The good news is that Geno will never allow this team to worry about going undefeated or winning another championship......it's one game at a time, always looking to improve as far as their talent can eventually take them......as we witnessed last year, there is such a thing as a good loss and I'd expect another one this season.......frankly I'd prefer loss or two because heading into March/April is tough enough but to go in as an undefeated team adds to the pressure.....
Charlie, I don't get this type of thinking about "an undefeated team adds to the pressure". Are you referring to pressure on YOU as a fan that you may harbor on top of any other worries/concerns/anxieties you may have with the team? If so, then I do get it.
However, surely you are not referring to "undefeated" pressure on the team in general or any specific players in particular? By the time March/April arrives, any "pressure" thoughts/concerns should be flushed out on the reality of "one and done", which Geno and staff have oodles of experience in preparing the team and getting them into the proper focus and mindset. And I am referring to not just the six undefeated seasons, but also the three seasons where the coaching staff/team entered the Final Four undefeated but lost in the semis.
I think it is common for fans to transfer their perceptions of stress and pressure onto players and teams.
For high school, AAU, youth leagues, and even perhaps even many WCBB programs, I think it is reasonable to expect players to think about undefeated seasons (or streaks for that matter) heading into the post-season. But not at UConn, which is one of the (many) reasons this program is so special.
For the past four decades, Geno and CD have been wizards at teaching the players on how to successfully overcome stress and pressure situations.
Ironically, I think much of UConn Nation is often concerned about the opposite side of the street: the dwindling opportunities during the season to address and overcome pressure situations that arise playing in a relatively weak conference, or by having some non-conference opponents drop off the schedule.
I think an undefeated season is a distinct possibility this season barring any additional injuries. Will I be surprised if the Huskies lose during the season to a team that is coming in all fired up and playing out of their minds against the defending champs? Nope.
It wouldn't faze me at all. 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.
