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It hasn’t taken long for members of the national media to secure a seat on the UConn bandwagon. The folks at Athlon magazine have ranked the Huskies No. 1, ahead of LSU, Tennessee, Rutgers and Maryland among the Top 5. Big East rivals West Virginia (14), DePaul (17), Pittsburgh (21) and Louisville (25) were also ranked. Huskies’ budding freshman star Maya Moore is pictured wearing her McDonald’s All-American uniform, while sophomore center Tina Charles is listed as a preseason second-team All-American.

With everyone back from last season’s 32-4 team that reached the Elite Eight and the addition of Moore and fleet-footed point guard Lorin Dixon, expect the Huskies to be showered with praise from all over the country. They will be a bonafide national championship contender this season.

Here are a few of the goings-on from Wednesday’s pick-up session at Gampel Pavilion: Kalana Greene showed off her range by making a 3-pointer and also her hops by effortlessly leaping to grab the rim with one hand … Moore’s highlight play can in transition as she took off up the far side, crossed over to the middle where she caught a long pass from Renee Montgomery and drained a spot-up 3-pointer. She makes you shake your head every time you see her play. No wonder Pat Summitt was a bit peeved when she signed with the Huskies. … Charde Houston is looking as trim as she has during her entire career. She moved freely in the lane both on post moves and on the drive, rebounded the ball and she too knocked in a 3-pointer. … The new and improved Kaili McLaren was one of the players who played three straight games without a rest. Her level of conditioning is going to surprise a lot of people. … Brittany Hunter must have been having one of those sore days because she did not compete.

Thanks for reading.

Rich

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Sophomore center Tina Charles has experienced no further problems with her surgically repaired right shoulder since preseason workouts began last week. She banged inside during a fullcourt pickup game Wednesday and showed off a drive down the lane.
She said she wasn’t at all timid when she returned to the court, only anxious to again start competing at full-speed.
“It’s real good,’’ Charles said. “I’m real happy. There’s not any more problems. Nobody has to hold off on playing defense on me like trying to block the shot or anything. So it’s really coming along real good.’’

Senior Brittany Hunter relived last season’s infamous Hippity Hoppity incident at First Night when she aggravated her problematic right knee during a leg of a relay race. She won’t be taking part in any such activity during the event at Gampel Pavilion Oct. 12. In fact, she said she might be held out of the event.
“I’m all set,’’ Hunter said while leaning back in her seat and laughing. “I might be banned from Supershow. I might just be like a coordinator and may not be allowed to actually participate. We’re still debating.’’
The Huskies are toying with the idea of not holding an exhibition game at First Night. Instead, they will fill an hour with various contests.

Geno Auriemma has brought a taste of Italy to Connecticut with the launching of Geno’s Tomato Basil pasta sauce. It will be distributed locally and on-line at www.GenosFastbreak.com.

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The sarcasm and wit of Geno Auriemma was no where to be found Tuesday at Gampel Pavilion. Assistant coach Jamelle Elliott represented the coaching staff as the Huskies opened the first day of preseason workouts with an assortment of full court sprints and playing catch with a medicine ball while sitting down and laying on their back.
UConn associate head coach for strength and conditioning Chris West barked orders for more than a hour as the players ran from corner to corner, slid across the baseline and then ran from corner to corner again. The most diffcult drill appeared to be a three0man fullcourt weave while passing the medicine ball five times.

Brittany Hunter rode a stationary bike on the side as the Huskies were running. It seems as if she will find herself in the same situation this season as the previous two. Some days she will feel good and others she will not. It’s that simple.
Hunter did take part in the spirited halfcourt pickup games without limitation or the use of a brace. Tina Charles did not wear a brace on her surgically repaired right shoulder.

The best player on the floor was freshman sensation Maya Moore. She is worth every bit of the hype that accompanies her to UConn. She scored on 3-pointer, off the dribble and on a reverse put back at various points. And during one stoppage in play, Moore jumped and touched the rim several trimes.
She is going to be fun to watch over the next four years. And she has the engaging personality to match her tremendous skills.

The Huskies will work out twice a week until practice officially starts next month. The first exhibition game is in less than two months (Nov. 2 vs. the U.S. Senior National team) and the season opener is Nov. 11 against Stony Brook. This team has the makings to assemble another special season.