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Geno Auriemma seems to always find a way to have fun at the expense of his former players. Three-time UConn All-American Svetlana Abrosimova – one of his favorite targets – was back at Gampel Pavilion Thursday to be honored as part of the 2001-02 national championship team and its induction into the Huskies of Honor.

Since Abrosimova had not been back to Gampel Pavilion for a game in 10 years she was also recognized for her 2006 induction into the Huskies of Honor as a player.

“I’m glad we did the thing with Sveta,’’ Auriemma said. “It’s the first time Sveta’s been at Gampel since they did the Huskies of Honor. So it was good for her.’’

Of course, Auriemma then jokingly took off in another direction.

“She was complaining about something after the game,’’ Auriemma said. “Something about … Did they read enough of her accomplishments? Was she (mad) that they left out a couple of All-American nominations? She was mad that we didn’t spend enough time talk taking to her (Wednesday) night; that we spent too much time with some other people. She said, `I’ll see you in 10 years because you only want to talk to me every 10 years.’’’

The night was special for Abrosimova.

“When I walked in I didn’t see my name on the (wall),’’ Abrosimova said. “It was covered in black. So I was like, `Oh, my God, they think I died.’ It was funny. It’s exciting. It’s a great feeling.

“Only in Connecticut can it happen. That’s why it’s so special because nowhere else would people care. `OK, you left the college …’ They might remember you when it’s your birthday once in a while because it popped out on Facebook. But here’s it’s really special. People call me. They’re like, `Please come. We want to recognize you.’ I didn’t even play any games for this (2001-02) team. I was a grad assistant. So I’m really proud to be a part of this. And the older I get the more I realize how special it is.’’

Only four players from the team were able to attend the ceremony – Sue Bird, Ashley Battle, Maria Conlon and Stacey Marron. Auriemma said that it might be time to hold the inductions earlier.

“I wish a lot of the other guys would’ve been here,’’ Auriemma said. “The problem the only time you can get them here is October. So maybe that’s what we’ll have to do. Maybe next October we get the 2003-04 team, which is the same guys pretty much. There’s not much difference. But you can’t do it during a game because it’s just impossible to get them all her. Like Jessica Moore was here two days ago. And her team said, `You’ve got to come back.’ So she had to leave. So even when they’re here you can’t get them here. But we were together (Wednesday) night and talked about a lot of things, a lot of memories. It’s fascinating to see what’s happened to them in the last 10 years. Who would’ve thought that some of the experiences that they’ve been able to experience would’ve been there for them. But it was pretty special.’’

The night was special for Fairfield coach Joe Frager too. He coached Conlon at Seymour High School.

Conlon, who again will be providing color commentary for Fairfield women’s games on WVOF-FM 88.5 starting Monday, was on hand with her five-week-old daughter, Layla.

Here is what Frager remembers most about Conlon …

“I actually think about probably when she was a freshman at Seymour High School,’’ Frager said. “That’s what I think about. And I think back to the day that I found out she was attending Seymour High School. I was teaching a U.S. History class, period 7. And they said, `There’s a kid who’s transferring in from Derby. You know her? Maria Conlon.’ And I went in and I said, `We have the rest of the class off guys. You do whatever you want. I’m just going to sit at my desk and just be in a really good mood for the next 20 minutes. When I look at Maria I just see how much she’s matured. When I first got her as a freshman she wouldn’t even talk. And now to see how poised she is and doing well in the corporate world and getting out and doing the Pledge (of Allegiance Thursday night). She’s a mom now. So I’m really proud of her.

“She’s a competitor because, I’ll tell you what, minutes after the baby was born I had a text from her and a picture. So I was like, `That’s pretty impressive.’ She’s tough. It just makes me realize how old I am, No. 1. And, No. 2, what a great mom she’s going to be. And I asked her what kind of present she wants and both she and (her husband) Carmine just said `basketball gear’ right away. The kid’s not going to have a choice. No choice whatsoever.’’

Rich

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Freshman Brianna Banks had scored total of 14 points (5-of-15 FG) in the previous six games she had played. She did not play at No. 1 Baylor Dec. 18.

Banks had been struggling with her confidence, her decision-making and a lack of aggression offensively. All of that changed in Thursday’s 93-40 rout of Fairfield as she finished with 12 points (5-of-5 FG) in 17 minutes.

Banks also added two rebounds and two steals. She did not commit a turnover. Her performance drew praise from Huskies’ coach Geno Auriemma.

“Somebody must have spiked her eggnog or something,’’ Auriemma said. “She actually had the ball up top and yelled at Michala (Johnson) to come to the high post. (She) threw it to her and cut and got a layup. Three weeks ago she couldn’t spell `high post’ and would not call out Michala’s name. She would just grunt. So for her to do all that and finish off the possession, that’s progress. That means she’s starting to get what it is that we’re trying to do. And that’s a great sign. Because she’s another one … She’s got the ability. We generally don’t recruit kids at Connecticut that don’t have the ability to play here. It’s the other things that get in the way. So she has the ability. But it’s just taken a little bit of time. And hopefully she can build on (Thursday).’’

Auriemma did not have the same positive remarks regarding freshman Kiah Stokes, who was the only player on the team that did not play against the Stags. She never even took her warm-up top off in failing to play for the first time this season.

The benching is a sign of the times for Stokes. She averaged 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 15.4 minutes in the first seven games. But she has generated a total of 11 points and seven rebounds in just 30 minutes over the last five games. And this includes a 16-minute performance in a 48-point win at the College of Charleston Dec. 21 (8 points, 6 rebounds).

The message from Auriemma can’t get any louder than failing to play her at all in Thursday’s 53-point win over Fairfield. Auriemma has not lost confidence in Stokes. He wants her to fully understand that a change needs to be made.

“I’m sure we’ll get something out of her,’’ Auriemma said. “We’re just not quite sure what that is yet. But we’ll get something out of her. She has too much ability and she’s too nice a kid and too conscientious I think for us not to get anything out of her. So we’ll get something out of her. Right now I’m just trying to impress upon her that what we’re getting out of her is not necessarily what I want or what the team needs. And she’s got to make some changes in the way she approaches things. And once she does that I think she’s going to be fine.’’

Rich

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UConn released a statement today regarding the current status of the injury to Heather Buck’s right wrist …

“After having an X-Ray, MRI and CT Scan, team physician Tom Trojian as well as consulting orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Arciero have determined that Heather Buck has a bone bruise in her wrist,’’ the statement read. “She will continue to practice and play as previously expected and announced to the media.’’

Buck, who did not play at the College of Charleston Dec. 21, returned to action against Fairfield Thursday. She had two points and three rebounds in 10 minutes.

Rich

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Freshman post player Kiah Stokes is averaging 3.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. Only Lauren Engeln (7.8) and Michala Johnson (5.7) are averaging fewer minutes off the bench for the Huskies this season

Stokes has played a combined 30 minutes in the last four games. And prior to playing 16 minutes at the College of Charleston Dec. 21, she endured a three-game stretch where she played a combined 14 minutes against No. 8 Texas A&M (9), Seton Hall (4) and No. 1 Baylor (1).

Stokes said that she felt she had taken a step back in her progression. But she feels that the time that she spent at home at Christmastime will help her get back on track.

“Going home I just tried to clear my mind,’’ Stokes said. “And then coming out this week I’ve just got to try to get better every single day. I talked my dad a little bit. But mostly it was like get away from everything and try to enjoy the time while I had it because being here basketball is a year round thing or it’s the only thing when you’re here. So going home it was definitely a break from that. And I think you need a break every now and then. And for a couple days it was the perfect amount.’’

Stokes said being a student-athlete at UConn is the hardest thing she has ever had to do.

“I think I just need to be more aggressive offensively and defensively,’’ Stokes said. “Heather (Buck’s) been playing more minutes because they’re looking for a rebounder and that’s what she does. And she’s been getting amazing rebounds. So I’ve just got to get more rebounds, try to block more shots. Just be more aggressive all-around.’’

Auriemma was adamant that the key to Stokes’ improvement is her ability to compete in practice. At this point her level of intensity wavers too much on a daily basis.

“She has to compete,’’ Auriemma said. “She has to come to practice every day and compete. And right now, she doesn’t do that on a regular basis. If you say, `Well, on a scale of 1-10, how competitive is she on a regular basis?’ Three. And that just doesn’t get it. And every once in a while she’ll get up to five and it’ll look like she’s Hakeem Olajuwon just by being at five. And she knows this. I’m not saying anything that she doesn’t already know. You either do that or you don’t play, which is unfortunate because that’s an area where we need bodies.’’

Unlike in the past when players responded after being benched or having their minutes cut, Auriemma is not sure that that tactic serves as motivation for players now.

“I don’t know what motivates anybody any more,’’ Auriemma said. “I used to think that people were so prideful, people were so intent on getting my minutes, making sure that I play, making sure I contribute. And I use Shea Ralph as a perfect example. When I benched her, just for a half, forget a whole game… I benched Shea Ralph for a half, and I knew somebody was going to get their (butt) beat that day. I just was hoping it wouldn’t be me. I knew somehow, some way, somebody was going to pay for that, and it ended up being the other team in the second half. But I knew if I didn’t play her the whole game, something bad would’ve happened at practice the next day. I probably would not have come to practice. I would be fearing for my life. But today’s kids, I think they just go, `Uh, whatever.’’’

Rich

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Peter J. and Pamela H. Werth, of Woodbridge, have made a $4.5 million pledge toward the construction of a basketball practice facility at UConn. The commitment from the Werths is the largest single private gift ever to Athletics at the University.

“The entire University of Connecticut community is grateful to the Werth family for the leadership role they are taking with this generous commitment towards the building of our new men’s and women’s basketball facility,” UConn President Susan Herbst said. “This historic gift will help us maintain the excellence that has long been synonymous with our University and its outstanding athletic programs.’’

Peter Werth is the founder and CEO of Chemwerth Inc., a full service generic drug development and supply company based in Connecticut. Established in 1982, Chemwerth provides high quality active pharmaceutical ingredients to regulated markets worldwide. Chemwerth has operations in China and India.

“We are proud to make this commitment to UConn and its outstanding basketball programs,” Peter and Pam Werth said. “UConn Basketball is part of the fabric of our state, and we know that this facility will help the men’s and women’s teams be successful for years to come. We hope that other UConn fans, who derive the same joy from the Huskies as we do, will support this project so that construction can begin as soon as possible.’’

The Werths are season ticket holders for the men’s and women’s basketball and football teams. They have been active UConn Athletics donors since 2003, supporting overall program enhancement in the Division of Athletics. Their strong connection to the University began with their children – Peter III, Debbie and Jackie – who all attended UConn.

“Peter and Pam have a great passion for UConn Athletics and our student-athletes,’’ UConn interim Director of Athletics Paul Pendergast said. “This wonderful gift demonstrates their dedication to enhancing the academic and athletic experience of the young men and women who wear the Husky uniform.’’

The UConn Basketball Development Center will be a 70,000 square foot facility to be located on the current Memorial Stadium site, adjacent to Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. It will feature dedicated practice gyms for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, locker rooms, coaches’ offices as well as areas for academic support, video analysis, sports medicine and strength training. The facility is being designed by Populous, the former HOK Sport, which designed The Burton Family Football Complex and Mark R. Shenkman Training Center.

With the pledge from the Werths, nearly half of the approximately $30 million project has now been committed – all through private sources.

“On behalf of everyone associated with our women’s basketball program at UConn – past, present and future – we are grateful to Peter and Pam for their generosity,’’ UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma said. “The Werths know what it takes to be successful, and they know that this facility will allow our team to practice, train and study in a setting that promotes achievement.’’

Said UConn men’s basketball Coach Jim Calhoun: “It takes great players to win, and the Werths are great players. Through this commitment, they have shown their desire to be leaders and help young people have a very special college experience in Storrs. The Werths are helping us take a very important step toward the building of this much-needed facility.’’

For more information regarding donation opportunities, contact the UConn Athletic Development Office at 860-486-3863.

Rich

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The Huskies have played an in-state opponent during the regular season in 19 of Geno Auriemma’s 27 years at UConn.

Tonight’s game against Fairfield at Gampel Pavilion will make it eight straight seasons that UConn has met an in-state opponent. It is the longest streak for the Huskies since they faced one in the first nine seasons of Auriemma’s tenure from 1985-86 through 1993-94.

Auriemma is 27-0 all-time against such opponents, including wins over Fairfield (1997-98) and Hartford (2010-11) in the NCAA tournament. The average margin of victory has been 31.6 points. But none of this has anything to do with why he likes playing these games.

“For that segment of the population that thinks we should play Baylor, Stanford, Texas A&M, Duke and Notre Dame five times each year, they might not like it,’’ Auriemma said. “But I do think that there’s a benefit to playing, especially teams in-state, that kind of look forward to that. Whether it’s at our place, their place, a neutral place, I don’t think they care. I think they just like the ability to say, `We play UConn. UConn’s on our schedule.’ At least that’s the impression I get, otherwise they wouldn’t be asking to play us. It’s not like this is one-sided. We didn’t go down to Bridgeport or Fairfield or anyplace else and walk in there and put a gun to their head and said, `Play us or else.’ This is something that they want to do and we’re more than willing to oblige.’’

Auriemma said that he is hopeful that the Huskies will play at least an exhibition game at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport at some point in the future. UConn will play the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament at the venue March 17 and 19, 2012.

Auriemma and Fairfield coach Joe Frager have not discussed the possibility of playing at the Webster Bank Arena.

“No, we haven’t talked about that,’’ Auriemma said. “And, again, what difference does it make if you’re Fairfield. And I don’t know this to be accurate, but if we play at Harbor Yard and there’s 10,000 people there and 9,000 are rooting for us, what difference does it make whether it’s at Harbor Yard or whether it’s at Gampel or whether it’s at the (XL Center). I think what’s more important is that we work out a way to get a game scheduled down there. And until we get an exhibition game scheduled down there I think it would be very difficult to take a regular season game down there. If it ever could happen, I guess that would be great. But like everything else today, everything is depending upon what the financial situation is. That almost drives everything everybody does in college athletics.

“I hope (to play in Bridgeport). I hope so. That would be my first request that let’s get something done down there. Let’s get the process started anyway. And then we can get on the plane at LaGuardia and go down to Houston and play the game down at Houston.’’

Should UConn play a home game in Bridgeport, officials at the XL Center would ultimately have to sign off on it because it will not be played at Gampel Pavilion or the XL Center. Auriemma said he didn’t believe that would be a issue.

“The home of the Huskies is Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center … So the more places in-state that you go play, obviously that changes,’’ Auriemma said. “So everybody has to be OK with it, but I don’t see why everybody wouldn’t be OK with it. But again, I don’t know the details. So if you say to the (XL Center), we’re going to play nine games at the (XL Center) or 10, what do they care how many we play anywhere else as long as they get their number. Whatever that number is. But I have never seen a contract so I don’t know what the status is of all that. I’m just answering as a… I’m giving you my uneducated guess.’’

Rich

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UConn coach Geno Auriemma ended practice about 30 minutes early today at Gampel Pavilion. He then made some pointed comments in the huddle regarding their lack of intensity and focus during the final portion of practice when Auriemma was simulating the final three minutes of a game.

Here is what Kelly Faris, Stefanie Dolson, Bria Hartley and Auriemma had to say afterwards …

On Auriemma ending practice early
“I think he had had it,’’ Faris said. “I think he was done. I didn’t want to be (done). No player wants to end on something like that. We were going from offense into our press defense. And he gets irritated when he has to reiterate himself day in and day out. And it’s happened pretty much the whole season.’’

“It should (bother us),’’ Dolson said. “I know it bothers me. I think that’s one thing we’re maybe not on the same page about. I think some people are bothered by things and some people aren’t. And I know that definitely bothers me. You never want to end a practice like that. So it’s just frustrating because I see what he sees too. And it’s me too. It’s not just whoever. It’s everyone that lost focus at the end. So we’ve just got to keep working hard and we’ve just got to keep the energy up. We were so high in the first two hours. Our energy, our competitiveness … Everything was good. And then we just lost it. So I’m definitely disappointed.’’

“Look, nobody comes here and we give you character,’’ Auriemma said. “But we can find out if you have any once you get here. That’s the bottom line.’’

Where is this team right now?
“I think we’re in kind of a tough spot right now,’’ Dolson said. “It’s halfway through the season and I’m sure people are tired. I feel like people are kind of letting their tiredness get to them. We didn’t respond to our (66-61) loss to Baylor very well. I think we responded to it as almost like a `We don’t care. We just want to go home’ type of thing because we were going home for break right after. So it’s not the way we should have responded to it. We should have responded like we were (mad) and just fight back. Coaches say that the team after a loss should not want to play you at all because you want to play so hard and fight them almost like you were playing the team you just lost to. But we didn’t do that (at the College of Charleston). We went out and just … I don’t even know. We just didn’t play the way we should have. We will run offense and then it will break down and everyone will just play 1-on-1. I think we did that too much. We just have to get back to playing as a team like we were at the beginning of the season, just playing UConn basketball. We are just not playing the way we should be.’’

“I think we are a good team, but I think we are still searching as to how good we can be,’’ Hartley said. “We are really good, but we can be even better. This team definitely presses really well. I think everyone comes out and plays pretty hard most of the time. I think we run pretty good offense. A lot of people can score. A lot of people can do different things on the court. So if we just do that on the court every night, we should be fine.’’

What needs to change on team?
“To get through a whole practice,’’ Faris said. “I think we go in spurts and we don’t last the whole practice. So I think that’s our big thing. It’s hard to get everybody on the sane page. Some people don’t get it yet and some people don’t have the right mentality. So we don’t do a very good job of keeping everybody accountable.’’

“I’m frustrated,’’ Faris said. “It’s not fun to come in here every day and get yelled at and have everybody leave unsatisfied. On the outside it looks like you go win a game by 40 or 50 points, everything’s all good. Well, any player who’s ever been here knows that that’s not the case. We walk away from games very rarely satisfied, and that’s kind of how it’s been at practice. And it’s frustrating that we can’t … For some reason we’re not figuring out what it is that we need to get done.’’

“It’s halfway through the season and the way we responded to the Baylor loss is not the way we should at this point,’’ Dolson said. “Maybe if they were the second game of the season, but they weren’t. So the fact that we’re not on the same page we need to just come together. The people who should lead have to lead and the people need to follow. I think some people are trying to lead, but no one’s following. So we just have to come together and just focus. I think that we’re so young that we just lose focus all the time so easily. I think that’s our biggest thing.’’

Rich

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X-Rays taken last week showed no break in Heather Buck’s right wrist. She underwent an MRI today in an attempt to discover the exact diagnosis of the injury she sustained during a fall in the second half at Baylor Dec. 18.

Buck, a junior post player, has labeled it “an unspecified wrist injury.’’ But all that matters to her right now is when she can return to action after missing UConn’s 72-24 win at the College of Charleston Dec. 21.

Buck, who practiced today for the third straight day, hopes to play Thursday when the Huskies host Fairfield at Gampel Pavilion (CPTV; 7:30 p.m.).

“I don’t really care what it’s called as long as I can play,’’ Buck said. “It’s been feeling a lot better. We’ve been trying out different splints and this is our first day trying this (one) out. And it’s been feeling a lot better. So we’re just seeing how things work, seeing what gives me the most … Not mobility, because it’s not really supposed to be mobile. But what’s the most effective, what is kind of keeping me pain-free but still allowing me to play.

“We don’t know for sure right now (if I’ll play against Fairfield). But I think so. I’ve been practicing, so hopefully. Today it’s actually feeling really good. It’s different every day. It just depends on how things go, how I’m catching, how I’m doing things. Like they say `day to day’ and it actually really is day to day. Some days it’s better than others.’’

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said that he expects Buck to play against the Stags.

“She practiced the last couple days so I don’t see why not,’’ Auriemma said. “I would think that provided that the splint that they have on there works and she can function with it I don’t see what she won’t be able to play.’’

Buck is averaging 5.5 rebounds and 14.0 minutes in the last four games for the Huskies. And she played impressive defensively against Baylor’s 6-foot-8 All-American center Brittney Griner.

“Our natural mindset is to not be happy and to always want more,’’ Buck said. “ But knowing that I would say, `Yes, I am happy.’ If I can get in and give good minutes to the team that’s really all I want to do. And if that means playing defense and rebounding then that’s fine.’’

Rich