I had not heard that either.Geno was talking about the male practice players during the coaches show last night. He said it all started with Jen Rizzoti's boyfriend (now husband). Why is this the first I've heard of this?
.
Almost every video I've seen of practices includes sessions against the male players. Its commonly known and Geno has made no pretense about it. I'd be surprised if any serious team didn't use them at this point.On a related subject, teams who face UCONN are often confuzled because of the speed at which UCONN plays and we frequently hear "it's impossible to replicate the speed with which UCONN plays at in our practices".
No offense to women, but a team of male practice players who are similar in size to UCONN's players (5'7" to 6'4"), should easily be able to replicate the speed, no? Men are generally faster and stronger so I would think elite teams who use male practice players could also simulate a UCONN offense or defense... (not withstanding our 3 point shooting)...
Until you start to factor in the $$$. Male practice players are typically not there out of the goodness of their hearts Some sort of stipend is usually involved. It could be anything from reduced tuition, to free sneakers, food, etc . The NCAA limits compensation also. I don't know by percentage of top 25 schools who has male practice players but my Daughter played D1 basketball on a team that qualified for tournament one year and her school did not use male practice players.Almost every video I've seen of practices includes sessions against the male players. Its commonly known and Geno has made no pretense about it. I'd be surprised if any serious team didn't use them at this point.
You've alluded to an issue about which I've often wondered, and about which I remain somewhat confused, especially after reading the old NYT article referenced elsewhere on this thread. While I can well understand the satisfaction that one might derive from playing hoops with players of UConn's caliber, it would seem that the emoluments offered, and the apparent restrictions placed on those emoluments by the NCAA, leave a fairly paltry level of recompense for all the hours and all the hard work. I would at least expect some form of tuition forgiveness...does anyone on the Board know specifically what the policy is at UConn?Until you start to factor in the $$$. Male practice players are typically not there out of the goodness of their hearts Some sort of stipend is usually involved. It could be anything from reduced tuition, to free sneakers, food, etc . The NCAA limits compensation also. I don't know by percentage of top 25 schools who has male practice players but my Daughter played D1 basketball on a team that qualified for tournament one year and her school did not use male practice players.
You've alluded to an issue about which I've often wondered, and about which I remain somewhat confused, especially after reading the old NYT article referenced elsewhere on this thread. While I can well understand the satisfaction that one might derive from playing hoops with players of UConn's caliber, it would seem that the emoluments offered, and the apparent restrictions placed on those emoluments by the NCAA, leave a fairly paltry level of recompense for all the hours and all the hard work. I would at least expect some form of tuition forgiveness...does anyone on the Board know specifically what the policy is at UConn?
Brian Williams reported on it when HE was a UConn male practice player.
Until you start to factor in the $$$. Male practice players are typically not there out of the goodness of their hearts Some sort of stipend is usually involved. It could be anything from reduced tuition, to free sneakers, food, etc . .
Absolute Classic!!!Brian Williams reported on it when HE was a UConn male practice player.
That's interesting. If anything, that may promote less excellent players from attending that school and go elsewhere, which could lead to more parity!There was a fairly big discussion of this several years ago, when the NCAA investigated the practice. Most elite coaches use male practice players. Some, however, feel that it takes away from development of the lesser female players whose role as "practice player" is usurped by the guys. (The NCAA was worried this was the case widespread.)
Ironically, one coach who felt this way and said she doesn't use male players: Jen Rizzotti.
Brian Williams reported on it when HE was a UConn male practice player.