Shabazz Napier: Most Important UConn Husky Ever?

Senior guard Shabazz Napier is arguably the most popular player in collegiate basketball after leading the UConn Huskies to their fourth national championship in 15 years on Monday, defeating the Florida Gators 60–54 in front of a packed crowd in Arlington, TX.

But his ride into UConn lore has been a treacherous one — which makes this fairy tale ending that much sweeter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you’re looking at the hungry Huskies,” he said. “This is what happens when you ban us.”

The six-foot guard was already vocal in his displeasure regarding the postseason ban prior to his now-famous celebratory speech. And for good reason: Napier and his teammates bore the brunt of a punishment they had no parts in manifesting. And as out of character as it might have felt, the Roxbury native was spilling out the frustration that was three years in the making.

But in hindsight, it’s hard to imagine Napier on this stage making this speech in the first place. Because it wasn’t too long ago when things looked bleak for the program.