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