Fun V. The Weight Of Expectations

[Bone Dog]

Any games that we have lost, I will not watch the replay if one is available and if I DVRed it and didn't watch live, I normally won't watch it. Except last year I did watch the USC loss that I didn't get to watch live. I only watched it after reading posts in the Postgame thread and it "sounded" like it was an exciting 4th quarter.

I count that one as a "moral" victory, rather like the one we lost to SC three years ago.

 

[PacoSwede]

Charlie, I don't get this type of thinking. ... (jump to final paragraph)

... My love for this program has always been about the journey, not so much the destination: player development, coming together as a team, beautiful offensive and defensive coordination, constant improvement in the pursuit of perfection, and overcoming the challenges of playing in the greatest WCBB program of all-time. National championships, Final Fours, Conference championships, undefeated seasons, streaks, and individual player accolades are all simply by-products.

love this post.

what's in bf suggests to me a problem for the fans:

will geno steal the source of pleasure you relish from the fans? will these many developing players get a chance to provide it? if we don't see them playing, if they're glued to the bench, how do we enjoy their development?

since uconn this season can destroy many foes from nov. through late march -- and i suspect it often will be the case -- i hope the newbies and recovering players will have ample time to entertain us. the entire roster of 15 would intrigue me in their appearances. hell, i would love gandy to show us where she starts her journey and watch her progress, not to mention allie, blanca and the rest. with this season's schedule and the starters (whoever they be) including multiple star players it shouldn't be tough to get everyone good minutes and still win.

maybe geno won't comply. he wants players to "earn" court exposure and to reinforce the chemistry and cohesiveness of a core group. he's also aware that failure to excel, especially in front of the huge uconn fanbase, could set back some players. and their improvement seems to be the prime directive, after all

that seems to make sense in creating the most unbeatable team possible.

would fans rather have the enjoyment of watching all players perform, though? if storrs is the broadway of wcbb, as geno has postulated, will he produce an epic hit musical or a sleep-inducing drama?

geno maybe should go for the hit this season -- try to excite the audience, which has many boring games to endure upcoming (BYers will watch anyway). he might not fashion a juggernaut, but does he need one? he's already won 12 NC, and it looks good for #13. in the past, he's proved he can lose some games and still sweep april. perfection is not the goal.

 

[FanSince17]

love this post.

what's in bf suggests to me a problem for the fans:

will geno steal the source of pleasure you relish from the fans? will these many developing players get a chance to provide it? if we don't see them playing, if they're glued to the bench, how do we enjoy their development?

since uconn this season can destroy many foes from nov. through late march -- and i suspect it often will be the case -- i hope the newbies and recovering players will have ample time to entertain us. the entire roster of 15 would intrigue me in their appearances. hell, i would love gandy to show us where she starts her journey and watch her progress, not to mention allie, blanca and the rest. with this season's schedule and the starters (whoever they be) including multiple star players it shouldn't be tough to get everyone good minutes and still win.

maybe geno won't comply. he wants players to "earn" court exposure and to reinforce the chemistry and cohesiveness of a core group. he's also aware that failure to excel, especially in front of the huge uconn fanbase, could set back some players. and their improvement seems to be the prime directive, after all

that seems to make sense in creating the most unbeatable team possible.

would fans rather have the enjoyment of watching all players perform, though? if storrs is the broadway of wcbb, as geno has postulated, will he produce an epic hit musical or a sleep-inducing drama?

geno maybe should go for the hit this season -- try to excite the audience, which has many boring games to endure upcoming (BYers will watch anyway). he might not fashion a juggernaut, but does he need one? he's already won 12 NC, and it looks good for #13. in the past, he's proved he can lose some games and still sweep april. perfection is not the goal.

I think the "earning" idea is overblown in general. It means to me just being good, taking smart chances, having an impact, getter better, learning. I see it as a pecking order. I would argue, that's how life is if you're going to succeed at a good organization. (if you're not Sarah) Since I've been following, I don't think he messes it up too much. Kids development in different ways and at different rates. Too bad it's so rushed- 4 years.
You're right, we like to see everyone play. I don't think it's possible and be the best team you can be. Is it worth it? What a thrill to be a part of the level of last year's team (and 2024 IMO). Life changing. It's about priorities

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Rocky, you are a long time Boneyard contributor and a keen b-ball analyst. Now you say you have butterflies because of the chance that UConn might have a loss or two? Really? You have got to be pulling a fast one here but to help you in times of worry have you tried deep breathing? 😄 Come on, snap out of it, Rocky. You're a professional fan and observer. You need to set the example for all of us. Just sit back, analyze and enjoy the ride. It should be pretty darn good. Now breathe deeply and relax.

Shucks, couldn't fool you @WiseWillie . I do feel a change of expectation, which brings the occasional tension of the chase. I was trying to gage some sentiment engendered by the bullish expectations of the sports' media.

 

[Dogdude]

For those who experience a high degree of stress watching actual games, I recommend watching the game cast feed on ESPN. Little colored dots magically appear from time to time without any warning. It's fun and exciting and they allow it on the ward floor I'm kept in...uh oh, gotta go...

 

[oldude]

I have mentioned this before. I inherited my love of UConn WBB from my mother, part of a legion of older Italian-American women in CT, who absolutely adored Geno and the Huskies. Mom never missed a UConn game, curling up in her chair in front of the tv. She wouldn’t even answer the phone if it rang during a game because she was “locked in.”

Mom was always nervous during a game unless and until UConn got up by 20+ points, at which point she would enjoy the game. I never really understood that until mom passed away in 2012 and I started watching “mom’s team” with decidedly more interest and emotion. That season, the first of 4 straight national championships, I was an emotional wreck. To this day, much the same as mom, I need that 20 pt cushion to relax.

As many BY’ers know, a few seasons ago I started writing up postgame comments which I submit in a thread almost immediately after the end of the game. In order to do that I write up and edit comments throughout the game. I have found that putting together postgame comments during the game does relieve some of the stress of a competitive UConn game by creating a useful distraction.