How Geno changed his coaching style to adapt to his players

[HuskyNan]

How Geno's softer approach helped UConn recover vs Tennessee

Auriemma changed his coaching style when he realized yelling and screaming wasn't having the intended effect with his players.

www.uconnwbbweekly.com

 

[jcoton56]

Adapt and survive. True in all endeavors, if you fail to change, you fail.

 

[Bone Dog]

This may be the result of years of nudging him by Diana and CD and Jamelle. Some ideas take a long time to get through a very hard head.

 

[oldude]

Geno is an advocate of “continuous learning,” whether it be about basketball or people. Change has always been part of his DNA. But specifically with regard to the “kinder, gentler” Geno Auriemma, I believe it goes back to the 2017-18 season.

As some may remember, UConn brought in what was generally considered to be the #1 recruiting class in the nation, lead by #1 overall recruit Megan Walker. During that season, Geno had several very public and harsh comments about his four freshmen, none of whom made it to their senior season at UConn.

As a related note, Megan Walker earned 1st team AA honors as a junior, leaving for the pros without graduating. To the best of my knowledge, she is the only WBCA 1st team AA at UConn who is not enshrined as a HOH.

Following that season, I remember noting a discernible change in Geno’s public comments, particularly at press conferences. Comments about players were more positive and supportive. Any negative comments were gently delivered. From that point on, Geno has evolved to the point where he’s become what we all see today, just an old softy…..

 

[msf22b]

It’s also a positive for his blood pressure

It sure felt to me that this was a relatively easy fix coming out of the locker room..as I noted in my comment in the post-game thread.

If they player solid UConn BB, there was nothing to get excited about.

 

[DEpup]

But I get the point. Grandpa Geno is really working for him with today's kids

 

[Centerstream]

I think he had a revelation when Paige patted him on the butt as she was running back up court during a game.

 

[WBBZen]

Love this. You always see social media comments about woah I bet Geno really gave it to them at half etc etc, but it's great that he has adapted his coaching to what his team needs. That's how he has sustained his success over 40 years.

 

[uconnfan68]

His players were a lot saltier back in the early days. He's changing as his players are changing.