Choosing UConn.

[Tonyc]

The Big O is special. When I hear opposing coaches knocking Geno and UConn in their pursuit of The Big O I have to laugh. Geno's development of players like Kara Rebecca Tina Kiah Stewie Steph Dorka and now incoming Serah only shows that these great players want to be developed, made better, want to win and are willing to make the commitment to do that while playing for the most decorated coach in WCBB. Genos goals of winning national championships is second to none. He is a legend that other coaches seek advice and try to duplicate what he does. To do that takes time. To do that takes drive motivation and a winning attitude. Having a chance to play for the best with the best and to become the player that is recognized is a privilege that many dream. While you look at UConns roster and their accomplishments there are only comparisons and wishes. To do what Geno has done at UConn and to be able to maintain and exceed it for over 25 years, well there is no comparison. Those who choose UConn will be looked up to and those who dont will be looking up at UConn.

 

[Centerstream]

I'm kinda slow so, who, or what, is the Big O?

 

[PacoSwede]

great closing line tony

but please clue me in -- who are the opposing coaches making weird claims? i'm not in the know and it would good to get the scoop.

 

[Charliebball]

I'm sure some competing coaches are telling players from the 2026 recruiting class and later that Geno is going to retire soon........I have a feeling he's not going anywhere if he gets the Big "O"......

 

[Bald Husky]

I wonder if we will hear from the Big O before we hear about Kayleigh Heckel? Lol

 

[Bone Dog]

Aaliyah is probably the greatest example of a big who developed her immense physical talents to become what Geno calls "a basketball player." And she's still developing on this trajectory even now.

 

[BBallF]

I'm kinda slow so, who, or what, is the Big O?

Olivia Vucosa, 6' 5" center at Christ the King and soon to be a rising senior. If ever there was a kid in high school that you say "She's a UCONN player", this is the kid.

 

[BBallF]

Aaliyah is probably the greatest example of a big who developed her immense physical talents to become what Geno calls "a basketball player." And she's still developing on this trajectory even now.

So imagine Sarah as a senior. Then smile.

 

[CTyankee]

Olivia Vucosa, 6' 5" center at Christ the King and soon to be a rising senior. If ever there was a kid in high school that you say "She's a UCONN player", this is the kid.

If I remember properly, we have some history with Christ The King players... Sue Bird, Tina Charles...

 

[BBallF]

If I remember properly, we have some history with Christ The King players... Sue Bird, Tina Charles...

Who?

 

[DaddyChoc]

Aaliyah is probably the greatest example of a big who developed her immense physical talents to become what Geno calls "a basketball player." And she's still developing on this trajectory even now.

Tina as well… he rode her hard

 

[DaddyChoc]

If I remember properly, we have some history with Christ The King players... Sue Bird, Tina Charles...

Lorin Dixon

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I sincerely hope she doesn't call herself Big O. It is easy to confuse with Big 0.

 

[Cuango]

I sincerely hope she doesn't call herself Big O. It is easy to confuse with Big 0.

Uh oh!

 

[Next 12]

I have posted several times that Olivia is a perfect fit for Uconn. With Geno and Chris to coach her, she'll be an AA player and would come aboard when JANA is a senior and could learn from her also. I am 100% against the saying Uconn gets all the best players. In reality Uconn DEVELOPS THE BEST PLAYERS!! Everyone talks about Uconn having a BIG, when Qlivia come on board we will have 3 BIGS. With that i have a thought, GENO once said he wanted to win a NC. Then he added you want to win another and added then you want to win a third. With Olivia and the future roster Geno might sign another 5 year contract and want more. He's healthy enough... GO HUSKIES!!!!!

 

[Zonepress]

I'm sure some competing coaches are telling players from the 2026 recruiting class and later that Geno is going to retire soon........I have a feeling he's not going anywhere if he gets the Big "O"......

let’s be honest, it doesn’t take an opposing coach to tell a player that GA is 71 and i’m sure
for some of the 2026 class it’s a consideration

 

[Steelerone]

I have posted several times that Olivia is a perfect fit for Uconn. With Geno and Chris to coach her, she'll be an AA player and would come aboard when JANA is a senior and could learn from her also. I am 100% against the saying Uconn gets all the best players. In reality Uconn DEVELOPS THE BEST PLAYERS!! Everyone talks about Uconn having a BIG, when Qlivia come on board we will have 3 BIGS. With that i have a thought, GENO once said he wanted to win a NC. Then he added you want to win another and added then you want to win a third. With Olivia and the future roster Geno might sign another 5 year contract and want more. He's healthy enough... GO HUSKIES!!!!!

Thank you for using the term "developing". This is the crux of Uconn coaching from day one. It is also one of the prime reasons that coaches from both major and minor schools come to Uconn to study his methods.

 

[Steelerone]

While I agree she would be a perfect fit for Uconn we have to remember that she is 17 years old and is being besieged with offers that probably include a large influx of cash. Hopefully she will look at the long-term positives of playing at Uconn.

 

[Cuango]

There is little doubt that Geno’s age is being used against him on the recruiting trail. I’m sure they are warning these recruits that either by choice or otherwise, he might not be around to coach them for the full four years. However, I would think given the quality of players (both in talent, character, and intelligence) that he recruits, most are aware that this is not nearly as big a deal as it used to be, given the existence of NIL and the portal. A player could come here, soak up his coaching, perhaps win a championship or two and then (assuming they did not want to play for his replacement) transfer to another great school with no penalty. I believe if I were a top recruit who was interested in playing for Geno, I would take two years with him + a transfer over going to my second choice merely because I was afraid he might not last the full four. I’m just not convinced that the age/retirement threat is going to work very well, especially with him just winning #12 (in dominant fashion) and having such an obviously loaded roster.

 

[BobbyJ]

I'm sure some competing coaches are telling players from the 2026 recruiting class and later that Geno is going to retire soon........I have a feeling he's not going anywhere if he gets the Big "O"......

I agree. I don’t think he’s done anytime before the end of the 2029 season. I doubt that he signed for 5 years if he only planned to stay a couple. He’s commented previously about how he realizes how many people in his program rely on him for their jobs and he’s sensitive to that responsibility.

 

[Charliebball]

I agree. I don’t think he’s done anytime before the end of the 2029 season. I doubt that he signed for 5 years if he only planned to stay a couple. He’s commented previously about how he realizes how many people in his program rely on him for their jobs and he’s sensitive to that responsibility.

If he wins another championship he might be tempted but I think he still really enjoys the work, especially dealing with his players regardless of what he tells the press.....

 

[tchalla1]

I'm kinda slow so, who, or what, is the Big O?

Olivia Vukosa, a top 2026 high school recruit from Christ the King HS in NY...

 

[Tonyc]

When you luv what you do and have fun doing it it’s not work.

 

[MooseJaw]

let’s be honest, it doesn’t take an opposing coach to tell a player that GA is 71 and i’m sure
for some of the 2026 class it’s a consideration

OK you want honesty, for at least 10 years opposing recruiters have been telling recruits that Geno is too old and ready to retire. I guess that players like Paige, Azzi, Ash, KK and Sarah looked at what Geno and crew would mean for their game, said "hog wash" or whatever young kids say today. What Gramps can teach them, how UCONN elevates their status and pumps out Nattys. For our players and others who want UCONN but don't get that call, Husky Nation, with Gramps is still better than all the rest.

 

[YKCornelius]

let’s be honest, it doesn’t take an opposing coach to tell a player that GA is 71 and i’m sure
for some of the 2026 class it’s a consideration

Zonepress, your statement implies that Geno being 71 years old has negative connotations to some HS seniors. Maybe negative considerations for some, but not for anyone that matters.

The ones that matter are being advised by HS coaches, AAU coaches, maybe other players (past and present), and probably to some degree knowledgeable family members of the totality of going to UConn. It's the program, the culture, the environment, the history, the development of players, etc., - not just Geno and CD. Everything about the program is elite.

The Big O - and any other quality international or HS player - should look at the technology behind the program. Performance based analytics tracking player development from freshman year through senior year with decades of data to point to. What other WBB program is able to do that? Maybe Stanford or a couple of the Ivies?

The incredible nature of the elite UConn WBB program is largely due to Geno's and CD's longevity. With the passing of every birthday, their experience and wisdom grows. To the degree that Geno is able to pass his coaching wisdom on to assistants and former players - and all indications are that he is doing so - this program is set up to be elite for decades.

Those in Big O's orbit should come to Storrs, sit down with the staff and check it out.