I think Auriemma probably knows his players better than you do.
I think (unfortunately), as per tonight's postgame, that this may be a case of Geno not knowing exactly what to do: At least at this moment.
-He has a #1 recruit who has not developed much at all, despite that trait being axiomatic in how we articulate how our team differs from virtually all others; long separating UConn from (say) Warlick's UTenn., for example. The UConn approach does not necessarily work with every young woman who chooses to come.
If that vaunted improvement in play is a principle (not the only) reason that recruits choose to come here, then a look at MW's singular lack of progress maybe a downer to some....To put it in the most vulgar and disrespectful manner possible; 'You have to take all his crap and this is the result'?
- His most recent #1 appears to have "hit the freshman wall." Doesn't it seem so much like what happened last season with
young CD...the parallels are disquieting...one magnificent game and then (relative) quiet. I hope the chain of similarity is soon broken and put to bed forever. And btw, is elevated soph CD quite the leader we anticipated?
-Then there is the case of an Senior All-start forward, seemingly not quite playing at the level of her sophomore season; causing some concern and disquiet.
Some (perhaps only I) have been moderately concerned about this (is it a trend) since the first Stewie season...Brianna had enough internal strength, competitiveness and god-given ability, that the combination of his prodding and her skillset won out, (and just in the nick of time) to steam-roll that season's NCAA's (and quite a sight it was). But it was close...she was near broken at mid-season.
The sky is not falling (at least not yet). This team will win most (or all) of its games.There is still time to develop the coherence and confidence (the 2 traits I find most lacking) . But there is a feeling beginning to emerge that what we are seeing is not representative of the most usual UConn Woman's BB. Something (or several things) are just not quite right. And as Geno eloquently puts it...it's not only wins and losses but how the game is played.
I do not have he highest expectations for this team but would be delighted to be surprised.
I am concerned about future recruiting;
I particularly worry that next season we will be a less than a top-ten team.