The Unlikeliest Champion: The Incredible Story of the 2011 UConn Huskies and Their Run to the College Basketball National Championship [Paperback]

Aaron Torres (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2011

Entering the 2011 college basketball season, the only expectations on the UConn Huskies basketball team were no expectations at all. Just two years after reaching the Final Four, the club was young, mired in an NCAA investigation, and seemingly at the bottom of the college basketball barrel. Not only were they picked to finish tenth in their own conference, UConn didn’t receive a single vote in either preseason poll. A once proud program had hit rock-bottom. Fortunately, no one told superstar Kemba Walker or his young teammates. From the beginning, this group of Huskies was different. They were hungry. They played for the name on the front of the jersey, instead of the back. They cared only about wins and losses, not ancillary stats in the box score. And it showed as the Huskies took their fans, and the college basketball world as a whole on a wild six-month ride. It started with an epic win at the prestigious Maui Invitational, through a historic five wins in five days at the Big East Tournament, and eventually culminating with a National Championship to end the year. Join author Aaron Torres as he takes you through the ups and downs of a college basketball season, and team that will resonate among fans forever. The 2011 UConn Huskies may not go down as the greatest team in the history of college basketball. But they just might be the best story ever.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aaron Torres is a journalist and blogger who's work can be found in the print media, on the internet and beyond. In his young career he's had work published by Sports Illustrated and Slam Online, as well as a handful of local Connecticut outlets including the Hartford Courant, Norwich Bulletin and New England Magazine. Currently he covers the world of sports as a whole at AaronTorres-Sports.com and college football as the co-managing editor of the popular website CrystalBallRun.com. In addition, his college basketball work has been featured across many platforms including Slam Magazine’s online edition, and he has appeared as a college basketball expert on a handful of nationally and internationally syndicated radio shows. Aaron is a Connecticut native, and graduate of the University of Connecticut. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1466363495
• ISBN-13: 978-1466363496
• Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #443,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Aaron Torres is a journalist and blogger whose work can be found in the print media, on the internet and beyond. In his young career he's had work published by Sports Illustrated and Slam Online, as well as a handful of local Connecticut outlets including the Hartford Courant, Norwich Bulletin and New England Magazine. Currently he covers the world of sports as a whole at AaronTorres-sports.com and college football as the co-managing editor of the Fox Sports syndicated CrystalBallRun.com.

In addition, his college basketball work has been featured across many platforms including Slam Magazine's online edition, and he has appeared as a college basketball expert on a handful of nationally and internationally syndicated radio shows.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Summary of a Historic Season December 28, 2011

By SkyWalker2011

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a diehard UConn fan, my first thoughts after the Huskies won the National Championship were "Somebody needs to write a book about this." Luckily, Aaron Torres stepped up and delivered. Going into the title game against Butler (America's underdogs), many news outlets hyped the game to be a "good vs. evil" battle between the two teams. However, it was impossible to not like the Huskies after taking their past couple seasons into context. Aaron's book captures what many fans (myself included) felt during the past couple of years, from the disappointing 2009-2010 season to the roller coaster ride that was the 2010-2011 season. I especially liked the chapters explaining how key players on the team were recruited and made their way to UConn. I'm also thankful Aaron gave Jamal Coombs-McDaniel the recognition he deserves for his big play in game 3 of the Big East Tournament (which I was afraid was going to be lost to history after being overshadowed by Kemba's buzzer beater).

Overall, I would recommend this book to any UConn fan, casual or diehard. It captures the wild ride that was the 2010-2011 season that will forever be remembered and revered for years to come by fans.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Love Huskies December 30, 2011

By Ibyke

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a UCONN alumni and fan, I devoured this book. If you want to relive the incredible championship season the 2011 Huskies had, you'll enjoy this book. If you are a connoisseur of fine writing, you'll be disappointed. Aaron could have used a good proofreader and editor. He leaves out words and makes some factual errors. But he's an enthusiastic writer and diehard UCONN fan. The first part of the book which provides the background to the 2010-11 season, the back story on key players and the recounting of the games of the regular season is very interesting and nostalgic to one who followed the team and players. The last part of the book from the Regional final through the Final Four disappoints because he doesn't describe the game highlights as he did for earlier games. In fact, he uses columns he wrote at the time. His columns are repetitive and appear to talk as much about his personality as about the Huskies. Nowhere will you find evidence that he talked to the players or coaches in writing this book. All said and done, I recommend this book to the UCONN nation and those who want to become more familiar with the yougn men who became national champions--particularly since many of them are back for the 2011-12 season.

5.0 out of 5 stars UConn Proud March 3, 2013

By P. E. Knopick

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are a UConn basketball fan, you will be absolutely delighted with this effort. Beautifully done. What great memories Coach Calhoun leaves to us.

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible story December 29, 2012

By Janice

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

UConn fans it is a must to own this incredible story of 2011 champions well worth the cost You'll be the best gift gifter after purchasing this

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring November 25, 2012

By Beanie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this as a gift because we are big UCONN basketball fans. The 2011 season was very exciting for the team and their fans. Enjoyed this.