Will Calhoun decide to go out on top?

Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun described his third NCAA championship that the Huskies captured Monday night with a 53-41 victory over Butler as a "gift'' from a great group of players who lifted his spirits at a time in his life when it seemed sinister forces were conspiring against him.

The question he must wrestle with now is whether it was a parting gift. After UConn held Butler to 18.8-percent shooting, the worst in championship history, Calhoun said he will focus on recruiting for the next month and then take his annual golf trip with friends and family starting May 9, the day before his 69th birthday.

When he returns, he should be close to a decision. While it might seem the perfect time to go out on top, predicting his mood is risky. At times during UConn's unprecedented run of 11 postseason wins, Calhoun's comments sounded like a valedictory. And yet he also seemed re-energized by the journey.

Accepting the championship trophy, Calhoun called it "professionally, the happiest moment of my life.'' His joy in seeing Kemba Walker lead a team with seven sophomores or freshmen in regular roles was immeasurable. "This group has taken me on one of the great special journeys,'' Calhoun said, "better than I could possibly imagine.''

It came after he weathered the end of a two-year NCAA investigation that resulted in sanctions against his program, including a three-game ban next season. On a personal level, Calhoun mentioned the recent deaths of his wife's sister and his college roommate, and he also has overcome prostate cancer and two bouts of skin cancer.

Thanking his players for putting their faith and trust in him, he said, "That's what I got into 40-some years ago when I became a high school teacher/coach. I couldn't ask for a better gift.''

But having said that, Calhoun sounded as if he were ready for another go-round as he spoke of a bright future for his team. He said freshman Jeremy Lamb is going to be "one of the best players in college basketball.'' He praised freshman Shabazz Napier as a "wonderful player . . . who can stop any offense at the point of attack.'' And he reminded everyone forward Alex Oriakhi, who had 11 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks against Butler, is just a sophomore.

It appears the one player who won't be back, other than seniors Donnell Beverly and Charles Okwandu, is Walker, who likely is headed for the NBA. He graduates at the end of his junior year in May, took part in the Huskies' Senior Night festivities and then saw his No. 15 added to UConn's ring of honor in a ceremony Tuesday at a rally at Gampel Pavilion.

Walker broke down crying, saying, "I never thought I'd see this day with my name up there.''

Calhoun told the crowd, "Kemba just had the greatest year in the history of UConn basketball. He deserves this.''

Does Calhoun ride off into the sunset with Walker? He said it would be a matter of passion and determining whether he still has enough to give everything to his players. To see him in the glow of victory is to know Calhoun's passion for the sport and for UConn is undimmed.