Kemba Walks on water as Huskies upset #2 Michigan State

The big news tonight is that Kemba Walker, no ifs ands or buts is a superstar. Espn's knowledgeable color commentator called him the best point guard in the country in tonights's spectacular upset win over Michigan State. Prior to tonights game Walker was leading the country in scoring with a 30.3 ppg average. tonight's
30 point effort against Michigan State will likely keep in that spot.
Since this is my first post of the season I will start by highlighting the pre-season expectations for this years Huskies and review the major questions that I had following last season's disappointing and enigmatic squad. The Huskies lost 3 of their top scorers from last year including Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson and Hasheem thabeet. They were left with only two returning starters, Jr. Kemba Walker and sophomore Alex Oriakhi and five Freshmen recruits. Their recruiting class was only ranked 20th in the country and their top recruit, small forward, Roscoe Smith was ranked fifth at this position. Not one poll or major college pre-season magazine picked Uconn in the top 25 teams in the country and most picked them about 10th in the Big East. I have to admit, that my own expectations were low and I was screaming as loud as anyone for the Huskies to end the Jim Calhoun era. As you know, I felt that he was mired in a depression last year that adversely effected his coaching and the team. My four major question marks, incredibly, have already been answered after only four games.

1. Could Jim Calhoun regain his equilibrium and rebuild a very young team? I have watched all four games this year and from the get-go I have that Calhoun looks like a much happier guy this year. Unlike last year, when he often appeared tense, angry and distracted, he has been relaxed and very present in all games. Calhoun seems to have really bonded with his young Huskies and this is an exciting, hustling team a la Calhoun's best squads. Put one in the plus column.
2. Kemba Walker showed flashes of brilliance last year when he averaged 14.8 ppg. However, he shot inconsistently and didn't supply the much needed leadership. Walker apparently worked very hard on his game this summer and it shows. Both his perimeter shooting and finishes on his drives have improved dramatically and he has been simply sensational. I think he may be the fastest college player I have ever seen in the open court with the ball. Move over Ray Allen, Ben Gordon, Richard Hamilton et al, another Husky superstar has been ordained.
3. Last Year I felt that Freshman Alex Oriakhi would blossom into a big time player, but I did not expect it to happen so fast. He is averaging a double, double and had 15 points and 17 rebounds in tonight's win.
4. Are there any talented recruits. I love Freshman point guard Shabazz Napier. He is confident a great ball handler and penetrator and sensational on defense. calhoun used him a lot at the point tonight enabling Walker to play two guard and not have to handle the ball so much. top recruit Roscoe Smith (10.3 ppg) has improved with each game, can shoot the trey, slash and is a very good shot blocker. Swingman Jeremy Lamb has been a contributor and Nils Giffey, a small forward from Germany has an excellent all around game. Much more talent here than predicted.
In sum, batten down the hatches everyone this is one exciting team. They will definitely contend in the Big East and take a trip to the big dance. Much too early to know how far they will go but it doesn't hurt to have possibly the best player in the country.
tonight's exciting win was sealed when Kemba Walker scored the last of his 30 points with 52 seconds left on a fade away jumper from the left corner. Roscoe Smith added 8 points and Shabazz napier added seven in the Huskies sensational upset.
Tune in tomorrow night when the Young Huskies will play the winner of the Kentucky- Washington game in the finals.
I will say it right now - WE ARE GOING TO THE BIG DANCE
You heard it here first
Steve