The Huskies, who went 39-0 on their way to the school's sixth national title, stood behind the president as he spoke to members of the media before giving him a signed basketball and a Huskies jersey with the number 1 and "B. Obama" on the back.

"Number One — that's what I'm talking about," President Obama siad. "I will wear it when I'm playing."

The team then joined the president on the basketball court at the White House to shoot some hoops away from pool reporters. After ten minutes on the court, when asked who won, Huskies senior guard Renee Montgomery replied, "He did! The president can shoot!"

According to a pool report from the White House, President Obama said, "Young women today look at themselves differently," partly because they see women playing sports on television. This is particularly true of tall girls, like his daughters, he said, adding, "As a father, I want to thank all of you."

The Huskies dominated women's college basketball this season, beating opponents by an average of better than 30 points. They capped the season earlier this month in St. Louis with a 76-54 victory over Louisville for the national championship. It was Connecticut's third perfect season.

Enlarge By Jim Young, Reuters President Obama smiles after receiving a signed basketball and a Connecticut jersey with his name on the back from Huskies senior guard Renee Montgomery.