Geno and the kid

[gold2323]

After Saturday I believe Paige will start. Geno loves and understands the intricacies of dealing with Paige. He has dealt with all personalities in his coaching stint. But “The Kid” is so special.

 

[Mdoggie]

Do not be delusional there is only one Paige….an acclaimed POY in all the many awards given as a Freshman…..the team cannot win a Chip without her….that is a obvious to anyone that understands the game of basketball. She wants her minutes she deserves her minutes nothing wrong with that. She is so unselfish that Geno had to prod her to shoot. If she was selfish she could be a gunner like Kaetlin Clark and average as much or more than her.
Paige is a winner in all the sense of the word.

Kaetlin? Is that Caitlin’s cousin?

 

[Mdoggie]

@gold2323 are you attempting to school avid and knowledgeable UConn fans? Come on man!!!

 

[GoUconn7961]

IDK, couple $$million a year, 11 NCs, coach basketball for a living, wine collection to die for, good coaching friends who take you to great restaurants all over the country. I could put up with a couple "who's starting" headaches for that.

LOL - you got me there! If I had his money (me; not him) I'd be long gone.

 

[browns]

Do not be delusional there is only one Paige….an acclaimed POY in all the many awards given as a Freshman…..the team cannot win a Chip without her….that is a obvious to anyone that understands the game of basketball. She wants her minutes she deserves her minutes nothing wrong with that. She is so unselfish that Geno had to prod her to shoot. If she was selfish she could be a gunner like Kaetlin Clark and average as much or more than her.
Paige is a winner in all the sense of the word.

So Caitlin Clarke is a gunner when she lead the nation in assists?

 

[browns]

Kaetlin? Is that Caitlin’s cousin?

Good answer

 

[npignatjr]

So Caitlin Clarke is a gunner when she lead the nation in assists?

Sometimes, before the offense is even getting set up she will launch a 3 from very long range. Also many unforced turnovers to go with assists.

 

[EricSD]

What UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma said about NCAA bracket, Paige Bueckers

UConn coach Geno Auriemam talked about the upcoming NCAA Tournament and his team’s...

www.ctinsider.com

Loved this quote by Geno:

“So here we are going to Bridgeport and you’re gonna hear the uproar next week, ‘It’s not fair. NC State’s gotta come up here and they’re gonna have to play Connecticut, maybe, on Connecticut’s home court, blah, blah, blah blah what a terrible thing that is.’ Well, you know, that’s life. And first we have to get there and if we do get there we still have to play great and you still have to win.”

Another great quote - he is incredibly gracious even in defeat:

On loss to Villanova: “Whenever teams beat us that’s their national championship game. So that’s going to be their highlight for life. … That’s kind of who we are. We’ve become Alabama football, Kentucky basketball, it’s just we’re the standard that everybody goes by and if you can beat Connecticut then you’ve won the national championship so to speak. ... I texted her (Villanova coach Denise Dillon) when she was her way home on the bus from our place, I said, ‘Man, that was unbelievable. You guys just kicked our butts and I’m really proud of you because you’re doing a hell of a job with that team.’ Sometimes you just gotta give the other team credit. They played great.”

 

[gold2323]

@gold2323 are you attempting to school avid and knowledgeable UConn fans? Come on man!!!

I am not trying to school anyone
Like everyone here I have an opinion
With lots of bona fides that I prefer not to mention….G-d Bless

 

[Mdoggie]

I am not trying to school anyone
Like everyone here I have an opinion
With lots of bona fides that I prefer not to mention….G-d Bless

Yeah but you write stuff like no one else knows. Example: and understands the intricacies of dealing with Paige. He has dealt with all personalities in his coaching stint. But “The Kid” is so special.

 

[gold2323]

I write stuff from my perspective just like you do….I have no issues with your opinion or the opinion of others ….whether I am right or wrong we will soon find out….I merely wrote a post quoting Geno….
My interest is for UCONN to win….just like most everybody here….

 

[Blond D.]

Nika needs to start. That sets the tone for the others to play kick butt, in-your-face, all out defense. She might not be a scorer but we dont need her to score all that much. She sets the defensive tone and THATS her job.

 

[Mdoggie]

I write stuff from my perspective just like you do….I have no issues with your opinion or the opinion of others ….whether I am right or wrong we will soon find out….I merely wrote a post quoting Geno….
My interest is for UCONN to win….just like most everybody here….

Fair enough

 

[Los24]

I thought this comment by Geno was interesting.

« People ask me, ‘How’s Paige’s knee?’ I really don’t care. I’m not worried about Paige’s knee because if Paige’s knee is 100 percent and her mind is 50 percent, we’re not going to win anyway,” he said. “At this time of the year, every single player in the NCAA Tournament, something hurts. You don’t play five months and feel like you’re 100 percent. To me, what’s most important thing at this time of the year is where’s your head at? Where’s your mind at? Are you mentally at the right place to play your best basketball? »

First, Paige must be healed enough that Geno isn’t worried. And second, he doesn’t see UConn winning the NC without Paige and without her mind back to normal. Geno has said for some time that Paige would be back in the starting lineup when she’s ready.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Paige play more minutes. I assume Azzi, CW, and Liv will also start. And the fifth will be AE?

As for Nika, I would like to see her start, but it’s Geno’s decision to make.

I can see the starting line up change a little depending on the opponent once we get past the first couple rounds. I for one recognize our recent run is not against Baylor, NC St, SC, etc... so am not assuming everyone is going to be playing so well when we go against elite teams with better athletes. To win it all he knows a full on Paige with others that play with no fear when things get much harder than winning by 30 points a game is necessary for the chip.

 

[jdote33]

I think bringing Paige off the bench is a win win for so many reasons. It allows Azzi and CW to be the focal points of the offense out of the gates, which is really good for both of them. Azzi is forced to be aggressive early, and CW is forced to lead as well. It allows Nika to set a defensive tone to start the game. It also puts less pressure on Paige, as she is still coming off of injury. She can sub in and replace anyone who maybe didn't get off to the best start. Lastly, I think it puts the ball in Evina's hands a bit more when they come in together. I'd imagine if Nika returns to the bench with Evina, it would mean that Evina would play less point.

It's not like starting Paige is a bad option by any means. And judging on what Geno said in the last presser, I think it's the option he will probably go with.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Is it possible that there could be a Nika/Paige problem coming? We all love them both and don't want to see any hiccups when it comes to playing time.

Last year, when they were both on the floor together, Paige played better and the team played better. With Azzi around, the chances of all three of them (or any three of Paige, Azzi, Nika, Caroline) on the floor together while Christyn is in the game are not very high.

Problem between the self-described twins? Nope, not a chance.

 

[southofnorth]

Just read this yesterday…I love how Geno expresses his feelings about Nika and the subtle mention of the kid ready to be in starting lineup.
And a reference to someone that criticized me about my reference to Alabama and UCONN….Geno mentioned it after I referenced in one of my replies. I rest my case.View attachment 74477

There are other great coaches out there, but Geno is UNMATCHED when it comes to his ability to be both endearing and sarcastic in the same breath!

 

[gold2323]

THE KID

 

[Skeets]

Start Nika, Azzi and CW. At some point in the first quarter sub in Paige, Evina and Caroline. What other team on the planet Earth can do something like that???

 

[CB360]

Start Nika, Azzi and CW. At some point in the first quarter sub in Paige, Evina and Caroline. What other team on the planet Earth can do something like that???

That pretty much what he's been doing. AND yes, you are 100% correct , no other team can do something like that!!!

 

[ballerfan]

Start Nika, Azzi and CW. At some point in the first quarter sub in Paige, Evina and Caroline. What other team on the planet Earth can do something like that???

I understand why you’re saying this, and I think you have a point. UConn now has incredible depth.

Geno, however, has been saying for a while that Paige will start when she is ready. He has also said repeatedly that she’s the best player on the team, and he recently said that UConn cannot win the NC without her (someone here claims to know otherwise, that Geno doesn’t really mean it, but I’m skeptical this person has special access to Geno’s brain).

Anyway, despite the wish of some on this board and for better or for worse, Paige is likely to start soon. May we all wish that whatever Geno decides will help move UConn toward a NC.

 

[SJF]

Nika needs to penetrate more. She tends to pass up obvious opportunities to attack the rim which will cause the D to collapse and free up shooters.

 

[Mdoggie]

Nika needs to penetrate more. She tends to pass up obvious opportunities to attack the rim which will cause the D to collapse and free up shooters.

Remember when posting alway replace the word “need” or “needs” with “I want” then insert name of player.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

I understand why you’re saying this, and I think you have a point. UConn now has incredible depth.

Geno, however, has been saying for a while that Paige will start when she is ready. He has also said repeatedly that she’s the best player on the team, and he recently said that UConn cannot win the NC without her (someone here claims to know otherwise, that Geno doesn’t really mean it, but I’m skeptical this person has special access to Geno’s brain).

Anyway, despite the wish of some on this board and for better or for worse, Paige is likely to start soon. May we all wish that whatever Geno decides will help move UConn toward a NC.

I have learned a long time ago never to take what Geno says literally. Usually, there are multiple meanings addressed to different targets. But one thing is true: if Paige is physical and mentally in shape, he will increase her minutes. Whether that means starting or simply leave her in longer is yet to be determined. It is highly unlikely that he will leave her in for 40 minutes all the time now.....

I would wager that he has spent a lot of time on having Paige and Azzi on court together during this break, likely Caroline as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the Paige-Azzi combination has spent a lot of practice time with the three different post combinations of ONO, Aaliyah and Dorka.

It will be a game of situational matchups at crucial moments down the line, he wants to be ready.

The thing that has impressed me most about Geno's behaviour during this late season run is how quiet he has been. He substitutes and then watches calmly, letting them play - only the facial expressions tell his reactions but his voice is seldom heard. I believe he knows what he has and he believes they haven't peaked yet.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I have learned a long time ago never to take what Geno says literally. Usually, there are multiple meanings addressed to different targets. But one thing is true: if Paige is physical and mentally in shape, he will increase her minutes. Whether that means starting or simply leave her in longer is yet to be determined. It is highly unlikely that he will leave her in for 40 minutes all the time now.....

I would wager that he has spent a lot of time on having Paige and Azzi on court together during this break, likely Caroline as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the Paige-Azzi combination has spent a lot of practice time with the three different post combinations of ONO, Aaliyah and Dorka.

It will be a game of situational matchups at crucial moments down the line, he wants to be ready.

The thing that has impressed me most about Geno's behaviour during this late season run is how quiet he has been. He substitutes and then watches calmly, letting them play - only the facial expressions tell his reactions but his voice is seldom heard. I believe he knows what he has and he believes they haven't peaked yet.

Enjoyed your post. I, too, take this as a good sign.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Enjoyed your post. I, too, take this as a good sign.

In the times I remember he behaved like this, the endings were really, really good - whether they won the NC or not. Let's hope this one ends the drought.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I think Paige starts the first game, ergo Geno's comment now. She doesn't have to play even 20 minutes in the 1st game probably but he needs to get her mindset optimal and why not start now?

90% of basketball analysts would say Paige needs more PT than Nika. It shouldn't even be in discussion. For the "Nika must start to set the tone" people, do we really need that at this level? With everything these players have been through just to get to Uconn and then what they have experienced since just to get in the lineup, do we really need someone to set the tone? I'd rather put the best players on the floor for the maximum amount of minutes please.

You don't hit your # 4 batter 8th. You just don't.

 

[PacoSwede]

I think Paige starts the first game, ergo Geno's comment now. She doesn't have to play even 20 minutes in the 1st game probably but he needs to get her mindset optimal and why not start now?

90% of basketball analysts would say Paige needs more PT than Nika. It shouldn't even be in discussion. For the "Nika must start to set the tone" people, do we really need that at this level? With everything these players have been through just to get to Uconn and then what they have experienced since just to get in the lineup, do we really need someone to set the tone? I'd rather put the best players on the floor for the maximum amount of minutes please.

You don't hit your # 4 batter 8th. You just don't.



You don't hit your # 4 batter 8th. You just don't.

WHY do you insist on making this a paige OR nika situation? geez.

it's a mystery to me.

BTW, if the team doesn't need nika to 'set the tone' (also for her defense, ya know), how is it that the team seems to play better when she's on the floor? ... i'm fine with paige starting when she's ready. think she should and look forward to it. AND that can happen without without eschewing nika's vital contributions. there's no reason to; nika doesn't have to vanish in order for paige to do her thing. paige and nika complement each other, they don't cancel each other.