Add another to the where were you moments in UCONN men's basketball history. After Shabazz Napier's off-balance free throw line jumper dropped to give the Huskies an incredible 65-64 win over the 15th ranked Florida Gators, mayhem erupted inside Gampel Pavilion. From utter chaos in the student section, to the team all but exiting the building, Napier's jumper has added to the nostalgia that has surrounded this program over the past several years.
The heir apparent to Kemba Walker's throne, Napier has lived up to the billing. A more potent three point shooter, Shabazz has all the tools to lead his team to glory come March, much like Kemba was able to do in 2011. But first things first, this team has something to prove.
Sitting at 8-0 and a couple of their toughest tests behind them, the Huskies are looking to make a statement about more than a couple of things; that their No. 12 ranking, is much too low, that last year's postseason ban does not a program make and lastly, to all the UCONN players that bolted following the NCAA sanctions, there is only one word, quitters.
A true test makes a man. Adversity makes people grow. Losers only run from hard times.
Shabazz's decision to stay in Storrs, especially after his mentor Jim Calhoun swiftly retired amid the NCAA sanctions, was the turning point to keeping this program afloat. The Kevin Ollie appointment no doubt will solidify things long after Shabazz leaves Storrs, but minus the Roxbury, MA native, Ollie may not have survived his seven month trial run given to him by athletic director Warde Manuel.
That is what makes last nights' event that much more spectacular. Shabazz, Niels Giffey and Tyler Olander could have easily turned their backs on the program following the NCAA's hammer given to the men's basketball program.
When all is said and done come year's end, UCONN can thank these seniors for sticking it out and honoring the commitment they made to state U. Senior day at Gampel is going to be special. UCONN fans should enjoy every moment from here on out, because during this Thanksgiving season, they have a lot to be thankful for.
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