Geno Pre-Game Press 1/25

[SARG 2011]

 

[ShmiCO]

Geno is in top form in this one. It's a long one, but really engaging if you want a deeper look into Geno's thinking.

 

[OldSchooler]

These are such great interviews. Geno is relaxed, candid, not exhausted like he normally is during a post-game presser.

His answers to the questions of how the players are reacting to the "legacy" aspect of this rivalry were revealing -- this all developed before they were born, so it's natural that they are focused more on Thursday's game than on the history of the rivalry. Talking to them about the early days in the '90s was probably like Geno's comparison, a couple of weeks ago, of Paige & Azzi with Blanchard & Davis -- a remark that passed right over the heads of most of the sports writers present.

I want to bring up a point that was mentioned in the DePaul post-game presser, which has apparently since been taken down. Somebody asked Geno about Jana, and the possibility that she might be pressed into service to fill out this season's roster and maybe even help the team to go all the way. I loved Geno's answer. Sure, it might help to have Jana in reserve on the bench, come tournament time. And it could even help in putting the team over the top. But would this be in the best interest of the player/student? Would it be fair to use up one of her four years of eligibility, even if it meant nailing down another championship this year? Clearly, it would not. . . . I like to think that most coaches in America would similarly find that question a no-brainer to answer. Or -- I should clarify -- most WOMEN'S coaches. The men's recruitment uses an entirely different standard; if they can get an outstanding freshman to take their team to a national championship, and he then wants to turn pro right away, who cares about all those plans for getting a 4-year college degree?

 

[Carnac]

Geno mentioned that the Big East Conference is going to 18 games next year instead of the current 20. That will allow UConn to add two more preseason games that he appeared excited about. Two less conference games suggests the conference is losing a member school.

Anyone have any information or insight on this?

 

[DefenseBB]

He is wrong about one comment-yes, we do still think the Tennessee fans are the worst in the world, just go look on VolNation.....

 

[Next 12]

GENO verified what I have been saying for the last year in this video. Pat Summit willing to play UCONN when they were finally blossoming into the powerhouse they became was the birth of Women's BB when they became the rivalry that became the talk of the country. Pat said she would play anyone and Geno says he will play anyone. and LO,competitive BB was born that took the nation by storm. I believe we are 16 and 8 against them and when Pat passed, TENN has not been the same without her. The rivalry has lost it's luster since, but is still a great game to watch. The play will be tough and hopefully, no one on either team gets hurt. GO HUSKIES!!!!!

 

[hoopsfan22]

Geno mentioned that the Big East Conference is going to 18 games next year instead of the current 20. That will allow UConn to add two more preseason games that he appeared excited about. Two less conference games suggests the conference is losing a member school.

Anyone have any information or insight on this?

I think they announced this at the beginning of the season. AAC started like the Big East with 20 conference games before reducing it to 18 and then eventually 16. Hopefully we can cut two more Big East games eventually to get back down to 16.

 

[BRS24]

Love that Geno said to give Kelly some space to do her job.

 

[Carnac]

I think they announced this at the beginning of the season. AAC started like the Big East with 20 conference games before reducing it to 18 and then eventually 16. Hopefully we can cut two more Big East games eventually to get back down to 16.

Thanks Hoops. I missed that announcement.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

He is wrong about one comment-yes, we do still think the Tennessee fans are the worst in the world, just go look on VolNation.....

When he said the animosity is gone I'm like Duh!?!

 

[hoopsfan22]

I was glad to hear that the players have no idea about the rivalry. Hopefully their mindset is this is just another game against an unranked opponent.

 

[Bigboote]

I love it: "We lost three starters to the WNBA and then three more starters to injury."

What other team has lost six starters?

 

[CONNCAN]

Geno mentioned that the Big East Conference is going to 18 games next year instead of the current 20. That will allow UConn to add two more preseason games that he appeared excited about. Two less conference games suggests the conference is losing a member school.

Anyone have any information or insight on this?

Great question - could one of the BE schools be leaving for another conference?

 

[hoopsfan22]

I love it: "We lost three starters to the WNBA and then three more starters to injury."

What other team has lost six starters?

What team is allowed to start six?

 

[DEpup]

Great question - could one of the BE schools be leaving for another conference?

No. They are just reducing the number of games like every other conference. It just means that they'll only play a couple teams once each year and it will move around from year to year.

 

[MD#12Fan]

What team is allowed to start six?

over multiple years.
have you been living in a bubble?

 

[UConnCat]

No. They are just reducing the number of games like every other conference. It just means that they'll only play a couple teams once each year and it will move around from year to year.

Yes, and gives the upper tier BE teams 2 more games to beef up their resume for the NCAAT. Teams like Creighton, Villanova, Depaul and Marquette will hopefully make the most of it.

 

[Carnac]

When he said the animosity is gone I'm like Duh!?!

Odds are there will be over 12,000 LV fans attending the game that didn’t get that memo either.