The Huskies open the season tomorrow against Northeastern at Gampel Pavilion at 2 p.m. But that almost seems like it’s the undercard of the day with so much going on and Kalana Greene and Tina Charles each chasing milestones.
Here’s a rundown of Opening Day:
The first 350 fans will receive a 2009 UConn Women’s Basketball National
Championship Miniature Commemorative Basketball; All fans will receive a 2009-10 Women’s Basketball Schedule Poster; And one UConn Student Season Ticket Holder will win an iPhone (Must register
at the North or East Entrance; must be present to win; winner will be drawn at the end of the game.)
The 2009 national championship banner will be unveiled during a pregame ceremony.
“I think when the banner’s unveiled … You’ve got that short segment, that short window to think about it,’’ Greene said. “Like, `Oh, man. Last season was great. Everything we went through, the hardships we went through and how we persevered through it …’ And then after that cut it off. Last year’s done. It’s like the end of it. No more last year and bringing it up ever. For us a team, there’s no enjoying it any more. Just cut it off right after that and then get ready for Northeastern. We’ve been getting ready, but mentally just cut it off and think about Northeastern after that.’’
Said coach Geno Auriemma: “You would think that the banner goes up and everybody celebrates. I would hope that they would feel a sense of pride in what they accomplished, most of those players. They’ll be able to look up there not just the rest of this year but for the rest of their careers and when they come back and know that they were directly responsible for that happening. And then it’s time to play the game and I don’t think from that point on they’ll ever look up there and say, `Well, why do we have to run so hard? We’re national champions. Why is yelling at us about blocking out? Look, we’re national champions.’ That stuff will be over. It’s over now, but it’ll be the last reminder I’m sure.’’
At halftime, Auriemma and UConn will be presented with a pair of ladders in honor of winning the 2009 national championship. Auriemma will autograph both ladders, which were used to cut down the nets in St. Louis last April. One ladder will be auctioned off on-air by CPTV, while the other ladder will be auctioned off at The UConn Club fundraising event Jan. 30.
Greene is one point shy of becoming the 33rd third player in team history to reach 1,000.
“I don’t think about numbers in my head every day,’’ Greene said. “So when it comes to the game Saturday it’s not like I’m thinking, `Oh, my God, I’ve got to score to get my 1000th point.’ I thinking I’ve got to get a shot to put my team on the board or take an open opportunity. So all that stuff really doesn’t matter. It’s special, though, because I could be a part of the 1000-point club at the University of Connecticut. But for right now it doesn’t really mean that much.’’
And Charles needs five rebounds to become the third player in team history to reach 1,000, joining Rebecca Lobo (1,268) and Jamelle Elliott (1,054).
“I don’t think about it, though my mom has mentioned it to me,’’ Charles said. “Just to get 1,000 rebounds here at Connecticut, especially when I have the coach telling me that I’m the worst rebounder, would be cool.’’
Rich
