UConn does not underestimate the importance of honoring its past. One look around Gampel Pavilion and it is impossible to be struck by the reminders of past glory - from the 11 numbers hanging as part of the "Huskies of Honor" and five national championship banners.

However, the true essence of UConn women's basketball will be on display at halftime of Tuesday's game against Villanova when the UConn student/athletes who made the dean's list for the fall semester will be recognized.

Nine of UConn's 13 players will be among those who are invited on the court although Jessica McCormack is home in New Zealand awaiting surgery on the area around her Achilles tendon.

Four starters - Renee Montgomery, Maya Moore, Tina Charles and Kalana Greene will be honored along with Meghan Gardler, Tahirah Williams, Jacquie Fernandes and Heather Buck will be joined by the other UConn student/athletes who made the grade.

UConn's status as one of the premier programs in women's college basketball allows the Huskies certain benefits including getting to recruit the cream of the crop of the high school players. While some other sports have to take flyers on kids who may have questionable academic backgrounds in order to compete, the UConn women's program can afford to go after the best players and students at the same time. Still, getting nine of 13 players including seven of its 10 veteran players making the dean's list is a remarkable achievement.

HAYES HONORED AGAIN
Freshman Tiffany Hayes earned her second straight Big East Freshman of the Week award and third overall after averaging 12.5 points and 7 rebounds in wins over Providence and Notre Dame. Louisville's Angel McCoughtry was named the Big East Player of the Week for the sixth time this season and the 11th time in her career.