Uconn Vs. Louisville 1/18/14

Last night was Uconn's first ESPN game of the week since the 2011-2012 season, and boy was it just as cold. The game began at 9, and I headed up and got there around 10:30 since I had to work. With the National game of the week in town, some of ESPN's biggest stars would be in town such as Dick Vitale, Dan Schulman, Jalen Rose, Jay Bilas, etc. I went to the spot where ESPN personalities usually come out and for lack of a better term, it was a s&!t show. People walking by everywhere, over bearing security, the whole 9. The funny thing is that the police back there cared less that we were there, but arena security was being a pain. When I showed up back there, Jalen Rose was standing by his car but he wouldn't sign for us. Jay Bilas was already in his vehicle which was in a rush. I really don't blame the ESPN guys for being in a rush since they started the morning in Philadelphia then drove 4-5 hours to get to Storrs.

I did strike gold though when Dick Vitale came out. You may remember that I met him at Mohegan Sun earlier this season. He wasn't as friendly last night, but regardless, he still signed for me. I was probably the 3rd person or so:

I had really wanted to get Dan Schulman's autograph since he is the lead Sunday Night Baseball Commentator, but that will have to wait for another time.

After that, it was time to get my spot for the Louisville team. I did well, getting everybody I wanted except for Russ Smith who was in a huge rush.

I was able to meet Luke Hancock again, as I did at the casino:

Wayne Blackshear:

I was also able to get a few autographs from Montrezl Harrell who had the game of his life last night:

On a team piece I was able to get a few guys as well:

Luke Hancock, Montrezl Harrell, Terry Rozier, and Wayne Blackshear:

My last autograph of the night was from Providence legend/former Celtics Head Coach, Rick Pitino. I was lucky with this one because he was also in a huge rush, had a policeman with him plus team security, and only signed for a few people.

Any night you are able to get two Hall of 'famers is a great night in my book.

I did see a few Uconn players including Ryan Boatright, but last time was not the time to ask Boatright to sign, as his cousin who was more like a brother to him was tragically murdered in Aurora,Illinois a few days ago. It looked like family picked him up to head back home.

Total Autographs for 2014:26

Uconn Vs. Harvard 1/8/14

For the third season in a row I was able to go to the match up between the Huskies and Crimson in Storrs, which is always a close one. Both teams were very sloppy, but Uconn was able to win out in the end.

I was surprisingly able to sneak down to courtside after the game(actually VERY hard to do at Uconn). I still had my Ricky Moore Sports Illustrated that I've been carrying around for two years, and he told me he would get me later. I wasn't able to get anybody inside so I headed outside into the 12 degree weather. Storrs is also super windy, which always makes things more interesting(and bone-chilling cold).

The first person I got last night was actually Uconn legend, and Hall of Famer, Jim Calhoun. I happened to be walking out and by the door he usually comes out, and he was in the lobby at the perfect time. He was very nice as always, and signed, then went on his way.

I believe the next person I got was Wesley Saunders of Harvard,who I had a magazine for, as well as a few photos. I should have gotten the photos signed in silver, but I wasn't about to risk it in the cold, and the blue was hard enough to dry.

I was able to meet former Duke stand out and current Harvard head coach, Tommy Amaker, for the third season in a row. He is always a very kind guy.

Niels Giffey, who is having his best season for Uconn this year was next, and we talked to him for a few minutes which was cool.

I was able to get Ryan Boatright on a couple of items. The magazine with Wesley Saunders(above), as well as a program from a while back.

I also saw DeAndre Daniels.

I saw Ricky Moore outside for the first time ever, and was FINALLY able to get my Sports Illustrated signed. I'll probably buy another one, but hopefully that one doesn't take 2 years to get signed.

I finished the night on a very strong note by getting 13 year NBA veteran, and Uconn Head Coach, Kevin Ollie. Kevin is a very nice guy, but I have gotten him very few times. My last time had been this past June at the Travelers.

Total Autographs for 2014:15

Providence Vs. Seton Hall 12/31/13

This was my final 'graphing trip of 2013, though I didn't try very hard for autographs. It  was my first trip to Providence this season, which meant I could hopefully get Bryce Cotton to sign my magazines that Shabazz Napier of UCONN had signed weeks ago. Seton Hall only really had one player worth getting, Fuquan Edwin, who I met last season at Mohegan Sun>2012 Tip Off Tournament<.

Providence also has N.C. State Transfer, Tyler Harris, who is a star player. I missed him going for Cotton, but I will have at least a few other chances this year. I only got autographs during pre-game warm ups. The game went to double overtime, and it was New Year's Eve, so I didn't really feel like staying around, especially after the very tough loss.

Bryce was nice as can be as always:

Fuquan was nice as well, and signed for a lot of people after warm ups:

It was a GREAT year. Be sure to check out my Top 50 Autographs of the Year Countdown!>

Top 50 Autographs of 2013

Total Autographs for 2013:981