You know us well, Nan.
I do believe many of us truly appreciate having access... our point is that, if they're going to make it accessible, why not do it well (to represent a great program at its best)?
Like Deacon I believe many of us that are critical of the production appreciate having access, but also IMO understand that it is not done by the basketball departments, and it is a low budget scenario.
Understanding all of that, whether it should or not, it is a reflection on the program. I know it's mostly for the players and the fans, but it is also a part of the recruiting pitch, not just for those prospective recruits in attendance like Sarah and Adrianna, but also for many many more potential Uconn stars who may be watching the same thing. Opposing coaches going after the same players could even use it against us. First night productions are part of the competitive process and if we have them we should do it well.
Speaking just for myself, I would gladly give up the ability to view First Night if it helped the program. But I don't think not broadcasting it is the answer. Done right, it is clearly a plus to the program, a pretty significant one, so how do we get there?
I thought this one was actually better than prior versions, but that is like going on a scale of 1-10 from a 1 to 2, or 2 to 3. There is no reason to give the people running this another chance, it is a multi-year failure. It may be to have fun and be mostly for players and fans, but experienced event planner types should run it not some student organization or whoever does it now.
The basketball administrations should not be bystanders, but have major input over the whole production, still emphasizing this is a fun event for students and fans, but we want it done right because it still impacts the Uconn brand. I'm sure there are many logistic challenges I am unaware of, but this needs a major overhaul, not some tweaking around the edges.
I think most of the people here, that are critical of parts of this production, are huge fans that have Uconn's best interests at heart, and worry that it may even have a negative effect on the program if it is not fixed.
