Jim Fuller: Geno not concerned about 11 player roster

[UConnChapette]

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

I certainly hope you provided your credentials as to your local newsman status, what publication you represent, etc.. If not, and I am the parent of one of these girls, I take your inquiry as to an intrusion into my family's privacy at best, creepy at worst, and delete the email immediately without comment. I am flabbergasted that you had the gall to impose yourself into the lives of this family simply to "settle" a dispute on a fan message board.

 

[UConnChapette]

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

Good question.

When assumptions about how Sylvia Hatchell and UNC will handle the management of more committed players than available scholarships, the possibility that some players would not be treated fairly to "make room" and posters are accused of attacking her character by making assumptions on how these relationships will be handled the thread gets locked in a heartbeat.

But apparently Geno is fair game?

We don't know the conversations he had with Lauren and Michala. For all we know, they themselves expressed to Geno that they felt they were a drain on the team in practice, recognized they wouldn't see meaningful playing time and decided transfering would best serve both themselves and the team. Maybe that is where his words in his comments came from. We don't know they did, but we don't know they didn't either.

An awful lot of assumptions are being made on his meaning and intent to belittle these players and how the impacted players must feel about what he said. I don't see how this is that much different than the UNC speculation.

After opening that door, if that doesn't lock this thread I don't know what will.

 

[DobbsRover2]

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

That's an interesting experiment, but I'd be a little cautious about bringing parents into the discussion not only because there are privacy issues and that parents tend to be hyper-protective of their kids, but because a lot depends on how questions are phrased, i.e.:

"Ms Engeln, how do you feel about Coach Geno Auriemma's comment that your daughter drained the program down the wazoo?"

vs.

"Ms. Engeln, how do you feel about Coach Geno Auriemma's comment that your daughter had an often draining and tough challenge at UConn last year?"

I think some of the posters here are pushing the first question, but some of us feel that the second might be just a tad more valid. And no, after the hyperbolics that have been exhibited by a number of WCBB parents, I just wouldn't go there into parent interviews. They have their kids at heart, but the brains are sometimes elsewhere.

 

[RadyLady]

Lock....lock lock lock lock pretty please lock(?)


I wish I had the power

 

[ChicagoGG]

I join Rady in begging for a thread lock. I also beg Michael Feldman to reconsider if he finds "His" point of view on this matter to be so important that he can invade the privacy of a family just to make himself feel better/more important.

I also wonder what "local news" position he is in, and why he feels he needs to inflate his position/point of view here.

I am all for healthy debate, room for opposing viewpoints, etc. But inserting your self into a family's private business is pretty deplorable, IMO. It is rude to the family and disrespecful to Lauren, who is trying to make an important transition in her life.

 

[meyers7]

I certainly hope you provided your credentials as to your local newsman status, what publication you represent, etc.. If not, and I am the parent of one of these girls, I take your inquiry as to an intrusion into my family's privacy at best, creepy at worst, and delete the email immediately without comment. I am flabbergasted that you had the gall to impose yourself into the lives of this family simply to "settle" a dispute on a fan message board.

Yea kinda my thoughts too. If I was the parent and decided to respond at all, it would be more like "Seriously? You want me to settle a dispute on a message board about my daughter?. How about long walk, short pier?"

 

[Icebear]

I certainly hope you provided your credentials as to your local newsman status, what publication you represent, etc.. If not, and I am the parent of one of these girls, I take your inquiry as to an intrusion into my family's privacy at best, creepy at worst, and delete the email immediately without comment. I am flabbergasted that you had the gall to impose yourself into the lives of this family simply to "settle" a dispute on a fan message board.

Yep, way over the top of responsible decision making. Families should be left alone always. And if they respond I would further suggest it would be grossly inappropriate to post the response here and it should be deleted immediately.

 

[VAMike23]

Wow.

!!!

It's a free country, so email if you wish, but in my opinion this really crosses a number of lines that ought not be crossed, especially by someone who is--in a manner of speaking--purporting to write on behalf of the 'Yard.

I would also hope this thread is locked soon. Possibly a good time for the mods to consider some additional BY rules as well.

My 2 cents

 

[Kibitzer]

We don't know the conversations he had with Lauren and Michala.

There can be no doubt but that at some point, Michala and Lauren had at least one conversation with Geno. It is almost certain that these conversations were difficult but candid. This is as far as I can go with my assumptions.

We don't know what was said. We have no idea about the extent of participation by Chris, Shea, or Morisa. When Walker left, we were provided a synopsis. and in Geno's book and Mel's book, we get occasional insights about past transfers.

But in these cases, we know next to nothing. If we did, our discussion would be less speculative and certainly less confrontational. (And less long.)

We all agree on wishing Michala and Lauren well. I'll leave it at that for now.

 

[1fan]

ok, now wasn't that fun? i poked the bear to get this discussion going and outside of a few 'maryland sucks so go away' type comments it was an amazing thread. I think there is some St. Geno Syndrome going on but it is safe to be in that spot since Uconn continues to roll up the best recruits and victories. Still, it was great to see some others step in to stay the comments seemed a little unnecessary and really that is all i meant. peace.

 

[DobbsRover2]

ok, now wasn't that fun? i poked the bear to get this discussion going and outside of a few 'maryland sucks so go away' type comments it was an amazing thread. I think there is some St. Geno Syndrome going on but it is safe to be in that spot since Uconn continues to roll up the best recruits and victories. Still, it was great to see some others step in to stay the comments seemed a little unnecessary and really that is all i meant. peace.

You should be very proud of yourself and what you did. You got to throw the lame old "anyone who disagrees with me that Geno is hurling evil word" is a GA worshipper, you apparently poked one fan\writer into actually sending an uncalled for message to a player's parents, you offer nothing that has any fact in it other than your own preferred translation, and your fangs are all polished up. Here's a nice reward for you before you head back to your high hill.

Food

 

[1fan]

You should be very proud of yourself and what you did. You got to throw the lame old "anyone who disagrees with me that Geno is hurling evil word" is a GA worshipper, you apparently poked one fan\writer into actually sending an uncalled for message to a player's parents, you offer nothing that has any fact in it other than your own preferred translation, and your fangs are all polished up. Here's a nice reward for you before you head back to your high hill.

Food

you seem very angry. take a chill pill fellow. i think 100 responses to this thread means people were passionate and engaged in the discussion. What Geno said was fair game to talk about and people did - why does that bother you?

 

[Icebear]

Someone say something?

 

[meyers7]

I think there is some St. Geno Syndrome going on but it is safe to be in that spot since Uconn continues to roll up the best recruits and victories.

Well right there that proves you have no clue. Geno is not a saint, he's a god. Get with the program.

 

[pinotbear]

Well right there that proves you have no clue. Geno is not a saint, he's a god. Get with the program.

 

[DobbsRover2]

you seem very angry. take a chill pill fellow. i think 100 responses to this thread means people were passionate and engaged in the discussion. What Geno said was fair game to talk about and people did - why does that bother you?

Dogs do get the hair up when the trolls come sniffing around. The troll has stated its intent and it is happy with the result. Troll of little brain or understanding throws out comment that UConn coach is "throwing players under bus" and that he " them over" then runs away back to cave on orange hill. Troll comes back at end and gloats that all by himself he got all on BY stirred up. Troll is as pleased as vole and soils himself.

 

[Bestiarius]

Isn't anyone going to defend the bus?

 

[HGN]

Geno is probably right that the next couple of seasons could be special.......But to make a statement that Michala and Lauren weren't going to play anyway was , IMHO , unnecessary and harsh. A statement like that about two(2) kids that he recruited is not fair to them nor their parents who entrusted their kids to him and UConn.

 

[Icebear]

Dogs do get the hair up when the trolls come sniffing around. The troll has stated its intent and it is happy with the result. Troll of little brain or understanding throws out comment that UConn coach is "throwing players under bus" and that he " them over" then runs away back to cave on orange hill. Troll comes back at end and gloats that all by himself he got all on BY stirred up. Troll is as pleased as vole and soils himself.

We Scandinavians love our trolls. And the bears think they are tasty. I feel so conflicted.

 

[semper]

 

[doggydaddy]

Dogs do get the hair up when the trolls come sniffing around. The troll has stated its intent and it is happy with the result. Troll of little brain or understanding throws out comment that UConn coach is "throwing players under bus" and that he " them over" then runs away back to cave on orange hill. Troll comes back at end and gloats that all by himself he got all on BY stirred up. Troll is as pleased as vole and soils himself.

The troll is a moronic Terp fan.

 

[OneTrickPony]

The troll is a moronic Terp fan.

Then he's suffered enough...

 

[doggydaddy]

Geno is probably right that the next couple of seasons could be special.......But to make a statement that Michala and Lauren weren't going to play anyway was , IMHO , unnecessary and harsh. A statement like that about two(2) kids that he recruited is not fair to them nor their parents who entrusted their kids to him and UConn.

Bull. They knew they weren't' going to play. It was a main reason for them leaving. I m sure they are not bothered by his statements as much as you are.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Bull. They knew they weren't' going to play. It was a main reason for them leaving. I m sure they are not bothered by his statements as much as you are.

In fact many of the BY's favorite players to root for have been ones who knew they were not going to get a chance to "play," as in meaningful minutes in conference and strong OOC games. They know it, the coach knows it, we know it. They take on that role as hard-working practice players and thrive on being part of a premier program that rewards players with lots more than just buckets. But there are also players like Michala and Lauren who in the end also want the chance to put in meaningful minutes on the court during their college careers and take that opportunity, which Geno can totally respect. And after going through all those draining practice hours with UConn, they'll be kind of in the situation of a kid from an academically grinding HS who goes to college at a party school. No sweat!

 

[diggerfoot]

Wow! I think we could go for a record with the number of responses to this post. We might have to add on a few topics, though. Some possible choices for discussion:

1. The reputation of Frese as a negative recruiter.
2. The ineptitude of Maryland's defense.
3. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from the Huskies.
4. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from Duke.
5. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from UNC starting next year.

 

[speedoo]

Wow! I think we could go for a record with the number of responses to this post. We might have to add on a few topics, though. Some possible choices for discussion:

1. The reputation of Frese as a negative recruiter.
2. The ineptitude of Maryland's defense.
3. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from the Huskies.
4. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from Duke.
5. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from UNC starting next year.

Yay! Great topics, even if trolls join in.

 

[DobbsRover2]

In fact, I just learned from a turdlish site that some MD fans have accused ex assistant coach Walz of not always being gracious in the way he refers to opponents. Wow, I am astounded at this purportedly heinous behavior. I could never imagine a Geno, or CVS, or Kim Mulkey, or even PHS of ever being accused of acting this way. The Terp fans have much to be upset about, especially since according to them if not for Brenda's kind assistance Walz would have had to go coach at some place like Rider after his puny efforts for the MD NC team. What a monster.

But never let it be said that the Terps do not know how to play defense. Brenda explained how it's all done a while back. "We prefer to get up in our half-court defense and attack man-to-man, being aggressive with our ball pressure and wing denial."

That and a cup of coffee will get you the 153rd best defense in D1 ball, right in there with Wofford and Prarie View. Not half bad. Deny those wings, mighty Terpsters!

 

[msf22b]

Icebear:
And if they respond I would further suggest it would be grossly inappropriate to post the response here and it should be deleted immediately.
_______________________
So what you're saying is that primary source materials are inappropriate (sorry) grossly inappropriate.
Doesn't that weaken some of your Penn State arguments and sound suspiciously like: Don't trouble me with the facts I've...

Michael ( transcription of a speech over dinner at Junior's this evening, trying very hard not to be as disrespectful as it sounds)
I notice folks, that the mods are letting us take off the gloves: but its been mostly polite discussion Rady.

 

[Tufkas]

Hardly trolling when opinions are being expressed both in support of and against a particular position.

"I m sure they are not bothered by his statements as much as you are."

How can anyone - without engaging in a private, off-the-record conversation with each of these ladies - purport to be sure of anything with respect to their personal feelings??!?

 

[triaddukefan]

Wow! I think we could go for a record with the number of responses to this post. We might have to add on a few topics, though. Some possible choices for discussion:

1. The reputation of Frese as a negative recruiter.
2. The ineptitude of Maryland's defense.
3. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from the Huskies.
4. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from Duke.
5. The smackdown Maryland will be getting from UNC starting next year.

2) yes.. its definitely weak
3) yep.. i foresee a beatdown of Maryland from UCONN
4) I see Duke beating MD in Durham, and in the ACC tournament in Greensboro.... but I can see us losing to them in College Park. Dont see a smackdown though.

5) i still think Duke and Maryland will be top dogs during UNC's fab 4's freshman season. They still have no post... unless Mavunga or McDaniel is gonna play center. So at best UNC will be 3rd in the ACC that season.