Old pro provides pep talk

Storrs - Last week prior to a Celtics game in Boston, Ray Allen asked a visitor about the struggling UConn basketball team.

The former UConn great wanted to know what was going on with the Huskies, who were on their way to losing six of seven games to jeopardize their NCAA tournament hopes.

Apparently, Allen grew concerned enough about his alma mater to drive to Storrs on a day off Monday to watch practice and give an inspirational pep talk.

The Huskies appreciated Allen's effort and support.

"I was really happy that he came down here," sophomore Niels Giffey said. "He's still part of the family. It's really a big motivation having him speak to us."

UConn (15-9, 5-7) could use a boost for the stretch run, starting with tonight's Big East game against DePaul (11-13, 2-10) at Gampel Pavilion (7 p.m., SNY). The Huskies will be without coach Jim Calhoun (indefinite medical leave) for the fourth straight game.

Associate head coach George Blaney was encouraged by UConn's fight and focus at No. 2 Syracuse Saturday. But the end result was still a loss.

The Huskies badly need wins.

"We need to come in and play the best game that we played all year," Blaney said. "You're looking at six games left - four home games and two away. To me, every game is really key, but this is the one right in front of us and one that we need.

"They have played everybody exceptionally well but have had trouble winning. It will be a very tough game."

Perhaps Allen's pep talk would help spark a strong finish.

Allen contacted former teammate, Kevin Ollie, now a UConn assistant, about visiting. After practice he spent about 25 minutes talking to the Huskies in the locker room, preaching togetherness and fighting through adversity.

He brought up two examples - last year's UConn team that rebounded from a rocky stretch to go on a magical postseason run to the national championship - and the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, who were 7-7 at one point.

"He told us to forget about things that have happened and just to move on as a team," sophomore Tyler Olander said. "It was special to have him there to just get us refocused on what we have to do for the rest of the season. ? We have gotten down on ourselves but the mood is definitely changing and we're going in a positive direction."

Blaney said the motivational message had an impact, especially considering the source.

"It was vintage Ray Allen," Blaney said. "It was classic talk. He was phenomenal. It's a tribute to Jim and how he's built this program and the kind of players that he's had in this program that still want to give back.

"I felt it was important for the team to hear that and just see what a guy would do when he loves a program."

Right now, the Huskies are a bit banged up.

Freshman Andre Drummond (sprained right ankle) and sophomore Jeremy Lamb (sprained right big toe) are battling injuries, but are probable for tonight. Sophomore reserve Roscoe Smith (sore left Achilles tendon) is questionable.

UConn's chances to win will be vastly improved if Drummond and Lamb play.

DePaul is in a funk of its own, losing nine of its last 10 games. But the Blue Demons have been competitive in most defeats. Sophomore Cleveland Melvin (18.1 points, 6.8 rebounds) is tough to contain.

"You can't overlook anybody in the Big East anyway," Olander said. "We're definitely in a position that we've got to win. It is a big game for us."

In other news, Calhoun visited a New York hospital on Tuesday.

Blaney remains in daily contact with Calhoun.

"He's still hurting," Blaney said. "It seems like the pain has a little bit intensified again. He's still trying to sift through all the information and make some decisions."

g.keefe@theday.com