Jan. 16, 2006
I have seen a lot of college basketball in person this season, but Connecticut's performance at Syracuse on Monday night was the best I've seen yet. All parts of the Huskies' game were going well -- offensive efficiency, success in the transition game and a block party on the defensive end. It was flat-out scary, baby!
Remember, this was a road game in a tough environment against a competitive team that came in with a 12-game winning streak. The Orange had blown out Cincinnati on the road Saturday, so this wasn't a Cupcake City opponent for UConn. Still, the final score of 88-80 was not indicative of the way this game went.
I give Connecticut an "A" for this showing. The Huskies functioned brilliantly and showed why they have a shot to cut down the nets as the national champion in Indianapolis. They were sensational on the perimeter, with Rashad Anderson and a revitalized Denham Brown. They were awesome on the interior, with Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong. They were outstanding in transition, with Marcus Williams' passing and Rudy Gay's ability to convert on the break.
Defensively, it was a dominant outing, as UConn blocked 16 shots. Connecticut leads the nation in that category, and it is impressive to see the way the Huskies attack and convert off blocks. They said, "Thou Shalt Not Enter The Lane!" Coach Jim Calhoun's squad set the tone early with its defense, racing to a 12-0 lead.
Give Connecticut credit for taking the Syracuse crowd out of the game early. Coach Jim Boeheim's team and the fans were revved up. Yes, the Orange never quit and rallied late, hustling and battling till the very end. But the Huskies were electrifying, explosive and well-coached, building up a 20-point halftime lead.
I was so impressed with Williams. He has such great court vision and passing ability. He had his off-court problems, but it looks like he is taking advantage of a second chance. By the end of the season, I believe he will be one of the premier point guards in America.
Give him another few weeks to get in top game shape, and Big East opponents (plus Indiana in a nonleague contest) better watch out! He is such an asset, the engine on a very talented team.
It is so tough to stop the Huskies when they are hitting on all cylinders. They can penetrate and find the open man. Anderson is super when he is knocking down 3s. Armstrong has become so much better, right there with Aaron Gray of Pittsburgh among the Big East's most improved big men.
And Boone broke out of a recent slump with a solid performance inside Monday night.
With Williams as the catalyst, Connecticut will be tough to beat if it plays this well come tournament time. There are so many weapons, and Williams will be even better as the team gets into a rhythm with him.
On Monday night, the Huskies looked pretty scary for most of the game.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
