It's been a special year for the UConn men's basketball program. Over the course of the season, I've discussed the various obstacles laid out in front of this team, and the tremendous heart they've shown to overcome such challenges. After the NCAA banned the Huskies from the post season and allowed players to transfer without having to sit out a year, it felt as if all hope was lost. While most fans had written this season off as a practice year, I struggled to find a silver lining in the upcoming 2012-2013 season. As always, watching new players find their role on the team and watching old players grow and mature is important and enjoyable. However, this year also presented UConn fans with a question they hadn't had to ask in 26 years. How will this new coach do? Rather than simply report his stats, both intangible and concrete, I decided it'd be more appropriate to write him a letter. I don't know if he'll see this or not, but for a man that has shown the UConn community so much passion and loyalty over the years, a personal letter is the only format that seems to fit the situation.
Coach Ollie,
First and foremost, thank you. I believe that I speak for all UConn students, alumni, and basketball fans around the world when I say that you have done an outstanding job this season, both on and off the court. We already knew you had the ability to lead. As a point guard at UConn, you quickly became a fan favorite. Serving as a floor general and chief motivator, your tremendous heart helped to put UConn on the map while showing the world what being a Husky is all about. The drive and determination you showed by lasting 13 years in the NBA is unparalleled. You have outstanding character; a trait that you have passed on to the UConn basketball team this year, as head coach. You have spent the season thanking the UConn fans for their loyalty and support. I think it's about time we show you what this year's team meant to us.
The feeling was similar to being kicked while you were down. It all started with NCAA violations and a long winded appeal process that seemed to be going nowhere. We were being punished for past crimes, and it seemed unfair that this year's team, who had absolutely nothing to do with the academic issues in the past, had to serve the sentence of their predecessors. The NCAA, recognizing this dilemma, granted all current UConn players the privilege of foregoing the required year out, if they chose to transfer to another school. More bad news for UConn, as we lost Alex Oriakhi and Roscoe Smith to such an offer. We also had some players go to the NBA that may not have made the move if the post season circumstances had been different. In addition, rumors began circulating about the potential dismantling of the Big East. Despite basketball powerhouses like Duke and UNC petitioning for UConn to join the ACC, we were consistently denied the right to follow long time rivals like Syracuse and Louisville into the new power conference. As if this wasn't bad enough, Jim Calhoun, the man who literally built this program from the ground up, was finally retiring. That's quite a few challenges to put in front of a new coach, never mind the fact that you were only named the interim head coach at the time.
Given all the obstacles and setbacks, it was hard not to start the year with a feeling of defeat. After watching UConn coverage on ESPN all day, it was finally time to tip off the season with a game against Michigan State on the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The team was brilliant, hitting 9 out of their first 10 shots and surviving the Spartans run to win the game 66 to 62. More important than the win was the message you sent to UConn and the rest of the world; we will not roll over and quit. The players who remained on the team were there because they wanted to be. They could have left, like so many others, but instead, they chose to stay and play for the program and the fans. Most of all, they chose to stay and play for you. As much as I would've liked UConn to give you a long term contract from the beginning, the fact that you were not the 'permanent' head coach gave the team something to fight for in a year with no post season. They wanted their coach to be UConn's coach. I want you to know that for most of the fans I've talked to, that win against Michigan State sealed the deal. You made us believers.
Personally, I became a believer when I saw your speech at Jim Calhoun's retirement press conference in Gampel Pavilion. As a UConn student and lifelong UConn basketball fan, I can assure you that you said all the right things that day. We don't want an NBA factory or a program that only cares about winning. Here at UConn, we want a coach and a team that care as much about the University of Connecticut as we do. Your love for the school, the basketball program, and the fans meant more to us than any stat possibly could. Coach, you did an outstanding job this year, but you earned the love of the fans the moment you showed us your love for UConn. The Big East Coach of the year is set to be announced later this evening. I don't know who will earn the title, and to be honest, it doesn't even really matter. All of us here at UConn know who really deserves it this year.
There are a million more things I can praise you on, but I know you're a busy man. The win over Syracuse was probably the loudest I've ever heard a UConn crowd. Watching new stars like Omar Calhoun and DeAndre Daniels rise up from the background gave us great hope for the future. Having a girlfriend from Newtown, I was able to see the impact that the candle light vigil and the visit to her hometown had on her family and the community, first hand. Capping the season off with an overtime victory against Providence was the perfect ending to an amazing year. I could go on forever. Instead, I will leave you with one last thought.
To so many people in so many situations, basketball is much more than a game. UConn is much more than a school or a team. We are a family. You joined our family in 1991 when you decided to come play for the University of Connecticut. For 13 years, you made us proud, as a shining example of Husky Pride in the NBA. In 2010 you returned to your UConn family and reminded us all what made you so special in the first place. Finally, you took the reigns as head coach of our beloved team, a position you described as your "dream job," and one in which we all hope you will remain to for a long, long time. So once again, thank you Coach. Whatever feelings you have towards UConn, they are reciprocated tenfold. Never forget that.
-Nick Rizner on behalf of UConn fans everywhere
