UConn Huskies Return for Calhoun Celebrity Classic All-Star Game

This article was originally published on the UConn Today Web site on August 6, 2012.

By: Kenneth Best

Thirty-six former Huskies returned to the hardwood for the Jim Calhoun Celebrity Classic All-Star Game Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., playing before a crowd of more than 7,200. The annual event has raised over $6 million since 1999 for the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at the UConn Health Center.

Kemba Walker ’11 (CLAS), named the game’s Most Outstanding Player, scored 38 points and had 6 rebounds in leading UConn White to a 109-107 win over UConn Blue.

Just before the game, the crowd was informed that Calhoun had suffered a fractured hip while riding a bicycle near his home in Madison, Conn. The Hall of Fame coach underwent successful surgery Saturday night to repair the injury and continues to rest comfortably at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington.

Thanking the crowd for supporting the event, Huskies assistant coach Kevin Ollie ’95 (CLAS) said: “We don’t call you fans. We call you family, because you are truly a family to us.”

Among the returning former Huskies were Ray Allen (1993-1996), Lyman DePriest ’91 (CLAS), Richard Hamilton (1996-1999), Donyell Marshall (1991-1994), Ricky Moore ’99 (CLAS), and Chris Smith ’92 (CLAS).