Geno Calls Out Paige for Poor Play

[Steelerone]

Ok, I’ll play.

2018-19 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Batouley Camara (JUCO transfer)
2019-20 Olivia, Batouley, Evelyn Adebayo (grad student)
2020-21 Olivia, Aaliyah Edwards, Piath Gabriel
2021-22 Olivia, Aaliyah, Piath, Dorka, Amari
2022-23 Aaliyah, Dorka, Amari, Ayanna, Ice
2023-24 Aaliyah, Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana
2024-25 Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana, ?
2025-26 Ayanna, Ice, Jana, Gandy, ?

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

 

[BRS24]

About two weeks ago, Geno mentioned Paige had some planter fasciitis. Have had this when playing competitive sports and its tough to get over it when you spend every day running, jumping, etc. Even if its mostly over, you still often have a constant ache. Paige is normally a smile first, high energy player. No specific knowledge - just wondering.

Thought I heard him say patellar tendonitis, where if they harvested the new ligament from that tendon, there's a possibility of tendonitis, as the middle 3rd is removed. Tendonitis is also a possible byproduct after any knee procedure, as when they touch any part of the joint, it changes it. Knees are funny like that. Return to activity after a long layover? Tendonitis. After two YKW surgeries, I have it in one knee but not the other, and that one is where I was more active a bit quicker due to advancements in the surgery and rehab. Go figure.

 

[HuskyNan]

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

The statement was that Geno hasn’t been recruiting bigs. Some have suggested Geno bring in whoever just because she’s tall but when he tries that, it has panned out. But to my point, Geno has indeed recruited big girls.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Ok, I’ll play.

2018-19 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Batouley Camara (JUCO transfer)
2019-20 Olivia, Batouley, Evelyn Adebayo (grad student)
2020-21 Olivia, Aaliyah Edwards, Piath Gabriel
2021-22 Olivia, Aaliyah, Piath, Dorka, Amari
2022-23 Aaliyah, Dorka, Amari, Ayanna, Ice
2023-24 Aaliyah, Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana
2024-25 Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana, ?
2025-26 Ayanna, Ice, Jana, Gandy, ?

You and I have different definitions of true bigs I guess Nan. Amari would qualify if she was an actual player. Batouly a wonderful soul averaged .8 point and .3 rebounds as a senior transfer and she was brought in as a hope and a prayer. Same thing Adebayo. Piath a PROJECT that didn't work out. Aaliyah is doing the Conn thing of playing out of position because of need. ONO didn't want to be inside, relenting in her senior year. Ayanna, you're kidding. Ice maybe. Jana will be and she was a good get.

Dorka a genuine center and a blessing.

Really Nan, your list is a testament to the almost shambles of our bigs program over these years. Pains me to say it.

My first post was a little flip jab at Geno yelling at Paige. But he's not perfect and this center thing has been there for quite a while.

 

[willie99]

Has any UConn great ever said Geno was easy on them?

C'mon man, that's Geno being Geno

Push those buttons my man

 

[UConnCat]

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."

Thanks Eric. I did not watch the game but only followed online and checked the stats. The stats, including Paige taking exactly 1 shot in the 2nd quarter, tell me Paige didn’t play well. I'll try to watch the game over the next couple of days.

I’m sure Geno is not putting the loss on Paige not playing well — very poor rebounding and turnovers were huge — but seems like his assessment of her play isn't wrong. He was asked a question about how Paige played and he answered truthfully, as he always does.

Was Geno simply giving an honest answer to a question posed by a reporter or did he also intend to send a message to Paige? I don't know for sure but I do know that this year's team now has the distinction of producing the lowest ranking for a UConn team in 30 years. It’s time to coach and play better, individually and collectively. It's also time for the NPOY candidate to play better and lead this team. It’s difficult to think of them as a FF team, but they can and should play much better and it starts with Paige. The injuries are sad and disappointing, but that should motivate the coaches and players. No more feeling sorry for themselves and that starts with the head coach and Azzi's best friend.

UConn greats of the past have not shied away from the responsibility of leading a team through tough times. Is it too much to ask of Paige this soon after returning from missing a season d/t ACL surgery? I guess we'll find out but Geno doesn't seem to think so and he has sent that message.

 

[BRS24]

IMHO, perhaps Geno was saying "lousy" as Paige wasn't doing what she does best. If a player tries to do too much or play in a way outside their comfort zone and force things, that is kinda lousy.

 

[Gordo]

You win as a team, you lose as a team. When a team wins it is never just one player who is responsible just as in losing. Every player who has ever played on any team has had bad days, good days, and great days. But the defining goal is for a player to have mostly good days. I am going to say something now that will infuriate many boneyarders but what I feel is only the truth. For almost thirty years Geno has more or less had his pick of four and five star players. In many instances they sought him out. This is no longer the norm. With the advent of more women coach's in the game I think these young ladies feel they can relate a little better. Hey, I might be wrong but that's just my opinion.

Read my response to @BobbyJ a few posts above yours. Very similar thought pattern. There is no reason for the truth to infuriate BoneYarders.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Paige did play badly. Nothing controversial in that regard.

 

[Javafan]

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

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.

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.

I don’t care if she shot 1-20… EXACTLY ! Play like Caitlyn, she will be even better !!!!

 

[Cornell Lt]

Calling out your best player publicly is a gamble. I doubt Paige would react emotionally to that. but there is potential to have a negative effect from other players. The level of play so far this season is un-UConn like. Blame it on coaching, injuries, lack of on court chemistry, lack of talent or whatever else is going on. We'll see if the ship gets righted.

 

[BB Dawg]

To me, Paige looks sad or upset in most of her statements. Please, light your smile up!

I think she is as well. Mostly because of Aziz's injury. They are the best of friends and only played 16 games thus far.

 

[HuskyNan]

You and I have different definitions of true bigs I guess Nan. Amari would qualify if she was an actual player. Batouly a wonderful soul averaged .8 point and .3 rebounds as a senior transfer and she was brought in as a hope and a prayer. Same thing Adebayo. Piath a PROJECT that didn't work out. Aaliyah is doing the Conn thing of playing out of position because of need. ONO didn't want to be inside, relenting in her senior year. Ayanna, you're kidding. Ice maybe. Jana will be and she was a good get.

Dorka a genuine center and a blessing.

Really Nan, your list is a testament to the almost shambles of our bigs program over these years. Pains me to say it.

My first post was a little flip jab at Geno yelling at Paige. But he's not perfect and this center thing has been there for quite a while.

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, 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

 

[BobbyJ]

Sometimes having a really good big is not success . Being down to one junior big who can't play is not success. Jana's Achilles is unfortunate, but were we looking to her, a freshman, to be "the big"? Being analytical, the Gold Standard in WCBB has struggled in the bigs department. What should he have done differently? I don't have a clue, if for no other reason than I don't know what he has done.

If he and the staff have not been analysing this Bigs situation for the last decade and trying to adjust I would find that troubling.

You're naive if you think they haven't been. That's what they for a good part of the offseason and summer.

 

[BobbyJ]

Kiah Stokes graduated in 2015 and Breanna Stewart graduated in 2016. All of the others you listed well pre-date 2017.

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.

 

[Cuango]

Agreed. Has it occurred to any one else that Geno might be becoming the Bill Belichick of women’s college basketball? His recruiting doesn’t seem to keep up with other schools, and he doesn’t seem able to get the players he does have to play up to their potential.

INJURIES!!! We have talent! Talent cannot help when it is sitting on the bench! Two years ago he was good enough to coach one of , strike that, the greatest freshman season I’ve ever seen! I completely disagree about the recruiting but I do think Shea’s departure has affected our defense and our overall toughness. Can that be laid at Geno’s feet? Well, I suppose so, I think it’s possible he’s allowed himself to get too comfortable with his reliance on people that he’s been to war with over the years.
I don’t think there’s any doubt that there has been a serious decline in many of the fundamental building blocks that helped fuel the dominant twenty+ year run that resulted in 11 championships. Even so, he’s managed to keep us among the top teams in the country even while suffering the worst string of injuries to key players I’ve ever seen!

Our last magical run ended in 2016. Since then, we have played seven seasons. One was knocked out by the pandemic so that makes six.
2017 we lost on a buzzer beater. 2018 ditto! I don’t think it’s unfair to say, if we had gotten to the finals both years (and we easily could have except for a buzzer beater!) we likely would have won at least one of those.
2019, we lost by five to ND in the Final Four. I’ll accept we deserved that one.
2020 canceled due to Covid! 2021 the beginning of the (ongoing) curse! We lost to an Arizona team we likely would have beaten if fully healthy. I don’t think a fair person would deny that we would have been favored against a Stanford team that barely escaped McDonald’s desperation three at the buzzer while scoring only 54 points!
2022, This is when the curse fully manifested itself and we lost a shorthanded final against SC without Dorka, and with a hampered Paige, no Azzi, and a less than 100% Caroline! This one many will say we would have lost even if healthy. Perhaps so, but we weren’t! I think it’s fair to say, we might have won with a fully healthy team.
2023, Here again, though we were handled by Ohio State, we were a mere shell of what we would have been fully healthy.

By my count, if we had been fully healthy since 2016, and had just a modicum of luck (perhaps one of the two buzzer beaters had missed), we likely would now be sitting on 13 titles and perhaps 14! Now, many will sneer, but my point is, we have been right there as recently as last year! It’s clearly not recruiting, it is injuries that have decimated this proud program for the past three years in particular, two of the other three were basically the flip of a coin! I appreciate that Williams and Ogwumike made great shots to win those games but the truth is, there’s a little luck in any buzzer beater situation.

Anyway, this rant is merely to point out that the sky is not falling and we are not that far away from what we have been! Let’s (hopefully) get healthy and I’ll take our chances against anyone!

 

[Cuango]

You are so correct. Unfortunately UConn isn't the only place to go these days. Dawn Staley is here to stay and she's going to win her share of National Championships. Kim Mulkey is always going to be able to get top players and whether you like her style or not ... she's a winner. UCLA, Duke, USC, Stanford, Texas and I'm sure I'm overlooking a few more. They're all coming for us. We have (had) the talent to compete with anyone (regardless of the lack of a big), but most of them are out for the season or injured. Not much Geno can do about that if anything.

There’s another elephant in the room that may be having a bigger effect than is obvious! NIL! This has changed everything as it gives a huge advanage to schools that have boosters with deep pockets! IMO this has and will continue to materially hurt UConn as, to the best of my knowledge, we are not rolling in those kinds of resources! Of course, as Geno has said, UConn offers a certain cachet that very few other schools can match but in the end, even UConn type kids need money! I‘m happy these kids are finally able to make some money but I’m not so sure about where this is going.

 

[Gordo]

There’s another elephant in the room that may be having a bigger effect than is obvious! NIL! This has changed everything as it gives a huge advanage to schools that have boosters with deep pockets!

No question about this, didn't mean to overlook it because it is (or at least can be) a very big factor but Geno has little to no control over it.

 

[EricSD]

Thanks Eric. I did not watch the game but only followed online and checked the stats. The stats, including Paige taking exactly 1 shot in the 2nd quarter, tell me Paige didn’t play well. I'll try to watch the game over the next couple of days.

I’m sure Geno is not putting the loss on Paige not playing well — very poor rebounding and turnovers were huge — but seems like his assessment of her play isn't wrong. He was asked a question about how Paige played and he answered truthfully, as he always does.

Was Geno simply giving an honest answer to a question posed by a reporter or did he also intend to send a message to Paige? I don't know for sure but I do know that this year's team now has the distinction of producing the lowest ranking for a UConn team in 30 years. It’s time to coach and play better, individually and collectively. It's also time for the NPOY candidate to play better and lead this team. It’s difficult to think of them as a FF team, but they can and should play much better and it starts with Paige. The injuries are sad and disappointing, but that should motivate the coaches and players. No more feeling sorry for themselves and that starts with the head coach and Azzi's best friend.

UConn greats of the past have not shied away from the responsibility of leading a team through tough times. Is it too much to ask of Paige this soon after returning from missing a season d/t ACL surgery? I guess we'll find out but Geno doesn't seem to think so and he has sent that message.

My pleasure. BTW in a lot of ways this highlights how incredible Diana was. Sure it was "easier" to win a NC with Sue, Swin, Tamika and Ashja, but when they left, he had Conlon, Battle, Strother, Turner, Crockett, etc. Strother was highly rated and a solid college player, but firmly in the 2nd tier of #1 players. And Conlon - the starting PG - One of my all time favorite Geno quotes about Maria... "Well she's short, but she's also slow".

Needless to say, I don't think this team will be successful if it's the Paige show like it's usually the Caitlyn Clark show. But I think Paige needs to lead more like Diana did - sometimes scoring bunches, sometimes inspiring the rest of the team to be better than they thought they could.

 

[Gordo]

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.

Jones (?) escapes me, but Brink was never coming here and neither was Wilson, or Boston, or Cardoso, or Reese or Betts (or her younger sister).

 

[Bjbod]

The Boneyard has the most educated, level-headed group of posters on ANY website by MILES. This thread has more scientific theories than a graduate level physics class.

#1: College basketball NEEDS UConn to be good, and as an Iowa fan I think they will be.

Things ARE tough for UConn, but you shouldn't care. Time for players to man up; will you lose more games? YES, but such a long season. Embrace the challenge! You guys will be a factor at the end of the year!

Don't put out any excuses!

 

[Cuango]

Too harsh! I know he’s always been brutally direct with his players but this time he’s just wrong! She, like everyone else on this team is trying to figure out what her role is with this, completely different team! She needs guidance not criticism! She’s well able to handle criticism but in this case, it is misdirected!

 

[donalddoowop]

Ok, I’ll play.

2018-19 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Batouley Camara (JUCO transfer)
2019-20 Olivia, Batouley, Evelyn Adebayo (grad student)
2020-21 Olivia, Aaliyah Edwards, Piath Gabriel
2021-22 Olivia, Aaliyah, Piath, Dorka, Amari
2022-23 Aaliyah, Dorka, Amari, Ayanna, Ice
2023-24 Aaliyah, Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana
2024-25 Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana, ?
2025-26 Ayanna, Ice, Jana, Gandy, ?

UConn also had the 6'5" transfer from Georgetown who hurt her thumb but played fairly well. She transferred out her senior year and led the nation in rebounding.

 

[fireford]

UConn also had the 6'5" transfer from Georgetown who hurt her thumb but played fairly well. She transferred out her senior year and led the nation in rebounding.

Yes, Natalie Butler. Wish she had stayed for her senior year. Had a rough first year and was starting to turn the corner in her second year.

 

[BobbyJ]

Jones (?) escapes me, but Brink was never coming here and neither was Wilson, or Boston, or Cardoso, or Reese or Betts (or her younger sister).

Yeah it's Boston. I think I had it right in my original post further up in the thread. Wilson took a official visit to UConn and Brink came on a unofficial at her own expense. See post #1333 in the link. Point is that UConn is in on most of the top bigs in every class. Auriemma recruited both Cardoso and Betts out of HS and Betts again from the portal. UConn was on Sienna Betts' final 11 list but obviously didn't get her. There's no indication he was interested in Reese but if he did check in on her it was very briefly. See the 4 links below.

2019/20 UConn Recruiting

Brink has the size of a center, but runs the floor like a guard and can handle the ball in a point-forward role. Loaded Metro League should entertain in girls basketball in '17-18[/QUOTE] If Brink get successfully recruited by a lessor college program it will be known as Brink's...

the-boneyard.com

https://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article13827155.html

UCLA Lands Sienna Betts Commitment In Major Recruiting Win

The UCLA Bruins landed a major commitment this weekend from the class of 2025 with five-star center Sienna Betts.

clutchpoints.com

 

[UConnCat]

Yeah it's Boston. I think I had it right in my original post further up in the thread. Wilson took a official visit to UConn and Brink came on a unofficial at her own expense. See post #1333 in the link. Point is that UConn is in on most of the top bigs in every class. Auriemma recruited both Cardoso and Betts out of HS and Betts again from the portal. UConn was on Sienna Betts' final 11 list but obviously didn't get her. There's no indication he was interested in Reese but if he did check in on her it was very briefly. See the 4 links below.

2019/20 UConn Recruiting

Brink has the size of a center, but runs the floor like a guard and can handle the ball in a point-forward role. Loaded Metro League should entertain in girls basketball in '17-18[/QUOTE] If Brink get successfully recruited by a lessor college program it will be known as Brink's...

the-boneyard.com

https://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article13827155.html

UCLA Lands Sienna Betts Commitment In Major Recruiting Win

The UCLA Bruins landed a major commitment this weekend from the class of 2025 with five-star center Sienna Betts.

clutchpoints.com

Geno recruited Reese out of high school. She attended a game at the XL but UConn did not make her final 5. I don't think Geno recruited her out of the portal.

 

[AzzisBraids]

Geno is right, she did not look aggressive. She did not try to shoot UConn back into the game. But Paige was attracting everyone and they could not get her the ball. Everytime they tried, they turned the ball over. She didn't want the ball and when UConn took her out, Texas didn't know who to guard. UConn went on a run.

Paige may be saving her best for March. I think she's seen herself be creative and beat these teams and then them take things away. I think she's preparing herself for March takeover and know that any games Pre-March, don't matter. UConn will figure out a way to the NCAA and take it from there. She's matured and I don't think she's showing her hand until it matters.

 

[Boreifs]

I mostly agree with you, but when there are no other players reliable draining shots, the defensive focus on her is constant and intense. I wish she would drive less and find more jumpers, as you said.

In other words, play like a wing. Cut and hunt screens to find a spot and Nike will find her. She isn't the point guard in that offense. Exactly what Lou did last year, which resulted in becoming a high first round pick. Of course that goes against her nature, but for the team to be at all successful, that's what she has to do.

 

[Blacketh’D]

She hasn’t been that good that’s for sure

 

[HuskyNan]

UConn also had the 6'5" transfer from Georgetown who hurt her thumb but played fairly well. She transferred out her senior year and led the nation in rebounding.

And there was Jess McCormack, the Aussie