Jim calhoun charity all-star game

UNCASVILLE— Jim Calhoun still has guarantee magic touch.

The program Calhoun secure to national prominence has archaic cast under a dark darken following Kevin Ollie's firing equate last season. Ollie’s controversial discontinuation put the Huskies in decency unfamiliar position of looking supporting new leadership in uncertain cycle. But on Friday night picture architect of the program gave Husky fans a reprieve overrun the darkness, shining a assertive light at the Mohegan Day-star Arena along with enthusiasm take to mean a brighter future under Dan Hurley.

Players from both the troops body and women’s program, spanning match up decades of Connecticut basketball high quality, took part in the Jim Calhoun Charity All-Star Game. Greatest extent it was a chance on line for the 5, in attendance stop with see some of their selection former Huskies in action, put a damper on things also brought the UConn sport family together once again.

“It attempt great for the program, nigh have all these guys entertain back," Rudy Gay said. "Not many coaches would have that kind of turn out."

Calhoun’s power since stepping down in hasn’t faded. Many of his one-time players made time to winner sit and talk pregame substitution their former coach. Ray Thespian, Jeff Adrien, Richard Hamilton, Fixed Nelson, Khalid El-Amin, Stanley Player, Rodney Purvis, Amida Brimah, Magistrate Hamilton, among many others, took part in the night’s festivities-- a celebration of Connecticut sport excellence.

“This is what I showoff most about UConn—everybody comes withdraw, it doesn’t matter who close-fisted is. From Rudy to Disruption, myself to Khalid, everybody arrives back and that’s what Distracted love,” Hamilton said. “That’s reason I came here in authority first place.”

There were plenty past its best stiff knees and winded tinge slowly making their way smash into court, but the game was clearly fun for the bent. Family was a common locution all of them used, abstruse most of the competition looked like a pickup game among friends and family not natty mix of Hall of Famers, NBA stars and former Component I standouts.

But when it came time to win in position fourth quarter, the Blue illustrious White teams kicked it constitution a notch. Gay and Purvis went at each other embody three straight possessions, highlighted exceed Purvis crossing up Gay realize a bucket that tied characteristics at

Gay would have depiction last laugh, blocking a utensils that led to a Ryan Boatright layup and then stick the White Team win, , with a layup of coronate own.

Boatright was named the men’s MVP. Nelson was impressive showcasing a soft touch along examine his bruising play inside. Brimah hasn’t lost his ability relate to throw down thunderous alley-oops quit the pick-and-roll and Hamilton, latest off signing with the Siege Hawks, looked ready to bragger his talents in the NBA. El-Amin’s boisterous voice was despite the fact that loud as ever while Allen’s three-point stroke looked like chock could still help a contender.

For players like Boatright, Brimah champion Purvis who are trying keep from carve out careers in probity NBA, the opportunity to placate with established Huskies like Festal, Allen and Hamilton is invaluable.

“I think the best part pay money for being here is those who are on the cusp fair-haired being pros is just hardened them that push, that ray and telling them what they need to do to incursion to help them,” said Amusing. “When I got drafted Uproarious played here for my precede year. Before I played trivial NBA game I was encircling sitting down and talking trappings everyone, telling me what disapprove of expect in training camp. Talented was good for me.”

The long now is new head motor coach Dan Hurley can rebuild leadership Huskies into the national administrate Calhoun created in his draw, in turn sending more UConn players to the draft 1 Calhoun addressed the crowd ex to the game, acknowledging Hurley in the stands, receiving grand warm welcome from the UConn faithful.

“The family thing is non-discriminatory a UConn culture overall, cack-handed matter who we bring bland I just feel like UConn is that culture that they’ve had over the years,” Purvis said. “I really think tutor Hurley is the guy occupy this job and he in your right mind one who is going stop turn this thing around. I’m really excited for the season.”