800 for Jimmy C

Lost amonst the shuffle of UConn losing to Pitt at home and Jim Calhoun telling a reporter to shut up is the fact that Calhoun needs one more win to become the 7th active coach D-1 coach to reach 800 wins. Syracuse's Jim Boeheim is also closing in on the mark and should get there early next season, or possibly this year if 'Cuse can make some deep runs in the Big East and NCAA tournaments.

Though he frustrates me sometimes in the way he runs the offense, namely having the guards pass it around and dribble for 10 seconds every possession, I can't argue with the results. UConn has won two national championships, and are on pace for a third this year (though losing Dyson might be their undoing, just as losing Dominic James might be Marquette's undoing). Calhoun's success also has to do with his excellent recruiting skills.

There are currently 12 former UConn players on NBA rosters, with Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Rudy Gay being among the most notable. But that's not the only reason for UConn's success. Calhoun has a knack for getting great shot blockers to solidify the defense in the middle.

Because of this, UConn's guards can stay close on their man and can try to jump passing lanes as they know if they get beat, they have a security blanket. On top of from Okafor and Villanueva, Donny Marshall, Donyell Marshall, Josh Boone, Clifford Robinson and Hilton Armstrong all played for UConn (and through his first 3 years, no one thought Armstrong would become a pro, just goes to show you how much playing college ball can help an NBA career). Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien currently patrol the middle now. UConn has led the nation in blocked shots in each of the last seven seasons, and are currently second at 7.6 per game (Mississippi State is #1 with 8.1 per game).

Because of Calhoun's recruiting, UConn can play this defense, they can press a lot, and they know they have help behind them. Between the steals and recovered blocked shots UConn gets all game because of this defense, UConn gets into transition a great deal every game which results in a lot of easy points.

So here's to you Jim and the hope that you get to 800 against Marquette. And even if you don't against the Golden Eagles, getting it on Senior Night will be pretty special as well. Oh, and don't you think UConn will be fired up the rest of the way. Marquette is the chance for number 800. Then on Saturday they host Notre Dame on senior night. Then, the following week, they travel to Pittsburgh with a chance for revenge on Pitt's senior night. Oh, and UConn is playing for a #1 seed in the Big East and overall in the NCAA tournament as well.

And just incase you missed it, or just want to see it again, here is the video of Calhoun telling a reporter to shut up.



And just for the sake of it, here's anther great Calhoun press conference from a few years back.