Geno Calls Out Paige for Poor Play

[Gordo]

How much longer do you people feel it's appropriate to beat up our very best player, without which there will be no March!

 

[oldhusky]

Rocky, 6-5 girls are not the norm. The below list of top 100 players shows only two, and only 4 that are 6-4, so where is Geno supposed to find these tall women? He’s brought in projects and as you’ve noted, without success. Geno is also recruiting kids from outside the country. It’s not like he’s not trying but the pickings are slim.

2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100 - ESPN

Get the inside scoop on the top ranked high school girls' basketball players. In-depth player briefings, film and more on ESPNHS.com.

www.espn.com

I find myself somewhat in the middle of this debate. Husky Nan makes a good point about how rare talented 6-5 girls are, and I agree with her that Geno tries to and has recruited bigs. I also agree with some who point out that many of the bigs on her list have not panned out, at least yet with a few on the current roster.

Some of that is because of the rarity. Very few teams can get a 6-5 difference maker. There are a hand-full each year and only the top programs even have a chance at them. If you miss out on some key bigs, not just 6-5 and up, plan B or C might be a big drop-off (Camara, Abedayo, Gabriel etc.). So it is not that Geno didn't try to get the best bigs, he just missed out on some key ones that he thought we had a good chance for like Boston, Collier, and more recently on others where we know we were on the very short list, but it didn't happen.

Then the factor of injuries that has not sparred our bigs, Jana and Ice missing full years and others like Dorka missing a quite a few games and at the worst time in the Elite 8.

Finally a third factor has been when we do get a highly ranked big, they recently have not met expectations for whatever reason. Ayanna, Ice and Amari were 4, 5, and 15, and Jana if she was from the US probably would have been top 10.. That may not be like getting a Boston, or Strong but it is pretty good, but thus far injuries have hampered three and a third has just under-performed, but at this point we have not seen evidence (yet) that any of those will match their HS ranking. Time will tell on some of them.

So from my perspective there were multiple reasons our bigs have come up short (pun intended). We missed on some of the best, there were few top alternatives after that because they are rare, we have been devastated by injuries there as elsewhere, and some of the high recruits we did get have not met those rankings so far, but it wasn't from a lack of trying.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I'd like to call out Geno for the big girl hole in his recruiting for longer than I can remember.

I agree about the lack of a big and it is a real problem. I considered that Auriemma's recruiting failure. Then I remembered that there is a 6'6" player on the bench that has been a total bust and I think he expected much more from her. I also remember a 6'5" player who would have been a senior this year that left the team for pastures that weren't greener. She was also an under achiever.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Read the last three names I posted. I'm talking about the ones he did not get. Jones, Brink, and Wilson, all since 2017. What should he have done differently to get them? That's my point.

Not knowing what he did, it's hard to know what he should have different. Maybe prowl the Swedish and Mediteranean beaches in the off season?

 

[RedStickHusky]

USC Freshman phenon took 25 shots yesterday (made 11 plus FT for 30 points), that’s with a great supporting cast. When you have a stud, you have to ride it hard! Geno is correct!

That supporting cast makes a difference. You cant be the only player they have to defend.

 

[Gordo]

I agree about the lack of a big and it is a real problem. I considered that Auriemma's recruiting failure. Then I remembered that there is a 6'6" player on the bench that has been a total bust and I think he expected much more from her. I also remember a 6'5" player who would have been a senior this year that left the team for pastures that weren't greener. She was also an under achiever.

Recruiting is like a crap shoot. Sometimes you win, most of the time you lose.

No one should believe that Geno hasn't done everything possible to bring to UConn the very best players (regardless of size) ... that he believes will fit his system (meaning that they have a willingness to learn, are not incorrigible, and will be outstanding citizens on & off the court). That being said, not every player who joins the team will be successful here. Some will be better than others, some will just prove to him (the deciding factor) that they haven't what it takes. Who among you believes they know more about coaching college basketball than Geno??? Some will see the writing on the wall and leave. It's always been that way and always will be.

 

[Bill In Georgia]

I'd like to call out Geno for the big girl hole in his recruiting for longer than I can remember.

Goes to show you how important last years "Tall Blonde" was...she glued the team together, her presence brought out the best in the team.... I would say if we had her or if one of the bigs on todasys bench would step up..and say enough is enough and fill her shoes.... and I might say we probably would be undeafeated at this point....

 

[browns]

Goes to show you how important last years "Tall Blonde" was...she glued the team together, her presence brought out the best in the team.... I would say if we had her or if one of the bigs on todasys bench would step up..and say enough is enough and fill her shoes.... and I might say we probably would be undeafeated at this point....

First thing I posted before the season started was where they were going to get the 10 rebounds that Dorka gave them last year

 

[Florida Fan]

Geno said that she dribbled too much and went against 2 to 3 defenders which was not good. My question, those 2/3 defenders came from having to ignore the other players out there with Paige. When 4 starters are below avg. outside shooters, their defenders can fall back to help Paige's defender making it crowded in the lane for her. Having more threat from the 3 point line would open things up for Paige.
Also, Womens college basketball is starting to look more like Rugby, making it hard for player's skills to shine.

The others have to move and call for the ball. If the others don't have confidence in their shot making abilities and are throwing up bricks, what choice does Paige have except dribble to get open?

 

[#12in21]

The reporter asked a question about Paige that I couldn't quite hear. Geno said...

"Paige...<pause>... um... I dunno. Maybe she's still rusty you know - maybe she's just not in game mode because she hasn't played in so long. Ah... I thought she was lousy today. Quite honestly, I thought she was BAD <emphasized the word>. And um... uh... I told her that. You know, Paige isn't good when it takes 7 dribbles to get her shot off. Paige isn't good when she's gotta take on guys 1 against 2... 1 against 3... going in the lane, you know. Forcing things hoping to get to the free throw line. That's not her game. That's not who she is. So, yeah, I'm chalking it up to she's still rusty. But yeah... no.... no she was not good."

Although Geno's criticism were specifically directed at Paige's play (in response to the question asked) it says as much, if not more, about the play of the players around her and what and how the coaching staff is managing/asking/prepping the team play. Paige is by no means a selfish player. She has always been an opportunist that exploits what the opponent gives her, whether it's a shot, a lane or a great pass. In a flowing offense she has always been able get her shot off against one or even double coverage because she can make her own seperation. In an effective Uconn offense we won't see her have another game like Texas.

In the presser, in both, his bit about Aalyah and the freshmen boost in the fourth, he indicated that the two big approach wasn't working and he needed more shooters so we'd see more small ball. If by having the two bigs we had actually gotten a lot more defense rebounds and could have gotten into a lot more of a transition game (as we were able to do in our best runs last season) our flow and spacing would also be much better. That would in turn allow Paige to get a lot more favorable opportunities that she would exploit. Without that happening, the other option, which sounds like the direction Geno is headed, is to try to get into that rhythm by getting more scorers out there to spread out the offense, which again will allow Paige to get a lot more favorable opportunities.

Our shooting percentage wasn't the issue against Texas, we got killed by having so many less attempts. Going small ball, with the floor spread more and some better lanes for cutting and passing we should be able to get better looks and hopefully our guards can get more offensive rebounds for second chance shots and defense rebounds to get out in transition. We'll have potential problems defensively against teams with a couple effective bigs but as Geno said, to date, the benefits of going the two big route have been non-existent. Getting the offense in better spacing and rhythm is key at this point IMO and the defensive intensity we will need will come. I think for Ball State we'll see Paige, Nika, Shade, Q or Aubrey and Aaliyah start the game with an emphasis on spreading the offense with better ball and player movement to get good looks and everybody working to get rebounds for more shot attempts and to run in transition.

 

[MooseJaw]

In the presser after the Texas game, Geno stated that Paige played poorly. The question is was that fair? I believe he did so because he wanted to send a message to her.

Let me preface my comments by saying that Paige is my all-time favorite player. I am not critiquing her play. She has performed admirably after missing last season and the better part of the season prior. Expectations of what she is capable of are high, and maybe it's too much to expect a return to form so soon. I think it is reasonable to state that she hasn't reached her comfort level on the court yet, and the injuries to Azzi & Caroline appear to have had impact on her and the role she needs to assume.

Paige looks like she is carrying so much weight on her shoulders. I haven't seen much joy in her. Of course, playing for UConn and losing 3 times in the first 7 games won't produce a happy camper. I won't speculate how she feels physically, although for a superstar, she is roughed up and not protected by the refs. My concern is I think she is struggling with her role mentally. The dream of playing alongside Azzi was dashed, and now she's expected to pick up her lost production as well as Caroline's. I haven't seen the exuberance yet of her freshman season. Paige prefers to be a distributor, getting everyone involved and choosing to pick her spots to take over, but that has to change.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I felt she was subdued in the game against Minnesota. She started the game yesterday tentatively and didn't really look to be aggressive offensively. For this team to succeed, she has to take close to 20 shots, particularly against the top teams. She has to lead by example and then get her teammates to follow. There are too many first-year players and the only other reliable option is Aaliyah. The freshmen will be good, but it's a lot of pressure to carry, as Paige knows all to well. She can do it and handle it, and that is why Geno called her out yesterday.

I don't care if she shoots 1-20 in a game, as long as she is aggressive. At least 10 of them should be deadly pull-up jumper, which so far is missing in action. I realize Paige seldom takes bad shots, but I can live with some forced ones, if only to draw more attention from the defense, thus opening space for other players, particularly Samuels & Shade when they are in the game.

Paige has always stated she will do what's necessary for the team to win. Well, this year it's necessary that she shoot more. The sooner she embraces her role, the sooner UConn as a team can begin to jell, and the sooner the joy comes back to her game.

OOK, so most coaches know that in order to send a message to the whole team, you take it to the player who can handle it. What good would it be if Geno were to have said the same about Amari? No Paige can shoulder the burden and come back stronger. IMO the freshman not so much. Going off on Paige can unite the players knowing full well that Paige is not the problem with the team. The hope is that the rest of the team improves their play, taking some of the burden off their leader. A smart play by Geno.

 

[donalddoowop]

Tuck was never the same after her injury in high school. She was a total beast in high school but due to injuries became highly over rated and over drafted. Conneticut made a big error drafting her. They had two first rounders and could have drafted their top pick and still kept Chelsea Gray instead of trading her for Jonquel Jones They could have used the pick they used on Tuck for Jones. Who never fully recovered.

She made AA one season and was a star in two of the FF. Tuck was a very good college player.

 

[sun]

OOK, so most coaches know that in order to send a message to the whole team, you take it to the player who can handle it. What good would it be if Geno were to have said the same about Amari? No Paige can shoulder the burden and come back stronger. IMO the freshman not so much. Going off on Paige can unite the players knowing full well that Paige is not the problem with the team. The hope is that the rest of the team improves their play, taking some of the burden off their leader. A smart play by Geno.

I doubt that Paige's fans & followers would agree that it's smart to call out Paige when at least one other player performed much worse.
Paige only had 1 turnover in the game while Aubrey had 4 TO's & didn't score any points in 20 minutes.
Paige had 2 surgeries & at at the beginning of the season she said that she just wanted to be happy to play & contribute.
And now Geno sounds like he wants her to play like Caitlin Clark.
Even Caitlin wouldn't be the player she is today if she sat out 584 days & had 2 kneee surgeries.
Geno should show more compassion for Paige's feelings.
Maybe Geno should have criticized himself.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Goes to show you how important last years "Tall Blonde" was...she glued the team together, her presence brought out the best in the team.... I would say if we had her or if one of the bigs on todasys bench would step up..and say enough is enough and fill her shoes.... and I might say we probably would be undeafeated at this point....

She went to the WNBA and made us all proud. Shocked a fair number of announcers too.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Tuck was never the same after her injury in high school. She was a total beast in high school but due to injuries became highly over rated and over drafted. Conneticut made a big error drafting her. They had two first rounders and could have drafted their top pick and still kept Chelsea Gray instead of trading her for Jonquel Jones They could have used the pick they used on Tuck for Jones. Who never fully recovered.

Tuck has her name on the wall. Kind of hard to call anyone up there overrated, don't you think?

 

[BigKahuna]

Every time I read about UConn’s lack of size or inability to recruit true post players I scratch my head thinking how did they not go
”all in” trying to recruit or draw interest from Kate Koval now that she’s going to Norte Dame. A true post player and an aggressive rebounder.

 

[vtcwbuff]

And out of these ten how many have been major contributors????

Edwards, Juhasz and ONO

 

[fireford]

Tuck has her name on the wall. Kind of hard to call anyone up there overrated, don't you think?

You are correct in that it's hard to question if someone is great if they are up on the wall but overrated is a different argument.

For example, a lot of people I know (mostly under 40) will say "yeah, the Beatles were unquestionably great, but I think they're overrated".

 

[#12in21]

You are correct in that it's hard to question if someone is great if they are up on the wall but overrated is a different argument.

For example, a lot of people I know (mostly under 40) will say "yeah, the Beatles were unquestionably great, but I think they're overrated".

and they would be wrong as well

 

[Gordo]

You are correct in that it's hard to question if someone is great if they are up on the wall but overrated is a different argument.

For example, a lot of people I know (mostly under 40) will say "yeah, the Beatles were unquestionably great, but I think they're overrated".

You can call anyone overrated, so plead your case! Proved she was overrated while a member of the Huskies.

 

[fireford]

You can call anyone overrated, so plead your case! Proved she was overrated while a member of the Huskies.

If that challenge is directed at me, I don't think Tuck was overrated (someone else made that claim). I'm just pointing out that saying someone is overrated doesn't always mean you don't think they were great. Just not as great as others make them out to be and perhaps that's what they meant.

 

[Jds]

Answer the questions. What should he have done? I listed three since 2017.

In recent history plenty of bigs(and other players) with lower ranking have been recruited to other programs and have developed and been better than what Geno has recruited. Geno is generally starting with top players many other coaches are not and are developng their players better. [ ]

 

[browns]

I agree but I really doubt Geno would ever do that..imagine what her teammates would think..especially hearing how well liked she is

 

[TCC Kid]

I'd like to call out Geno for the big girl hole in his recruiting for longer than I can remember.

I totally agree. Paige as I have seen in 2 games is hurt. She is limping or at least respecting one knee. The 10 turn overs by 2 players and the 11 by others--and a TEAM Problem--Edwards cannot compete fully against 6ft 5's or above that are talented. Geno has bigs on his bench--he doesn't play. If they cannot perform to his expectation --whisper in their ears. Brady highly rated then injured has lived up to her rep. Q played, for a frosh, well. KK is the bright light on this team. Muhl--was mugged for 34 minutes--it was physical. Uconn teams historically don't handle physical games well--a particular Fla team--played Uconn better than the talent on the Fla team --by being Physical.
When it was a coaching issue and a team issue--that becomes a coaching issue. CEO's are responsible for the actions of the floor sweeper. The reason I liked old Harry Truman--the Buck stopped with him--he never publicly chewed out a private. (he was a WW1 Capt)

 

[TCC Kid]

In recent history plenty of bigs(and other players) with lower ranking have been recruited to other programs and have developed and been better than what Geno has recruited. Geno is generally starting with top players many other coaches are not and are developng their players better. If Amari is never going to cut it pull her scholarship and recruit another player. Scholarships are year to year.

If you are a talent 6 ft 5in player--would you go to Uconn as a freshman after seeing recent years of Bigs on Uconn? After Megan Walker--I was surprised the recruitment was so good., Dorka did well because she was experienced and played for a good Ohio team.. Freshmen need instructions and some PT (with lessor teams) to develop--if they didn't arrive that way.

 

[TCC Kid]

He recruited Amari. Aaliyah, Ice, Ayanna, and Jana. Plus one other who transfered. Its not his fault they got hurt or didn't live up to their billing.

Did Amari have an ACL? I missed that episode. Edwards is more than she should be--but not 6 ft 5. Ayanna is she still on the "injured list?. Ice was cleared to play--is that cleared with caveats? Jana yes is out for a year. She probably would have sat this year anyway. Tina and Dolson were high degree successful Bigs--both developed on the floor. Dolson's first or second game she took on Griner--experience galore.

 

[Gordo]

If that challenge is directed at me, I don't think Tuck was overrated (someone else made that claim). I'm just pointing out that saying someone is overrated doesn't always mean you don't think they were great. Just not as great as others make them out to be and perhaps that's what they meant.

That hardly makes much sense. Put 100 people in a room and ask them any subjective questions and you will most like get an overwhelming number of different and diverse views.

 

[jonack]

I’m from central Massachusetts, about an hour away from Storrs. I started following UConn women’s’ basketball at the beginning of their dynasty….have not missed a game since…. Early on, I would ask myself why any top recruit would want to come to UConn.. the answer was obvious, THEN….That answer ( imo) does not really apply anymore, and I find myself again asking: Why would any top recruit want to come to UConn? National Championships? Coaching? Academics? Campus ?

 

[Gordo]

I’m from central Massachusetts, about an hour away from Storrs. I started following UConn women’s’ basketball at the beginning of their dynasty….have not missed a game since…. Early on, I would ask myself why any top recruit would want to come to UConn.. the answer was obvious, THEN….That answer ( imo) does not really apply anymore, and I find myself again asking: Why would any top recruit want to come to UConn? National Championships? Coaching? Academics? Campus ?

So what's your opinion? But yes, all those things ... except you forgot Final Fours (almost is also important). However, as I've posted elsewhere here, many schools have closed the gap in many ways. So. Carolina, LSU, UCLA, USC, Stanford, Texas and others all offer top programs and maybe more NIL offers? They are all heavily competing for the top ranked high school players and transfer portals and overseas. The present question IS, does UConn have enough player personnel for a top ranked player to come to Storrs?

 

[Blond D.]

Did Amari have an ACL? I missed that episode. Edwards is more than she should be--but not 6 ft 5. Ayanna is she still on the "injured list?. Ice was cleared to play--is that cleared with caveats? Jana yes is out for a year. She probably would have sat this year anyway. Tina and Dolson were high degree successful Bigs--both developed on the floor. Dolson's first or second game she took on Griner--experience galore.

I didnt mean ALL were hurt or a disappointment. I was just saying that Geno HAS gotten some bigs and thru circumstances beyond his control SOME didnt pan out or are hurt...not ALL but SOME and thats why currently we are short on bigs.