I am so upset with the way Geno is handling Megan Walker

[SVCBeercats]

I may not know nearly as much about basketball however I know a lot about managing people. I hate saying all this but let’s see how this plays out.

Hey Bobby Knight miss handled Larry Bird. And he admits it. Who knows how all the frosh will turn out. Let's just wait and see.

 

[Mdoggie]

Hey Bobby Knight miss handled Larry Bird. And he admits it. Who knows how all the frosh will turn out. Let's just wait and see.

Bob Knight coached Bird?

 

[Tenspro2002]

Bob Knight coached Bird?

Yes. Bird was at Indiana for a year before transferring to Indiana State.

 

[j66kicker]

Bob Knight coached Bird?

Knight recruited Bird to Indiana, but Larry left - didn't think he fit in. Knight says he didn't think Bird was that big a deal. He was 6'6", 180 lbs. at the time. Bird later resurfaced at Indiana State, at 6'9", 225 lbs., and tore it up. Knight has said he mishandled it, didn't recognize Larry's real potential and didn't treat him appropriately. Bird has said if he had it all to do over again he would have stayed at Indiana.

 

[huskeynut]

To the OP - you really don't know how Geno is handling Megan. You are not at practices. You do not know what conversations have occurred between Megan and the entire coaching staff.

You are passionate, and that's fine, but cool your jets. We are all passionate about UConn Women's Basketball or we wouldn't be here.

 

[Blue Huskie]

Hey Bobby Knight miss handled Larry Bird. And he admits it. Who knows how all the frosh will turn out. Let's just wait and see.

One of Knight's quotes was ; “I was negligent in realizing what Bird needed at that time in his life.”. I think Geno is a master of recognizing that sort of thing. However, I will also say that the team needs will always supercede playing time decisions. His formula works and he's not going to change it. I think this situation will work out just fine.

 

[Husky pride]

I have to agree. I’m also disappointed ...and feel the same about the rest of the remaining freshmen.

 

[Bronxjeff]

I hope she has another great game on Monday and gets to show her skills as she has in the other couple of big games so far.

 

[donalddoowop]

And anyone watching today's game can see why she needs more seasoning. The only thing Geno mishandles is occasionally his ties.

Don't you think the only way a player can get seasoning is by playing?

 

[Zanzman]

Yes. Bird was at Indiana for a year before transferring to Indiana State.

Bird was only on campus for a month so he never played for knight

 

[MilfordHusky]

I think that Geno can be a challenge for freshmen. He has talked very highly of Meg much of this season. Her minutes have been reduced of late, however, and we don’t know why. As noted, it could be illness or minor injury. It could be poor practices. It could be Andi’s departure. I’m going to give it time. I hope and expect Meg to be back on track soon.

 

[Woof 101]

I love the UConn Women and I have been a huge fan since ‘92 (when I was 10) but geez - the #1 recruit in the country is only getting garbage time minutes! I’m sure this is not what she envisioned when she decided to come to UConn.

Anybody else upset about this?

NOT in the least! Not being a wise guy here Fly, but why would anyone who actually follows the UConn women for any amount of time not understand his MO?
There is nothing secret with him and he reveals it show after show and interview upon interview. He even tells other coaches how to beat his team.
He has forever been a my way or the highway type of coach and some do take the highway. He has recently gone public with the fact he wants the freshmen to step up their game. Playing time is earned on how they practice. He has also stated body language on the bench can also have a lot to do with it.
It's quite alright to express your sadness that she is getting a lot of pine time but to question Geno's management skills??? I'll not add the little head bouncing off the brick wall.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Bird was only on campus for a month so he never played for knight

Are we really going to split hairs?

Bird was at IU when Knight was coach. Then he left IU.

 

[VaConnFan11]

I think it's funny how people on this board, sometimes me included, state an opinion on a player's playing time when we have no knowledge whatsoever of what happens in practices, how the player is feeling physically or how the player is doing mentally. Only coaches whom are around the players almost 24/7 can make the informed decision(s).

Who are we to question the greatest basketball coaching staff of all time?

 

[enigmatic]

Whatever the issue is with Megan whether it'd be illness/injury or poor practices, the main thing that matters to me is that Uconn continues to win. I'm hopeful though that there will be resolve and she will get quality minutes again.

 

[CTisballers]

No. How bout Geno do this to most of his freshman who he has high expectations for. She will respond in a big way in the future hopefully starting Monday night

 

[BroadwayVa]

I may not know nearly as much about basketball however I know a lot about managing people.

I hate saying all this but let’s see how this plays out.

Emotionally I feel as you do. I have with nearly every recruit Geno has had. Nan said it: neither you nor I know why she's not getting the PT we believe she deserves. ]
I do know this: If time comes in the Tx game or any big game Geno needs someone off the bench to sub for Kia or Gabby who can defend and score--it will be Megan Walker.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

I love the UConn Women and I have been a huge fan since ‘92 (when I was 10) but geez - the #1 recruit in the country is only getting garbage time minutes! I’m sure this is not what she envisioned when she decided to come to UConn.

Anybody else upset about this?

I would say that I'm concerned. I can't recall another #1-ranked HS AA coming into UConn and not making a big impact her freshman year. Certainly they can have difficulties. But half-way through the season being benched in a blow-out while the rest of the bench plays? Wow!!! I've never seen that from a #1 at UConn.

I think Coach Geno is concerned as well. We all come up with the cliche that "UConn is not for everyone." But it seems that we do lose some very good players, and not always for the right reasons. AEH is gone, and she seemed to show signs of real brilliance! Indeed, she was named New York's top player last year.

The lack of development of the freshmen has been a concern to Geno, and he hasn't been kidding. And Walker is not excluded.

Really hope she isn't deeply disillusioned. Need her to really come through as a star for the team. But it's not showing up so far. Indeed, she appears to be in a funk.

Fingers crossed!!!

 

[HuskyFan1125]

We have seen most if not all of the freshman that come to UCONN go thru this. Call it a wall, being a freshman, whatever it is they all have to adjust. And you know what??? The great ones always do!!!

 

[Hamms30]

I love the UConn Women and I have been a huge fan since ‘92 (when I was 10) but geez - the #1 recruit in the country is only getting garbage time minutes! I’m sure this is not what she envisioned when she decided to come to UConn.

Anybody else upset about this?

Who should he go up to and take the ball out of their hands and give it to MW? KLS, Gabby, Napheesa, Kia, or Crystal? And when he does it, what will he say other than .. "well she was number 1 recruit last year, we owe it to her for picking us..." Three of those 5 were voted pre-season all americans. Kia has paid her dues for 4 years and has earned her time on the floor and MW isn't on Crystals level to run the PG position. She just had the misfortune of being born at a time where she was within striking distance of this group of UConn players. With Gabby and Kia graduating, there will be more opportunity for her next year, but for now she needs to realize she is low on the totem pole and take this time to learn from some amazing athletes. And not for nothing but so far this season other than ND, every minute after half time has been garbage minutes because the team is constantly up 20+ at half time.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'd say disappointed.

For all the talk of incredible depth coming into the year, this is basically a 6-player team right now. Same as last season.

p

I'd like to have seen AEH, Walker, Lexi, Touly, Coombs to hit the floor scoring, defending and being the stars they may become---ain't going-a happen. We are still in the development phase of this year---who shall evolve and be a factor in the run for the Championship?? Walker I'm certain. Touly--I fear with out something drastic happening, not this year. Coombs has the best shot of following Walker into the world of glitter, this year but not right away.

I'm a basic worry wart--so I'd like to see a roster of 12 that can do everything all the time--and of course sub for the starting 6---unlikely.

 

[Topdawg]

Freshman year is hard on most players. They are being expected to perform consistently every day. I like all three of them. I see sparks of greatness. Over time, the sparks will become fires that will warm the hearts of the fans on this board...patience..

 

[BroadwayVa]

Hard to argue with a guy that has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, won 11 National Championships, and coached the US Olympic team to multiple Gold medals.

Yes but what has he done for us lately??? That's old stuff.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Though one game is different from multiple games, if Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck can get benched, then ANYONE can get benched.

 

[Carnac]

We can't be fans from afar, and coaches too. No man can serve two masters. Geno knows his players much better than we do. He sees them everyday in practice, we don't. He gets input about each player from his coaches and the trainers that we don't. IN GENO I TRUST!!! The man knows his players, and knows what he's doing. There is ALWAYS a method to his madness. He knows where Megan needs to be in November, and the best way to make sure she gets there.

That's very important! Either you trust Geno or you don't! Remember when we all thought Geno Benched Gabby in the 2nd half of the Notre Dame game because of her play, only to find out later that she was suffering from a migraine? He knew something we didn't. Even Rebecca Lobo thought she was benched, and said so during her TV post game comments.

You can't say he's the greatest WCBB coach ever, but then have an issue with the way he's coaching his (players) team. His way may be unconventional to some, but it works. If it didn't, why do so many coaches request permission to observe his practices? Every player is different, and responds to stimuli differently. One of the many quotes from the immortal "Wizard of Westwood", John Wooden said: "The bench is an excellent teacher".

I trust Geno and his staff to have Megan were she needs to be next season, so that she can be promoted to a starter, she's not there yet. There will be 2 vacancies (Gabby & Kia graduate) in the starting lineup next season. Megan is on track to be promoted to starter. Azura (if she stays) should be the other (we'll debate this over the summer). I expect Megan to make a leap next season similar to that of Crystal this year. I don't think I'll be disappointed. I'll leave you with the immortal words of Aaron Rodgers................R-E-L-A-X. Cheers.

 

[CTBballfan243]

I love the UConn Women and I have been a huge fan since ‘92 (when I was 10) but geez - the #1 recruit in the country is only getting garbage time minutes! I’m sure this is not what she envisioned when she decided to come to UConn.

Anybody else upset about this?

Not upset at all about this. Who’s minutes would you like her to take? She will get more minutes next year, if she earns her them.

 

[HuskyNan]

Who are we to question the greatest basketball coaching staff of all time?

We’re fans and we want the team to be the best it can be. Not everyone agrees with the way Geno is going about getting the team to its peak, and that’s ok.

 

[Charliebball]

Everybody got time today which was great for the starters and the bench....................hopefully that will continue at least through the conference season...............Walker has missed some sitters and also her defense has been a bit lacking.............comes not from lack of skill but from lack of confidence..............I'm not worried she's leaving, she's got way too much to prove to give up on the team or herself................

 

[my2cents]

I love the UConn Women and I have been a huge fan since ‘92 (when I was 10) but geez - the #1 recruit in the country is only getting garbage time minutes! I’m sure this is not what she envisioned when she decided to come to UConn.

Anybody else upset about this?

Me

 

[Twolf]

Don't you think the only way a player can get seasoning is by playing?

You are exactly right, players only get better at basketball by playing basketball. The frosh players are playing two hours each day against some of the best women in the collegiate game, and that is how they gain “seasoning”. The rookies go from a high school season, in which they could dominate by simply being superior physically to going against some of the best in the game on a daily basis. I am not privy to the factors involved in the minutes MW gets in games, nor do I need to be. What I do know is that the “seasoning” process that this staff employs has worked out well for many, many years for a multitude of players, and that is not an opinion, but a proven fact.