NBA: Former UConn player and coach Kevin Ollie promoted to Nets head coach
Six years after his tenure in Storrs came to an end, former UConn head coach Kevin Ollie was promoted to interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets after the team relieved Jacque Vaughn of his duties. Ollie, who played for four seasons at UConn (‘91-’94), takes over after two seasons as the head of basketball development at Overtime Elite and six seasons as the Huskies’ head coach.
A promotion to interim head coach is nothing new for Ollie, as he succeeded the legendary Jim Calhoun following his retirement in 2012. The interim tag was quickly removed as Ollie saw early success in his tenure, leading the Huskies to a National Championship in 2014 as a seven seed. However, the early success would not be maintained, as Connecticut would only make it back to the tournament one time in the final four years of Ollie’s tenure. The former 13-year pro is now tasked with leading a young Nets team in the right direction as they sit 21-33 coming out of the all-star break.
NBA: Hawkins scores seven points in NBA Rising Stars Challenge
Playing as a reserve for Team Jalen during the All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Challenge, Pelicans rookie Jordan Hawkins put forth a solid effort in limited minutes. Upon checking in, the Maryland native made an immediate impact, draining a three-pointer and scoring a layup. Team Jalen quickly erased the early deficit, with Hawkins scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds in the 40-35 victory. The UConn product and 2023 NCAA champion finished the night as plus 12 in just 10 minutes on the court. The former lottery pick shooting guard is averaging 9.6 points on the season and returns to action with the Pelicans on Thursday night against the Rockets.
NHL: Thompson scores goal vs Ducks, records two assists against Wild
On Monday, Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson ended his goalless five-game drought in the team’s 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Two days prior, the former Connecticut standout facilitated two key goals in the team’s 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. The 26-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona seems to be finding his footing upon his return from a left hand injury. Thompson, who broke out last season with 94 points, will look to continue this stretch to play as the Sabres sit 12 points outside of the wild card.