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Message: [QUOTE="Surly1, post: 4274438, member: 11599"] In yesterday’s championship pre-game presser, I thought Dawn Staley was very candid, refreshing and thoughtful. I came away with these 3 takeaways: She coaches her girls to have belief in themselves, which leads to embrace what you are good at and then provide them the space to figure things out. Her philosophy sounds very similar to another guy. On paper, SC should be favored. They are bigger, deeper (especially with Dorka out), focused and have been on a mission all season. They play suffocating defense and are very well coached. Yet, sports has proven time and time again, there is a reason why the game is played. One only has to be better one night. At this point in the year, X’s & O’s are overstated. Each team knows the other’s strength/flaws. It comes down who can execute, maintain their poise, and benefit from the lucky bounce or break. In games like these, somebody has to make the difficult, contested shots. Fortunately, UConn has a player on their team who can do this with regularity. Similarly with Geno in the beginning of the UConn legacy, they had to topple Tennessee before they were universally regarded as the best women’s program. Yes, SC has a championship belt, but to reign supreme, beating UConn in the NC coronates their ascension. However, whenever anyone talks about the UConn legacy, Lobo, Bird, Taurasi, Moore, Charles and Stewart are brought up. By the time they finish their collegiate careers, both Paige and Azzi should be included in that rarified air. Adding a NC or two will make the inclusion easier. This is why they came to UConn. Both have the desire to be great and play against the best. No better opportunity presents itself than tonite. This season of adversity has greased the wheels for the team for this moment and I expect everyone to leave their last ounce of belief, effort and energy on the court. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach