Two Incoming Huskies Selected to Naismith Trophy’s Girls High School All-America First Team

From UConn:

ATLANTA – Two University of Connecticut commits, Napheesa Collier and Katie Lou Samuelson, were selected to the Naismith Trophy’s Girls High School All-America First Team, the award committee announced on Tuesday.

Samuelson, who was tabbed as the 2015 WBCA High School Player of the Year on Feb. 26, was named the 2014 California Gatorade Player of the Year and was tabbed as a member of the USA Today All-America first team during her junior season after averaging 26.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 steals in 30 games. On the international stage, Samuelson teamed with fellow UConn recruits De’Janae Boykin and Napheesa Collier to win gold (3×3 competition) at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China and also earned a bronze medal at the YOG 3-point shootout.

This season, the 6-3 senior forward is averaging 29.3 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game and 2.4 steals per game.

Collier held Incarnate Word Academy of St. Louis to a 31-1 record and a Missouri Class-4 title by averaging 23.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.2 steals en route to a 2014 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year nod a season ago. The guard was a member of the 2014 national team that posted a 5-0 record and won the 2014 FIBA Americas U-18 tournament title in Colorado Springs and qualified Team USA for the 2015 FIBA U-19 world championships.

This season, the Red Knights posted a 25-2 overall record en route to a No. 1 rank in the state of Missouri and a 66th

Both players will join the Husky program prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.

American Athletic Conference Announces 2015 All-Conference and All-Rookie Teams

HARTFORD, Conn. – Two unanimous selections were among the five players chosen for the 2015 American Athletic Conference All-Conference First Team, as voted by the league’s 11 head coaches. The announcement was made Tuesday by Commissioner Mike Aresco.

UConn senior guard Ryan Boatright joined SMU junior guard Nic Moore as unanimous selections of the head coaches. They were joined on the first team by Memphis forward Austin Nichols, Temple guard Will Cummings and Tulsa guard James Woodard.

One of the five first-team selections will be announced as the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Thursday at an awards luncheon at the XL Center in Hartford, prior to the start of the 2015 American Athletic Conference Championship.

Boatright enters the postseason as the leading scorer in the American Athletic Conference at 17.8 points per game, both overall and in conference play, showing remarkable consistency through the 2014-15 season. Boatright averaged a league-leading 35.6 minutes per game and finished the regular season second in the conference in 3-point percentage (.424) and free throw shooting (.843) and among the league leaders in assists (sixth, 4.0 apg) and steals (seventh, 1.4 spg).

A repeat selection to the first team, Moore was fourth in The American in scoring (14.4 ppg) during a regular season in which he led SMU to its first conference title since 1993. Moore is the conference leader in 3-point percentage (.429) and free throw percentage (.875) and is second in The American in assists (5.3 apg).

Nichols, the 2014 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, enjoyed a breakout sophomore year for Memphis before an ankle injury sidelined him for three games late in the regular season. He led the Tigers with 13.3 points per game and is the American Athletic Conference leader in blocks at 3.4 per game. Nichols is ninth in The American in both scoring and rebounding entering the postseason.

Cummings is a standout point guard for Temple who helped the Owls improve by 13 wins from last season. He ranks fifth in The American in scoring at 14.1 points per game, and is the league leader in steals at 2.1 per game. Cummings ranks fourth in The American in assists (4.3 apg).

Woodard lived up to his billing as a preseason all-conference pick by his selection to the postseason all-conference team. The Tulsa star averaged 14.9 points per game, good for third in The American, and capped the regular season by draining a conference-record 10 3-point field goals against SMU. Woodard finished the regular season ranked second in the conference in 3-pointers made (2.7 per game).

The American Athletic Conference Second Team included Cincinnati forward Octavius Ellis (10.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Tulane guard Louis Dabney (13.7 ppg), Tulsa guard Shaquille Harrison (13.3 ppg) and SMU forward Markus Kennedy (11.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and center Yanick Moreira (11.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Kennedy was named to the second team for the second consecutive year.

Honorable mention selections went to Cincinnati guard Troy Caupain (9.4 ppg, 3.6 apg), Temple forward Jaylen Bond (8.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and UConn center Amida Brimah (10.0 ppg, 3.4 bpg) and guard/forward Daniel Hamilton (10.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg).

The conference also announced the five players named to the All-Rookie Team. UConn’s Hamilton and East Carolina guard B.J. Tyson were unanimous choices of the head coaches. They were joined by Cincinnati forward Gary Clark and a pair of UCF players – B.J. Taylor and Adonys Henriquez.

The conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man Award and Sportsmanship Award – will be announced Wednesday. The league’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards will be presented at a Thursday luncheon at the XL Center in Hartford.

Complete coverage of the 2015 American Athletic Conference Championship will be available on the conference’s Championship Central page at www.TheAmerican.org/mbb.

2015 American Athletic Conference All-Conference First Team

Ryan Boatright, G, UConn *

Austin Nichols, F, Memphis

Nic Moore, G, SMU *

Will Cummings, G, Temple

James Woodard, G, Tulsa

2015 American Athletic Conference All-Conference Second Team

Octavius Ellis, F, Cincinnati

Markus Kennedy, F, SMU

Yanick Moreira, C, SMU

Louis Dabney, G, Tulane

Shaquille Harrison, G, Tulsa

2015 American Athletic Conference All-Conference Honorable Mention

Troy Caupain, G, Cincinnati

Amida Brimah, C, UConn

Daniel Hamilton, G/F, UConn

Jaylen Bond, F, Temple

2015 American Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team

Adonys Henriquez, G, UCF

B.J. Taylor, G, UCF

Gary Clark, F, Cincinnati

Daniel Hamilton, G/F, UConn *

B.J. Tyson, G, East Carolina *

* unanimous selection

UConn Hoping To Write Similar Story As Years Past As AAC Tournament Tips Off This Week 

When people think of March Madness and the NCAA Tournament, one of the first teams that come to mind is the much-storied University of Connecticut basketball program, which shouldn’t be much of a surprise, considering they’ve secured four titles throughout their illustrious history. That also includes last year’s championship victory over Kentucky — as a No. 7 seed, no less — when they defeated them, 60-54, to cap a wild journey that came very close to ending as early as the round of 64.

This year, however, it’s been a much different story for UConn, who may not even crack the celebrated tourney to defend their title. With a 17-13 record (10-8 conference), the Huskies have had their share of struggles through an up-and-down campaign, and are going to have to win four games in a four-day stretch in the American Athletic Conference postseason tournament to even make the field. The AAC slate begins on Thursday.

For the upcoming AAC tournament, tickets will be at a premium for those hoping to see the Huskies pull off the unlikely, en route to qualifying for the big dance. According to TiqIQ, the average ticket price on March 12th when the tournament kicks off will be $65.77 with a walk-in price of $9 when they take on the South Florida Bulls. In this instance, it will literally be win or go home for the Huskies.

Fans who are super confident UConn can pull off the same feat as last year can find flights to Indianapolis for the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium on Hipmunk.com. Indianapolis hotels are also available.

The Huskies do have potential to pull it off, though. They’ve been led all year by sensational senior point guard Ryan Boatright, who averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, enjoying one of the better overall campaigns by any collegiate player in America this season. Furthermore, he led Connecticut in three-pointers and steals, and has a potential career in the NBA starting next year.

UConn’s supporting cast has also chipped in with some notable contributions. Freshman guard Daniel Hamilton, for instance, was impressive in his debut season, nearly averaging a double-double with 10.8 points and 7.6 rebounds a game, the latter of which he led the club. In addition, sophomore guard Rodney Purvis added 10.5 points a night, while sophomore center Amida Brimah averaged 10 points and was one of the NCAA’s best in blocked shots with 72.

Photos – AAC WBB: UConn Huskies vs South Florida Bulls – 3/9/15

Here is a photo gallery from the 2015 American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game between the UConn women’s basketball team and USF Bulls at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on March 9, 2015. The UConn Huskies won the game 84-70.

To see full size picture or slide show, please click on image
(mobile/tablet users: to scroll through photos, you can swipe left or right; to remove caption, tap photo.)

photo credits: ©2015 Ian Bethune

Video: Moriah Jefferson Is The Engine That Pushes UConn Women

When you take a look around the locker room, you see star after star on the UConn women’s basketball team.

You have the best player in America in Breanna Stewart. You have the best shooter in Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis.

Part of the reason why both of those players are successful is their point guard Moriah Jefferson.

Of all the players on the team, Jefferson is probably the most improved and one who has taken her game to another level. There’s a pretty good chance she ends up as an All-American this year and possibly win the Nancy Lieberman Award for best point guard.

She’s a big reason why UConn is 32-1 entering the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Watch and/or listen below as USF Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez talks about the UConn women’s basketball team and Jefferson being the “engine” that drive the UConn bus.

Video: UConn Women Pass Test; Win AAC Tournament Title

While they’ve been in the American Athletic Conference, the UConn women’s basketball team has been rarely tested by an opponent. And given how they rolled through conference play and the first two games of the conference tournament, you would have thought it would have been an easy game.

However, the South Florida Bulls had other ideas.

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis had 23 points and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

They threw their best punches at the UConn Huskies but unfortunately they didn’t get their Buster Douglas beating Mike Tyson moment on Monday night as they lost 84-70 to the Huskies at Mohegan Sun Arena in the 2015 American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game.

It’s the second straight American Athletic Conference title for the UConn women’s basketball team and the 20th time they’ve won a conference tournament title. It was also the closest game the Huskies have had in their two seasons in the conference.

For the third straight game, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis led UConn in scoring with 23 points and had a team-high six assists. She was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Both Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck added double-doubles for the American champions. Stewart had 22 points and 12 rebounds while Tuck had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Moriah Jefferson chipped in with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Shaleth Stringfield paced the Bulls with 20 points. Tamara Taylor added 17 points while Courtney Williams had 16 points. Alisia Jenkins added 10 points and a team-high four rebounds.

Both teams now await their NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament destination.

The odds are that the UConn women’s basketball team will be the No. 1 overall seed and host a first and second round game. Until that is announced on March 16, UConn will practice and fine tune their well-oiled machine.

UConn Huskies vs South Florida Bulls 2015 American Athletic Conference Tournament Championship box score

Here are the game notes from the American Athletic Conference.

Postgame quotes will be added when they become available.

Video: Why Do Players Want to Play for the UConn Women?

When a recruit thinks about coming to the University of Connecticut to play for the UConn women’s basketball team, they are certainly not thinking about how awesome the weather is in Storrs, CT.

They are thinking about how good the coaching staff is, how good the players are there and what kind of players and people the alumni of the team have become or the bond/sisterhood that is there.

Oh heck, who am I kidding.

It’s all about the nine national championships, 15 Final Fours, five perfect seasons and the 39 conference titles (regular season and tournament). And let us not forget all the in-season tournament titles they’ve won as well. They all come for the bling associated with it (I kid, I kid).

Watch and/or listen below as Kiah Stokes, Breanna Stewart, Kia Nurse and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis talking about winning championships at UConn.

Video: What Sets The UConn Women Apart From Other Teams?

Everyone out there wants to know why the UConn women’s basketball team is so good.

Is it because of the talent they have? That’s a part of it.

Is it because of their head coach and his staff? That’s a part of it.

So why are they so good?

It’s because they play solid basketball for 40 minutes every game. It doesn’t matter which five are on the floor for the UConn Huskies. They are all going to give it their collective all.

It’s something that UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma has ingrained in their minds.

Watch and/or listen below as UConn’s Breanna Stewart, Kiah Stokes and Moriah Jefferson talk about why they work so hard when they are on the court.

American Athletic Conference Weekly Award Winners – March 9

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s basketball honors for the week ending March 8.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Farad Cobb • Jr. • G • Cincinnati

Cobb helped Cincinnati to a pair of wins last week, allowing the Bearcats to earn the No. 3 seed in the American Athletic Conference Championship and enter the postseason with a five-game winning streak. He averaged 19.0 points per game and shot .619 from the field (13-of-21) and .545 from 3-point range (6-of-11). He scored 22 points in a 56-47 win at Tulsa, which entered the game in first place in The American. He added 16 points, including 10 in a decisive 2:30 spurt in the first half, in a 77-65 win against Memphis.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Troy Holston Jr. • Fr. • G • USF

Holston averaged 20.0 points and 7.0 rebounds as USF split a pair of games in the last week of the regular season. He had 19 points with 10 rebounds in a 74-45 win against UCF and added a game-high 21 points with four boards in a 67-63 setback to Tulane.

WEEKLY HONOR ROLL

Ryan Boatright • Sr. • G • UConn

Averaged 19.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in two games.

Devonta Pollard • Jr. • F • Houston

Averaged 15.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in a 2-0 week.

Markus Kennedy • Jr. • F • SMU

Scored 16 points with seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 67-62 win against Tulsa to clinch The American regular-season title.

Will Cummings • Sr. • G • Temple

Averaged 19.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in a 2-0 week.

James Woodard • Jr. • G • Tulsa

Averaged 21.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in two games. Had a conference-record 10 3-point field goals against SMU.

Level Five Play Needed For UConn Men To Win American Tournament

UConn head coach Kevin Ollie will need a maximum effort from his team for four straight days during the American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament.

UConn head coach Kevin Ollie will need a maximum effort from his team each game for a chance to advance in the American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The UConn men’s basketball team isn’t exactly coming into Thursday’s opening round matchup of the 2015 American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on the highest of notes.

After winning three straight games to get themselves into contention for a first-round bye, they saw a Shaq Goodwin jumper help the Memphis Tigers beat them. Then they came out flat in the second half against the Temple Owls and lost their halftime lead and the game.

Now if they want any chance of making the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and defending their crown, the UConn Huskies will need to win four straight games in four days to earn the American’s automatic bid.

Is it an impossible task? Can it be done?

For UConn to do it, head coach Kevin Ollie says the players will need to bring their ‘A’ game.

“Everybody has to play at a level 5 for us to win games,” Ollie said on a conference call on Monday. “We’re just not talented enough to have three guys playing at a level 5 and two guys not.”

“We have to have all five playing at a maximum effort each and every minute for us to do that.”

The win over SMU showed that the Huskies can play together and as a team. Then the losses to Memphis and Temple showed anything but that.

It’s the Jekyll and Hyde effect we’ve seen from them all season long. But now that needs to change.

“We’ve got to play together as a group, got to play unselfishly, got to play hard and compete and not just play together but for one another on the basketball court,” said Ollie. “Hopefully everyone understands that.”

UConn will have the advantage of playing on their home court. How many fans show up is another story.

“We have four games to win,” said Ollie. “Hopefully we’ll be able to go out and capture another championship for our great fanbase.”