Jim Fuller: Geno not concerned about 11 player roster

[msf22b]

Rady
Certainly Geno, as a public figure, has to be held to a higher standard than a mere poster on a message board.

 

[Husky WBB Fan]

Since I've taken a few personal shots in this stream, I'm going to reply:

1. Just exactly how can someone interpret the following as Geno saying the two players were a drain on themselves and not the team? I've had a pretty successful career reading and interpreting text, but I can't create the benefit of the doubt from the words below that others are trying to give GA.

While they are here and it is not working out, it is a drain. I know everybody loves to see them in the last two minutes 'oh aren't they cute and why aren't they playing more?' They don't realize it is a drain because they can't keep up with everybody at practice and it make it difficult so going into the season feeling like it is going to be more competitive than ever."​

​

2. So Doggy, can you explain to me how you know "I am certain that both Engeln and Johnson would be laughing at you take on this." How are you "certain"? Are you and GA, Engeln and Johnson BFF? You share personal thoughts on topics such as this? Seems to me the truth is that you are just working with the same set of tea leaves that all the rest of us have used. The difference is that you are able to convince yourself that your "take" is intuitively obvious and that everyone else's take is incorrect. A little delusional, naive, and self-righteous in my view.

3. And again Doggy, "his history with all the recruits that love and respect him" - how do you know all these recruits and their expression of "love and respect?" Are you on the interview team? Do you do follow-up interviews? Seems the truth is that you are just using the same message points we are all using to convince yourself of a reality that you want to believe. Reading the paper and the boards makes you "close" to the team? Come on, I read all of those as well, but I don't fool myself into believing that makes me "close" to the team.

4. Jeez, Doggy again.... "I just don't understand using the printed word when you don't hear how he said it and use that to look at Geno so poorly." So you don't understand the sanctity of the printed word? You need to hear the context and will slide on the words? Geno should be smart enough to know that it is the printed word that lasts and circulates - - it endures. And the printed words were unnecessary and painful and far below the standard of behavior that Engeln and Johnson demonstrated. Much more serious allegations and convictions have stood on much more flimsy "printed words"

5. In my post yesterday I did have a line about being imperfect and accepting that in GA, myself, and others. Deleted it because the post was getting too long. I was not disparaging him. I was pointing out one of his imperfections and that I felt it was unnecessary and hard to understand in the context of this post olympic and pre-season moment.

6. I didn't know that in signing up for this board I was signing up for an oath of dropping all critical thinking skills that could possibly point to imperfections in the program or any individual involved. Jeez, isn't that the kind of behavior that led certain individuals to be able to prolong inappropriate behavior? Blind mantra of obedience and excuse making in regards to all things pertaining to GA?!? Hey, he disappointed me with his cutting and unnecessary comments about young adults who he brought into the program. I'm hoping he called them and apologized. In the meantime, I'm checking out of the BY for a couple months while some of you continue to find creative ways to construct odd logic that leads to all his behavior as acceptable or misunderstood.

 

[msf22b]

Husky Fan:
I wrote just yesterday to an esteemed colleague that the board was maturing enough so that this conversation could take place in an appropriate fashion. I truly believe that and beseech you to stay.

Michael Feldman

 

[semper]

The off season is usually pretty terrible....but don't go, at least read, even if you don't post. I have taken vows to leave too, but I always come back. You learn lots of great stuff, and the people are decent human beings, both very funny, and truly knowledgeable. For all the warts and grunts, it's a pretty great world! I am so busy with work, I should not be reading.....but I do. So don't go Husky WBB...you can criticize people here, and for what it's worth, you are not alone in this. Geno's comments made me sad, and that's why I posted the Emily D poem, which I think expresses something quite beautiful about not having the edge, not being the best, but having something else that is noble and true, and deeply important to sport and to achievement. No one appreciates greatness more that we cognoscenti, but there is something to be said too for the high-fivers. God bless them everyone!

 

[doggydaddy]

2. So Doggy, can you explain to me how you know "I am certain that both Engeln and Johnson would be laughing at you take on this." How are you "certain"? Are you and GA, Engeln and Johnson BFF? You share personal thoughts on topics such as this? Seems to me the truth is that you are just working with the same set of tea leaves that all the rest of us have used. The difference is that you are able to convince yourself that your "take" is intuitively obvious and that everyone else's take is incorrect. A little delusional, naive, and self-righteous in my view.

I have never met Engeln and Johnson. BFF? Are you 12?? I have met and spoken with Geno MANY times. So it's not just "tea leaves". Convince myself? Wow...talk about taking shots. I know the man and he doesn't have a cruel bone in his body. Sarcastic? Yes, Cruel? Not a chance. Self-righteous? That is what I find all these posts deriding Geno without talking to him face to face.

3. And again Doggy, "his history with all the recruits that love and respect him" - how do you know all these recruits and their expression of "love and respect?" Are you on the interview team? Do you do follow-up interviews? Seems the truth is that you are just using the same message points we are all using to convince yourself of a reality that you want to believe. Reading the paper and the boards makes you "close" to the team? Come on, I read all of those as well, but I don't fool myself into believing that makes me "close" to the team.
I've also spoken with many players and they have nothing but love and respect for Geno. He has their backs and they know it. Interview team? Give me a break. Just because you are guessing doesn't mean I am. More insults?

4. Jeez, Doggy again.... "I just don't understand using the printed word when you don't hear how he said it and use that to look at Geno so poorly." So you don't understand the sanctity of the printed word? You need to hear the context and will slide on the words? Geno should be smart enough to know that it is the printed word that lasts and circulates - - it endures. And the printed words were unnecessary and painful and far below the standard of behavior that Engeln and Johnson demonstrated. Much more serious allegations and convictions have stood on much more flimsy "printed words"
Of course I understand the sanctity of the printed word. I also know that tone and inflection is important when trying to interpret what someone means. To call what he said cruel and now painful are unbelievable to me. Talk about over the top.


6. I didn't know that in signing up for this board I was signing up for an oath of dropping all critical thinking skills that could possibly point to imperfections in the program or any individual involved. Jeez, isn't that the kind of behavior that led certain individuals to be able to prolong inappropriate behavior? Blind mantra of obedience and excuse making in regards to all things pertaining to GA?!? Hey, he disappointed me with his cutting and unnecessary comments about young adults who he brought into the program. I'm hoping he called them and apologized. In the meantime, I'm checking out of the BY for a couple months while some of you continue to find creative ways to construct odd logic that leads to all his behavior as acceptable or misunderstood.

No one is telling you to have blind allegence. But you think you and others can just post with impunity and not have someone question your comments? It's just what you are doing to Geno, but he isn't here to defend his comments. Blind mantra of obedience and excuse making? GIve me a break. It's posters disagreeing. We do that all the time here.

Enjoy your months away. I won't miss your personal attacks on my opinion.

 

[msf22b]

There hardly is an off-season at all this year what with the Olympics, WNBA, U-18... woman's BB almost every day...new Husky's, old Husky's...oh, gee. I know its not exactly the real thing.

 

[Tufkas]

Ice - appreciate the time, effort and consideration in your response. Well done.

However, I must take issue that a properly worded release is "the type of insincere press drivel that everyone hates and then questions anyway. Such comments always end up sounding like what is he covering up. Plus a little bruskness may help everyone move on easier."

Not everyone hates respectful comments - which those were. Not everyone questions respectful comments - which those were. And they certainly do not sound like anyone is covering up anything. This is standard stuff when two parties separate on most any public discipline. Furthermore, to me, suggesting "a little bruskness may help everyone move on easier" borders on the outlandish. "Look kids - neither of you could cut it here. You're better off. We're better off. So get over it." Is that really where we want to go?


I reckon "Husky WBB Fan" makes a fair point (however expressed) in response to doggy's presumption on the ladies state of mind. By his own admission, "I have never met Engeln and Johnson.... I have met and spoken with Geno MANY times."

While this may qualify doggy to express an informed opinion on coach's motives and the coach's opinion / perception of the two players sensibilities, it hardly positions him to speak to the players themselves.

To me stating almost as fact, "I am certain that both Engeln and Johnson would be laughing at you <sic> take on this" is unreservedly presumptuous and belittling, and Husky WBB Fan is justified in taking offense.


As for the discussion itself, coach speaks to a significantly expanded audience in the direct aftermath of the Olympics. Whatever his motives, his intent, etc... I believe he will be read as mean spirited, self-serving and inappropriate by those unfamiliar with coach or otherwise predisposed to see him in a positive fashion, as most of us are. "Don't blame me for losing these kids. They couldn't hack it here."

As such, I don't believe his comments serve anyone well - himself, the institution, or the players. In my opinion, much better to offer what Ice refers to as "insincere drivel" and leave it at that.

 

[UConnCat]

Since I've taken a few personal shots in this stream, I'm going to reply:

1. Just exactly how can someone interpret the following as Geno saying the two players were a drain on themselves and not the team? I've had a pretty successful career reading and interpreting text, but I can't create the benefit of the doubt from the words below that others are trying to give GA.

Earlier in this thread (post #12), context was provided by David Siegel of Dishin & Swishin who was one of the reporters present at the press gathering. David wrote the following in agreeing with MilfordHusky's post interpreting Geno's comments:

Sometimes I wish people could see Geno or hear the voice inflection when things are said. He was by no means being mean about the specific kids involved, he was talking about the pace and speed of practice for a team like UConn.

Although you deem yourself quite accomplished at reading and interpreting text, there are others who understand that what appears in text does not always tell you the speaker's full meaning or intent. I trust David's take and I don't think he's signed any oaths regarding Geno or the program.

 

[doggydaddy]

Earlier in this thread (post #12), context was provided by David Siegel of Dishin & Swishin who was one of the reporters present at the press gathering. David wrote the following in agreeing with MilfordHusky's post interpreting Geno's comments:

Sometimes I wish people could see Geno or hear the voice inflection when things are said. He was by no means being mean about the specific kids involved, he was talking about the pace and speed of practice for a team like UConn.

Although you deem yourself quite accomplished at reading and interpreting text, there are others who understand that what appears in text does not always tell you the speaker's full meaning or intent. I trust David's take and I don't think he's signed any oaths regarding Geno or the program.

Thank for reposting that Cat.

 

[Bestiarius]

Regarding Geno’ comment - I’ll wager that most fans already had that opinion or something like it so it’s no big revelation. Yes, he could have used a few thoughtful euphemisms to soften the verbiage, but it wouldn’t change anything as far as what we thought.

I believe these two young ladies are too strong in spirit to be bothered by what Geno said. They put their reputation on the line every time they took the floor. Missed shots are not ego or confidence builders, but still they were eager to get out on the court and take that chance.

Our society’s penchant for coddling and making every child important, of being careful not to bruise egos, of giving a trophy to everyone regardless of performance, does no one a favor. It cheats the victor and deceives those who failed, perhaps thinking they have succeeded.

I certainly don’t think less of Engeln & Johnson because of what Geno said. They gave it their all at Uconn and it didn’t work out as expected. They recognized their desires could be best satisfied elsewhere. Good for them for taking action and going after what they want. I admire them greatly.

 

[Phil]

A little bit harsher than I would have liked, but he did say good for them and well as good for us, so it's s little misleading to cite the "blessing for us" without including the "blessings for them". He was making the interesting point that some decisions aren't zero-sum games, that both sides can benefit.

For differing reasons, those two never reached the potential some had hoped. Realistically, they will only get garbage minutes at UConn, possibly a couple more minutes in a couple years, but they aren't going to get Gardler minutes here, and they may get starter minutes elsewhere.

 

[meganmatthews]

Direct and to the point. Maybe Geno should have described it like you just did.

 

[RadyLady]

Rady
Certainly Geno, as a public figure, has to be held to a higher standard than a mere poster on a message board.

Seriously? Did you read Cat's reposting of what David Siegel said? To some folks, Geno may be perfect, but just not perfect enough for their standards.

 

[RadyLady]

*Sigh* What does it take to get a thread locked?

 

[doggydaddy]

Seriously? Did you read Cat's reposting of what David Siegel said? To some folks, Geno may be perfect, but just not perfect enough for their standards.

He hurt those poor girls feelings. And we know this because grown ups were hurt by reading it.

 

[EricSD]

It never ceases to amaze me that some people have entrenched preconceived notions about Geno, and even in a specific context, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, continue to stick to their view. I'm all for people exercising their right to opine on topics on the board, but in the face of commentary from SOMEONE WHO WAS ACTUALLY THERE LISTENING IN PERSON, to continue to chime in negatively is idiotic.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Okay, in order for us to continue to have an elite women's basketball program requires that we accept it as being okay for coach A to employ very negative words in describing his evaluation of two former student athletes and team members, right?

IMHO, this should be a discussion about whether or not it was appropriate for coach A to make such negative comments.

As has been pointed out in a couple of earlier posts, there is no way that either of the young women can defend themselves without appearing to be dealing in sour grapes.

The bottom line is this: Coach A has done an outstanding job developing UConn Women's basketball into an Elite program.

As a teacher and role model for student athletes he is, however, still a work in progress.

There is a specific word that I have never associated with coach A: Oh, I got it.

Tact.

Peace,

John Fryer

Um, John with all respect to your probably impeccable job in guiding young women to great heights, you probably are still meandering without a paddle there. If you had a little more sense, you might go after all the coaches who pull poor unsuspecting players into poorly conceived programs and keep them chained on moribund teams because they have little coaching skills and less empathy with the players. Being preachy and PC is maybe your job, but for all the athletes who came through the UConn system and rave about how his tough, candid, challenging, demanding style is just what they needed to become successful players, coaches, and professionals in all sorts of fields, I'm sure they would say that Geno is a far better role model than any mealy-mouthed pieces of PC correctness that are blind to the very difficult situations on top echelon WCBB teams.

 

[doggydaddy]

Um, John with all respect to your probably impeccable job in guiding young women to great heights, you probably are still meandering without a paddle there. If you had a little more sense, you might go after all the coaches who pull poor unsuspecting players into poorly conceived programs and keep them chained on moribund teams because they have little coaching skills and less empathy with the players. Being preachy and PC is maybe your job, but for all the athletes who came through the UConn system and rave about how his tough, candid, challenging, demanding style is just what they needed to become successful players, coaches, and professionals in all sorts of fields, I'm sure they would say that Geno is a far better role model than any mealy-mouthed pieces of PC correctness that are blind to the very difficult situations on top echelon WCBB teams.

How dare you. Are you BFF with Geno and his players?

 

[DobbsRover2]

How dare you. Are you BFF with Geno and his players?

Big Freaking Fan? Of course, like most people on the BY. Don't agree with the placement of all of Geno's comments, because sometimes I think that other coaches should be left to deal with their problems on their own even if his comments are on the mark, but here it's a no-brainer, and two players have been given a tough love tribute along with best wishes that are totally on the mark. They gave something for their coach, and he's giving them something valuable back.

I have a women's coach in my area who has won the big championship in our region of NY for 33 years straight along with 8 States titles, and he says that the reason for his success is that he has made the same demands on his girls that the guys coaches do. Few of the other coaches believe that the girls should be given the same respect and demands as the guys. 33 years later some of his former athletes are proud that their daughters are being given the same treatment they got and are winning championships. Reminds me of a UConn coach.

 

[Fightin Choke]

The way I see it, there are really two issues/arguments here, which may explain some of the confusion. The first issue is what Geno meant when he uttered the 'drain' comment. Some posters are arguing that he meant it was draining for Michala and Lauren to be here and be underacheiving, and point out that not being to hear Geno's tone/inflection pretty much precludes anyone from interpreting his comments any other way. The second argument assumes that Geno meant what the transcript of the statement suggests (i.e., that Geno considered the two women a drain on the program) and are debating whether or not Geno should have made any derogatory comments at all. As a fan of a different Big East team, I am certainly NOT someone close to the program, so I cannot speak to the first argument. But if we assume that Geno DID mean that these 2 young women WERE a drain on the program, should Geno have said anything at all? That is an entirely valid question, and I am sure that the posters who argue that Geno should NOT have spoken in this way did so out of respect to the program, not because they don't like the program. To see them ridiculed for speaking out makes me feel awful. Is that the price of being conscientious? Does the Boneyard want this de facto censorship?

 

[doggydaddy]

The way I see it, there are really two issues/arguments here, which may explain some of the confusion. The first issue is what Geno meant when he uttered the 'drain' comment. Some posters are arguing that he meant it was draining for Michala and Lauren to be here and be underacheiving, and point out that not being to hear Geno's tone/inflection pretty much precludes anyone from interpreting his comments any other way. The second argument assumes that Geno meant what the transcript of the statement suggests (i.e., that Geno considered the two women a drain on the program) and are debating whether or not Geno should have made any derogatory comments at all. As a fan of a different Big East team, I am certainly NOT someone close to the program, so I cannot speak to the first argument. But if we assume that Geno DID mean that these 2 young women WERE a drain on the program, should Geno have said anything at all? That is an entirely valid question, and I am sure that the posters who argue that Geno should NOT have spoken in this way did so out of respect to the program, not because they don't like the program. To see them ridiculed for speaking out makes me feel awful. Is that the price of being conscientious? Does the Boneyard want this de facto censorship?

There is no censorship. Just some taking issue and telling them that.

Those you say are being ridiculed are throwing it right back, so what is the issue? It's what we do here, but some are too sensitive to handle it.

 

[UConnCat]

The way I see it, there are really two issues/arguments here, which may explain some of the confusion. The first issue is what Geno meant when he uttered the 'drain' comment. Some posters are arguing that he meant it was draining for Michala and Lauren to be here and be underacheiving, and point out that not being to hear Geno's tone/inflection pretty much precludes anyone from interpreting his comments any other way. The second argument assumes that Geno meant what the transcript of the statement suggests (i.e., that Geno considered the two women a drain on the program) and are debating whether or not Geno should have made any derogatory comments at all. As a fan of a different Big East team, I am certainly NOT someone close to the program, so I cannot speak to the first argument. But if we assume that Geno DID mean that these 2 young women WERE a drain on the program, should Geno have said anything at all? That is an entirely valid question, and I am sure that the posters who argue that Geno should NOT have spoken in this way did so out of respect to the program, not because they don't like the program. To see them ridiculed for speaking out makes me feel awful. Is that the price of being conscientious? Does the Boneyard want this de facto censorship?

I'm going to quibble with your suggestion that by using the word "drain" Geno was talking about the players being a drain on the program as opposed to a drain during practice time. As David Siegel pointed out, Geno was talking matter-of-factly about keeping up with the speed and pace of practice. Geno said earlier that he believed Michala and Lauren were terrific young women who were great teammates and student-athletes who otherwise contributed to the program.

My larger point has to do with your censorship remark. Disagreement and censorship are not the same thing as you know. Disagreement by the majority with the comments of a couple of posters does not equal censorship, nor does frustration expressed by some posters over the comments of a couple equal censorship. Oh, and the minority here is hardly being ridiculed.

I admit I fall into both camps: I disagree with the comments of the minority here and I am frustrated by them as well. My disagreement is that I think people are ascribing a meaning and intent to Geno's comments that were not present. Words can be taken out of context as ND fans learned with Muffet McGraw's comment about Brittney Griner after ND's loss in the championship game. Most people realized what Coach McGraw meant and were willing to give her the benefit of the doubt; but there were a few, including ESPN, who were more interested creating a controversy. With respect to Geno's comments, there is a poster who was present at the press conference who provided his take on what Geno meant and didn't mean. That, together with Geno's history with his players, is good enough for most who are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Geno has been speaking directly and honestly (and yes, sometimes harshly) about his players for as long as he's been a coach. Yet, every time one of his quotes can be taken to be "mean" or "critical" or "too harsh" towards one of his players (or someone else) we have a lengthy thread debating whether Geno said something terrible. These debates always ends up at the same place. The games will go on and UConn will win most of them and win some championships largely because Geno is who he is and is willing to say what he says. As I said earlier, Geno isn't for the faint of heart yet top players continue to play for him and the overwhelming majority of his player think the world of him. That says enough for me.

 

[John Fryer]

Um, John with all respect to your probably impeccable job in guiding young women to great heights, you probably are still meandering without a paddle there. If you had a little more sense, you might go after all the coaches who pull poor unsuspecting players into poorly conceived programs and keep them chained on moribund teams because they have little coaching skills and less empathy with the players. Being preachy and PC is maybe your job, but for all the athletes who came through the UConn system and rave about how his tough, candid, challenging, demanding style is just what they needed to become successful players, coaches, and professionals in all sorts of fields, I'm sure they would say that Geno is a far better role model than any mealy-mouthed pieces of PC correctness that are blind to the very difficult situations on top echelon WCBB teams.

Wow! Did you go way back and check out what I majored in at UConn!

Cool.

(Suggestion: It is never a good idea to interpret Civility as Weakness!)

What happens in other programs isn't of any interest to me.

I find following UConn Women's Basketball very interesting. I have found the BY to be the best place for me to share that interest with others who are like-minded!

Hence, I tend to react to both negative and positive events/news that are related to UConn Women's Basketball.

Now I realize and accept that I am not part of the BYs old guard. (For example, and a little OT. It is possible that I may have been one of a few posters on the old board whose post count was not grandfathered? I don't know for sure and it isn't something that I lose sleep over. But sometimes, I just can't help but wonder what was up with that?)

Lastly, I believe that each and every adult who is involved in/with educating young people has a responsiblity to conduct themselves with civility. Especially as it relates to students and, as in the focus of this discussion, student/athletes .

If it makes me PC to believe in civility, then I am guilty as charged.

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[doggydaddy]

Wow! Did you go way back and check out what I majored in at UConn!

Cool.

(Suggestion: It is never a good idea to interpret Civility as Weakness!)

What happens in other programs isn't of any interest to me.

I find following UConn Women's Basketball very interesting. I have found the BY to be the best place for me to share that interest with others who are like-minded!

Hence, I tend to react to both negative and positive events/news that are related to UConn Women's Basketball.

Now I realize and accept that I am not part of the BYs old guard. (For example, and a little OT. It is possible that I may have been one of a few posters on the old board whose post count was not grandfathered? I don't know for sure and it isn't something that I lose sleep over. But sometimes, I just can't help but wonder what was up with that?)

Lastly, I believe that each and every adult who is involved in/with educating young people has a responsiblity to conduct themselves with civility. Especially as it relates to students and, as in the focus of this discussion, student/athletes .

If it makes me PC to believe in civility, then I am guilty as charged.

Peace,

John Fryer

No one had post counts grandfathered.

 

[alexrgct]

I'm going to go ahead and guess that Lauren and Michala have far thicker skin than a number of people who have contributed to this thread.

I'm also appreciative of a coach who's willing to speak his mind and not mince words. He got asked a question and responded honestly. What exactly would have been gained by some sort of lame "political" response that can be interpreted far more variably by the individual than a direct and honest one?

They weren't going to play. We were razor thin in 2010-11. Bria and Stef played. Lauren and Michala didn't. They didn't play last season either. KML, Kiah, and Banks all did. On top of that, we add three more players, some of the most elite in the country. When exactly were they going to play?

And then he states it's a drain to have practices where two people are falling behind and not getting stuff. Well, he's right. Ever been in a class where there's some student who's not getting it and is asking a slew of questions and keeping the class as a whole from progressing? Is that annoying and frustrating for all concerned? Yes. Is the person not getting it a drain? Yes. What exactly is the problem?

Oh, I get the problems: one, he should be nice and diplomatic rather than stating the obvious, especially since two, he recruited these kids to begin with. Well, he actually offered some insight as to what he was hoping for when he recruited them, the kind of player he's taken similar chances on in the past. Clearly, Lauren and Michala weren't going to develop into those kinds of players at this point. So he acknowledged he took a chance that didn't pay off in these cases. Nothing wrong with that statement. So basically it boils down to "Aw, he wasn't nice to them by saying that." Guess what? These aren't china dolls that shatter unless you whisper sweet nothings in their ears and speak in euphemism. They're young women- strong, tough, accomplished young women who can take it...just like the men can, if not better.

Thank you Geno for speaking your mind and giving direct answers to direct questions. Please continue to do so. Thank you for treating your kids like basketball players that happen to be young women rather than young women who happen to be basketball players. Lauren and Michala probably thank you for giving them a chance, even if it didn't work out. And to those of you so sensitive to the feelings of others that you're going to get all wound up about a little cold honesty, knock yourselves out. However, you might be better served following one of those kids soccer leagues where everyone has a good time and you're not supposed to keep score.

 

[msf22b]

"We need a lot of guys to get a lot of minutes," Auriemma said. "Unfortunately or fortunately, for Michala and Lauren not to be here is kind of a blessing for them and blessing for us because they weren't going to play. Now we have 11 players who for the most part are going to play and in some way, shape or form are going to be deserving to play. I think that makes practices even better and even more competitive. I am looking forward to that. We haven't had that in a while.

"You take a chance on kids when you are recruiting them. They are not all Jamelle Elliotts or Meghan Pattysons or Jessica Moores. Some kids who take a chance on and they get here and it doesn't work out. While they are here and it is not working out, it is a drain. I know everybody loves to see them in the last two minutes 'oh aren't they cute and why aren't they playing more?' They don't realize it is a drain because they can't keep up with everybody at practice and it make it difficult so going into the season feeling like it is going to be more competitive than ever."
_____________________________________
I re-read the words and have one last thought:

I promised Radylady that this thread was over, but it just springs back to life; sorry Rady

If these kids were pro's, then Geno's comments would be fine.
But they're not, they are students and he is an educator. In the case of Michala who was an emerging star before she was injured, this failure (and that's what it is) to perform, to recover her former strength and potential must be especially rankling.

But she never publicly displayed any such feelings, indeed becoming cheerleader-in-chief; a real sweetheart.

Geno now has the team, every coach dreams of; any one on the squad is capable of turning around a game; For him, it is potentially the same coaching situ he had in the Olympics. Does anyone expect him not to triumph with this bunch?

But to take gratuitous shots at these two vulnerable kids, for no reason, just wasn't necessary. They're doing him a favor, they're leaving, no more problems with people that can't keep up. They did not attack him or the program, but read the handwriting on the wall and quietly snuck out of Dodge. His verbal bon voyage is unbecoming or worse.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Wow! Did you go way back and check out what I majored in at UConn!

Cool.

(Suggestion: It is never a good idea to interpret Civility as Weakness!)

What happens in other programs isn't of any interest to me.

I find following UConn Women's Basketball very interesting. I have found the BY to be the best place for me to share that interest with others who are like-minded!

Hence, I tend to react to both negative and positive events/news that are related to UConn Women's Basketball.

Now I realize and accept that I am not part of the BYs old guard. (For example, and a little OT. It is possible that I may have been one of a few posters on the old board whose post count was not grandfathered? I don't know for sure and it isn't something that I lose sleep over. But sometimes, I just can't help but wonder what was up with that?)

Lastly, I believe that each and every adult who is involved in/with educating young people has a responsiblity to conduct themselves with civility. Especially as it relates to students and, as in the focus of this discussion, student/athletes .

If it makes me PC to believe in civility, then I am guilty as charged.

Peace,

John Fryer

Yeah, I don't think anyone needs to get touchy about grandfather issues, since for all of us we just had to start over again. What you attribute to high granddad accounts is simply that some posters camp out here 12 months of the year and gnaw on the bones to suck out every bit of WCBB marrow. And a lot of them do a lot of OT stuff.

Civility is very nice for mah-jongg championship matches, and if that's your prime value, by all means it can be a fine thing to have as long as it isn't used to cover up all the issues that need to be addressed. As all of us know who have followed UConn WCBB for the last few decades, Geno values far more the frank, honest and instructive side of things to civil politeness. And it is also true that there are fans who are far more willing to ascribe demeaning intent to his remarks more than others. But though Geno has been quite forthright over the years about his comments on his players, which he sees as a teaching mode and a way to get through to them, he doesn't throw his players under the Greyhound when they lose a game by saying they gave up on him and didn't want to win, like other coaches have been known to do.

 

[doggydaddy]

"We need a lot of guys to get a lot of minutes," Auriemma said. "Unfortunately or fortunately, for Michala and Lauren not to be here is kind of a blessing for them and blessing for us because they weren't going to play. Now we have 11 players who for the most part are going to play and in some way, shape or form are going to be deserving to play. I think that makes practices even better and even more competitive. I am looking forward to that. We haven't had that in a while.

"You take a chance on kids when you are recruiting them. They are not all Jamelle Elliotts or Meghan Pattysons or Jessica Moores. Some kids who take a chance on and they get here and it doesn't work out. While they are here and it is not working out, it is a drain. I know everybody loves to see them in the last two minutes 'oh aren't they cute and why aren't they playing more?' They don't realize it is a drain because they can't keep up with everybody at practice and it make it difficult so going into the season feeling like it is going to be more competitive than ever."
_____________________________________
I re-read the words and have one last thought:

I promised Radylady that this thread was over, but it just springs back to life; sorry Rady

If these kids were pro's, then Geno's comments would be fine.
But they're not, they are students and he is an educator. In the case of Michala who was an emerging star before she was injured, this failure (and that's what it is) to perform, to recover her former strength and potential must be especially rankling.

But she never publicly displayed any such feelings, indeed becoming cheerleader-in-chief; a real sweetheart.

Geno now has the team, every coach dreams of; any one on the squad is capable of turning around a game; For him, it is potentially the same coaching situ he had in the Olympics. Does anyone expect him not to triumph with this bunch?

But to take gratuitous shots at these two vulnerable kids, for no reason, just wasn't necessary. They're doing him a favor, they're leaving, no more problems with people that can't keep up. They did not attack him or the program, but read the handwriting on the wall and quietly snuck out of Dodge. His verbal bon voyage is unbecoming or worse.

Again, you are ignoring what someone that was there and heard Geno said about those comments. Gratuitous shots? Bull. VUlnerable kids? Where do you get that from? You interpretation of his comments are the only gratuitous shots I see here.

 

[Icebear]

Yeah, I don't think anyone needs to get touchy about grandfather issues, since for all of us we just had to start over again. What you attribute to high granddad accounts is simply that some posters camp out here 12 months of the year and gnaw on the bones to suck out every bit of WCBB marrow. And a lot of them do a lot of OT stuff.

Civility is very nice for mah-jongg championship matches, and if that's your prime value, by all means it can be a fine thing to have as long as it isn't used to cover up all the issues that need to be addressed. As all of us know who have followed UConn WCBB for the last few decades, Geno values far more the frank, honest and instructive side of things to civil politeness. And it is also true that there are fans who are far more willing to ascribe demeaning intent to his remarks more than others. But though Geno has been quite forthright over the years about his comments on his players, which he sees as a teaching mode and a way to get through to them, he doesn't throw his players under the Greyhound when they lose a game by saying they gave up on him and didn't want to win, like other coaches have been known to do.

Burp!

 

[msf22b]

Part of the fascinating dispute here is involved with conjecture of how Geno's remarks were received by the principals involved.
In my new position as a local newsman, my impulse is to ask them.
To that end, I sent the following E-mail to an address that I think is that of Lauren's mom.

Dear Ms Engeln
If you are indeed Lauren's mom, would you be willing to briefly comment with regard Coach A's recent comment about Lauren and Michala. There is a significant dispute on the UConn board with regard the appropriateness of these remarks and you or your husband's view on this subject would be invaluable

Michael Feldman