With regards to the future demise of the UConn program... We have been spoiled, of that there can be no doubt. What we as UConn fans have experienced has been nothing short of pampered, privileged and envied. Really, being able to say that our alumni list contains Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart by itself is enough to fit the above description but then you throw in the rest from the post 1993 era: Rebecca Lobo, Jamelle Elliot, Jen Rizzotti, Pam Webber, Kara Wolters, Nykesha Sales, Carla Berube, Rita Williams, Svetlana Abrosimnova, Shea Ralph, Asjha Jones, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, Tina Charles, Barbara Turner, Anne Strother, Morgan Tuck, Moriah Jefferson, Stefanie Dolson, Renee Montgomery, Bria Hartley, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Kelly Schumacher, Ketia Swanier, Ashley Battle, Maria Conlon, Jessica Moore, Willnet Crockett, Nicole Wolff, Mel Thomas, Kalana Greene, and yes...Charde Houston (who maybe didn't live up to expectations but, had some very important and timely good moments at UConn), Kelly Faris, Tiffany Hayes, Saniya Chong...which brings us to NOW: Katie Lou Samuelson, Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams, Napheesa Collier, Azura Stevens, Crystal Dangerfield, our transfer: Batouly Camara, our sophomores: Kyra Irwin, Molly Bent, and our newbies: Megan Walker, Mikayla Combs and Alexis Gordon.
Are you kidding me...we have been treated to a plethora of talent over a generation of time...that is the envy of the entire college women's basketball universe. We have been blessed with great coaches, a university that supports the women's game and a fan base that is second to none. Is it even fair to expect this to continue? For our basketball socialist it is a dream, goal and in some cases a life's work to spread the wealth. Some say it is good for the game and no one would deny the truth behind that statement, however, I would argue that UConn's excellence and consistency is not bad for the game at all... Every sport needs a rabbit to chase, a trend setter, a pace setter if you will, an example that everyone strives to imitate and surpass. UConn has been that. The fact that Geno and Chris have been there for the whole ride will eventually go down as probably the best coaching duo in history. Will this come to an end? Possibly. See my entropy post above.
However, I would suggest that UConn (Geno/Daly) era will come to an end and UConn as we know her will also come to an end. However, depending on who comes in to coach, how they define their mission, how much does the university support the mission post Geno and how engaged the fan base stays will determine if there is a drop off in recruiting talent and hence quality of play. It will always be a challenge to convince kids that moving to the farmlands of Storrs is a better decision that the pristine, scenic environment of Palo Alto but, Geno, et al. have proven it is possible...so, we can all dream...why not?
Now onto our freshmen class...are our memories that short? Don't you remember how much our fan base and those here on the Boneyard were saying that of everyone in the class of 2017-2018 we had to have Megan Walker. She was a must get, a once in a life-time player...some said she played above the rim...of course, we haven't seen that yet. But, she was a must get talent...and we all stood with abated breathe wondering if she would choose UConn. When she finally did, we were all relieved and thought, Wow! We're all set for 4 more years. But, our fortunes got richer and richer...with Mikayla Combs...the speedy point guard who would be a back-up for Crystal. Then the two transfers A-Z and Batouly...another big Wow!!! Espinosa Hunter, another 3 point shooter and Lexi Gordon...who everybody wanted to play with and who would help recruit other players to UConn. So, we lost Espinosa-Hunter, for whatever the reasons...but think about it the remaining five are still one of the best incoming classes in the nation. Yes, Megan has yet to live up to her ranking...but, her minutes and opportunities to overcome her freshmen mistakes have not been there...partly because of her inability to break through on a consistent basis (we have seen glimpses of what she can be) and the rest of the freshmen bench hasn't shown the kind of growth that we would like to see.
To that end I say let's see what the sophomore jump brings us. There is going to be an uptick in minutes for this group next year and that is bound to pay dividends. We also have a fine group of freshmen coming in next season... As has been mentioned before "the sky is not falling". We still have the best coaches in the country and we are bringing back four All American players with a boat-load of talent behind them. I say we are a long way off from hearing the "fat lady singing".
