Geno quote about AEH status

[Bajan Best]

You're not imagining it - I've heard Napheesa referred to as Precious but don't remember exactly where.

That's because it is the actual meaning of her name..

 

[Paesano]

Maybe she wants to play volleyball for Marist?

 

[hjoerring]

Geno's approach that playing tine is earned in practice is an ingrained pillar in his program. No recruit should be surprised by that. But it's one thing to know it, it's another thing to live it... Some of these kids haven't sat for 3 minutes in a full year in their HS & AAU programs.....

I (we) have heard this thing about 'practice and playing time' a million times and my calculate tells me that it make sense in the days when you recruited 2 (or 3) top players and the rest well below them and competing for playing time. As the numbers on the top increase the probability of a player- who is not one of the very top players- getting on the floor when it matters diminishes. Indeed, it is conceivable that if the incoming class lives up to hype there will be players from the previous 2 classes that will not get into games. By saying that you earn it in practice (all top teams can say it if they have the players), he places the blame on the players rather than himself-- how many top players is too much. Do we seriously think that Geno will sit his top players in a set of crucial games because they weren't going hard? He sat Tuck, Stewart, etc., but it was clear that the team had no chances of losing that game.

Tactically, a player ranking in the 30s must seriously evaluate if Uconn is a Program for her. From what I have seen the Program have done an excellent job of developing 'bench-players' into professionals (when they play in their senior year). From my limited vie and understanding it is a tug-a-war that players and top Program face. The top players all want to go to the top few schools and the latter are after them and onto the next top group(s). Think about how we criticize a top player when she opts for a school much further down the food chain: 'she can't handle the pressure of playing here, ''she will regret it,' she probably isn't as good, 'she will never win an NC-- wow.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

What ticks me off is that Z was not the only player giving up points because of poor defense. KLS did not sit one second until she got her third foul and she was having a hard time guarding. I know Geno has won 11 NC but these players today who see him sitting some of freshmen when the team is 30 or more points ahead may just say we don't want any part of that and UCONN may start losing out on some very good recruits. Sometimes positive comments can be very helpful players who are struggling. The game would have been a lot closer without Z's offensive contribution. Just my opinion.

Some of Geno's vehemence about Z's defense I believe was bled off POed energy about the way UCF played and the swallowed whistles and part of it was the apparent intended Geno needling. On the starters playing so long: they did not play a good first half against UCF's style of play and Geno wanted them out there figuring a way to play UConn ball in spite of that. The first string has to play under all conditions and styles of play. Also, I don't want to ruin a freshman's growing sense of confidence by throwing them into a rugby scrum.

 

[CL82]

That's because it is the actual meaning of her name..

Yeah, had to Google that. You were spot on.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

You're not imagining it - I've heard Napheesa referred to as Precious but don't remember exactly where.

"Napheesa, whose name means "precious one" or "princess" " Unforgettable recruit Napheesa Collier -espnW

 

[trb123]

Some of Geno's vehemence about Z's defense I believe was bled off POed energy about the way UCF played and the swallowed whistles and part of it was the apparent intended Geno needling. On the starters playing so long: they did not play a good first half against UCF's style of play and Geno wanted them out there figuring a way to play UConn ball in spite of that. The first string has to play under all conditions and styles of play. Also, I don't want to ruin a freshman's growing sense of confidence by throwing them into a rugby scrum.

Please confirm that this rapier cum sledge hammer style is not new.
I know Moore and Taurasi and Stewart had to play in this way. Charles must have done it.
I expect Kia to perform in this fashion.
Was there anybody in the pantheon - Ralph, Bird, Montgomery and others - who failed?
Does KLS have the physique to sustain this type of play?
In the past there were some bangers - at least some I could associate with banging - on the team.
Someone who would not move away from it - Buck and Turner in particular. But I never thought of them as rapiers.
Unfortunately Batouly is not ready. Anyone else on this team who can do this?
Given current stress on speed, will this cause a big hurdle for our team and future recruitment?

 

[donalddoowop]

Some of Geno's vehemence about Z's defense I believe was bled off POed energy about the way UCF played and the swallowed whistles and part of it was the apparent intended Geno needling. On the starters playing so long: they did not play a good first half against UCF's style of play and Geno wanted them out there figuring a way to play UConn ball in spite of that. The first string has to play under all conditions and styles of play. Also, I don't want to ruin a freshman's growing sense of confidence by throwing them into a rugby scrum.

I understand what you are saying about this last game. However, there have been other games when UCONN had very big leads and the bench got very little playing time. I mention this because in the long run it could help the team's depth. I know players have to earn their playing time and it should be that way but if the team is up 30 or more points starting the fourth quarter, it would seem that is a big enough lead to take a chance on playing some of the bench earlier. With the coaching they get I would think the more they play in actual games the quicker they will improve. But what do I know.

 

[msf22b]

Please confirm that this rapier cum sledge hammer style is not new.
I know Moore and Taurasi and Stewart had to play in this way. Charles must have done it.
I expect Kia to perform in this fashion.
Was there anybody in the pantheon - Ralph, Bird, Montgomery and others - who failed?
Does KLS have the physique to sustain this type of play?
In the past there were some bangers - at least some I could associate with banging - on the team.
Someone who would not move away from it - Buck and Turner in particular. But I never thought of them as rapiers.
Unfortunately Batouly is not ready. Anyone else on this team who can do this?
Given current stress on speed, will this cause a big hurdle for our team and future recruitment?

Please confirm that this rapier cum sledge hammer style is not new.
I know Moore and Taurasi and Stewart had to play in this way. Charles must have done it.
I expect Kia to perform in this fashion.
Was there anybody in the pantheon - Ralph, Bird, Montgomery and others - who failed?
Does KLS have the physique to sustain this type of play?
In the past there were some bangers - at least some I could associate with banging - on the team.
Someone who would not move away from it - Buck and Turner in particular. But I never thought of them as rapiers.
Unfortunately Batouly is not ready. Anyone else on this team who can do this?
Given current stress on speed, will this cause a big hurdle for our team and future recruitment?

I hope (fervently) that we're not entering an era in which there are designated enforcers in woman's BB similar to the what is now the norm in hockey.

And I don't thing that Geno was advocating anything like that...just play the game to the way it's being called.

The presser, hardly discussed (surprisingly) was beyond sarcastic...I can't adequately describe the tone..He all but called the starters cry-babies, went after Z's lack of D acumen, said the frosh wouldn't play until they had three good days in a row, and handed the game ball to Gabby. Also recalled screaming for a half-hour to get his way...no more....It was a performance quite unlike any I remember.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Please confirm that this rapier cum sledge hammer style is not new.
I know Moore and Taurasi and Stewart had to play in this way. Charles must have done it.
I expect Kia to perform in this fashion.
Was there anybody in the pantheon - Ralph, Bird, Montgomery and others - who failed?
Does KLS have the physique to sustain this type of play?
In the past there were some bangers - at least some I could associate with banging - on the team.
Someone who would not move away from it - Buck and Turner in particular. But I never thought of them as rapiers.
Unfortunately Batouly is not ready. Anyone else on this team who can do this?
Given current stress on speed, will this cause a big hurdle for our team and future recruitment?

Not sure what you're saying. UConn has a reputation for being physical on the court, but not in a UCF sort of way. Run into a UConn screen and you know you've been screened, etc. The TASS crew were a rugged lot. Heck, a certain former guard in the stands with a bandaged leg certainly never shied away from incidental contact. The trick is being able to deal with overly physical play while maintaining your game.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

My bad I obviously meant Napheesa, thought at some points during the last year i thought BYer's referred to her as Precious.

Maybe you're thinking about Kia's "she's adorable ... cutest little thing"??

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I hope (fervently) that we're not entering an era in which there are designated enforcers in woman's BB similar to the what is now the norm in hockey.

And I don't thing that Geno was advocating anything like that...just play the game to the way it's being called.

The presser, hardly discussed (surprisingly) was beyond sarcastic...I can't adequately describe the tone..He all but called the starters cry-babies, went after Z's lack of D acumen, said the frosh wouldn't play until they had three good days in a row, and handed the game ball to Gabby. Also recalled screaming for a half-hour to get his way...no more....It was a performance quite unlike any I remember.

Maybe it will help him shrug of the cold he has been lugging around for far to long.

 

[Longtime fan]

"Freshman guard Andra Espinoza-Hunter missed her fifth consecutive game for 'personal reasons.' Asked if she would be part of the team this season, Auriemma said, 'Right now, it doesn't look that way because she’s still not here. We’re going to try to get a resolution to this in the next day or two. That’s the best I can do for you.'" Mike Anthony, Hartford Courant

I don't know if this will get zapped but I'm just hoping that the resolution is that she is a career Husky. Seems like a great kid and a talented player.

It is difficult to know much about AEH from the remote and impersonal distance of a " fan." We know that UCONN recruited her and that she was highly regarded as a player. That UCONN recruited her suggests she is a person of high character as well.

Nonetheless, something impactful has occurred and she has withdrawn from the team. We have no clue if she remained at the university, took exams, attended classes, etc., and no one ( classmate? professor? Administrator? ) has said a word about that.[ ]

Assuming that her health is good, she will be fine in the long run, whatever path she chooses.

I remember when one morning we all woke up, and the best UCONN recruit in ages ( Della Donne ) was simply gone. And she remained gone. But for a totally understandable and admirable reason, having nothing to do with UCONN. She remains a great friend of the school.

We would all love to see AEH remain a Huskie, but we wish her strength and good fortune in whatever turmoil she is now going through.

 

[mdakota]

is playing time the issue ? I agree that playing time should be earned, and I think Geno is an awesome coach. However, I think Geno should empty the bench earlier when he has a 30 point lead.

Geno will empty the bench when he feels like it. Gabby sat the bench a lot her first year. She got the memo, now look at her. She's an All American and busts her butt each and every play.

 

[mdakota]

You're not imagining it - I've heard Napheesa referred to as Precious but don't remember exactly where.

I sometimes imagine that I'm precious.... but then I wake up...

 

[Gus Mahler]

You're not imagining it - I've heard Napheesa referred to as Precious but don't remember exactly where.

@BroadwayVa uses the term all the time.

 

[Roger G]

When I first used to watch UConn, many years ago, it used to annoy me that Geno wouldn't play some of the players enough. 11 championships later, I've learned to live with it. They all know what they're getting into or they should. It probably does make some players shy away from UConn, which is perfectly alright with me, as long as Geno keeps cranking out championships and WNBA stars.

 

[TheObserver]

I hope whatever personal reasons is nothing too serious. Anything I could say would be wild speculation with no basis in fact. Everyone in O'Town is hoping that AEH heads back to Uconn soon, resumes her career and keeps working towards her college degree.
Always gotta root for a home town kid.

 

[NEforceUConn]

Geno will empty the bench when he feels like it. Gabby sat the bench a lot her first year. She got the memo, now look at her. She's an All American and busts her butt each and every play.

Um Not her whole first year, as I remember it, and Geno needee her to WIN. So it was a coach thinking who do I have to play right now to WIN (

I hope whatever personal reasons is nothing too serious. Anything I could say would be wild speculation with no basis in fact. Everyone in O'Town is hoping that AEH heads back to Uconn soon, resumes her career and keeps working towards her college degree.
Always gotta root for a home town kid.

I'm not trying to talk trash, however I love it when a coach introduces potential stars into game situations. Yes its MW, Kyla (sp), Mrs Molly Brown, MC, and AEH that qualify. Even the stud from Texas EG deserves some burn to develop.

Yes to develop. I Don't think Geno, who has recruited these stars, has ever had a team so deep. yes they have to produce in practice, but seriously maybe your standards are too high. Take MK or the unsinkable Molly Bent I seem to think they would be playing serious minutes away. Yes play for the present, but keep the future in mind.

To the untrained mind I even think Molly would be playing serious minutes in a competitive D1 program.

 

[hoophuskee]

What ticks me off is that Z was not the only player giving up points because of poor defense. (1) KLS did not sit one second until she got her third foul and she was having a hard time guarding. (2) I know Geno has won 11 NC but these players today who see him sitting some of freshmen when the team is (3) 30 or more points ahead may just say we don't want any part of that and UCONN may start losing out on some very good recruits. Sometimes positive comments can be very helpful players who are struggling. (4) The game would have been a lot closer without Z's offensive contribution. Just my opinion.

I don't agree with any point of your post here.

1-- If Lou gets beat off the dribble because the player is just quicker -is that the same as AZ blowing a defensive assignment for example on the trap? If we could bet - I would put a lot of money on how Geno has probably gone over that trap in practice with the team many times and has told Z and the other bigs many times they should be in the position of inside denial/ or not wonder too far on the perimeter. Yet we saw AZ for some reason outside.

2-- No offense to you. But if you won't distinguish between these two types of defense -then I hope Geno continues to tick you off. OFC I don't want that. But I think he is right if he's doing what I think/expect he would / should. And that is be more apt to reward "a KLS" who gets beat off the dribble vs "a player who defends dumb." You can always "help" off a player who gets beat off the dribble. IMO "dumb defense" is harder to help. Thus it's worse.

3-- I think what you said is typical of the kid Geno tends not to recruit. In other words if you're a star h/s player and you get ticked off that Meg Walker didn't get more minutes vs "UCF" and that's a deciding factor in not coming to UCONN then I tend to think thankfully Geno would never recruit you-- unless you are "Maya Moore." I think anyone is wrong if they think the overall consensus of star recruits (top 5) would be to not want to come to UCONN because in their frosh year while they play vs the top teams such as UCLA and ND - somehow not playing in their frosh year vs "UCF" would have much meaning.

4-- The game would have been more lopsided if possibly AZ would do defensively what Geno asks and for her to possibly concentrate more on the defense which the 11 time NC coach suggests. Not all the time can you rely on your offense. It can be "fools gold" just to reward offense and yet not penalize "dumb defense." These are the games to teach/coach because the game is 30+ points. So - while Lou might get beat on defense more - it seems it is the opinion of the 11 time NC coach that "dumb defense" frustrates him more. IMo that is the right approach. So if you don't agree with that- I mean this as no offense to you- I hope he continues to upset you. Because I prefer to watch the basketball style he is coaching.

Years ago Charde Houston deliberately slowed down while a ball-handler drove from the far right baseline - Charde let her get ahead so she could try to tip the ball from behind. I believe the player or the other team scored and it was set up because Charde tried a dumb play. Geno immediately pulled her. At some point in Charde's career she saved a game (vs Syracuse I think) in which she did the same thing late in the game at midcourt - tipped the ball and UCONN got the big steal. On the radio postgame afterwards Chris Dailey remarked what Charde did was a bad play. She was happy with the outcome but highlighted it's a bad play. IMo this highlights even from way back that UCONN will not accept dumb defense that he has gone over many times. And what makes GA and CD special is that I can only assume they are consistent.

 

[Twolf]

What ticks me off is that Z was not the only player giving up points because of poor defense. KLS did not sit one second until she got her third foul and she was having a hard time guarding. I know Geno has won 11 NC but these players today who see him sitting some of freshmen when the team is 30 or more points ahead may just say we don't want any part of that and UCONN may start losing out on some very good recruits. Sometimes positive comments can be very helpful players who are struggling. The game would have been a lot closer without Z's offensive contribution. Just my opinion.

While I spend a lot of time lurking on the board, I’m replying because your post goes against the successful culture that GA and CD have spent decades building. First of all, what any other player does on defense is of no consequence whatsoever to whatever issues Z had in doing her assigned duties. If you don’t agree, during film study as a player try interjecting the theory that some other teammates weren’t playing good defense either and see how that idea works. Secondly, Z knew exactly what she was signing up for when she decided to transfer into the program, and being held accountable was part of that deal.

Secondly, no coach substitutes players strictly by the score, or by their talent level. If that was the case, Kyla would never go into a game before MW. When fans wonder why a certain player or players aren’t getting more minutes, the only way they could understand is for those fans to be at each practice, film study, strength and conditioning session, training table, knowing the scout, & daily interactions with teammates. The culture in the UConn program demands that you are committed to all of the above, and if you aren’t you then suffer the consequences.

If any potential recruits are turned off by the UConn culture, both they, and the program are better off if they choose another option. Those players who are fortunate enough to have sufficient talent, and a desire to be the best possible player they can be will always be attracted to this program as long as the current staff is in charge. The track record of that staff is that you will leave the program a much better player than when you arrived, and that fact will always attract top notch players who understand that talent is never enough. Great players, and great coaches always understand that success is never owned, but just rented, and the rent is due every day.

JMHO

 

[donalddoowop]

I don't agree with any point of your post here.

1-- If Lou gets beat off the dribble because the player is just quicker -is that the same as AZ blowing a defensive assignment for example on the trap? If we could bet - I would put a lot of money on how Geno has probably gone over that trap in practice with the team many times and has told Z and the other bigs many times they should be in the position of inside denial/ or not wonder too far on the perimeter. Yet we saw AZ for some reason outside.

2-- No offense to you. But if you won't distinguish between these two types of defense -then I hope Geno continues to tick you off. OFC I don't want that. But I think he is right if he's doing what I think/expect he would / should. And that is be more apt to reward "a KLS" who gets beat off the dribble vs "a player who defends dumb." You can always "help" off a player who gets beat off the dribble. IMO "dumb defense" is harder to help. Thus it's worse.

3-- I think what you said is typical of the kid Geno tends not to recruit. In other words if you're a star h/s player and you get ticked off that Meg Walker didn't get more minutes vs "UCF" and that's a deciding factor in not coming to UCONN then I tend to think thankfully Geno would never recruit you-- unless you are "Maya Moore." I think anyone is wrong if they think the overall consensus of star recruits (top 5) would be to not want to come to UCONN because in their frosh year while they play vs the top teams such as UCLA and ND - somehow not playing in their frosh year vs "UCF" would have much meaning.

4-- The game would have been more lopsided if possibly AZ would do defensively what Geno asks and for her to possibly concentrate more on the defense which the 11 time NC coach suggests. Not all the time can you rely on your offense. It can be "fools gold" just to reward offense and yet not penalize "dumb defense." These are the games to teach/coach because the game is 30+ points. So - while Lou might get beat on defense more - it seems it is the opinion of the 11 time NC coach that "dumb defense" frustrates him more. IMo that is the right approach. So if you don't agree with that- I mean this as no offense to you- I hope he continues to upset you. Because I prefer to watch the basketball style he is coaching.

Years ago Charde Houston deliberately slowed down while a ball-handler drove from the far right baseline - Charde let her get ahead so she could try to tip the ball from behind. I believe the player or the other team scored and it was set up because Charde tried a dumb play. Geno immediately pulled her. At some point in Charde's career she saved a game (vs Syracuse I think) in which she did the same thing late in the game at midcourt - tipped the ball and UCONN got the big steal. On the radio postgame afterwards Chris Dailey remarked what Charde did was a bad play. She was happy with the outcome but highlighted it's a bad play. IMo this highlights even from way back that UCONN will not accept dumb defense that he has gone over many times. And what makes GA and CD special is that I can only assume they are consistent.

Poor defense is poor defense no matter whether a player gets beat off the dribble or misses an assignment. Dumb passes and dumb decisions are also bad. They were not pointed out. How many assignments did Z miss? Some of the stuff you stated I already know. You made a mighty long response to the few things I stated. It's not that serious. I know Geno knows what he is doing. His record speaks for itself. I guess calling out Z publicly is his way of using psychology on Z.

 

[cbraarj]

Not sure what you're saying. UConn has a reputation for being physical on the court, but not in a UCF sort of way. Run into a UConn screen and you know you've been screened, etc. The TASS crew were a rugged lot. Heck, a certain former guard in the stands with a bandaged leg certainly never shied away from incidental contact. The trick is being able to deal with overly physical play while maintaining your game.

Three very physical players from the past are Meghan Pattyson, Jamelle Elliot and Stacy Hansmeyer also known as Bam-Bam.

 

[Papa33]

Secondly, no coach substitutes players strictly by the score, or by their talent level. If that was the case, Kyla would never go into a game before MW. When fans wonder why a certain player or players aren’t getting more minutes, the only way they could understand is for those fans to be at each practice, film study, strength and conditioning session, training table, knowing the scout, & daily interactions with teammates. The culture in the UConn program demands that you are committed to all of the above, and if you aren’t you then suffer the consequences.

JMHO

Sometimes I dearly wish that Boneyarders analyzing/criticizing UConn's substitution/playing time would remember that they see a very small portion of players' performances. As a long-time coach some years ago, I wish I had possessed the courage to link allocation of game time more strictly to practice effort and performance. Husky coaches rightly teach their student athletes that they must earn their time in games. And no player has, in my memory, taken that more to heart than Gabby, who placed the responsibility on her lack of playing time early in her freshman year squarely on her own shoulders. It was— for her and for all our sterling recruits— an invaluable lesson, on and off the court.

We fans see so very little of the evidence that the coaches see every day, and upon which they make their judgments. Are those judgments infallibly correct? No, but at least they are based on what the see every day at every practice, evidence simply not available to us. For us Boneyarders, a little more humility and a lot less certainty is in order as we argue our opinions.

 

[oldude]

Sometimes I dearly wish that Boneyarders analyzing/criticizing UConn's substitution/playing time would remember that they see a very small portion of players' performances. As a long-time coach some years ago, I wish I had possessed the courage to link allocation of game time more strictly to practice effort and performance. Husky coaches rightly teach their student athletes that they must earn their time in games. And no player has, in my memory, taken that more to heart than Gabby, who placed the responsibility on her lack of playing time early in her freshman year squarely on her own shoulders. It was— for her and for all our sterling recruits— an invaluable lesson, on and off the court.

We fans see so very little of the evidence that the coaches see every day, and upon which they make their judgments. Are those judgments infallibly correct? No, but at least they are based on what the see every day at every practice, evidence simply not available to us. For us Boneyarders, a little more humility and a lot less certainty is in order as we argue our opinions.

GP. I would also add Crystal to the list of players who clearly understood that PT depended on her effort in practice, so she made a commitment to work much harder this season in the weight room and at practice, and her minutes as well as her performance have increased significantly.

 

[Los24]

Poor defense is poor defense no matter whether a player gets beat off the dribble or misses an assignment.

I do not want to get in the middle of your discussion but would like to interject these two are not the same, and especially at this level. What your saying is like comparing a player who does not understand the overall offense to having a bad shooting night.

KLS is now a good (but certainly not great) defender. For instance look at the peripheral stats compared to Kia who most consider a great defender. And yes more to defense than stats, but they show some aspects/performance. However, physics is physics and you will come across players that are gifted which are hard to guard one on one. I have seen ALL our players get beat one on one. (Also look at NBA, best defenders get beat all the time and is why help defense is so important. No one stopping Harden or Westbrook 1 on 1)

However, knowing your assignments and responsibilites is not something dependent of the other team's players (I realize it changes but it is not dependant on physical execution, it's mental.)

 

[BroadwayVa]

The longer it goes .... She has been around the program so long. Hard to figure. Wish the best for her.


PS. Not much opf a post, but it bumped this news up again.

5 games missed, apparently academic's missed, conditioning missed, practices missed. AEH was headed, in my opinion, to be the 8 or so player off the bench.
Ignorant as I am as to why she remains away---all I can do is wish her well and a speedy return.

 

[Cheddie]

Point taken, but I would have hoped Geno would have taken the games this year to introduce the talented freshman into the game. Maybe that's not his style, and he is a hall of fame coach, so who am I to question (but it is an internet board). UConn recruited top freshman who now sit on the bench in a 30 pt blow out. Yes the team is stacked with 6 maybe All Americans, but I think he should devote some game time to developing next year's (or the year after's) players.

With GW gone who knows how the team will play next year. That's a given. She is unquestionable the spark.

Yes KLS and Precious are all stars who should rule next year, but they are one play away from being sidelined.

MW and some of the others need game time to mature.

Not sure if Geno has ever had such a talented bench (he normally plays 6/7 all year). This year he has options, but is he all knowing to develop them on his terms? Does he have a track record of doing this? Or do they really play bad? I hope no potential recruits actually read what I have written, but then again who am I?

If there is one hard and fast rule about his team, it's that Geno has always predicated playing time on how players work and perform in practice. If you're not giving him what he wants in practice, you're not going to get in games. It's that simple, and I don't think he cares whether or not that leaves his freshman inexperienced in game situations.

 

[donalddoowop]

I do not want to get in the middle of your discussion but would like to interject these two are not the same, and especially at this level. What your saying is like comparing a player who does not understand the overall offense to having a bad shooting night.

KLS is now a good (but certainly not great) defender. For instance look at the peripheral stats compared to Kia who most consider a great defender. And yes more to defense than stats, but they show some aspects/performance. However, physics is physics and you will come across players that are gifted which are hard to guard one on one. I have seen ALL our players get beat one on one. (Also look at NBA, best defenders get beat all the time and is why help defense is so important. No one stopping Harden or Westbrook 1 on 1)

However, knowing your assignments and responsibilites is not something dependent of the other team's players (I realize it changes but it is not dependant on physical execution, it's mental.)

I understand what you are saying and agree. My point is how many times did she miss an assignment and was she the only one who missed an assignment. He singled out Chong in a loss to Stanford for poor defense and she was not the only one who played poor defense that game, regardless of what the defensive errors were. I also know Geno has been doing that for years but it just seems that kind of information should be discussed with the player and the team, privately.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

"It's almost like the best thing that can happen to a freshman is to never have a good practice," Auriemma said. "Then you know this kid doesn't have it, every day it's something, chalk them off for the season and maybe they'll be better next year. The next best thing, obviously, is they're really good and every once in a while they have a bad day. ... OK, I can live with that. The worst thing is to have a really good day that you go, 'Hmm,' and then they follow it up with another good day and you go, 'Whoa,' and then [they] play well in a game. 'Hey, I think we've turned a corner — and then [they] turn back to, not square one, back to where you have to work really hard just to get back to square one. You just shake your head, 'What are we doing here?'" Geno Auriemma Looking For UConn Players With An 'I Got This' Approach

Might end up having some application here. We should stay positive and hopeful. I know we are a society that craves instant answers, but not all questions have quick answers.