Before the Connecticut Huskies became only the sixth team to win three or more National Championships on Monday night, there were 13 players enshrined forever on walls of Gampel Pavilion as Huskies of Honor.
Today, one day after becoming a National Champion, one more player joined that group.
Graduating junior Kemba Walker was given the surprise of a lifetime. The All-American did not have to wait the required five years after leaving UConn to be named to the elite list of Husky greats which includes the likes of Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Emeka Okafor, Chris Smith, and Donyell Marshall.
Walker had unarguably the greatest season of any Husky in the 111 years of Connecticut basketball. Unfortunately, he became the definition of snubbed when he was not awarded either Big East or National Player of the Year, both of which he deserved.
Walker averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals on the year to lead the Huskies. His numbers may not have been Jimmer status, but Kemba actually had a supporting cast, plays defense, and has a National Championship.
Sure he was snubbed of the two POY awards, but winning a championship and being named one of the greatest Huskies of all time while having the greatest single season in UConn history certainly makes up for it.
Kemba had quite a few incredible highlights this year, starting in Maui where he led the Huskies to the Maui Invitational championship with wins over Wichita State, #2 Michigan State, and #9 Kentucky. From his 40 point game against Vermont to his half court shot clock beating prayer against Texas, to his step back winner against Texas, to even better (though basically the same move) step back buzzer beater against Pittsburgh, to the triumphs in the Big East and NCAA Championship Games, Kemba has delivered the big plays all year.
He has been the catalyst. He has made a group of virtually all freshmen better and led them to a National Championship. A player like Kemba, who loves UConn and has done so much for the university, should not have to wait five years until he has his name put amongst the greats forever.
"It's like a dream come true," Walker said. "Every kid wants his jersey or his number to be retired, and this is pretty special."
It was an emotional moment that only three people knew about beforehand. UConn basketball administrator Tim Tolokan and sports information director Kyle Muncy had actually been joking about it on the way to Houston. They eventually approached Calhoun on Monday, saying he should immediately be placed on the wall if UConn won the National Championship. The coach agreed. Not even Walker knew about the moment.
When the cover was pulled off by Jonathan the Husky, Walker burst into tears of happiness and brought his championship hat over his face as nearly 8,000 screaming UConn students and fans gave him a standing ovation which lasted nearly two minutes while fans chanted "Kemba Walker" and, even louder, "One More Year."
Kemba is graduating in May and will soon turn 21. He is projected as a high draft pick, but his future is still unknown. Husky faithful understand the reasons that their star would go to the NBA, especially since he is graduating early, but they would love to see their hero stay for one more go at it.
The Walker family is well respected at the University of Connecticut. Kemba's mother and father are always easily spotted at the games. You cannot miss Mrs. Walker in her son's jersey, usually bearing pawprints on her face and pumping up the crowd. When the students need help getting the fans to their feet, Mrs. Walker is always ready to get them going. A great Kemba memory I will always have was at the Big East Championship Game, when several hundred Husky fans were congregated in the foyer of Madison Square Garden enjoying the band and showing their Husky pride. Mid-song, the Walkers arrive. The cheerleaders rushed to give them hugs and the hundreds of fans, myself included, instantly erupted into a deafening chant of "Kemba Walker."
No matter what, the relationship between the Walkers and the UConn family will last forever.
No matter what, whether he stays or leaves, Kemba Walker's name will be enshrined with the greatest Huskies forever.
Salma Hayek Jennifer Scholle Tatiana Zavialova Tila Tequila Tamie Sheffield
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