The way I see it Geno understood that this team was a specific match up problem for UConn and not necessarily for the other top 4 seeds. Their frontcourt are long, athletic leapers with speed. The backcourt are excellent shooters who can penetrate off the dribble with speed. Shooters that once they got hot could carry the game. This was a team that he has had issues with as to their mode of play. He's also had issues dealing with Q personally in years past. This is an old Big East rival and they had just played UConn last year in the final. UConn doesn't get to play old Big East rivals much anymore, it was the first time in many years two teams from last years final get to meet in the tourney the following year, and Geno doesn't like playing teams who have seen his team before in the NCAA's. For coaches this could add up to a perfect storm. He wanted this game almost as much as ND. Perhaps because of some issues, more.
Also frankly, these young ladies continue to surprise him. He's been asked a few times this year whether he finds this run or this team exciting and he's said not really. But I think he finds them interesting and that has surprised him. This team plays with an even keel. They don't get too high or too low. They're not a rah-rah let's win this one for old UConn, play on adrenaline kind of team. He's said many times that this team has plenty of personality and emotion off the court but not much on the court. Yet they always do what needs to be done to win. They're led by sophomores and a junior that were role players last year with no superstar senior to guide them. That's never really happened before at UConn. They're perfectly willing to pick each other up when another is having an off day. For a clearly emotional man such as Geno this team is almost a cipher, and very different than other teams he has had.
Watching Geno on the sidelines this game was like watching the old Geno. Geno with his jacket off, sleeves rolled, squatting on the sidelines, ripping a hole into the refs and players alike. But also the Geno that cheered his troops on, occasionally shaking that fist or clapping his hands with that wide satisfied grin. Man, it was good to see that guy back.
I ain't TonyC, the eternal optimist who is usually right about how UConn's season's are going to play out. I'm a pessimist that is usually wrong and perpetually surprised by the outcome of every season. I don't know if this team will win their 5th in a row, but it sure has been one of the best rides this team has ever given me. Glad I'm a fan. A fan of UConn, WCBB, and all the dedicated people who participate in this great sport.
Now as for the rest of the teams in this tournament I ain't sceerd of a single one.
Not. One. Bit.
