If Geno could do it--Why can't any coach?

[BroadwayVa]

I didn't vote because I had a hard time with the choices. And I disagree with the sentence above:
You hear early (and really on through the 90s) players talk and he had a Charisma thing going with them and probably their mom's - so I would say he did have an extraordinary personality. And he still does - people love talking to him and the media love interviewing him. And it cuts across genders - he can relate just as well to the fathers. And the second half of the sentence - put it together and i think you have another answer - he has always had a very good basketball intelligence. He studied the game of basketball (not women's basketball) and excelled at that.
I guess my real answer would be 'He is great at people' - he talked his way into the job, talked his way into his recruits' homes, convinced their parents to trust him with their daughters, talked CD away from Rutgers and a better job, and then he knew exactly how to motivate and teach his players, to get them as committed as he was.

He is great at Xs and Os, he has a great eye for detail, and is a very good teacher, but none of that would matter if he didn't convince the talent to come, and if he couldn't push the right buttons to get their attention once they did come.

\

I was trying to convey that as he started, like all of us who grew older, his attributes were not as fully developed and defined as they have become
I take your rebuke --and understand what you are saying. Geno loves to talk, and he talks with anyone about anything.

 

[Sonny44]

Very simple, he doesn't care about being liked.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

He treats women like basketball players, including insisting they get in real "basketball player" shape, and play 'real' basketball with discipline and toughness. Whether he knew back then or not, this isn't how 99% of WCBB teams are coached. So, after some success and starting to get some national caliber players, most wins are by default.

I just think you are wrong on this.

Many programs push the players to get in real basketball shape. If you could not pass the athletic requirements, you did not play at Rutgers for many years. Conversation across many fan-bases over the years convinces me that this is standard for teams that want to complete at a high level. It may well vary at lower levels, although probably not as much as we might think.

Every team has a system. Geno's is better than others. His isn't the only one to play "real" basketball, his isn't the only to play with discipline and toughness either. I'll hold up systems at Dayton, Green Bay, Oregon State and generally Stanford as systems that no one should question as "real basketball" and a more accurate description would be that 99% of teams don't play basketball the way Geno thinks it ought to be. Probably because they can't, due to the talent level they have.

In summary, I have long agreed that no other coach than Geno would have the success he has had even with the same talent. However, I'll argue that no other coach would not have improved their record if they had the UConn talent.

 

[j66kicker]

I just think you are wrong on this.

Many programs push the players to get in real basketball shape. If you could not pass the athletic requirements, you did not play at Rutgers for many years. Conversation across many fan-bases over the years convinces me that this is standard for teams that want to complete at a high level. It may well vary at lower levels, although probably not as much as we might think.

Every team has a system. Geno's is better than others. His isn't the only one to play "real" basketball, his isn't the only to play with discipline and toughness either. I'll hold up systems at Dayton, Green Bay, Oregon State and generally Stanford as systems that no one should question as "real basketball" and a more accurate description would be that 99% of teams don't play basketball the way Geno thinks it ought to be. Probably because they can't, due to the talent level they have.

In summary, I have long agreed that no other coach than Geno would have the success he has had even with the same talent. However, I'll argue that no other coach would not have improved their record if they had the UConn talent.

So, pretty much, he has just able to recruit better talent? Why do you think that is?

 

[Hongster]

10 and 0 in the NC is unfathomable. I think the man is a philosopher, he has the ability to motivate players at the biggest stage of their lives.

We ought to erect a statue of Geno when he retires along with DT, Stewy, Maya and Lobo.

 

[zymurg]

So, pretty much, he has just able to recruit better talent? Why do you think that is?

I'm not sure that there is a recipe. Geno has for many years invited other coaches into see his practices, and he certainly places a heavy emphasis on performance in practice. If I had to isolate one quality that is an important keystone to his continues success, it is his continued
improvement as a coach. Watch the 1995 team, then move through the years and watch the games. The teams just continue to get better.
They execute crisper on offense; they rotate better; the blockouts are better; the passes are more precise. The current players are perhaps more polished when they arrive; that makes their ceilings higher. However, Geno still develops them as individuals and teammates. Somehow throughout all these years; Geno retains his joy and love for the game.

He took limited talented boys into the upper ranks of AAU basketball. He will retire from UConn owning every meaningful record in women's college basketball. He has built overwhelmingly powerful national teams. Geno is a coaching savant, but he has continued to
learn the game, and he has become better at passing on that knowledge. I see no signs that the game has begun to pass him by; still there
will come a day when he retires. I think that his love for the game, his search to better understand it, and finally his need to impart that
knowledge will keep him active and coaching for more than a few years.

 

[uconnfan68]

Combination of luck and great talent evaluation, along with player development:

1. Uconn was 9-18 in 1984-85 and improved to 12-15 in Geno's first season, then to 14-13 in his second. That serves as evidence to me that Geno was already a good developer of talent.

2. Kerry Bascom came at the right place and time with his mother's unfortunate health, desire to stay close to home as a result, and Geno's refreshing honesty. She pushed the program forward in a way that included uconn's first league championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and first trip to the Final Four in 1991.

3. This F4 bid coincided well with the success of the men's team, what with the NIT championship, the great run to the Elite 8' in 1990, and the unveiling of Gampel. This view of Uconn basketball as a whole on the rise is what Rebecca Lobo says in hindsight she wanted to join and bring to the top.

4. With Lobo, Geno had talent. Now, he had the opportunity to make great talent evaluations. In 19992, what a class he had: jamellle Elliott and Jen Rizzotti.. Any questions there?

5. Another great talent evaluation: Kara Wolters in 1993. Meanwhile, 1994 brought on the first national #1 high school recruit in nykesha Sales who a) got to witness that Uconn was headed in right direction, and b) just happened to live in Bloomfield, CT. Finally, Uconn now also had added two more excellent role players in Carla Berube and Pam Webber. Add these two to Jen, jamellle, nykesha, Kara, and Rebecca, and Geno has assembled his championship squad.

Geno went on to win a national championship in 1995 on the strength of a 35-0 record. Quite a step above 9-18, huh?

From there, Geno evaluates talent, recruits well along with his coaching staff, and develops talent beautifully along with CD ( another reason in herself that Geno does it). That is how he's gone from a losing program to championship to dynasty to "bad for the sport".

Always like to see props for the early players. I was hooked after watching Kerry Bascom posting up against Virginia in that 1991 Final Four. Giving away 3-4" and just not quitting.

 

[Bayareahusky]

First of all, great question. Second of all, I applaud Calhoun also, who, along with Geno, took a slower program and elevated them to the top of the heap on a national level..... that is far different from Bill Self taking the Kansas reins or Alford at UCLA..... hard to build up from the bottom, and it really requires quite a vision and definitely a multi-part process plan.

There is no question that we are lucky to have Geno and CD..... they work so well together and are uber competent.... both keen basketball minds..... and I totally agree with what everyone has said here on this thread....

I have an unusual, unconventional answer to the title.... "why cannot any coach do it like Geno?" I truly believe that at some level, nobody does it like Geno because THEY ARE NOT FORCED to..... with very few exceptions..... Muffet being one.... precious few coaches come close to Geno..... and I really think that the bar is so low in WCBB for "getting by" ,..... I think many coaches are content to pocket their half million a year and live life comfortably.....

Yes, coaches have seen what he does and try and replicate PARTS of what he does, but the comprehensive schtick we are fortunate to have at UConn, I do not think others are willing to live up to..... the demanding practices..... for instance.... what other team is in as good shape as the Huskies? All the "Atta Girl" coaches.... who are "player's coaches" who do not get the potential from their players.... referring back to my previous paragraph, if in men's NCAA hoops, there is an "atta boy" coach, who allows too much, and demands too little, he will probably be fired in short time..... WCBB coaching is almost like a de facto tenure track position!!! Even when the hammer falls, it is often well after it should have fallen (Jim Foster?).....

Let's face it ... it is HARD to replicate UConn's program..... but it is not a mystery ..... the things Geno and his staff does..... It is all out there for many to see..... that is why I say that the desire to adopt the FULL breadth of the Geno-CD approach is less than a 100% fire in the belly commitment. That is my opinion.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

So, pretty much, he has just able to recruit better talent? Why do you think that is?

Not what I said. He does more with players than any other coach in the game. His abilities led to the better and better talent he has been able to recruit over the years.

What I didn't agree with - and don't - is that other coaches don't do the same conceptual things. Geno just does them better.

My talent point specifically was that UConn does have the best talent - but I specifically said no other coach would have the success with that talent that Geno does.

Look for other posters to knock Geno. I'm one fan of another team - and no fan of Geno - that believes he is the greatest coach in Women's Basketball history. But I will not accept what I perceive as a failure of some UConn fans to understand that it his is ability that sets him apart from the other coaches, not the other coaches failure to try to coach to the best of their abilities. However, it is also disingenuous not to recognize that - given his talent - he subsequently created a talent gap that isn't the reason UConn consistently wins, but is the most likely reason that UConn dominates when they win.

 

[Grayjay]

It is my impression that another factor in his success is the savvy to recruit emotionally healthy and mature young women, who the are able to contribute to a strong team community and constructive team culture.

 

[PhillyCoach]

It is my impression that another factor in his success is the savvy to recruit emotionally healthy and mature young women, who the are able to contribute to a strong team community and constructive team culture.

Hey Grayjay - I agree. IMHO this is one of the foundations of Geno's success. Geno has said it numerous times--"It is harder and harder to find the right players for UConn." Why? Because Geno/CD have a long list of personal qualities that supersede the BB talent.

What has Tenn., Baylor & South Carolina done in the past year? IMO, They have taken in recruits and transfers based mainly (maybe or maybe not 100%) ON TALENT or ranking!! On this board there have always been arguments about why Geno did not offer this player or that player. Also, there has been head scratching when Geno gives a quick offer to someone with a low ranking (Irwin or Bent.) Only Geno knows.
In addition - only a few posters have emphasized that UConn has 2 great head coaches (unofficially) and a great supporting staff. Geno/CD know that there are a finite number of skills that are necessary to be a champion. Visiting coaches and players see a practice and notice that certain elements are done OVER & OVER & OVER & OVER & OVER. Also, CD is even more relentless than Geno in reminding players about details. DT has made jokes about CD numerous times. She was like a "Chatty Kathy Doll" reminding them over & over & over. Even Dawn Staley has mentioned that she does not run her practices like UConn because she does not agree with the emphasis of repetition-(not at UConn level.) Of course, many visiting players see that as too much work and are not interested. Bobby Knight said, "the will to win is the will to work."
IMHO these are just two of many reasons why coaches don't follow Geno's system exactly. They either can't be that single-minded (they don't have a CD either) or they have their own style. Most coaches are working their butts off. However, PERFECT practice makes perfect. Just working hard does not always do the trick.

 

[CharlesE]

It is interesting that current head coaches such as Jamelle or Jenn who have gone through the UCONN system have not had great success - defined as conference championships. Do assistant coaches typically fill a more minor role that Chris Daley does?

 

[BroadwayVa]

I put ND, TN and a couple others in the 1%. Other than those top programs, there isn't the same level of intensity or expectation.

Therein begs the question--why not? American egos being what they are, national, local, college teams expect to win--certainly their Alums and fans will go away if they don't.

 

[BroadwayVa]

10 and 0 in the NC is unfathomable. I think the man is a philosopher, he has the ability to motivate players at the biggest stage of their lives.

We ought to erect a statue of Geno when he retires along with DT, Stewy, Maya and Lobo.

Where is the statue to John Wooden?? Bill Walton, Kareem, Goodyear, et al??

 

[Hongster]

Where is the statue to John Wooden?? Bill Walton, Kareem, Goodyear, et al??

I could careless, they have nothing to do with Uconn Women Basketball. LOL

 

[Gus Mahler]

Where is the statue to John Wooden?? Bill Walton, Kareem, Goodyear, et al??

Wooden now has a statue near the main entrance to the refurbished Pauley Pavilion. I'm not aware of any statues of players.

FYI: You're thinking of the other tire company.

 

[trb123]

1. Recruiting: Team players. Some are great athletes. Others are not very fast (Mclaren, Conlon). He chooses his players with a mixture of athleticism, toughness, basketball skills and other factors that I am not aware of.

2. Motivation: "He knows how to put 12 people together and have them see one thing." - DT (From Phil’s Favorite Quote Webpage). Not many coaches can do this with players of varying abilities.
He chews up his players. He has not always done this correctly. When he unloaded on the team at halftime during the 2001 championship, it might have cost us big. Fortunately, his recruits are thick skinned.

3. Innovation: He pioneered practices against boys. At the time, not all the WBCC coaches were for it. Many did not implement it even if they had the resources.
The UCONN team hits the gym harder than most of their rivals. At least I do not read very often how other teams are going through the grinder.

4. He does not sit on his hands. He knows that to be successful he has to stay one step ahead of the competition and puts in the effort. This is same the principle than has made Apple and Intel great.
He is willing to learn from his mistakes (at least sometimes). After the Maryland game, our 3 pt Defense ranked 322nd. A rival webpage said that it will go up once our “high school season” starts. Geno said that he did not have the personnel to defend against it. I am sure he is working on it. We will be ready in March.

5. Coaching team: How many other schools have a CD, a Shea and a Marissa?

6. Luck: I will cite only one. He was very fortunate that UCONN did not have a DI football team. So the resources went into basketball. Connecticut treated its women’s sports fairer than many other states (the first years were difficult).

 

[HuskyNan]

Wooden now has a statue near the main entrance to the refurbished Pauley Pavilion. I'm not aware of any statues of players.

There's a statue of Wooden in Indianapolis.

 

[alexrgct]

I did mention CD already, but I should add that Geno knows how to assemble an assistant coaching staff. Chris Dailey has been with Geno since Day One, Shea has helped Uconn guards win five NCs and counting since 2008-09, and Marissa has helped posts (along with CD) win four and counting since 2009-10.

I also should re-emphasize how important a recruit Jamellle was. She was a great glue player and a stat line stuffer, but she was also an African-American girl from DC. Does Nykesha end up in Storrs without her? Do Maya and Tina ultimately follow? What about Tamika, Swin, and Asjha in 1998? I'd posit the first high school #1 recruit, the core of the TASS Force, and the core of the longest winning streak in the history of the sport, all stem directly and/or indirectly from Jamellle Elliot. Definitely a great recruiting decision by Geno. I'm not trying to play a race card- just implying that there is a social significance.

 

[j66kicker]

Wooden now has a statue near the main entrance to the refurbished Pauley Pavilion. I'm not aware of any statues of players.

FYI: You're thinking of the other tire company.

This is Kareem's statue at the Staples Center. He basically had to beg for it, long after Magic got his ...

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'm not sure that there is a recipe

I'm sure there isn't. BUT, one little piece of the puzzle, which I believe even Geno has conceded by silence in the face of the observation, is that deep down and unconsciously he remains that little immigrant boy trying to prove himself in his new reality. It is his continuing awareness of his own vulnerability which I think makes him so marvelous in his ability to connect to his young minions and find ways to have them achieve more than they thought possible for themselves.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Wooden now has a statue near the main entrance to the refurbished Pauley Pavilion. I'm not aware of any statues of players.

FYI: You're thinking of the other tire company.

Thanks for the pix.
My tires move so fast I have difficulty reading them--then since I lived in Naugatuck
all tires had to be Goodyear.
Goodrich!!

Just think in 150 years from not the University will be tossing the statue in the pile of discards wondering who or why
this statue was ever erected, maybe sooner!!

Thanks Gus!!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'm sure there isn't. BUT, one little piece of the puzzle, which I believe even Geno has conceded by silence in the face of the observation, is that deep down and unconsciously he remains that little immigrant boy trying to prove himself in his new reality. It is his continuing awareness of his own vulnerability which I think makes him so marvelous in his ability to connect to his young minions and find ways to have them achieve more than they thought possible for themselves.

Interesting observation.

 

[CL82]

Combination of luck and great talent evaluation, along with player development:

1. Uconn was 9-18 in 1984-85 and improved to 12-15 in Geno's first season, then to 14-13 in his second. That serves as evidence to me that Geno was already a good developer of talent.

2. Kerry Bascom came at the right place and time with his mother's unfortunate health, desire to stay close to home as a result, and Geno's refreshing honesty. She pushed the program forward in a way that included Uconn's first league championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and first trip to the Final Four in 1991.

3. This F4 bid coincided well with the success of the men's team, what with the NIT championship, the great run to the Elite 8' in 1990, and the unveiling of Gampel. This view of Uconn basketball as a whole on the rise is what Rebecca Lobo says in hindsight she wanted to join and bring to the top.

4. With Lobo, Geno had talent. Now, he had the opportunity to make great talent evaluations. In 19992, what a class he had: Jamelle Elliott and Jen Rizzotti.. Any questions there?

5. Another great talent evaluation: Kara Wolters in 1993. Meanwhile, 1994 brought on the first national #1 high school recruit in nykesha Sales who a) got to witness that Uconn was headed in right direction, and b) just happened to live in Bloomfield, CT. Finally, Uconn now also had added two more excellent role players in Carla Berube and Pam Webber. Add these two to Jen, Jamelle, Nykesha, Kara, and Rebecca, and Geno has assembled his championship squad.

Geno went on to win a national championship in 1995 on the strength of a 35-0 record. Quite a step above 9-18, huh?

From there, Geno evaluates talent, recruits well along with his coaching staff, and develops talent beautifully along with CD ( another reason in herself that Geno does it). That is how he's gone from a losing program to championship to dynasty to "bad for the sport".

Great stuff Alex. Let me add a few more:

6. Men's basketball was very popular and tickets were in demand. There was a spillover effect where people took a look at the readily available WBB product and fell in love with it. There's some great synergy between the men's and women's teams success. I think both have, and do, benefit from each other.

7. Speaking of synergy, there was a perfect storm of new Connecticut based entertainment and sport programing network which needed content and a charismatic and photogenic UConn woman's basketball team. UConn got national exposure just as it was peaking to take on the established WBB dominant team, Tennessee. That vaulted an up and coming team to national brand

8. The Big East vaulted UConn, as a whole, from a regional university to a national one. That gave WB a bigger stage.

9. Geno talks one heck of line a crap. It got him the head coaching job, it got him CD and it made him a great interview. There wasn't a similar personality in WCBB at the time. It made him an easy choice to reporters and columnists, keeping UConn at center stage in the sport.

10. University support, not every woman's basketball team gets it.

11. CD, CD, CD. She and Geno are great blend of overlapping skills with the same core demand for excellence.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I could careless, they have nothing to do with Uconn Women Basketball. LOL

Proved my point. Thanks.