that other Division I team

The Hartford Hawks are saying "don't forget about us" a lot these days. It is understandable that the UConn program should by far garner the most attention state-wide, but the Hawks are often left trying to figure out why they should have to compete so much with CCSU as well. Simply said, the Blue Devils success has been primarily in the men's game, while Hartford has had even greater success in the women's game. Even in this state, men's basketball is more popular (although you could argue UConn womens' fans are more avid than the fans of the mens' program, though fewer in number).
But, things seem to be changing at Hartford. I attended their media day today for both programs, and I'm impressed with what I see. We all know what UConn legend Jennifer Rizzotti has done with the women, bringing them to three NCAA tournaments in nine years, going 30-2 in the conference over the last two seasons and pulling off an upset win in the NCAA first round two years ago.
But get used to the name Dan Leibovitz. He is the second-year coach of the mens' team, which finished well ahead of preseason projections last year. This year they were picked sixth by conference coaches, and Leibovitz once again said he believes they are better than that ... or the conference is extremely good.
Matt Straub and I spoke to both Leibovitz and senior captain Brian Glowiak of New Britain (look for Matt's story on Glowiak in the coming days). The theme of the discussions, as dictated by each of them separately, is that this is a much more unified, confident and well-prepared team than before.
Leibovitz is soft-spoken off the court. I haven't seen him on the court, but you can guess he learned something in his years as an assistant to fiery, longtime Temple coach John Chaney. But despite his calm demeanor, his delivery and presence demand your attention. You listen intently to what he has to say. He also seems genuine, something those who follow coaches will tell you is not always the case. But it is an attractive trait to recruits.
Add to that a beautiful gym on campus, that has undergone some renovations in recent years, and I like the direction this program is heading.
Then there are those women. Don't be surprised if this is Rizzotti's best team yet. After many felt they were snubbed last year by not receiving an at large bid to the NCAA tournament after they lost in their conference championship to UMBC, the Hawks have taken the right approach. They didn't complain, just beefed up their schedule to enormous lengths.
Hartford will face Kansas, Providence, UAB, BYU, UMass, UConn, St. John's, Michigan St., could face Hawaii and will face one of Kentucky/Minnesota/Texas/Virginia in the Wahine Classic in Hawaii. That non-conference schedule rivals any in the country, and dwarfs those of most "mid-major" programs.
And they're playing to win those games, not just show up for a loss. The Hawks return all-conference player Danielle Hood as well as key players in Jamie McCabe, Courtney Gomez, MaryLynne Schaeffer and Lisa Etienne. Add to the mix the return of forward Erica Beverley after a season-ending injury last year, and this team is loaded.
No wonder they were picked by the league coaches to finish first, something Rizzotti said is a challenge in itself.
Get out to West Hartford and see this team if you can. There's a very good chance they'll be playing in March one way or another, and they host the America East tournament this year, as they have each time they won it.
When she was hired, Rizzotti was the youngest coach in Division I. Now she's the veteran at her own school, and she and Leibovitz appear to have a good relationship. Rizzotti will further cement her status as the best possible future replacement for Geno Auriemma, of course barring Chris Dailey simply taking over the reins on her own. It must be nice for UConn to see a potential candidate so close to the program already.