I agree with all of you that Geno's lowering expectations, but even with this strategy, let's consider what he said: that Lou and Napheesa will not win the National Championship again until they're seniors. And then they will! So, whatever Geno really thinks about the next couple of years, he's confident that UConn will be back on top again. Pause over that, ye prognosticators of doom and/or of Geno's imminent retirement.
Geno habitually pauses when he speaks into a microphone. He thinks BEFORE he speaks (experience has taught him that). He is very calculating in his speech. Geno knew exactly what he was saying when he made that comment. After 31 years of coaching a particular way, do you really think he's going to change now. He nor his team will be conceding anything come next season. Some of his players already let the cat out of the bag when they said they weren't. Their off the cuff comments were "knee-jerk" in nature, derived from a "no-fear" attitude that has been instilled in them by Geno and staff.
You can believe whatever you want, but Geno will have his team ready to play next year, and they are going to be very competitive. They may not win the NC next year. How many NC's in a row do you expect them to win? In spite of losing their core players this year, they will be hard to beat, will surprise a few folks, and will continue to break their opponent's will, spirit and heart. Next year,
a new stage will be built. One that will showcase the talents of players that had supporting roles this year.
I don't think UConn will lose more than 4 games next year. They will continue to score lots of points, their defense will remain stellar. They only take away will be the the absence of Stewie's dominance in the middle. NEVER say never. You don't know what the future holds. UConn women's basketball is not dead. Any reports of their demise are false. Instead of lamenting and crying in our beer about what we don't have, let's focus and be optimistic about the things we do have. I see the glass half full, not half empty. UConn may get beat, but they are not going to lose.
I'm optimistic. I see some great things ahead for this team. I see greatness in this team. Is that gap between UConn and the rest of WCBB closing some, yes, but not completely. UConn still remains head and shoulders above most programs. I'll repeat the phrase other posters (Kib) have said, and I completely embrace it's concept,............
"NEVER underestimate the heart of a champion". A champion has a completely different perspective than others. A champion has a different level of competitiveness than others. A champion has a different level of resolve (no fear) than others.
There's no quit in a real champion. A champion can ALWAYS find a way to win when things look completely hopeless. A champion can find and make a way out of no way. A champion finds the strength and resolve to fight through fatigue and physical discomfort to attain victory. A champion is a warrior, incapable of harboring thoughts of possible defeat or failure. This concept and philosophy has been drilled into the minds and spirits of Geno's players for the last 31 years. Failure is not an option. UConn is a champion. A mythical sign above the UConn women's locker room reads:
"Warriors only - No chicken littles allowed".
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This year, we're not defending anything. The championship you won was last year is yours, nobody can take it from you. This year, we're attacking the rest of the league" ~ Geno Auriemma. Next season, expect the team to take the court every night with that mindset and resolve. I'm expecting nothing less. Go Huskies.