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Message: [QUOTE="msf22b, post: 3846519, member: 656"] 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: [I]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.[/I] 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. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach

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