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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Despite Struggles, Alex Oriakhi is 'All-In'

Greetings from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, where I'll be covering my third game this season (did the UConn men on Feb. 6 -- the Huskies' ugliest loss of the season -- then the women the next night). The third game will be against Iowa State tomorrow around 9:20 p.m. Will there be a fourth against Kentucky (or Western Kentucky!) on Saturday night?

Iowa State will start meeting with the media around noon today -- some players at 12:05 p.m., followed by coach Fred Hoiberg at 12:20 p.m. UConn's players don't meet with us until 6 p.m., followed by Jim Calhoun at 6:15 p.m. and an open practice from 6:40-7:20 p.m., so there will be plenty of time in between.

In the meantime, here's a feature from today's Register on Alex Oriakhi. It's been a tough season for Oriakhi, but it hasn't affected him in the classroom, where he boasted a 3.6 GPA last semester. His mother, Angela, and his coaches and teammates talk about how well Oriakhi has handled his on-court struggles this season. Key quote from his mom: "One thing's for sure: he loves Coach Calhoun to death."

Oriakhi also has some interesting bloodlines: his mother's cousin is essentially the secretary of state of Nigeria.

Enjoy.

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