Carl Adamec

[UConnCat]

Carl will be writing a blog on the UConn women at snyuconn.com. Here's his first entry:

http://snyuconn.com/uconn-2/womens-basketball/an-introduction/

I began covering the UConn women in 1989 at the old Storrs Field House (Gampel Pavilion opened in January, 1990) when they were on their way to their first Big East championship and what is now 24 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.... I’ve been at all the clinching victories for the 19 Big East regular season titles and 18 Big East tournament crowns. I’ve attended all of UConn’s 102 NCAA tournament games and, I believe, only Auriemma and Dailey can also make that claim.

My goal is, of course, to keep you informed on the UConn women and complement the coverage by the Huskies’ new television home, SNY. I will do my best to bring you the latest on the current coaches and players. I will also be providing updates on recruiting, the lifeline of any successful program, and will take time out to look back on the careers of some of the past UConn greats I’ve watched in action for nearly a quarter-century. I’ll certainly keep an eye on the Big East and national scenes and the goings-on there.

Another blog in addition to John A's, Rich Elliott's and Jim Fuller's. How lucky are we?

 

[UConnCat]

True to form, Carl's 2nd blog entry is a nice story on Kelly Farris as she approaches her senior season.

For three seasons, Faris has been the Huskies’ version of “Ol’ Reliable” and that won’t change this year. The 5-foot-11 guard from Plainfield, Ind., averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior and was UConn’s best defender. She was sixth in the Big East in assists (4.3), seventh in steals (2.1), and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1).

Though she’ll need to average a career high in points (between 8 and 9) to do it, she could leave UConn with 1,000 points, 750 rebounds, 500 assists, and 250 steals. Only one other player in program history has done that — three-time Wade Trophy winner Maya Moore.

“You always work on different things and for me it’s the same old, same old,” Faris said. “I want to be more consistent with my shot. I want to be able to create more offensively. But as a whole I think I’ll be better because our team will be better. We’ll have a different mentality. It goes back to not letting things slide and it will be on the shoulders of us upperclassmen to make sure that doesn’t happen. If I mess up, someone will have my back. If they mess up, I’ll have their backs. And together we’ll be successful.”

http://snyuconn.com/uconn-2/womens-basketball/farris-faces-final-frontier/

 

[MilfordHusky]

Though she’ll need to average a career high in points (between 8 and 9) to do it, she could leave UConn with 1,000 points, 750 rebounds, 500 assists, and 250 steals. Only one other player in program history has done that — three-time Wade Trophy winner Maya Moore.

This says what kind of player Kelly is. Not Tina, not Diana, not Sue, not Rebecca, not Jen, not Nykesha. Just Maya and maybe Kelly.

 

[trisailin]

/Full Sarcasm mode

I've read it here in the Boneyard that Kelly won't start this year because we have some shiny new freshmen. Sure the kid can play defense but is obviously a liability on offense. Only a very poor coach would offer her a scholarship. We're doomed with Kelly on our team.

 

[winlots]

For many years we've subscribed to Carl's paper, the JI, just during the season and just to read his stuff on Our Girls. He does a terrific job....I'd say his article on Faris is quite a good sample of the body of his work. Nice that you all will have more access to him via his blog now.

 

[UConnCat]

Though she’ll need to average a career high in points (between 8 and 9) to do it, she could leave UConn with 1,000 points, 750 rebounds, 500 assists, and 250 steals. Only one other player in program history has done that — three-time Wade Trophy winner Maya Moore.

This says what kind of player Kelly is. Not Tina, not Diana, not Sue, not Rebecca, not Jen, not Nykesha. Just Maya and maybe Kelly.

Kelly needs 290 points to reach 1000. That's certainly doable (she scored 296 last year) but it will be more difficult this year because of the wealth of talent/scorers on this year's team. She'll need 152 rebounds to reach 750 which is a total she easily surpassed the past 2 seasons. She'll need 111 assists which, again, is a number she easily surpassed the past 2 seasons. She was the team leader in assists last year. Finally, she'll need 62 steals which she should achieve easily.

 

[LesMis89]

I'm very excited to see that Carl has a blog for SNY now. Great choice by them because he's wonderful!

Hard to believe that Kelly is a senior. Time flies.

 

[Tonyc]

I remember when Shea was escorting a few recruits at the time around Gampel, Kelly was one of them. They walked by me and the only one that said Hi was Kelly. Says alot about a person when you just say Hi.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I remember when Shea was escorting a few recruits at the time around Gampel, Kelly was one of them. They walked by me and the only one that said Hi was Kelly. Says alot about a person when you just say Hi.

Maybe the others knew not to talk to you, lest the Orange People would be screaming "violation!"

Did Kelly say thanks when you gave her the Double Cheseburger and Frostee?

 

[MilfordHusky]

Kelly needs 290 points to reach 1000. That's certainly doable (she scored 296 last year) but it will be more difficult this year because of the wealth of talent/scorers on this year's team. She'll need 152 rebounds to reach 750 which is a total she easily surpassed the past 2 seasons. She'll need 111 assists which, again, is a number she easily surpassed the past 2 seasons. She was the team leader in assists last year. Finally, she'll need 62 steals which she should achieve easily.

She was 6th in a very large conference in assists last year. That is phenomenal stat. While playing the 4 position!

 

[Wbbfan1]

Hard to believe, Carl has not sent a tweet yet. I suspect he joined twitter when he got this new writing gig. I would have thought most reporters would have a twitter account and monitor their fellow reporters. Plus its a way to get info for possible stories.

 

[Vowelguy]

/Full Sarcasm mode

I've read it here in the Boneyard that Kelly won't start this year because we have some shiny new freshmen. .

I dont recall a single post saying that Kelly wouldnt start.

 

[doggydaddy]

I dont recall a single post saying that Kelly wouldnt start.

I do. several in the "who will start" thread. Mostly Doty was mentioned as not starting in place of Stewart, but Faris as well since she was playing the 4.

 

[pinotbear]

I dont recall a single post saying that Kelly wouldnt start.

yeah, I agree with DD. There certainly were posts that questioned both Kelly and CD, as far as starting. Objectively, there's nothing wrong with that - but, at least when it comes to Kelly, I think it's an over-emphasis (not uncommon, unfortunately) on a player's scoring average and shooting range. That ignores other offensive strengths, such as assists, %, turnovers, and when the shots are made, and completely discounts defensive contributions, such as steals, defensive assignments, and the shooting % of your assigned defensive resposibility.

I don't always (usually, but not always) subscribe to "In Geno We Trust", but, one thing I do know: important playing time is based on effort and execution, period. Kelly Faris plays because Kelly Faris produces, and at a high, consistent level.

 

[Icebear]

I dont recall a single post saying that Kelly wouldnt start.

Yeah, that memory needs a little tune up.

 

[Scotter]

More writing from Carl is definitely a great thing. From pure writing perspective Carl has always stood out from the Horde

 

[Blakeon18]

I've been reading the JI forever...mostly due to The Dean's [of The Horde] articles. Hope Carl winds up offering some wisdom on the
SNY broadcasts as well.

 

[meyers7]

I remember when Shea was escorting a few recruits at the time around Gampel, Kelly was one of them. They walked by me and the only one that said Hi was Kelly. Says alot about a person when you just say Hi.

She was young, didn't know any better.

 

[nan linds]

Perhaps Nan will add his columns to the Blog list.

 

[PacoSwede]

"The 5-foot-11 guard from Plainfield, Ind., averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior and was UConn’s best defender. She was sixth in the Big East in assists (4.3), seventh in steals (2.1), and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1)."

This is while being the starter on a national mega-power in the sport. AND YET, this kid has gotten virtually zilch recognition. It's a shame. Has she even made BE honorable mention? She should be strongly considered for 1st team All-BE. She won't be, of course.

Come spring, it will be interesting to note how savvy the WNBA teams are. And next summer it will be interesting to see how well she succeeds as a pro. (Recruits who want to go to that place ought to note how often a UConn alum with lesser recognition makes it there as much bigger 'names' fizzle. Ketia, Jess Moore, Rita Williams, Kelly Schumacher are prime examples, and Tiff might also fit in the category, though she did get props in college.)

 

[Wonkster]

... the only one that said Hi was Kelly. Says alot about a person when you just say Hi.

What? Kelly didn't say "Omnu?"

 

[Icebear]

What? Kelly didn't say "Omnu?"

Well, she sure can't say, Omolde

 

[bruinbball]

I am going to miss her at UConn. Seems like just yesterday she was the newbie. There has only been one person that consistently sattes that by the end of the year Kelly will not start - I will not name names, but I also don't need to tell you how wrong they will be. I see Kelly's production increasing in all facets this year. She will be surrounded by more scorers, she will be back in her rightful position harassing guards and small forwards, while the bigs are blocking out her instincts and hustle will lead to several rebounds. Scoring - there is no doubt in my mind she has really worked on her shot and I hope she has a Kalana type of senior season in the scoring and shooting columns.

PEACE

 

[Tonyc]

I love Kellys game.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Well, she sure can't say, Omolde

I think she played for Kansas State--Nicole Omolde.