Injury Forces Calhoun to Miss Charity Event

There were mixed emotions during Jim Calhoun’s charity all-star basketball game on Saturday evening when an injury forced the UConn basketball coach to miss his own event.

Between the fans and the athletes, the excitement at the game was palpable; but something, or someone, was missing. That someone was Jim Calhoun.

“It’s not the same. ... We wish Jim a speedy recovery,” said UConn Athletic Director, Warde Manuel.

The Hall of Famer fractured his hip while on a bicycling trip near his home in Madison on Saturday, and while most of his players said they were upset the coach wasn’t able to make his own charity event, others also said the show must go on.

“It’s tough, but at the same time, it’s great. ... I am around all these guys that I played with. Of course, I’m sad to not have him here,” said Ray Allen.

“We all feel sad. We hope he makes a great recovery. We were finding out as soon as we came here what happened and we just wish him all the best. We all love him, and that’s why we’re here,” said Murray Williams.

This was Calhoun’s sixth charity all-star basketball game to benefit the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at the UConn Health Center.

Former UConn players who have participated in the event multiple times said they keep showing up because it’s for a good cause, and nothing beats the camaraderie.

“The fans are here and the people are here supporting us, so we’ll see him somewhere down the line to make sure he’s recovering well,” said Allen.

“Anytime they invite me back, I’ll come back because UConn's’s been my life,” said Williams. 

Calhoun was in surgery Saturday evening, and is expected to make a full recovery and be released within a few days.
 

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