That’s a busy 105 seconds. It’s the type of performance the UConn coaching staff expected when he arrived in Storrs in 2004. But no one knew then about the challenges ahead. Price literally stared death in the face in Oct. 2004 when Arteriovenous Malformation caused bleeding in his brain. One year later, a disciplinary suspension sidelined him after his involvement in a highly publicized incident involving stolen laptop computers.

Last season, everyone expected Price to just flip a switch and return to his high school form, when he was considered one of the top guards in the nation.

“I’m very fortunate,” Price said before the 2006-07 season. “I understand that. I’ve been given a second chance, not just at life, but an opportunity to come back where I wanted to make it right and do what I want to do. I want to play basketball.”

Price averaged 9.4 points, 3.6 assists and three rebounds last season. He had 113 assists and 63 turnovers. There was yelling. Calhoun’s hook reached out many times and found Price. In many ways, his struggles defined UConn’s season. He became the poster boy for a season that ended without postseason play for the Huskies — something that hadn’t happened since Calhoun’s first season at UConn.

At a time when Price perhaps should have been cut some slack, a ton of blame was dropped at his feet. Calhoun said he received letters and e-mails urging him to “get rid of this kid.”

Imagine what a mistake that would have been.

Jerome Dyson started at point guard in UConn’s first exhibition game this season. Price came off the bench. Calhoun thought that might be the winning combination, the change that needed to be made to reverse the trend from last season. But Price scored 22 points and had seven assists in 25 minutes. He was back in the starting lineup for the second exhibition game and now plays with the confidence of a senior.

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The Huskies have learned how to finish games. It’s definitely a group effort, one that has taken time to teach. But now Price is the guy who is pushing all the buttons. On the court and off the court, it’s easy to tell Price has become the leader of this UConn team. That’s something that every great Calhoun team has shared. His most successful teams have had great leadership at the point.

Price seems just right for that role now.

“You need someone to look to,” Calhoun said. “Where last year A.J. was just trying to find himself, never mind find the team, now I think he’s directing things.

“All of us have gone through difficult things and have grown. A.J. Price has grown not only as a player, but as a person. He’s our leader. There’s no question.”

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