Husky’s Team Roster Poll

[Zinethar]

It took me a long time to decide which way to vote. I also didn't like her effort but I also have no idea what went into that. I'm not a mind reader - I'll leave that to @Carnac . My decision was based on the fact that she would play UConn's way or would not play. If she wound up sitting it would be her own fault. If she gets major time it is her own doing also. That spoils nothing for anyone else who also have the same options.

 

[BobbyJ]

I understand that you can’t teach height and I do believe Cardoso has great potential. But as I rewatched the UConn- Cuse game, I saw Cardoso come out strong in the first few minutes and then Liv responded, playing one of her better overall games at UConn.

From that point on, Cardoso had very little impact on the game, playing only 23 minutes and eventually getting herself into foul trouble. While I try to temper my expectations by acknowledging that Cardoso is only a freshman, there were a lot of things that would bother me if I was Geno.

Cardoso stood around a lot, either not sure what to do, or just not playing very hard. I was reminded of Geno’s assessment of Steph many years ago. “She got knocked down a lot. But every time she got knocked down, she got right up and ran back down the court.”

We all watched a 6’7” player with some legitimate skills. I think Geno is looking for something else. Remember, “We don’t teach effort at UConn.” So I voted “no.”

That's mostly what I saw also. On at least two transitions when the ball went the other way, she didn't bother to cross half court in pursuit. And the body language she showed a few times would've gotten her yanked off the floor if playing for UConn. I'd like to hear Auriemma's private take on her.

 

[huskyd]

If you have a million dollars, and someone asks if you'd like another million, would you say No. Hey, it's un-American.
Anyway, we never get the dominant bigs, and several would have turned entire seasons around for us. We can probably win with what we have, but saying No to Kamilla would be tough to swallow. I say: Bank her.

 

[oldude]

If you have a million dollars, and someone asks if you'd like another million, would you say No. Hey, it's un-American.
Anyway, we never get the dominant bigs, and several would have turned entire seasons around for us. We can probably win with what we have, but saying No to Kamilla would be tough to swallow. I say: Bank her.

What if you had a million $ and you could make a bet that would either double your money or cut it in half? Also, as far as UConn never getting the dominant Bigs, perhaps you may have forgotten Kara, Rebecca, Tina, Steph & Stewie. Just sayin.

 

[hardcorehusky]

The only game I saw her play was against us. She did well considering they were overwhelmed and underneath the surface, things were bubbling as Q was weaving his magic.

 

[Dublin]

I voted yes as it's not Geno's job to be nice, it's his job to win and she definitely has talent and is a huge prexence on the court, I did only see her once - the tourney game, but was not impressed with Cardosa's conditioning or play which could be due to her present coach or supporting cast.

Right now I don't see her as a starter and she's good enogh that she should start and play a lot somewhere, just don't see that happening at UConn given our athletic forwards and adding DJ and DeBerry. On the other hand she has talent, conditioning can be imporved and she would be unstoppable in the right environment - maybe a Kara Wolters down the road, so why not take a shot!

I defintely agree that Geno is paid to win. He is not paid $2+ million just to be a nice guy. If he believes that Cardosa can help win #12, go for it. With the 1K+ transfers in protocol, this same type of thing will happen to so many other teams this summer. For those BYers who frequent other WBB forums, I'm sure this type of discussion is ongoing. Geno knows it. He will make the best decision for the Huskies.

 

[chrissaran]

Yes. As many have mentioned, when you have the chance to add a player of this ability, you take her, and if other players aren't happy, they have other options.

 

[DefenseBB]

In throwing caution to the wind, I did hear something interesting this year on One of the SNY Geno undefeated shows with Sue, Swin, Tamika, Asjha Jones and Diana they discussed the 1999-2000 season (Sue’s freshman year) where the team was extremely talented but had MAJOR chemistry issues that prevented them from achieving anything. It was telling the whole group of 4 (before DT so she kept quiet) were so open about the chemistry issues that I had never heard. This also accentuates that talent does not trump chemistry.

Now I AM NOT SAYING that Cardoso would cause chemistry issues but I do think it has to be considered.

 

[diggerfoot]

One thought I have yet seen expressed. If you consider bigs important then you want the influx of them to be steady, particularly coveted ones. We have two posts in the recent class, one post coming in next year. If we add another post to the Edwards class, where we are well covered, what does that do for our chances to get Del Rosario later? From what I am hearing from our recruiting gurus, Del Rosario should be a higher priority for continued success rather than stockpiling posts in the same class.

 

[Dublin]

In the WNBA and in other sports, if a free agent is available that will help your team win, you sign the player. If it causes other players at that position to have less playing time, option to the minor leagues, a trade elsewhere or an outright release, so be it.

Why do you think that Huskies' practices are so hard? 'Cause Geno is a nice guy? 'Cause he wants to win !!!

 

[huskyd]

What if you had a million $ and you could make a bet that would either double your money or cut it in half? Also, as far as UConn never getting the dominant Bigs, perhaps you may have forgotten Kara, Rebecca, Tina, Steph & Stewie. Just sayin.

I was thinking of recent history: Aja, Lauren, Charli, Boston. Tina and Stef were works in progress (as Liv remains), and Stewie was playing out of position. Had EDD come for more than a cuppa, and had we gotten any one of the others, we would have a few more NCs on the board. Or do you doubt it?

 

[Stymie]

In the WNBA and in other sports, if a free agent is available that will help your team win, you sign the player. If it causes other players at that position to have less playing time, option to the minor leagues, a trade elsewhere or an outright release, so be it.

Why do you think that Huskies' practices are so hard? 'Cause Geno is a nice guy? 'Cause he wants to win !!!

“So be it ?”
Just give the parents a sniff that their daughter is an interchangeable part... better yet that they are nothing more than potential “spare parts” with no commitment from the program.
The definition of brand destruction.
Short sighted.
Include me out.

 

[oldude]

I was thinking of recent history: Aja, Lauren, Charli, Boston. Tina and Stef were works in progress (as Liv remains), and Stewie was playing out of position. Had EDD come for more than a cuppa, and had we gotten any one of the others, we would have a few more NCs on the board. Or do you doubt it?

Lot of qualifiers to your original comment. Tina and Stef were both 2-time national champions, 1st team AA’s and Tina was a NPOY. Collier was none of the above. I agree that Wilson, Cox & Boston were the best Bigs in their respective class.

As for Stewie playing “out of position”, she will go down as the best Big in the history of WBB, in part because she is incredibly versatile. But she is still a center.

 

[AYusef]

UCONN would be lucky to land a player like that. Look at what a problem Boston is at SC for opposing teams. There are bigs over the past several years who are total game changers for their teams and opponents need a special game plan to slow them down.

She's a player unlike anything we have. IMHO she has the potential to be one of the best college centers ever. 6'7", strong, mobile, long, smart. We would be so lucky to land her. She has 1st team AA potential, maybe even NPOY. IMHO that's how good she can be.

Geno has potentially the greatest guard combo to ever play together in college. He would be negligent if he didn't do everything he could to surround them with as much great talent as possible.

I will vote YES only because it would probably secure another dominant run and it would drive many over a cliff!! Having said that the above statement is not true at all. Bigs are not game changers in the women's game, guards are.
South Carolina has won nothing with Boston going into her junior year. Baylor won 1 NC with Griner. If you are referring to Stewart her skill set for her size was very unique and not the prototypical BIG.
To say it would be negligent on Geno's part if he didn't bring in Cardoso is an overstatement he has two great recruiting classes coming in this year and next. He is certainly doing his due diligence in acquiring talent.
Like I said I would vote YES but I wouldn't be brokenhearted if it didn't happen...

 

[CL82]

When is it enough? What if 3 All Americans want to join the team? Please stop this line of thinking....it is disruptive and unkind to our players.

We have three number one draft choices on the team. They are likely to get more minutes than the other players. Should we send one of them into the portal just some minutes could be more equal? Perhaps two of them?

 

[EricSD]

I will vote YES only because it would probably secure another dominant run and it would drive many over a cliff!! Having said that the above statement is not true at all. Bigs are not game changers in the women's game, guards are.
South Carolina has won nothing with Boston going into her junior year. Baylor won 1 NC with Griner. If you are referring to Stewart her skill set for her size was very unique and not the prototypical BIG.
To say it would be negligent on Geno's part if he didn't bring in Cardoso is an overstatement he has two great recruiting classes coming in this year and next. He is certainly doing his due diligence in acquiring talent.
Like I said I would vote YES but I wouldn't be brokenhearted if it didn't happen...

Ok first of all, you need to actually read what I wrote. There ARE bigs who are game changers, and who other teams need special defenses to stop. It's just a fact. Because I only mentioned bigs, and not guards, (who do indeed control the game and also require different special defenses to stop great ones), does not take away from the fact that talented bigs are hugely problematic for many teams to play against.

Second, I never said "Geno would be negligent if he didn't bring in Cardoso". I actually said "He would be negligent if he didn't do everything he could to surround them with as much great talent as possible." Subtle but significant difference related to your comments.

So I don't care if you disagree with me, at least read my post before you say something I wrote "is not true at all".

 

[Sluconn Husky]

When is it enough? What if 3 All Americans want to join the team? Please stop this line of thinking....it is disruptive and unkind to our players.

Are you still going to be of this mindset if Geno and his staff are recruiting Cardoso?

 

[Woof 101]

Why do you think that Huskies' practices are so hard? 'Cause Geno is a nice guy? 'Cause he wants to win !!!

Badda bing badda boom! If Geno thinks she can cut the mustard and not be a disruption he will welcome her with open arms.

When is it enough? What if 3 All Americans want to join the team? Please stop this line of thinking....it is disruptive and unkind to our players.

No attack @Happydad745 but you can't be serious if you follow D1 woman's basketball. Unkind to the players???

Most every player that achieves the level of the upper echelon of D1 basketball have dealt with competition at every level. Middle school, high school, AAU and travel teams.
There is no such thing as too much talent on a limited roster. It is really funny how nobody has mentioned in this thread how nice it would be to have a back up if Olivia or Aaliyah were to suffer a long term injury.
Again no attack but Geno gets paid a lot of ching to to put the best possible team on the floor and one has to think that makes him a happy dad also. He has been proven to be demanding and hard on his players but never unkind. He has also been very gracious to those who chose to move on looking for more minutes to those like EDD that would have gotten a ton of them.
We have a lot of competition in the back court and possibly more in the front court, it does not get any better than that.

 

[AYusef]

did hear something interesting this year on One of the SNY Geno undefeated shows with Sue, Swin, Tamika, Asjha Jones and Diana they discussed the 1999-2000 season (Sue’s freshman year) where the team was extremely talented but had MAJOR chemistry issues that prevented them from achieving anything. It was telling the whole group of 4 (before DT so she kept quiet) were so open about the chemistry issues that I had never heard. This also accentuates that talent does not trump chemistry.

I too found that very interesting and had never heard of chemistry issues on any UConn team. Looking back in hindsight I may have an inkling as to what they're were referencing. That freshman class was much hyped which might've rubbed some of the veterans the wrong way (Shea/Sveta) just a hunch.

 

[AYusef]

Ok first of all, you need to actually read what I wrote. There ARE bigs who are game changers, and who other teams need special defenses to stop. It's just a fact. Because I only mentioned bigs, and not guards, (who do indeed control the game and also require different special defenses to stop great ones), does not take away from the fact that talented bigs are hugely problematic for many teams to play against.

Second, I never said "Geno would be negligent if he didn't bring in Cardoso". I actually said "He would be negligent if he didn't do everything he could to surround them with as much great talent as possible." Subtle but significant difference related to your comments.

So I don't care if you disagree with me, at least read my post before you say something I wrote "is not true at all".

He has done everything he could it's called recruiting, and he has two very good recruiting classes coming in. Your choice of words was an overstatement and I stand by that.

The only BIG that has been a "game changer" in recent years was Stewart and that's because she had a expansive skill set and not a prototypical big. Cardoso is a prototypical big who without talented guards around her can be neutralized.

 

[Dublin]

We have three number one draft choices on the team. They are likely to get more minutes than the other players. Should we send one of them into the portal just some minutes could be more equal? Perhaps two of them?

Since the 3 #1s are all guards, what if someone like Caitlin Clark were to enter the portal, would it make sense for her to compete for minutes with the 3 #1s?

In Cardoso's case, she's wouldn't be competing for minutes with the 3 #1s. With her on the squad, the competition for minutes for the 3 other positions might lead to some players considering the portal.

 

[Dublin]

“So be it ?”
Just give the parents a sniff that their daughter is an interchangeable part... better yet that they are nothing more than potential “spare parts” with no commitment from the program.
The definition of brand destruction.
Short sighted.
Include me out.

Parents of top D1 players know that their daughter will face competition for their four years at whatever school they choose. They know that there will be competition in the WNBA, if they get that far.

However, with Geno, they know he will show respect to their daughter. They know he will be communicating with her so that, if her minutes drop, their daughter will know the reasons. She will continue to be a key player in the program.

Spare part? I don't think so.

 

[Bajan Best]

I will always vote NO when it comes to transfers into the program for the following reasons...

1) Name me one transfers in or out of UCONN who went on to be anything significant in basketball other than ED and her situation was totally acceptable.
2) If they were meant to be at the Best Basketball program in the world it should have been their first choice from day 1, unless of course UConn was their first choice but weren't offered a scholarship, then I might consider accepting them because a successful program like UConn should never be an afterthought IMHO..

 

[Childhood]

I dont understand why some BYers dislike talent to walk in UConn. I would like to see UConn getting better and better.
73 win Warriors also recruited Kelvin Durant. UConn is not as dominant as Warriors. If there is a chance to get the team better, no way to miss it.
If Cardoso comes to UConn, she can easily be one of the best 5 players in the team.

 

[CL82]

Since the 3 #1s are all guards, what if someone like Caitlin Clark were to enter the portal, would it make sense for her to compete for minutes with the 3 #1s?

In Cardoso's case, she's wouldn't be competing for minutes with the 3 #1s. With her on the squad, the competition for minutes for the 3 other positions might lead to some players considering the portal.

Yes it might. That’s the brave New World of the portal.

But yeah, you take Clark if she’s available and interested in coming here. Keep in mind that it would be four players competing for playing time at three positions,
point guard, shooting guard and small forward

 

[Urshurak]

I voted "YES" but would be surprised if she came to UConn. Lots of Pros and Cons either way and nobody on the BY knows the nitty gritty of what Geno want to do next year. I'm pretty sure Geno knows what he's doing.

 

[LouS]

I voted YES, because you teach height.

 

[eebmg]

I think the Poll ratio is getting closer as the chances of landing Cardosa seem to be receding.

 

[oldude]

I don’t know if UConn is pursuing Cardoso and don’t really care if they do, but time will tell. Having said that, there are two continuing themes from those that strongly advocate for the addition of Cardoso to UConn’s roster.

The first theme is that Cardoso will be a star player, helping to secure multiple national championships for UConn. Some may have a crystal ball. I don’t. Syracuse lost 9 games this past year. They were one of the last teams selected to the Big Dance, struggling with SDSt for 3 qtrs before finally pulling away in the 4th and then getting hammered by UConn.

More to the point, Cardoso played only 23 minutes against the Huskies, scoring 8 of the Cuse’s first 10 pts, then becoming mostly a non-factor. I have said that Cardoso has a lot of potential, but she still has a long way to go to achieve that potential.

The second theme is to compare adding players (free agents) to a college team like it’s a pro team, as if student-athletes are exactly the same as professional athletes and winning is the only thing that matters in college sports. For many reasons I disagree with that assessment.

More importantly, Geno has made clear on multiple occasions that the worst thing he could conceive of as a CBB coach would be the failure to help a player reach their potential at UConn. I’m not quite sure how recruiting a bunch of transfers over kids you recruited out of HS keeps the commitment a coach made to the HS kid and their family to help them reach their potential.

 

[Stymie]

Thank you much.
Your last point is, I believe, the strongest one.
One should not think for a minute that the parents of a recruit do not wield major “input” as to the final decision.