Geno with one of the greatest all time quotes regarding Pat Summitt

[EricLA]

He was shown a visual of Wooden with 10 NC's, he and Pat with 8, Mike K of Duke with 4 and Adolph Rupp with 4 and was asked by Naghandi what he thinks when he sees a list like that. I'm replaying it one bit at a time to get it exactly right because it was one of the greatest quotes I've ever seen from him.

"Well whenever I see a list like that , the first thing that goes through my mind is that Pat stands on her own without comparing her to John Wooden. John Wooden is compared to Mike K and Adolph Rupp. They did their thing in their world with what they had. Pat did it in her world and did it better than anyone else that's ever coached, and to be in that world with her from where I started, you know? And she was the one that everyone wanted to be like - to be like her program. You know, Coach K, Adolph Rupp, Coach Wooden - they're over here (motions to the right side of the desk) and we're over here (motions to the left side of the desk), and we have something I don't think you can compare to them. I don't WANT to compare it to them. And I don't want anyone to think Pat is second. Right now she's tied for first, and that's the way I want to keep it."

I think it's one of the most eloquent accolades I've ever heard, and that he said it all in one long moment was amazing. His sincerity and class was absolutely beautiful to see. I hope someday the folks in Knoxville can see beyond their blind hatred and realize what a gem of a human being and coach Geno is.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

That's why we love him.....

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

During the interview, he also referred to Coach Summitt as the greatest coach in the history of women's basketball. It shows true class when you can win and still pay homage to a true pioneer whose record you just tied. For as much as opposing fans may not appreciate or understand Geno's sense of humor or think he is a brash Northerner/Northeaster, with the glare of the national media, he made sure to honor Pat.

THAT is the essence of winning with class.

 

[UConnNick]

Finally! Somebody points out that these stupid comparisons between men's and women's BB stats are ridiculous. Apples and oranges.

Good for you, Geno. Maybe we can also put an end to the ridiculous questions about whether or not he could coach men and be successful. Of course he could if he were ever so inclined. Let's hope he never is.

 

[Adios]

Unsurprisingly, Louisville fans think he's totally classless right now.

 

[rjuconn]

Unsurprisingly, Louisville fans think he's totally classless right now.

Why is that? Because they lost by 33?

 

[CL82]

That's why we love him.....

Well that and the winning, just saying.

 

[CL82]

Unsurprisingly, Louisville fans think he's totally classless right now.

1st love the avatar, 2nd do you have a link to an active board for them? Scout looked kind of dead to me.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Unsurprisingly, Louisville fans think he's totally classless right now.

Omigod. Are you trying to do a flame on the BY after such a tremendous victory? Nothing much for the Cards women on the Rivals site, and one idiot Card poster on Scouts board who almost certainly just follows the guys 99.999% of the time posts a thread Geno-hate spread that the other Cards fans say come in and say basically, "Who wouldn't want to play for a top coach and win a lot of NCs."

And you're saying tne Cards' nation is somehow spewing hate? As the saying goes, if you don't have anything nice to say and you're an idiot, STFU.

 

[JSB60]

He was shown a visual of Wooden with 10 NC's, he and Pat with 8, Mike K of Duke with 4 and Adolph Rupp with 4 and was asked by Naghandi what he thinks when he sees a list like that. I'm replaying it one bit at a time to get it exactly right because it was one of the greatest quotes I've ever seen from him.

"Well whenever I see a list like that , the first thing that goes through my mind is that Pat stands on her own without comparing her to John Wooden. John Wooden is compared to Mike K and Adolph Rupp. They did their thing in their world with what they had. Pat did it in her world and did it better than anyone else that's ever coached, and to be in that world with her from where I started, you know? And she was the one that everyone wanted to be like - to be like her program. You know, Coach K, Adolph Rupp, Coach Wooden - they're over here (motions to the right side of the desk) and we're over here (motions to the left side of the desk), and we have something I don't think you can compare to them. I don't WANT to compare it to them. And I don't want anyone to think Pat is second. Right now she's tied for first, and that's the way I want to keep it."

I think it's one of the most eloquent accolades I've ever heard, and that he said it all in one long moment was amazing. His sincerity and class was absolutely beautiful to see. I hope someday the folks in Knoxville can see beyond their blind hatred and realize what a gem of a human being and coach Geno is.

Although I only want to see her tied for first until next year around this time!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Each one of these greats is unique and deserves recognition for it. The winning streak brought out a lot of the Wooden/Geno chatter. Should number 9 come along and number 10 threaten we will hear it all again . But, yeah, Geno is a genuine class act and we are beyond lucky to have him (for at least 5 more years I hope).

 

[UCONNfan1]

This was great stuff.

 

[stwainfan]

Holly said that Pat and Geno have a great friendship now. http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2013/apr/10/holly-warlick-appreciates-pat-summitt-geno-to/

 

[Icebear]

Someone needs to tell Randy Smith.

 

[UCweCONN]

Hopefully, the good words exchanged between Geno and Pat is a sign of the animosity between them waning. Life is too short.

 

[huskies29]

Holly said that Pat and Geno have a great friendship now. http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2013/apr/10/holly-warlick-appreciates-pat-summitt-geno-to/

Good. Its time Pat gives Holly her blessing to restart the u conn - vols series again for the good of womens basketball

 

[intlzncster]

Good. Its time Pat gives Holly her blessing to restart the u conn - vols series again for the good of womens basketball

Given the crap conference we are in, this is more true than ever. Our OOC has to be ridiculously good.

 

[Phil]

Unsurprisingly, Louisville fans think he's totally classless right now.

Is this based upon something specific? Geno made a point of saying how impressive the Cards run was. Unless a few fans misunderstood the give and take between Geno and Walz, who unlike some coaches, managed to take it well, and give as "give as good as he got", there's nothing I can think of that would cause Card fans to consider him classless. I don't suppose he will be added to anyone's Christmas card list, so I udnerstand expletive delted, or even undeleted, but that's not the same as classless

 

[intlzncster]

Although I only want to see her tied for first until next year around this time!

I was thinking the same thing. Screw this sentiment:

"And I don't want anyone to think Pat is second. Right now she's tied for first, and that's the way I want to keep it."

Not everybody gets a first place prize. Here's to Geno going out on top.