Calhoun impacted more than bball at UConn

STORRS, Conn. (WTNH) -- Coach Calhoun has had a major impact on the state's flagship university, and it's much greater than just basketball.

All you have to do is look at where his players have gone to know where UConn has been.

In all 26 years, nearly as many players have ended up on NBA teams and $2 billion has ended up in the university system. Lawmakers say it was easy to build academic success on the back of Jim Calhoun's National Championships and sold out seats. And off the court, he was selling lawmakers on UConn.

"When coach came here in '86, there was no enthusiasm for the school in the legislature," said Tom Ritter, former Speaker of the House. "He turned things around up here and Coach Auriemma, the same thing."

UConn's former President Harry Hartley says Calhoun made it easier to bring in students and athletes.

"I went public with our request for almost $2 billion at the time, shortly thereafter, both teams were ranked number one in the country," Hartley said, "first time that ever happened in the NCAA."

Now, more than two and a half decades later the Coach Calhoun's journey comes to an end at UConn, but his charitable work will go on. Calhoun himself has raised millions and has his own wing named after him at UConn Health Center.

A three-time cancer survivor himself, he has inspired students on and off the court.

"We really couldn't do it without Coach Calhoun. I really don't know if I would be here without him," one student said.

In the UConn store, while they don't have a Calhoun jersey per say, the basketball merchandise has been heavily picked over and amongst the racks, people are talking UConn basketball all the time.

"I'd say basketball is our top seller ever since the championship was won by the men," said Natasha Linscott, UConn store. "And now with Calhoun, more people are coming in because of everything he has done for UConn. He's been a great inspiration for everyone."