Big thumbs up!
Absolutely! I think what Geno has done with this team is far more impressive. Clearly, the Indiana has done an exceptional job with her team but Geno has basically won his conference, is a likely one seed, and a viable threat to win it all, while only being able to play five players (effective ones) for a large part of the year. His best, second best, arguably third or fourth bestplayer, and his best recruit have all been either out for the entire season or for most of the season! His Associate Head Coach collapsed on the floor once, his mother passed away, He himself has been under the weather for long periods and on top of all that, he has had to reduce practice time (and therefore) coverage, yet in spite of all that, his team finds itself right where UConn has been for decades! I doubt there’s another coach (and staff) in the country that could have done the same!Love your positivity. Even over the Indiana coach?
Big thumbs up!
I certainly can't rattle stats off the top of my head, but you just can't tell me that this is true. We've seen in the past where players make the leap in sophomore or junior year and end up starting (or are first in line for next man up).My only complaint with Geno over the years is he doesn't develop his bench.
I completely agree. He and his staff have developed some of the best players ever from the bench. There are quite a few, but I'm only going to name one. Gabby Williams was really fun to watch develop from her freshman year (mainly defense, rebounding, and break-aways) to the all around beast that she still is today. As far as this year is concerned, Geno has stated many times over the years (including this year many times) that he develops trust in his players from practices. But over the last two months, because of the injury and lack of players situation they have not been able to have regular practices. He has tried to use his bench players, but they have not been producing points. Because of this, all of the pressure has been on the starters.I certainly can't rattle stats off the top of my head, but you just can't tell me that this is true. We've seen in the past where players make the leap in sophomore or junior year and end up starting (or are first in line for next man up).
Roberts definitely deserves some attention, and that kid Kneepkens, that plays for her is a heck of a player.I don't think there will be a unanimous choice, and the various organizations that give the awards might have different winners. I suspect Teri Moran of Indiana will win at least one. They began the year with a converted guard (Grace Berger) at point guard, then lost her for a month-plus, so Chloe Moore-McNeill, who AFAIK had never played point, had to take over. They lost one game with Berger out and have nine wins against ranked opponents.
We all know what Geno's done.
Utah was unranked to begin the season and have risen into the top-5 at times. Lynne Roberts certainly deserves some attention.
A lot of programs have had ups and downs this year. There was a point when I thought Florida State was really trending up, and I think Brooke Wyckoff has done a great job there. If Ohio State had maintained their torrid start a little longer, I would have thought McGuff might get the nod, but they've really imploded spectacularly. (That's an example of what COULD HAVE happened to UConn but didn't.) If South Carolina remains undefeated, Dawn will certainly get some votes.
I think it’s a toss up between Moren and Roberts. No one thought Utah was going to be good this year and they’re top 4 nationally. Could also make a strong case for Staley going undefeated. UCONN has had a lot of adversity and put together a solid season but I don’t think Geno’s a top candidate this year.It's Teri Moren's to lose. Let's not forget she lost 3 starters, added 3 transfers and lost Berger for 9 games and frankly has dominated the Big10 that has 4 other top teams, more than anyone else.
She has played a very strong schedule without any highly acclaimed AAs.
Geno and the staff have done a remarkable job just keep their own sanity dealing with the injuries and numerous off court issues including Chris Daily's fainting, Geno's mom's passing, the constant season injuries they have to deal with and the media speculation. Add in the bulls eye that UConn always has on their back and the constant naysayers like Deb Antonelli, who slight them at every opportunity and I can see and understand why the sentiment is for Geno.
My vote though is for Moren but I would not be upset if Geno won....
I think it’s a toss up between Moren and Roberts. No one thought Utah was going to be good this year and they’re top 4 nationally. Could also make a strong case for Staley going undefeated. UCONN has had a lot of adversity and put together a solid season but I don’t think Geno’s a top candidate this year.