Auriemma talks about four players filling significant roles

[PhillyCoach]

Hey folks, Geno has already given us the heads-up on who will be the starting point guard--Nurse! Also (IMHO), Butler will join the 4 key players (Nurse, Lou, Gabby, Pheese) in the initial starting line-up. As we all know, that could be the starting line-up for a game or two or for a month or more. Butler looked fitter, faster, more relaxed, and I saw her get off the floor for a rebound or two.
After watching the Friday night game I see a super talented C. Danger, who (IMHO) will start games before the South Carolina game. Danger can shoot the 3 like Mo did as a Junior. Her handle is equal. Her speed/quickness is equal. Her passing is equal to Mo as a soph.
I see the major difference from Mo as a frosh is that Crystal has more poise and confidence. Crystal was an international player who ran the floor with Wilson, Coates, and Collier---and did very well. She knows she can fit in.
I also saw Chong playing more relaxed. ** I know this was a practice game on the third day of the pre-season, but that is what I saw. IMO Chong will be a valuable sub all season for the point or the two guard. With Crystal or Chong in then Butler will be out or subbing for Collier or GAbby.
I will be surprised if UConn is not in the Regional final game (Geno says its the most important and most pressure.) After that, its all up for grabs with the other 7-8 really good teams this year. After the top 8-9 I think the talent falls big time.
Anyway, I think it will be a fun year and Geno is looking forward to it because there is really less pressure than usual since everybody knows UConn is having a down year--or so they say!

 

[OldAlum]

I was really impressed with Crystal's USA play at such a young age. She was composed and played within herself.
**** Dang! Just got the "new post" notification and saw that Philly Coach shared my thoughts before I did! (Except Im not so sure Crystal Dangerfield is as fast as Mo) Well, great minds...

 

[Big Mick]

Do you think she will outplay Chong and Bent? Yes, without a doubt.

It's Simple:

Crystal is an Elite PG.

Chong, while good, tends to be inconsistent and not always focused.

Bent is a hard worker and will give more to the team in practice than in games.

Chong will start in the early going; but, to have a chance at a 4th straight NC, we are going to need Crystal at PG asap.

 

[Intpseeker]

Crystal ends up running the point, but, from the first time I watched her, Kia is the leader. That is different. This is her team.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

It's Simple:


Bent is a hard worker and will give more to the team in practice than in games.

Don't agree with this at all.

 

[donalddoowop]

Don't agree with this at all.

I'm with you Sluconn. How would he know how much Bent will give in a game? There is something about the look she has as if she is a no nonsense player who is determined to make sure she does not ride the bench for two years or more. Chong has the advantage in experience and if Dangerfield does not grasp the system it will not make much difference how much talent she has. However, Chong HAS to play better defense. I believe if she wins a starting position she will be a big offensive factor.

 

[Kibitzer]

It's Simple:

Chong will start in the early going; but, to have a chance at a 4th straight NC, we are going to need Crystal at PG asap.

I demand a recount.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I've yet to see anything about Chong's IT Band situation. Anybody know?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Unless Chong is exceptionally improved over the past 2 years--she won't start. Geno has two bias's : 1. he is reluctant to start Frosh 2. if by the time you are a senior, and you have not started regularly in your former years--you sit a lot.
Initially ---Crystal MAY not start. Watch the Baylor game (not so much) or the ND game or the Ohio game--look at the minutes Crystal plays then--then you/ll know whether Crystal will be his starting guard anytime this season. My guess is Yesssss! Did you watch her USA play a year ago? As CARNAC said--she has speed and control--amazing combination for any level player. Geno needs that speed and control from his guards for both Defense and Offense. Molly --if what Geno says about her is not puffery--and she learns defense Geno style--(I suspect she shall) --she/ll start some in Conference games
To answer your question----Yes Crystal WILL outplay Chong and Bent. Since no one knows for certain---this is an OPINION based on viewing Crystals play.

Well, since you brought it up, Saniya was not among Geno's 4 was she. And she may see even less time this year for the reason you mentioned - bringing along younger players who show promise. Just that simple.

 

[CocoHusky]

I've yet to see anything about Chong's IT Band situation. Anybody know?

A recent article indicated UCONN players are all recovered from recent injuries with the exception of Camara who is not fully cleared for contact. I not really familiar with IT band injury so can't speak to chance of recurrence but a post I read a while ago ( (maybe from @HuskyNan) indicated that IT band injury comes down to managing pain as in it never fully heals.

 

[Gus Mahler]

A recent article indicated UCONN players are all recovered from recent injuries with the exception of Camara who is not fully cleared for contact. I not really familiar with IT band injury so can't speak to chance of recurrence but a post I read a while ago ( (maybe from @HuskyNan) indicated that IT band injury comes down to managing pain as in it never fully heals.

That's the impression I've had, from comments by Nan and Meg Culmo. (and Rosie, the former trainer?)

 

[BroadwayVa]

A recent article indicated UCONN players are all recovered from recent injuries with the exception of Camara who is not fully cleared for contact. I not really familiar with IT band injury so can't speak to chance of recurrence but a post I read a while ago ( (maybe from @HuskyNan) indicated that IT band injury comes down to managing pain as in it never fully heals.

Managing pain, from my experience if you don't want to be a zombie, is sucking up pain, exercises that work, heat, cold, heat cold--the military has a process of applying heat and cold that reduces pain. The Oxy does not work for me--all I want to do is sleep--and I don't like being constipated. Sucking up the pain--isn't for everyone or every condition--and if you can't handle the pain does not make you a coward or less of a person. I fear this may be Sanyia--more pain than her body can accept.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Well, since you brought it up, Saniya was not among Geno's 4 was she. And she may see even less time this year for the reason you mentioned - bringing along younger players who show promise. Just that simple.

Geno is nothing if he is not Loyal. You play for him or even just practice hard for 3 plus years and he keeps you and gives you some pt if your body will handle it. But if you are not at 70 percent or more--if he wants to win he has to put his emphasis on the younger guys as you point out. I don't even think about it--as you point out--that Chong was NOT among his starting 4--he mentioned Kia as his starting Point for a while. So Bent and Crystal if they work hard on D may have some early exposure!!???

 

[Alydar]

Senior guards become valuable in March. If they have the tools that Chong has they are very very valuable. Sometimes steady nerves under stress is what is required. Chong showed me a lot in one shot, that corner 3 late in the Maryland game when I think the lead was down to 4-6. First that she didn't hesitate to try it, and second, that she nailed it. Despite how many minutes she gets she will contribute.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Geno is nothing if he is not Loyal. You play for him or even just practice hard for 3 plus years and he keeps you and gives you some pt if your body will handle it. But if you are not at 70 percent or more--if he wants to win he has to put his emphasis on the younger guys as you point out. I don't even think about it--as you point out--that Chong was NOT among his starting 4--he mentioned Kia as his starting Point for a while. So Bent and Crystal if they work hard on D may have some early exposure!!???

Yup, I think that is pretty clearly the case. Geno has to be mindful too that for most people the IT Band Syndrome is long term; it can go quiet but resurface at a most inopportune time.

 

[MilfordHusky]

The UConn WCBB version of the Core Four!

 

[Carnac]

Hey folks, Geno has already given us the heads-up on who will be the starting point guard--Nurse! Also (IMHO), Butler will join the 4 key players (Nurse, Lou, Gabby, Pheese) in the initial starting line-up. As we all know, that could be the starting line-up for a game or two or for a month or more. Butler looked fitter, faster, more relaxed, and I saw her get off the floor for a rebound or two.
After watching the Friday night game I see a super talented C. Danger, who (IMHO) will start games before the South Carolina game.

Danger can shoot the 3 like Mo did as a Junior. Her handle is equal. Her speed/quickness is equal. Her passing is equal to Mo as a Soph. I see the major difference from Mo as a frosh is that Crystal has more poise and confidence. Crystal was an international player who ran the floor with Wilson, Coates, and Collier---and did very well. She knows she can fit in. I also saw Chong playing more relaxed. ** I know this was a practice game on the third day of the preseason, but that is what I saw. IMO Chong will be a valuable sub all season for the point or the two guard.

With Crystal or Chong in then Butler will be out or subbing for Collier or Gabby. I will be surprised if UConn is not in the Regional final game (Geno says its the most important and most pressure.) After that, its all up for grabs with the other 7-8 really good teams this year. After the top 8-9 I think the talent falls big time. Anyway, I think it will be a fun year and Geno is looking forward to it because there is really less pressure than usual since everybody knows UConn is having a down year--or so they say!

PhillyCoach, you made a very important/key observation here: "I see the major difference from Mo as a frosh is that Crystal has more poise and confidence. Crystal was an international player who ran the floor with Wilson, Coates, and Collier---and did very well. She knows she can fit in". Crystal comes in knowing she can fit in, and play at this level right now. Confidence is a major factor in any player's ability to perform, and do so at a high level. She's a gamer, and a very special talent. That's why so many schools wanted her. They (coaches) saw those traits in her too.

Once she learns the offensive plays (she may already have. She arrived on campus the week after she graduated from HS, so she's had almost 3 months to learn the plays from coaches and other players), and the defensive schemes, she'll be ready to play extended minutes.

We all know Geno's coaching philosophy: "he won't play you if he doesn't/can't trust you". Geno may have tipped his hand. So, are we looking at a starting lineup of Nurse, Samuelson, Williams, Collier & Butler November 1 against IUP ?. It's not unimaginable you know, and we're not going to have to wait much longer to find out.

 

[BroadwayVa]

PhillyCoach, you made a very important/key observation here: "I see the major difference from Mo as a frosh is that Crystal has more poise and confidence. Crystal was an international player who ran the floor with Wilson, Coates, and Collier---and did very well. She knows she can fit in". Crystal comes in knowing she can fit in, and play at this level right now. Confidence is a major factor in any player's ability to perform, and do so at a high level. She's a gamer, and a very special talent. That's why so many schools wanted her. They (coaches) saw those traits in her too.

Once she learns the offensive plays (she may already have. She arrived on campus the week after she graduated from HS, so she's had almost 3 months to learn the plays from coaches and other players), and the defensive schemes, she'll be ready to play extended minutes.

We all know Geno's coaching philosophy: "he won't play you if he doesn't/can't trust you". Geno may have tipped his hand. So, are we looking at a starting lineup of Nurse, Samuelson, Williams, Collier & Butler November 1 against IUP ?. It's not unimaginable you know, and we're not going to have to wait much longer to find out.

I watched a lot of Crystal in USA play, and Collier---that is where i fell in love with their GAME. Neither were shrinking violets or roses.
When the time came for either to take charge--they DID! Both Collier and Crystal are Prime TIME players.. The only thing that will hold Crystal from stating early (actually 2 things) : Defense and practice habits. Geno has a few "PLAYS' the basic play he depends on is :
he expects his players to read the defense and take advantage of a weakness or lapse. That is why he likes Crystal, Gabby, Collier, Bent and of course KIA---they are fundamentally sound players and knows the game. KLS belongs in that group too..

 

[RockyMTblue2]

We all know Geno's coaching philosophy: "he won't play you if he doesn't/can't trust you".

In a different time of year, true. With this young team this is a find out time of year. He'll experiment and take risks.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Hey folks, Geno has already given us the heads-up on who will be the starting point guard--Nurse! Also (IMHO), Butler will join the 4 key players (Nurse, Lou, Gabby, Pheese) in the initial starting line-up. As we all know, that could be the starting line-up for a game or two or for a month or more. Butler looked fitter, faster, more relaxed, and I saw her get off the floor for a rebound or two.
After watching the Friday night game I see a super talented C. Danger, who (IMHO) will start games before the South Carolina game. Danger can shoot the 3 like Mo did as a Junior. Her handle is equal. Her speed/quickness is equal. Her passing is equal to Mo as a soph.
I see the major difference from Mo as a frosh is that Crystal has more poise and confidence. Crystal was an international player who ran the floor with Wilson, Coates, and Collier---and did very well. She knows she can fit in.
I also saw Chong playing more relaxed. ** I know this was a practice game on the third day of the pre-season, but that is what I saw. IMO Chong will be a valuable sub all season for the point or the two guard. With Crystal or Chong in then Butler will be out or subbing for Collier or GAbby.
I will be surprised if UConn is not in the Regional final game (Geno says its the most important and most pressure.) After that, its all up for grabs with the other 7-8 really good teams this year. After the top 8-9 I think the talent falls big time.
Anyway, I think it will be a fun year and Geno is looking forward to it because there is really less pressure than usual since everybody knows UConn is having a down year--or so they say!

Hi Coach--where have you been lurking?? You said it all--GENO has ANNOUNCED his starting 4--- 5 can only go to Butler, who else will fill the hole in the post? Chong was visible by her absence. Gabby and Collier are good re bounders but in the past Gabby lost her effect against 6 ft 4 or larger posts. Gabby is fast and agile and intelligent--she is great at the point of a press.

Your insight is essential (since you agree with me). I've been saying the same thing since Crystal accepted Geno;s offer. I expect she may not start early season unless---she practices hard and plays good defense. Other than that she is a Prime time kid.

I don't like kicking a kid when she's down--Chong WAS a fantastic shooter, we have not seen much of that --a shot here or there --Stanford was never repeated--she does not handled the press well--. With 3 plus years of experience with Geno she should know the system, defense, that is her main asset. Geno did not specifically say--but by not saying Chong was one of the 4 or 5 or6 --it's easy t read she is not 4,5, or 6.\
I too expect Butler to be the 5th starter. Reasons: 1. Her size, she takes up a lot of room 2. Uconn needs her 3. she has had lots of time to learn Geno's Defense and offense. 4. If not Butler--who then?

Keep posting Coach--the season is about to begin--but FIRST speculation must be the game of the day..

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Bent is a hard worker and will give more to the team in practice than in games.

Wow, I think we can declare a winner just 3 days into practice! The award? The "Damn With Faint Praise" award to a frosh who was recruited out of the top twenty. As sure as the swallows in the spring, this comes home to roost on the Boneyard every Fall. Remember last year's victims? How'd that turn out? Not good for last year's Big Micks.

Oh, wait, that was unkind. Let me amend my post:

 

[BroadwayVa]

Wow, I think we can declare a winner just 3 days into practice! The award? The "Damn With Faint Praise" award to a frosh who was recruited out of the top twenty. As sure as the swallows in the spring, this comes home to roost on the Boneyard every Fall. Remember last year's victims? How'd that turn out? Not good for last year's Big Micks.

Oh, wait, that was unkind. Let me amend my post:

View attachment 16213

An apology with humor is a big time apology. FUNNY

 

[Carnac]

In a different time of year, true. With this young team this is a find out time of year. He'll experiment and take risks.

Are you sure? Geno can find out what he has in practice. He can also experiment in the two exhibition games. I can't believe he's going to experiment in the BIG games against Baylor, Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State or Maryland. I hear what you are saying Rocky, but.........Geno take risks? I'll believe it when I see it. There's a time a place for everything. There are teams in the first half of the season he can experiment with: LSU, Dayton, Chattanooga, DePaul, Kansas State and Nebraska. These six schools would more than adequately provide the perfect backdrop he would need for any desired experiments.

 

[Carnac]

Wow, I think we can declare a winner just 3 days into practice! The award? The "Damn With Faint Praise" award to a frosh who was recruited out of the top twenty. As sure as the swallows in the spring, this comes home to roost on the Boneyard every Fall. Remember last year's victims? How'd that turn out? Not good for last year's Big Micks.

Oh, wait, that was unkind. Let me amend my post:

View attachment 16213

I read that post too. Some posts you read, and just move on to the next one. This was one of those posts. EVERY poster here in the yard knows better than that. Let's move on please.

 

[Carnac]

I've yet to see anything about Chong's IT Band situation. Anybody know?

Hey Gus, I haven't seen a post from you in some time. I hope all is well. Good to hear from you.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Are you sure? Geno can find out what he has in practice. He can also experiment in the two exhibition games. I can't believe he's going to experiment in the BIG games against Baylor, Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State or Maryland. I hear what you are saying Rocky, but....Geno take risks? I'll believe it when I see it. There's a time a place for everything. There are teams in the first half of the season he can experiment with: LSU, Dayton, Chattanooga, DePaul, Kansas State and Nebraska. These six schools would more than adequately provide the perfect backdrop he would need for any desired experiments.

Well, thanks for providing the meat of my bones of a postulate. He does have room in the schedule to test by fire the young ones without destroying their confidence. But Geno absolutely cannot find out what he has in practice. Practice, no matter how intense, is still practice and against people who you know and you know their moves and proclivities. It's just different. Your heart doesn't hammer while they sing the national anthem and a little voice whispers in your ear: "This is it. This is prime time. The Husky world is watching... etc, etc." Some play great in practice and fade away in game situations.

 

[Carnac]

Well, thanks for providing the meat of my bones of a postulate. He does have room in the schedule to test by fire the young ones without destroying their confidence. But Geno absolutely cannot find out what he has in practice. Practice, no matter how intense, is still practice and against people who you know and you know their moves and proclivities. It's just different. Your heart doesn't hammer while they sing the national anthem and a little voice whispers in your ear: "This is it. This is prime time. The Husky world is watching... etc, etc." Some play great in practice and fade away in game situations.

I agree with your response in principle. What I meant by "He can find out what he has in practice" was, seeing his new players for the first time against his returning players. Players that he has coached, and knows.
People generally practice like they play and visa versa.

There are exceptions. Rare is the player who can dog it in practice, but turn it on during a game. Also, rare is the coach who will allow a player to do that. It would set a bad precedent. Everyone at practice is trying to impress Geno. From senior Saniya Chong down to former walk-on Tierney Lawlor.

No one is going to "dog it" in any of Geno's practices. I can look at a player in a pickup game for 5 minutes and tell if he or she is a baller or not. It's not hard if you know the game, and know what you're looking at. Great players stand out just like the lousy ones do. A players strengths and weaknesses are exposed in practice. That is what I was talking about. Of course you always want to see them against "fresh meat" (live competition against another program).

 

[Carnac]

I certainly hope Crystal is starting by January. That will mean that she is the real deal. This year's team is extremely young and inexperienced, so it would be good for our youngsters to be playing beyond their years. We have no returning players with first or second team all-conference awards--even though we are playing in the AAC. 2005 was the last time we had no returning All-conference players. That said, Gabby and Kia probably played well enough to earn 2nd team honors if they had more minutes and were not in the shadows of the Big three.

Glenn, I can assure you that Crystal is the real deal. She was a very highly coveted player coming out of high school. UConn got lucky in that she wanted to come to Storrs. No coaxing/prodding. No need to wine & dine.
They offered, she accepted. It was a simple as that. She has a skill set that Geno will find hard to keep on the bench. There's a large contingent of us here in the yard that think Crystal will be starting at the point before the end of January. A lot of reviews and comments were written and posted here on the yard over the summer. Not one suggested that Crystal was not "all that, and a bag of chips". She's good, very good. She will not disappoint. The best thing about her is she loves the game, and wants to be the best PG in the country like her idol Moriah J. was.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Hey Gus, I haven't seen a post from you in some time. I hope all is well. Good to hear from you.

Thanks, Carnac. Been doing a lot of lurking these days. I am well.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I can look at a player in a pickup game for 5 minutes and tell if he or she is a baller or not.

That is a talent, but you are talking black and white and Geno is looking at shades of grey. He has talked pretty clearly about player who seem to "go away" when they miss two shots in a row or think the pass should have been to them. We all know you aren't going to play if you don't bust a gut in practice with Geno. But it goes beyond that. There is no one on that Conn roster who couldn't pass the baller test; no, they have to bring it, among ballers, every day; plus, he's told us, sulk on the bench, not be engaged for your team and team mates, and you'll never play, never. Geno has far higher standards than yeah, she's a baller.