#1 Kemba Walker – (2008-2011)
by Peter Bard
Where to start? Walker came to UConn a blisteringly fast whirling dirvish of a point guard. He lacked discipline, but would make plays that just made you shake your head. His sophomore year, while statistically impressive, was a disappointment for the team, as they missed the NCAA tournament.
Heading into the 2010-2011 season, UConn was looking at another down year. Outside of Walker and sophomore F/C Alex Oriakhi, there was almost no experience on the roster, as the team generally started those two alongside three freshmen.
And then, Kemba happened. I couldn’t even begin to guess what the signature moment was for Walker that season. I read an article before they played Wichita State in the third game of the season that assured me that it wouldn’t be an upset when UConn lost. Of course, UConn won. And then they won again, against #2 Michigan State, thanks in no small part to Kemba’s 30 points. When he scored 29 the next day in an 84-67 drubbing of Kentucky, he’d scored 90 points in three days, and UConn had vaulted from having received 0 votes in the first poll of the season to being #7 in the country as of the second poll.
There were, of course, ups and downs, as UConn struggled through a very tough league schedule, with some highlights along the way (that circus three-pointer against #1 Texas being the among most memorable). Kemba’s legend was cemented in tournament play that year, when he carried the team to Big East Tournament and NCAA titles through what appeared to be sheer force of will. He ended his career 7th all-time in scoring, 6th in steals, and 10th in assists, and he set a program record his senior year with 965 points.
Career Points: 1783
Career Rebounds: 493
Career Assists: 460
- Advertisement -
Career Steals: 185
Career Blocks: 28
_____
1st Team All-American 2010-2011
1st Team Big East 2010-2011
UConn record 11 games in a season with 30+ points
Member of 2011 National Championship Team
Member 0f 2009 Final Four Team
1000 point club
NBA Lottery pick
Left UConn after junior season |
|
#16 Johnnie Selvie – (2000-2002)
by Tyler Wilkinson
Johnnie Selvie was a madman. A junior-college transfer who arrived at UConn following his sophomore season, Selvie gained attention for his frantic and physical style of play. He was never the most polished post player, or the most skilled, but his contributions helped UConn to an Elite Eight in 2002. Although mentions of Selvie are often accompanied with tales of his post-UConn arrest, he managed 716 points and 368 rebounds in his two seasons in Storrs.
Career Points: 716
Career Rebounds: 368
Career Assists: 21
Career Steals: 40
Career Blocks: 66
_____
Transferred to UConn for junior and senior seasons |
thinking selvie gets shutout
There will always be someone who ruins the shutout. Internet rules.
I kind of want to fight the guy who voted for Selvie. Kemba Walker is a folk hero.