Any Updates on Wilson?

[RUGGY]

he also bench
Shea Ralph
cause she didn't score in practice

 

[Buzzyboy]

As has been mentioned, Geno surely wouldn't be keen on a player trying to dictate what position they would play, what positions they wouldn't play and how many minutes they would get in a home visit because I'm sure he would rightfully believe that player was selfish and wouldn't buy into "TEAM" first, something he would NEVER WAIVER on. As also has been mentioned, Geno would like all his players to be multi-dimensional so if A'ja has the skillset to play multiple positions, he wouldn't discourage that at all. I gather that whatever was said between them was satisfactory for both sides because it's obvious there is still an interest on Geno's part and we are still on A'ja's list of finalists. Had either side had a big disagreement on what the expectations are on either or both sides, the recruiting interest would have ended.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Aja is the type of elite player that can pretty much choose what position she wants to play....

I can guarantee you that there isn't a coach in the world who would want her to play the two position for a variety of reasons. There is nothing to suggest that she is THAT capable a shooter from the perimeter and as a two, she would normally be expected to guard the opponents two guard who in 99 of 100 situations would be quicker and faster and likely to blow past her at will. Any asset she was on the offensive side, she would likely be a detriment on the defensive side. A sheer waste! Not only that, in trying to guard a quicker person time after time, she would likely be in a position to get herself in serious foul trouble, thus totally negating any advantage of being a superb 6'4" athlete. In the front court she would be able to really take advantage of her size or her quickness advantage as does Breanna and that is what makes her the BIG GET that has all the finalists for her services foaming at the mouth.

 

[DaddyChoc]

IMO this is a non-debate caused by people confusing two different issues.

1. Geno loves it when players can do as much as possible. He adores the idea of a post that can do some ball handling, or shoot from distance, or pass like a guard. He loves guards and wings when they work hard on their rebounding, or post up when they have a mismatch. He encourages players to expand the horizons of what they can do, because it makes them more versatile and less predictable. The whole team benefits. And he always has.

2. What I suspect Geno does NOT love is the idea of a player dictating where she wants to play, even before she steps on a court at UConn. A player might have a pair of mental lists: "Stuff I like / want to get better at," and "Stuff I don't like." Geno has only one list: "Stuff the players will do or skills they will learn, whether they like it or not."

So if A'ja came to UConn, Geno would encourage her to continue developing her wing skills. She and Stewart would be great complements to each other, with A'ja perhaps receiving kick-out passes, or learning to distribute from the key a la Stef Dolson, or what have you. He would also encourage (read that as "order") her to continue improving her post skills, which she is already good at as was seen in the U-19 games. Geno would want her to do and learn everything she's capable of learning, for the benefit of the team. And if she were to balk at defending a 4 or 5, or posting up from time to time, or boxing out...she would be getting friendly with the feel of the bench.

well said... but people are acting like Geno has his fingers in his ears and dont want to hear anything a recruit says/request/demands etc.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

I can guarantee you that there isn't a coach in the world who would want her to play the two position for a variety of reasons. There is nothing to suggest that she is THAT capable a shooter from the perimeter and as a two, she would normally be expected to guard the opponents two guard who in 99 of 100 situations would be quicker and faster and likely to blow past her at will. Any asset she was on the offensive side, she would likely be a detriment on the defensive side. A sheer waste! Not only that, in trying to guard a quicker person time after time, she would likely be in a position to get herself in serious foul trouble, thus totally negating any advantage of being a superb 6'4" athlete. In the front court she would be able to really take advantage of her size or her quickness advantage as does Breanna and that is what makes her the BIG GET that has all the finalists for her services foaming at the mouth.

A'ja isn't the kind of outside shooter to play the 2, but I think her combination of abilities is perfect for the 3 and also where she would be most comfortable, from what I've read. I'm sure she'll play wherever who coach wants her to play, but I think she'll be most effective and happiest at the 3. I know, if she comes to South Carolina, the 3 is where she would help us the most.

 

[doggydaddy]

well said... but people are acting like Geno has his fingers in his ears and dont want to hear anything a recruit says/request/demands etc.

Who is doing that?

All I see are people commenting that Geno tells players that nothing is promised and you have to work hard to play.

There is no way a player is going to tell Geno where he is going to play them. If they said that to him during the recruiting process he would tell them that it's his decision to where a player plays and I guess if you want to play the 2, show me that makes the most sense.

Are you saying that Geno would let a player dictate position?

 

[hoophuskee]

[/quote]

well said... but people are acting like Geno has his fingers in his ears and dont want to hear anything a recruit says/request/demands etc.

I thought much of this started in reply to the Tenn fan suggesting that Geno will take A'ja under any circumstance/acquiesce to any of her demands.

 

[doggydaddy]

A'ja isn't the kind of outside shooter to play the 2, but I think her combination of abilities is perfect for the 3 and also where she would be most comfortable, from what I've read. I'm sure she'll play wherever who coach wants her to play, but I think she'll be most effective and happiest at the 3. I know, if she comes to South Carolina, the 3 is where she would help us the most.

here's the thing, Geno really doesn't play by positions. Their offense is predicated on player movement. If Wilson comes to UConn she will have plenty of opportunity to showcase her ball handling skills. And also learn to post up with authority. Just look at the difference in Stewarts game from last year. Even in her dominating NCAA tourney performance, she wasn't posting up like she does now. She is bigger and stronger. I think that is where her game is improving.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Who is doing that?

All I see are people commenting that Geno tells players that nothing is promised and you have to work hard to play.

There is no way a player is going to tell Geno where he is going to play them. If they said that to him during the recruiting process he would tell them that it's his decision to where a player plays and I guess if you want to play the 2, show me that makes the most sense.

Are you saying that Geno would let a player dictate position?

nope Im not, just wondering why people keep repeating Geno's ways and act like he hasnt adjusted at all since coming to UConn.

a freshman will never start... it has happened whether its due to injuries etc. it has happened. Im sure he's had upperclassmen that could have started in their place but he chose a freshman.

nothing is in stone, Kalana was a 3pt threat... Dolson shoots 3's, * even Tina may have jacked up a few. who woulda thunk

 

[DaddyChoc]

I thought much of this started in reply to the Tenn fan suggesting that Geno will take A'ja under any circumstance/acquiesce to any of her demands.[/quote]
you and I both know thats foolish... why would someone take that comment and run with it?

 

[Icebear]

nope Im not, just wondering why people keep repeating Geno's ways and act like he hasnt adjusted at all since coming to UConn.

a freshman will never start... it has happened whether its due to injuries etc. it has happened. Im sure he's had upperclassmen that could have started in their place but he chose a freshman.

nothing is in stone, Kalana was a 3pt threat... Dolson shoots 3's, even Tina may have jacked up a few. who woulda thunk

Because he hasn't changed his core principles in coaching. Tell us what changes you think he has made.

 

[Tonyc]

Then by all accounts USC should be very good. The Gamecocks under Dawn Staley have - if anything - been OVER-achievers during the previous 3 seasons winning 18, 25, and 25 gms. Those teams had little to no depth in the interior. Had low numbers (only had 9 players on roster last season after losing Tiffiany Davis to season-ending injury in Game #3). And played in a tough, competitive SEC that traditionally didn't include USC in top discussion. The USC teams under Staley have had great team chemistry, and typically have had some of the nation's best defenses. By most of the "issues" you've named above, it's apparent that you're speaking of other programs NOT name South Carolina. That will be a good thing for Wilson....

USC hasn't finished like a lamb, either. They had the toughest 5 games of their entire season as their final 5 of the reg. season, and they went 4-1. Tennessee is still the king of the hill in the SEC until someone else knocks them down, and they still have the physical matchup advantages over USC that they held in previous seasons. And USC needed to bring their A-Game vs ut their two games, and they brought their B-Games instead. It's OK, USC is still learning. I considered them a capable Final Four contender and no better for this season, and I haven't changed that opinion. The best of Gamecock Women's Basketball still lies ahead of them, not behind them or in the midst of them now...

USC has had a very good record over the past few seasons. I would like to see their OOC schedule tuffer. They dont play any top teams, they play a relatively easy OOC schedule. The SEC I will disagree with you. The SEC is not a tuff conference and Tenn has been an up and down team. As conference champs you should win or at least compete for your conference championship. USC didnt. Yes they are an up and coming team and yes Dawn is s very good coach one of my favorite but USC still has a way to go and one player would be a start but USC will need more then Wilson and this years incoming class.

 

[Kibitzer]

Geno's recruiting practices are an open book. Including his own, plus Mel Thomas's "Heart of a Husky." Also the volume of "on the record" statements he has made. All without any prompting by Tennessee fans. Or Boneyarders.

well said... but people are acting like Geno has his fingers in his ears and dont want to hear anything a recruit says/request/demands etc.

Of course he listens to what new players request, and he considers their request before making his decision.

When Diana arrived, she expressed a desire to wear "0" on her jersey. Geno told her that zero is not a number. Request denied. At some point later, When asked why she wore number"3," she answered with no hesitation: "Coach made me!"

 

[MikeBraddock]

if she's a dunker Uconn fans don't want her

CHOC-Daddy, Stewie can dunk any time she likes. Leave her alone.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

USC has had a very good record over the past few seasons. I would like to see their OOC schedule tuffer. They dont play any top teams, they play a relatively easy OOC schedule. The SEC I will disagree with you. The SEC is not a tuff conference and Tenn has been an up and down team. As conference champs you should win or at least compete for your conference championship. USC didnt. Yes they are an up and coming team and yes Dawn is s very good coach one of my favorite but USC still has a way to go and one player would be a start but USC will need more then Wilson and this years incoming class.

We also have Jatarie White, Bianca Cuevas and Kaydra Duckett coming in for next season - all top 32 players. We also don't lose anyone off of this year's SEC Championship squad. No, we have a young team and this year's team did not have a particularly tough non-conference schedule. We did beat the PAC-12 Tournament champs on the road by 20, though, in a game that wasn't close. I guess we'll see what happens in the NCAAT. I've always known we wouldn't hit top level until '14 - '15, though.

 

[Tonyc]

We also have Jatarie White, Bianca Cuevas and Kaydra Duckett coming in for next season - all top 32 players. We also don't lose anyone off of this year's SEC Championship squad. No, we have a young team and this year's team did not have a particularly tough non-conference schedule. We did beat the PAC-12 Tournament champs on the road by 20, though, in a game that wasn't close. I guess we'll see what happens in the NCAAT. I've always known we wouldn't hit top level until '14 - '15, though.

You have a good team, that has good execution but you really havent played anybody good. Tenn GA UNC are not great teams. They are better then most but not a Baylor Stanford UConn ND Lville. Southern Cal was not a great team when you played them.

Next year you will be a young team lacking experience and senior leadership. You will have alot of talent but so do many other teams. If you get Wilson UConn will still win championships and if UConn gets Wilson UConn will still win championships. Your not there yet. It takes years.

 

[easttexastrash]

You have a good team, that has good execution but you really havent played anybody good. Tenn GA UNC are not great teams. They are better then most but not a Baylor Stanford UConn ND Lville. Southern Cal was not a great team when you played them.

Next year you will be a young team lacking experience and senior leadership. You will have alot of talent but so do many other teams. If you get Wilson UConn will still win championships and if UConn gets Wilson UConn will still win championships. Your not there yet. It takes years.

How will a team with 3 seniors, two of which are starters, be lacking senior leadership.

 

[Boxerpups4me]

[/quote]I thought much of this started in reply to the Tenn fan suggesting that Geno will take A'ja under any circumstance/acquiesce to any of her demands.[/quote]

Well there ya go again..twisting my words. This started by me stating that South Carolina would benefit greatly from having Aja and the explosive perimeter threat she could add to their team. A couple posters had issues with that and flatly stated that she would never play guard in college, never minding the fact that in the article I linked in one of my posts, she flatly states that she doesn't want to play the four or five position. Write it down, she WILL play a guard spot in college, whether it's bringing the ball up the court of playing on the wing. And I didn't exactly say that Geno would take her under any circumstances. Again, putting a nice spin on what I said. obviously Geno understands her preference at guard, and knows she would be quite impactful at that spot..why else would he be recruiting her?? I'm sure he has also made concessions with other players before..what coach hasn't?

 

[Boxerpups4me]

Who is doing that?

All I see are people commenting that Geno tells players that nothing is promised and you have to work hard to play.

There is no way a player is going to tell Geno where he is going to play them. If they said that to him during the recruiting process he would tell them that it's his decision to where a player plays and I guess if you want to play the 2, show me that makes the most sense.

Are you saying that Geno would let a player dictate position?

First off, Aja hasn't signed with Geno and Uconn. No one said that a player would dictate to Geno where they wanted to play. That's silly. A player like Aja can make requests and coaches will listen. If what your saying is true, why does Uconn and Aja have mutual interest in each other??

 

[Boxerpups4me]

here's the thing, Geno really doesn't play by positions. Their offense is predicated on player movement. If Wilson comes to UConn she will have plenty of opportunity to showcase her ball handling skills. And also learn to post up with authority. Just look at the difference in Stewarts game from last year. Even in her dominating NCAA tourney performance, she wasn't posting up like she does now. She is bigger and stronger. I think that is where her game is improving.

Unless she has changed her playing style recently and what she prefers, she won't be posting up anywhere.

 

[Icebear]

Unless she has changed her playing style recently and what she prefers, she won't be posting up anywhere.

She did last summer with USA Basketball.

 

[Boxerpups4me]

She did last summer with USA Basketball.

Well I mean at the college level. I just have to go off her words..Who knows, she might make a great post player

 

[doggydaddy]

First off, Aja hasn't signed with Geno and Uconn. No one said that a player would dictate to Geno where they wanted to play. That's silly. A player like Aja can make requests and coaches will listen. If what your saying is true, why does Uconn and Aja have mutual interest in each other??

Because she didn't request that she play guard.

 

[doggydaddy]

Unless she has changed her playing style recently and what she prefers, she won't be posting up anywhere.

I guess you didn't watch the USA team. She played exclusively a forward, and mostly in the post.

 

[doggydaddy]

Well I mean at the college level. I just have to go off her words..Who knows, she might make a great post player

Can you find more than that one quote in one article over a year ago?

 

[Boxerpups4me]

While we are on this subject, does anyone know of an elite player making such unreasonable demands during the recruiting process, that the coach just ends the recruitment..be it Geno or any other coach

 

[doggydaddy]

While we are on this subject, does anyone know of an elite player making such unreasonable demands during the recruiting process, that the coach just ends the recruitment..be it Geno or any other coach

I'd mention them, but then we would have to hear that I am just trashing a player that didn't end up at UConn.

 

[Boxerpups4me]

Can you find more than that one quote in one article over a year ago?

You know as I get older, I find it much harder to navigate around a keyboard and actually see the keys..so ya, one article is a big deal for me. I still have a flip phone for goodness sakes..

 

[hoophuskee]

I thought much of this started in reply to the Tenn fan suggesting that Geno will take A'ja under any circumstance/acquiesce to any of her demands.

you and I both know thats foolish... why would someone take that comment and run with it?[/quote]

What "one" comment are you referring to? You mean the four that he made?

 

[hoophuskee]

And I didn't exactly say that Geno would take her under anycircumstances. Again, putting a nice spin
Okay so are you are backing off the below statements in italics you made? What I was saying is that I believe many had an issue with the below comments in italics which can be implied that A’ja should be taken under any circumstance.

I mean how can you not say based on your belwo quotes that if A’ja can choose any position she wants that there isn’t implication that Geno like everyone else should take her? You follow that up later by saying “he’ll respect her playing wishes.” Now are you saying Geno will not respect their playing wishes if it differs with his outlook? Because that doesn’t appear what you said with number 2.

And as for number 3, you made that reply to another poster who said she’d never play guard. At UCONN. Your post speaks for itself. To paraphrase it states "he’ll play her at guard if it means getting her caliber player. ”YOU mean you didn’t mean to say “under any circumstance?”

If you knew there were valid reasons (circumstances) not to take her, then why ask the question?

It’s why I said on my first post to you – if you believe that there are circumstances why Geno should have reservations of taking her, then how do you explain the posts you made below? They are replies to other posters stating Geno should take her for the position she chooses. That sounds like “Take her under any circumstance” to me.

1---"Aja is the type of elite player that can pretty much choose what position she wants to play...."


2---"Geno, like every other coach who is recruiting her, will certainly respect her playing wishes if it means getting her on campus. . ."


3---"You don't think geno would make that kind of concession if it meant getting the caliber of player aja is? . . . "