Maybe life is comfortable this way for Kevin Ollie. Always having to prove something. An omnipresent chip on the shoulder. The chase. The grind. The unknown. Such has been the professional life of Ollie, 15-year (two in CBA) professional basketball player turned newly minted head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies men’s basketball program. Replacing Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun, he will have all of one year to prove his acumen as the leader of young men. Ollie will be evaluated at the end of the 2013 season.
Maybe a daunting proposition. Could be laughable in the mind of the 39-year old Ollie. Let’s be honest, when you think of the great UCONN guards, pillars Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Khalid El-Amin, Ben Gordon and Kemba Walker speak to the hearts of the Storrs and college hoops faithful. Ollie was a two-time team captain and helped lead the Huskies to a Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. He still holds his top spot as the program’s leader in dimes dished in Big East games. He was solid throughout his four year career then headed straight to the Association. The Continental Basketball Association that is. After two years suiting up for the Connecticut Pride, the show came calling in 1997. This life for him consisting of five-star hotels and 10-day contracts. Continue reading
THE MARSHALL REVIEW 