1/1 Connecticut Huskies (0-0)

Results: Connecticut 85, St. Rose 44
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (19p, 7r, 6a, 5s, 2b, 24m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (1dr, 5s, 2b, 24m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (14p, 2r, 4a, 3s, 25m)
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: UConn 35, St. Rose 8

Summary: All-Americans Moore and Charles picked up right where they left off in the 2009 Title Game help UConn defeat top DII program St. Rose scoring 19/7 and 14/11, respectively. True Freshman Faris made her career debut and Doty returned from last seasons ACL injury without batting an eye. Faris came off the bench and was very impressive. She quickly established herself as a defensive nightmare and very-sound offensive threat. The future looks bright for #34. Doty looked unfazed in her first real game in over 10 months and finished with 11/6 in 20 solid minutes off the bench. The Huskies backcourt had a terrible shooting night only hitting 7 of 29 3's specifically Hayes who only finished with 3pts. on 1-11 shooting (1-9 from deep). Dixon looked more confident, but struggled as the starting point guard. Moore still needs to learn how to create more contact in order to put more pressure on the refs to blow the whistle and ultimately get to the free throw line much, much more (like 10-12 times a night). The Huskies as a team didn't get to the line much tonight as the refs only blew 23 times combined, but they didn't execute well when they did get there only hitting 6 of 12 FT's (neither Moore or Charles got to the line). Charles, Greene, and Dixon are great in the paint, but have to expand their range (especially Dixon). Geno and staff are not likely very pleased and the players won't be satisfied after watching the game film. Overall, a decent outing by the defending National Champs. The expectations are high in Storrs, and clearly, much more improvement is needed.

Game notes (pdf) for today's exhibition game vs. St. Rose Golden Knights (DII).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: none
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: HuskyVision
Live Stats: GameTracker

The four University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball exhibition games will be available via streaming video at HuskyVision on UConnHuskies.com. The four exhibition games will not be available on commercial television.

A subscription to HuskyVision is required to view the games and is priced at $9.95 and can be purchased at UConnHuskies.com.

The four games that will be streamed will be:
Wed., Nov. 4, men vs. AIC, 7:00pm (XL Center)
Thur., Nov. 5, women vs. Saint Rose, 7:30pm (Gampel Pavilion)
Sat., Nov. 8, men vs. UMass-Lowell, 1:00pm (Gampel Pavilion)
Mon., Nov. 9, women vs. Vanguard, 7:00pm (XL Center)

The games will also be archived on the site for viewing by subscribers.

UConn is also the UNANIMOUS #1 in the 2009-10 Preseason ESPN/USA Today Poll released today.

Moore History:

Today Jr. All-American SF Maya Moore was named as an unanimous selection to the 2009-10 Preseason AP All-America Team along with fellow UConn teammate and Sr. All-American C Tina Charles. Moore received all 40 media votes and becomes the 7th player in WCBB history to be selected unanimously to the preseason AP All-America team. And for the fifth time in WCBB history, two teammates from the university were selected to the preseason team.  It's the third time two Huskies have been on the preseason team as Jen Rizzotti and Kara Wolters were named in 1995-96 and Shea Ralph and Svetlana Abrosimova were named in 2000-01. Rizzotti and Wolters were first-team All-Americans after the season, too (OTH, Ralph and Abrosimova both ended the season with injuries).

The 2009-10 Preseason AP Poll was released today:

UCONN: UNANIMOUS #1.

Do I even need any commentary?? I mean, what would I say that hasn't already been said (twice)??

The Most Shocking News of the Day!!

The defending National Champions were picked to win the 2009-10 Big East Conference Regular Season Title in a poll voted on by the league coaches today at Big East Media Day. Connecticut was the unanimous choice by the coaches. Connecticut's Maya Moore was selected as the 2009-10 Preseason Big East POTY and Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins was picked as the 2009-10 Preseason Big East FOTY. Twelve players were named to the 2009-10 Preseason All Big East Team including Connecticut's Moore, Tina Charles, and Tiffany Hayes (Kalana Greene was named an honorable mention).

2009-10 Preseason Big East Poll:
1. Connecticut 225 (15)
2. Notre Dame 210 (1)
3(t). DePaul 171
3(t). Louisville 171
5. Pittsburgh 167
6. Rutgers 156
7. Syracuse 126
8. Georgetown 124
9. West Virginia 121
10. Marquette 111
11. South Florida 86
12. St. John's 84
13. Villanova 78
14. Seton Hall 33
15. Providence 31
16. Cincinnati 26

( ) - Indicates first-place votes

2009-10 Preseason BIG EAST Honors:
Player of the Year:
Jr. F Maya Moore, Connecticut (not being unanimous is baffling to me!?!)
Freshman of the Year:
Fr. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame*

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Team:
Sr. G Ashley Bartow, Notre Dame
Sr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut*
So. F/C Keisha Hampton, DePaul
So. G Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Sr. F Nicole Michael, Syracuse
Jr. F Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. G Deirdre Naughton, DePaul
Jr. G Liz Repella, West Virginia
Jr. G Angel Robinson, Marquette*
Sr. G Kahla Roudebusch, Cincinnati
Sr. G/F Lindsay Schrader, Notre Dame
So. F Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's

* - unanimous selection
{an extra member was added to the preseason team due to tie in the voting}

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention:
Jr. G Deseree Byrd, Louisville
RSr. G/F Kalana Greene, Connecticut
Sr. G Brittany Ray, Rutgers

More Bittersweet (Recruiting) News!

As our heart continue to be filled with sadness over the loss of UConn Football Star Jasper "Jazz" Howard, one of the Top Point Guards in the country is helping round out UConn's 2010 recruiting class quite nicely. Today 5'10 Sr. PG Bria Hartley (North Babylon H.S., NY) verbally committed to becoming the 5th member of this year's class.  Hartley was on campus this weekend on her official visit and took in UConn's First Night and first official practice. Welcome to Storrs, Bria!!

Now the Huskies await word from the #1 Player in the 2010 class, 6'3 Sr. PF Chiney Ogwumike (Cy Fair H.S., TX), who attended UConn's first practice this weekend on her official visit to the Storrs campus. Ogwumike's top 3 are Connecticut, Notre Dame, and Stanford, but Stanford has been rumored to be her landing spot ever since her older sister, Nneka, signed to play there in 2007. She will make an official visit to Stanford this coming weekend. (As a freshman, Nneka [a Top 5 recruit in the 2008 class] quietly came away with 13pts. & 12rebs. against UConn at the 2009 Final Four, but NOW she is a Sophomore this season and you WILL notice her when UConn plays Stanford at the XL Center [Hartford, CT] on Dec 23rd, 2009).

Bitter-sweet (Recruiting) News amist Tradegy:

Early today the UConn family, campus, and community lost a very special member of its family.  Starting CB for the UConn Football team, Jr. Jasper Howard sadly became UConn campus' first homicide in over 30 years after losing his life early this morning outside the UConn Student Union after suffering stab wounds in an altercation around 12:30am. As a UConn Alumni, I am even more devasted by this loss to our tiny little community and pray his assailant is captured quickly and brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jazz's family and unborn child.

[The UConn Police and Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit continue to actively investigate this incident and ask that anyone with information pertaining to the incident contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.]

Fast-forward to 10:30pm for the only good news of the day: while UConn Women's Basketball team awaits the decision of two of the top-ranked uncommitted players of the 2010 class, the Huskies received their first verbal commitment for the 2011 class today. H.S. Junior 6'0 SF Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Mater Dei H.S. (CA), is ranked as the #1 overall player in the Blue Star rankings and #2 overall (#1 wing) in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60.

Today Phoenix Mercury G/F Diana Taurasi become the first former UConn player to be named WNBA Most Valuable Player. She garnered 27 1st-place votes and 323 points overall en route to being named the 2009 WNBA MVP. She led the league in scoring at 20.4ppg on her way to winning her third Peak Performer Award for Scoring and being the leading vote-getter for the All-WNBA teams (named to the 2009 All-WNBA First Team).

On Sept. 5, Taurasi became the fastest player to 4,000 career points doing so in 197 games to break Lauren Jackson’s record (209). She led the league in three pointers made with 79 and ranked seventh in the league in three-point shooting percentage (40.7). Taurasi ranks 13th in league history for points scored (4,029) and third in all-time points per game (20.3). This season, Taurasi ranked among the WNBA’s top ten leaders in nearly every category, including points per game (first), three point field goals made (first), three-point field goals attempted (fourth), three-point field goal percentage (seventh), free throws made (third), free throws attempted (fifth), free throw percentage (sixth), field goals made (fifth), field goals attempted (10th), blocks per game (eighth) and defensive rebounds per game (sixth).

She was also named to 2009 First Team All-WNBA, her fourth consecutive honor and fifth overall in her six WNBA seasons (2005 season was named to the Second Team), a WNBA All-Star, her fourth such appearance, and earned the 10th-career Player of the Week Award for the week of Aug. 17th. Her efforts helped propel the Mercury to the best record in the WNBA at 23-11, which also tied a franchise record, and the top overall seed in the 2009 WNBA Playoffs.

Currently, Taurasi has led (23.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.7apg) the Mercury to the 2009 WNBA Finals to face the Indiana Fever. Game 1 of the Finals begins tonight on ESPN2 live from Phoenix at 9:00pm. Check out the rest of the Finals schedule here.

2009 All-WNBA Teams
First Team:
G Becky Hammon, San Antonio (169) [3 MVP votes, 77]
G Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix (151) [1 MVP vote, 99]
F Tamika Catchings Indiana (167) [3 MVP votes, 163]
F Diana Taurasi Phoenix (201) [27 MVP votes, 323]
C Lauren Jackson, Seattle (179)
Second Team:
G Katie Douglas, Indiana (138) [5 MVP votes, 128]
G Deanna Nolan, Detroit (75)
F Candace Parker, Los Angeles (100)
F Sophia Young, San Antonio (72)
C Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles (69)

Today Minnesota Lynx and former UConn All-American PG Renee Montgomery was added to the USA Senior National Team training camp roster. She becomes the 7th current or former UConn player named to the roster which will be coached by UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma. Montgomery's Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Jennifer Gillom was recently named an assistant coach for the USA Senior National Team along with DePaul Head Coach Doug Bruno. The other six UConn players are Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tina Charles, Asjha Jones, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi (Taurasi who will not attend camp due to participation in 2009 WNBA Finals).

Today Minnesota Lynx and former UConn All-American PG Renee Montgomery was named to the 2009 WNBA Adidas All-Rookie Team. Montgomery garnered 11 of the possible 12 coaches votes (coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own team). Montgomery, the No. 4 overall draft pick, became a consistent option off the bench in her first season. She averaged 9.0 points and 2.1 assists. Montgomery, who started nine games this season ranked third on the Lynx in assists and ranked in the top five among rookies in assists and points. She tallied a career-high 24 points in a 95-88 win over the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 7th.

2009 WNBA Adidas All-Rookie Team:
F DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix (12)
F Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta (12)
G Renee Montgomery Minnesota (11)
G Shavonte Zellous Detroit (11)
F Marissa Coleman Washington Mystics (6)

Time to play with the BIG Girls!!!

Today USA Sr. National Team and UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma announced that UConn All-Americans Sr C Tina Charles and Jr Maya Moore along with Stanford All-American Sr C Jayne Appel, have been invited to participate in the first practice sessions for the USA Sr. National Team from Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2009 at American University in Washington, D.C. They are the only three college players that have been invited. Moore is still recovering from a sprained knee that she got during practice for the World University Games. According to Auriemma, she's progressing fine and will be ready for the camp. In the time since, it has been determined that that a pair of Connecticut Sun players, former UConn All-American Asjha Jones and Lindsay Whalen, have also been invited. The practice session begins a process that will lead to the 12-member 2012 U.S. Olympic team. The first major competition for the squad will be the 2010 World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, in late September 2010.

"We need to see how good they are in relation to the professionals," Auriemma said.

Connecticut All Americans Sr Tina Charles and Jr Maya Moore today were named as two of the 2009-10 31 preseason candidates for the 2010 Women's Wooden Award. Moore won the prestigious Wooden award last season. The Huskies were one of four teams with two players on the list along with Ohio State, Stanford, and Gonzaga (yes Gonzaga!!).

The Wooden Award Committee will release the Midseason Top 20 list in late December. The National Ballot, consisting of approximately 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they are also making progress toward graduation and maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA, will be released in March. The Women's Wooden Award All-American Team will be announced during the week of the NCAA Elite Eight. The 34th annual Wooden Award ceremony will held during the weekend of April 9-11.

ESPN's College GameDay crew rolling into Storrs...

For the first time in ESPN's College GameDay (and crew) will travel to Storrs, CT for a Connecticut women's basketball match-up. UConn will face Notre Dame on Jan. 16, 2010 at 9:00 pm on ESPN to kick off the 2010 conference season. Here's a look at the complete College GameDay schedule:

Date Site Game (All 9:00 pm ET on ESPN unless otherwise noted)
Jan. 16 Storrs, CT Notre Dame at Connecticut (women’s)
Jan. 23 Clemson, SC Duke at Clemson
Jan. 30 Manhattan, KS Kansas at Kansas State (7:00 pm ET)
Feb. 6 Champaign, IL Michigan State at Illinois
Feb. 13 Lexington, KY Tennessee at Kentucky
Feb. 20 Seattle, WA UCLA at Washington
Feb. 27 Syracuse, NY Villanova at Syracuse
Mar. 6 Durham, NC North Carolina at Duke

2009-10 Preseason Wade Watch List!!!

Lots of Husky and Cardinal flavor with UConn and Stanford both landing 3 players each on the 25 member 2009-10 Preseason Wade Watch list. UConn Sr. C Tina Charles, Jr. SF Maya Moore, and So. SG Tiffany Hayes are on the "watch" list which will award the 2010 State Farm Wade Trophy to the WCBB's DI Player of the Year next April at the Final Four in San Antonio, TX.

P.S. - not to sound spiteful, but why was it mentioned nowhere in the article about the fact that Moore was the 2009 Wade Trophy winner...shouldn't that have been the opening sentence...something like "2009 Wade Trophy winner Maya Moore headlines the 2010 Preseason Wade Watch list..." (wake up people, Parker wouldn't have gotten this treatment)

Welcome Back, Cash Money!!

Seattle Storm SF (and former UConn All-American) Swin Cash won MVP honors at the 2009 WNBA All-Star game today after turning in a record-setting performance with 22 pts. (most points in All-Star game history), 6 rebs., and 4 asts. as the West defeated the East, 130-118. The game was played at the Mohegan Sun Arena home of the Connecticut Sun and it turned into a UConn coming out party as Cash's teammate Seattle Storm PG (and former UConn All-American) Sue Bird garnered a double-double with 16 pts., 5 rebs., and 10 asts. (most assists in All-Star game history) for the West. Phoenix Mercury SF (and former UConn All-American) Diana Taurasi finished with 18 pts., 4 rebs., and 4 asts. and Minnesota Lynx PF (and former UConn All American honorable mention) Charde Houston had 16 pts., 6 rebs., and 3 stls. for the West. Connecticut Sun PF (and former UConn All-American) Asjha Jones quietly added 6 pts., 4 rebs., and 6 asts. for the East. All told the FIVE former Husky Greats totaled 78 pts., 25 rebs., 25 asts., and 3 stls.

Add in the 2009 NCAA Championship and I'd say it's a great year to be a Connecticut Husky!!!

All you big-time UConn Huskies fans out there should be excited. With the 2009 WNBA All Star Game being played at the Mohegan Sun Arena (home of the Connecticut Sun), UConn fans have a chance to see the best of the best in the WNBA, but that also means the best of the best former UConn players will be on display. Seattle Storm's Sue Bird and Swin Cash were picked to be starters for the Western Conference by the fans last week and today the reserves were picked by the coaches. Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi and Minnesota Lynx's Charde Houston were named reserves for the Western Conference while Connecticut Sun's Asjha Jones was named a reserve for the Eastern Conference.

2009 WNBA All Star Game
July 25, 2009 3:30 pm ET (ABC)
Mohegan Sun Arena
hosted by Connecticut Sun

Eastern Conference
Starters:
G Alana Beard, Washington
G Katie Douglas, Indiana
F Tamika Catchings, Indiana
F Candice Dupree, Chicago
C Sylvia Fowles, Chicago
Reserves:
G Jia Perkins, Chicago
G Katie Smith, Detroit
F Shameka Christon, New York
F Asjha Jones, Connecticut
F Sancho Lyttle, Atlanta
C Erika DeSouza, Atlanta


Western Conference
Starters:
G Sue Bird, Seattle
G Becky Hammon, San Antonio
F Swin Cash, Seattle
F Lauren Jackson, Seattle
C Lisa Leslie*, Los Angeles
Reserves:
G Diana Taurasi, Phoenix
G Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix
F Charde Houston, Minnesota
F Sophia Young, San Antonio
F Tina Thompson, Los Angeles
C Nicky Anosike, Minnesota
*F Nicole Powell, Sacramento (inj. replacement)

It is July and UConn Sophomore Sensation Maya Moore is still winning awards!!!! Last night she won an ESPY for 2009 Best Female Collegiate Athlete. The 2009 ESPY awards will be broadcast on Sunday, July 19th on ESPN at 9:00 pm. UConn was up for a total of 4 ESPY's including Best Team (the 2008-09 UConn women's basketball team), Best Coach (UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma), and Best (Overall) Female Athlete (Maya Moore, Connecticut).

Another title game, another MVP award...

This time it was UConn Sr. Tina Charles winning MVP honors with a monster 28 pt., 18 reb. performance in the Gold Medal game of the 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia. Charles along with fellow UConn teammate So. Tiffany Hayes led the USA to an 83-64 victory over Russia and an undefeated 7-0 record for the tournament. UConn Jr. Maya Moore was also on the team, but sat out the entire tournament as a precaution for pain in her right knee (sprain). Charles led USA in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounding (6.1 rpg), FG's made (47) while Hayes was fourth in scoring (8.7 ppg), 1st in 3-pt FG's made (9), third in assists (1.9 apg), and t-2nd in steals (1.7 spg)

America's Red, White, and Blue!!!!

Or just call them UConn's Charles, Hayes, and Moore. Today UConn's latest version of the superstar trio of Sr. C Tina Charles, So. SG Tiffany Hayes, and Jr. SF Maya Moore were named to USA Basketball's 2009 World University Games team that will compete in Belgrade, Serbia from July 1-11, 2009. They will be joined by nine other college aged basketball stars from around the country. Hayes is the only freshman (sophomore to be) to make this year's squad. The team will be coached by Arizona State Head Coach Charli Turner Thorne, who returns to the USA sideline after assisting the USA women to a gold medal at the 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship. Her assistant coaches will be Michigan State Head Coach Suzy Merchant and Pepperdine Head Coach Julie Rousseau. The U.S. squad will continue training camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., through June 25, when the team departs for Belgrade, Serbia.

Today the University of Connecticut and Head Coach Geno Auriemma announced former Boston University basketball star Marisa Moseley as their newest Assistant Head Coach. She replaces former UConn Great Jamelle Elliot, who recently became the Head Coach of the University of Cincinnati's women's basketball team. Moseley worked two years as an assistant for Minnesota's Pam Borton, coaching post players and helping in recruiting and scouting. She also spent the 2006-07 season at Denver, helping the Pioneers to a 20-11 record, their first 20-plus win season since 2000-01.

"I met Marisa when I was at UConn at Coach Auriemma's camp," said Connecticut Sun and former UConn forward Asjha Jones. "We became friends right away. She's a great person. She immediately draws you in. She's that type of person. She'll be a lot like Jamelle, the person the players can go talk to. She's an awesome person, extremely likable. The players will accept her right away. She's very coachable, even as a coach."

Out of Left Field.....

UConn assistant women's basketball coach Jamelle Elliott will be named the next head coach of the University of Cincinnati Women's Basketball team at a press conference Tuesday at 4 p.m. A source in the UConn athletic office confirmed Elliott's hiring by the Bearcats to replace J. Kelley Hall, who had coached the team for the last two seasons. Elliott, a former UConn player who has been an assistant on Geno Auriemma's staff for the last 12 seasons, is the second assistant to leave Auriemma in the last two years. Tonya Cardoza left before last season to coach Temple.

Meet and Greet with Obama!!!

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in Friday morning's press briefing that the 2009 NCAA Champion UConn Huskies will be meeting with President Obama on Monday, April 27th at 2:00 pm.

There is a little Parade this Sunday morning before the BIG Parade Sunday afternoon. When you open your paper tomorrow morning you will find that incoming UConn freshman (H.S. Sr) Kelly Farris was named to the 2008-09 Parade All America First Team. Fellow UConn commit (H.S. Jr) Samarie Walker was named to the Third Team. Baylor signee Brittney Griner was named the 2008-09 Parade National Player of the Year.

Add another UConn player to the list of National Players of the Year!!!

Today Renee Montgomery was informed she is the winner of the 2009 Honda Sports Award as the nation's top collegiate female basketball player. Winners are selected in each of the 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports by a panel of more than 1,000 NCAA administrators. Three other athletes are honored as the Division II Athlete of the Year, Division III Athlete of the Year and Inspiration Award winner. Each woman is selected not only for her superior athletic skills, but also for her leadership abilities, academic excellence and eagerness to participate in community service. At the end of the year, one deserving athlete will be chosen as the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and receive the coveted Honda-Broderick Cup.

It's Official!!!

Connecticut Women's Basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma has been named the USA Basketball Women's Senior National (Olympic) Team Head Coach today by the USA Basketball Committee. His reign will serve through the 2012 London Olympic Games. Auriemma says he will continue coaching the Huskies while also taking over as coach of the USA Basketball Women's Senior National Team.

With 24-year coaching veteran Auriemma at the helm, the U.S. will first look to capture the title at the 16th FIBA World Championship, scheduled to be played Sept. 23 – Oct. 3 in the Czech Republic, with an automatic berth to the 2012 Olympic Games being awarded to the gold medalist. Should the U.S. not finish with the gold medal in ‘10, it would have two additional chances to qualify for the Olympics: the 2011 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD); and 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD). Auriemma, who currently owns an astounding 696-122 record for a stunning 85.1 winning percentage, heads up what many have termed the most successful basketball program of this decade, winning five of the nine NCAA crowns since 2000. At the helm of Connecticut since the 1985-86 season, his teams have captured a total of six NCAA titles (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009) in 10 Final Four appearances and collected a combined 32 regular season and Big East Conference Tournament championships. He is also the first women’s coach to guide a team to five straight Final Fours (2000-04).

"I don’t know if I can adequately describe my feelings and my emotions when I was asked to do this and how I felt ever since," said Auriemma. "It’s an opportunity that if you’re very fortunate comes once in your life and I never thought I would ever have this opportunity. It’s just overwhelming, the emotions that run through you. What an incredible honor it is to be selected."

"There is no better coach in America than Geno Auriemma and we are delighted to be able to have a coach of his caliber lead our women’s national team program through the 2012 Olympic Games," said USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo. "The USA Basketball women’s national team has achieved tremendous success over the years and as winners of the last four Olympic gold medals, the expectations remain very high. Geno’s success at UConn, both his win-loss record and the development of his players, speaks for itself and makes him a perfect choice to take hold of the reins."

"It’s amazing for coach Auriemma," said former Husky and two-time Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi. "I know as a player this is a lifetime opportunity to play for the best coach in basketball. It’s a dream come true for me, I always knew I would be his player again. I’m very happy. Coach has the passion and smarts to be a successful coach. He knows how to make talented players into a dominate unit and challenges players in ways no one can."

"I think that his being the USA Women’s National Team coach is going to be interesting," said two-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings. "I know that he knows how to win and obviously he knows what he's looking for in his players and his team to perform as a group. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back and playing with the USA National Team."

NOTE: The press conference will be available by 3:00 pm on HuskyVision.

Breaking News...

via Press Release:

Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 1:30 pm ET
The Great Room, Alumni House
University of Connecticut

USA Basketball has scheduled a media press conference to announce the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team head coach, who will head the U.S. teams at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, if necessary the 2011 Olympic Qualifying Tournament and, if the United States qualifies, the 2012 Olympic Games.

The press conference will be streamed live online at: www.uconnhuskies.com

Join the UConn Bandwagon Parade...

Connecticut Govenor M. Jodi Rell announced today the state of CT and city of Hartford will host a parade on Sunday April 19, 2009, to congratulate and honor the 2008-09 UConn Women's Basketball Team for winning the 2009 NCAA Women's National Basketball Championship and the school's 6th title overall. The parade will take place at 3 pm near the Bushnell Park, Main Street, and Capitol Avenue areas of the city, and will begin and end at the State Capitol. A rally will take place on the north steps of the Capitol immediately following the parade.

"The UConn women's basketball team has a long tradition of success when it comes to the Big East and the NCAA National Championships. Husky fans rightly want to continue the state's wonderful tradition of giving these young women and their coaches the recognition and admiration they truly deserve. A parade in downtown Hartford is just one way to do just that - not only for the players, the coaches and the University, but for the thousands of fans of all ages who helped cheer them on to a perfect 39-0 season and a 6th NCAA (title). Frankly, the people of Connecticut needed some good news and the undefeated women's team provided it. Let's return the favor by lining the parade route and showing them how much they really mean to us." stated Gov. Rell.

Consensus...

Connecticut's Maya Moore completed the sweep of the five major 2008-09 WCBB National Player of the Year honors today after being named the winner of the 2009 Women's John Wooden Award. She is also the AP, Naismith, USBWA, and WBCA's National Player of the Year. In the Wooden Award voting, Moore finished with 176 points, followed by Oklahoma's Courtney Paris with 133 points, Louisville's Angel McCoughtry with 101 points, fellow Connecticut teammate Renee Montgomery with 97 points, and Maryland's Kristi Toliver with 68 points.

Also...McCoughtry, Montgomery, Moore, and Paris are also finalists for the 2009 Honda Sports Award for the nation's top collegiate female basketball player (the Honda Award recognizes winners in all 12 NCAA-sanctioned female sports).

ABC World News Person(s) of the Week...

The 2008-09 Undefeated 39-0 National Champion UConn Huskies

Watch the segment from ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson here.

More great news from the recuiting front...

UConn's ever expanding recruiting class is now at four after the verbal commitment 5'11 SG Lauren Engeln (Laguna Hills, CA) on Thursday. Lauren, who was at the Final Four with her parents to watch UConn win its sixth national title, informed the coaches of her decision today according to her AAU coach Russ Davis. She is ranked 87th in the ESPN HoopGurlz Class of 2010. She joins 6'5 C Stefanie Dolson, 6'3 PF Michala Johnson, and 6'1 SF Samarie Walker as the high school juniors who have committed to UConn.

The last piece of UConn's recruiting class could be 5'10 PG Bria Hartley out of North Babylon High, who was named the Gatorade New York Player of the Year as a junior. Hartley was hoping to visit UConn this week but those plans fell through since UConn was in the Final Four and UConn coach Geno Auriemma was in New Jersey for Thursday's WNBA draft and will leave with Maya Moore Friday for the Wooden Award banquet.

And with the 4th Pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft the Minnesota Lynx select....

University of Connecticut PG Renee Montgomery!!!!

She joins former UConn teammate Charde Houston along with former Wade Trophy winner's Seimone Augustus (LSU) and Candice Wiggins (Stanford).

Follow along with the 2009 WNBA Draft at WNBA.com and find out where UConn's outstanding Senior PG Renee Montgomery will land. She is the NEW choice for the No. 1 Overall Pick in the lastest WNBA Mock Draft which belongs to the Atlanta Dream. The first round of the 2009 WNBA Draft will be televised live on ESPN2 at 3:00 pm. The second and third rounds will continue to be televised live on NBATV and ESPNU at 4:00 pm. Personally, I would love to see her in Phoenix with Taurasi, but after her performance in the Final 4, there is no way she will be on the board when the 5th Overall Pick rolls around.

The 2009 WNBA Draft Order (1st Rd):
1. Atlanta Dream
2. Washington Mystics
3. Chicago Sky
4. Minnesota Lynx
5. Phoenix Mercury
6. Indiana Fever
7. Sacramento Monarchs
8. New York Liberty
9. Minnesota Lynx (via Was via LA)
10. Connecticut Sun
11. Detroit Shock
12. Seattle Storm
13. Los Angeles Sparks (via Atl via SA)

Watch the Connecticut Women's Basketball 2009 National Championship Pep Rally LIVE now via WTNH News Ch. 8!

I must say I absolutely LOVE the new UConnHuskies.com! Way to go UConn...I am totally blown away by the National Championship coverage of Our Ladies...everyone check it out if you haven't already!!!!

Pep Rally Set....

The 2009 National Champion Connecticut women's basketball team will leave St. Louis at 1:00 pm ET today and is expected to return to Bradley International Airport at approximately 3:15 pm ET.

Upon arrival at Bradley, there will be a short public event (rain/shine). That event will include remarks from UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma.

Upon arrival at Storrs, there will be a Championship Pep Rally in Gampel Pavilion. The doors to Gampel will open to the public at 3:00 pm and the team is expected to arrive in Storrs at approximately 4:30 pm. The event at Gampel is free and open to the public. The program will include the introduction of the team and also include brief comments from Coach Auriemma and a few players.

A special Thank You to Our Outstanding Seniors...



















Cassie Kerns, Renee Montgomery, and Tahirah Williams
...for an amazing four years and everything each of you contributed to this undefeated 2008-09 National Championship season!!!! Good Luck in everything you do in life!!!!

Renee Montgomery's Legacy:
(Connecticut, Point Guard , 06-09)

Thank you so much Renee for 4 incredible years!!!! We will miss you!!!! Good Luck on your future whereever it may take you!!!!




Accomplishments:
NCAA WCBB Champion, Undefeated 39-0 (09)
NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team (09)
3-time UConn Captain (07,08,09)
2-time State Farm All-American (08,09)
All-Big East First Team (07, 08, 09)
AP First Team All-American (09)
AP Third Team All-American (08)
AP All-American Honorable Mention (07)
Honda Sports Award (Nation's Top Collegiate Basketball Player) (09)
Francis Pomeroy Naismith Award (Nation's Top Player Under 5'8) (09)
Nancy Lieberman Award (Nation's Top Point Guard) (09)
Lowe's Senior CLASS Award All-Senior First Team (09)
John Wooden All-American (09)
USBWA All-American (09)
Big East Sportsmanship Award (09)
Big East Freshman of the Year (06)
NCAA Tournament All-Regional Team (06,07,08,09)

Milestones:
No.1 Games Played, Career (150)
No.1 Assists, Game (13)
No.2 3-pt FG's Made, Season (99)
No.3 Assists, Career (632)
No.4 Assists, Season (199)
No.4 3-pt FG's Made, Career(254)
No.5 Steals, Career (266)
No.6 Points, Career (1990)
No.7 Points, Season (644)

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (39-0)

Results: Connecticut 76, Louisville 54
Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Defensive Player of the Game: RJr. SF Kalana Greene
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FG%: UConn 50%, Louisville 31%

2008-09 NCAA Women's Basketball National Champions!!!

















2009 Final Four Most Outstanding Player:
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut

2009 Final Four All-Tournament Team:
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament National Championship game vs. 3 Louisville Cardinals.

TV: ESPN & ESPN360.com, 8:30 pm

And they haven't stopped rolling in yet...

The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today that Connecticut's Maya Moore was named winner of the 2008-09 Naismith National Player of the Year Trophy in Women's College Basketball presented by AT&T. The two-time BIG EAST Player of the Year becomes just the sixth student-athlete to win a Naismith Trophy in both high school and college, joining UConn Husky Great Diana Taurasi, Tennessee Trio of Tamika Catchings, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Candace Parker, and Southern California's Lisa Leslie. The Connecticut sophomore from Collins Hill High School in Atlanta, GA won the H.S. prep award in both 2006 and 2007.

Update: UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma has been named the 2008-09 Naismith National Coach of the Year in Women's College Basketball (for a record 6th time).

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (38-0)

Results: Connecticut 83, Stanford 64
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: Pts Off TO's: UConn 19, Stanford 9

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament Final 4 game vs. 2 Stanford Cardinal.

TV: ESPN & ESPN360.com, 9:30 pm

Today it was announced that UConn Senior PG Renee Montgomery was named to the 2008-09 Lowe's Senior CLASS All-Senior All America First Team. Oklahoma's Senior C Courtney Paris was awarded the 2008-09 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in Women's Basketball which is given to the women's college basketball’s top NCAA Division I senior student-athlete. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award has grown into the nation’s premier tribute to college seniors. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete with criteria including excellence in the “4 C’s” of classroom, community, character and competition.

2008-09 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Winner:
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma

2008-09 Lowe's All Senior All America Teams:
First Team:

Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut

Sr. PG Shalee Lehning, Kansas State
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Sr. SF Christina Wirth, Vanderbilt

Second Team:
Sr. SG Koren Schram, Dartmouth
Sr. SG Abby Waner, Duke
Sr. PF Rachel Galligan, Eastern Illinois
Sr. SG Jada Frazier, New Orleans
Sr. SG Takia Starks, Texas A&M

And they haven't stopped rolling in....

Today UConn's So. SF Maya Moore was also named the 2008-09 Associated Press Women's National Player of the Year and UConn's Head Coach Geno Auriemma was named the 2008-09 Associated Press Women's National Coach of the Year. Moore received 37 out of the 45 possible votes (UConn teammate PG Renee Montgomery finished 2nd in the voting with 4 votes) and becomes only the second sophomore to win the award (Oklahoma's Courtney Paris won the award in 2006-07), and Coach Auriemma recieved 27 out of the 45 possible votes (Auburn Head Coach Nell Fortner finished 2nd in the voting with 7 votes) and becomes the first coach to win the award in back to back seasons. This is his sixth AP National Coach of the Year award.

The 2008-09 State Farm All America Team was announced today as well as the recipient of the prestigious 2009 State Farm Wade Trophy. The winner of the Wade Trophy is UConn's Sensational Sophomore Maya Moore. She becomes the first true sophomore to ever win the Wade Trophy, which is the highest player of the year honor in women's college basketball. She becomes the 5th Connecticut player to win the award joining fellow Husky Greats Rebecca Lobo, Jennifer Rizzotti, Sue Bird, and Diana Taurasi. Congratulations Maya, you deserve it!!!!













2008-09 State Farm Wade Trophy Winner:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut

2008-09 State Farm All America Team:
Sr. SF DeWanna Bonner, Auburn
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
So. C Jantel Lavendar, Ohio State
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford

Keep rollin', rollin', rollin'......

Today UConn Sr. PG Renee Montgomery was named the winner of the 2009 Nancy Lieberman Award. The award recognizes the nation's top collegiate point guard in women's Division I basketball. The criteria for the award are the floor leadership, play-making and ball-handling skills that personified Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman during her career. Sportswriters from across the country determined the award winner and finalists. The three finalists (in alphabetical order) are: Kristi Cirone (Illinois State), Danielle Robinson (Oklahoma), and Kristi Toliver (Maryland). Montgomery adds her name to the list of outstanding WCBB point guards which includes former UConn Greats Sue Bird (who won the award from 2000 to 2002) and Diana Taurasi (who won the award in 2003 and 2004).

Now they are pouring in....

Today both Renee Montgomery and Maya Moore were named to the 2008-09 John Wooden All America Team. They become the first set of teammates to make the five-player team in its six year history. The 2008-09 John Wooden Award will be awarded to one of the five members of the All America team at the 33rd Annual Wooden Award ceremony which will take place on Friday, April 10 at The Los Angeles Athletic Club in CA.

2008-09 John Wooden All America Team:
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Jr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma

And the awards just keep rolling in...

Today Connecticut's Sophomore Sensation Maya Moore was named the 2008-09 USBWA National Player of the Year while Connecticut's Head Coach Geno Auriemma was named the 2008-09 USBWA Coach of the Year for the 2nd consecutive season (4th overall). Moore and teammate Renee Montgomery were named to the 2008-09 USBWA All America Team. (Again, who is watching the games because Tina Charles is clearly one of the 11 Best in the Nation)

2008-09 USBWA National Player of the Year:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
2008-09 USBWA National Coach of the Year:
Geno Auriemma, Connecticut
2008-09 USBWA National Freshman of the Year:
Fr. SG Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

2008-09 USBWA All America Team:
Sr. SF DeWanna Bonner, Auburn
Sr. PF Ashley Walker, California
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. C Chante Black, Duke
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
So. C Jantel Lavender, Ohio State
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford

Meet us in St. Louie....













2009 NCAA Women's Final Four here we come!!!!!

National Semifinals:
Sunday, April 5, 2009
1 Oklahoma vs. 3 Louisville, ESPN 7:00 pm
1 Connecticut vs. 2 Stanford, ESPN 9:30 pm

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (37-0)

Results: Connecticut 83, Arizona State 64
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. C Tina Charles
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 45, Arizona State 19

2009 Trenton Regional Champions!!!














2009 Trenton Regional Most Outstanding Player:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut

2009 Trenton All-Regional Team:
Sr. PG Briann January, Arizona State
RJr. SG Danielle Orsillo, Arizona State
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut

For the 2nd consecutive season UConn's Maya Moore was named an AP First Team All-American, but this season she was the only unanimous pick (receiving 225 total votes from the 45-member panel). However, this time she is joined on the First Team by teammate Renee Montgomery. Today both were named to the 2008-09 Associated Press All America Teams along with teammate Tina Charles who was named to the Second Team. Oklahoma's Courtney Paris became the first player in WCBB history to be named to the AP First Team all four seasons of her career. Guess who is trying to become the second???

2008-09 AP All America Teams:
First Team:
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Jr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma

Second Team:
Sr. SF DeWanna Bonner, Auburn
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
So. C Jantel Lavender, Ohio State
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford

Third Team:
Sr. PF Ashley Walker, California
Sr. C Chante Black, Duke
Jr. SF Alyssa Clark, Middle Tennessee State
Sr. SG Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh
Jr. SG Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers

* unanimous pick

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game vs. 6 Seed Arizona State Sun Devils (26-8).

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

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (36-0)

Results: Connecticut 77, California 53
Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: UConn 7, California 16

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game vs. 4 Seed California Golden Bears (27-6).

TV: ESPN & ESPN360.com, 12:00 pm

Welcome to the 21st Century UConnHuskies.com!!!!!

Finally! I have only been asking for this since I graduated UConn in 2004. At first glance, the site gets TWO THUMBS UP from me. Now they just have to keep it nicely updated (hourly) on ALL the ACTION and NEWS from around the nation on ALL the HUSKY TEAMS. Thank You, UConn!!

Great Recruiting News:

Today UConn received yet another verbal commitment from one of the top junior posts, 6'3 PF Michala Johnson out of Chicago, IL. Ranked No. 19 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60, she is joined in the 2010 Class by 6'1 SF Samarie Walker (No. 2) and 6'5 C Stefanie Dolson (No. 13). Johnson visited the campus a week and a half ago and feel in love. Currently, she is recovery from ACL surgery that she had back at the end of this January after partially tearing her ACL in her left knee. She is expected to be back on the court in November for the start of her senior season. Johnson chose Connecticut over California, DePaul, Duke, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Oklahoma, Penn State, Purdue, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin.

Good Luck on a 100% full recovery and Welcome to Storrs, Michala!!!!!

P.S.--UConn currently has a scholarship offer out to 5'11 SG Lauren Englein of Laguna Hills, CA and an offer is expected for the top point guard (No. 4) in the ESPN HoopGurlz Class of 2010, 5'7 PG Bria Hartley of North Babylon, NY.

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (35-0)

Results: Connecticut 87, Florida 59
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: 1st Half Fouls: UConn 4, Florida 16

Today Connecticut's All American Trio of Montgomery, Charles, and Moore were among the 12 finalists for the 2008-09 State Farm Wade Trophy announced today by the WBCA. Members of the committee will select the winner of the 2008-09 State Farm Wade Trophy from the 10-member 2008-09 Division I State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team and will be announced at the State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team Press Conference and the State Farm Wade Trophy Announcement during the WBCA National Convention on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 10:45 am.

The 12 Finalists are:
Sr. SF DeWanna Bonner, Auburn
Sr. PF Ashley Walker, California
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
So. C Jantel Lavender, Ohio State
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford
Jr. SG Monica Wright, Virginia

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament 2nd Round game vs. 8 Seed Florida Gators (24-7).

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

Today UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma was named the 2008-09 Russell Athletic/WBCA NCAA D-I Coach of the Year for the 2nd straight year (and for the 5th time) after leading his Connecticut Huskies team to a perfect 33-0 record entering the 2009 NCAA Tournament as well as being the Number 1 overall seed. All this after graduating four seniors who saw signifcant minutes during their UConn careers, having the #1 H.S. girls prospect back out of her scholarship two months before the season, and losing starter Fr. SG Caroline Doty for the season (halfway through the regular season) to an ACL injury.

1 Seed Connecticut Huskies (34-0)

Results: Connecticut 104, Vermont 65
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: A/TO: UConn 27/7, Vermont 16/13

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Tournament 1st Round game vs. 16 Seed Vermont Catamounts (21-11).

TV: ESPN2 & ESPN360.com, 12:00 pm

Finalists...

Today both UConn Sr. PG Renee Montgomery and So. SF Maya Moore are among the four finalists for the 2008-09 Naismith National Player of the Year Trophy. Louisville’s Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry and Oklahoma’s Sr. C Courtney Paris are the other finalists.

Also, UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma was named one of four finalists for the 2008-09 Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year award. He is joined by Oklahoma’s Sherri Coale, Auburn’s Nell Fortner and South Dakota State’s Aaron Johnston. Auriemma is looking to win the award for the second straight season and for the sixth time in his 24-year tenure with the Huskies.

The winners of both awards will be announced on April 6, 2009, during the WBCA awards luncheon at the 2009 Final Four in St. Louis.

Attention all you DieHard Huskies fans:

There will be FREE open practice sessions for all four teams playing in Storrs on Saturday, March 21st starting with UConn at 12:00 pm in Gampel Pavilion. These are hour long practices available for the public to view free of charge. Go support those Huskies (and Owls)!!!!

The following is the practice schedule:
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – 1 Connecticut
1:05 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. – 16 Vermont
2:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. – 8 Florida
3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – 9 Temple

The UConn Huskies are in Dogged Pursuit of Perfection....Again!!!

The 2009 Women's NCAA Tournament #1 Seeds:

1. Connecticut
(Trenton)
2. Maryland
(Raleigh)
3. Oklahoma
(Oklahoma City)
4. Duke
(Berkeley)

The Overall #1 Seeded UConn Huskies will face 16th seeded Vermont Catamounts on Sun., March 22nd at 12:00 pm on ESPN2 in Storrs, CT.

Just for Fun:

Today UConn's All Everything Maya Moore was named the unanimous 2008-09 ESPN.com National Player of the Year in WCBB and UConn's All American Trio of Renee Montgomery, Tina Charles, and Moore were named to the 10 member All America teams.



The ESPN voters said of Moore:

"And even if it's an unofficial stat, Maya Moore leads the nation in gasps induced," writes ESPN.com columnist Graham Hays. "Moore is the most complete offensive player in the college game, and yet by dint of her defense and work ethic, she could dominate a game without taking a shot -- not that Geno Auriemma would ever let that happen."

"No player does more things great at the most important times as smoothly as Maya Moore. She creates and finishes on equally high levels. Same for the way she shoots and rebounds or defends at the rim and on the perimeter. If she was able to concentrate on one particular area of her game, she'd instantly be the best at it." -- ESPN Bracketologist Charlie Creme

""Moore's sophomore season proved her ability to elevate an already pretty airtight game," ESPN.com columnist Mechelle Voepel writes. "This year, her defense has become even more energized and dynamic, her ability to run the court is sharper, and her leadership skills -- which complement, not compete with, senior Renee Montgomery -- more valuable. The Huskies shook off the decision of prized recruit Elena Delle Donne not to come to UConn. They dealt with the loss of another freshman, Caroline Doty, to a knee injury. They seamlessly replaced the important, if understated, contributions of last season's senior class. And they have answered any and all challenges thus far. Maya Moore's leadership and steady personality are essential to UConn handling all of that."

2008-09 ESPN.com National Player of the Year:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*

2008-09 ESPN.com All American First Team:
Sr. PF DeWanna Bonner, Auburn*
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut*
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville*
Sr. C Courtney Paris, Oklahoma

2008-09 ESPN.com All American Second Team:
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. SF Marissa Coleman, Maryland
Sr. PG Kristi Toliver, Maryland
Jr. SG Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers
Jr. C Jayne Appel, Stanford

2008-09 ESPN.com All American Honorable Mention:
Sr. PF Ashley Walker, California
Sr. PG Kristi Cirone, Illinois State
So. C Jantel Lavender, Ohio State

Moron Alert:

Today only two of UConn's All American Trio were named finalists for the 2008-09 John R. Wooden Award today that decides the John R. Wooden All American Team and National Player of the Year. UConn's Tina Charles was left OFF the list of 19 candidates which included her teammates Renee Montgomery and Maya Moore. Created in 1976, the John R. Wooden Award is the most prestigious individual honor in college (men's) basketball (for the women its the Wade Trophy). It is bestowed upon the nation's best player at an institution of higher education who has proven to his or her university that he or she is making progress toward graduation and maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA. The 2009 Award ceremony, which will include the presentation of the Men's and Women's Wooden Award winners will be hosted by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Friday, April 10th.

P.S.--If Tina isn't one of the Top 19 female college basketball players in the country then the NBA's All Everything LeBron James (aka King James) must not really be an MVP candidate this year...that's how stupid this omission is...get with it voters and stop looking just at Statistics!!!

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (33-0, 19-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 75, Louisville 36
Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Defensive Player of the Game: RJr. SF Kalana Greene
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: 1st Half FG's: UConn 17-29, Louisville 7-28

2009 Big East Tournament Champions!!!



2009 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut

2009 Big East All Tournament Team:
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
RJr. SF Kalana Greene, Connecticut
Sr. PF Candyce Bingham, Louisville
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
Sr. SG Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh

Game notes (pdf) for today's BE Tournament Championship game vs. 5/5 (2 Seed) Louisville Cardinals (29-3, 16-2 BE).

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

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (32-0, 18-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 72, Villanova 42
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. in the Paint: UConn 46, Villanova 4

Game notes (pdf) for today's BE Tournament Semifinal game vs. ARV (4 Seed) Villanova Wildcats (19-12, 11-6 BE).

TV: ESPNU, 6:00 pm

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (31-0, 17-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 79, South Florida 42
Player of the Game: RJr. SF Kalana Greene
Defensive Player of the Game: So. SF Maya Moore
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 51, South Florida 19

Game notes (pdf) for today's BE Tournament Quarterfinal game vs. (8 Seed) South Florida Bulls (22-9, 9-8 BE).

TV: ESPNU, 2:15 pm (Geno Show, CPTV 12:30 pm)

Reminder:

Last Geno Show of the season...tomorrow on CPTV at 12:30 pm

Big East Webisodes:

Maya Moore, Connecticut

2008-09 Big East Player of the Year

Geno Auriemma, Connecticut

2008-09 Big East Co-Coach of the Year

The second half of the 2008-09 Big East Awards (aka the major awards) were announced today at a news conference. The nations #1 and undefeated team defended two of their three crowns as UConn So SF Maya Moore was named the 2008-09 Big East Player of the Year and UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma was named the 2008-09 Big East Coach of the Year.

2008-09 Big East Player of the Year:
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
2008-09 Big East Freshman of the Year:
Fr. PF Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's
2008-09 Big East Co-Coaches of the Year:
Geno Auriemma, Connecticut and Harry Perretta, Villanova
2008-09 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year:
Sr. PF Jill Stevens, Cincinnati

The first half of the 2008-09 Big East Awards were announced today through press release (the major awards will be announced tomorrow at a 5pm news conference at the Big East Tournament). As usual, the team that fails to be recognized during the season because they are held to a higher standard cleans up during the postseason awards.

2008-09 Big East Defensive Player of the Year:
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
2008-09 Big East Sixth Man Award:
Jr. SG China Threatt, DePaul
2008-09 Big East Most Improved Player Award:
Sr. SF Laura Kurz, Villanova and So. SG Sarah Miles, West Virginia
2008-09 Big East Sportsmanship Award:
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut

2008-09 All Big East First Team:
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut*
Sr. PG Renee Montgomery, Connecticut*
So SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. PF Candyce Bingham, Louisville
Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry, Louisville
RJr. SF Lindsay Schrader, Notre Dame
Sr. SG Shavonte Zellous, Pittsburgh*
Jr. SG Epiphanny Prince, Rutgers*
*Sr. PG Shantia Grace, South Florida
Sr. PG Chandrea Jones, Syracuse
Sr. SF Laura Kurz, Villanova*

2008-09 All Big East Second Team:
Jr. SG Kahla Roudebush, Cincinnati
Jr. SG Deirdre Naughton, DePaul
Sr. PF Natasha Williams, DePaul
So. PG Angel Robinson, Marquette
Jr. SG Ashley Barlow, Notre Dame
Sr. SF Xenia Stewart, Pittsburgh
Sr. SG Monique McLean, St. John’s
Sr. PF Noteisha Womack, Seton Hall
Sr. SG Takisha Granberry, West Virginia
So. SG Liz Repella, West Virginia

2008-09 All Big East Honorable Mention:
Sr. SG Karee Houlette, Georgetown
Sr. PG Krystal Ellis, Marquette
Sr. C Kia Vaughn, Rutgers
Jr. PF Nicole Michael, Syracuse

2008-09 All Big East Freshmen Team:
Fr. PG Shanasa Sanders, Cincinnati
Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Fr. PF Keisha Hampton, DePaul
Fr. SF Monique Reid, Louisville
Fr. PF Jessica Pachko, Marquette
Fr. SG Natalie Novosel, Notre Dame
Fr. PF Erica Solomon, Notre Dame
Fr. C Shawnice Wilson, Pittsburgh
Fr. PF Da’Shena Stevens, St. John's*
Fr. PF Kandice Green, Seton Hall

*unanimous selection

More Awards...

Today UConn Senior All American PG Renee Montgomery received the 2008-09 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award which is awarded to the National Player of the Year in WCBB under 5'8 (UConn's Jennifer Rizzotti won the award in 1996). The Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award is named in honor of James Naismith's daughter-in-law. To earn the award, the recipient must demonstrate leadership, character, loyalty, all-around basketball ability and excellence in the classroom. Montgomery will be formally recognized at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm and Jostens at Noon (CT) on Tuesday, April 7th at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in St. Louis, Mo.

Congratulations Renee for all your hardwork and dedication on and off the court...you make us UConn fans very proud to call you our own!!!!

With the regular season just wrapped up last night, I have decided to share my thoughts on who should win the 2008-09 Big East Player of the Year award. To me there are three legitimate candidates (as everyone has already discussed). Now it is time to chose a winner between UConn's Sr. PG Renee Montgomery and So. SF Maya Moore and Louisville's Sr. SF Angel McCoughtry. Now if the season was in the balance tonight then hands down the winner would be Montgomery. Her performance tonight at Rutgers was outstanding (especially coming of that disaster shooting on Senior Day). But the Big East regular season title was already decided, so tonight was more for bragging rights so this game doesn't count. So now we look to the 5 key games that won Connecticut its 17th Big East Regular season crown. I am not solely looking at numbers, but that is what I will put down for the sake of tangibles (but intangibles will be a factor).

Game 1, UConn vs. Syracuse (Doty injury & last year won in final minutes)
RM: 14p, 3r, 11a, 2t, 0s, 0b, 37m
MM: 40p, 13r, 2a, 0t, 2s, 0b, 36m
UConn wins 107-54.....POTG (Definitely) Moore

Game 2, UConn vs. Louisville (Game of the BE Season...title on the line)
RM: 11p, 0r, 6a, 3t, 3s, 0b, 35m
MM: 26p, 11r, 4a, 0t, 3s, 1b, 37m
AM: 24p, 13r, 1a, 3t, 4s, 2b, 37m
UConn wins 93-65.....POTG Moore

Game 3, UConn vs. Rutgers (one word...Rutgers)
RM: 15p, 3r, 6a, 2t, 1s, 2b, 39m
MM: 24p, 10r, 3a, 2t, 3s, 1b, 39m
UConn wins 75-56.....POTG Moore

Game 4, Louisville vs. West Virginia
AM: 27p (10-26), 9r, 2a, 5t, 6s, 0b, 4pf, 34m
West Virginia wins 79-70 (before this game UofL only sat one game behind UConn with a lot of BE games to play (7 for UofL and 8 for UConn) and this pretty much blew there shot of catching the Huskies for the title)

Game 5, UConn vs. Notre Dame (only team to lead UConn in 2nd half this season)
RM: 20p, 4, 8a, 2t, 5s, 0b, 39m
MM: 18p, 8r, 4a, 0t, 1s, 1b, 38m
UConn wins 76-66.....POTG Montgomery

So while Montgomery stepped up huge (as did Moore) in the 2nd half against ND, UConn then had a 2 game lead on UofL, so a loss only would have made the Rutgers finale a night to clinch the BE title outright over UofL. So to sum up this argument my choice for BE POTY is Maya Moore. She plays her heart out every possession, plays big in big games, plays with great show/sportsmanship, is consistant night in/night out, defends, rebounds, takes and makes great shots, and without her UConn would not have its 17th BE RS crown.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (30-0, 16-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 69, Rutgers 59
Player of the Game: Sr. PG Renee Montgomery
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. SG Tiffany Hayes
Stat of the Game: FGs: UConn 22-40, Rutgers 22-61

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Rutgers Scarlett Knights (18-10, 9-6 BE).

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