So earlier this week we asked you to submit your questions for the first-ever A Dime Back mailbag. Well, the responses came pouring in faster than we could keep up, so we had our intern (Alex) pull the best three for us to answer.
Today, we tackle Bob Diaco’s sanity, Russ’s love for Kemba Walker and something that will haunt Kyle Muncy’s dreams.
Remember: If your question wasn’t answered, or you’re just hearing about this and want to get in on the fun, you can submit your questions here or on Twitter.
On to the fun…
Brendan Carducci: Is Bob Diaco a psycho or a genius
You say that like those two things are mutually exclusive, and they most assuredly are not. Think about it: How many tremendous coaches are also batshit crazy? I mean, Jim Calhoun used to lose his goddamn mind on a pretty regular basis, but that man could out X and O just about everyone. And our man KO talks about not taking escalators and 10 toes in. What the hell is that nonsense? I don’t know and I don’t care, because it works. So that leads us to Diaco. I think it’s pretty clear he’s an insane person. Either that or it’s the most impressive piece of performance art I’ve ever seen. The dude said his team is going to win the National Championship. I very much doubt that he thinks that’s actually going to happen, but to say it out loud in front of a roomful of media = looney tunes in my book. But that isn’t to say it’s a bad thing. If whatever crazypants strategy he’s got going actually works and this team wins football games against teams that actually know how to play football, then we’ll all be calling him the Savior of UConn. But if he doesn’t? Well, I don’t even want to bring that kind of mojo up, so let’s just say definitely nuts, but genius is TBD. — Meghan Bard
Sarah Nguyen: When is @russ_steinberg going to propose to Kemba? Please describe what kind of proposal it would be.
What a weird question.
Not many people know this, but I tried proposing to Kemba years ago. I got down on one knee after he broke my ankles, but then he stepped back and buried a jumper in my face before I could pop the question.
Please don’t feel bad for me. We all know who I was really meant to be with.
And to answer your next question, yes, Bob Diaco is my backup. — Russell Steinberg
First, let’s agree on one thing. If you’re buying a team shirt and putting your own name on the back, you’ve failed. At everything, most likely, but especially at purchasing clothing.
Now, as far as this particular item, it should be noted that it can’t possibly be sanctioned by UConn. Marketing Director — and friend of A Dime Back (?) — Kyle Muncy will probably have this shirt taken down before you can click the link. But it’s a fun hypothetical anyway, so let’s explore.
It feels too easy to go with the obvious answer. Sure, we all love Kemba and Ray and Shabazz, but with a full 400-plus UConn alum to choose from, you’d be wise to weigh all of your options.
If you’ve got a favorite player, this is easy. Peter and Alex could replace their homemade Craig Austrie shirts [Ed. note: “Kirk King all day you f—ing Neanderthal” — Peter]. Personally, I’d rock a Wrenn – 55 shirt. Come at me.
Meghan would have to order two: Voskuhl – 43 and Moore – 21.
Russ would inevitably try to skirt the first rule and rock Robert Steinberg’s immortal number 32 from the 1967-1968 season. [Ed. note: “Answer is actually Okwandu. He loves this team.” — Russ]
If you’re looking for a serious answer as to which shirt to order, here it is: none. Antiquated rules forbid college players from making any money from the use of their name and likeness, all while the NCAA Tournament (sponsored by literally everyone) rakes in money hand over fist. Until Doug Wrenn’s getting a cut, I’m out. — Tyler Wilkinson
