University of Connecticut Athletics
Homegrown Huskies: Matt Garry
12/16/2019 1:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
By Danny Barletta
UConn Athletic Communications
STORRS -- Matt Garry is living the dream as a walk-on for the most prestigious college basketball program in the Northeast. As a native of Southington, Conn., it is especially significant for Garry to play for UConn.
"I never really thought of it like that, but I now realize how special it is," said Garry, a sophomore guard. "I know a lot of the guys on the team are from New York and New Jersey, so they're kind of close to home. But to play at the school that's representing my home state is pretty special."
From the time he was playing on a toy hoop in his house at 2 years old, all the way to being a standout at St. Paul Catholic in Bristol, basketball has been a huge part of Garry's life. He was recruited to play at a few Division III schools and a Division II school, but he ultimately chose UConn for academic and financial reasons.
Garry said the hardest recruitment to pass up came from legendary UConn coach and Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun, now coaching at Division III St. Joseph's in West Hartford. But Garry decided to put basketball on the back burner and pursue a degree in Biology at UConn, instead.
"The educational programs that [UConn] offered were better," Garry said, "and I know I'm not going to play basketball as a pro, so getting an education was more important than basketball."
However, Garry stood out during Uconn's walk-on tryouts in September of his freshman year (2018-19) and was offered a spot on the team. Due to his rigorous class schedule, he couldn't join right away, but the coaches told him he could be a manager if he re-worked his schedule for the second semester. That's exactly what Garry did, with plans of trying out again the next season. But because of some injuries, he was promoted from manager to practice player and then to a permanent walk-on in February.
"I was shocked initially because I didn't think it was gonna happen until the following year," Garry said. "It was nice to see the hard work that I've put in pay off as a manager and then practice player and all that stuff. So it was shocking, but also a little fulfilling."
Garry has appeared in three games so far this season for the Huskies. He got his first taste of game action in the home opener against Sacred Heart.
"That was special to be at Gampel," Garry said. "To be on the floor in a great atmosphere was really, really cool."
Being a walk-on, Garry isn't going to score 20 points every game, but his contributions to the team happen behind the scenes in the preparation stage.
"I think the most important thing is doing what I can to get our guys ready for action," Garry said. "In practice, I'm doing the best I can, whether that's helping out in drills or passing or scout team or just cheering guys on. Anything that I can do to help us win, even though it might be a little more limited than other guys, is the most important thing."
As a Connecticut native, Garry knows what UConn basketball means to the people here, and he doesn't take it for granted.
"We don't have any professional teams here, so UConn basketball is the thing to do," Garry said. "It's definitely very special and I'm proud every day to put on a UConn jersey and represent where I'm from."
Garry said that being a part of UConn's team has benefited him both on and off the court. He said the coaches have instilled life skills that will help him be successful after basketball.
Garry has had an opportunity to travel to new places and even play at Madison Square Garden earlier this week, which he described as a dream come true. He said being a member of the team has been everything he hoped for and more.
"Just to be around great coaches and great players, some of the best players in the country, to compete with them every day is really special," Garry said. "It's been the best experience of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
