The Daily Campus: Nov. 8, 2013

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Volume CXX No. 48

» INSIDE

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Friday, November 8, 2013

CHECK OUT TODAY’S HUSKY HOOPLA EXTRA

Changes coming to HuskyCT

Sat. book fair is all Updates include methods for professions to instantly check for plagiarism for the kids

By Fatir Qureshi Campus Correspondent

THe jessica lang dance company: showcasing the epitome of ballet FOCUS/ page 5

ROad to Four Begins No. 18 UConn begins 2013-14 season against Maryland.

SPORTS/ page 12 EDITORIAL: STAYing above water in guilford New flood maps, while costly in the short term, will prove beneficial.

COMMENTARY/page 4 INSIDE NEWS: Book is exploration of self-identity UConn Director of Creative Writing publishes new book of poetry.

NEWS/page 2

» weather Friday

Mostly sunny.

High 48 Low 27 Saturday/Sunday

High 48 Low 34 High 54 Low 29

» index Classifieds 3 Comics 4 Commentary 7 Crossword/Sudoku 4 Focus 5 InstantDaily 7 Sports 12

The Daily Campus 1266 Storrs Road Storrs, CT 06268 Box U-4189

Storrs, Conn.

HuskyCT, an online resource that serves as one of the primary aids used in teaching and testing University of Connecticut students, may soon go through an extensive upgrade.

On Tuesday afternoon in the Homer Babbage Library, representatives from the software technology company Blackboard presented improvements and updates planned for their Blackboard Learn software. Blackboard Learn serves as the learning management system platform used to power HuskyCT. Stephanie Weeks, vice president of user experience for academic platforms at Blackboard discussed ways in which the new software update will allow for greater ease and clarity for both students and teaching faculty.

According to Weeks, Blackboard is “mostly focused on improving the users experience.”

One new improvement being developed for the platform is a tool for instructors to instantly check for plagiarism in assignments submitted by students. This is processed through an integration with SafeAssign and the sub-

By Kathleen McWilliams Senior Staff Writer

Screenshot of HuskyCT

HuskyCT, shown above, will be updated in the coming semester. Changes included easier ways to check for plagiarism and ease of use.

mission mechanism on HuskyCT. Another significant enhancement for faculty members is a reduced difficulty in processing grades so that it will be possible to have a score exceed 100 percent on the scale used by individu-

al assignments. This will allow grading of extra credit to be less time consuming, as it can be done directly online and would not need to be recalculated.

Extending a project’s deadline will be much simpler for an

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Puppetry program helps turn inspiration into education

AP

In this Oct. 29, 2013 photo, puppets from a recent University of Connecticut production of “A Christmas Carol” line the walls of the school’s Puppet Arts building on the school’s Depot Campus in Storrs, Conn. UConn is one of two schools in the nation to offer degrees in puppetry.

semester puppet arts graduate student, UConn was the perfect fit after her experience in the theatre industry. As an actor in the Boston area, she says she spent all her time “looking for opportunity to make art... I came to UConn to use the facilities and fell in love.”

Benson is now completing her master in fine arts in puppetry. As the program expands, the structure of classes is in a transition stage. For the first two years of Benson’s studies, grad students took classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. The rest of their time was spent building puppets and rehearsing.

This year, classes are offered every day.

» UPDATES, page 2

In addition to classes, performance pieces form part of the major requirements.

Students write and perform individual pieces of two to three minutes in length, or participate in longer group performances. Some students are also involved in outside productions, such as those put on by the Connecticut Repertory Theatre Company.

Price and Benson agree that graduating from UConn’s puppet arts program will give them an edge in a competitive job market. According to Price, when professionals in the industry hear that a student is in the UConn program “they know that you’ve learnt

» UConn, page 2

» CHILDREN, page 2

Kappa Sigma’s annual Military Heroes Bowl to be held on Saturday

By Domenica Ghanem Staff Writer

By Louise Scarce Campus Correspondent

In recent years, UConn has received around 30,000 applications annually from prospective students. Some applicants are interested in UConn’s athletics program or are encouraged to apply by family members who attended the school.

Leah Price was inspired by Oscar the Grouch’s girlfriend.

The 7th- semester puppetry student heard about UConn’s renowned puppet arts program through Pam Arciero, a family friend and puppeteer who plays Grundgetta on Sesame Street.

Price is now close to completing her bachelor in fine arts majoring in puppetry, one of the degrees offered in UConn’s puppets arts program. Graduate students can undertake a master in arts or masters in fine arts in puppetry.

As an undergraduate, Price’s studies follow a more conventional structure than her graduate classmates. She is required to take general education courses and her minor in digital arts adds more traditional classes to her schedule. But as a puppet arts student, Price’s days are full of time spent building and rehearsing puppets.

She also works on weekends at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry on Depot campus.

For Penny Benson, a 5th-

instructor to process as well, and student quizzes can also be better examined.

Blackboard will also soon be able to provide a greater amount of learning content which can

The 11th annual Connecticut Children’s Book Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Rome Ballroom and will feature prominent children’s authors such as Tomie dePaolo and Steven Kellog.

The Connecticut Book Fair is a project orchestrated

by UConn Libraries and the Co-op, and its goal is to make authors and illustrators more accessible to the general public and foster a love of literature.

“The Connecticut Children’s Book Fair brings together prominent children’s authors and illustrators and the general public in an annual event designed to foster the enjoyment of children’s literature,” according to its mission statement.

The book fair will offer a wide selection of books by all visiting authors and authors will be available to sign all books purchased at the fair.

All proceeds will be donated to the Northeast Children’s

Kappa Sigma will be holding their second annual Military Heroes Bowl event on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Philip E. Austin building field.

The Military Heroes Bowl is a co-ed flag football single elimination tournament of seven versus seven. About 16 teams will play on Saturday. The entry fee is $5, which goes towards the fraternity’s national philanthropy, The Military Heroes Campaign. The campaign donates money to the Fisher House Foundation, which provides aid for wounded military veterans and their families.

Kappa Sigma brother Andrew Katzenstein, a 5th semester communications and journalism double major said money from this event could provide military families with housing and food.

The Kappa Sigma Military

Heroes Campaign was created in 2007 and has donated nearly $500,000 to non-profit organizations who advocated for servicemen and women The Military Heroes Bowl raised over $1,500 last year, and the brothers hope to raise over $2,000 this time around.

The Fisher House Foundation is known for its Fisher House program where homes are built on the grounds of major medical and Veterans Affairs medical centers so families can visit wounded veterans during their hospitalization.

The Fisher House Foundation also provides donated frequent flyer miles and hotel points for families to visit veterans for free, along with operating a grant program for charity and scholarships for the families of disabled veterans.

Domenica.Ghanem@UConn.edu

Author speaks of facing history’s monsters

By Marissa Piccolo Campus Correspondent “I’m a literary critic. I could be working on Shakespeare’s love sonnets, but I’m doing this,” author and professor James Dawes humorously reflected while speaking on his book “Evil Men,” a chronicle of his interviews with war criminals of the Second SinoJapanese War. UConn’s Research Program on Humanitarianism and Human Rights Institute sponsored

the event, which took place on Thursday.

After the war, the men he interviewed had become historical monsters, captured and sent to prison camp in Siberia where they were beaten and starved.

Those who avoided freezing to death were sent to a Chinese camp where they underwent “communist re-education” and spiritual rebirth, which some would prefer to call brainwashing.

» STORYTELLING, page 2

What’s going on at UConn this weekend...

UConn vs. USF Volleyball Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.

Gampel Pavilion UConn volleyball takes on South Florida in an American Athletic Conference Match today at 7 p.m.

Rap Rumble Friday, 7 to 11 p.m.

Student Union Ballroom Come join SUBOG and Poetic Release for the ultimate bracket-style elimination rap battle. 1st place prize is $100 Visa Gift Card. Contact rebecca.uliasz@ uconn.edu to register.

UConn vs. Louisville Football Friday, 8:30 to 11:30p.m.

Rentschler Field UConn Football takes on defending Sugar Bowl champion Louisville tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Easy A Friday, 10 to 11:59 p.m.

Student Union Theater Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is re-imagined as a contemporary high school comedy in this tale of a scheming student who plots to give her popularity a boost by painting herself the easiest lay in school.

Storytelling becomes Children can meet part of healing process book characters The Daily Campus, Page 2

from AUTHOR, page 1

Every day, the ex-soldiers that Dawes spoke with had the choice to commit suicide while in prison.

Upon being released back into Japan society, with more than enough reason to believe they were going to be executed instead, they didn’t need to admit to their horrific past in the Imperial Army.

Those who did so had a mission, which Dawes claimed was the same one that prevented them from taking their own lives, and that was to someday share their story.

Dawes was a critical part of this healing story sharing and storytelling process, allowing war criminals to attempt and make sense of their life through forming a narrative. These interviews were, “not a chance for a meaningful life, but a chance for a life that didn’t feel meaningless.” These narratives served as a platform for “apology, warning and grieving,” especially during the period when American involvement in Iraq was reaching its peak.

Dawes was not going to write another grotesque march throughout history or a “pornography of evil” that was sensational and exploitative of these individuals’ war experiences. The moral dilemma of respecting the privacy of suffering, while also not letting the humanity of these men be forgotten by public history, caused Dawes to put the interview tapes to

News

the side for a while and think. Yet Dawes had become to like these men, who despite all accounts of history where now simply “sweet, old, dying and sorry” and believed they deserved help in finding meaning.

Upon telling his colleagues that he was going to Japan to record the confessions, Dawes received a lot of criticism. While he may be looking at confessions in an Augustinian way as a source of healing and moral self-restoration, past war criminals could negatively relate the word to to police, legal accusations, and their time in prison.

Most interviewees were genuine in their desire to confess and tell their full story, however Dawes was aware that some may be not so much. Confessions are oftentimes perfectly constructed and organized as a performance, designed for dying men to achieve their last chance at remorse to achieve a saintly status. There was an instance, due to an internal organizational misunderstanding, where a Japanese man got enraged, yelling at how the same Westerners that mercilessly bombed their cities were now coming to make them seem humane. This subliminal Western power relationship was one of the many challenges Dawes faced.

The nature of human rights and war crime writing comes with many paradoxes that Dawes also

battled with. When writing about trauma, events that overwhelm experience and human understanding, authors cannot possibly put it fully into words and oftentimes by doing so they inevitably and unintentionally cheapen the narrative. The attempt to represent evil, a truly metaphysical concept, with words has complications. As Dawes recognized, “It is a moral affront to think of perpetrators as people like us, and also a moral affront to not think of them like us.” When the past demonstrates war criminals, they are denied their personhood and humanity, which leads to a hateful perspective.

During the event, Dawes read excerpts from his confessional interviews ranging from abandoning a baby to die alone in a household where the mother was just shot and killed, to being a bystander in an experimental surgery room and then administering the lethal dose of anesthesia to a “patient.” No matter what horrific crime each individual interviewee committed, the underlying message was always the same: it was due to militarization that these average husbands, fathers, and neighbors had become “violence workers.” While the title of book is “Evil Men,” he hopes that at the end of the book the reader is left wondering if that’s accurate.

Marissa.Piccolo@UConn.edu

UConn Creative Writing Program Director Sean Fredrick Forbes recently published “Providencia: A Book of Poems,” which details the birthplace of his grandparents while exploring self-identity. “(It) offers deeply personal poetry that digs beneath the surface of family history and myth,” according to publisher 2LeafPress’ website. “These lyric poems open doors onto a third space for the speaker, one that does not isolate or hinder his sexual, racial and artistic identities. ‘Providencia’ conjures numerous voices, images and characters to explore the struggles of self-discovery.”

The book goes into the life of the narrator. The “male speaker” has troubles with self-identity, sexuality and gender issues.

“I think that the book was a really interesting journey,” said Gabrielle David, editor of Forbes’ book. “The book is about self-identity. (It) explores the roots of his family and ties it into growing up in Queens.”

Forbes worked on this book for years. The book itself was written over a nine-year period. Over the years, the writing changed based on the male speaker and how Forbes saw the progression.

“It changed every so often,” Forbes said. “Every time I would revise the book or rethink the book, I would have to return to the older poems and just reposition myself. I was really trying to think of the male speaker as a character (and seeing) how he was progressing from poem to poem to poem.”

The book tells a very significant story for Forbes.

An excerpt from “Providencia: A Book of Poems” Gnosis After burning my right arm from a skillet with scalding canola oil, I fainted. I was four.

Perhaps the pain was extreme, or the stench of my delicate flesh quickly cooking did it.

I was losing my sense of touch.

My arm is a geography of scars.

I can point out South and Central America from my index finger to the base of my thumb.

The skin becomes darker on my forearm, like an ocean, or the spotted river Styx where my hairs are the rooted dead.

My elbow is a rust color, cracked dry like the Sahara.

I cut it once; the blood poured out like sweet water, my fingers went numb as my grandmother patched me up. I was ten, and for therapy she advised writing to renew my skin.

For years I wrote without pen or paper, remembering stories, reciting phrases until I was eighteen. Then I began to tear away all I knew: ideas, images, facts as delicate as corn silk. My arm warmed, my fingers swollen and red, but the pen now steady in my hold.

“I think that was the major significance was to show that was the beginnings of my poetic beginnings and that was what I was trying to return to constantly,” Forbes said.

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The readers get a better sense of the poetry because of the introduction. It helps to provide more understanding through the knowledge acquired about Providenica.

» TECHNOLOGY

Updates combat cheating from CHANGES, page 1

JON Kulakofsky/The Daily Campus

A girl colors at last year’s Conn. Children’s Book Fair. This year’s fair will be held on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 in the Rome Ballroom at UConn, Storrs.

from SAT., page 1

Literature Collection and the Archives at the Thomas J. Dodd Foundation.

The event aims to bring books and authors closer to children and will feature “Breakfast with Clifford,” where children can eat in South

Book is exploration of self-identity

By Sandy Mueller Campus Correspondent

Friday, November 8, 2013

“I gave a little background about the island of Providencia, Colombia (in the preface) and a little background about why it was so important to me,” Forbes said. “My dissertation advisor V. Penelope Pelizzon wrote an introduction to it explaining the themes that one would see in the book.”

The book covers issues such as being gay and growing up different. These influence the central speaker and how he decides to address the issues.

“A lot of these topics were difficult topics to address,” Forbes said. “Anything dealing with identity, sexuality or gender is very difficult. So what I tried to do was get into the mindset of my male speaker. I let (the male speaker) figure out what the course of action would be in terms of how he would express his gender identity and sexual identity to an audience.

“I tried to look at these poems as personal but also tried to detach myself at times. I wanted to let the poems to speak for themselves about some of these themes I was addressing.”

The new novel showcases the diversity of people from their background, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

“It is a coming of age story,” Forbes said. “It is about a man who is trying to figure who he is from not only his sexual orientation or in terms of who he is as a gay person but he is also trying to figure out his ethnicity because he is mixed-raced.

I wanted to make sure that the speaker was being as honest as possible and that he was addressing issues that were very central and important to who he was as a person.”

Sandy.Mueller@UConn.edu

Dining Hall with the beloved storybook character. Bringing other characters such as Spot the Dog, Strega Nona and the Very Hungry Caterpillar to life, children will have the opportunity to take a picture with their favorite character.

Kathleen.McWilliams@UConn.edu

be used to cover a broader range of information and case studies.

According to Senior Account Executive at Blackboard Julie Kellher, “Blackboard Learn can already access the extensive content and resources provided by McGraw-Hill connect and some third parties.”

IP filtering is an additional update that is being developed to be added to the new Blackboard Learn platform. The purpose of filtering IP addresses is to decrease the likelihood of cheating. By using IP filtration, proctored exams taken through Blackboard will be impossible to access for those outside the classroom.

Several of the old features of the Blackboard platform are also scheduled to be revamped.

Specifically, Weeks described how the “Virtual Classroom felt old and kind of clunky.” She went on to describe how it will have a much more streamlined design with the new update coming.

The discussion board will also be altered so that it allows instructors to view messages in greater context to one another.

Weeks strongly stressed that “UConn should get the most out of the platform.”

Fatir.Qureshi@UConn.edu

UConn puppetry program one of only two in nation

AP

In this Oct. 29, 2013 photo, puppets from a recent University of Connecticut production of “A Christmas Carol” line the walls of the school’s Puppet Arts building on the school’s Depot Campus in Storrs, Conn. UConn is one of two schools in the nation to offer degrees in puppetry.

from PUPPETRY, page 1

things they want you to know.”

Price’s dream is to work on TV. “I’m a fan of television because you are able to try multiple shots, to try things multiple ways. It’s not like theatre where it happens so quickly you might miss it,” Price says.

A self-confessed “Christmas grinch” she nevertheless draws her interest in puppetry from a childhood love of ‘A Muppet Family Christmas,’ which she watched each Thanksgiving on the long drive to her grandparents’ house.

UConn’s puppet arts program is one of only two in the nation and is internationally recognized. However, many UConn students are unaware that the program exists. Part of the reason for this may be the location of the puppet arts complex on Depot campus. Though it’s isolated, Price says “the distance is comforting. We work on these projects for months. If it was on campus there would be more of a risk of people coming in and messing with it.”

Louise.Scarce@UConn.edu

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Looking at ‘YOLO’ in a different light The Daily Campus, Page 3

By Abby Mace Staff Writer

The expression “you only live once” – popularized as “YOLO” – has become an integral part of modern culture as it has become a justification for risk-taking and indulgent behaviors, according to a prominent lawyer and Muslim Imam.

Refai Arefin, a lawyer and Imam of the Berlin Mosque, spoke at the Muslim Student Association’s (MSA) “YOLO: What’s Your Legacy?” event Thursday evening in Rome Ballroom. However, instead of using YOLO to excuse un-virtuous behaviors, Arefin said, it should represent the importance of leadership and responsible decisions throughout one’s lifetime.

“YOLO demonstrates a culture shift towards a lack of self-responsibility to serve our own whims and desires,” Arefin said. “But instead of thinking ‘you only live once,’ think ‘you only lead once.’

Your legacy will live forever. You only have one chance to lead.”

Arefin’s words were a strong finale to the sentiments previously expressed by MSA Public Relations Chair Ahla Amin and head of sister activities Umama Khan. Drawing from their own lives, views and personal experiences, Amin and Khan said that two lives exist for Muslims, the Dunya, the temporal life, and Akhirah, the afterlife.

News

The Dunya, they said, is God’s test in which one must avoid its many temptations – choices that seem appealing but are not conducive to a devout lifestyle – in order to be rewarded during the Akhirah. Amin said the key to living a virtuous, fulfilling life in the Dunya is “striking a balance” by abstaining from the things that Islam deems as wrong, such as drinking alcohol, doing drugs and desiring material possessions.

“One thing I want to do is live a life of balance and serve my God before I leave this Earth,” she said.

“Whatever I do in my life, I want to with passion.”

Arefin illustrated how passion is an essential component of a life lived to its fullest. He told the story of 8-year-old Rachel Beckwith of Washington, who made it her goal to raise money for clean drinking water overseas. She created a website for her cause and received $300 in donations before she was killed in a car accident.

Word of Rachel’s efforts spread, and shortly after death her charity had received $1.3 million in donations – all stemming from the fact that a child had been passionate enough to help strangers in need. Although Rachel died, her legacy would be in her Akhirah, Arefin said.

“Stop living for the moment and start thinking about the moment after. A man’s legacy is his second life,” Arefin said.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Santiago Pelaez/The Daily Campus

Imam Refai speaks at YOLO, a Muslim Student Association event. The Imam stressed the importance of leaving behind a legacy of responsibility and leadership.

MSA exemplifies such leadership and benevolence as well.

This year, the UConn group has organized bake sales and basketball tournaments to raise funds for charities in Mali and Syria.

Yet, within the organization, the desire to help each other is just as strong. “(MSA) is really nice because

we do activities that bond us together,” Madiha Shafqat, a 1stsemester ACES student, said.

“The upperclassmen give us advice about college and how to study. They share their experiences so that we know what to do and what not to do.”

Amin and Khan said that before they die, they would like to look

back on their lives knowing they had done all they could to lead and to serve God. For Arefin, he knows he has performed these charitable acts that God intended him to. As a child, his mother took him to orphanages around the world, where they would play with the orphans and bring them food and

clothing.

Looking back on his experiences in the orphanages, Arefin said he couldn’t imagine more satisfying memories.

“I felt I was fulfilling the purpose in which I was created for,” Arefin said.

Abby.Mace@UConn.edu

Boston Marathon bombing victim Conn. opens 1st gets new leg for high heel shoes US stores to aid

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — Heather Abbott rarely wore flats before she became one of the many people to lose a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings. She calls herself a “professional heel-wearer” and preferred heels that reached the towering height of 4 inches.

On Thursday, she showed off a new prosthetic that will help her reclaim a little bit of her personal style: a “highdefinition” realistic silicone leg that can be worn with high heels.

To showcase it, she broke out a pair of black leather Nine West shoes with peeptoed 4-inch spiked heels that displayed painted red nails on both feet. It is almost impossible to tell just by looking that the prosthetic is not real.

“I can’t believe how much it looks like a real foot,” Abbott said.

Abbott, 38, of Newport, was going in to the Forum restaurant in Boston with friends on April 15 when one of two bombs went off a short distance away. Her left leg was badly hurt. She had to make the difficult decision to amputate it below the knee.

“One of my biggest concerns was, what it was going to look like,” she said on Thursday. Then she met a woman at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston who had a similar leg and could wear high heels.

“That’s what made me know it was going to be OK,” she said.

Abbott got her first prosthetic leg in June, and has also gotten prosthetics for running and for going in the ocean so she can resume her hobby of paddle boarding.

She got the high-heeled prosthetic about a week ago

insurance signups

AP

Heather Abbott of Newport, RI., wears her new “high-definition” silicon prosthetic leg, right, which now allows her to also wear 4-inch high heels and skirts during a media availability in Warwick, R.I., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Abbott lost her left leg in the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

from Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics, a Manchester, N.H.-based company with offices in Warwick and Newton, Mass. It treats seven of the people who lost legs in the bombing, its president, Matthew Albuquerque, said.

Next Step built the interior of the prosthetic; the shape is a mirror image of Abbott’s right leg and foot. The silicone cover was constructed by the British company Dorset, which matched the color to Abbott’s skin and added details such as freckles.

Abbott noted it even looks

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like it has a little bit of razor burn. The foot can even be given a pedicure.

The cover cost $15,000, while the cost of the inside of the leg can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, Albuquerque said. Abbott’s prosthetic was covered by insurance, but he said that doesn’t always happen.

“Having a leg look like a leg sounds like something that should be very basic, but it’s not,” Albuquerque said.

Abbott said she has felt self-conscious wearing skirts because her other prosthet-

ics don’t look real. But on Thursday she was wearing a skirt that hit just below the knee.

Albuquerque said most people would not be able to walk in heels after just a few months with a prosthetic, but he calls Abbott determined.

The company also normally would not make a prosthetic for a 4-inch heel — usually at most two or three inches — but that’s what Abbott wanted.

She said after just a week with the new leg, she’s still re-learning how to walk in heels.

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NEW BRITAIN (AP) — Connecticut opened the nation’s first insurance stores Thursday to help people sign up for coverage, an Apple Store-style offering the state is using to fight the perception there are problems with its insurance marketplace that’s separate from the flawed federal website.

Officials voiced frustration that the federal government’s woes have distracted attention from state successes.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said people who’ve been confused by national news coverage have asked him directly when the website will be fixed so they can enroll.

“There’s a whole bunch of people in Connecticut waiting for Dec. 1 to come with the presumption that the promise has been made that the system will be up and running by then,” he said. “And there’s no reason to wait.”

Fourteen states, including Connecticut, and the District of Columbia created their own insurance marketplaces. Many of those have not reported problems with their websites and have been able to enroll thousands of people. In Connecticut, officials credit their early successes to extensive planning, hiring outside contractors to handle key tasks such as running the call center, and limiting some features on the marketplace’s website early on to keep the system simple.

More than 9,500 people had enrolled in Connecticut’s marketplace, known as Access Health CT, as of Thursday.

During open enrollment, which ends March 31, Access Health CT hopes to sign up 100,000 people. While CEO Kevin Counihan said enrollment expectations have been exceeded so far, they “still have a ways

to go.”

To that end, Counihan said, his team “kind of ripped off” the concept for the store from Apple, whose retail stores offering artfully arranged gadgets, cool design and cheerful workers have made them a destination of their own.

At the brightly lit insurance store in downtown New Britain, a working-class community near Hartford, Access Health CT has stocked it with laptops, trained staff and toys for children. There, residents can sit down with a staffer and browse available insurance plans and enroll themselves and family members.

A steady stream of people showed up at the store Thursday.

Some had appointments while others stopped by, seeking information about eligibility for Medicaid and subsidies for private insurance, as well as to sign up for coverage. One elderly woman walked in to make sure she didn’t have to sign up for anything.

Brian Weber, a 64-year-old retiree from New Britain without health insurance, said he liked the idea of having a store to visit and sign up for coverage.

“I’m not a computer wizard,” he admitted.

Weber said he has a friend who is also uninsured and has not yet signed up for coverage under the marketplace because he believes the program is fraught with problems.

“He hasn’t come in yet and I’ve tried to explain it to him, just go down there,” Weber said.

“He just doesn’t think it’s going to work.”

Weber said he was pleased with the experience, signing up for a private plan that will cost him about $30 a month after a federal subsidy is applied.

Policies:

Classifieds are non-refundable. Credit will be given if an error materially affects the meaning of the ad and only for the first incorrect insertion. Ads will only be printed if they are accompanied by both first and last name as well as telephone number. Names and numbers may be subject to verification. All advertising is subject to acceptance

by The Daily Campus, which reserves the right to reject any ad copy at its sole discretion. The Daily Campus does not knowingly accept ads of a fraudulent nature.

Friday, November 8, 2013

The Daily Campus, Page 4

Comics

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Meek Beesk

by Meewillis

Alex Sferrazza/The Daily Campus

Small American flags dot the lawn outside the Student Union.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRAW OR MAKE GAMES FOR THE DAILY CAMPUS COMICS?!

HOROSCOPES Today's Birthday (11/08/13). Your creativity flourishes this year. Your finances transform with Pluto direct, and it's easier to make money. Fix up your place. A new door opens regarding love, and partnerships are your secret power.

Exhibit or launch a new endeavor; your career sparks this summer. Focus on what (and whom) you love.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Wenke

EMAIL US @ DAILYCAMPUSCOMICS@GMAIL.COM!

by Mary Daudish

UCONN CLASSICS: I FIND IT INTERESTING HOW MANY PEOPLE SKIP CLASS ON A RAINY DAY. I HOPE YOU’RE ALL HAVING SOUP AND SIPPING HOT CHOCOLATE.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- With Jupiter in retrograde, give extra care to communications and negotiations. Return calls and correspondence. You meet a key Classic Side of Rice person at a social gathering. Begin to see what needs to

by Laura Rice be done.

Classic Vegetables and Fruit

by Tom Bachant and Gavin Palmer

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 8 -- Make new connections and discover new rewards. Scratch another person's back without expectations. Just do a good deed. Keeping your promises gives you the superpower of making things happen. Get ideas from home and family.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Encourage group unity. Travel compels but could get complex.

Friends help you understand. Expand your customer base by figuring out what the opposition wants. Others find you charming.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- They're saying nice things about you again. But don't fall asleep at the wheel; use those endorsements to generate new sales. Now's a great time to step on the accelerator. You provide the imagination.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 8 -- Get rid of some of your surplus stuff. It's easier with the help of a friend who's not attached to your possessions. Work with a partner, and accept their coaching. Over the next four months, rejuvenate an old bond.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Turn your attention toward work. Find support and resources where you didn't see them before. Your family is willing to make a difference. Stay out of somebody else's argument.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Work's getting fun. Play with your tasks, and make fascinating discoveries. Take note of your ideas. Your patience is rewarded. A beautiful moment sneaks up on you. Love is contagious, and you have what another seeks.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Investigate ways to increase income and savings. A potential disruption can be avoided. Neatness counts double, especially at home. Work that you love pays very well.

Hold out for the best deal.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- You have an unusual advantage when you listen closely.

You inspire others. Don't ignore a brilliant idea. Make love your top priority. Spread your love letters to the four corners.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- You may notice temporary overwhelm and possible delays in career advancement, but don't worry. Focus on today, and use renewed confidence to make extra money.

Talk about your dreams, and what you love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Don't compare yourself to others. You do best focusing on your work. It's not a contest, anyway. Inspiration goes farther than being demanding. Pay back a favor. Good will builds from kindness freely given. Dream out loud.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- The pressure is increasing. Only use what you need. Kindness is the most valuable gift. Find the good news among the rubble. Don't worry ineffectively. Collect an old debt. Blow off steam with someone you love.

by Brian Ingmanson

THIS DATE IN HISTORY

BORN ON THIS DATE

1994 Salvatore “Sonny” Bono is elected to the United States House of Representatives in California’s 44th Congressional District.

www.dailycampus.com

Friday, November 8, 2013

The Jessica Lang Dance Company: Showcasing the epitome of ballet

By Kim Halpin Focus Editor

Though the show got off to a low energy start, the striking movements in Jessica Lang’s dance company left the audience rejuvenated.

The first half of the performance line-up consisted of three different movements choreographed by Jessica Lang, each with their own feel. The show opened with a sing stream of light, highlighting the two dancers that were perfectly in sync on stage. In this dance, titled “Within the Space I Hold,” the dancers interacted with a large flexible barrier that appeared to be the only source of illumination on stage.

Each dancers’ movements were deliberate and pronounced, so while there were not a series of fast movements strung together as one might expect, the audience could appreciate each of the isolations that were performed.

Lang’s choreography style incorporates her deep knowledge of ballet from studying at Julliard, and brings the techniques into contemporary dances. Lang says that she is “inspired by a lot of visual art,” which is evident in the composition of her pieces.

The simplistic costuming and sound tracks with little sustained rhythm made the meaning of some pieces likely outside of the casual viewer’s understanding.

During a Q-and-A session after the show, one audience member asked if there were meanings behind most of the dances and if they could be explained.

One of the dancers from Jessica Lang Dance, Lang’s company, answered that not all of the dances had strict meanings and the dances could simply represent sensory images. She did offer, however, that the third piece called “Among the Stars” was based on a Japanese myth

1847 - Bram Stoker 1900 - Margaret Mitchell 1953 - Alfre Woodard 1967 - Gordon Ramsey

The Daily Campus, Page 5

Rainbow Center: Living life to the fullest

By Zarrin Ahmed Staff Writer

PATRICK GOSSELIN/The Daily Campus

The Jessica Lang Dance Company performed at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Thursday Evening. The renowned ballet was founded by retired dancer Jessica Lang in 2011.

about two celestial lovers that were only allowed to be together one night of the year. A long piece of pleated silk organza connected the two dancers in the piece, which was described as a representation of the Milky Way or a bridge to connect the two lovers.

Perhaps the most visually intriguing movement in the performance was “The Calling,” which featured an iconic large white skirt that fills the stage around the dancer. Using mostly upper body movements, the

dancer maintains the parachute shape of the dress on the stage, making her look more omnipresent than realistic.

The second half of the performance also offered more energized and upbeat pieces from the company. Instead of having a pause in the performance to allow the dancers to change costumes and catch their breath, a dance film choreographed by Lang was shown. Using the film allowed her to speed up and slow down time of dancers’ movements, and ultimately superimpose the two.

In the question and answer session Lang said that when she was working on this piece she wondered, “what would happen if we slowed down time?”

The Jessica Lang Dance Company was founded in 2011, ultimately ending Lang’s career as a dancer, and fully establishing her career as a choreographer. As an accomplished dancer that traveled the world, Lang knew that dancing was not where her true talent lay. She was unsatisfied with the strenuous life of a traveling dancer and when

the opportunity to explore other options arose, she took it. Since 1999, she has choreographed over 80 different pieces for many prestigious ballet companies, including the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet.

“It’s a different brain,” Lang said of choreographing. “This is my talent. … I needed something more.”

By Alex Sferrazza Staff Writer

mother nature is a real eye opener.

While even the Man of Steel himself can inevitably not single handily stop the storm, he does manage to rescue the crew of a ship that would have otherwise been sent to their watery graves.

It’s a fine example of the burden Superman must bear, and an issue that keeps re appearing throughout the course of the issue. Superman sees and hears danger at all times, and he alone faces the burden of deciding when his help is truly needed, and when the helpless must sometimes help themselves. He simply can’t do it all.

Writer Greg Pak’s unique take on an unproven Superman proves to be a good starting point for those new to the character, and again like the most recent issue of “Batman” would have served as a fantastic jumping off point for the re launched new 52 series of either “Action Comics” or “Superman” to have started with. Aaron Kuder’s art on the issue also compliments this early Superman story with a less detailed design, getting back to the basics of a time when comic book art wasn’t so complex. Indeed in Action Comics 25, less is more.

The issue won’t blow you away and definitely isn’t the type of story that you’ll long remember as a highlight of the Man of Steel’s career.

But it stands as a solid stand alone title and a great staring point for new fans.

Kimberly.Halpin@UConn.edu

Professor Roberto Tejada speaks Superman soars in about Neorealism in Mexico City latest Action Comic

his work in Mexico City, moved to Spain where he would write his most known novels. Bolaño’s “The Savage Detectives” portrays the life of two poets; the author uses visual puzzles in order give space for interpretation.

Tejada said that the neorealism art from the 90s was framing what was going on around Mexico during the 90s.

Tejada compared the neorealism artwork to Bolaño’s ending of “The Savage Detectives,” a square made out of interALEX SFERRAZZA/The Daily Campus mittent lines, followed Roberto Tejada, a professor at Southen Methodist University, presented El Instituto’s 2013 Mead Lecture by the question “What’s outside the window?”

Tejada explained that the artwork was just like the

By Carles Lopez “Professor Mead was singled window in Bolaño’s novel.

Campus Correspondent out as one of the twenty most The exhibitions that Tejada This past Thursday afternoon, influential Hispanics in the U.S. in presented were the window that El Instituto presented its annu- recognition of his service as a con- Bolaño spoke about and the outal Mead Lecture, “Outside the sultant to the government, founda- side was Mexico in the 90’s. For Window: Art Stories in 1990s tions, publishers, universities and example, Tejada spoke about Mexico City” by Roberto Tejada, national organizations.”

Teresa Margolles’ exhibition in honor of Robert G. Mead, a El Instituto is the Institute of called Vaporization 2002 and said Spanish professor of UConn from Latina/o, Caribbean and Latin it represented Mexico. The gallery 1947-1983.

American Studies. Founded in in which Margolles’ exhibit hapThe presenters of the lecture, 2012 as a research institute for pened was filled with fog, which Robin Greeley, an associate pro- CLAS, its the merger and revision made people unable to see each fessor of art history, and Mark of the Center for Latin American other even if they were together Overmyer-Vélazquez, an associ- Studies and the Institute of Puerto in a room. Tejada explained that ate professor of history, explained Rican and Latino Studies. There it represented the lack of govwhy El Instituto named these are around 70 faculty members ernment transparency and the annual lectures after Robert G. who are part of El Instituto. immense socio-economical gap Mead.

In this year’s Mead lecturer, going on in Mexico in the 90s.

“Robert G. Mead’s career Roberto Tejada, an endowed pro“I’ve seen something like was dedicated to improved fessor of art history at Southern this,” said Andrea Chuga-Celis, Latin American-U.S. cultural Methodist University School of a second-year student pursuing understanding,” said Overmyer- the Arts and winner of the Warhol her master in international studies Vélazquez. “Throughout a long foundation award, spoke about the with a focus on Latin studies said. and distinguished career, he strove Neorealist movement in Mexico “Enlightened about the contempoto educate the public about Latin City, the capital of Mexico. rary artists, Mexican art history is American, notably through the letTejada portrayed Neorealism by generally focused on muralism, I ters he wrote to the Washington comparing a set of exhibitions of never would have been exposed if Post and the New York Times different artists and relating it to I wasn’t here.” between 1944 and 1992, on topics the novel “The Savage Detectives” ranging from U.S. diplomacy to written by Roberto Bolaño.

Latin American Literature.

Born in Chile, Bolaño began Carles.Lopez@UConn.edu

Much like the first issue of Batman’s “Zero Year” story arc which I recently reviewed a few weeks back, the 25th issue of Action Comic’s provides another fantastic opportunity for new comic book readers to jump into the saga of one of DC comic’s most famous heroes.

A “tie in” issue to the Batman “Zero Year” story arc (despite having little to do with the Dark Knight himself), Action Comics 25 showcases a much younger Superman early into his career as the Man of Steel. Naïve, arrogant, and boastful, this Clark Kent is a far more relatable figure than the calm and collected face of the Justice League we’ve all come to revere over the years. Wearing a t shirt bearing his iconic emblem, (but not the full suit) this Kent, still getting used to his incredible abilities grapples with some very heavy questions regarding to what degree should he be able to exploit his talents to help others? Is he no better than a bully? Should he enjoy dealing “justice” this much?

However, issue 25 sees Supes put himself to what must be one of the earliest true tests of his power. Upon hearing news of a Hurricane prepped to hit Metropolis and Gotham City, Superman bravely decides to see if he can single handily stop the storm. While many may joke about how invincible the man of steel is in comparison to some major threats, seeing him beat down by

Action Comics Issue 25

8 /10

Alex.Sferrazza@UConn.edu

The Rainbow Center held a public lecture featuring Dillan DiGiovanni on Thursday. The presentation was open to the student body, and all were warmly greeted by the bubbling personalities of the Rainbow Center staff.

DiGiovanni shared personal stories while sending the message of staying true to yourself in his presentation, “Live Without Limits: How to Live A Life You Truly Love.” A certified Health Coach, writer, and speaker, DiGiovanni is openly gay, and ready to share his story.

A difficult life full of apprehension and distrust in others caused DiGiovanni to leave his teaching career at age 25 and step into his true identity.

He began with a strong statement. “When you live with limits, life isn’t as fun … limits are all you will see,” he said. Admitting that his limitation was not being himself, he invited the audience to come up with limitations they have in life and collectively brainstorm on how to overcome them.

With each transition of power-point slides came a new idea. Nobody is normal, he stressed, and likewise there is nobody who isn’t normal. The word itself is an extension of how you see yourself. As someone who used to look in the mirror in disgust, DiGiovanni is a prime example of how confidence can grow in a person if the right steps are made.

While the confidence that supplies mental health was the main focus, a good portion of the presentation involved physical health as well. DiGiovanni found his health awakening in Boston, where he was eating out for every meal and feeling worn down all the time. After putting mental and physical health together, he realized the tie is strong.

“When you feel good, life feels good,” he says in summary of the point. With every minute that passed by, the room grew comfortable with him and each other, eventually growing into a unified group.

The recurring theme of the event was self-transformation. An angry and unhealthy man a decade ago, DiGiovanni now stands proud and happy, serving as living inspiration to many.

As a final point, the idea of “Find Your Fellowship” urged the group to find a team. Who can you turn to, who has your back, he asked out loud.

The event was a perfect example of the dignity and pride the Rainbow Center stands for. A place where everyone is welcome, the center takes pride in providing a family-like environment with academic and social opportunities. They have lived to serve UConn’s diver s e co mmun ities , including all gender identities, expression and sexualities. The center employs a bright and friendly staff that glows with acceptance.

Many events are held there including the Nov. 8 feature, “Rainbow Lounge Presents…” where anyone on campus is welcome to go to the lounge and enjoy coffee, desserts and stimulating conversation.

Zarrin.Ahmed@UConn.edu

The Daily Campus, Page 6

Friday, November 8, 2013

Focus

FOCUS ON: Life & Style

Drink Of The Weekend

Want to join the Focus crew?

Come to our meetings, Mondays at 8 p.m.

Mead

BONUS! You’ll burn a few calories if you walk to it.

Comedian Dan Levy: Sharp and edgy Feeding a nation

MAKHALA HUGGINS/The Daily Campus

Comedian Dan Levy headlined the final installment of UConn’s Fall Comedy series Thursday evening in the Student Union. Levy has been featured on various television programs including “Chelsea Lately” and “The Office.”

By Carles Lopez Campus Correspndent The last installment of this year’s UConn Fall Comedy Series took place on Thursday.

Dan Levy, a comedian who has been part of “The Office,” “Chelsea Lately” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” gave UConn students a couple of good laughs.

Levy’s stand-up was energetic and engaging, his jokes varied. And while he was here, he took the opportunity to make a few jokes about UConn and

Connecticut in general.

Levy’s jokes went everywhere from his wife being an adopted child, all the way to getting punched in the face by a meth addict and finding him the next day in a Starbucks. Levy also pushed the limits with the public. Levy asked the public if anyone had a long-distance relationship and made fun of the students who were in one, telling them they should break up, because “their partners were probably cheating on them right now.”

After a group of four people

came in late, Levy incorporated them, even before they had taken a seat. Levy gave them a small list of the highlights of the night, which started with the emergency exit information that the Student Union Theater plays in different languages before a show, how two students were, supposedly, touching each other inappropriately, and how being in a long-distance relationship is counterproductive.

Levy’s show was filled with borderline inappropriate jokes.

For example, he mentioned underage drinking, and smoking

weed. However, Levy was really respectful about UConn’s recent sexual assault claims, making his overall act more respectful as he didn’t rely on crude, cheap comedy.

“My mother kept on telling me to talk about basketball in UConn, don’t talk about the bad things, just talk about basketball, they like basketball” Levy joked.

“I thought it was all right, at parts it was funny, and at times it was awkward,” said Khaled Hashad, a 3rd-semester mechanical engineering major. “Overall I enjoyed it, I just wished more

people came, it was disappointing.”

Dylan Sweeney, a 3rd-semester civil engineering major, came to the comedy show because he had heard about Levy online.

“I heard of Dan Levy through internet, I was curious as to whether his act would live up to his reputation. Although there was an awkwardness between the small audience and the weird venue I felt that he performed well overall,” Sweeney said.

to describe her own experiences with the professor, citing Freedman as one of the reviewers of her first book on Henry James.

“I’m so embarrassed,” were Freedman’s first words when he took the stage, drawing laughter from the crowd, but quickly got down to business after that. He began with a description on how the Nobel Prize for Literature had been recently awarded to someone who wasn’t Philip Roth, the noted Jewish-American author.

Roth had penned alternative history novels before – most notably “The Plot Against America.”

Freedman used Roth as a springboard for his definition of alternative history novels,

which are stories in which a major turning point in the past is changed and the consequences are explored. Alternative history, Freedman stated, is a very old genre that might have begun when the Roman historian Livy speculated on what might have happened had Alexander the Great not died prematurely. In addition, it is a genre that interests a variety of authors, from highbrow luminaries like Roth and Michael Chabon, to noted science fiction author Philip K. Dick, to Newt Gingrich, whose work Freedman admitted to skimming.

“You have no idea what I have to do for my work,” Freedman joked, and the audience laughed again.

Though alternative histories

have become pervasive in literature, Freedman noted that Jewish Americans have a special relationship with the genre that is distinct from American Gentiles and even non-American Jews. Understandably, most of these works center on World War II and the Holocaust. These tales, Freedman stated, often offer two diverging themes regarding catastrophe: either they focus on the individual as a sort of secular messiah or celebrate the collective Jewish identity. The themes also tend to vary according to cultural background, as Ashkenazi Jews (who largely settled in Eastern Europe) tend to adhere to the former.

Toward the end of his presentation, Freedman noted the

connection that Jews have with Asians. The notion that Jews were inherently Oriental, he said, has long used to deny the connection that Jews have with Europeans, and in modern times Jews and Asians are both held up as “model minorities” who are perceived to attain a higher level of success than the average population.

The lecture ended with a discussion on why alternative history is a genre that appeals to so many.

“Part of it is that it shows that even though we live in a screwed-up world, it can always be worse,” Freedman said.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — The rubber duck squeaked out a win for a place in the National Toy Hall of Fame, joining the ancient game of chess in the 2013 class inducted Thursday.

The pair beat out 10 other finalists: bubbles, the board game Clue, Fisher-Price Little People, little green Army men, the Magic 8 Ball, My Little Pony, Nerf toys, the Pac-Man video game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the scooter.

Online polls had Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and My Little Pony running strong, but in the end a national selection committee made up of 23 experts, including toy collectors, designers and psychologists, voted in the winners.

“The two inductees ... are fantastic examples of the two

extremes in the world of play,” said Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections at The Strong Museum, which houses the 15-year-old hall.

“One is so strategic. It’s ruledriven. It’s something that adults play and puzzle over,” Bensch said, “and at the other extreme is a toy that’s pure fun. It has no rules. No one wins or loses. You squeeze it. You float it. It’s so silly, so fun.”

Anyone can nominate a toy for the hall of fame, but to make it through the selection process and become a finalist a toy must have achieved icon status, survived through generations, foster learning, creativity or discovery and have profoundly changed play or toy design.

“If there is a game you can call classic, this is that game,”

Carles.Lopez@UConn.edu

Rewriting human history: Jews and alternate fiction

By Jingyuan Fu Campus Correspondent

The room is oddly relaxed for a lecture; different academics gather on different corners of the room, chatting quietly.

Jonathan Freedman, a professor of English and American studies from the University of Michigan who was giving the lecture “Rewriting Dystopia: Jewish Alternative History Fictions, High and Low,” seemed just as comfortable.

There wasn’t an undergraduate student in sight.

Cathy Schlund-Vials, the director of the Asian American Studies Institute, commended the audience for braving the weather. After a brief overview of the people who made this event possible, she went on

Jingyuan.Fu@UConn.edu

‘Star Wars: Episode Chess, rubber duck inducted into National Toy Hall of Fame VII’ gets December 2015 release date NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time in the franchise’s history, a “Star Wars” film won’t be released in the summer.

Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday that “Star Wars: Episode VII” will open in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. The original 1977 film helped set the precedent of the summer blockbuster.

But this latest installation in George Lucas’ space opera will be a holiday season affair.

The project recently shuf-

fled screenwriters, worrying much of the “Star Wars” fan universe. Screenwriter Michael Arndt exited, with director J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan taking over the script.

Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said the December date will “ensure our extraordinary team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture.”

“Star Wars VII” is set to begin shooting in the spring at Pinewood Studios.

said curator Nicolas Ricketts as he introduced chess during an induction ceremony that featured the unveiling of chess- and rubber duck-themed cartoons by syndicated cartoonist Leigh Rubin.

Chess can be traced back centuries to an ancient Indian war game, but evolved into the game it is today by 1475, Ricketts said.

“In 1779, Benjamin Franklin wrote that playing this game inspires habits of foresight, circumspection and caution, all important traits in human life,” he said. “Scholars today still study the effect of this game’s play on the childhood brain and development.”

The rubber duck “has been a fixture in pop culture for decades,” curator Patricia Hogan said.

In order for our civilization to prosper in the future, it is essential that our efforts toward environmental sustainability are coupled with goals of social sustainability as well.

Social stability is necessary for the healthy functioning of a society, and will be a decisive factor in meeting the challenges of climate change. Making progress toward a resilient and healthy society, then, will require that we finally address one of America’s most egregious and well kept secrets: the domestic hunger pandemic.

The documentary “A Place At The Table” presents an informative account on the state of hunger in the United States that is at once shocking, devastating and, as an American, humiliating. I was personally unprepared for the statistics that revealed how common food insecurity is in America. Food insecurity is defined as being “uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all household members.” One in six Americans is food insecure. The rate is even higher among children, with one in four American children (17 million) being unsure of where their next meal will come from.

The film follows several Americans struggling with hunger, and each of their stories is works to shatter prevailing myths and assumptions about food insecurity. For example, Barbie, a working mother of two, demonstrates the difficulties of job-searching while also trying to scrounge meals for her children. Her situation actually becomes direly worse when she is hired for a full-time job, because her salary disqualifies her eligibility for the SNAP program (formerly food stamps), and her children no longer receive free lunches at school. This absurd incongruity is an all-toocommon outcome of our severely misguided food assistance system.

There was a time when America had an effective federal food assistance program. The film explains that in the 1970s Americans began demanding a response to the hunger problem, and through grassroots efforts the White House passed a comprehensive assistance program. According to Joel Berg, the New York City Director of Coalition Against Hunger, “Regular Americans rose up and demanded that we create a modern nutrition assistance safety net, which helped us almost end hunger entirely by the late 1970s.”

Since that time, however, federal funding has consistently been drained from food assistance programs. In the film, a U.S. senator fighting for an increase in funding for children’s school lunches implores his colleagues, “you fund your priorities.” Clearly, hunger falls far behind defense spending and corporate subsidies in America. This painful truth was made even more evident last month, when Congress allowed funding for the SNAP program to fall, with the effect, according to the CT Post, that benefits “have been slashed 13.6 percent.

That cutback reportedly translates to roughly $36 a month, or about $430 a year, for a family of four.”

Currently, our official response to the national hunger crisis is charities will fill the need. While these services are now relied upon by an estimated 50 million Americans, they will always remain inadequate.

One charitable organizer showcased in the film admits “we are not ending hunger.” Charities can address an immediate need, but they do nothing to address the underlying problem, which is that our current economic structure and federal policies are flawed. As actor Jeff Bridges, founder of the End Hunger Network, frames it: “It’s about patriotism really, you know, that’s what it is, you know. Stand up for your country. How do you envision your country? Do you envision it a country where one in four of the kids are hungry?”

Kelsey.2.Sullivan@UConn.edu

Page 7

www.dailycampus.com

Friday, November 8, 2013

The Daily Campus Editorial Board

Kimberly Wilson, Editor-in-Chief Kayvon Ghoreshi, Commentary Editor Jesse Rifkin, Associate Commentary Editor Kristi Allen, Weekly Columnist Omar Allam, Weekly Columnist Victoria Kallsen, Weekly Columnist

» EDITORIAL

Staying above water in Guilford

A

year after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast, the effects are still being felt. Many are still displaced or trying to figure out how to rebuild. Now there is a positive legacy of Sandy emerging in one of those hard-hit communities – preventative planning to minimize the damage of rising sea levels and future storms.

One of the reasons Sandy was so devastating was because there were so many buildings in areas prone to flooding.

There was minimal consideration of risk of flooding from hurricanes when the locations for those buildings were chosen. Also, there was little accommodation in the actual design of the buildings set in flood prone areas.

After Sandy, flood maps were revised for the first time since 1983. In New York alone, they were expanded to include 35,000 new buildings. An initiative began to get larger buildings to undertake flood prevention measures.

There was immediate backlash to the changes because they presented new costs for homeowners. The changes in the flood maps meant many would have to elevate their houses or buy costly flood insurance. While these policies are unpopular, in the long run they’ll allow for better planning.

The town of Guilford, Conn. is taking even more bold and comprehensive action to address flood risks and rising sea levels. They’ve developed a plan that identifies risks to housing and infrastructure in different areas of town and offers suggestions for building there. The plan tries to take a comprehensive approach to the problems that climate change will likely pose. The plan considers short-term measures from raising roads that are often flooding, to longterm planning for events like waste water and rising coastline, while still preserving the town’s shore front tax base.

Most importantly, the plan outlines how the town must adapt to the movement of the salt marshes along their coastline and rising sea levels. Neighborhoods and roads that flood frequently may have to be abandoned. Deciding what stays and what goes will be a difficult process.

Municipalities generally have a very hard time getting people to move out of risky areas to the point where most won’t even try to bring it up. Guilford has realized that they’ll suffer in the future if they don’t begin to address these issues now. The town is being realistic about the actions they must take.

This is a great step towards more environmentally sensible development. If certain problems can be anticipated, there’s no reason not to consider them during development.

Climate change will be a huge challenge, especially for shoreline communities. They shouldn’t set themselves further back by ignoring changes now. Guilford should be an example for all shoreline communities.

Erryone needs to shape up! When’s it gonna snow?

“I’m considering putting my fuzzy blanket away because it’s so comfortable I can’t get out of bed.”

Who we follow on Twitter, like on Facebook, and what it reveals about us

A

shton Kutcher was the first Twitter user to reach one million followers on April 17, 2009, barely edging out CNN Breaking News. Last Sunday afternoon Katy Perry overtook him to become the most followed with 46.48 million followers.

Of the five users to hold the title, all were in entertainment, four of them in music. What do the current 100 most followed Twitter accounts say about us?

Examining Twitter Counter, Twitter’s top 100 most followers list, yields some interesting findings.

The vast majority in the top 100 are in entertainment. By my count, 55

By Jesse Rifkin Associate Commentary Editor are primarily in music. For some, such as Ariana Grande, who may count for multiple categories such as both music and television, I assigned them a main category. Thirteen are primarily in television, if defined as actors or talk show hosts, thus excluding all three Kardashians even though they have a show. Nine are sports-related: six individual athletes (four soccer), two teams (both soccer), and one league (NBA).

Eight accounts fall under websites or technological products.

Then things get particularly interesting. As drastically as Twitter changed the nature of news and journalism, only four accounts followed in the top 100 are news-related: CNN Breaking

Q

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W

News, CNN, New York Times and BBC Breaking News. Surprisingly a mere three are primarily movie actors: Jim Carrey, Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio. Perhaps this reflects the diminishing popularity of movie stars: YouTube and Netflix caused movies to experience a near-constant slide in theater ticket sales since their modern-era 2002 peak, while in 2012 the Grammy Awards exceeded the Oscars in viewers for the first time.

Then there are categories with only a single user in the top 100. Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho is the only author, though probably nobody would consider him the world’s most famous living writer. Barack Obama is the only politician, even though it’s essentially mandatory these days for any politician or candidate to have an account. The Dalai Lama is the only religious figure – even though Catholicism counts far more adherents worldwide than Buddhism, Pope Francis has less than half the followers. Bill Gates is the only technology figure or philanthropist, whichever category he’s placed in.

As passé as Facebook’s reputation has become, it still looms far larger than any other social media site, despite losing it’s “cool factor” to others such as Twitter, Reddit and Instagram. Twitter had 231.7 million active users last month, which was less than a fifth of Facebook’s 1.19 billion. In fact, Katy Perry’s follower count would only make her the 35th most-liked Facebook page, behind Avril Lavigne and ahead of the Black Eyed Peas.

Do the top 100 on Facebook mirror Twitter, or does it skew different?

Looking through the live rankings, the answer appears to be a bit of both.

While Twitter’s main draw is following individuals, Facebook – which also allows you to do so – is often used to like things, such as a book you enjoyed, a difference apparent in the results.

For example, 15 of Facebook’s top 100 are companies, compared to none for Twitter. 10 are television-related but all for shows themselves, not a single actor or host, while on Twitter the opposite is true.

Also the age of the average Facebook user is older, which is mirrored to some extent. Some of the top 100 include pages for those whose popularity peaked decades ago, such as Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Mr. Bean and The Beatles.

No equivalent exists on Twitter.

However, there are some similarities. Thirty-five accounts crack the top 100 for both. Just as musicians make up the majority of Twitter’s top, they are also the top category on Facebook with 42, assuming Lil Wayne qualifies as “music.” On both, Barack Obama is the only politician. Breaking down the gender count shows males lead: 52 to 34 on Twitter, 36 to 18 on Facebook.

No matter which of those two websites you analyze, what is most striking is nearly impossible to quantify: how few are people or pages that truly “matter.” Obviously that depends on how exactly you define the nebulous term, but in the top 100 for either it is potentially as low as single digits. And that is what these say about us. Apparently we seek entertainment more desperately than knowledge, information, or thought.

 Jesse.Rifkin@UConn.edu  7th-semester journalism  @jesserifkin

“I n N ew Y ork they elected a new mayor . H e is B ill de B lasio , the first D emocrat mayor in 20 years .

N ow 20 years ago T imes S quare was filled with it strip clubs and porno theaters . S o I’ m counting on the new mayor to restore it to its former glory .”

–C raig F erguson

Today’s the day, BASKETBALL IS BACK!!

Throwback to that time last year a random boy called me pretty and I was so confused I slipped on ice in front of him It is 2013 and my mom is still sending chain emails.

Today Facebook asked me what my relationship status is; so many options. Did Zuckerburg acknowledge how single he was when this all started?

“I’m kind of like a black widow spider, only instead of killing you I’ll just steal the absolute comfiest piece of clothing you own.

“Overheard some girl complaining she has to use 200 points so I did what anyone would do and immediately introduced myself”

Send us your thoughts on anything and everything by sending an instant message to InstantDaily, Sunday through Thursday evenings. Follow us on Twitter (@UCInstantDaily) and become fans on Facebook.

Want to write for The Daily Campus?

Meetings are every Monday night starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Daily Campus Building!

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The Daily Campus, Page 8

Commentary

Friday, November 8, 2013

No, a single-payer system would not have been easier

G

iven all of the problems with the federal insurance exchange, it’s no surprise that both sides of the aisle are competing to spin the situation. One of the more bizarre attempts to mediate the crises is the complaint that Democrats wanted a single-payBy Devin Keehner er system, therefore Staff Columnist they are not solely responsible for the debacle.

Most notably, Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist and Nobel Laureate, has hinted at this, but also far left publications such as the website Salon. The idea is, if we had instituted a single-payer system then the website wouldn’t be a problem.

“Imagine, now, a much simpler system in which the

government just pays your major medical expenses. In this hypothetical system you wouldn’t have to shop for insurance, nor would you have to provide lots of personal details,” Krugman said in his column. “The government would be your insurer, and you’d be covered automatically by virtue of being an American.” He goes on to state that this system already exists in a form of Medicare and Medicaid. So, if we expanded Medicare to everyone, or even just more people, we would have something akin to a single-payer system. Not only would everyone have insurance, but we wouldn’t have to deal with a complicated website, or an unstable insurance market. I am left with a question: Is Paul Krugman really suggesting a single-payer system would have been easier?

Well if he was, he is wrong.

The healthcare industry isn’t a simple one. The government would need to do a lot more than just pay medical bills to institute a singlepayer system. No one should be arguing that we replace market forces with a halfcocked single-payer lookalike. I have never been a fan of the British National Health Service (NHS) style healthcare system, but I respect the amount of planning that has to go into such a system. In order to make a truly singlepayer system work, one must take on many of the responsibilities once held by the private sector.

It would be the government’s responsibility to insure that enough doctors are trained and staffed. If we have a shortage of doctors currently, then salaries for doctors would increase,

and those higher salaries provide an incentive for prospective doctors. That’s not the only responsibility government would have to take on. Government would also be responsible for allocating enough money to research and development. It’s by no means easy, or simple. And yes, the fact that this administration has failed to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) properly does cast doubt and this government’s ability to implement a functional single payer system.

Even those who advocate for a true single payer system often fail to consider the unintended consequences of such an action. It’s our semblance of a free market system that makes programs like Medicare, and even NHS possible. The United States leads the world in medical innovation, and it does so

because of the profit incentive offered by our system. For example the Cato Institute, a libertarian leaning think tank, constructed a list of Nobel Prize winners and their county of residence in their 2009 Policy Analysis on healthcare. According to the institute, the “European Union, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and Australia with a combined 2009 population of 681 million” received only 40 prizes in medicine and physiology, while the United States, with a “2009 population of 307 million,” received 57 prizes in the same category.

This trend continues according to a 2006 New York Time article by Tyler Cowen, “In the last 10 years, for instance, 12 Nobel Prizes in medicine have gone to American-born scientists working in the United States,

three have gone to foreignborn scientists working in the United States, and just seven have gone to researchers outside the country.” Even when foreign companies do develop a new drug or medical innovation, they do so with the intention of marketing that innovation here in the United States.

That’s the power of the free market. It organizes labor and capital effortlessly. Is it perfect? No, but it’s always striving to be better. It’s important that advocates of a single payer system understand what a colossal undertaking it would be, and that their actions could have negative consequences not just in our county, but in those countries that have already nationalized their healthcare systems.  Devin.Keehner@UConn.edu  5th-semester communications

students seriously.

And that’s when President Herbst got involved.

In what can only be described as a brilliant PR coup, Herbst, in a statement to the Board of Trustees, stopped just short of calling the women liars. But her hurt feelings were on full display.

Calling the women’s claims “astonishingly misguided and demonstrably untrue,” Herbst continued, with what can only be described as a peculiar sense of righteous indignation, that she was “stunned that I even must say it, or that any reasonable person would believe otherwise.”

It may come as some surprise to Herbst that her word might not be taken at face value, though I would imagine that there are many women on campus with whom the sentiment might resonate at a rather deeper level.

Herbst’s tenure at UConn

has seen a great deal of talk about image – from the bungled launch of the new logo last spring to the multimillion dollar faculty expansion, ceaseless construction or even the $227,000-a-year PR consultant retained by the administration, it has indeed been the priority of the university under Herbst’s leadership to bolster the reputation of the state’s flagship university, a not unworthy goal. Yet, as Carolyn Luby, the lead plaintiff in the Title IX complaint and matching federal lawsuit, wrote on The Feminist Wire in April in response to her harassment on campus and online, there has been a cost to the ceaseless image-crafting.

Luby’s open letter listed categorically the incongruity between the deep focus in crafting an aggressive mascot to promote an athletic program whose men’s bas-

ketball team was facing an unprecedented postseason ban for low academic performance. Back then, Geno Auriemma said of the logo, “It is looking right through you and saying, ‘Do not mess with me.’” Luby responds: “What terrifies me about the admiration of such traits is that I know what it feels like to have a real life Husky look straight through you and to feel powerless, and to wonder if even the administration cannot ‘mess with them.’”

Come to think of it, Herbst’s response to that incident left a lot to be desired, too. A quick boilerplate talking abstractly about respect seemed to be enough of an answer for Herbst, whose main task, after all, as decided by the Board of Trustees, is hunting down big-ticket donors to the UConn Foundation; the same foundation that the Hartford Courant reported a couple

of days ago bought Herbst a $660,000 palatial home in Hartford’s ritzy West End so that she can – what else?

– better entertain donors. I get it, really – why rock that boat?

Never mind the harassment that Ms. Luby faced on campus. On April 25, this newspaper reported that Luby had received numerous rape threats and was verbally attacked on campus by other students. The article noted that Luby felt the police had not looked into the matter sufficiently, and even suggested that they would not be able to protect her on campus. The suggestion that she should simply “wear a hat” and keep a low profile recalled for many a previous incident in which a female assault survivor was allegedly told by a UConn police officer that if women simply “stopped spreading their

legs like peanut butter,” there would be less rape on campus.

It’s a bit of a mystery to me how Herbst can’t see how the actions of the university and the “extraordinary resources toward preventing sexual violence” actually exacerbated some of the issues brought up by the Title IX claim, but as a mere student at this university, I suppose I don’t have the right perspective. This is, after all, in her words, “a very complicated discussion” I’m “dropping into,” and Herbst, who makes $588,000 a year as a state employee, can’t be expected to condescend to our level for any old rape claim or allegation of institutional neglect.

She’s trying to build an image, here.

should admit their failings, defer to the brave survivors who are voicing their experiences, and subsequently work to address these massive failures in our community.

Tyler Williams CFO for UConn Students for Sensible Drug Policy 1 South Eagleville Road, Apt. 59, Storrs, CT 06269

Administration’s focus on image is costing students

I

t has been a pretty embarrassing couple of weeks for the administration. But don’t say they didn’t deserve it.

In case you missed it – though I don’t know how you could have – seven current and former UConn students and rape survivors brought federal action against the

By Nate Herter university, Staff Columnist alleging violations under Title IX. They claim that the university failed to respond to their claims adequately, and that even in some cases they were rejected outright or treated with scorn by university employees. The complaint alleges that a culture of violence and intimidation exists throughout the campus, and that the university has systematically failed to take its foundational responsibility to protect its

» LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The administration must re-prioritize to eliminate rape culture On October 30th, Gregory Koch’s article, “Focus on fines is wrong priority for police” called attention to how the UConn Police Department prioritizes drug and alcohol enforcement over protecting against sexual violence on campus. As CFO for UConn Students for Sensible Drug Policy, I would like to emphasize the importance of this observation. UConn SSDP is actively working toward a day where instead of arresting nonviolent drug users, police officers are making folks on this campus actually feel safe.

President Herbst has remarked that she feels safe on this campus. While I do not wish to devalue her lived experience,

I do believe that by peddling only her observations to the press, she is implicitly dismissing the voices of the victims (known and unknown) who lack any semblance of comfort and security on campus.

UConn Students for Sensible Drug Policy stands behind the Title IX Coalition. We believe more needs to be done by UConn’s administration to ensure the safety of our students. More must be done to eradicate the rape culture that pervades this campus, and above all: the University needs to actively listen to student voices.

We have watched as numbers of presidential task forces form and have achieved nothing.

We call for true change. The administration and police

While all the particular solutions to this very nebulous problem may not be clear yet, one thing is certain. Gregory mentioned that according to national statistics, there are an expected 800 cases of sexual violence on campus each year, and we’ve only seen 33 arrests between 2010 and 2012. The school must redirect its resources from saving its image to a full investment in eradicating the sexual violence problem that permeates every dormitory, building and walkway on campus.

Often you’ll hear SSDP chanting “No more drug war.”

Today, we write to you and instead demand: “No more rape culture.”

 Materials Science and Engineering Department apologizes for unclear message in lecture, welcomes both genders equally We in the Materials Science and Engineering department are sorry to learn that our message during a recent Engineering 1000 lecture was unclear about the many exciting career paths for men and women in our field. We certainly have the same expectations, and pride, in the women in our department as the men, where all students complete projects such as casting a ton of

metal alloy, operating several-hundred-thousand-dollar electron microscopes, working with industry on meaningful design projects, etc.

The women, and the men, are all getting well-paying job offers upon graduation, at companies like Electric Boat, Ulbrich and UTC. With respect to the specific reference to cosmetics and engineering, please consider the following: While we hope that all of our graduates go on to meaningful careers helping solve the world’s most challenging problems, we also laud those who engineer for Estee Lauder... Indeed, we note that while the topic of makeup in an engineering class may sound to some like “watered down bull,” in fact the personal care products industry is a multi-billion-dollar a year business (~$120B in 2012 beauty

 Nathaniel.Herter@UConn.edu  7th-semester classics sales by the top 10 companies alone, Forbes, 2013), leveraging a deep portfolio of high-tech patents based on substantial academic and applied research. For example, Loreal plowed nearly $1B out of almost $30B in sales into dermatological and cosmetic research in 2011 (Huffington Post, 2012). If you’d like to learn more about the many interesting opportunities our department has to offer, we encourage you to visit our faculty, staff, and students. We’re certain you›ll find plenty to challenge and interest you here, among the highest ranked engineering department in the university.

Pamir Alpay, Department Head Rainer Hebert, Director of Undergraduate Studies Bryan D. Huey, Director of Graduate Studies UConn MS&E Department 97 N. Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT

what is your favorite Type of facial hair?

– By makhala huggins

“The goatee.”

“The whole chin strap”

“I like the chin strap”

“Ah, it’s gotta be the truck driver ‘stache”

Chris Killborn, 5th-semester mechanical engineering major

Lindsey Cuyler, 1st-semester undecided major

J.J. Jordan, 1st-semester business major

Dennis Raffert, 1st-semester finance major

Friday, November 8, 2013

The Daily Campus, Page 9

Sports

Cubs hire Rick Renteria as new manager

AP

Rick Renteria, left, smiles as he celebrates a win over the United States with Gonzalez (23)

CHICAGO (AP) — Firsttime manager Rick Renteria is focused on the future of the Chicago Cubs, rather than their past failures.

Renteria preached accountability Thursday when he was introduced via teleconference as the franchise's 53rd manager.

He takes on a challenging job that goes beyond merely trying to bring a winning team to Wrigley Field.

The development of young ballplayers has been labeled as one of his strengths. And with Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo needing help, the former San Diego Padres bench coach has got lots of work ahead of him with a team that finished 66-96.

"My personality doesn't allow for being counted out," Renteria said. "I think what we're trying to do between the lines will speak for itself. In the end, we're all judged in one fashion or another, but I don't preoccupy

myself too much about what I think's going to happen. I preoccupy myself with what I want to do."

First thing he needs to do: Get healthy. Renteria will be introduced at Wrigley at a later date as he is recuperating in San Diego following hip surgery in October.

The 51-year-old Renteria got a three-year contract with club options for 2017 and 2018. He is another unproven hire by team president Theo Epstein and the Cubs after the struggling organization initially expressed interest in New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

Girardi, a Peoria, Ill., native and Northwestern product who once played for the Cubs, signed a four-year contract worth up to $20 million to stay with New York.

"Rick's reputation is impeccable," Epstein said. "He stood out throughout the process to lead the Chicago Cubs into our

1-0 wins after beating the Devils and holding a late lead against Carolina on Tuesday night. But the Hurricanes tied it in the final minute and won the game in overtime.

The victory did make it another big night at the Wells Fargo Center for New Jersey owners Joshua Harris and David Blitzer. They bought the Devils in August, giving them duel ownership with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. The rebuilding Sixers stunned Miami and Chicago in the building last week.

The Devils scored first when Eric Gelinas' shot was deflected from the high slot by Henrique past Ray Emery.

"We did a lot of things that we talked about; trying to get to those dirty areas and get those dirty goals," Henrique said.

Emery got the start after the 1-0 shutout win over the Devils on Saturday. He stopped 14 shots in the win and 22 on Thursday.

Janssen redirected Adam Larsson's shot early in the third for the 2-0 lead.

Emery has only one win this sea-

son.

"We definitely have the resolve, have the guys in the room that want to get it going and they're willing to do whatever we have to, to get it going," he said.

The Flyers' offense put almost no pressure on Brodeur, taking just six shots in the second period. He scored just his fourth NHL goal in 313 games.

"He thinks he belongs here. Don't tell him that he doesn't belong here," DeBoer said. "That's just the attitude that he has, and people feel that.

He's a good kid. He takes care of himself, and he works really hard at the game, because he needs to. It's all good for him to be here."

Flyers center Claude Giroux, the team captain, has not scored a goal in 15 games this season. He's twice scored 25-plus goals and averaged a point-per-game in last year's lockout-shortened season. He declined to talk to the media and met privately with team chairman Ed Snider.

The Flyers were booed off the ice between each period by a crowd that thins out with each defeat.

next chapter."

"You can't find anybody in this game to say a bad or neutral word about Rick Renteria," he said.

The Cubs are relying on Renteria to improve on a 127197 record during Dale Sveum's two years as manager. Despite the franchise's four consecutive losing seasons and a last-place finish in the NL Central in 2013, Renteria refused to accept the assumption that the Cubs won't be competitive next year.

The Cubs last made the playoffs in 2008 and have not won a playoff game since 2003. Under Renteria, they'll be coming off their first last-place finish in seven seasons.

Renteria, who has spent 30 years in pro ball, is the latest manager hoping to bring the Cubs their first World Series title since 1908.

"I can't speak to what's happened in the past," he said. "I can only think about moving

forward with the kids that we have and the product that's being placed before us."

"I know it might sound naive, but I still believe that any team that goes in and plays between the lines has a chance to win a ballgame every single day," he said. "If I was to come in here and assume that we were going to lose, what kind of expectations am I laying for the players who are here?"

Epstein said the rest of the coaching staff with be announced in the coming days and will feature a mix of turnover and returning coaches.

Renteria does have history with the Cubs' front office, which immediately put him on its radar when the managerial position opened.

General manager Jed Hoyer and senior vice president of scouting and player development Jason McLeod both worked with Renteria during their days in San Diego.

New Jersey Devils end scoreless skid with 3-0 win over Philadelphia Flyers PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Martin Brodeur has blanked all types of Flyers teams over two decades.

He never had a shutout against one this bad.

Brodeur was flawless in his 12th career shutout against Philadelphia, and Adam Henrique and Cam Janssen each scored goals to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 3-0 win over the Flyers on Thursday night.

"I've played the way I feel capable of playing, and I feel comfortable," Brodeur said. "I've been working hard in practice, knowing I don't get as many starts as I would like."

The Flyers beat the Devils 1-0 on Saturday in New Jersey. Henrique's first-period goal would have been enough to stand in this one. Brodeur was never seriously challenged against the NHL's weakest offense and posted his 122nd career shutout.

The Flyers have scored two goals in their last four games and have twice been shutout over that span.

The anemic Devils haven't been much better. They were blanked in their last two games, snapping the scoreless drought on Henrique's goal

only 1:57 into the game. Janssen scored in the third period.

"Obviously the men went seven periods, and I think regardless of what you say, there are seeds planted in the back of your mind," Devils coach Peter DeBoer said. "To get a break early like that, I think it relieved a little bit of pressure. I thought we played a really good road game."

Jaromir Jagr added an empty-netter with 1.3 seconds left.

Both teams lived up to their billing as the worst offenses in the NHL. The Devils entered next-to-last in the league with 27 goals while the Flyers were at the bottom with 22.

The Flyers fell to a woeful 4-10-1 and held a closed-door team meeting for about 15 minutes.

"I've got to get them to play better, that's my job," coach Craig Berube said. "It's not a hard game. It's about competitiveness and a will to win and to do all the little things right to win."

For as punchless as the Flyers offense has been, they were 52.3 seconds away from consecutive

AP

New Jersey Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur (30) makes a save as he covers up the puck.

Swimming and diving host Penn in meet

By Eugene Joh Campus Correspondent

placing first in two different events for both meets so far this year.

On the other hand, the Penn Quakers have yet to compete this The UConn men’s swimseason and will ming and diving team be making their looks to bring their debut against record to 3-0 as they the Huskies this host the University weekend. of Pennsylvania at “This is a big the Wolff-Zackin meet, we’re swimNatatorium this ming pretty well,” Saturday. head coach Bob UConn is coming Goldberg said.

Preview off of a win against “This is (Penn’s) Villanova, 176-92. The first meet, so we Huskies come into the meet in don’t know where they are, but good form, with two swimmers hopefully we can continue to

SWIMMING & DIVING

swim well.”

UConn’s diving has looked in good form as well this season.

Senior diver Anthony Cortright, the Huskies’ preeminent man on the blocks, has taken first in thee of four events he has competed in this season.

“We’re looking to swim better every week,” Goldberg said. “We want to keep it going for the meet with Virginia Tech next week so it will be important to get this win.”

The meet is set for 1 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 9.

Eugene.Joh@UConn.edu

Volleyball plays two conference foes from Florida this weekend South Florida. Despite being swept by the Bulls earlier this season, the Huskies maintain a 7-3 all time record against their The UConn volleyball team southern foes.

South Florida, who enter the returns to action this weekend, matchup with a 13-11 overas the Huskies play host to a pair of opponents from Florida. all record to go with their 7-3 The Huskies, who currently mark in the American, are led find themselves 2-9 in the con- by outside hitter Erin Fairs, as ference and 11-15 overall, will the sophomore from Richmond, look to get back on the right Texas has contributed 305 kills track with only seven games for the Bulls this season, nearly left to play in American Athletic twice as many as anyone else on the roster. Fairs is more than just Conference competition The weekend will start off an offensive juggernaut, as the sophomore also leads the team AD FOR DAILY CAMPUS Friday night, as THE the Huskies digs. will lookFRI to get back to2 their 11/08/13 COL. xin3.0" The Bulls are coached by winning ways against visiting Courtney Draper, who is cur-

By Ryan Tolmich Campus Correspondent

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rently in her second year in charge of the program. Draper led the bulls to a 17-15 record last season, which was a five game improvement of their mark the previous season.

Following Friday’s contest, the Huskies will take on another conference foe, as UConn will host the UCF Knights in the weekend’s second matchup.

The Knights, who were able to knock off the Huskies in five sets in October, are led by the attacking duo of Angelica Crump and DeLaina Sarden, who have combined for 578 kills on the season. Crump, a redshirt senior, and Sarden, a junior, lead an experienced UCF lineup into Gampel looking to pick up a season sweep of the Huskies.

As for coaching, the Knights are led by sixth year head coach Todd Dagenais, who has an 81-77 record with the program.

However, Dagenais, whose team has a 16-7 record, will be looking to lead his program to their first NCAA tournament appearance of his tenure.

UConn’s matchups with USF and UCF take place Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., respectively.

Ryan.Tolmich@UConn.edu

The Daily Campus, Page 10

Friday, November 8, 2013

Sports

Dwyane Wade lifts Heat over Clippers, 102-97

AP

Miami Heat's LeBron James (6) tries to get around Los Angeles Clippers' Jared Dudley (9).

MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade scored 29 points, 11 in the fourth quarter, and the Miami Heat held off the Los Angeles Clippers 102-97 on Thursday night.

LeBron James added 18 points for the Heat (4-2), who won their third straight and extended their club record by scoring at least 100 points in a sixth consecutive game to start the season. Chris Bosh, playing for the first time since his wife delivered a baby earlier this week, finished with 12 points for Miami.

Blake Griffin had 27 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers (3-3).

His dunk with 31 seconds left got the Clippers within four, but Griffin allowed about 15 seconds to run off the clock without fouling James on the ensuing possession.

James made one free throw to push Miami's lead to five, and that closed the scoring.

J.J. Redick scored 15 points, Jamal Crawford added 14, Chris Paul finished with 11 points and 12 assists, and DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers.

Ray Allen scored 12 points for Miami, which got 10 from Chris Andersen.

Including playoffs, the Heat have won 51 of their last 57 games when Wade scores at least 20 points, going back to June 2012. It's also the first time since last March that Wade has scored at least 20 points in four consecutive games, this streak immediately following him sitting out the second game of the season for rest.

Wade either scored or assisted on Miami's first six field goals of the fourth quarter, including a threepoint play while getting fouled on a jumper by Redick. About a minute

later, Wade set up Shane Battier for a 3-pointer that put Miami up 91-80, and the 2006 NBA Finals MVP punctuated it all with a fist pump.

The Heat held on from there, improving to 50-7 at home since the start of last season, including playoffs.

For the sixth time in as many games this season, the Heat found themselves in a quick deficit — and for the fourth time, it was exactly 9-2, just as it was against Chicago, Washington and Toronto. The Heat trailed Brooklyn 11-3 early, and fell behind at Philadelphia on the season's second night by scores of 19-0 and 26-4.

It didn't last long, as Miami tied it on three occasions later in the opening quarter, then took its first lead on a baseline jumper by Andersen with 8:58 left in the half. The Clippers used a 12-5 spurt to take a seven-

point lead later in the half, then settled for a 56-52 halftime lead even with Paul being held to five points, his low for a first half this season.

Griffin opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Heat chipped away and three hustle plays

by Battier late in the third helped Miami finish the period on a 12-5 run to take a 76-73 lead.

Battier drew two charges — one against Griffin, the other against Paul — in a two-possession span, and after missing two free throws with 1:04 left, he ran down his own offensive rebound and got fouled again on the putback and made both free throws.

Battier took yet another charge, this one against Jordan, with 8:33 left in the fourth to preserve an 88-80 lead.

Field hockey hosts Temple in semifinal for Big East tournament

By Jack Mitchell Staff Writer The No. 7 UConn field hockey team will take on No. 19 Temple tonight in the 2013 Big East tournament semifinal game.

As the defending Big East champion, UConn (15-4) will host this year’s tournament at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex. No. 5 Old Dominion (12-6) will take on No. 14 Louisville (15-4) in the other semifinal game, with the winners advancing to the final.

“Home field is always an advantage,” head coach Nancy Stevens said. “We’ve been very good at home over the years and our record bears that out. That being said, players win games, not fields. Our team needs to start fast, build momentum throughout the game and do a good job managing game tempo.”

Tonight’s game against Temple (14-5) marks the second time the Huskies have squared off against the Owls in as many weeks, with UConn earning a decisive 7-0 victory over Temple last Saturday.

“I have no doubt that Temple will make several adjustments after watching the game film,” Stevens said.

“We continue to improve on corner options and have a few different looks ready to go. We have to be committed to playing aggressive defense and neutralize their most dangerous attacking threats.”

The other half of the bracket boasts a pair of tough potential opponents in Old Dominion and Louisville. The Huskies fell to the Monarchs – a team that arrives in Storrs on a 10-game winning streak – in a 5-0 loss on Oct. 25.

UConn has squared off against Louisville in the Big

East tournament in each of the last five seasons, and the Huskies are 5-0 in that span. The team also defeated Louisville 6-0 in the regular season at home on Oct. 11.

“We are preparing for both teams and will have a Saturday practice knowing who we will face on Sunday,” Stevens said. “Of course, this is contingent upon us winning the our semifinal match. If we look ahead to Sunday and overlook Temple, we’ll be watching the Sunday game from the bleachers.”

At stake for all four teams is an automatic bid to the NCAA national tournament, a prize that will go to the winner of the final on Sunday. The fate of the other three teams will rest in the hands of the NCAA field hockey committee, which awards eight at-large bids to the national tournament.

“I’m not sure anyone wants to put their fate in the hands

PATRICK GOSSELIN/The Daily Campus

UConn junior midfielder Chrissy Davidson and the Huskies look to defeat Temple and improve to the Championship finals.

of a committee,” Stevens said. “It is always best to determine your own fate.”

UConn’s semifinal game against Temple will begin tonight at 5 p.m., to be followed by the other semi-

Nolan and Huskies look to defeat Terps in NY from WILL, page 12 In two exhibition games, Nolan averaged 8.5 points and six rebounds in 29 total minutes of action.

“He’s got to keep getting better,” head coach Kevin Ollie said following Monday’s win over Concordia. “I tell Phil just take his time sometimes. I think he’s got all his moves in his head and he tries to do two of them at the same time. Just take his time. Phil is gaining a lot of respect in the locker room, which is good.”

UConn’s backcourt has received national attention this preseason, being regarded as one of the nation’s best with Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright and Omar Calhoun all likely to start against Maryland.

However, part of the reason why UConn is ranked so low ¬– No. 18 in the Associated Press Poll and No. 19 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll – is the front-

final matchup between Old Dominion and Louisville at 7:30 p.m.

Jack.Mitchell@UConn.edu

Huskies takes on Friars at home this weekend

By Matt Zampini Campus Correspondent

court.

However, Nolan believes that the Huskies’ frontcourt – which also features senior Tyler Olander, junior DeAndre Daniels and freshmen Kentan Facey and Amida Brimah – can be a difference maker for UConn.

“All I can say is we just, in time, we’re going to prove everyone wrong,” Nolan said.

Nolan has experienced an entirely different buildup to this season as opposed to his freshman year. As potentially the starting center, he is expected to be more of a leader.

“Last year, I just kept quiet,” Nolan said. “Everyone was telling me what to do and all that stuff. Then it seemed like out of nowhere Coach Ollie just wants me to talk a lot more and just whenever a freshman gets down or something just being a leader.

It’s different, but at the same time it’s kind of fun.”

Friday will be a special night for Calhoun and fresh-

man Terrence Samuel. Both grew up in Brooklyn, and last season, Samuel helped South Shore to the PSAL Class AA Quarterfinals.

Samuel didn’t start playing basketball until high school, but since he started playing, he has wanted to be a Husky. For Samuel, Friday’s game, potentially his debut for UConn, is an exciting opportunity to play in his hometown.

“It’s great, especially as a Husky,” Samuel said. “I’ve dreamed for this day to come, and it’s just here, so I’m just excited.”

Last season, UConn began its season with about as tough a test as they could get, No. 14 Michigan State. This season, they face a Maryland team that, like the Huskies, is looking to get back into the national conversation.

The two teams have not met since March 24, 2002, when the Terps beat the Huskies 90-82 at the Carrier Dome to win the

East Regional of the NCAA Tournament, en route to the program’s only title.

Maryland will put out a large lineup against the Huskies; with 6-foot-1-inch point guard Seth Allen out with a fractured foot, Napier will match up against 6-foot-5-inch guard Dez Wells.

The Terps will be bigger across the board – Wells has four inches on Napier, Nick Faust has five on Boatright and Nolan will be at a 50-pound disadvantage against center Shaquille Cleare – but that’s where the differences stop, according to Napier, who expects that when ESPN2 shows the opening tip at 6:30 p.m., all the talk will be tossed aside.

“Maryland ties their sneakers the same way we tie our sneakers,” he said. “They just got Under Armours and we got Nikes.”

Timothy.Fontenault@UConn.edu

After two games away from home, the UConn women’s hockey team (3-6-1) returns to the Freitas Ice Forum on Sunday for a Hockey East matchup against the Providence Friars (4-6-0).

The Huskies and Friars come into the matchup on Sunday dead last in the standings. Providence has posted a 1-3 record in the conference while UConn is 0-2-1. UConn comes into its fourth conference matchup of the year hoping to get on track in the win column.

Last season, the matchup between these two teams proved to be all Friars. Providence was victorious in all three matchups against UConn, outscoring the Huskies 14-6.

UConn returns to the ice Sunday after playing just three days earlier against Boston University. The Huskies were defeated 6-2 but freshman Susan Cavanagh was able to score her first collegiate goal in the second period. Rachel Farrel also scored for the Huskies while goaltender Sarah Moses stopped 36

or the year prior to that. We're looking to improve each week to be efficient and understand the strengths of this team and what this team does well."

When Payton reviewed video of the New Orleans' 26-20 road loss to the New York Jets last Sunday, he was struck by how few opportunities he gave the Saints' running game, even though it had shown promise that afternoon.

The Saints finished with 41 yards rushing, but ran the ball only 13 times out of 64 plays.

"It's just paying attention," Payton said as he criticized himself. "The efficiency level we operated at last week when we ran it was pretty good, so that's something you look closely at and how the game is unfolding."

Since Payton returned from his 2012 bounty suspension, he has stressed the importance of the running game. Yet New Orleans now ranks 26th in the league in rushing, averaging 79.8 yards, heading into its Week 10 clash with Dallas in the Superdome on Sunday night.

The Saints acknowledge that the lack of a credible running

game has hurt their play-action passes because defenders are less likely to bite on fake handoffs.

Brees has been sacked 20 times, and as pressure on the offensive line has mounted, so have pre-snap and holding penalties, which, in a vicious cycle, have forced the Saints into more predictable passing situations.

"We've got to start from the beginning," running back Pierre Thomas said. "Start with not jumping offsides, finding that smooth tempo, not having the delay of games and so many penalties. There's a lot of things we've got to fix on our side to get better and that's what we're doing."

Brees said he is not so much concerned by the ranking in yards per game as scoring. The Saints' points-per-game ranking also is down from most previous seasons, when they were usually in the top five.

"You can have a bunch of yards but that doesn't necessarily lead to points," Brees said.

"Certainly it gives you chances, opportunities, but it doesn't guarantee it."

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andrew McCutchen might be the best player on the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he's not their chief recruiter.

The All-Star center fielder doesn't plan to make any calls to right-hander A.J. Burnett, right fielder Marlon Byrd or any of Pittsburgh's other free agents in an attempt to talk them into staying.

"That's out of my jurisdiction," McCutchen said Thursday before hosting a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. "Those guys have to make their own decisions.

I hope they stay but I also know that other free agents will come here. Pittsburgh isn't a place for players to come when they (don't) have anywhere to go anymore."

That's what happens when a team wins.

The Pirates ended their streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons, the longest in the history of the four major professional sports, by going 94-68 this year. They also reached the playoffs for the first time since winning a

third straight division title in 1992.

Pittsburgh beat the Cincinnati Reds in the NL wild-card game before losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in a division series that went the full five games.

McCutchen acknowledged wondering what might have been as he watched the NL champion Cardinals lose to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series.

"We took the Cardinals to the limit, gave them everything we had, so it was hard not to think that it could have been us playing the Red Sox," McCutchen said.

"I think we proved in the playoffs that we could play with anyone.

"It was a great experience for us and a great experience personally because it was my first time in the playoffs. I tried to savor every minute."

The Pirates' mission next season will be to prove they were not one-year wonders.

Since the day after Pittsburgh clinched its playoff berth in September, general manager

shots in net.

Providence has an even shorter lay-off in between their last game and Sunday’s contest. The Friars traveled to New Hampshire on Thursday to take on the Wildcats.

Before their matchup with UNH, the Friars dropped three straight games, losing to Boston College twice and Northeastern.

Two players to watch are the point leaders for each team. Sarah MacDonnell leads the Huskies with nine points, tallying three goals and six assists. Corinne Buie leads the Friars with 12 points, recording five goals and seven assists. Both have been great for their respective teams so far and will need to make an impact on Sunday’s game in order to earn a victory in what is positioned to be a great matchup of two Hockey East teams eager for the win.

This is the first matchup out of three for these two teams this season during Hockey East play.

The puck is scheduled to drop at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Matt.Zampini@UConn.edu

New Orleans Saints offense struggling Andrew McCutchen wonders what to meet lofty standards in games might have been for the Pirates METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Sean Payton has been back on the sideline calling plays for half a season now, and the recordsetting offense he designed hasn't quite lived up to its usual standards.

The Saints' offense remains the envy of most of the NFL, ranking seventh in total yards and scoring. Drew Brees is on pace for a third straight 5,000yard, 40-touchdown season, and ranks third in the NFL in passing.

Still, the Saints have struggled running the ball, and that has emboldened opponents to dial up more exotic blitzes, producing more sacks and hits on New Orleans' franchise quarterback.

Payton — who has had four No. 1 offenses and none worse than sixth in six previous seasons on the sideline — generally dismisses statistical comparisons between his 2013 offense and more productive units of years past. But that doesn't mean he's satisfied.

"There's a lot of things we're working to get better at, clean up," Payton said. "There's always change. There's nothing given because of the year prior

Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle have been preaching the importance of sustaining the organization's success.

"We're not going to rest on what we've done," McCutchen said. "We're only going to get better as a team and the people upstairs are going to do everything they can to give us the best chance possible."

McCutchen is one of three finalists for the NL MVP award, along with Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. The winner will be announced next Thursday.

McCutchen hit .317 with 21 home runs, 84 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 158 games.

"It'll be interesting because Goldschmidt and Yadi had really good years," McCutchen said. "There's nothing more I can do now but wait and see what happens. Obviously, I'd love to win it. I'd definitely find some room in my office for it."

TWO Friday, November 8, 2013

The Daily Campus, Page 11

Sports

Stat of the day

PAGE 2 7,356

What's Next Home game

Today Maryland 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 11 Yale 3 p.m.

Tomorrow Hartford 4 p.m.

Nov. 11 Stanford 3 p.m.

» CYCLING

» That’s what he said

The rough road to ‘Armstrong Lie’

Martin Perez

-Texas Rangers pitcher Martin Perez

Nov. 17 Boston University 12 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

by Cy Young with 7,356.

AP

(0-0)

Nov. 14 Detroit 7 p.m.

played in Major League Baseball is held

“I can focus and play baseball and learn something new every day to be a better pitcher, and a better person. That’s what I want. My future is here.”

Away game

Men’s Basketball

The record for the most career innings

Nov. 21 Boston College 7 p.m.

» Pic of the day

Helmets go flying

(0-0)

Nov. 15 Maryland 6 p.m.

Nov. 17 Penn State Noon

Nov. 20 Oregon 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 Temple TBA

Nov. 30 Rutgers TBA

Dec. 7 Memphis TBA

Football (0-7) Today Louisville 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 SMU TBA

Men’s Soccer (9-2-5) Tomorrow American Athletic Conference Quarterfinals SMU 5 p.m.

Field Hockey (15-4) Today Big East Conference Semifinals Temple TBA

Volleyball Today USF 7 p.m.

Nov. 10 UCF 2 p.m.

(11-15) Nov. 15 Rutgers 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 Memphis Noon

Nov. 24 Temple 2 p.m.

Women’s Hockey (3-5-1) Today Providence 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 Brown 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 Boston College 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 Boston College 2 p.m.

Nov. 29 Yale 1 p.m.

AP

New York Islanders’ Matt Martin loses his helmet while fighting with Carolina Hurricanes’ Brett Bellemore during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C.

Panthers expect to know No. 3 Louisville basketball more about themselves soon ready to defend national title

Men’s Hockey (2-2-1) Nov. 17 Nov. 15 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Nov. 12 Boston AIC Canisius Holy Cross Bentley University 7:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m. 7:05 p.m.

5:00p.m.

What's On TV

BASKETBALL: Duke vs. Davidson 7p.m. ESPNU Friday marks the beginning of college basketball season.

One of the season’s big-time games of the year is tonight as the Duke Blue Devils take on the Davidson Wildcats.

Both teams have winning traditions and a huge rivalry making it a must see.

The game will air on ESPNU at 7 p.m.

AP

NBA: Celtics vs. Magic 7 p.m., CSNNE Friday night is filled with basketball as the Celtics take on the Magic in Orlando.

The Celtics (1-4 )will have a challenge when they play the Magic (3-2) Although the game is in Florida, it will be aired on CSNNE at 7 p.m.

AP

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — When Alex Gibney set out to make a movie about cyclist Lance Armstrong’s 2009 Tour de France comeback, the documentarian admits he bought into the hype: The man who’d cheated death was coming back to reign supreme — and clean.

“All of us fans wanted to believe,” said Gibney, who directed this summer’s well-received documentary “We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks.” ‘’You want to root for people. That is what sports are all about.”

In fact, it was such a positive project, Armstrong himself had a “financial participation” in the film, Gibney said.

Then in 2011, things changed. The “feel-good movie,” as Gibney called the original version, was nearly finished when Armstrong’s ex-teammates, Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis, began going public about Armstrong’s doping.

That same year, Armstrong faced a U.S. government investigation into doping allegations. Then in 2012, a federal Anti-Doping Agency report alleged Armstrong and his U.S. Postal Service-sponsored team used performance-enhancing drugs.

It had become all too clear — Gibney needed to change the fabric of his film. What had been titled “The Road Back” became “The Armstrong Lie,” which opens Friday.

“It was a lie that was hiding in plain sight,” said Gibney. “But you don’t want to doubt.”

Suspicions about Armstrong’s drug use actually began to surface in 2005, after former Armstrong teammate Frankie Andreu and his wife, Betsy, testified in a lawsuit about a drug confession they heard Armstrong make while hospitalized in 1996 during his bout with cancer. (Armstrong later did his best to ostracize Frankie Andreu from the cycling world.)

“Most of the facts had been revealed a long time ago,” said Gibney in a recent interview at a Beverly Hills hotel. “The question was if they had been revealed, then how did Lance maintain that they weren’t true? That is what the film is about.”

Sitting with Oprah Winfrey in January of this year, Armstrong admitted to using performanceenhancing drugs to win the Tour de France seven times, titles that have since been revoked. Gibney was there as the interview was shot and insisted that Armstrong come clean in front of his camera, too.

“A long interview was hard to get in the wake of Oprah because that interview hadn’t done for him what he wanted it to do,” said Gibney. “He wanted his fans back. It didn’t work out that way. But I was moving forward with other people like Betsy (Andreu, who appears in the film). I think that was the reason he ultimately agreed to sit down: He wanted to feel a sense of control over his story and he knew that without his voice, things might go worse.”

“You have to call a fraud a fraud,” said Betsy Andreu in a phone call from her home in Dearborn, Mich. “Lance tried to use cancer to shield himself, but in my opinion, that is how he got the cancer — using all of those drugs. Growth hormones fuel cancer” — a theory increasingly supported by medical research.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jordan Gross said the next two weeks will go a long way toward determining how people perceive the Carolina Panthers nationally.

The Panthers starting left tackle and co-captain says Carolina will start to earn some respect if they can beat San Francisco on the road Sunday and follow that up with a victory next Monday night at home against New England.

“I’m excited about the challenge ahead,” Gross said. “If we win these games everybody is going to say we’re good. And if we lose these games everybody is going to say that we beat teams that weren’t good.”

The Panthers (5-3) are starting to look like a playoff team having won four straight games.

They’ve outscored their opponents 130-48 during that span have a plus-8 turnover ratio.

Quarterback Cam Newton, for the most part, has been playing lights out an the defense has kept its opponents to 15 points or less.

However, some question the team’s legitimacy since Carolina’s five wins have come against teams with a combined 8-33 record.

The Panthers have taken a page from coach Ron Rivera this week with several players reiterating his comments that this week’s game against the 49ers is

“the biggest game because it’s the next game.”

Despite the team’s efforts to downplay its importance, the reality is this is the franchise’s biggest game since their playoff loss in 2008 to the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers haven’t been above .500 since then until the last two weeks.

Rivera said given that the 49ers are NFC champions and are a talented team that plays physical and beating them on the road “would be big” for his team’s confidence.

“They have a winning record,” Rivera said.

By no fault of their own, seven of Carolina’s opponents this year so far don’t. That’s a little ironic since the Panthers entered the season with the toughest schedule in the NFL based on last year’s records.

The only team the Panthers have played with a winning record is the Seattle Seahawks (8-1), and they matched up pretty well against them. Carolina had a chance to win that game but running back DeAngelo Williams fumbled late in the game as the Panthers were driving for the goahead score.

The Panthers look to show they can compete with the NFC’s best this week — and turn some heads.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville has reloaded and ready to chase another national championship.

The Cardinals’ return several veterans and have added newcomers who are expected to contribute immediately to the team’s title defense.

Third-ranked Louisville begins its 100th season Saturday against the College of Charleston intent on proving last season’s title run was just the beginning. The Cardinals carry over a 16-game winning streak as well as many regulars with several more due back soon; then there are the new faces acting like they’ve been around for a while.

The combination could be scary for opponents who believe Louisville isn’t the same dominant defensive team that ran the table last spring. In a way they might be right: the Cardinals’ offense is better as well.

“We’ve got guys that are experienced and have been through Big East tournaments twice and Final Fours, so just that alone helps,” junior forward Wayne Blackshear said.

“Bringing in the new guys and their different talents, it just brings a lot to the table.”

Junior Chris Jones, a 5-foot-10 guard and last year’s junior college Division I player of the year, is expected to set the table for the Cardinals. The former Tennessee

signee has shown the ability to run the point as well as predecessor Peyton Siva, now with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

Though senior and leading scorer Russ Smith (18.7 points per game) has been working on his game and can distribute the ball, shooting is where he helps the Cardinals most.

Fortunately for Smith, he might get more offensive consistency from Jones.

With a poster of former NBA AllStar Allen Iverson on his wall back home in Memphis, it’s not shocking that Jones similarly challenges bigger defenders inside. More encouraging for Louisville is his shot selection and a smooth jumper that could draw some defensive attention away from Smith.

“If I’m wide open for a jumper, I’m going to shoot,” Jones said on Louisville’s media day. “If a guy comes up, I’ll go past him. If another big guy comes up, I’ll drop it off or dunk. It’s just about the situation with me.”

That’s no small matter for a Cardinals’ backcourt needing a successor to Siva. Though Louisville’s depth and morale got a huge boost Wednesday night with Kevin Ware’s return from the gruesome right leg injury sustained during the title run, he just resumed full contact practice this week and will need time to get fully comfortable.

» INSIDE SPORTS TODAY

P.11: No. 3 Lousiville men’s basketball defending title / P.10: Field hockey hosts Big East tournament / P.9: Volleyball plays conference foes

Page 12

Men’s soccer to play in AAC quarterfinals against SMU

Friday, November 8, 2013

www.dailycampus.com

ROAD TO FOUR BEGINS No. 18 UConn begins 20132014 season against Maryland

By Mike Peng Staff Writer Riding an 11-match unbeaten streak to conclude the regular season, the No. 14 UConn men’s soccer team (9-2-5, 4-0-4 American) will host the inaugural American Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals as a No. 2 seed on Saturday at Morrone Stadium at 5 p.m. The Huskies will play a rematch against their opponents from last weekend, the seventh-seeded SMU Mustangs (3-11-2, 2-4-2 American).

UConn pulled out a 1-0 victory last Saturday at Westcott Field in Dallas thanks to a third-minute goal from freshman forward Cyle Larin, who finished the season with a teamhigh eight goals.

Larin has also scored five goals in the team’s last six matches and was named conference Rookie of the Week for the third consecutive time. The Brampton, Ontario native has the second-most goals total in the conference as well, trailing only Central Florida’s Romario Williams by one.

Fellow Ontarian and junior forward Allando Matheson has played a major role during the regular season as well by scoring six goals off the bench. Together, the two Canadians have scored 14 of the team’s 21 goals.

Collectively, the Huskies have also outshot their opponents, 245103. The highest scoring game of the season came on Oct. 15 when UConn routed Columbia in a 4-0 win at Morrone Stadium.

On the defensive side, the Huskies have relied on conference Defender of the Week winners Sergio Campbell, George Fochive and Michael Mercado to halt the opposing offense.

Junior goalkeeper and 2013 MAC Hermann Watch List candidate Andre Blake has been splendid all season as well, allowing only nine goals and making 20 saves for a 7-2-5 record. Despite suffering a neck injury back on Oct. 5 in a contest against UCF, Blake has made nine saves and recorded four clean sheets since he rejoined the team five matches ago.

UConn has dominated conference play this year and finished as the only team to not lose a conference match all season. During the eight contests, the Huskies have outscored their opponents 12-6 and have recorded four clean sheets as well along the way.

For the visiting Mustangs, however, the 2013 season has been full of tough tests. SMU has faced and fallen to several top teams, including current No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 3 Washington, No. 7 Louisville, preseason No. 1 Indiana and No. 14 UConn.

The Mustangs have not won since Oct. 12 against Cincinnati, and the team has only scored 13 goals all season.

Despite their poor record, the Mustangs are not without some good players on the team. Freshman Deshawon Nembhard was named conference Rookie of the Week on Sept. 16 and senior Jamie Ibarra followed the week after with a Goalkeeper of the Week nod on Sept 23. Sophomore Leobardo Vazquez was also tabbed Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 14 after a hat-trick performance against Cincinnati.

The Mustangs are also led by junior midfielder Andrew Morales and sophomore forward Alfred Koroma. Morales has tallied nine points on four goals this season while Koroma added in four goals of his own.

The Huskies will look to improve to 5-1 all-time against the Mustangs on Saturday and continue their quest for an eighth conference tournament championship.

UConn’s last conference tournament title came in 2007 when the team topped Notre Dame in a 2-0 win in the Big East championship game at Morrone Stadium.

Michael.Peng@UConn.edu

By Tim Fontenault Sports Editor

Phil Nolan sat on the bleachers at Gampel Pavilion after practice Wednesday afternoon.

He was smiling uncontrollably and he was laughing excitedly.

What else could he do when talking about the idea of winning a fourth national championship for the UConn men’s basketball program?

A fourth national championship is exactly what the No. 18 Huskies, eligible for the postseason after a one-year ban, will set out to do Friday night, when UConn opens the 0-0 2013-14 regular season against Maryland at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“I definitely believe [we can win a national championship],” Nolan said.

“We have a good frontcourt, we have a good 0-0 backcourt, we have some Today, 6:30 p.m., size…I believe we can do some great things.”

ESPN2, As a freshman, Nolan Barclays Center played in 23 games, averaged 10.8 minutes, 1.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. The Milwaukee native started one game last season, the Providence game on March 9, UConn’s last of the season. Now, Nolan is likely to be a starter, so expectations are high.

Over the summer, Nolan worked on getting bigger and stronger. He also played with the East Coast All-Stars, a team that represented the United JESS CONDON/The Daily Campus States at the Four Nations Cup in Estonia.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

VS.

UConn sophomore forward Phil Nolan and the Huskies are ready to take on their first game of the season against the Maryland Terps. UConn is ready to fight to win the fourth national championship after they were deemed ineligible and had a one- year ban.

» NOLAN, page 10

Football set for rematch with No. 20 Louisville

By Matt Stypulkoski Associate Sports Editor It has been 11 months and 15 days since the UConn football team tasted victory. The last victim? This week’s opponent, the Louisville Cardinals.

“I told our team, last year’s game means nothing,” interim head coach T.J. Weist said, “because it was last year. It’s a totally different year, it’s a whole different everything.”

That things have changed is apparent. Last season, UConn held the then-No. 19 Cardinals to just 20 points – in three overtimes no less.

This season, it’s held just one opponent, USF, under the 20-point mark. In fact, five teams have scored 30-plus against the Huskies over their first seven games.

The UConn rushing game is another glaring difference from a year ago; the Huskies racked up 149 yards on the ground at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in their upset win, but have cracked 100 yards just once so far this season.

Still, despite his insistence that

the program’s latest win has no bearing on Friday night’s game, Weist acknowledged that it is a confidence-booster for this year’s squad heading into a game against the No. 20 team in the nation.

“This team looks forward to a great opportunity against one of the best teams in the country,” Weist said.

It’s an opportunity – a game against a nationally ranked team at Rentschler Field – that the Huskies have had before.

Of course, the last time UConn (0-7, 0-3 American Athletic Conference) welcomed a ranked team and a national television audience to East Hartford, they collapsed in the waning moments and allowed then-No. 14 Michigan to escape with a 24-21 win.

Whether this game will be as tightly contested remains to be seen.

Unlike Michigan, which kept the Huskies in the game with four turnovers, Louisville (7-1, 3-1 American Athletic Conference) is known to protect the ball.

The Cardinals are tied for third in the country with just seven turnovers lost this season and rank tied for No. 17 in turnover margin. Junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a big reason for those statistics – he has thrown just two interceptions in 243 pass attempts.

Forcing Louisville to make a few more of those possession-switching mistakes – and limiting turnovers of their own – was a point of emphasis for Weist with the team this week, as was efficiency, especially on third down.

“It’s just like any other game in those big games,” Weist said. “You get momentum. You get momentum and make plays.”

But that momentum may be hard to come by with an offensive line as porous as the Huskies’ has been this season matched up against a defensive front as strong as the Cardinals’.

Louisville has made 27 sacks this season – tied for second in the country – while the Huskies have allowed 33. UConn’s 4.71 sacks

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

UConn freshman quarterback Tim Boyle and the Huskies looks to win their first game of the season against Louisville. The Cardinals were the last team UConn beat last year.

allowed per game ranks worst in the nation.

Avoiding obvious passing situations, then, will be critical to the Huskies’ ability to move the ball and keep Bridgewater and the Cardinals offense off the field.

Both teams are coming off bye

weeks and should be relatively well rested and healthy come Friday night.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Matthew.Stypulkoski@UConn.edu

Defense of national title starts against Hartford

By Matt Stypulkoski Associate Sports Editor

Forty games and 150 days.

That’s what separates the UConn women’s basketball team from history.

Over the course of these next 150 days, the Huskies will have a shot to tie one record – Baylor’s 40-0 season in 2011-2012, the most wins ever by a team in a single season – and breaking another – a national title would be UConn’s ninth, the most in women’s college basketball history.

But before any of those things are possible, they have to set their sights on a showdown with intrastate rival Hartford on Saturday. It may not be a glamorous opener, but the excitement is still there.

“I don’t want to play any

more of these games,” UConn Louisville, the three toughest head coach Geno Auriemma opponents on their schedule? said after his team’s final Most of the outside world exhibition Tuesday. “I’m not feels it knows the answer: crazy about when the NCAA top-ranked UConn is an overchanged the rules about who whelming favorite to hoist you can play and who you national title No. 9 come can’t play. So April 8. yeah, I’m anxAuriemma still ious, the playneeds a little ers are anxious, more convincing.

I think every“I’d like to see body’s anxious where we are for Saturday.” first with this There are, group before I go however, still a any further with few questions that,” Auriemma surrounding this said. “I’d like to Preview year’s squad: see this weekend can Breanna [against Hartford Stewart stay consistent and and No. 3 Stanford] and the play like she did last post- end of the week [at No. 8 season? Will Bria Hartley Maryland and No. 13 Penn rebound with healthy ankles State]. You know, a week to play more like her All- from this Sunday, we’ll have American capabilities? How a pretty good idea.” do these Huskies stack up Of course, the Hawks proagainst Stanford, Duke and vide the least resistance in

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

that group of competition, but are still a bump up from the Division II opponents in the preseason.

Hartford returns 10 players from a team that went 21-12 and lost in the America East Tournament championship game a year ago. The Hawks did lose four or their five top scorers from that team, however, with only Amber Bepko – who averaged 10 points per game – returning.

Jen Rizzotti’s bunch will have quite the uphill climb against the Huskies, who have won 17 straight season openers and 22 consecutive home openers.

They will also have to contend with a height deficit in the frontcourt – as if stopping Stewart and Stefanie Dolson was not already difficult enough.

The Hawks boast six players of six feet or taller, but

their tallest player, sophomore Katie Roth, stands just 6-foot-2.

Stewart and Dolson, on the other hand, come in at 6-foot5 and 6-foot-4.

The pair also has plenty of momentum entering the contest. In the two exhibition games against Gannon and Philadelphia, they combined to average 25.5 points per game.

Not that it was needed, but Morgan Tuck added some extra versatility and depth to the Huskies’ potent front line with her 16-point showing – on 7-for-9 shooting – Tuesday night.

“I think I tried to really just prove to my coaches and my teammates,” Tuck said, “that I can be out there on the floor.”

Matthew.Stypulkoski@UConn.edu

Husky Hoopla

Page 1

Friday, November 8, 2013

UConn’s backcourt one of the best... Pg. 3

Back in the Fight Multiple Huskies have shot at the NBA Pg. 4

Kromah, Purvis provide boost to Huskies Pg. 3

Fontenault: Banner No. 4 a real possibility Pg.5

Page 2

Husky Hoopla

THE OPPOSITION

THE HUSKIES 0

Phillip Nolan

2

F – Freshman Milwaukee, Wis

DeAndre Daniels F – Junior Los Angeles, Calif.

Friday, November 8, 2013

November Fri 8 Maryland (Barclays Center) Mon 11 Yale (XL) Thurs 14 Detroit (GP) Sun 17 Boston University (GP)

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G – Freshman Los Angeles, Calif.

Tyler Olander

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F – Senior Mansfield, Conn.

Kentan Facey

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F – Freshman Trelawny, Jamaica

Lasan Kromah

G/F – Grad Student Greenbelt, Md.

Leon Tolksdorf F – Sophomore Berlin, Germany

(860) (860) (860) (860) (860) (860)

2 MON Fri 6 Wed 18 Sun 22 Sat 28 Tues 31

Ryan Boatright G – Junior Aurora, Ill.

Shabazz Napier G – Senior Roxbury, Mass.

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Amida Brimah

F – Sophomore Brooklyn, N.Y.

C – Freshman Accra, Ghana

Head Coach 2nd season

486-3407 486-4388 486-6141 486-6119 486-6118 486-6110

On The Front: Photo by Jon Kulakofsky/The Daily Campus On The Back: Photo by Jess Condon/The Daily Campus.

Friday, November 8, 2013 Designers: Tim Fontenault, Matt Stypulkoski, Jess Condon Copy Editors: Tim Fontenault, Matt Stypulkoski, Tyler Morrissey

12 p.m.

ESPNU

TBA 7 p.m.

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ESPN2/ESPNU SNY TV

Florida (Gampel Pavilion), 7 p.m., ESPN2 UConn and Florida have agreed to a home-and-home series that kicks off in Storrs on Dec. 2. Billy Donovan and the Gators enter the season as a Final Four threat.

Maine (XL) Stanford (XL) at Washington Eastern Washington (WB) at Houston*

7 p.m.

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January Sat 4 at SMU* Wed 8 Harvard (GP) Sat 11 UCF (GP)* Thurs 16 at Memphis*

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Kevin Ollie

RS Sophomore 44 G –Raleigh, N.C.

Front Desk: Fax: Editor-In-Chief/Commentary: Managing Editor/Photo: News/Sports: Focus/Online:

F – Senior Berlin, Germany

Omar Calhoun

Rodney Purvis

December

Niels Giffey

TV ESPN2 SNY SNY

Boston College (MSG), 7 p.m., ESPN2 For the first time since 2005, UConn and Boston College will square off on the court. A once-great rivalry returns to the forefront at Madison Square Garden in the 2K Sports Classic.

Fri 22 Indiana/Washington (MSG) Tues 26 Loyola (Md.) (XL)

Terrance Samuel

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SNY ESPN2 ESPNU SNY ESPN2 TV ESPNU ESPNU ESPNU ESPN/ESPN2

Louisville (Gampel Pavilion)*, 9 p.m., ESPN ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Storrs, as the Huskies take on the defending national champions in the first of two meetings that could decide the AAC regular season champion.

Tues 21 Temple (XL)* Sat 25 at Rutgers* Thurs 30 Houston (GP)*

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February Thurs 6 at Cincinnati* Sun 9 at UCF* Wed 12 USF (XL)* Sat 15 Memphis (XL)* Thurs 20 at Temple* Sun 23 SMU (GP)* Wed 26 at USF*

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March Sat 1 Cincinnati (XL)* Wed 5 Rutgers (GP)* Sat 8 at Louisville*

Time 12 p.m.

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TV ESPN/ESPN2 ESPNU CBS

Wed-Sat 12-15 *American Athletic Conference Tournament – FedExForum, Memphis GP = Gampel Pavilion, Storrs; XL = XL Center, Hartford; WB = Webster Bank Arena; * = American Athletic Conference game

Kim L. Wilson, Editor in Chief Tyler R. Morrissey, Managing Editor Sarah Kennedy, Business Manager/Advertising Director Nancy Depathy, Financial Manager James Onofrio, Associate Managing Editor Katherine Tibedo, News Editor Jackie Wattles, Associate News Editor Kayvon Ghoreshi, Commentary Editor Jesse Rifkin, Associate Commentary Editor Kim Halpin, Focus Editor Jason Wong, Associate Focus Editor Matt Silber, Comics Editor Tim Fontenault , Sports Editor

Matt Stypulkoski, Associate Sports Editor Jessica Aurore Condon, Photo Editor Jon Kulakofsky, Associate Photo Editor Danielle Bachar, Marketing Manager Lindsay Garont, Graphics Manager Matthew Velasquez, Online Marketing Manager

Samantha Arnold, Circulation Manager

Husky Hoopla

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Friday, November 8, 2013

UConn’s backcourt one of the best

By Mike Peng Senior Staff Writer Shabazz Napier wants to end his UConn career the same way he started it, with a national championship.

That, and the chance to earn a college degree were the reasons that caused the senior guard to forgo the 2013 NBA Draft earlier this year and return for his last season with the Huskies instead.

With Napier back playing alongside junior guard Ryan Boatright, many now believe that UConn possesses one of, if not the best backcourt in the country.

And for good reasons, the two highlight reel machines combined for 32.5 points – about 46.5 percent of the team’s average of 69.9 ppg – and 9.0 assists per game last season. Both players possess the abilities to shoot, penetrate, finish and pass. Considering all the weaknesses that existed in last year’s team, the play from guards was the biggest cause for UConn’s 20-win season.

Napier, however, has said that he’s not sure if the duo fits that description, but the team doesn’t really worry about anything in that nature to begin with.

“We are not out here trying to prove that we’re the best,” he said. “We are not out here trying to do anything but just to play the best basketball we can.”

Boatright, on the other hand, had no problem accepting the labels.

“Of course,” Boatright said. “I’m never going to doubt myself or my teammates, especially my man Shabazz because I’ve seen him put in the work and I’ve see what he can do, so I know me and him together, we can compete with anybody in the country.

“We know each other. We know where each other like our shots and how each other is. So having us back to lead this team is a wonderful feeling.”

Sophomore guard Omar Calhoun should not be lost in the shuffle either.

Calhoun averaged 32.1 minutes per game last season and contributed 11.1 ppg for the Huskies along with a Gampel-rattling, game-tying 3-pointer against the then-No. 7 Georgetown.

Depending on UConn’s opponents and whether second-year head coach Kevin Ollie wants to play a small or big lineup; Calhoun may jump in and out of the starting lineups every now and then.

Regardless, he should continue to serve as an important part of UConn’s offense while getting ready to take over for Napier and Boatright when they leave.

With this much depth, talent and experience, Ollie has no doubt in his mind that his guards will live up to the hype and expectations.

“They are excellent, they are explosive and they can play at all different levels,” Ollie said. “They can shoot threes, they can shoot mid-range and they can finish to the rim. We just need them to continue to be great leaders. I don’t see that changing, and when the dust settles, they are going to be one of the best backcourts in America.”

Ollie, however, is even more pleased with what his players has done away from the sport.

“They are better people,” he said. “They are growing up and they are maturing.

They’ve been great young men and I’m more proud of them because of that than just on the basketball court.”

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

Michael.Peng@UConn.edu

Senior point guard Shabazz Napier is one of the reasons why the Huskies’ backcourt is considered one of the best.

Kromah, Purvis provide boost to Huskies

By Spencer Oakes Campus Correspondent

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

Lasan Kromah, a transfer from George Washington, gives UConn another legitimate scoring threat.

The two biggest additions the Huskies made this offseason are not going to be freshmen. In fact, only one of them is eligible to play this season, but regardless, these two players will play a huge part in just how far the team will go this season.

Both come to UConn from different backgrounds and situations. George Washington transfer Lasan Kromah comes to Storrs as a graduate student with one more year of eligibility, similar to fan favorite R.J. Evans last season.

Joining Kromah as an incoming transfer is sophomore Rodney Purvis, who will be redshirted this season due to the NCAA’s transfer regulations.

Purvis, a 2011-2012 McDonald’s AllAmerican, leaves his hometown North Carolina State Wolf Pack to play for UConn.

Kromah will have the most immediate impact on the program, as he will provide a veteran spark off the bench for the Huskies this year. Kromah, a 6-foot-5-inch guard with a 6-foot-9inch wingspan, averaged 10.1 points per game last season for the Colonials, where he finished his three-year career as a 1,000-point scorer. He has been labeled as a player with a unique ability to get to the rim and finish.

Kromah played for two seasons under assistant coach Karl Hobbs at George Washington. Coach Kevin Ollie has had nothing but high praise for Kromah, calling him a “great facilitator” who has a lot of versatility on the floor.

Expect Kromah to have a very similar role on this team that Evans had last year. He is a player with Division I experience who can serve as a leader

of this young UConn bench. If not the first man off the bench he will certainly be the next. Kromah could be one of the most important pieces to this UConn team.

Although he cannot play this season, Purvis may be the most important player Ollie has locked up in his short career here at UConn. Purvis had high expectations placed on him last season at N.C. State and for good reasons. He was the No. 6 freshman in the country according to Yahoo Sports’ Rivals.com.

He averaged 26.1 points per game his senior year of high school. In his freshman year with the Wolf Pack, Purvis started 23 games and averaged 8.3 points per game. He comes to UConn in hopes of fitting into Ollie’s guardoriented system. There were reports that Purvis simply did not feel comfortable in the N.C. State offense and was looking for more freedom, which led to his decision to join the Huskies.

Purvis’ contributions to this season’s team will come without notice to most fans and analysts. Ollie has praised his leadership, even as a young guy on the team. Purvis will serve as a “high-caliber basketball player” that will push the backcourt in practice everyday.

In order to win a conference title this season, the Huskies will have to stop guard driven teams like Louisville and Memphis. If there was ever a player who could give them the look they need to be able to handle guards like Russ Smith and Joe Jackson, it would be Purvis.

The transfers will both have different roles on this year’s team, but without question, both Kromah and Purvis will have a huge impact on the 2013-2014 Huskies.

Spencer.Oakes@UConn.edu

Page 4

Husky Hoopla

Friday, November 8, 2013

Multiple Huskies have shot at NBA

By Nick Danforth Campus Correspondent

Allen, Caron Butler, Ben Gordon, Rudy Gay, Kemba Walker, Andre Drummond.

The list is long, and the accolades are numerous, but all of these NBA stars share one thing in common: They once played in Storrs, Conn. for the UConn Huskies. With Jim Calhoun at the helm, UConn became not only one of the premier college basketball programs in the nation, but also among the best at churning out quality NBA players. Now that Calhoun has left, and former NBA vagabond Kevin Ollie has taken over, it will interesting to see if he can continue what has become a great UConn tradition.

Taking a look at this season’s roster, these three players have the best chance to make it to the next level.

Shabazz Napier Napier has improved almost every facet of his game over his three years at UConn.

He has become an efficient scorer, averaging more than 17 points per game last season, while also improving his decision-making and leadership. The problem is that Napier’s size does not bode well for his NBA future.

He is listed at 6-foot-1, and that is generous.

He is not an explosive athlete and sometimes has trouble scoring over larger defenders.

However, he is a deadly long rang shooter, especially in clutch situations, and is underrated as a passer and rebounder. Leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA tournament would greatly improve his draft stock.

Projection: Mid -econd Round Pick NBA Comparison: Miami Heat PG Mario Chalmers DeAndre Daniels Daniels may have the most to gain, or lose, this season as far as his NBA prospects

go. The junior was supposed to take a big step forward last season, but failed to do so until the final four games of the season, where he averaged more than 21 points and nine rebounds per game. With a 6-foot-8inch frame and a wingspan of more than seven feet, Daniels has the length and quickness to fit in in the NBA. However, he has a tendency to disappear for long stretches and must add muscle to his wiry frame. Because he has the ability to score in so many ways, Daniels still holds the intrigue of many scouts. If he can prove that the end of the last season was just a taste of the future, he could play his way into a higher draft slot.

Projection: Late-First Round or Early Second Round Pick NBA Comparison: Cleveland Cavaliers SF Earl Clark Ryan Boatright Ryan Boatright is one of the most athletically gifted players UConn has ever seen.

Standing just six feet tall, Boatright uses his quickness to get into the lane at will and his jumping ability to finish over, or around, taller players. In order to improve his draft stock, Boatright must learn how to reign in that athleticism and use it to his advantage. He often plays out of control and gets caught in the air, unsure of whether to pass or shoot. He also rarely squares himself up on jumpers, fading forward or back, something he must improve upon in order to become a more consistent long-range shooter. Boatright’s best chance at making it to the next level will likely come if he stays past this season and takes over the reins of the team from Napier.

Projection: Late-Second Round Pick NBA Comparison: Phoenix Suns PG Eric Bledsoe

Nicholas.Danforth@UConn.edu

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

Junior guard Ryan Boatright puts up a contested shot against Southern Connecticut on Oct. 30 at Gampel Pavilion.

Boatright is one of three Huskies that currently has a legitimate chance of being selected in the NBA Draft.

Nolan, Brimah to play big role inside

By Tim Fontenault Sports Editor

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

Freshman center Amida Brimah throws down a dunk during an exhibition game against Southern Connecticut State on Oct. 30 at Gampel Pavilion. Brimah made five blocks against the Owls in his UConn debut.

There has not been a lot of national talk regarding UConn, but when the 18th-ranked team in the nation does enter conversations, the general theme is that the Huskies have one of the best backcourts in the nation.

If there is one thing that many people believe will hold UConn back this season it is the frontcourt.

The play of UConn’s big men in recent years has been less than stellar.

The Huskies averaged 33.1 rebounds per game last season, less than 241 other Division I teams, and it has been four years since the eight-year reign as the nation’s best shot-blocking team came to an end.

UConn has lost games due to its inability to get to the glass and prevent second-, third-, sometimes even fourthchance points. The Huskies’ guards are good enough to get Kevin Ollie’s team to Dallas for the Final Four this season, but the big men need to step up to the occasion.

There is little concern about junior DeAndre Daniels, who will be the starting power forward for the Huskies this season. Daniels averaged 16 points and 7.5 rebounds during the two exhibition games, and there is already speculation about whether or not he will be back in Storrs next year.

The main question mark is at center, where UConn can deploy senior Tyler Olander, sophomore Phil Nolan and freshmen Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey.

To go big, Daniels can also drop to small forward spot so that two of the big men can be on the court together.

Such a strategy should not be a concern to UConn fans, as the Huskies are confident in the ability of the big men to produce.

Two forwards that could have particularly strong seasons are Nolan and Brimah. Nolan looks to have gained a lot of confidence moving from his freshman to sophomore year. He played a big role on the glass for UConn against Concordia in an exhibition game on Nov. 4, grabbing six rebounds in the 98-38 win that saw the Huskies use all 12 scholarship players and both walkons.

But arguably the biggest story of the preseason has been how quickly Brimah has become a fascination of the fans and even his teammates. The 7-foot freshman from Ghana, by way of Miami, became a sensation within 19 seconds of stepping on the court for the Huskies, throwing down an alley-oop from Lasan Kromah immediately before hustling down the floor and blocking a shot, despite being called for a soft foul.

Brimah’s height and length – he has a 6-foot-9-inch wingspan – make him a shot blocking threat anywhere on the floor. He does not need to step far off the low block to disrupt a perimeter shot, much to the liking of senior Niels Giffey.

“It’s just good having him there,” Giffey said. “It makes it so much more comfortable to be aggressive, to play up into the man and make him put it on the floor and kind of direct him into a position on the court where you want him.”

If Brimah and Nolan can step up and have big seasons, UConn will be in good position to make a run deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Timothy.Fontenault@UConn.edu

Page 5

Husky Hoopla

Friday, November 8, 2013

Breaking down the Huskies Centers: UConn enters the year lacking depth at the center position. Freshman Amida Brimah, a native of Ghana, has only been playing organized basketball for four years, but averaged 15.7 points at Archbishop Coleman Carrol High School in Miami last season. Tyler Olander will also see time at the center position this season, as could Phillip Nolan and freshman Kentan Facey.

Guards: The Huskies enter 2013-2014 with a dynamic backcourt led by senior Shabazz Napier and junior shooting guard Ryan Boatright. A major contributor on the 2011 national championship squad, Napier has appeared in 103 career games as a Husky and has averaged 12 points and 4.4 assists per game. Boatright has appeared in 55 career games and averages 13.1 points and 4.2 assists. Sophomore guard Omar Calhoun, who started 29 games and averaged 11.1 points per game last season, will also look to have a big impact this year.

Tim Fontenault

Forwards: Junior Deandre Daniels, senior Tyler Olander and senior Niels Giffey lead the UConn frontcourt. Daniels will look to have a break out year in 2013-2014. The Los Angeles native started 30 games last season and averaged 12.1 points. As a junior, Olander averaged 4.3 points and 3.7 rebounds a game before suffering a broken foot at the end of the season. Giffey averaged 4.9 points last season.

Sophomores Phillip Nolan and Leon Tolksdorf will also assume key roles off the bench at the forward spot.

Left: Sophomore guard Omar Calhoun takes the ball down the floor against Concordia at the XL Center in Hartford on Nov. 4.

Right: Junior guard Ryan Boatright goes up for a difficult layup against Southern Connecticut at Gampel Pavilion on Oct. 30.

JON KULAKOFSKY/The Daily Campus

JESS CONDON/The Daily Campus

Senior forward Niels Giffey looks to drive to the hoop against Southern Connecticut on Oct. 30 at Gampel Pavilion.

Banner No. 4 is a possibility this year for UConn

“It’s something special about this season I swear....,” Phil Nolan tweeted after First Night last month.

There is something special about this season.

It is not just that UConn is postseason eligible again after last year’s situation.

It is not just that Shabazz Napier announced on April 26 that he was coming back for one last season.

It definitely is not that UConn is excited about the prospect of playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, since Louisville got the last scoop of ice cream in that carton.

No, it is the fact that the UConn men’s basketball team has a real possibility at adding a fourth national championship banner to the rafters on its side of Gampel Pavilion.

Am I crazy? Well, yea, but not about this.

UConn has a very real chance of getting into the national championship talk.

UConn is one of the most successful teams of the last 25 years, but when have the Huskies ever truly been talked about as a national championship contender? The only years that I can recall are 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012.

The 2009 team choked away their Final Four matchup with Michigan State. The 2012 team was more disappointing than an Andre Drummond free-throw attempt. The 2004 team won. And, as any good UConn fan knows, the 2005-06 season didn’t actually happen.

(Side note: If anyone knows where someone – definitely not the men’s basketball writer for The Daily Campus – could get one of those jerseys that UConn would have worn if the 2005-06 season actually happened, my email is at the bottom of this column. Those jerseys were beautiful.)

I don’t think many people expected UConn to only lose two games or end Duke’s dominant season in 1999. And be honest, no one thought that the Connecticut Kembas were going to do what they did three seasons ago.

That is why I think UConn is in exactly the position that they should be to start the year.

Campus is buzzing, they are in the middle of the pack in the national rankings and no one is talking all that much about them outside the Nutmeg State.

When he was still enrolled at UConn, I talked to Enosch Wolf during a charity event at Gampel Pavilion. He told me that with low national expectations and a new conference, he thought people would overlook them, and that was totally fine.

Wolf said that by flying under the radar from November through February, people would be caught off guard by the Huskies, which he was more than OK with.

Obviously, Wolf is no longer with the team, but the point remains. UConn is receiving a lot of praise for its backcourt, but that’s where the kind words stop.

However, if the two exhibitions games are any indication, Phil Nolan is a more mature player compared to the quiet freshman and Amida Brimah has the size and talent to be the next in a great line of UConn shot blockers.

If Nolan and Brimah give UConn quality beneath the hoop this year, it is possible to see this team going all the way.

In 1999, they shocked the world. In 2004, they did exactly what they were supposed to do. In 2011, Kemba. In 2014, the expectation is that the Huskies will be respectable, a Sweet Sixteen team. But don’t be shocked if UConn is the last team standing.

Timothy.Fontenault@UConn.edu

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Friday, November 8, 2013

2013-14 Daily Campus Men’s All-AAC Team Preseason Player of the Year — Russ Smith, G, Louisville

Sean Kilpatrick, G, Cincinnati

Shabazz Napier, G, UConn

AP

Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville

JON KULAKOSFKY/The Daily Campus

TaShawn Thomas, F, Houston

AP

Donnie Jones (4th year)

CINCINNATI

Mick Cronin (8th year)

HOUSTON

James Dickey (4th year)

Last Season: 20-11 (9-7 C-USA), 4th

Last Season: 22-12 (9-9 Big East), 9th

Last Season: 20-13 (7-9 C-USA), 7th

Coming off a ban from the NCAA Tournament, Isaiah Sykes looks to lead the Knights back into the tournament. He averaged 16 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, leading the country with two triple-doubles during the 2012-13 season. Sykes could be a contender for a selection to the All-AAC team at season’s end. The Knights have three projected seniors starting this season as UCF goes for its fourth straight 20-win season.

After winning 22 games and losing to Creighton in March, this is a vital season for the Bearcats. With Louisville departing for the ACC after this season, Cincinnati needs to submit a strong performance this season to establish itself as a powerhouse in the American. Look for senior guard Sean Kilpatrick to take the Bearcats into the national rankings and possibly lead a run into the NCAA Tournament.

Houston is coming off a 20-win season and is now in a competitive conference. The Cougars want to be included in the top tier of the AAC, and TaShawn Thomas a 6-foot-8-inch forward could be the key.

He averaged 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds last year.

Look for Thomas to be a possible all-conference player. Houston’s weak schedule could affect its resume come March.

Rick Pitino (12th year)

Josh Pastner (5th year)

Eddie Jordan (1st year)

Last Season: 31-5 (16-0 C-USA), 1st

Last Season: 15-16 (5-13 Big East), 12th

With Joe Jackson and Geron Johnson in the backcourt, Memphis was already one of the elite teams in Conference USA last year. Now that Shaq Goodwin has a year under his belt and freshman Austin Nichols – the 15th best recruit in the nation – are manning the frontcourt for the team, it could be a special season for Josh Pastner and the Tigers. Memphis should have no problem fitting into the American.

Not much has gone right for Rutgers since the Mike Rice fiasco ended. Eddie Jordan is in to rebuild the program, but losing a valuable piece in Eli Carter – last season’s team-leading scorer – to Florida, does not help his cases. The team did manage to retain Myles Mack, the Big East’s leader in 3-point percentage last season (46.2 percent), and junior guard Jerome Seagears, to go along with incoming transfers Kerwin Okoro and J.J. Moore.

LOUISVILLE

Last Season: 35-5 (14-4 Big East), 2nd 2013 NCAA National Champions Rick Pitino claimed that there is a “mini-dynasty” brewing in Louisville, but the defending champions still have some work to do in order to live up to that title. Russ Smith needs to be more consistent and the supporting cast of Luke Hancock, Montrezl Harrell and Wayne Blackshear need to step up for the Cardinals to go deep into March.

SOUTHERN METHODIST Larry Brown (2nd year)

MEMPHIS

SOUTH FLORIDA

RUTGERS

TEMPLE

Stan Heath (7th year)

Fran Dunphy (8th year)

Last Season: 22-17 (15-17 C-USA), 11th

Last Season: 12-19 (2-15 Big East), 14th

Last Season: 24-10 (11-5 A-10), 4th

Legendary NBA coach Larry Brown leads the Mustangs in his second year as head coach. SMU could be a dark horse in the American this season, returning its top five scorers from last year. Nic Moore will take over point guard duties this year and along with Jalen Jones and Nick Russell, who both averaged 14.0 points per game last year, could surprise some people this season.

Brown has this program heading in the right direction.

South Florida is projected to be in the bottom half of the American this year but it has potential to cause some stir in the standings. The Bulls bring back Victor Rudd, their leading scorer and rebounder from last year. Rudd has the ability to be a standout player in the conference this year. The Bulls bring in two freshmen this year that will surely give them some length and an inside presence, John Egbunu and Chris Perry.

It could be a rough year for head coach Fran Doughy and the Owls, a team that won an NCAA Tournament game last year. Temple returns one starter from last season and will have to find scoring from players that played limited minutes. Will Cummings returns as the only starter and will have to carry the offensive load in what seems to be a rebuilding year for Temple.

The American Athletic Conference: A new era begins Conference realignment changed the landscape of college sports. Schools have always moved conferences, putting themselves in the best position possible to succeed, but when Colorado moved from the Big 12 to the Pac-12 in 2009, it started a domino effect.

That domino effect soon hit the Big East Conference.

Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced their intentions to leave for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2011. Soon after, West Virginia left for the Big 12, TCU, Boise State and San Diego State backed out of their commitments to join the conference, Rutgers announced its move to the Big Ten, and Louisville and Notre Dame announced that they would join

Syracuse and Pittsbugh. This left the Big East in disarray, and soon, the seven Catholic schools split from the other three remaining members – UConn, Cincinnati and South Florida – taking the Big East name and the tournament rights for Madison Square Garden.

The three remaining schools were left out in the cold with realignment.

The ACC did not want them, nor did the Big Ten. The solution was to form a new conference, comprised primarily of members of Big

East outcasts and ConferenceUSA’s top members, as well as Temple, which was set to join the Big East in 2013-14 before the collapse.

Ten schools officially began operating the A m e r i c a n A t h l e t i c Conference on July 1. Louisville and Rutgers are among those 10, but they will leave next summer to be replaced by Tulane, Tulsa and East Carolina.

Navy will join for football only in 2015.

AP

Houston Athletics Communications

PROSPECTUS CENTRAL FLORIDA

Russ Smith, G, Louisville

Things are looking up for men’s basketball in the American. This year’s members include two of the past three national champions, UConn and Louisville. Memphis joins UConn and Louisville in the preseason rankings. And SMU, led by NBA coaching legend Larry Brown, has received a commitment from the No. 5 player in the Class of 2014 (ESPN).

The conference retains most of the high-ranking officials from the Big East, including Commissioner Mike Aresco, and will continue operation out of Providence, R.I. The American has chosen FedExForum in Memphis to host the first conference tournament.

DC Staff Predicted Order of Finish:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Team, order of finish and Player of the Year was compiled by a majority vote of the Daily Campus sports department.

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Husky Hoopla

Friday, November 8, 2013

2013-14 Daily Campus Women’s All-AACTeam Preseason Player of the Year — Breanna Stewart, F, UConn Breanna Stewart, F, UConn

Stefanie Dolson, C, UConn

Sara Hammond, F, Louisville

Shoni Schimmel, G, Louisville

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, F, UConn

AP

DC Staff Predicted Order of Finish:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Team and order of finish compiled by a majority vote of the Daily Campus sports department.

PROSPECTUS CENTRAL FLORIDA

CINCINNATI

HOUSTON

Joi Williams (7th Year)

Jamelle Elliott (5th Year)

Todd Buchanan (4th Year)

Last Season: 16-18 (7-9 C-USA), 8th

Last Season: 12-18 (4-12 Big East), 13th

Last Season: 13-17 (7-9 C-USA), 9th

Although UCF returns four starters from a team that reached the Conference USA Final last year, the Knights will have a host of newcomers this season as they return only one other scholarship player. This year UCF will go as far as sophomore Briahanna Jackson takes them.

Jackson, who was voted to the Preseason All-Conference team, broke the single-season freshman steals record in Conference USA last season with 108 in 34 games.

Cincinnati will have arguably its two best players returning in their starting lineup. Senior guard, Dayeesha Hollins, who led the team in both points and assists last year, will try to carry the team again with perimeter shooting, due to the fact that that the Bearcats have no true center. The Bearcats’, leading rebounder, Tiffany Turner, will need to assert her presence in the paint, to make up for the center position, if Cincinnati wants to remain in games.

The Cougars’ season last year was very impressive due to how much they improved since from 2011-12.

They won 10 more games than the previous year, five of them against conference opponents. The Cougars will need someone to step up for them this year due to the fact that Houston’s all time assist leader and leading scorer last season, Porsche Landry graduated in the spring.

However, the rest of the starting lineup remains intact.

Jeff Walz (6th Year)

Melissa McFerrin (6th Year)

C. Vivian Stringer (19th Year)

Last Season: 23-10 (10-6 Big East), 6th

Last Season: 17-15 (8-8 C-USA), 6th

Last Season: 16-14 (7-9 Big East), 9th

Coming in at No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, Louisville looks to bounce back from a weak showing in the championship game against UConn last season. Louisville plunged its way through the tournament led by star guard Shoni Schimmel, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season. The Cardinals need to improve on the defensive end.

Coming off its fourth consecutive WNIT appearance last season, Memphis will look to return to the NCAA Tournament this season for the first time since 1998. The Tigers will be inexperienced, as they lost three starters from last year’s team.

SOUTHERN METHODIST

SOUTH FLORIDA

Rutgers was one of the top defensive teams in the country last year, but their fate in the conference seems dim at the moment. The bright spot for this upcoming season is No. 9 overall recruit Tyler Scaife, who may provide some scoring for an offense that lacks a go-to finisher. Finishing 7-9 in the Big East last year, the road ahead is tough, but not insurmountable, for this young Rutgers team.

LOUISVILLE

MEMPHIS

RUTGERS

TEMPLE

Rhonda Rompola (23rd Year)

Jose Hernandez (14th Year)

Tonya Cardoza (6th Year)

Last Season: 21-10 (12-4 C-USA), 1st

Last Season: 22-11 (9-7 Big East), 6th

Last Season: 14-18 (5-9 A-10), 10th

SMU boasts four returning starters from last year’s team, which finished 21-10 and won the regular season conference championship in Conference USA. Veteran head coach Rhonda Rompola will lean heavily on senior Keena Mays to carry the load this season.

Mays was voted to the American’s Preseason AllConference team by fellow coaches. She averaged 18.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season.

South Florida received votes in the Preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll after putting up a respectable 9-7 record in the Big East last year. It seems the Bulls are dedicated to making a charge to the top of the American with their new recruits, led by speedy guard Trimaine Mccullough.

The Bulls are in desperate need of some scoring help now that twin sisters Andrea and Andrell Smith have left after finishing first and second in scoring respectively.

Temple’s hopes of improvement will rely on its frontcourt this season led by junior, Tyonna Williams. Williams led the team in rebounds last year, averaging five per game. Temple has two 6-foot-four-inch freshman centers, Safiya Martin and Taylor Robinson, that will need to be help Williams on the glass and in the post if the Owls want to get above .500.

Huskies face drop in competition in new conference Let’s face it – the Big East may have been the premier conference in women’s basketball, but it still provided limited opposition to the Huskies.

With the exception of Notre Dame in the past few years, UConn fans never felt threatened or worried by a conference opponent. In fact, for the other 15 teams, beating the Huskies was a rare occurence, an achievement to remember a season by.

Unfortunately, the adversity level provided by UConn’s new conference, the American Athletic Conference, is even lower.

While the UConn-Notre Dame rivalry may have

grown a bit tired due to its four-game-per-year routine, it still always made for intense, exciting competition.

The American, at least on its surface, seems to provide no such opponent.

Sure, the conference still boasts a few strong squads – Louisville, Rutgers and USF come to mind – but none are of the quality to consistently push the Huskies to the brink like the Irish could.

Though the conference has lost something substantial at the top of the standings, it

may have done some addition by subtraction in the bottom half of the league.

Seton Hall, Providence, Vi l l a n o v a , Georgetown and Marquette are among the Catholic schools that UConn will no longer play, and losing those games will not trouble Geno Auriemma and Co. For the most part, all five were perennial basement dwellers.

There are, of course, still

a few of those lower-level teams on the Huskies’ schedule – Cincinnati, Houston and Temple, among others, figure to be comfortable blowouts – but there are certainly fewer such teams in the 10-team American than the 16-team old Big East.

With the new conference also comes a new conference tournament. For those less than fond of Hartford’s XL Center, the new postseason event will be a breath of fresh air. The Huskies will still benefit from some homecourt atmosphere in their own backyard at Mohegan Sun Arena, but with far nicer amentities and nearby attractions for between- and postgame entertainment.

Page 8

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Breaking down the Huskies Backcourt: The Huskies will feature as talented a backcourt as any team in the country.

Senior guard Bria Hartley returns for her fourth season in Storrs, looking to build upon her 2013 All-NCAA Tournament Team performance. Sophomore Moriah Jefferson will play a bigger role after the departure of Kelly Farris, as her speed will make her a handful for any opponent. Brianna Banks returns from ACL surgery after becoming a major part of the Husky rotation in 2012-13.

Sophomore Briana Pulido and freshmen Tierney Lawlor and Saniya Chong round out what could be a dominant unit throughout the season.

Frontcourt: The UConn frontcourt should be expected to absolutely overpower any team in its path, as senior Stefanie Dolson, junior Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and sophomore Breanna Stewart are among the top players in the country.

Dolson returns for her senior season after being named a third team All-American last season, and the 6-foot-5-inch center will be tough for any team to matchup with. Mosqueda-Lewis has led the Huskies in scoring each of the past two seasons, having also broken the school’s record for most three pointers in a single season. Stewart enters this season fresh off of a 2013 Final Four Most Outstanding Performer performance and is expected to be one of the top players in the country. Kiah Stokes and Morgan Tuck could also make major contributions throughout the season if given the chance to shine.

Matt Stypulkoski

X-Factor: Simply put, this Husky team is better than each and every team in the country. On paper, the Huskies should dominate virtually every opponent that enters their path. However, basketball isn’t played on paper, and the mental aspect of the game is often highly underrated. The most important part of the Huskies’ season will not be how they shoot or how they rebound; it will be their focus each and every night. If the Huskies work hard and take no shortcuts, they should outclass each and every opponent. But it all comes down to focus, hard work and playing their game each and every time they step in the gym.

Left: Sophomore Moriah Jefferson drives to the hoop in an exhibition game against Gannon on Nov. 1 at Gampel Pavilion.

Right: Junior Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis grabs a rebound during the Huskies’ 101-35 win over the Lady Knights.

Huskies hustling their way to national titles

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

Sophomore forward Morgan Tuck looks to pass during UConn’s 93-28 win over Philadelphia University on Nov. 5 at the XL Center in Hartford. Tuck led the Huskies with 16 points and 3 steals in the win and is expected to play a bigger role for UConn during the 2013-14 season.

There’s something in the water in Storrs, Conn.

Or maybe it’s in the air, or the locker room.

Wherever it comes from, it’s become an indelible part of the UConn women’s basketball program. And it cropped up just over 20 minutes into the preseason.

That’s when UConn was leading by 50-plus over Gannon, and yet Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis made it look like she was back in New Orleans for the Final Four.

A loose ball made for a leaping dive over the media table, a crushing blow to the chest of the Associated Press’ Ken Davis and the obliteration of the chair he occupied.

For most, it’d be surprising that KML put her body on the line for a loose ball in an runaway exhibition game. For others, the surprise would be that she didn’t think twice about it.

“My effort’s not going to change, regardless of who we’re playing,” Mosqueda-Lewis said, “or what atmosphere I’m in. You know, to stay consistent like that is going to be important for our team this year.”

For Geno Auriemma, none of it came as a surprise.

“That’s just something that I think is hopefully ingrained in the kind of culture that we have,” Auriemma said. “So even if you’re the kind of person that doesn’t like doing it, you’re going to end up doing it.”

It’s those little things – the bursts of extra effort, diving on the floor or leaping over press tables, when necessary – that have made UConn women’s basketball so special over the past few decades.

It’s also become a point of pride.

“It’s kind of like a tradition here, it’s what they do,” Auriemma said. “I think that’s why we win, that’s why we’re good. People think the only reason that we’re good is that we get the best players.”

Consider this: of last year’s Final Four teams – UConn, Louisville, Cal and Notre Dame – each had at least three high school All-American players in their starting lineup.

Believe it or not, Louisville–the team that UConn whipped by 33 in the national title game–had four.

And yet, despite the level of talent that each school is able to attract, they combine for just nine national championships – eight courtesy of the Huskies, plus Notre Dame’s 2001 crown.

Clearly, there is some divide. Some sort of factor, a reason, an explanation for the schism between talent level and success.

As far as Geno is concerned, it can all be explained by a bit of heart and hustle.

“This is what guys do – they jump over the table trying to save a ball while we’re up 100,” Auriemma said. “Why? I don’t know. But I’m glad they do. I really am.”

The Huskies’ fans should too. Why? Because it took just over 20 minutes of an exhibition game for Mosqueda-Lewis to show that this team is already hungry for title No. 9.

Follow Matt on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski

Matthew.Stypulkoski@UConn.edu

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National champs face tough schedule

By Dalton Zbierski Campus Correspondent The UConn women’s basketball team will enter unfamiliar territory when they begin the 2013-2014 season. As the premier program in the newly-founded American Athletic Conference, top-ranked UConn will visit and play host to a variety of new teams. UCF, Memphis, Houston, Temple and SMU will all find themselves on UConn’s schedule as conference opponents for the first time. Beyond that, non-conference games against the likes of California and Duke, as well as a visit to Baylor could pose tough challenges for the Huskies.

The American lacks the depth of the former Big East, but its top teams are nothing to sleep on. Traditional rival Rutgers and national championship game opponent Louisville remain on the schedule as conference opponents for the time being. The Huskies will visit Rutgers on Jan. 19 and host the Scarlet Knights on March 1. They will host the Cardinals, ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll, on Feb. 9 and will take a trip to Louisville for their final game of the season on March 3. Led by senior guard Shoni Schimmel, the Cardinals come off of a surprise Final Four appearance. Having scored 14.2 points per game last season Schimmel is sure to have Louisville poised to strike again.

New opponents Memphis, UCF and Houston could also be legitimate contenders in the newly-formed conference. Traditional opponent Cincinnati, coached by former Husky Jamelle Elliot, could also poise a legitimate threat if all goes right for the Bearcats.

UConn’s non-conference schedule is as tough as ever. The Huskies play longtime rival Stanford at Gampel Pavilion on Veteran’s Day. Stanford enters the year ranked third in the country and will look to avenge last year’s shellacking by UConn

at Maples Pavilion. Senior forward Chiney Ogwumike, who recorded 22.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game during the 2012-13 season, will look to upset UConn on the road.

The Huskies will play road games at sixthranked Maryland and No. 15 Penn State during the same weekend in November.

UConn beat both teams last year. The Terps and Lady Lions will each seek retribution on their home courts.. A Dec. 1 game against Ohio State in Springfield, Mass. will also be noteworthy in the upcoming month.

The Huskies’ first game back from exams on Dec. 17 will provide UConn with perhaps its toughest challenge of the year. The Huskies travel to Durham, N.C. to play the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils in the Jimmy V Classic. Duke will look to defeat UConn in hopes of potentially taking over as the nation’s first ranked team. Junior center/forward Elizabeth Williams led the Blue Devils in points last season, registering 15.2 per contest. She hopes to lead Duke past the Huskies for the first time in her collegiate career. UConn will face ninth-ranked California at Madison Square Garden five days later.

The schedule does not get easier for UConn going into 2014. The Huskies travel to Waco to play No. 10 Baylor on Jan. 13. Despite losing their renowned superstar, Brittany Griner, Baylor is still considered among the national championship contenders this year. On a team with only three seniors, the Lady Bears will rely on young talent when they host the Huskies in January. As mentioned, games will be played against Louisville in both February and March.

UConn has the talent to make another memorable run this season. The Huskies will need to rely on chemistry as well if they hope to conquer a difficult schedule this season.

Dalton.Zbierski@UConn.edu

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

Senior center Stefanie Dolson breaks down the floor against Philadelphia University at the XL Center on Nov. 5. The Huskies face a tough schedule this season that includes Stanford, Duke, Cal, Baylor and Louisville.

Huskies must avoid injuries to win No. 9

By Matt Stypulkoski Associate Sports Editor

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

UConn sophomore guard Moriah Jefferson runs for a loose ball against Gannon in the first exhibition. Keeping her and the rest of her UConn teammates healthy will be vital to the Huskies national title hopes.

Expectations around the UConn women’s basketball team are high, as they should be.

The Huskies have now won eight national titles. They return eight of 11 players from last year’s championship team. They have but one scholarship freshman to bring into the fold this season.

The preseason theory within the team reads as such: The 2013-2014 Huskies should hit the ground running. They should pick up right where they left off in March and April. Easing in one freshman – Saniya Chong – shouldn’t take too long.

Realistically, the feeling is that getting ready for the season at hand should be simple – after all, almost everyone’s been there before.

Meanwhile, the outside world has UConn pegged for a cakewalk to NCAA Championship No. 9, and a 40-0 season to boot.

Head coach Geno Auriemma, however, remembers a similar situation about a decade back: “I remember we won in 2000 and had everybody back in 2001 and it didn’t work out,” he said.

In fact, that season, the Huskies had more than just every key player returning – they also had Diana Taurasi for her freshman year.

Then, season-ending injuries to Svetlana Abrosimova and Shea Ralph knocked things off track. That team fell to Notre Dame in the Final Four.

Those injuries are the cautionary tale to this year’s crop; avoid them and a national championship is well within reach, but a few critical bumps and bruises could derail the whole thing.

Auriemma seemed to take note early this week by sidelining Moriah Jefferson with a relatively innocuous ankle sprain.

“You don’t want it to be something that lasts a long time,” Auriemma said.

“Just get it over with, get it fixed.”

That same kind of caution was apparent in Bria Hartley at the beginning of October – the senior guard passed up a chance to train with the U.S. national team in order to rest her bum ankles.

Of course, the Huskies showed last season that they’re capable of battling through injuries to win – Brianna Banks missed the second half of the season with a torn ACL, Stefanie Dolson battled leg and foot problems throughout the NCAA Tournament, Hartley’s ankles cost her the beginning of the season and plagued her throughout and Kelly Faris put up with lingering foot problems throughout the spring and into her first WNBA summer.

Still, one major injury to one major player – a Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Dolson or Breanna Stewart – can be just enough to make the difference come Final Four-time in Nashville.

The injury bug – mixed with a little bit of bad luck – can bite hard. But if UConn can eradicate it, then the circumstances of this season certainly put them in line for a five-month stretch full of success and trophies.

Matthew.Stypulkoski@UConn.edu

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Stewie’s time to shine in Storrs

By Matt Zampini Campus Correspondent With most of the core players back from last season, the UConn women’s basketball team is geared to make another yet another run at a national championship this season.

The Huskies received numerous contributions throughout last season en route to their eighth national championship, but none stood out more than what sophomore Breanna Stewart did.

As a freshman, Stewart put her name on the map of the college basketball world for her remarkable play during the team’s run in the NCAA Tournament. She put on a basketball clinic during the tournament, especially in the Final Four, averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

Stewart accomplished what many Huskies before her could not. She put herself in an illustrious category of names by joining Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi as the only UConn freshman to be named NCAA Regional and Final Four Most Outstanding Player in the same season. She also ranks fourth for most points ever scored by a freshman.

After achieving so much as a freshman, what can UConn fans expect from Stewart this season?

“Personally, I think I just want to be more consistent throughout the whole season,” Stewart said. “I think I struggled with that last year, that is one of the things I will focus on.”

The consistency of her play is something that Stewart will work on, but outsiders don’t seem to think it will be

a problem for her. Stewart has already been bestowed a few awards this preseason before the seeing any action this season. Stewart was one of four Huskies to be named to the Preseason All-Conference Team in the American Athletic Conference. She was chosen as the American Preseason Player of the Year, and she is also on the Wooden Award Preseason Top-30 list, as well as a preseason All-American.

Over the summer, Stewart was selected to represent the United States in the FIBA U19 World Championship in Lithuania. There, her play throughout the tournament earned her honors as the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship MVP and a member of the All-Tournament Team.

Getting to play for USA basketball overseas this summer was not only a great experience for her as a person, her experience there as a player helped her gain some valuable resources that she will bring back to Storrs for this season.

“I think there is more of a leadership role on my side,” Stewart said.

“I think USA Basketball helped me a lot with that this summer because I am never usually the older player, and this time I was. I was leading the way and I was looked at as more of a veteran and hopefully I can bring that on the court here.”

From winning a national championship in New Orleans last year, to winning a world championship in Lithuania this summer, it will be interesting to see what Stewart brings to the table in Storrs this season.

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

Matthew.Zampini@UConn.edu

After being named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2013 Final Four, UConn sophomore forward Breanna Stewart has been named the Preseason Player of the Year in the American Athletic Conference and a Preseason All-American.

Chong, walk-ons add depth to strong team

By Erica Brancato Staff Writer

LINDSAY COLLIER/The Daily Campus

Freshman Saniya Chong looks to get past a Philadelphia defender on Nov. 5 at the XL Center in Hartford.

After the UConn women’s basketball team brought its eighth national championship title back to Storrs, neither the fans nor the team anticipated anything better. However, the Huskies have all but three players from last season returning, with Kelly Faris, Heather Buck and Caroline Doty having graduated in May. This season the Huskies add three new players, including something very rare in UConn basketball: two walk-ons. These three unique additions will add a twist to an already dominant team.

Freshman Saniya Chong was recruited to UConn from New York, where she set the state’s single-season scoring record as a senior with 928. In her career at Ossining High, she scored 2,988 points, was named WBCA-All American and led the team to its first state Class AA Public School championship.

“She’s different than any other guard we have. She’s longer than Bria [Hartley], a little taller than Moriah [Jefferson]… She’s unique in some ways,” head coach Geno Auriemma said. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take for us to take advantage of that, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Chong is not the first to come in as a freshman to an extremely skilled team; those who experienced this before her ended up being tremendously successful.

Although Auriemma admitted that college basketball is a huge adjustment compared to high school, he said that Chong was getting better and better the longer preseason went on.

“It’s a real plus that we have a good group of players that are really comfortable with each other, and they made her feel comfortable right away,” he said.

This is the first time since 1992 that UConn had two walk-ons on the team. In 1992 it was Colleen Healey and Kathy Kraus. In 2013, it is Tierney Lawlor, and Briana Pulido Since

UConn only had nine scholarship players this season, the team was looking to add walk-ons to the roster.

“Walk-ons usually fit to a certain mold.

They are great kids. They made a great impression on our players. They work really hard. I’ve been able to get our players to accept them as people,” Auriemma said.

“Obviously they are not going to be at the level our players are on the court but I think their demeanor and the way they are, just their attitude, has made an impression on our players, and that’s probably the most important than anything else.”

Lawlor, a freshman, was a tri-athlete at Ansonia High School, also playing soccer and softball. She was captain of the basketball team for her junior and senior years and earned numerous scholar-athlete awards. She averaged 12.2 points and 8.75 rebounds per game.

Pulido, a sophomore, led Gulliver Preparatory in steals, points and assists and was also district champion in her senior year.

She was named Female Athlete of the Year for 2011-12 at Gulliver. Pulido was also a member of the UConn women’s track and field team until she made the basketball team.

Pulido will not be known by Briana by her teammates and coaches. Instead, she will go by the nickname Polly. “We just kind of have too many Bri’s on the team so we had to come up with something,” said senior guard Bria Hartley. “I don’t know, Pulido, Polly. I don’t even know who made it up, we just kind of went with it.”

The Huskies were clearly impressed by the walk-ons’ abilities and are eager to see what they bring to the table.

“I think they are good. I think they are excited to play on the team,” Hartley said.

“I think they worked really hard. They are motivated. We are excited to see what they are going to do this year.”

Erica.Brancato@UConn.edu

Page 11

Husky Hoopla

THE HUSKIES

Friday, November 8, 2013

THE OPPOSITION November

Time TV Sat 9 Hartford (XL) 4 p.m. SNY

3

Morgan Tuck

11

Briana Pulido

13

F – Sophomore Bolingbrook, Ill.

G – Sophomore

Miami, Fla.

Brianna Banks G – Junior Newnan, Ga.

4

Moriah Jefferson

12

Saniya Chong

14

11 MON

G – Sophomore

Glen Heights, Tex.

G – Freshman Ossining, N.Y.

Bria Hartley G – Junior North Babylon, N.Y.

Stanford (Gampel Pavilion), 7 p.m., ESPN2 The national champions will not need to wait long for a test.

Coaching legend Tara VanDerveer leads Chiney Ogwumike and the third-ranked Cardinal into Storrs on Veterans Day.

Fri 15 at Maryland 6 p.m.

ESPNU Sun 17 at Penn State 12 p.m.

Big 10 Wed 20 Oregon (XL) 7 p.m.

SNY Fri 22 Boston U. (GP) 7:30 p.m.

SNY Sat 23 Monmouth (GP) 4:30 p.m. SNY Sun 24 St. Bonaventure (XL) 7 p.m.

SNY December

Time TV Sun 1 Ohio State (Springfield, Mass.)

5:30 p.m.

ESPN2 Thur 5 UC Davis (XL) 7 p.m. SNY

17 TUE

at Duke, 7 p.m., ESPN2 The Huskies will get a study break for finals, but the hardest exam may be the first game back, as UConn heads to Cameron Indoor to take on the preseason No. 2 Blue Devils.

22 SUN

Cal (MSG), 1:30 p.m., ESPN2 The Maggie Dixon Classic brings together two Final Four teams from 2013, as the Huskies and Golden Bears, ranked No. 9 in the preseason poll, square off in Manhattan.

Sun 29 Cincinnati (GP)*

20

Tierney Lawlor G – Freshman Ansonia, Conn.

23

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis F – Junior Anaheim Hills, Calif.

30

41

F – Sophomore Syracuse N.Y.

Kiah Stokes C – Junior Marion, Iowa

Shea Ralph

Assistant Coach 6th season

31

Stefanie Dolson C – Senior Port Jervis, N.Y.

Chris Dailey

Assoc. Head Coach 29th season

Marisa Moseley Assistant Coach 5th season

THE GENO FILE

Geno Auriemma Head Coach 29th season

Overall record: 839-133 (.863), all at UConn National titles: 8 (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013) Big East titles: 34 (regular season: 17 – ‘89 - 91, ‘94 - ‘04, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11; postseason: 17 – ‘89, ‘91, ‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘05, ‘06, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11, ‘12.)

ESPNU

January

Time TV Wed 1 at UCF*

4 p.m SNY Sat 4 at Memphis* 3 p.m.

SNY Tues 7 Houston (GP)* 7 p.m. SNY Sat 11 Temple (WB)* 12 p.m.

SNY

13 MON Breanna Stewart

5 p.m.

Sun 19 Wed 22 Sun 26 Tues 28

at Baylor, 9 p.m., ESPN2 No more Brittney Griner for Kim Mulkey and the Lady Bears, but Odyssey Sims gives preseason No. 10 Baylor enough firepower to make this Big Monday matchup a fun contest. at Rutgers*

Memphis (XL)* USF (XL)* at Temple*

3 p.m.

7 p.m.

12 p.m.

7 p.m.

ESPN2 SNY CBS Sports SNY

February

Time TV Sat 1 at Cincinnati* 2 p.m.

SNY Tue 4 SMU (GP) * 7 p.m. SNY

9 SUN

Louisville (Gampel Pavilion)*, 1 p.m., ESPN The first of two rematches from the 2013 National Championship Game takes center stage on Feb. 9, when Jeff Walz and the Cardinals visit Gampel Pavilion.

Sun 16 at USF* 4 p.m.

CBS Sports Wed 19 UCF (XL)* 7 p.m. SNY Sat 22 at Houston* 5 p.m.

SNY Tues 25 at SMU* 8 p.m.

SNY March

Time TV Sat 1 Rutgers (GP)* 4 p.m.

CBS Sports Mon 3 at Louisville* 7 p.m. ESPN2 *Fri-Mon 7-10 American Athletic Conference Tournament – Mohegan Sun Arena GP = Gampel Pavilion, Storrs; XL = XL Center, Hartford; WB = Webster Bank Arena; * = American Athletic Conference game

Page 12

Husky Hoopla

Friday, November, 8, 2013

Defending the throne Stewie’s time to shine in Storrs...Pg. 10

National champs face tough schedule ... Pg. 9 Chong, walk-ons add depth ... Pg. 10

Huskies must avoid injuries to win title No. 9 Pg.9