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Jim Calhoun’s delightful quotes nearly matched his coaching skills

jim-calhoun

Mike Miller

Jim Calhoun’s not only one of college basketball’s legendary coaches, he’s also one of its legendary characters. Many an adjective – passionate, irascible, brilliant – applies, but the best? Quotable.

Calhoun, who’s retiring Thursday, was rarely boring. He was always around to speak his mind and provide reporters and fans with many an entertaining line. Who could forget this rant from 2009 when freelance reporter Ken Krayeske questioned his $1.6 million salary?

The bit was so memorable, Krayeske used it when he later ran for office.

The best one isn’t family friendly, so I’ll simply link to it. But rarely has anyone ever provided such insight and humor with a mix of four-letter words regarding Ryan Gomes.

Not that Calhoun – winner of three NCAA tournament titles, 877 career games, a Hall of Fame member and architect of the UCOnn program – could only provide blue comments. He could be eloquent as well.

Hard not to miss a guy like that. With any luck, his retirement with give us one more highlight.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.