David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE
Although it will not be written down in the records as Jim Calhoun’s most impressive achievement in his legacy, the former UConn head coach did build a recruiting bridge to Germany toward the end of his tenure in Storrs.
It appears that at least the Connecticut-Germany connection will remain in the post-Calhoun era as it has been announced that the Huskies and Michigan State Spartans will meet in Germany on Nov. 9 at Ramstein Air Base.
The creativity that continues to arise from these particular early-season games continues to make them that much more appealing. Michigan State in fact, was one of the top participants in the first annual Carrier Classic just last season.
Entering this season however, it is a date that basketball fans will be looking forward to, as it marks the debut of Kevin Ollie as head coach. Not to mention, it will be in a neat location in a transport hangar. The game will be part of the Armed Forces Classic, which will feature additional games to be announced at a later date.
UConn has three German citizens on their roster in juniors Niels Giffey, Enosch Wolf and incoming freshman Leon Tolksdorf. Calhoun stepped away from the Connecticut program just last week, retiring after 26 seasons as head coach. Ollie, a former player under Calhoun from 1991-1995, takes over the reigns for a Huskies’ program that is banned from the postseason this year due to low APR scores.
The two squads will also visit the troops on the base and conduct basketball clinics for children.
