Mike Anthony: UConn takes Syracuse, seizes New York and seizes a new (and old) identity

From the start, they were not scared, all the new coaches and players back, a strip of badbades pulling the UConn sled through the mud of Manhattan snow and featuring a new product and an old atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. their first real moment of looking at us together now.

They were all proud to fight, to fight and to have fun during the 83-76 win against Syracuse on Thursday night, a game that was played before the usual split and the roaring crowd of overlapping songs. The identity of the program is built over the years.

"I'm so proud of these guys right next to me," said coach Dan Hurley, who apparently spent the game playing in the spring, waving a towel, a half-cut man, a man half cheerleader at all levels.

These guys – Eric Cobb, Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert – have the best shots in this one, a scramble game, but also precision pbades and cool approach, without fear.

Last season, in a nine-point loss against the Orange at the Garden, and throughout a miserable 2017-18 campaign, many players in uniform on Thursday were either injured or largely ineffective, a sleepy group who has returned to the city that never sleeps, eyes wide open and muscles flexed, apparently determined to make a statement.

That's why you come to New York if you are a member – to make a statement and / or win championships. There was no NIT title, Big East trophy or ticket to the Eastern Regional Final, but, yes, a statement was made about what UConn basketball is now, what He is still, what he can do.

"The guys around me here have all lived so much physically or throughout their careers," said Hurley. "They deserve a moment like this. They deserve a garden moment. It is only the beginning for us. We have a chance to improve a lot. This basketball team enjoys many benefits. "

The Huskies are 3-0 and have another great opportunity Friday in the championship match of the clbadic 2K Empire, against No. 13 Oregon or Iowa. Already, with a victory over the No. 15 Syracuse, one has the feeling that something lost has been resumed, the return of something so familiar but almost forgotten or at least temporarily lost.

What a difference a year makes. What a difference a coach makes. Cobb did not play badly last season against Syracuse, but he was frankly mean Thursday with 13 points and 13 rebounds, his first career double, a different person. Adams took things in hand as the best player on the team, with 16 points. Gilbert, who had his third major shoulder injury and was inactive against the Orange, had 16 as well. -66 with remaining 2:26.

When Gilbert was questioned about this, Adams intervened.

"Cold blood," he said.

"First of all," Gilbert followed. "I would like to thank my surgeon."

And then there were bursts of laughter, one of the many highlights of how this evening unfolded. There was joy. UConn songs rang through the arena and hall, even the Grand Central Terminal. It was a UConn New York evening, a night that makes as much sense as it can be summed up in two hours of work in November.

A transitioning team found traction and connection with their coach. A team that strives to create a reputation has redefined the bar with new leadership and this reputation, in its current state, is one of conviction and hard work at both ends.

"With the adversity that this basketball team has faced, an excellent coach has arrived – perfect timing and a perfect match," Adams said. "His personality corresponds to many of our personalities."

At the end of the match, Hurley turned to the audience, hands over his head, beckoning to the other fans who had cheered at halftime and repeatedly. Hurley wanted to hear and feel it all, tapping Adams' chest and hitting his hand before turning quickly to shake Jim Boeheim's hand. The scene was electric.

"It was great, was not it? UConn Nation, "said Hurley. "Get a few thousand more [Friday], let's hope so. "

Those who were there on Thursday saw a team dig as some The best teams of Jim Calhoun and even Kevin Ollie were used to it, and do it with enough moxie to systematically separate the Syracuse area. There was no appearance of wiper, the perimeter tilts often imposed by Syracuse. The Huskies managed to paint, pushed the ball inside, closed it, made 12 of the 21 3-points, without screwing the ball.