I am so upset with the way Geno is handling Megan Walker | Page 4 | The Boneyard

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

HuskyNan said:
I think the disagreement is regarding the implication that there's no basketball talent currently on the team.
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Ok. So I did not say theres not basketball talent on the team. I did say that from watching all the games and listening to mostly everything Geno says that I am worried about our Freshman and Sophmore classes. Im looking for the impact players from those classes that will lead us to the impressive seasons that we have become accustom too. I think next year we are going to be fine. We still have Z, Lou, Danger and Pheese. I would hope that with a very important off season Megan Walker will grow into what we hope a number one rated player in the country would. The point of my post is I'm STARTING to get mildly concerned that I haven't seen what I hoped out of Walker, I see AEH leaving, I haven't seem much out of Molly, BC, MC or LG..... I have seen some nice play out of Irwin but I've told you all that I think Kyla is a very good play that just needed some burn. Of course we will probably be fine and this off season we will see lots of growth from the underclassmen and we will mix in two really nice looking players in ONO and CW and all will be just fine.
 
hoophuskee said:
We can agree to disagree. By the way can I start off with I just read an odd post on another thread from a poster that I disagree a lot with on many basketball subjects. Whether he is mad at me or not is irrelevant. But I get the feeling there are some that believe that you can't post to another poster and disagree with their opinion? The reason I bring this up is that we've disagreed quite a bit -- but you're okay with that. aren't you? I mean isn't this board also up so posters can share differences of opinions? If the opinions are different it means someone must be right and someone must be wrong for some opinions (some opinions can never be right or wrong). What I'm getting at is -- I hope even though I disagree with you-- and have in the past -- "we're good," right?

With that said I'll add you and milfordhusky and many others were right with Danger calling her preseason she would be the starter. I was wrong. While Danger is among my fav players, I never thought last year to this year that her defense would be good enough to start over AZ. What a game she played today. Numbers don't show it totally but I thought her defense was special today.

Now pertaining to this Meg Walker issue- you are using the word "if." (and also addressing other players over-and-above the thread created discussing Meg)). So for more than just talking about Meg - IMO Barring injuries or transfers Danger is a lock to be elite. The sophomores of Kyla or Molly are/ and imo never have been as “critical" to the program. They are insurance. And right now Kyla seems to be moving ahead and seems like she'll be fine with a natural progression. She appears to be a bonus and evolving. But even if she plateaus as not able to play vs the elites - for me Meg Walker has already made her bones. Her games vs ND and UCLA showed what she is. IMo we can just sit back and watch and enjoy. And marvel how Geno will push the right buttons. As he has done over-and-over with players that have many elite multiple attributes.

Walker is a lock to be a terrific player. Heck-- what was Gabby or Stewie doing vs the elite team such as ND early on in their frosh year? Yet we're supposed to hold Walker to a higher standard than them? Stewie couldn't compete well at all vs the elite teams early on. As long as AZ comes back next year and I expect Batouly to get better each year-- right now without any other transfers and just looking at the 2018 class UCONN will have at least sr Dangerfield, upper-class juniors Coombs and Meg Walker and get the soph jump from CWill -- our 1/2/3 positions (or maybe Meg can play the 4) will be the best or 2nd best in the nation. And this doesn't include the player you have mentioned quite a bit- Lexi Gordon who imo looks good. Damn glad to have her. This stuff about the freshmen is just noise from the coach who demands perfection.

This year we also heard a lot of noise about this team will have a huge problem that could affect team chemistry because the players wouldn't be happy about minute distribution. Which imo was always a silly thing to worry about. Next year we'll hear noise as to "who will be the leaders." The year after we'll hear noise about our frontcourt. Then somewhere in there - the minute distribution noise will reappear. It's all noise. As long as Geno is getting elite recruiting classes UCONN will be fine. You probably won't see 111-0 etc. But the team will be fine. Ignore the noise and enjoy watching many of the players continue to grow. Bottom-line is that there is a reason why Meg Walker was recruited by UCONN and played well vs ND and UCLA. She is a physically gifted player who will be coached by one of the best if not the best coach ever. Ignore the day-today to noise.
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HoopHuskee Let me first say I really enjoy your posts and you can disagree with me anytime. I think these boards should not just be for when we all agree on something or just giving platitudes, or saying how awesome a player is or the team is or how the coach is a god and makes every right call.... I think as long as its respectful its all good to have a back and forth. I have trolled other boards both men's and Women's and I honestly think this board is policed very very tightly. Its like when college basketball started enforcing the freedom of movement and everything started becoming a foul, or in football how you cannot touch a receiver without getting a pass interference foul..

That being said addressing your post I mildly disagree that Megan Walker as made her bones. Listen clearly she is highly rated, and certainly looks the part and has gotten the most opportunity of all the underclassmen. Just in saying that has to tell volumes that she's earning that playing time. I have certainly watched flashes of what she can become, and yes I think the Flu set her back. As far as being an impact player vs a real nice player, I think that is the question for me. Will she be a force? a leader? one of the best players in WCB? IDK, but I cannot tell you she most definitely will be..... I saw more from Stewie, Lou, Maya, DT at this point, but listen we will see. Im NOT saying she's not going to be good or great, I'm just starting to get MILDLY concerned.

I don't think theres any chemistry concerns with the team, I never felt there would be. I knew the starters( 6 of them) would get there minutes and then the underclassmen would fight to get theres. As I just posted to NAN, I think Geno is concerned with the underclassmen. I never heard him harp so much on how behind they are. These are not my words, they are his. Don't you see the look on his face when the bench is in, he's physically pained. Listen, as we discussed Walker has a ton of potential, kyla( who I loved since day one) has shown to be a leader out there and is giving solid minutes. If I was the coach she would be getting more minutes. Im worried about every other bench player on the team. Also you know the incoming freshmen will take time to adjust next year even if they are great..

As you said, lets sit back and see. Some times I will throw stuff out there that just popped into my mind. Either way Im glad you responded to my post and I always welcome your input your a good poster.
 
Are you serious? this team has more talent in its little finger than any team in WCBB. Geno believes he wins championships with seven players and he proved it year after year. He fine tunes the seven players game after game throughout the season for the NCAA run until he is confident that they can handle anything that is thrown at them. In games when he sees that the opponents are totally over matched, he substituted freely, sometimes at the half, sometimes later.

There is no question that he uses the whole season to get the 7 players ready for the championship run. The other players will get their turn the next year when the current seniors graduate. If they can handle the wait, their time will come. Even the best freshmen or top ranked freshmen have to wait for their time unless out necessity he has to throw one or two in there, see Bria Hardley and Stef Dolson, or Kia Nurse.

Geno coaches to win championship. The 7 players will get all his attention. If a freshman is lucky to be one of the 7, she will get more playing time. If not, she waits. See Gabby, Pheesa, Tuck, Jefferson etc...

Meg and possibly MC are the favorite to be included in the magnificent seven (maybe 8 this year). The others will see no time at all when the NCAA tournament starts.
 
No doubt about it, I’ve gotta stop hanging around The Boneyard! Until now, I was really enjoying my favorite team’s undefeated season, its “apparent” unparalelled artistry on the floor, and what I mistakenly thought was its inevitable march to NC #12. I honestly had no idea how much we had to be concerned about. At the moment, I’m not only unable to continue to enjoy it with unfettered glee, I’m now positively terrified about the 2021-2022 season! I used to think that this Geno fellow had a pretty good handle on player development and that most first and second-year players would demonstrate remarkable improvement as they progressed under his tutelage. Now that my friends here have pointed out that this dynamic has ceased to be operative for this particular group of players, fear has replaced pleasure as the primary condition of my fandom. Sucks!!
 
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Goodgood said:
Are you serious? this team has more talent in its little finger than any team in WCBB.
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No disagreement with most of your comment but I would say the talent gap is not as large as you state. I think a few teams like Baylor and MSU rival us in individual talent. What sets us apart (hopefully) from those teams is the way we play as a team, our earned confidence and the preparation of our coaches in scouting etc.
 
JordyG said:
It's all about player development. His record in this area is unmatched. You hone steel against steel. That has always been Geno's way and I personally don't argue with success, especially when it's unprecedented.
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So , for the sake of discussion...(no argument)..we lose our freshman class, and move forward with our current sophs, maybe the unprecedented success changes
Steel on steel? Here I thought these were young women playing a game that we are talking about. Lastly, when the pitch to come to UCONN is made to "a" consensus, national player of the year candidate , I wonder if its said, that if you have a lousy practice you may not play in any games.
 
I think HCGA was continuing his quest to get her ready for the big ones. She played...but he took her out in 4th quarter. She has missed two layups but that wasn't the issue, per see.

When she came out, CD was coaching her up in the bench. When Gordon hit her 3, she was just as excited as the rest of the bench.

She'll be fine. It's a long season...and we need her to play and contribute in the big games coming down the pike.
 
A little nervous about posting this but it is a forum for all of our opinions so here goes. One of us, Ron, is sometimes " put off" because he can be too acerbic and public with his comments and the other, Vida, feels he knows what he's doing and you need to be tough to maintain this level of excellence.
 
Goodgood said:
Are you serious? this team has more talent in its little finger than any team in WCBB. Geno believes he wins championships with seven players and he proved it year after year. He fine tunes the seven players game after game throughout the season for the NCAA run until he is confident that they can handle anything that is thrown at them. In games when he sees that the opponents are totally over matched, he substituted freely, sometimes at the half, sometimes later.

There is no question that he uses the whole season to get the 7 players ready for the championship run. The other players will get their turn the next year when the current seniors graduate. If they can handle the wait, their time will come. Even the best freshmen or top ranked freshmen have to wait for their time unless out necessity he has to throw one or two in there, see Bria Hardley and Stef Dolson, or Kia Nurse.

Geno coaches to win championship. The 7 players will get all his attention. If a freshman is lucky to be one of the 7, she will get more playing time. If not, she waits. See Gabby, Pheesa, Tuck, Jefferson etc...

Meg and possibly MC are the favorite to be included in the magnificent seven (maybe 8 this year). The others will see no time at all when the NCAA tournament starts.
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I think we all agree that the starting 6 this year has " more talent in its little finger than any team in WCB" I think the point some people are raising is concern over the progression of not just the freshman but also the sophomore class. One would think that the soph class would be further along? Maybe one would think that MW would be further along? We can also imagine CW and ONO will have there own learning curves. Again, I'm sure it will all work out like it always does, we will see..
 
my2cents said:
So , for the sake of discussion...(no argument)..we lose our freshman class, and move forward with our current sophs, maybe the unprecedented success changes
Steel on steel? Here I thought these were young women playing a game that we are talking about. Lastly, when the pitch to come to UCONN is made to "a" consensus, national player of the year candidate , I wonder if its said, that if you have a lousy practice you may not play in any games.
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I think this is an interesting post. I feel badly for AEH and that it did not work out. I really liked her game and thought she was showing confidence and a solid shot. AEH transferring really surprised me. If you asked me which freshman would transfer it would not have been her. That said if she was not happy then its for the best. Its possible she would vent to her fellow classmates and maybe that isn't the most productive vibes as your struggling to figure things out.. Clearly speculation there. If these classes do not "fire" its very possible we take a step back right? Its not any single teams birth right to be 34-0 or 33-1 every year. Just ask Tennessee.
 
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I usually don't like to add to these threads where fans question Geno's handling of a player because my opinion is that is why he makes the "big bucks". If UConn decides that he isn't doing the job they won't renew his contract (just about zero chance of that happening). 11 championships tells me he must be doing something right. As far as handling individual players...every player is different, everyone has their own "hot buttons". Geno is a button pusher, always has been. Has he made some wrong calls over the years with regards to certain players? Charde Houston comes to mind. However, I don't think there is anyone here who was a fan during the Houston years who wouldn't agree that she was puzzling with regards to what management style would have worked. Sometimes these things just have to come under...it's a tough job and that is why you hire the best to do it. Now, aside from this thread I would like to throw something else into the mix that I think is interesting. Isn't there a freshmen (I think she might be one of the new bigs) who took issue with Meg being the number one pick of the class and was vocal about it who is either on the Texas team or was from a Texas high school and went somewhere else? If I am not mistaken, I think she called Megan out in the media. I bring this up because if she is on the Texas team it sure would give Meg some added incentive to have her break-out game.
 
FlyRyGuy said:
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?
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How can one question the GREATEST coach ever???? Not me!!!!
 
FlyRyGuy said:
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?
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I am upset with this thread. Everyone knows you play based on your practice
 
Hamms30 said:
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.
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Agree 100% with this.
Geno never has a 10 player rotation on a regular basis. You cant play your starters only 1/2 of a game in most games and then expect them to play a full game against the better teams
 
JustinesGuy said:
You don't want baby Bruney? Ok.
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Those are your words, not mine. Your implication was in the next couple of years we will not have the talent needed to compete. As I said, I disagree.
 
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01Neaggrad02 said:
I am upset with this thread. Everyone knows you play based on your practice
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huskeynut said:
Those are your words, not mine. Your implication was in the next couple of years we will not have the talent needed to compete. As I said, I disagree.
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I certainly think were going to compete. I think 2 of the 3 members of the soph class will be big contributors. Im mildly concerned with the freshman class with there development and the transfer of AEH. Thus I'm a bit worried about how the team may shape up 2 years down the road. Not with us being a good team or competing but being a typical 34-1 type Geno team. Again I'm not saying we are in big trouble or trying to paint a domesday scenario. It was just something to note and to keep an eye on.
 
JordyG said:
Not with the way UConn practices. You learn in practice, you apply what you've learned in game.
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I keep hearing practices are much harder than actual games.
 
cferraro04 said:
Now, aside from this thread I would like to throw something else into the mix that I think is interesting. Isn't there a freshmen (I think she might be one of the new bigs) who took issue with Meg being the number one pick of the class and was vocal about it who is either on the Texas team or was from a Texas high school and went somewhere else? If I am not mistaken, I think she called Megan out in the media. I bring this up because if she is on the Texas team it sure would give Meg some added incentive to have her break-out game.
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Rellah Boothe. She has said she will win multiple NCs at Texas. From Florida, so probably had Kenny Kallina building her up. Currently warming the bench for the Longhorns. Some question her conditioning. Would love to see Megan have a great game tomorrow!
 
JustinesGuy said:
I think we all agree that the starting 6 this year has " more talent in its little finger than any team in WCB" I think the point some people are raising is concern over the progression of not just the freshman but also the sophomore class. One would think that the soph class would be further along? Maybe one would think that MW would be further along? We can also imagine CW and ONO will have there own learning curves. Again, I'm sure it will all work out like it always does, we will see..
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I believe we have a few ( stir the pot) folks at least I hope that is why they post such rot
 
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How in the heck did Geno manage to survive 33 years, 11 NC games and a Gampel roof that required to be reinforced with additional support so all them banners won't cave the roof in. :rolleyes:
 
JustinesGuy said:
Yes. We're all going to be upset in two years if these two classes(frosh, soph) cannot perform up to Genos standards. It's not out of the question we take a temporary step backwards. Right now I'm kinda worried for next year and very worried for the year after. Let's hope CW or ONO are impact players or we Land some BB type talent soon.
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Reading a couple of your other posts down the thread, I take it you are not trying to be funny? Because truthfully, the bolded line is one of the funniest lines I've read in quite some time.

Samuelson,Collier, Stevens, Dangerfield and hell even me or you and I'm not worried about next year.
 
meyers7 said:
Samuelson,Collier, Stevens, Dangerfield and hell even me or you and I'm not worried about next year.
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Three, potentially four, POY candidates on that team.
 
As an observer from afar I see in this thread two main camps - Emotional feeling for bench players vs Experienced Geno followers who accept reality (Geno's reality.) Old school, hard nosed decision making vs concern about individuals mental health is another way to look at it. I understand both sides, however, many posters have clearly stated that Geno knows what's best. I have to agree with that sentiment.
Motivation of players is an understated skill. Carrot or stick? Positive or Negative? Geno is the stick and CD, with the upperclass players, are the comforters.
Why is Geno different than any other coach? The man has an Iron Will when it comes to demanding a certain level of behavior/play. Look around WBB and you will see almost 100% of other coaches --they let the players play the style they brought from high school. Other posters have mentioned this. The girl from Texas A&M could step in and continue her HS style of shoot and play a little D. Geno refuses to back off when a player is not developing a minimum of skills. He does not care if she is #1 or # 4. Pheese did not play much as a frosh in big games.
Someone mentioned steel on steel. IMHO Geno puts stress on the situations and the players to see how they react. Do they learn and grow or do they wilt? If they wilt under his practice stress and other created situations then they will probably wilt in a big game moment. Very, very few coaches can hold every player to that standard. Geno has that in his bone marrow. And I believe CD does too. They know what "Championship Level" looks like. In November or December Geno states "the team is not there yet." Where? Championship Level! He knows what it looks like.
He is so hard nosed (read his upbringing to understand) that he takes the chance of losing the player. His confidence level and success rate is so high he feels good about the style. Since Geno and CD hand pick the few players that completely fill the UConn standards, they know the rate of success is very high.
As we all know, Geno is coaching for Championships. The day to day feelings of bench players are not the driving force, not even a little bit. The other coaches and players fill that bill.
For me personally, as a player and coach, I understand about playing time and positive motivation. I, like many others, would not have the Iron Will to keep pushing and using the entire Geno style. He is different. And it WORKS.
Just my humble opinion.
 
"You hone steel against steel. "

Or against stone, or leather, or glass, or . . . . "
 
FlyRyGuy said:
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?
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Yes i agree, Geno playing his games. And it is getting old now. I'm sure all the die hards don't want to hear this. I hope we don't start having recruits leave because of this. Yes it has been working in the past but things change and so do players. She is instant help off the bench so why mess with her? I also think Coombs should be playing more, she is a good talent and can contribute if given the chance.
 
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