Kelly Faris Speaks | The Boneyard

Kelly Faris Speaks

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On her departure from Australia's WNBL:

"I think there were some other issues going on because to be honest, they sent me home but sent me home with pay. I don't really know, I don't think I got the whole story but it ended up being a blessing in disguise. At first I wasn't too happy about it but when I thought about it, I get to go home, get some workouts I want to get in, I get to be with my family and I haven't really spent time with my family since high school."

On her training and preparation:

"You have to be careful and not take it the wrong way, let it fuel you enough but not push you over the edge where I am trying too hard and I am trying to do too much," Faris said. "I have to be smart about it. At first I wasn't happy about it but when I took a step back and thought 'yes, I could have been doing better but there is something else going on.' It makes me want to work that much harder and be that much better."

On Geno:

"I think, from what I have been told, he has gotten a lot softer from what the older players they will tell stories but the level of respect he has gained for himself and his program, you have to know when you come into that program as a player that is a part of it,' Faris said. "If you don't know that and you don't expect it, you are in for a rude awakening. If you quickly understand it, you change or it is not for you and you go somewhere else. That is fine and he is OK with that but when you have the success that he had, there's no way you can sit there and say 'there's no way this works."


[LINK] to more.
 
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Good article on one of the most loved Uconn players ever. I care so much for Kelly that I wish she'd give up "Pro" WBB and find a coaching job at a Mid major. With injuries, the Australian stint and the current Sun's extended issues--I don't see anything really positive for Kelly--I hope I am wrong, she works so hard and tries so hard --doing what we were all told to do to succeed, she deserves more.
 
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She was a terrific college player (not an All-American) but a solid player. I think her work ethic made her a favorite of Geno's and us from day one. Her defense was always stellar. Her senior year she really took on a leadership role and was respected by the team. Unfortunaltely in the pro's there are several players like that and you have to be able to score. The fact that she hasn't been playing and gaining confidence in her offensive game during the winter I think will hurt her. I don't really see her having a spot in the Sun lineup especially with Chiney out for awhile. I'm not sure the lines "not trying to hard " and "trying too much" are displaying confidence in her game right now. I just hope when the Sun release her they do it early so that maybe she can get a tryout with someone if that's what she wants. I'd like to see her in coaching too. I've watched and attended so many Sun games and she just doesn't have confidence in her shots. I guess the fact she said getting bumped off a really good Australian team was a blessing in disguise has me scratching my head. I think she needed to play and feel good about her game and not go home around people that are telling her that this is great for her.
 

HGN

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Kelly can play.....She just needs the right situation and circumstances. Maybe she's a starter , maybe a second teamer; or a defensive specialist . There's always a place on a team for a hustler like a Kelly Faris , she just has to find it.
 

UcMiami

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K Greene is the nearest match that I can think of for Kelly as far as successful specialist Uconn grads. There games are not exactly the same, but both excel at team play and defense and are more challenged offensively. I think Kelly can be successful in the right situation, but the Sun was always a struggle as I felt they are limited offensively, so need more offense from any player they put on the floor. A really good team with lots of scoring options can find roles for a Kelly like player.
 

ochoopsfan

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She was a terrific college player (not an All-American) but a solid player. I think her work ethic made her a favorite of Geno's and us from day one. Her defense was always stellar. Her senior year she really took on a leadership role and was respected by the team. Unfortunaltely in the pro's there are several players like that and you have to be able to score. The fact that she hasn't been playing and gaining confidence in her offensive game during the winter I think will hurt her. I don't really see her having a spot in the Sun lineup especially with Chiney out for awhile. I'm not sure the lines "not trying to hard " and "trying too much" are displaying confidence in her game right now. I just hope when the Sun release her they do it early so that maybe she can get a tryout with someone if that's what she wants. I'd like to see her in coaching too. I've watched and attended so many Sun games and she just doesn't have confidence in her shots. I guess the fact she said getting bumped off a really good Australian team was a blessing in disguise has me scratching my head. I think she needed to play and feel good about her game and not go home around people that are telling her that this is great for her.
Kellys team was not a good team. She played for Adelaide who was 7-15 and finished 7th of 8 teams in the WNBL. The problem with Kelly is she wasnt a scorer and if you are going to "import" a player, and pay them the big $$, then you need to be a producer in the stats that people can see, like scoring or rebounds. Kelly scored 3.8 ppg and 3.5 rpg. Kelly is the type of player you need on a team but can a team afford to pay them for doing what she does. Not all of the players in the WNBL are paid. The imports are paid but many Aussie girls only get living expenses and often have to work 2nd jobs to make ends meet.

Best wishes to her in the future, a great role model on how to play the game.
 
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K Greene is the nearest match that I can think of for Kelly as far as successful specialist Uconn grads. There games are not exactly the same, but both excel at team play and defense and are more challenged offensively. I think Kelly can be successful in the right situation, but the Sun was always a struggle as I felt they are limited offensively, so need more offense from any player they put on the floor. A really good team with lots of scoring options can find roles for a Kelly like player.
I think the nearest match is Kalana and I thought that maybe Thibault would grab her if Kelly is released. I do agree with the fact if she happens to "find the right situation" but that is the same situation for every other 11 nd 12th roster player. I really wish that she had been able to go to Turkey, Israel, Spain somewhere where she could get more confidence in her offensive game. Do many American players play in Australia? Wow 7-15 for Adelaide. Weren't they always one of the premier Australian teams. I was surprised to see her there.
 

ochoopsfan

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I think the nearest match is Kalana and I thought that maybe Thibault would grab her if Kelly is released. I do agree with the fact if she happens to "find the right situation" but that is the same situation for every other 11 nd 12th roster player. I really wish that she had been able to go to Turkey, Israel, Spain somewhere where she could get more confidence in her offensive game. Do many American players play in Australia? Wow 7-15 for Adelaide. Weren't they always one of the premier Australian teams. I was surprised to see her there.

Adelaide may not survive. The owner did not renew his license and they are desperately looking for an owner and/or funding to survive. The problem is some of their very good players have left, as free agents, and have gone to other teams. There is a new team in the WNBL, a team in southeast Queensland, so the league will have either 8 or 9 teams depending on whether Adelaide survives.
Some of the players from the USA in WNBL last season were:
Farris, Kelly
Griffin, Kelsey
Harberts, Cassie
Johnson, Paris
Mitchell, Leilani
Moore, Lindsey
Pickerell, Analise
Pondexter, Cappie
Ruef, Mikela
Scheer, Kathleen
Novosel, Natalie--injured and didnt play last season.
 

iamcbs

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Maybe she's just not good enough to play at the Professional level. It has nothing to do with her desire or her work ethic and everything to do with her ability. If the pros think you can play, they'll find a spot for you. If you can't play, then they won't. No one's on scholarship at the professional level, you have to produce every day. Kelly Faris just isn't good enough, that was predicted when she came out of UConn her skill set and athleticism weren't enough to keep her around. She'll keep trying until she realizes that and moves on with her life. She'll ultimately be successful in whatever she decides to do in the next phase of her life because of her attitude and work ethic.
 
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Kalana was and is not offensively challenged. When you have Maya Moore, Tina Charles and Renee Montgomery, you don't have to carry the scoring burden. Kalana had a consistent mid range game, and she scored on a lot of put backs.
 
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Maybe she's just not good enough to play at the Professional level. It has nothing to do with her desire or her work ethic and everything to do with her ability. If the pros think you can play, they'll find a spot for you. If you can't play, then they won't. No one's on scholarship at the professional level, you have to produce every day. Kelly Faris just isn't good enough, that was predicted when she came out of UConn her skill set and athleticism weren't enough to keep her around. She'll keep trying until she realizes that and moves on with her life. She'll ultimately be successful in whatever she decides to do in the next phase of her life because of her attitude and work ethic.
Kelly worked her tail off for Uconn and us fans. She was a fan favorite from almost day one. Her hustle and "do anything anywhere any time" attitude endeared her to everyone, especially Geno. I think the real question for those that hire WNBA or European players is "what can she do for me now". And right now, with current or recent physical issues, probably not what they need or want. That WILL NEVER take away the love Uconn fans have for her. She deserves a break, but who will be willing to use a position to do that??
 

iamcbs

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Kelly worked her tail off for Uconn and us fans. She was a fan favorite from almost day one. Her hustle and "do anything anywhere any time" attitude endeared her to everyone, especially Geno. I think the real question for those that hire WNBA or European players is "what can she do for me now". And right now, with current or recent physical issues, probably not what they need or want. That WILL NEVER take away the love Uconn fans have for her. She deserves a break, but who will be willing to use a position to do that??
Why does she deserve a break? Because she's a UConn "Fan Favorite," because she hustle's and has a great attitude? In the PROFESSIONAL Game, you have to be able to perform, she's had her opportunities more than many and has come up short. It has nothing to do with Fans love for her. She's just not good enough and no Pro Coach or GM is going to stake their job and reputation on someone who can't play at the level their team requires. She doesn't deserve anything, she had her opportunity and maximized her talent, she's just not good enough to play PROFESSIONAL Basketball and that's just it.
 
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Unfortunately Kelly Faris is one of probably fifty prospects looking for a chance at a 11 or 12th roster spot. She needs to find something that will make her an asset to a team. As Geno has said a million times "basketball is about putting the ball in the hole".
 
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Unfortunately Kelly Faris is one of probably fifty prospects looking for a chance at a 11 or 12th roster spot. She needs to find something that will make her an asset to a team. As Geno has said a million times "basketball is about putting the ball in the whole".

I doubt it.
 
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What is it your are "doubting" may I ask. Basketball is about who scores the most points.

I doubt he's said it a million times, and basketball is not all about getting the ball in the whole.
 

HuskyNan

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Maybe she's just not good enough to play at the Professional level. It has nothing to do with her desire or her work ethic and everything to do with her ability. If the pros think you can play, they'll find a spot for you. If you can't play, then they won't. No one's on scholarship at the professional level, you have to produce every day. Kelly Faris just isn't good enough, that was predicted when she came out of UConn her skill set and athleticism weren't enough to keep her around. She'll keep trying until she realizes that and moves on with her life. She'll ultimately be successful in whatever she decides to do in the next phase of her life because of her attitude and work ethic.
Why does she deserve a break? Because she's a UConn "Fan Favorite," because she hustle's and has a great attitude? In the PROFESSIONAL Game, you have to be able to perform, she's had her opportunities more than many and has come up short. It has nothing to do with Fans love for her. She's just not good enough and no Pro Coach or GM is going to stake their job and reputation on someone who can't play at the level their team requires. She doesn't deserve anything, she had her opportunity and maximized her talent, she's just not good enough to play PROFESSIONAL Basketball and that's just it.
We got it the first time, thanks.
 
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I doubt he's said it a million times, and basketball is not all about getting the ball in the whole.
Ok whatever! Still don't no what your doubting but I wish Kelly luck with her offense this year so I can enjoy a great season as a season ticket holder for the Sun. Go Sun!
 

EricLA

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Unfortunately Kelly Faris is one of probably fifty prospects looking for a chance at a 11 or 12th roster spot. She needs to find something that will make her an asset to a team. As Geno has said a million times "basketball is about putting the ball in the hole".
This is 100% correct. Geno may not have said exactly what you quoted, but close enough. I've seen comments like "It's called basketball because you have to put the ball in the basket", and "We try to recruit kids can play multiple positions AND who can score".

He made comments after UCONN played Duke several times and Duke had a ton of highly ranked kids but none of them could score - which is one of the main reasons we beat them by 30+ every time we play. "Duke recruits great athletes, but not kids who can score the basketball". Getting back to Faris - she was one kid who never developed a true ability to score, and when you have 12 teams of 12 players, that's only 144 women, many who come from overseas.

It's another reason why Welch and Hrynko were recently cut - it's incredibly hard for a kid who was not a true top 10 kid in their graduating class to actually make the WNBA. Honestly, I'd take Welch over Faris - I think Faris has more guard skills, but I think Welch is a better all around player...
 
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Kelly worked her tail off for Uconn and us fans. She was a fan favorite from almost day one. Her hustle and "do anything anywhere any time" attitude endeared her to everyone, especially Geno. I think the real question for those that hire WNBA or European players is "what can she do for me now". And right now, with current or recent physical issues, probably not what they need or want. That WILL NEVER take away the love Uconn fans have for her. She deserves a break, but who will be willing to use a position to do that??
I guess no guts no glory??? I just can't or won't bring myself to say Kelly "
Maybe she's just not good enough to play at the Professional level. It has nothing to do with her desire or her work ethic and everything to do with her ability. If the pros think you can play, they'll find a spot for you. If you can't play, then they won't. No one's on scholarship at the professional level, you have to produce every day. Kelly Faris just isn't good enough, that was predicted when she came out of UConn her skill set and athleticism weren't enough to keep her around. She'll keep trying until she realizes that and moves on with her life. She'll ultimately be successful in whatever she decides to do in the next phase of her life because of her attitude and work ethic.
I understand the business aspects---. I guess I can't or just won't say "Kelly isn't good enough"--so with her courage, work ethic, and stick to it ness --(personal belief) she deserves a break. Nothing you say will change my hopes and dreams for her. Bad business? Maybe,
 
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I doubt he's said it a million times, and basketball is not all about getting the ball in the whole.
It's possible to build the whole with pieces and parts. You can score by putting it in the hole. That is where the doubt came in. Not the verbal words of Geno--those are well known. I have a condition of "fat fingering" while typing --and add letters when I shouldn't .
 
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Geno ...maybe? :)
Wouldn't that be nice!!! Kelly has a lot to give to the new crop of players. I just don't believe that Kelly needs to ride the bumps and bruises of Pro BB financially and physically.From my experience it would suggest those that stay long at the game will wear out knee and/or hip joints and maybe live with the pain. All replacement procedures do not remove the pain.
 

Icebear

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K Greene is the nearest match that I can think of for Kelly as far as successful specialist Uconn grads. There games are not exactly the same, but both excel at team play and defense and are more challenged offensively. I think Kelly can be successful in the right situation, but the Sun was always a struggle as I felt they are limited offensively, so need more offense from any player they put on the floor. A really good team with lots of scoring options can find roles for a Kelly like player.
Ashley Battle, as well.
 

triaddukefan

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This is 100% correct. Geno may not have said exactly what you quoted, but close enough. I've seen comments like "It's called basketball because you have to put the ball in the basket", and "We try to recruit kids can play multiple positions AND who can score".

He made comments after UCONN played Duke several times and Duke had a ton of highly ranked kids but none of them could score - which is one of the main reasons we beat them by 30+ every time we play. "Duke recruits great athletes, but not kids who can score the basketball". Getting back to Faris - she was one kid who never developed a true ability to score, and when you have 12 teams of 12 players, that's only 144 women, many who come from overseas.


It's another reason why Welch and Hrynko were recently cut - it's incredibly hard for a kid who was not a true top 10 kid in their graduating class to actually make the WNBA. Honestly, I'd take Welch over Faris - I think Faris has more guard skills, but I think Welch is a better all around player...

cman.jpg


no need to put that into this thread :oops:
 
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