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Message: [QUOTE="UConn82, post: 2958745, member: 6638"] It is very, very early in CW's career. And, as everyone knows, including CW herself, her defense needs substantive work. Nonetheless, I am struck by CW's attitude toward the big games. Some players, as excellent as they are, just don't bring their "A" game in the biggest games as a matter course. Some do. I have been watching Olympic-level swimming for most of my life. I have seen everyone swim. I have never seen a swimmer like Michael Phelps. So much has been written about him, but not much about how he always, always brought his "A" game in the biggest of meets, no matter what (e.g., goggles filling up with water, etc.) This attitude cannot be taught. Athletes (and others) just have it. And, as we all saw repeatedly, Stewie has it in spades. (And Maya. And D. It is part of what makes them what I call "uber" stars.) One of my favorite Stewie stories happened when she was playing on the U-19 team. The morning of the finals, Stewie spoke with Katie Meier, the head coach (she coaches at Miami). Meier said something to the effect, "I really want to win this game." And Stewie's response was a quiet (I paraphrase), "Don't worry coach, I got this." Well, she did: she did her "Stewie thing" and the USA walked away with the gold medal. Meier commented afterward that it was so amazing, this quiet self-confidence from such a young athlete. It is early, and we don't have much data yet, but so far, I see the same kind of quiet (and sweet) attitude with CW. Methinks that late in March and early in April, this kind of attitude will propel UConn. It lifts everyone's game. It is contagious. We shall see. I look forward to playing Cal and, especially, Baylor at Baylor. And then Louisville at their place. Good practice for the tournament. Thoughts? [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach