November 1, 2004

Jim Calhoun Winner of Wooden Coaching Award
by Richard Veilleux

Men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun scored the first trophy of the team’s 2004-05 season on Sept. 30, when he was named the winner of this year’s John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award.

Jim Calhoun, men's basketball coach.

The award, presented annually since 1999, recognizes coaches’ lifetime achievements. Named after legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden, winners are chosen not only for their coaching successes, but for character, philosophy, and student-athlete graduation rates. Previous winners include Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, former North Carolina Coach Dean Smith, Louisville’s Denny Crum, and former Kansas and current North Carolina Coach Roy Williams.

In 18 years at UConn, Calhoun has a record of 432-165 and has led the Huskies to two national championships. Before coming to Storrs in 1986, Calhoun coached at Northeastern University in Boston for 14 years.

“We’re thrilled that Coach Calhoun has received this most prestigious award,” says Jeffrey Hathaway, UConn’s director of athletics. “He has represented UConn with honor and distinction for nearly two decades. Jim is so deserving of this award that reflects the ideals and philosophies of John Wooden. This is one more milestone in an impressive career that includes 14 Big East championships, two national championships, and 17 consecutive national post-season appearances.”

Richard “Duke” Llewellyn, award chairman and founder, agrees.

“We’re pleased to associate our award with one of the most successful and highly respected coaches in college basketball history,” Llewellyn said. “Jim is responsible for transforming Connecticut into one of college basketball’s elite programs. He has achieved his on-court success by recruiting quality student-athletes who demonstrate strong character and uphold the attributes that Coach Wooden advocated throughout his career.”

Calhoun will receive his award during an April 9 ceremony at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.