The former UConn head basketball coach wasn’t shy about giving his old squad some love Monday morning, predicting a Huskies win over the University of Kentucky in Monday night’s NCAA championship game.
“The Huskies will be victorious tonight,” Calhoun told WEEI’s “Dennis & Callahan” show. “There are no guarantees in life, but I’ll tell you that’s what I believe. I believe, I don’t think, but I believe.”
Calhoun, 71, stepped down as head coach of the Huskies in 2012 after 26 seasons with the team. Calhoun compiled an amazing .720 winning percentage in Storrs, posting a 629-245 overall record to go with three NCAA titles.
Calhoun’s replacement, former UConn standout Kevin Ollie, has guided the No. 7 seed Huskies to an impressive run in this year’s NCAA tournament, knocking off Villanova, Iowa State, Michigan State and Florida en route to the title game.
“Kevin has done an incredible, incredible job. … He was the guy I recruited 22 years ago to come to UConn,” Calhoun said. “So I have great, great faith in what Kevin’s done, and I’ve been more than delighted about what he’s done.”
The Huskies have their work cut out for them against a highly talented Kentucky team led by freshman Julius Randle. The Wildcats enter the title game after escaping with a 74-73 win over Wisconsin on Saturday night.
