I just have to say this...

[clbabson]

After reading probably too many posts here, I just have to say how disappointed I am at how some people talk about these players. If you looooove this program so much, it should be more about these young women than anything. ESPECIALLY with everything going on, not a single person here has any idea what these kids are going through day-to-day and I'd expect grown adults not to talk about them like they are merely chess pieces to another championship. They are humans, like all of us...and they are YOUNG. It's fine to criticize plays or like "hopefully she works on that in the offseason" or whatever, but some of y'all have zero empathy.

So...stop for a minute and think about it. For a lot of us, we are very invested in this team and I get that comes with emotion, but be fair to the players. As others have alluded to, you can feel how much of a struggle CW is having right now. It's palpable and I'm sure she knows that. It does no good putting that negative energy out there. EW played a great game and I saw one person being like "well why didn't she show up for SC?" Seriously? We won't the game, she played great and you're going to put her down because she had a bad game, knowing that she's still playing basketball after a long layoff and playing under these circumstance.

Point being - we should try to be better.

 

[Ohio GF]

A big AMEN!

 

[Zonepress]

Great post!! Could not agree more

 

[PacoBlaze]

Good post. But you forgot a basic BY premise: the vast majority of posters appear to be a better coach than Geno and his staff. I agree that we should be able to voice our opinions and concerns, but to go on and on ad nauseum just gets old and serves no purpose. I think that is why the BY web designer gave us the Ignore option.

 

[Kaizen]

Because you love them, so you criticise them.
I believe most people here wish them the best. Cheer UConn husky

 

[Centerstream]

These points you raised are the reason I have tried to stay away from the game time Chat room - posters seem downright hateful about the players and their performance. I sometimes will check in at halftime but I didn't do it for last night's game because I was too scared of what I would see.

 

[NormanDale]

These points you raised are the reason I have tried to stay away from the game time Chat room - posters seem downright hateful about the players and their performance. I sometimes will check in at halftime but I didn't do it for last night's game because I was too scared of what I would see.

You were "too scared of what you would see"? Come on, being a little overly dramatic don't you think?

 

[RedStickHusky]

These points you raised are the reason I have tried to stay away from the game time Chat room - posters seem downright hateful about the players and their performance. I sometimes will check in at halftime but I didn't do it for last night's game because I was too scared of what I would see.

Probably a good choice, it was not the chat room's finest hour. OTOH, there are some knowledgeable and interesting posters in there that can talk about the game without engaging in personal attacks and character assassination. The trolls are too easy to put on ignore until the mods catch up to them.

 

[DefenseBB]

Probably a good choice, it was not the chat room's finest hour.

Now you know why there are no game threads on the main forum...

 

[tchalla1]

After reading probably too many posts here, I just have to say how disappointed I am at how some people talk about these players. If you looooove this program so much, it should be more about these young women than anything. ESPECIALLY with everything going on, not a single person here has any idea what these kids are going through day-to-day and I'd expect grown adults not to talk about them like they are merely chess pieces to another championship. They are humans, like all of us...and they are YOUNG. It's fine to criticize plays or like "hopefully she works on that in the offseason" or whatever, but some of y'all have zero empathy.

So...stop for a minute and think about it. For a lot of us, we are very invested in this team and I get that comes with emotion, but be fair to the players. As others have alluded to, you can feel how much of a struggle CW is having right now. It's palpable and I'm sure she knows that. It does no good putting that negative energy out there. EW played a great game and I saw one person being like "well why didn't she show up for SC?" Seriously? We won't the game, she played great and you're going to put her down because she had a bad game, knowing that she's still playing basketball after a long layoff and playing under these circumstance.

Point being - we should try to be better.

Great perspectives offered in your post. I don't think we mean to do it, but often we "commoditize" these young women simply into only as what they can and can not do on the court, and as your post comments on, we forget other aspects of their life. I don't think this is intentionally but when we speculate what they may or may not be going through, whether their injuries are valid, etc., all the psychoanalytic tendencies, it can be a bit much for these young women. Let's remember that they are more than a just basketball commodity for our lives and leisure...

 

[Slovak-blue]

I did notice that people on the chat room paint any ugly picture. I wait until someone posts the game later on or the next day on YouTube and is never seems so bad. I wonder if it has anything to do with certain beverages being consumed during the game. I mean people wait for these games and celebrate and maybe that’s why they are so emotional and if it’s not a perfect game they blow it out of proportion. Just a thought. I wish before they post a negative comment, they would pause and put themselves in the players shoes or pretend that they are, or a family member will read them. You never know who’s watching. Just be nice.

 

[pspr11]

Just slow down, these kids are trying all the time, sometimes they succeed and some times they don’t

 

[Monte]

You are correct. Too many fans get too personal with their criticisms.

Most of these fans are really tremendous supporters of the team. The thing is, when you are an avid fan you continuously want the team to continue to improve. Thinking this way, you strive to point out how they can make changes to get better.
The best point of view is to sit back and think about any comment you will make, and how it will affect the feelings of any individual.

 

[jaundicedeye]

After reading probably too many posts here, I just have to say how disappointed I am at how some people talk about these players. If you looooove this program so much, it should be more about these young women than anything. ESPECIALLY with everything going on, not a single person here has any idea what these kids are going through day-to-day and I'd expect grown adults not to talk about them like they are merely chess pieces to another championship. They are humans, like all of us...and they are YOUNG. It's fine to criticize plays or like "hopefully she works on that in the offseason" or whatever, but some of y'all have zero empathy.

So...stop for a minute and think about it. For a lot of us, we are very invested in this team and I get that comes with emotion, but be fair to the players. As others have alluded to, you can feel how much of a struggle CW is having right now. It's palpable and I'm sure she knows that. It does no good putting that negative energy out there. EW played a great game and I saw one person being like "well why didn't she show up for SC?" Seriously? We won't the game, she played great and you're going to put her down because she had a bad game, knowing that she's still playing basketball after a long layoff and playing under these circumstance.

Point being - we should try to be better.

Thank you clbabson. I feel the same way. A number of my recent posts are aimed against those who feel it is their right to be rude and harsh toward the players. Hopefully your post is being read by more than those who "liked" it and prompts some self-examination.

 

[Rixxx]

Too often we forget that the players are hurting as they play. Ankles, legs, shoulders prevent 100% efficiency.

 

[jaundicedeye]

Because you love them, so you criticise them.
I believe most people here wish them the best. Cheer UConn husky

Seriously? Way too many of the negative posts are over the top and show no love at all.

 

[CocoHusky]

I did notice that people on the chat room paint any ugly picture. I wait until someone posts the game later on or the next day on YouTube and is never seems so bad. I wonder if it has anything to do with certain beverages being consumed during the game. I mean people wait for these games and celebrate and maybe that’s why they are so emotional and if it’s not a perfect game they blow it out of proportion. Just a thought. I wish before they post a negative comment, they would pause and put themselves in the players shoes or pretend that they are, or a family member will read them. You never know who’s watching. Just be nice.

The chat room and the BY itself are by voluntary participation only. As to the consumption of adult beverages during, before & after the game- it is almost Un-American (or Un-Canadian, Un-civilized ) not to.

 

[HuskyNan]

Now you know why there are no game threads on the main forum...

Exactly.

 

[HuskyNan]

Too often we forget that the players are hurting as they play. Ankles, legs, shoulders prevent 100% efficiency.

Not only that, they’re college kids going through the same angst and issues we all went through in college. People need to remember these are STUDENT-athletes

 

[huskyd]

The lead-in to this thread is food for thought. However, there is a fine line here. There are the players and coaches and there are the fans. We are not friends or even acquaintances. Most of us are of an age where these young women live in a different world, which we do not get and may not want to. Geno has said many times that he doesn't need any 18 year old friends. Neither do most of us.
So the question is: what should our relationship be? I think as fans we are invested in the team primarily. Players come and go, and we hardly know them except by their accomplishments. Some I definitely pine for after they depart because they were such good company for 4 years. But we all move on.
As for being critical, it's always important to be considerate, but other feelings are also present. Sometimes we are disappointed, sometimes frustrated, sometimes even angry. We hope for so much here that the odds of being let down will happen from time to time. Our expectations have been elevated by (in most cases) many years of following the Huskies. We openly aspire to "perfection" knowing that it's an impossibility.
Everyone reacts to a let down differently. Some of us remain gracious, others less so. Along with perfection, we might also aspire to common humanity. I would say "it's only a game," but no one really believes that.

 

[Centerstream]

You were "too scared of what you would see"? Come on, being a little overly dramatic don't you think?

Umm, no.

 

[MooseJaw]

After reading probably too many posts here, I just have to say how disappointed I am at how some people talk about these players. If you looooove this program so much, it should be more about these young women than anything. ESPECIALLY with everything going on, not a single person here has any idea what these kids are going through day-to-day and I'd expect grown adults not to talk about them like they are merely chess pieces to another championship. They are humans, like all of us...and they are YOUNG. It's fine to criticize plays or like "hopefully she works on that in the offseason" or whatever, but some of y'all have zero empathy.

So...stop for a minute and think about it. For a lot of us, we are very invested in this team and I get that comes with emotion, but be fair to the players. As others have alluded to, you can feel how much of a struggle CW is having right now. It's palpable and I'm sure she knows that. It does no good putting that negative energy out there. EW played a great game and I saw one person being like "well why didn't she show up for SC?" Seriously? We won't the game, she played great and you're going to put her down because she had a bad game, knowing that she's still playing basketball after a long layoff and playing under these circumstance.

Point being - we should try to be better.

You like others have now given your opinion, your point has been taken. That said we are all in uncharted territory with the virus. Not sure but I think how people post is based on their prospective as was yours. Hard to believe it's posters intention to personally hurt CW, it is their love of the program that leads them to the posts they submit. If any find the opposite to exist a simple ignore can be implemented. I find it hard to believe that CW is scanning the BY feeling like a chess pieces looking for our affirmation. I disagree about the post about EW she has come through in game after game giving more than should be expected after her injuries and snub by the NCAA.
Yes we should all be sensitive of others, I pledge to try and be more sensitive when I post, that said when I post I will not alter what I see as the truth, if someone has been on a major slide I will post the same. I will do so factually and without personal attacks, as I feel I have done in the past. I appreciate your opinion, and will review my posts with open eyes.

 

[EricSD]

These points you raised are the reason I have tried to stay away from the game time Chat room - posters seem downright hateful about the players and their performance. I sometimes will check in at halftime but I didn't do it for last night's game because I was too scared of what I would see.

"Tried to stay away"? LOL I NEVER venture there during a game. It's almost as bad as the cesspool. Non-stop anger, frustration, and criticism of players. YUCK!

 

[Centerstream]

"Tried to stay away"? LOL I NEVER venture there during a game. It's almost as bad as the cesspool. Non-stop anger, frustration, and criticism of players. YUCK!

I try but like I said I sometimes check in during halftime just to get a sense of what BYers are saying. I didn't do it last night.

 

[hart2hart]

Let’s show the players Love and Admiration!
I’m just so delighted they all chose UCONN and not SC!

 

[Cornell Lt]

I don't think that there are any posters/fans that don't want CW to succeed. The issue is bigger than her, it's all about the team in the long run, The players that give UConn the best chance to win will see the court, the bigger the contribution the more playing time they get. In Geno we trust !!!!

 

[msf22b]

I'm not sure I completely agree with the OP and the (slight) guilt trip he/she?dumped on us...Let me explain.

1. I've been a UConn fan for about 15 years...far less than some...but my interest and devotion to, has always been with Geno's brand of BB, the way everyone (good) played (everyone being boys, men) when I grew up playing in the schoolyards of the Bronx and Queens in the late 50's . His retro approach to team BB is the reason I've been so involved. Of course, you get caught up in individual exploits and love of team...and hate to see them lose...But if they lose to a better coached group with superior team coherence, I'm not terribly saddened...Interestingly, it hardly ever happens.
There are still a few of us on the board, that are not as much rabid fans of the U as they are of the style and substance of play.

2. Nan said: Not only that, they’re college kids going through the same angst and issues we all went through in college. People need to remember these are STUDENT-athletes.

Here's my problem with that statement...You can't have it both ways. The "poor dears" arguement doesn't hold up. For the top players, Woman's college BB is the equivalent of Baseball's minor leagues. Just look at the men's side...Often, they're in for a season (a virtual cuppa) and then off to the NBA...It's all about apprenticeship for a career, which, for the gals, if one is top, at least (with Winter ball) provides a living wage for 6-8 years. By accepting a UConn scholarship, you open yourself to Geno's little humiliations (I'll never forget his tearing down of Stewie in that oft shown defensive drill..."that was terrible").

But more than that...you open yourself to a regular press establishment, radio and TV commentators, and analysts on (how many is it...four networks?). Like it or not, our players are athletic commodities, judged on their performance.
And that's what they signed up for...eyes wide open.

There are times that we can be legitimately sympathetic...E has really had a tough time with injuries the last few...and Paige when she trotted off at half time, looked like she might drop and not make it to the dressing room.

But even if the Boneyard fans were angelic, displaying upstanding English, upper-crust reserve...the kids would still hear it if they disappoint; this forum being only one of many, plus the media and the 24-hour cable situ.

That is not to say I favor a free-for-all...far from it...I try to be as polite as possible...(my style) and the mods, conscientiously, limit abusive remarks.

Still, one has to consider that when a young woman signs up for 4 years at UConn, especially if she was high ranked in the draft, that a certain level is expected and if that is not achieved, then (sadly) she will hear it...loud and clear; and tea and sympathy on the Boneyard (if that would be the style of this forum) would not change that one iota.

That is the world we inhabit and it ain't gonna change.

 

[RedStickHusky]

@msf22b That's a pretty good take, I just don't get the posters who act like the players are stealing packages off their porch when things don't go right. Hate the play, not the player.

 

[cbraarj]

I'm not sure I completely agree with the OP and the (slight) guilt trip he/she?dumped on us...Let me explain.

1. I've been a UConn fan for about 15 years...far less than some...but my interest and devotion to, has always been with Geno's brand of BB, the way everyone (good) played (everyone being boys, men) when I grew up playing in the schoolyards of the Bronx and Queens in the late 50's . His retro approach to team BB is the reason I've been so involved. Of course, you get caught up in individual exploits and love of team...and hate to see them lose...But if they lose to a better coached group with superior team coherence, I'm not terribly saddened...Interestingly, it hardly ever happens.
There are still a few of us on the board, that are not as much rabid fans of the U as they are of the style and substance of play.

2. Nan said: Not only that, they’re college kids going through the same angst and issues we all went through in college. People need to remember these are STUDENT-athletes.

Here's my problem with that statement...You can't have it both ways. The "poor dears" arguement doesn't hold up. For the top players, Woman's college BB is the equivalent of Baseball's minor leagues. Just look at the men's side...Often, they're in for a season (a virtual cuppa) and then off to the NBA...It's all about apprenticeship for a career, which, for the gals, if one is top, at least (with Winter ball) provides a living wage for 6-8 years. By accepting a UConn scholarship, you open yourself to Geno's little humiliations (I'll never forget his tearing down of Stewie in that oft shown defensive drill..."that was terrible").

But more than that...you open yourself to a regular press establishment, radio and TV commentators, and analysts on (how many is it...four networks?). Like it or not, our players are athletic commodities, judged on their performance.
And that's what they signed up for...eyes wide open.

There are times that we can be legitimately sympathetic...E has really had a tough time with injuries the last few...and Paige when she trotted off at half time, looked like she might drop and not make it to the dressing room.

But even if the Boneyard fans were angelic, displaying upstanding English, upper-crust reserve...the kids would still hear it if they disappoint; this forum being only one of many, plus the media and the 24-hour cable situ.

That is not to say I favor a free-for-all...far from it...I try to be as polite as possible...(my style) and the mods, conscientiously, limit abusive remarks.

Still, one has to consider that when a young woman signs up for 4 years at UConn, especially if she was high ranked in the draft, that a certain level is expected and if that is not achieved, then (sadly) she will hear it...loud and clear; and tea and sympathy on the Boneyard (if that would be the style of this forum) would not change that one iota.

That is the world we inhabit and it ain't gonna change.

Good Post!!! As a former Girls Coach. I will say this Stop treating them like girls and treat them like basketball players. Criticism is part of basketball whether it's from the coaches, fans or opponents. In basketball there is a lot of talking trash. It's part of the game. If a player is playing terrible her coach is going to tell them, their fans are going to say something and opposing fans will talk trash about or to that player. Whether it's on social media or during a game. I for one loved when people talked trash to me when I played and when I coached. You take it out on the team your playing. These aren't your daughters or grandaughters on here. So don't treat them as such! If this was a mens team we wouldn't be hearing people whining about this. This is a Board where people come to express there opinions on the UConn WBB team and whether you like or dislike what the poster writes about the team, coaches, school or players. Don't tell people it's not right what you're doing.

There are a lot of people on here who have played the game, coached and scouted games who have been around the game for years and you can tell who they're by their post. There are people who never playeld, coached or scouted games on this site but have learned the game from watching this great program too. There opinions should also be heard. Telling people they shouldn't do this or you can't do that isn't right for anybody to do.

These players aren't receiving awards for participation. They do receive a scholarship worth alot of money. They get to practice in a 37 million dollar facility. They travel all around the country and every 5 years a trip out of the country. They are treated like royalty here in Connecticut. I for one is proud of the program Geno and CD have built. None of this gives anyone a reason to degrade these basketball players. I don't see that happening here and if it did the Mods do a great job with the Boneyard!!! This is a forum for UConns WBB TEAM and everyones is entitled to their own opinion!

 

[HuskyNan]

2. Nan said: Not only that, they’re college kids going through the same angst and issues we all went through in college. People need to remember these are STUDENT-athletes.

Here's my problem with that statement...You can't have it both ways. The "poor dears" arguement doesn't hold up. For the top players, Woman's college BB is the equivalent of Baseball's minor leagues. Just look at the men's side...Often, they're in for a season (a virtual cuppa) and then off to the NBA...It's all about apprenticeship for a career, which, for the gals, if one is top, at least (with Winter ball) provides a living wage for 6-8 years. By accepting a UConn scholarship, you open yourself to Geno's little humiliations (I'll never forget his tearing down of Stewie in that oft shown defensive drill..."that was terrible").

But more than that...you open yourself to a regular press establishment, radio and TV commentators, and analysts on (how many is it...four networks?). Like it or not, our players are athletic commodities, judged on their performance.
And that's what they signed up for...eyes wide open.

You missed my point. I’m not making excuses, I’m offering explanations. Do you remember college - studying for classes, doing crazy things with friends (some of which you’ll never reveal to your parents) and staying up ‘till all hours just being kids? The UConn players do it too.

Some people think the Huskies spend all day in class, go to practice, study, go to practice, do good deeds somewhere, then work out some more. Obviously, there’s some of that but they do get time to just be kids. And it’s distracting and tiring sometimes. Would Geno or CD accept that as a reason for poor performance? Of course not but it is understandable.

Some people think the players are robots - wind them up, put them on the court. If they’re sub-par in the fans’ eye, Geno just needs to tinker with the machinery. Well, no. The players are human beings, prone to bad days, bad moods, and everything else that goes with being fallible. Maybe they had a fight with a friend/boyfriend, maybe they’re not doing well in a class, or maybe they just don’t feel like playing today. Good excuse? No, but it happens.

I’d like to see some of the critics after they do some sub-par work at their job and if they’re as critical of themselves as they are of the players.