You want to know how serious coach Kevin Ollie is about UConn's basketball program? He's donated $100,000 out of his pocket toward the construction of the Huskies' new basketball training facility on campus.
"I thought it was very important to show my commitment to the UConn Basketball Development Center," Ollie said in a statement (via the Hartford Courant. "I have had the incredible opportunity to be a member of the Husky family and that experience has influenced every part of my life. I want to be an example for all former UConn [players] who have had the privilege of playing for two Hall of Fame coaches to join me in supporting this facility. It will help ensure the long-term success of the programs that all of us helped establish."
University president Susan Herbst was appreciative of Ollie's gesture. "UConn is fortunate to have so many strong supporters from around the country, but members of our university community are also very generous to the school and Kevin is a great example of this," she said.
Athletic director Warde Manuel added that "Kevin has experienced our program from all facets as a student-athlete, assistant coach and now head coach. I am proud that Kevin has provided this leadership gift and it is indicative of the positive contributions former [players] can have on the future success of our programs."
Worth pointing out (again): Ollie isn't guaranteed the job after his contract expires in the spring. He was hired in September after Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun retired after 26 years. But as ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said while working last Friday's game against Michigan St., Manuel should sign Ollie ASAP. It's a hard point to argue given how well this team has played.
