He is obviously giving Nika as many minutes as possible, to make up for her early game injuries. With 10 scholarship players, it is hard to justify taking minutes away from any of them.What a great article. Looks like it was written a bit ago because they talked about her stats thru UCONN's first 8 games, and we've now played 20. Still, it's always great to read something about UCONN players who don't get much press.
I know some feel like she, or Mir, should get more PT when UCONN is up big, but we are almost at the end of the season. The time for "doling out PT" is at an end. Anna most likely is not coming back, and even if she does, I hardly think she will be useful. So we have Williams, ONO, Evina, Aubrey, Paige, Nika and Liya - a core group of 7 - and that's what we will ride thru the end of the year.
Having said that I am still glad that in a blowout like against Creighton, Geno found time for Poff, Mir, and Piath. I do sort of wonder - if he finds time for them, why not find a few minutes for Autumn? Maybe she's too busy on clipboard duty?!!
I read the earlier article on Autumn, so it is great to see this new one. Class valedictorian is a big deal. She is bound for success. It is inconceivable that she will be asked back as a walk-on next year, unless she has an all american, MVP summer for some USA national team. Seriously, I would love her back but how can that happen? No one is going to graduate ( no seniors ) and I see no one leaving early for the WNBA. So she will have a new recruiting class to deal with, which will put her so deep on the bench there won't be any oxygen. If she is invited back, and survives wearing the UCONN colors for four seasons...and gets to be in the bus, at the training table, and on the bench for a NCAA championship ( or two ), then maybe her dream is fulfilled. She just seems charming, resilient and special in a lot of ways. I think it serves UCONN well that they have welcomed her. She will be beloved. Really, she already is.What a great article. Looks like it was written a bit ago because they talked about her stats thru UCONN's first 8 games, and we've now played 20. Still, it's always great to read something about UCONN players who don't get much press.
I know some feel like she, or Mir, should get more PT when UCONN is up big, but we are almost at the end of the season. The time for "doling out PT" is at an end. Anna most likely is not coming back, and even if she does, I hardly think she will be useful. So we have Williams, ONO, Evina, Aubrey, Paige, Nika and Liya - a core group of 7 - and that's what we will ride thru the end of the year.
Having said that I am still glad that in a blowout like against Creighton, Geno found time for Poff, Mir, and Piath. I do sort of wonder - if he finds time for them, why not find a few minutes for Autumn? Maybe she's too busy on clipboard duty?!!
I agree with you on giving Nika minutes. I also feel he knows what he is going into the dance with and he getting the players in-game shape to play big minutes. We have the bigs this year to match up and we have the guards if we play well it could be a fun run.
I am in a quandary. Certainly, coach would invite her back based upon character, work ethic, great teammate, love for UCONN...all of those things. But, as a practical matter, Autumn ..... I know she is good enough to play for several D-1 schools .....will be buried beyond recognition by next year's class, the return of Anna, the emergence of Saylor, etc....unless she becomes so talented that she forces her way onto the team...". Which, of course, would become the sports story of the year. But If the factor of "potential playing time" must be considered, then there is a risk However, Geno can do anything. So, yes, I'm sure she will be invited back. My problem is; it is a bit like having a lifelong passion to climb Everest. But you remain satisfied to hang out at base camp for a few weeks.
I have noticed the disappointed look on Autumn's face when a game is winding down, or is over; and she has not gotten any playing time. Give her 1 minute, or even 30 seconds! Would that little bit take away "Valuable playing time for the players who need it?"What a great article. Looks like it was written a bit ago because they talked about her stats thru UCONN's first 8 games, and we've now played 20. Still, it's always great to read something about UCONN players who don't get much press.
I know some feel like she, or Mir, should get more PT when UCONN is up big, but we are almost at the end of the season. The time for "doling out PT" is at an end. Anna most likely is not coming back, and even if she does, I hardly think she will be useful. So we have Williams, ONO, Evina, Aubrey, Paige, Nika and Liya - a core group of 7 - and that's what we will ride thru the end of the year.
Having said that I am still glad that in a blowout like against Creighton, Geno found time for Poff, Mir, and Piath. I do sort of wonder - if he finds time for them, why not find a few minutes for Autumn? Maybe she's too busy on clipboard duty?!!
My feelings all season. I don't buy the "valuable minutes" in the last 2 minutes or so in a blowout. The other team has conceded and thrown in all their subs. Nobody's learning nothin' other than working up a lather and trying to throw up shots!!
Geno never runs up the score. When a game is decided, the team never presses, slows down and runs half court offense.
I see Autumn as our "Rudy". The little train that could type. I think with her determination she will be a walk on here as long as the position is available. That and I hope she reaches scolly status and is rewarded.
OK, I'll say: "When a game is decided."
She ,obviously ,is a lovely young woman.
In fairness, a good number of teams do NOT put in their subs at the end of the game. It's one reason why 4th Q's usually look so rough on the box score for UCONN games. The other team leaves their starters in against Piath, Mir, Saylor, and then maybe Liya and NIka.
I could not agree more; the speculation that she would not be part of the team is inappropriate IMO. There is no limit to roster size, only scholarships; she should and will be on that roster.
I think she has a roster position as long as she wants it. Geno didn't seek her out, it was all Autumn pushing the issue. I think Geno said OK with no promises regarding scholarship , but expecting that if she was a good practice player, good teammate, and the other players liked her, he might try to get her one after this year. I think she has met that criteria.
