I can recall going to University of Connecticut Men’s basketball games as a child. To give you some background, my parents met on the Storrs, CT campus and married shortly after their graduation. In an effort to share fond memories and build new ones with his son, my father used to take me to early “Beast of The East” battles (”Beast of The East” is the affectionate name for the original Big East Conference schools which includes UConn). Circa 1985, Uconn was accustomed to having below average seasons and as a young fan, the joy came from witnessing the atheletism of players such as Cliff Robinson and Georgetown’s Alonzo Mourning.

However, since Jim Calhoun brought his winning ways to Storrs from Northeastern University, Husky Mania has been in full force since 1987. After loosing the top six players from last years team, including five draft picks, Uconn’s new pups were expected to run into some difficulties. No one however, expected that this unseasonably warm winter in Connecticut would feel this cold.

So the reality check for me has quite simply been that I am a spoiled fan. Frankly, I can’t stand the thought of this program not making the NCAAA tournament let alone the NIT or even our conference showdown at Madison Square Garden. I am a former season ticket holder but for the record, I am still pulling for the downward spiraling team. The tough part is that I am now back to that place where I was as a young boy. I find myself in awe of opposing athletes and their ability to play well together. The young Huskies’ talent level is definitely in line with the potential shown by other Uconn freshmen in the past. Ray Allen for example didn’t even start until his sophomore year. With nine new players, Uconn will have to get back to basics not to mention make their free throws.

Jim Calhoun and his band of full court trapping Huskies have given plenty to the fans over the years. With that in mind I have come to grips with the fact that there is a seven year old boy somewhere in Connecticut hanging on Jerome Dyson’s every move. That same kid is impressed with the potential of 7′3″ Hasheem Thabeet from Tanzania. There may also be a young fan somewhere eager to go to the next home game. The hope is that he will grow to love and respect this famed program in stride with the development of the current team. After all, it takes overcoming obstacles to truly understand and appreciate winning. That’s what makes a “true” Uconn fan.

Mike Anthony has some thoughts about the upcoming match up between Uconn and Depaul. Mike is a Hartford Courant staff writer and assigned as beat writer to the Uconn Men. Check out Another Must-Win Situation and his blog at courant.com/uconnmen

Ron Sims has made his mark in the WebLog community. His site Black Man N China documents the last 2 years of his life as a visitor in China. While we speak periodically, I have been following his travels primarily through his podcasts. Ron and I have similar spirits and the experiences we have shared together have helped us form a special bond. I am proud to say that he is a good friend, fraternity brother (Roo!) and former college roommate.

As he wraps up his time in China in preparation for a return trip back to the United States, Ron has made a point to share some of his last few stories and adventures.

Here is a podcast of number 23, No-Size Fits All: