Geno once said, "We have Diana Taurasi. They don't."....It is still true...

[DavidinNaples]

Years ago, Geno Auriemma calmly predicted victory in UConn's biggest game of that season. When asked about his confidence, Geno said it was simple. "We have Diana Taurasi. They don't."

With this year's UConn team, victory seems equally certain, the only question is who will play the role of Diana Taurasi. Last night against #2 ranked Duke, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis did the honors by draining a career high 7 three pointers. Her shot looked effortless, her accuracy deadly. KML scored 21 points in 27 minutes, leaving no hint that it was her first game back after a month of rehab on the elbow of her shooting arm. In sharp contrast, Duke managed only 4 three pointers in 18 attempts. The outcome never seemed in doubt, UConn has KML. Duke doesn't.

Against #3 ranked Stanford, earlier this season, UConn had Bria Hartley to play Diana Taurasi. In a game that was also never in doubt, Hartley scored 20 points on 9-13 shooting. She added 8 rebounds, 6 assists in 38 minutes of nearly turnover free basketball. Stanford lost 76-57. UConn had Bria, they didn't.

Maryland was ranked #8 in the country when they hosted UConn in College Park. Maryland guaranteed victory, printed and tweeted their bravado and never had a chance in the 72-55 victory. UConn had Breanna Stewart. Maryland didn't. Stewie scorched the Terrapins for 26 pts, grabbed 7 rebounds, blocked 2 shots and added 2 assists in 34 minutes. In addition, she also had 0 turnovers.

Ohio State hoped for an upset when they played UConn in Springfield, Mass. in the Hall of Fame tournament. It was never close. UConn had Stefanie Dolson. Ohio State didn't. Stef scored 15 points, grabbed a season high 13 rebounds, blocked 3 shots and passed out 3 assists in 36 minutes. UConn crushed the Buckeyes 70-49.

UConn is 11-0 and ranked #1 in the country. Lots of basketball lies ahead. They play Baylor and then Louisville twice. Then the NCAA tournament. Anything can happen. Geno probably won't repeat his assertion of victory, pointing out his dominant player. He would rather UConn just take care of business. But mostly, he has four choices and predicting which is playing Diana Taurasi that night is just too difficult. Go Huskies..!!

 

[dtbtbtb]

In reality it's: We have Geno and they don't!
He is the Maestro of the greatest orchestra!

 

[johnnyc]

I'll have to look at the replay but didn't Doris Burke say something like Stewart's competition for best player might come from her own team. She was alluding to KML but it speaks to what you are talking about.

 

[UcMiami]

In this regard, I think the comparison to 2000-2002 teams is really valid - there is not that one dominant go to player, nor even two or three like the 2009-10 teams. This really is a five (or six, or seven, ...) player TEAM where almost anyone can be the go-to player on a nightly basis. Banks had a huge game, MoJef has had a huge game, Chong has made big contributions in a few games, as has Stokes. That is downright scary for opponents.

 

[bschwartz]

Maryland was ranked #8 in the country when they hosted UConn in College Park. Maryland guaranteed victory, printed and tweeted their bravado and never had a chance in the 72-55 victory.

Just a point of clarification. I don't believe the "Maryland will win" thing was a victory guarantee specific to UConn as some thought. Maryland will win is the last line from the Maryland fight song. It has been a rallying cry since at least my days there. You can take it like you want to, but it was more likely meant as a way to build up Terp enthusiasm rather than bravado and a guarantee.

 

[Waquoit]

In reality it's: We have Geno and they don't!
He is the Maestro of the greatest orchestra!

Yeah, if the coaches are switched that game is much closer. Geno's playing chess while the McCallie's of the game are playing checkers.