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- Dec 15, 2017
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I think you're comments have some validity in that's how most or many managers like to develop their players, staff and trainees.This freshman class has underwhelmed because of the "lessons" Geno tries to teach. He is making a mistake with how he uses his top recruits. Sure, winning by 30+ ppg is nice, but seeing the development of the players that will carry the torch for your program is more important. We will see more transfers in large bunches if Geno does not relax with this approach. Quite frankly it's obnoxious.
Breaking down your players for your own benefit is dangerous to the long term future of the program. The fans came to see the teamwork, camraderie, and effortless flow. They did not go to watch Geno. Or better yet hear about their deficiencies. Teach them and let them play, who cares if they fail. But let them play basketball and show their natural skillsets over National TV.
Play your Freshman, Geno.
Geno has a very different style and approach then most. He teaches, plays and reinforces excellence.
He is not breaking down anyone for his own benefit. Go watch Rebecca Lobo's acceptance speech especially the very end and you will hopefully see how this high expectations / tough love approach has worked. Yes it surely does cause some, maybe even many recruits to become less confident or more jittery in trying to meet his expectations. The ones that stay and those that excel or at least do well, learn to take it in and use it to make them not just better players but people. Again it's surely not for everyone. Megan at times seems to get it and others regresses. I'm sure it is very difficult for someone who has been a star player (most of their recruits are) to be harped on over and over again or to be sat when they don't perform. Here's how I see a few of the other current players in this regard. Kyla clearly gets it. Her play yesterday was quite good and she's not the most athletically gifted player. She plays with confidence and contributes to team play. Molly who seems to be one of the hardest workers can't seem to balance playing all out and yet being in control of herself. CD who was a top few recruits out of HS really struggled last year. Seemingly over the summer she figured out what she needed to do and was expected of her and now "watch out". KLS was the top rated recruit out of HS and a great shooter. Now she does almost everything above average, when Geno used to joke "has she ever gotten an offensive rebound."
Each and every player and human being respond differently and at their own pace. Most good managers adapt their style and approach to each persons strengths and weaknesses. Not Geno! He has the same expectations for everyone. You play defense and team ball or you sit and watch until you do.
Also your comments about losing recruits doesn't match up with the realities. Thirty years in and looking at the next two to three years out recruits many of the top ones who fit the U Conn style are almost all considering coming and a few each year will commit here. Again we will lose some recruits and occasionally one will transfer out but the sum is way greater than the parts. Also, when you look at the ongoing relationships, respect and those who continually return here for special events be it national championship games or the 100th win, obviously most of his current and former players love him or surely respect and follow his lead.
To end, I just saw a recent presser where he commented on a recent game where Molly hit a three pointer to make it 100 that game and he said why, what do we need that for. The players were all up and cheering her on. His message was you behave and treat your opponents with respect is more important than the basket or what it does for Molly's confidence.
I've studied management and how one excels at this for about 50 years, and Geno is pretty unique and so are their results.
Bronx23