The UCONN Contingency

Call me just a bit biased here, but I'm willing to speculate that the University of Connecticut is currently taking over the league, bit by bit. Not to get crazy, but if you think about it, right now, no school has more stars and potential riding in the NBA.

Now you can argue for UNC and its high fliers like my man Vince, Jerry Stackhouse, even Marvin Williams and Ray Felton. You probably can toss Duke into the argument as well, with guys like Grant Hill, Boozer, Shane Battier, Chris Duhon and Luol Deng. While I wont discredit that, I don't think outside of Hill, any of those guys have done what guys like Ray Allen or Rip have to this point. Take a look at the UCONN-produced stars of the league like Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton and even Ben Gordon..Veterans like Cliff Robinson and Donyell Marshall both making contributions to contending teams this year. And the up and coming talent of the league; Charlie Villanueva, Emeka Okafor, Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, Hilton Armstrong..It seems just about every team you look at seems to have a player out of UCONN in some capacity.

A look at today's Sportscenter and you see the following; 2 top 10 plays by Rudy Gay and Emeka Okafor (both for blocks, Emeka's a sick block on Tim Duncan). You see the highlight of Hilton Armstrong busting out to win a game and tip the ball away against the top notch Pistons. And you see a Hot Seat interview with Jay-Z where he discusses the Nets' title chances this year and even name drops the addition of "Marcus Williams". Ray Allen owns the "most 3's made in a season" record, once held by Reggie Miller. Rip Hamilton, a sweet shooter, who dons the famous "mask", is now an all-star and title holder. Cliff Robinson is currently the 2nd oldest player in the league (behind Darrel Armstrong). Marcus Williams is showing that he just may be the point guard of the future. Emeka and Charlie V both are solid double double players, possibly future all-stars. It goes to show UCONN produces some top notch talent, with fundamental skills, and thats what succeeds today in the league.

In the 2006 draft, it seemed as if Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams slipped in terms of their selection spots, but the teams that did select them will be rewarded. Keep an eye on this UCONN Contingency, slowly but surely taking over the NBA..