12/30: Last newsletter of the year
I'm back and absolutely ready for 2021, but first, here's one last newsletter of 2020.
It’s been quite a long time since I’ve published one of these. A lot has happened in the past month between my grandfather, school and basketball.
Before we get into the writing and book recommendations — I didn’t forget about you Bryan — I just want to say thank you to all of the people who reached out to support me through the loss of my grandfather. I hope all enjoyed what I wrote about him and if you missed it, you can read that here.
Over the last three weeks, I have gotten the chance to spend a lot of time with my family and I honestly had forgotten how much I enjoyed family time. This semester I spent so much time away from everyone with the quarantines and everything that I found myself getting really comfortable being by myself — it was nice getting some family time.
On the basketball front, I had taken a couple of weeks away but since I have returned to cover a few Dan Hurley press conferences and the UConn-Creighton game.
Now that that is all out of the way, let’s get into the fun stuff. But first, you know what time it is.
Cows galore! Here’s another cow from Horsebarn Hill. I wish they didn’t have to be contained by barbed wire.
You can see more of my photography on my photo Instagram account @mmavrephotos.
What I’ve written recently:
After a long layoff, UConn is back to playing games and more importantly — they are back in the Big East playing conference matchups. After a tough loss to No. 9 Creighton on Dec. 20, UConn matches up with DePaul Wednesday night.
NOTE: I am switching up the order to have the most recent stories first, I am not married to this format but I am going to keep playing with it.
UConn men’s basketball content:
Dec. 29: Dan Hurley meets with media ahead of matchup with DePaul for The UConn Blog
Head coach Dan Hurley spoke to media ahead of their game against DePaul and gave some injury and Christmas updates.
Dec. 23: Santa Hurley? UConn to stay on campus over holiday break, Andre Jackson injured for The UConn Blog
Hurley held a pre-Christmas press conference to talk about Andre Jackson’s broken wrist and reveal the program’s plans to stay on campus for the holidays.
Dec. 20: UConn loses heartbreaker to No. 9 Creighton in overtime, 76-74 for The UConn Blog
The Huskies wasted a 40-point night from guard James Bouknight to lose in double overtime.
Dec. 19: Hurley: Huskies need to rely on veterans after COVID-19 for The UConn Blog
Going into the Creighton game, Hurley was really looking for Josh Carlton to repeat his performance from the USC game. That didn’t quite happen as Hurley largely relied on his guards and wings for a majority of the game.
Dec. 17: Christian Vital signed, promptly waived by Memphis Grizzlies for The UConn Blog
Former Husky Christian Vital signed a deal with the Grizzlies but was quickly waived. The move was potentially to have Vital sign with their G-League team the Memphis Hustle.
What I’ve been up to:
Reading Michael Lewis’ first book “Liar’s Poker” still — I promise I’ll finish it at some point.
A lot of family time.
Watching Arsenal not be horribly bad a whole two games in a row — also known as a miracle.
Generally watching a lot more sports than I typically get the chance to, it’s been lovely.
Being wrong about the Celtics drafting Payton Pritchard.
Book recommendation of the week:
The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
This is a book I read sometime last year, it’s a historical fiction novel surrounding the story of the Culper Ring, which was a Revolutionary War-era personal spying ring for President George Washington.
Quote of the Week:
“I just want 2020 over with.”
— Dan Hurley in his presser Tuesday.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Thank you for checking out my newsletter, make sure to subscribe so you can stay current on my writing and musings for the foreseeable future.
If you don’t already make sure to follow me on Twitter @MMavredakis for UConn men’s basketball tweets and my feeble attempts at humor. I’ll also post when this newsletter drops every week.
I hope you all had a lovely holiday and I am glad to be back in your inboxes.
Have a great week, stay safe and I hope to see you soon.