Charles

More from the Courant's John Altavilla:

All she wants is to be consistent and become a leader. Jr. C Tina Charles is looking for that consistency coming into her third season as UConn's main offensive and defensive threat in the post. Her coach says he will keep pushing Charles around until he gets that consistency. He wants her to impact and not just be a part of every game. And if she wants a career in the WNBA, she better start playing much harder and much, MUCH MORE physical.

SWEEP!!!

Led by Finals MVP Katie Smith (21.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.3 apg) the Detroit Shock won their 3rd WNBA Championship by sweeping the San Antonio Silver Stars 3-0. Former UConn Husky Kelly Schumacher (who was signed during the Olympic break) wins her 2nd straight WNBA Championship ring after winning her first last season with the Phoenix Mercury (who didn't re-sign her). Schuey played a major role of the defensive end (16.7 mpg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg) for the Shock during these Finals and deserves a lot of credit for coming up big after hardly getting of the bench during the first two rounds (9.0 mpg, 2.3 rpg, no blocks) of the playoffs.

The Courant's John Altavilla has kept up on the UConn roster this preseason:

Progress. That's all that matters for Jr. SF Kalana Greene when it comes to her knee. She is getting closer and closer to being back on the court. Dealing with complications has gone from frustrating to empowering. She has already had two surgeries to clean out scar tissue, but she is learning very quickly, 'that which does not kill me, only makes me stronger'.

UConn's backcourt of Sr. (State Farm All-American) PG Renee Montgomery and So. PG Lorin Dixon have been sharpening their skills with new assistant coach and former UConn Great Shea Ralph in an attempt to UConn's backcourt. Improved shooting especially from 3-land, ball-handling, and perimeter is desperately needed from this PG duo, who will be looked upon by their head coach to lead this team and set up their fellow teammates.

Hoping to avoid any type of sophomore slump, So. (AP 1st-team and State Farm All-American) SF Maya Moore took the summer to rest, relax, and come back refreshed. Moore's goals for this season include continuing where she left off on the offensive end (but with HUGE increase in trips to the FT line), improved rebounding, and stellar on- and off-the-ball defense.

UConn's frontcourt of Jr. PF Kaili McLaren and Fr. PF/C Heather Buck have been working to shore up UConn's post with assistant coach and former UConn Great Jamelle Elliott. They both are looking to lose their very bad habits. McLaren is looking to ensure she won't be on the bench during crunch time in a NCAA Final Four game ever again. Buck has learned quickly that things that she got away with against high school opponents will not work against college defenses.

It has been almost exactly one year since her surgery, but Fr. SG Caroline Doty in finally ready to put her injury out of her thoughts. Her thoughts are now focused on worrying about what is in store for her and her fellow freshman teammates in Geno's practices. She's just ready to get the season started already, and says watching from the sidelines has made her realize she needs to try some new things.

UConn's First Night will take place Friday, October 17, 2008 at 6pm at Gampel Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public and the doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The men’s and women’s teams will hold an autograph session that will last for 45 minutes and start at 6:00 p.m. Players and coaches from both teams will be available and a free poster will be distributed to fans. “First Night” will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be highlighted by: a Women’s Team/Student Relay Race, a Men’s and Women’s Two-Ball Contest and a Slam Dunk Contest by the mens’ team. Both teams will also hold mini-intrasquad scrimmages.

The 2008-09 national television schedule for the UConn's women's basketball team was released today. The Huskies will play 9 regular season games on national TV, and will appear on ESPN's family of networks for the 20th consecutive season for a total of 7 games (not including post-season play) and on CBS for the 19th consecutive season.

Get those TiVo's ready fans, all of the BIG EAST Conference national TV games here!!!

In recruiting news,

UConn target SG Krista Gross (HoopGurlz #23, Class of '09) will make her official visit to Connecticut for the weekend of UConn's First Night via the Courant's John Altavilla's blog. Her final four schools are Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, and Stanford.

UConn's newest target SF Samarie Walker (HoopGurlz #1, Class of '10) shares her top choices with a local paper, and adds that UConn is her 'dream school' and back on top of her list. She attends the same high school as former UConn star Tamika (Williams) Raymond and says, "Growing up, I watched Tamika since I was in the fourth grade, I saw her go to UConn, saw some of the championships, and that's when I knew I wanted to go to UConn. My freshman year, I thought they were going to be recruiting me and they weren't, so I kind of changed my mind about where I wanted to go. Now, they're recruiting me and I'm on top of their recruiting list and they're on top of my list, too." Her top schools are Connecticut, Rutgers, Maryland, Duke, Southern California, Georgia, and Notre Dame.

The 2008-09 WCBB preseason polls have begun to be released and UConn is #1 on both Lindy's and Athlon' lists, but come in a very low #3 on SLAM's (Oklahoma is their #1 and Tennesee is their #2).

The 2008-09 schedule for the UConn women's basketball has officially been released. The Courant's John Altavilla breaks down the schedule here. The television schedule will be released at a later date.

Domination:

A Look Back at the USA Women's Run to Fourth Consecutive Olympic Gold.

Delle Donne to play VOLLEYBALL at Delaware. Good Luck Elena!!

GOLD!!!!!!

The United States Senior National Team won its 4th consecutive gold medal by blowing away Lauren Jackson and Australia in the gold medal game, 92-65. First-time Olympian and former Tennessee star Kara Lawson led the Americans with 15 pts. on perfect shooting. Four-time Olympian and former USC great Lisa Leslie added 14 pts. and 7 rebs.

The Americans went undefeated again and now have a 33-game Olympic win streak. They won all 8 games by a scoring margin of 37.6 points. Former Husky Greats Taurasi and Bird have picked up their 2nd straight Gold Medals, but this time played a much larger and impactful role on the team. Starting all 8 games Taurasi, led the team to the gold medal game with 21 huge points in the semifinals vs. Russia and finished 3rd in scoring, 2nd in assists and minutes, and lead the team in 3's made and FT shooting (15-15). Also starting all 8 games, Bird finished leading the team in steals.

Final Olympic Standings:
1. USA (8-0) - Gold Medal
2. Australia (7-1) - Silver Medal
3. Russia (6-2) - Bronze Medal**
4. China (5-3)
5. Spain (3-3)
6. Belarus (2-4)
7. Czech Republic (2-4)
8. South Korea (2-4)
9. Latvia (1-4)
10. New Zealand (1-4)*
11. Brazil (1-4)
12. Mali (0-5)

*Recent UConn transfer signee Jessica McCormack started 4 of 5 games for the Tall Ferns and playing 16 mpg, 2.6 ppg, and 2.6 rpg. Not tooo bad for a 19 y.o. Olympic rookie.

**Former UConn Great Svetlana Abrosimova played a much larger role as well this time around for the Russians. She started 4 of 8 games and finished 5th in scoring and steals, 3rd in rebounding, 2nd in 3's made, and led the team in 3pt shooting (58%).

Delle Donne has been officially released from her basketball scholarship at Connecticut. She plans to attend the University of Delware. It is not known at this time if she will play a sport, but if she doe sit will likely be volleyball (at least for her freshman season).

Finally!!!

Looks like Geno is finally going to get his wish afterall. And it doesn't have anything to do with a top recruit or championship, well actually it does. UConn has hired HOK Sport, Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., to coordinate architectural and design services for the construction of a new men's and women's basketball practice facility. In Geno's opinion, this type facility is needed to continue the growth and success of the men's and women's programs. Calhoun's agrees, saying the lack of a facility has hindered recruiting, putting the school at a disadvantage with top high school athletes who might be awe-struck by newer, bigger buildings on other campuses.

The preseason awards lists have begun and UConn's All-American trio is at the top of the 1st list. Today the 2008-09 Wade Watch was released and included Sr. Renee Montgomery, Jr. Tina Charles, and So. Maya Moore. Moore is finally eligible for the Wade Trophy now that she is no longer a freshman (BTW -- the dumbest rule in the WCBB game).

Recruiting Update:

....and NOT a good one. Incoming freshman SF Elena Delle Donne has decided not to enroll at Connecticut and will no longer be a member of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team. It sounds as if she is sick of basketball and will be searching for a life (at least in the very near future) without it. And if your heart isn't in it then you should play, especially if you want to play for a coach like Geno Auriemma. My guess is she decided on a new home before the Geno's dog house became her new permanent residence on the UConn Storrs campus. We shall see shortly where she'll end up.

Well that didn't take very long...

After six long exhausting days of searching the question has finally been answered. Former 1st team All-American and UConn great Shea Ralph has officially been named assistant coach of the UConn Huskies. She replaces Tonya Cardoza who resigned last week when she was named the head coach of the Temple Owls. It is also being reported that the position was posted and overnight about 200 resumes had been faxed to the UConn Athletic Department. I guess Geno and co. had a busy 4th of July weekend!!!!

Welcome Back Shea, we missed you!!!!

USA Basketball Update:

Former UConn star and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist announced today that she was informed that she was told via telephone that she will not be a member (nor alternate) for this year's USA Olympic squad. Shame on the committee...you all suck!!! Now she is in works to do commenting during their games...go Swin baby!!!

No official comfirmation yet, but it is being rumored on UConnFan.com Boneyard message board (via her own facebook homepage) that former UConn Husky Brittany Hunter will be named 3rd assistant coach under Tonya Cardoza at Temple University.

USA Basketball Update:

The deadline came and went...and now it has been report on the Storm blog by Jayda Evans that the announcement has been pushed back until July 10th due to scheduling conflict of the committee members...yeah right!!!!

It was bound to happen eventually, one of Geno's staff would leave for a head coaching position. The question was not If but When? and of course, Who? Well, it turns out it is Tonya Cardoza. She has been an assistant coach with the Huskies for 14 seasons and a part of all 5 NCAA Championships. Today she was officially named head coach of the women's basketball team at Temple University. At UConn, she specialized in recruiting and grooming the guards. She inherets a team from her former Virginia Cavaliers teammate Dawn Staley, who left who the head coaching position at South Carolina (the Huskies will visit the Gamecocks as part of their upcoming non-conference schedule). And I don't think it will be long until we see the Owls on the Huskies schedule.

Good Luck Tonya, we will miss you!!!

And now the question becomes who does Geno pick to take Tonya's place as UConn Assistant Coach???

USA Basketball (lack of) Update:

The deadline is tomorrow and still no official word on the final three roster spots and two alternates for the women's 2008 USA Basketball Olympic team. I wish they would get it together already. They claim the United States has the best talent in the world, well then why is it taking them so long to figure out who are the 12 (or 14) best (and now they really only need worry about 10-14th best) in the country. For me it is very easy: SF Tamika Catchings, PF Swin Cash, and PG Lindsay Whalen. My two alternates would be PF Taj McWilliams-Franklin and SG Alana Beard.