Classy, respected, calm in the eye of the storm, a brilliant basketball mind: this is how many from around the college basketball world were describing George Blaney this afternoon, after he announced his retirement after 43 years as a college hoops coach -- the last 12 at UConn under Jim Calhoun and Kevin Ollie.

We may know Blaney best as the guy who took over for Calhoun whenever the Hall of Fame head coach was sidelined by health problems (or, for three games in 2011-12, an NCAA suspension). By my count, UConn was 12-14 in games that Calhoun missed completely and Blaney took over. Obviously, that doesn't tell the whole story of Blaney's importance to the program. Though he didn't recruit, Blaney's basketball knowledge was key in breaking down opponents on game film, as well as with in-game strategy.

And, of course, he often bore the brunt of Calhoun's sideline rantings during games.

Here's what people from the basketball world, including some former UConn players, were saying about Blaney on Twitter this afternoon:

Congrats to Coach Blaney on his retirement. Taught me a lot during my college days. One of the best guys I've ever been around! #UCONN
— Kemba walker (@KembaWalker) June 13, 2013

Congratulation to Coach Blaney on his retirement. One of the best teachers to the game of basketball. #UConnHuskies
— Jeff Adrien (@Adrien4) June 13, 2013

I WAS COACH BLANEY FAVORITE TANZANIAN. LOL THE ONLY TANZANIAN HE KNEW AT THAT POINT. HAHAHA
— Hasheem Thabeet (@HasheemTheDream) June 13, 2013

George Blaney retires: cour.at/19vLYfS One of the truly great basketball minds and an even better person. No one I respect more.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) June 13, 2013

Congrats to George Blaney on retirement at UConn. If Holy Cross had joined Big East, he may have ended up in HOF. Great coach in his day!
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) June 13, 2013