UConn arrived in New York Tuesday for the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament.

Coaches from all four teams -- UConn, Duke, Arizona State and LSU -- met with the media Tuesday afternoon at the Marriott Marquis.

UConn's Jim Calhoun and Duke's Mike Krzyewski, whose teams have had some memorable battles on the basketball court, shook hands and hugged.

For those two Hall-of-Fame coaches to face off again, first UConn will have to beat LSU and Duke defeat Arizona Wednesday. Winners and losers play Friday at Madison Square Garden.

Here's a rundown from today's press conference:

-- Since beating Hofstra Nov. 17, the Huskies have been working on rebounding and offensive execution during spirited practices.
"It's been real intense," sophomore Kemba Walker said. "Guys have been going hard."

-- Calhoun wants forward Stanley "Sticks" Robinson, who's averaging 4.7 rebounds per game, to take a more active role, especially under the basket.
"Sticks should wake up and get 10 rebounds," Calhoun said.

-- When asked what his team does well, LSU coach Trent Johnson mentioned rebounding. The Tigers (3-0) are out-rebounding opponents by an average of 44.5 to 30.7 per game.

-- Calhoun says he's contemplating starting Charles Okwandu over Gavin Edwards in the frontcourt in order to give the Huskies a bigger lineup.
"We need to get some bulk to start the game," Calhoun said. "Right now, it's tentative. I'll think about it overnight."
It's a safe bet that Calhoun will stick with Edwards. Okwandu, a 7-foot center, hasn't shown anything in the first three games.

-- Freshman center Alex Oriakhi has carried a heavy workload the first three games. He will face his first major test against LSU. Calhoun has faith in his freshman.
"We put a lot on Alex," Calhoun said. "But, quite frankly, he's good enough to handle it."


-- Calhoun is searching for a spark off the bench. He expected freshman Darius Smith would fill that role. That hasn't happened. Right now Calhoun prefers junior Donnell Beverly, a steady junior.

-- UConn practiced at the New York Athletic Club Tuesday morning. The Huskies will spend Thanksgiving in New York. Calhoun plans to attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his family.