The run the the UConn Huskies have made this post-season is the greatest run in NCAA basketball history. Coming into the 2011 Big East Championships, UConn was ranked 9th in the conference and had to do what was almost impossible to win the Big East Championship which was win 5 games in 5 days. No problem, the Huskies geared up and got it done behind their leader and Big East Championships MVP Kemba Walker! The Huskies carried that momentum into the NCAA Championships and won 4 games in a row putting them in the National Championship game. As I write this blog there is 5:49 in the game, Oriahki just got an And 1 dunk and UConn is up 44-30. To many people it may be a shock that UConn is in the national championship game and even though I did not predict that they would win the Big East Championship as a #9 seed and possibly a National Championship, I'm not surprised.
The first reason is because of the heart of their leader Kemba Walker who has been the best player in college basketball all year next to Jimmer Fredette. Secondly, is the 3 Massachusetts ballers (Oriahki, Napier and Coombs) along w/ the freshman phenom and next great UConn SF, Jeremy Lamb.
Alex Oriahki
I've see Alex play since he was in 4th grade as he played with my little brother and we are from Lowell, MA. The same passion and intensity that he plays with today on national TV and in this National Championship game is the same since he was a little kid. It was just way more out of control as he use to get heated whenever fouls were called on him (I got video footage). Alex has always been a great kid, humble and he deserves everything he has coming to him in the future. He controlled the paint with blocks, rebounds and garbage buckets tonight. He has done the little things for UConn all season and it has become the most important factor in UConn's victory tonight.
Shabazz Napier
I'va also seen Shabazz since he was young as he use to always been on the sidelines dribbling with his little afro and glasses back in the day while us other guys use to play when I'd go ball in the Bean. Everyone always new that Shabazz would be the next great point from Boston and Mission Hill after Will Blalock (Iowa State, Detroit Pistons, NBDL and currently Greece). This year he has come in as a freshman and allowed Kemba to move to the SG position at times and ran the squad. Big shoutout to Shabazz who is also a humble kid, its well deserved.
Jamaal Coombs
Yeah, I've seen Jamaal play since young too! He also played with my brother on AAU teams. Even though he was not as big of a part in tonight's win he played well during the season and had a couple big games. Next year he will be playing a bigger role on the route to trying to repeat as National Champions! One place that I absolutely know Jamaal has really helped the team is in the locker room as he also a great kid and a comedian.
Congratulations to UConn, especially Kemba and the 3 boys from MA$$ and a big shout out to their families who have been their to support them through years and years of basketball. I've never seen Shabazz, Jamaal or Alex's mothers miss a game and I know they're in Houston wildin' out right now. This past year was extremely difficult as basketball has been my life since I was young but to see these guys win a Division 1 National Championship definitely makes it easier and gives me motivation to make this lane in my new focus, music and entertainment! Congrats again and Alex that "Harlem Shake" had me rolling, Bazz got his own dance and Mal you definitely need to come up with one! But seriously enjoy this time fellas and don't settle, work hard to get better and win it again next year!
MA$$ Ballers and #BABC Alumni!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment