UConn’s athletes are going pro. Signing deals with Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Boston Celtics. Photo by Jose Morales on Unsplash
As the postseason hunt continues for several MLB teams, others are left waiting for the inevitable end to their seasons. For the Toronto Blue Jays, the final month will be an important time for their young, core players to continue to develop. The newest addition to this promising core is former UConn pitcher Anthony Kay. Kay was acquired by Toronto in the deal that sent Marcus Stroman to the New York Mets in August. The rookie left-hander took the mound for his first professional start on Sept. 7. The Long Island native pitched 5.2 and innings while striking out eight batters. Kay surrendered only four hits and two earned runs but ultimately earned a no decision. The 64nd overall pick of the 2016 draft will be looking to build off his very solid debut and carry that momentum into next season.
Before Kemba Walker suits up with the Boston Celtics for the first time, the UConn legend spent the summer playing for the U.S. national team with aspirations of claiming a third-consecutive world championship. This dream stalled out with a shocking loss to France by a score of 89-79 on Wednesday morning. Walker struggled offensively as the team’s 58 game win streak in competitive play is officially over. Despite being the shortest player on the roster, the Bronx native had been widely regarded as being the most important piece on what was an underwhelming American squad. Walker averages 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game through the six games he played in the tournament. Although assumed as a given, the American squad did clinch a birth at the 2020 Olympics games in Tokyo next summer. Walker could play a major role in the nation’s quest to reclaim gold if he chooses to do so.
Matt Severino is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at matt.severino@uconn.edu
