GAMEDAY! Final Thoughts. Game is at 7:00 pm Against FDU at Gampel.

[BBallF]

It should be a love fest tonight with so many returning players, so many memories, and the celebration of excellence and achievement. Above all the victories and 11 rings though, there is the profound and beneficial impact that Geno and CD have had on their players and the lives that have been touched and in many cases forever altered for the better by the experience and the rippling effects will be felt for generations.That is the true legacy of # 1217 which will happen tonight. We are so very fortunate to be able to witness it as devoted fans.

 

[oldude]

While their impact on the 160 or so players they’ve coached stands out above all else, Geno & CD’s impact to UConn, the state of CT and WBB should never be underestimated. To we ordinary human beings, the thought of doing the same job, in the same place, for 40 years, while achieving an unprecedented level of excellence is absolutely incomprehensible.

 

[Bald Husky]

Unlike last year when many alums showed up to honor the championship teams and we got creamed by ND, tonight should, well, will be a cakewalk. I hope the celebration is on YouTube, as all these great players showing up would be good for recruiting.

 

[oldude]

Unlike last year when many alums showed up to honor the championship teams and we got creamed by ND, tonight should, well, will be a cakewalk. I hope the celebration is on YouTube, as all these great players showing up would be good for recruiting.

SNY’s pregame coverage begins at 6:30. I would expect that much of their coverage will include whatever pregame celebration UConn has planned.

 

[Bigboote]

I thought I’d make something Italian in honor of Geno’s historic day. In a reversal of her usual behavior, daughter voted for Bolognese over pizza. She said the occasion “deserves something fancy”.

 

[oldude]

I thought I’d make something Italian in honor of Geno’s historic day. In a reversal of her usual behavior, daughter voted for Bolognese over pizza. She said the occasion “deserves something fancy”.

Speaking from experience, the most common “celebratory” meal for Italians is lasagna. Takes a little more work, but it’s worth it and you get the best leftovers.

 

[Urshurak]

Speaking from experience, the most common “celebratory” meal for Italians is lasagna. Takes a little more work, but it’s worth it and you get the best leftovers.

So, I was born in Long Island, NY. My family, both sides, immigrated from Italy. My family and I are about as Italian as it gets.
.
.
.
.
Don't hate on me..
.
.
.
.
I don't like Italian food......I know.....HOly Smokes.....

I can eat some spaghetti once in a while or even some lasagna, but, not a big deal to me and would always pick something else. My wife says I'm the worst Italian...EVER....

 

[and one]

And easy win a home, Geno and CD breaking a record that may stand for ever, lots and lots of former players on hand - what's not to like.

I sort of wish this game wasn't against FDU. I spent my high school years in Rutherford NJ, at that time home to FDU's original and main campus. I knew several kids that had a parent that worked there, and a fair number of RHS kids went to school there as well. It wasn't hard to get into and was locally refered to as Fairly Ridiculous. In fairness I don't know what the quality of education was but I'm pretty sure kids didn't agonize over whether to choose Cornell or FDU.

 

[Bone Dog]

And easy win a home, Geno and CD breaking a record that may stand for ever, lots and lots of former players on hand - what's not to like.

I sort of wish this game wasn't against FDU. I spent my high school years in Rutherford NJ, at that time home to FDU's original and main campus. I knew several kids that had a parent that worked there, and a fair number of RHS kids went to school there as well. It wasn't hard to get into and was locally refered to as Fairly Ridiculous. In fairness I don't know what the quality of education was but I'm pretty sure kids didn't agonize over whether to choose Cornell or FDU.

I grew up near there and remember the name “fairly ridiculous “ too. In those days, it was little more than a community college. Working there as a night security guard was one of the more popular summer jobs among my high school friends — easy to get, easy to leave. Since then, though, I think it’s become a much more substantial institution with a full range of academic programs.

 

[Boreifs]

FDU is the best team in the Northeast Conference, which is rated by Massey as 33rd out of 33 Division 1 Conferences.

 

[BBallF]

Speaking from experience, the most common “celebratory” meal for Italians is lasagna. Takes a little more work, but it’s worth it and you get the best leftovers.

1000%. Did you know that the Pilgrims ate lasagna with their turkey? Anyway, that's what I was told when I was growing up so it had to be true and that is why I will be having it next Thursday as the "first" Thanksgiving dinner to be followed after a lengthy break with the "second" dinner of turkey and trimmings.

 

[oldude]

So, I was born in Long Island, NY. My family, both sides, immigrated from Italy. My family and I are about as Italian as it gets.
.
.
.
.
Don't hate on me..
.
.
.
.
I don't like Italian food......I know.....HOly Smokes.....

I can eat some spaghetti once in a while or even some lasagna, but, not a big deal to me and would always pick something else. My wife says I'm the worst Italian...EVER....

My condolences to your family….

 

[Bone Dog]

1000%. Did you know that the Pilgrims ate lasagna with their turkey? Anyway, that's what I was told when I was growing up so it had to be true and that is why I will be having it next Thursday as the "first" Thanksgiving dinner to be followed after a lengthy break with the "second" dinner of turkey and trimmings.

Don't forget Second Breakfast and Elevenses.

 

[BBallF]

While their impact on the 160 or so players they’ve coached stands out above all else, Geno & CD’s impact to UConn, the state of CT and WBB should never be underestimated. To we ordinary human beings, the thought of doing the same job, in the same place, for 40 years, while achieving an unprecedented level of excellence is absolutely incomprehensible.

So true. In a"It's a Wonderful Life" scenario, imagine women's college basketball without Geno and CD and the UCONN phenomenon. Where would the sport be, let alone UCONN and the 160 players and Connecticut, the basketball capital of the world?

In a very real sense, the early rivalry of UCONN and Tennesee was to women's college basketball what Russell-Chamberlain, Ali-Frazier, Bird-Magic, Lakers-Celtics, and Yankees- Red Sox are/were to their respective sports. A great nemesis is the best foil for a great program/team or player and it grows the sport exponentially and in the process can be impactful and actually
change the culture.

Don't think for one moment that the historical apogee of women's basketball that we are experiencing right now on both the professional and college level hasn't had and won't in the future have societal implications. You are seeing it already. Geno and CD are a big part of that.

 

[hoopsfan22]

 

[Centerstream]

This is what is currently posted on the UConn Women's Basketball Facebook page.
"GAMEDAY

FDU
Geno & CD Ruby Anniversary Celebration
⏰ 7 PM
SNY
FOX Sports 97-9

Tune into the pregame ceremony stream at 6:30 PM on this page and on uconnplus.tv."

 

[Ozimoto]

Looking forward to it. Somewhere in there a basketball game will be played. I expect the first quarter to be rough until everyone settles down from the pre game festivities.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

What the world of Women's Division I BB has been watching over these 40 years is not just huge in BB terms but in society as well!
To have these two people share the stage for this long and have the success they've achieved will stand the test of time!
We will never see this again!
To effect so many young women for the rest of their lives is unheard of!
Rebecca Lobo said it best in her Hall of Fame induction speech, "Coach, you have completely changed my life! I am standing here totally because of you! Thank you!"
There will be a lot of tissues being used by us Boneyarders tonight!

 

[jdote33]

 

[Kat]

Unlike last year when many alums showed up to honor the championship teams and we got creamed by ND...

"Thank goodness this will be an easy win" is not exactly the UConn attitude. This program accepts all challenges. That loss did not diminish the honor and respect that was given to past teams that day.

 

[oldude]

I can see it now. Azzi subs in during the 1st qtr to a thunderous round of applause at Gampel. On UConn’s next offensive possession, Paige comes flying down the court with the ball, attacking the lane. Azzi spots up on the wing. Her defender tries to double on Paige, who drops a perfect dime in Azzi’s hands…….nothing but net.

 

[CL82]

I like the flow and energy that we have now, but a healthy Azzi is an awesome weapon to have.

 

[OldSchooler]

First things first.

I'm thinking back to a similar classic of my youth. It was February 25, 1961. (That's the year Cincinnati dethroned Ohio State -- with Lucas, Havlicek, Nowell and Siegfried -- in OT in the NCAA final.) Undefeated powerhouse St. Bonaventure, ranked #2 in the nation, and led by All-American Tom Stith who was averaging nearly 30 ppg, was playing its final home game of the season. This was to be the Bonnies' 100th consecutive home victory. The sacrificial lamb was Niagara, the last visitor to win at the creaky old armory in Olean, NY, 13 years earlier. NIT-bound Niagara was a decent team, but they had lost at home by 20 to St. Bonaventure six weeks earlier. On this night, the hoopla did not intimidate the Purple Eagles, who led practically wire-to-wire, winning 87-77. It was quite possibly the biggest upset ever, in men's basketball, until Texas Western shocked Kentucky on a much bigger stage five years later.

Let's not pop the corks until we win this one.

 

[Blue Huskie]

This Hartford Courant article lists all 63 players scheduled to attend. Too bad Svetlana, Swin, Tina and Stewie not on the list and of course those in the coaching ranks like Shea, Carla, Tamika , Nykesha etc... But this will probably still be the biggest gathering of UCONN talent I've seen in one place. Bird, Taurasi, Maya, Napheesa, Rizzotti, Lobo, Bacom are the big names among many others. Also surprised Kara isn't mentioned. Is SNY really going to make her be in the studio tonight? This is the one night they should have had that show at Gampel.

Star-studded UConn women’s basketball alumni roster to attend Geno Auriemma’s 40th anniversary celebration

 

[The deacon]

First things first.

I'm thinking back to a similar classic of my youth. It was February 25, 1961. (That's the year Cincinnati dethroned Ohio State -- with Lucas, Havlicek, Nowell and Siegfried -- in OT in the NCAA final.) Undefeated powerhouse St. Bonaventure, ranked #2 in the nation, and led by All-American Tom Stith who was averaging nearly 30 ppg, was playing its final home game of the season. This was to be the Bonnies' 100th consecutive home victory. The sacrificial lamb was Niagara, the last visitor to win at the creaky old armory in Olean, NY, 13 years earlier. NIT-bound Niagara was a decent team, but they had lost at home by 20 to St. Bonaventure six weeks earlier. On this night, the hoopla did not intimidate the Purple Eagles, who led practically wire-to-wire, winning 87-77. It was quite possibly the biggest upset ever, in men's basketball, until Texas Western shocked Kentucky on a much bigger stage five years later.

Let's not pop the corks until we win this one.

i remember them all, OldSchooler, and respect your point, but FDU beating UConn this evening would easily top all of them as an upset..

By the way, Cincy's win over the Buckeyes was only a slight upset. The Bearcats were outstanding, and nearly went on to a Three-Peat!