Katie Lou Samuelson

[BroadwayVa]

It is a total knock to TLAW and Pulido when you say there "were only 9 players." There were 11 players, including Pulido who is on scholarship. Perhaps TLAW will be this year. You want to predict less playing time for those two, go ahead, but please understand they have earned the right to be called players. Geez..!!

David---Without a doubt TLAW and Polly have earned the right to be called players. TRUE.
You and we know that even the coaching staff considered them in different terms or they'd be in many games earlier. They are great kids with great attitudes and deserves respect--no one doubts that.
Im replying because I have been guilty of placing them apart from the current 11 highly rated scholarship players. No disrespect intended. On Senior night they shall be honored, probably more loudly, than those ranked coming in to Uconn. It's like Macey CZEL , Fernandes, and others all deserved and got respect and honored on senior night they are just thought of differently, biased maybe. They are respected for attitude, ability to stay in when it would be easy to leave---just differently than say DT.

 

[BroadwayVa]

“Williams definitely had reigns on her. She rarely played more than 3-4 minutes in any first half and hardly played at all against the best opponents UConn faced. I don't think shooting was the issue. She was terrific at pretty much everything else, sans ball-handling, and UConn didn't lack shooters.”


No not what I remember vs the elite teams. Can’t remember for sure but I seem to recall being a little bummed out one time she came in vs an elite team and I think she had 2 or 3 quick fouls within a minute or two.

I somehow remember another time she had a shot from in close and the ball hit nothing but the backboard vs an elite team. Another time I remember the moment she came in she committed a turnover right away. These are things I could have imagined but I doubt it. I also think I remember her getting bullied a bit in the paint but that might have been the quick fouls.

I root for her big time – but logically as a freshman – someone who isn’t a post player – it is extremely rare like that kid from Baylor that you’ll see a kid as undersized as Gabby able to out guile her opponents. Because she is so small, vs the elite teams, she needs more than just hops.

While you say he reined her in a bit. I say he logically limited her time because she wasn’t quite ready.

“We'll see. There will be a significant minutes crunch the way it is, so I don't see the point cutting even more minutes from the freshmen, Ekmark, etc. Someone or someones is/are going to get PT limited with this roster. Who would you rather it be, the heavily recruited future of the team, or the walk-ons? In a perfect world everyone would get time. It's not a perfect world.”

If I’m the coach, and I speak of heart and how much I pride I place on my team for playing the right way, and even would sacrifice a win because I don’t like how my team or player is playing (see several years ago I think Geno deliberately benched Charde and some team I think Pitt - came roaring back and he needed Charde but never put her back in.), I think in a 50 point game I’m giving 2.5 minutes to the walk ons as a reward. I don’t believe CE would have gotten better for example if she wound up playing 9.7 like she did last year or if it was 12.2.

As for the issue with the 2 freshmen NC and KLS – imo the two walk-ons shouldn’t affect them. Because I have them as the 2nd tier players behind the Big 4. Thus if I keep them in, I’m advertising I’m going to win some games by 75 points while keeping the walk-ons on the bench. In the last few minutes, I don’t think a 70 point game helps them.

Hypothetical---all the discussion on Playing time. No need for any heated discussion--when the time comes== Geno and Christine shall make the decisions of who plays when. All my emails to Geno saying play Courtney more will be trashed..

In the early run up score games my choice is for Jefferson, Stewie, Tuck and Nurse to get exceptional sitting time. They have been running those bodies for too many hours against the best in WBB. USA was defeated by Canada for a few reasons two of which are Stewie and Jefferson played to many minutes and were tired/exhausted and Nurse had her best game ever!! So rest them without losing chemistry and have them recovered fully for the run to the 11th Championship.

 

[BroadwayVa]

This is not the way (Geno making hole) UCONN works regardless of how highly ranked the player is. The player by way of practices EARNS his spot on the floor. Nothing is promised, everything is earned.

\

A truism that isn't always true. Charde by all accounts was terrible in practice--probably would call it lazy--but because of the lack of talent/ie scoring Charde was the only weapon and Geno used her. Not happily but he used her.
If i were a betting man, I'd bet if Stewie had a bad practice or two she'd still play against ND, Stanford, Baylor, Duke.

 

[chrissaran]

I hope Courtney does well; however, she does not have Kelly's athleticism, which makes getting off her shot that much harder. Also, she doesn't have KML or KLS's quick release.

 

[Kaizen]

\

A truism that isn't always true. Charde by all accounts was terrible in practice--probably would call it lazy--but because of the lack of talent/ie scoring Charde was the only weapon and Geno used her. Not happily but he used her.
If i were a betting man, I'd bet if Stewie had a bad practice or two she'd still play against ND, Stanford, Baylor, Duke.

Whos is Charde ??? Charde Houston?

 

[BroadwayVa]

Whos is Charde ??? Charde Houston?

The Only Charde to ever wear a Uconn uniform to my knowledge. Houston from San Diego, Ca.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

How about respect? Is that nothing?

Showing a lack of respect -- especially gratuitously -- can get some people upset.

Where did you see a lack of respect much less a gratuitous lack of respect?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

IMO there is no way Reimer isn't dropping off Gabby the moment Gabby catches the pass above the ft line and getting sufficiently enough in the lane making the potential pass from Gabby to Stewie extremely, extremely difficult.

....

I did sort of say/imply GW would get 15 minutes - while KLS and NC get 17-18 minutes. So it's not like I think GW isn't real good. She is. I just think what KLS and NC will bring -- will be better. I'm guessing just like everyone else. I just think if GW can't shoot like last year- her limitations are more than the 2 frosh. And if that's the case, why give her big minutes vs the elite teams if the frosh and potentially even Butler "offer more?"

I can tell you've really thought this through, but in your scenario I still don't see a problem that passing the ball back out can't alleviate. I honestly don't see teams sagging on Gabby Williams. If she was the lone star at BYU or something, maybe. But with that talent and offensive wizardry around her? Beyond that, her other abilities to defend, pass, run the floor, hit the boards, and just be disruptive will keep her on the court. That's not to say an improved jumper wouldn't be helpful.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I don’t agree it’s apples to oranges. In those 50 point games there are 4 or 3 minutes left- why not give them to the walk ons? Say Ekmark has already played 5. How far do you keep CE in? How much do those extra 2 minutes help CE when we're up by 60?

I think you keep the recruited players in period. The walk-ons provide an important role and by all accounts are great teammates and nice young women but they weren't brought to UConn to help win games. All the other players were. If UConn's roster had been eleven deep two years ago there likely wouldn't be walk-ons on the team. To me, the recruited players take priority. And again, if someone like Ekmark is only getting 5 minutes as a sophomore then I have doubts she will see her future as a Husky.

With that- you just can’t go and look to rout in a humiliating fashion everyone that doesn’t have close to your talent by 70 plus points. Not using the walk-ons imo you are actively looking to rout some teams by 70-75 points etc. If he lets his top players stay in, they will humiliate some teams – the other teams you mentioned above haven’t been close to UCONN the past two years. ND somewhat close but we’ve double-digit beaten them. SO imo you can’t use the other teams as a barometer. We’ve been too good and this year’s team is obscene.

So as for the other teams having numerous ones – but they didn’t have as many overall blowouts by our margin. And for example – ND’s Loyd and Allen averaged 6 more minutes per game than BS and MJ. Give these UCONN top 2 kids those extra 6 minutes, then we may very well win games by 75 points. We’ve won by 60. When is enough – enough? And how much better would BS and MJ be with those extra 3 minutes each?

UConn is already beating teams by 60+ points, and those aren't efforts to embarrass anyone. As Geno would say, it's not up to UConn to play down to others, it's up to others to stop them. What obligation does he have to keep his players from performing and developing to appease other teams? Part of the reason the Huskies slowed down at the end of blowouts is because the back end of the roster wasn't as good/ready to expand the lead. That's not likely to be an issue this year.

I'm not talking about giving Stewart, Tuck, and Jefferson gobs more minutes. If you sit the starters--BS, MT, MJ, KN, and, say, Butler--you still have KLS, Collier, Williams, Chong, Boykin, and Ekmark left over. I don't get the point in sitting three of them and intentionally trying to not expand leads. That's not basketball at that point; just have a mercy rule and call it off then.

 

[hoophuskee]

Hypothetical---all the discussion on Playing time. No need for any heated discussion--when the time comes== Geno and Christine shall make the decisions of who plays when. All my emails to Geno saying play Courtney more will be trashed..

In the early run up score games my choice is for Jefferson, Stewie, Tuck and Nurse to get exceptional sitting time. They have been running those bodies for too many hours against the best in WBB. USA was defeated by Canada for a few reasons two of which are Stewie and Jefferson played to many minutes and were tired/exhausted and Nurse had her best game ever!! So rest them without losing chemistry and have them recovered fully for the run to the 11th Championship.

Heated????????????????????????????????

What made you think these were heated???????????

Previously I even thanked slu -- he and I have disagreed over time a bit and it NEVER NEVER became "heated." What made you think this was "heated?"

I'm more "heated" with your comment (I'm not heated - just having fun with you) than at any point during all of my back-and-forths with slu.

 

[CocoHusky]

Coco- I promise you, I wouldn't attack Sonny, McCormick, you or anyone else who thought (or still thinks) Courtney's gonna be a good one at UConn. I hope I'm totally wrong and you guys are on the money. Heck, Geno thought highly enough of her to sign her, and I know better than to think I'm even in the same basketball-smarts universe as Coach. But at this point, you have to admit the Kelis Fisher/CE comparison seems far-fetched at best.

In Courtney's defense, 1) she likely lost some conditioning after she returned from the foot injury; 2) compared to other states, Arizona high school basketball may not have offered really high-level competition; 3) she never played any International USA ball (like many others did), so the step up from HS to top level college play might have been overwhelming and required more of an adjustment than she was able to make; 4) she was rusty, not having played ball her senior year in HS.
GO GET 'EM, Courtney.

Courtney needs no defense. At this point comparisons of Kelly Faris to Courtney are not just far -fetched, the comparisons were/are flat out wrong.

 

[billnaples]

Heated????????????????????????????????

What made you think these were heated???????????

Previously I even thanked slu -- he and I have disagreed over time a bit and it NEVER NEVER became "heated." What made you think this was "heated?"

I'm more "heated" with your comment (I'm not heated - just having fun with you) than at any point during all of my back-and-forths with slu.

Broadway - absolute truth that GA & CD will decide starters, sub rotation, minutes, all of it. That's why they get the big bucks now isn't it/ If only they would pay us instead. HAHA!

 

[CocoHusky]

\

A truism that isn't always true. Charde by all accounts was terrible in practice--probably would call it lazy--but because of the lack of talent/ie scoring Charde was the only weapon and Geno used her. Not happily but he used her.
If i were a betting man, I'd bet if Stewie had a bad practice or two she'd still play against ND, Stanford, Baylor, Duke.

Broadway hopefully you realize the contradiction. Regardless of how she practiced, if a player (Charde) is your only weapon you are not making much of a concession by playing her are you?

 

[hoophuskee]

I think you keep the recruited players in period. The walk-ons provide an important role and by all accounts are great teammates and nice young women but they weren't brought to UConn to help win games. All the other players were. If UConn's roster had been eleven deep two years ago there likely wouldn't be walk-ons on the team. To me, the recruited players take priority. And again, if someone like Ekmark is only getting 5 minutes as a sophomore then I have doubts she will see her future as a Husky.



UConn is already beating teams by 60+ points, and those aren't efforts to embarrass anyone. As Geno would say, it's not up to UConn to play down to others, it's up to others to stop them. What obligation does he have to keep his players from performing and developing to appease other teams? Part of the reason the Huskies slowed down at the end of blowouts is because the back end of the roster wasn't as good/ready to expand the lead. That's not likely to be an issue this year.

I'm not talking about giving Stewart, Tuck, and Jefferson gobs more minutes. If you sit the starters--BS, MT, MJ, KN, and, say, Butler--you still have KLS, Collier, Williams, Chong, Boykin, and Ekmark left over. I don't get the point in sitting three of them and intentionally trying to not expand leads. That's not basketball at that point; just have a mercy rule and call it off then.

I can tell you've really thought this through, but in your scenario I still don't see a problem that passing the ball back out can't alleviate.

But that is the beauty/superiority of Collier and Samuelson. It’s an example why they have the advantage offensively over GW. With them, you don’t have to pass the ball back out. They can take the shot because they can hit it with a certain efficiency/frequency (I expect NC will- I know KLS and Tuck and Stewie will). Gabby can’t as of right now. Once she shows she can hit it- different ball game. They are a triple threat just beyond the ft line, Gabby isn’t yet.

I think you keep the recruited players in period.

Okay – we can agree to disagree here.

UConn is already beating teams by 60+ points, and those aren't efforts to embarrass anyone. As Geno would say, it's not up to UConn to play down to others, it's up to others to stop them. What obligation does he have to keep his players from performing and developing to appease other teams? Part of the reason the Huskies slowed down at the end of blowouts is because the back end of the roster wasn't as good/ready to expand the lead. That's not likely to be an issue this year.

But Geno does play down to teams. He pulls his full-court press early. No traps in half court. He tells his team to stop looking to run fastbreaks. And a more minor point is that when they had 9 players he could have easily not played the walkons as well. Why not play the 9 scholarship players last year and not play the walkons at all? Nine is enough and no one was even close to being worn down last year.

I'm not talking about giving Stewart, Tuck, and Jefferson gobs more minutes. If you sit the starters--BS, MT, MJ, KN, and, say, Butler--you still have KLS, Collier, Williams, Chong, Boykin, and Ekmark left over. I don't get the point in sitting three of them and intentionally trying to not expand leads. That's not basketball at that point; just have a mercy rule and call it off then.

But you used ND as an example. ND’s top two players played more minutes. You brought up ND. Secondly, as mentioned above we still had other players, especially when CE came back, to not play the walk-ons- but we/Geno still did. And if there was a mercy rule- it would be called off, but Geno has deliberately shown mercy with hwo he pulls presses and tarps and stops his team from running fastbreaks.

And I don’t get the point of not rewarding players that wear the UCONN uniform. If they wear the UCONN uniform and practice hard for the team, I don’t get the big deal of playing them the last 2.5 minutes of a game while the UCONN team is already up by 60 points. If you aren’t going to play the walkons at all then just kick them off all practices and don’t let them sit with the team and don’t let them wear the uniform. What’s the point of their wearing the UCONN uniform if they aren’t allowed to play?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Once she shows she can hit it- different ball game. They are a triple threat just beyond the ft line, Gabby isn’t yet.

Neither is Butler, so in essence the team would face the very problem you are concerned about when she in the game too except Gabby is quick enough to drive around players. Somehow I don't think this is going to be an issue.

But Geno does play down to teams. He pulls his full-court press early. No traps in half court. He tells his team to stop looking to run fastbreaks. And a more minor point is that when they had 9 players he could have easily not played the walkons as well. Why not play the 9 scholarship players last year and not play the walkons at all? Nine is enough and no one was even close to being worn down last year.

He may choose to do those same things this year as well. I wouldn't, but at the very least the recruited players should be in the game, imo. As for last year, if he sits his starters, for instance, there is at least one spot automatically open on the floor for a walk-on. This year, there isn't.

And I don’t get the point of not rewarding players that wear the UCONN uniform. If they wear the UCONN uniform and practice hard for the team, I don’t get the big deal of playing them the last 2.5 minutes of a game while the UCONN team is already up by 60 points. If you aren’t going to play the walkons at all then just kick them off all practices and don’t let them sit with the team and don’t let them wear the uniform. What’s the point of their wearing the UCONN uniform if they aren’t allowed to play?

It's not a BIG deal, but I would play the scholarship players first. As I've said before, they really weren't brought in to play. They were brought in to help in practice, maybe to fill in at the end of games because the roster stood at eight. Circumstances have changed. You're right that I brought up ND earlier. When was the last time they played walk-ons?

 

[oneresult]

Is There A
Katie Lou Samuelson
Somewhere in this tread???????????

 

[hoophuskee]

Neither is Butler, so in essence the team would face the very problem you are concerned about when she in the game too except Gabby is quick enough to drive around players. Somehow I don't think this is going to be an issue.



He may choose to do those same things this year as well. I wouldn't, but at the very least the recruited players should be in the game, imo. As for last year, if he sits his starters, for instance, there is at least one spot automatically open on the floor for a walk-on. This year, there isn't.







It's not a BIG deal, but I would play the scholarship players first. As I've said before, they really weren't brought in to play. They were brought in to help in practice, maybe to fill in at the end of games because the roster stood at eight. Circumstances have changed. You're right that I brought up ND earlier. When was the last time they played walk-ons?

Neither is Butler, so in essence the team would face the very problem you are concerned about when she in the game too except Gabby is quick enough to drive around players. Somehow I don't think this is going to be an issue.

Which is why I have 15 minutes for Butler too. And yes – exactly when Butler is in – you are the defense – you sag. In the ND title game that is exactly what ND did vs Stokes. That’s why initially in part I favor the KLS/NC for slightly more minutes though I’d start Butler. And as I said – Butler is going to have some games Geno uses his “you are the worst post in America” formula. And in some games the college refs will put the screws on NB.

And I'm not sure where you are going with "quickness." NC is very quick too. Anyhow, you have Reimer sagging and you have Stewie in the lane with a defender on her, how effective is Gabby's quickness with the big bodies in the lane and Reimer's bigger body waiting for GW to drive knowing she can't shoot?

In regards to overall all of this being an issue for UCONN - ofc it won’t. We’re much much better than all the other teams. But it doesn’t take away from GW’s weaknesses.

Also- I had mentioned before – I’m not sure if true – but was GW cut from a summer all-star team in which KLS and NC made?

He may choose to do those same things this year as well. I wouldn't, but at the very least the recruited players should be in the game, imo. As for last year, if he sits his starters, for instance, there is at least one spot automatically open on the floor for a walk-on. This year, there isn't.

I guess we agree to disagree with what we would do.

When was the last time they (ND) played walk-ons?

ND is not the standard in WCBB. UCONN is. ND flashed a certain "personality" two years ago and it was downright ugly. I can go off on how overall imo the University is arrogant and is complete bully also- but that is besides the point. We shouldn't try to go backwards and be ND. Those kids dress up and wear the UCONN uniform. If they wear it- they should have an opportunity to play. Otherwise why give them the uniform this year or even bother to have them on the bench an have them travel with the team?

 

[UcMiami]

On the minutes issue - one of the things Geno and the coaches are dealing with in games is chemistry, and you have to give your top players enough time on the court to continue to build that chemistry amongst themselves, but also with the top bench players (for times in games when Stewart or Jefferson or ____ picks up two quick fouls.) So 20-25 minutes for starters is a minimum in most games - 10-15 minutes in the first half and the first 5 minutes of the second half (to build on the coming out of the locker room mentality) even in complete blow-outs. Add in minutes so Jefferson and Lou get comfortable, or Kia and Collier, etc.
And while most of the conditioning comes from practice, there is a different level of conditioning from playing flat out in games for 10 minutes straight when there are no 'do-overs', and the score really matters, and fouls really count.
As for Lou (and the OP) - I think she more than the other two recruits provides an element that is not replicated amongst returning players and most closely resembles the skill that was lost to graduation (KML.) For that reason, always depending on practice and adaptation to the college game, I could easily see her being the first/most minutes off the bench player on the team. That takes nothing away from Collier or Boykin, just recognizes different skill sets and team needs. (Collier strikes me as a different version of Morgan, Boykin as competing for minutes with Williams and Morgan and Stewart.)

(In a similar way to Lou, the closest replacement for Kiah is Butler - a center presence and rebounder - I expect her to start, but even if she doesn't I would still expect her and Lou to be the highest bench minute players)

Last thought on Lou - her ability to come off screens, take a pass, and rise and fire is not dissimilar to Maya's in college - we see Stewart do some of that, but I would not be surprised to see those 'Maya plays' run for Lou during her years in college.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Broadway hopefully you realize the contradiction. Regardless of how she practiced, if a player (Charde) is your only weapon you are not making much of a concession by playing her are you?

It is definitely the exception that proves the point---No policy is written in the tablets from the Mount and are subject to revision. Any contradiction is not mine--maybe Geno's for speaking one thing -etc. I thought the concession and reversal of standing policy huge!! Why then if he made this concession did he not make a concession at the SD game in her home area and let her play prior to almost mid way in the half, this her Senior home coming game?????? Seems the policy shifts as the mode shifts.

Terrible practice player, exceptionally bad at travelling prior to scoring, excellent defender--played the point in the press with abandon,
her bad habits were laid out on the media for all to discuss--or I never would have known them. Had done better in the Pro's .

 

[BroadwayVa]

Heated????????????????????????????????

What made you think these were heated???????????

Previously I even thanked slu -- he and I have disagreed over time a bit and it NEVER NEVER became "heated." What made you think this was "heated?"

I'm more "heated" with your comment (I'm not heated - just having fun with you) than at any point during all of my back-and-forths with slu.

Are you suffering from some mental illness--this repeating of a single word is significant is a major indicator--
Turette Syndrome comes to mind.

I don't get HEATED---(just having fun with ya' all)

 

[BroadwayVa]

Broadway - absolute truth that GA & CD will decide starters, sub rotation, minutes, all of it. That's why they get the big bucks now isn't it/ If only they would pay us instead. HAHA!

Bill---I, back a few years, emailed Geno on a regular basis and advised him on everything, except making money. He was extremely successful because of those suggestions--he read them carefully and did the opposite or ignored them. So I must be responsible for his success. He recruited better than I suggested---not a Miles among them. (oh he was a guy)

 

[calpedaler]

Bill---I, back a few years, emailed Geno on a regular basis and advised him on everything, except making money. He was extremely successful because of those suggestions--he read them carefully and did the opposite or ignored them. So I must be responsible for his success. He recruited better than I suggested---not a Miles among them. (oh he was a guy)

 

[PhillyCoach]

Neither is Butler, so in essence the team would face the very problem you are concerned about when she in the game too except Gabby is quick enough to drive around players. Somehow I don't think this is going to be an issue.

He may choose to do those same things this year as well. I wouldn't, but at the very least the recruited players should be in the game, imo. As for last year, if he sits his starters, for instance, there is at least one spot automatically open on the floor for a walk-on. This year, there isn't.

It's not a BIG deal, but I would play the scholarship players first. As I've said before, they really weren't brought in to play. They were brought in to help in practice, maybe to fill in at the end of games because the roster stood at eight. Circumstances have changed. You're right that I brought up ND earlier. When was the last time they played walk-ons?

 

[PhillyCoach]

I would think people could see that is referring to scholarship players. The walk-ons were not brought on because UConn needed more players during games. They were added because UConn was short of practice players. No need to parse things and get upset over nothing.

Slu -Hoop -Broadway and calling all BY posters - TOPIC - walk-ons; playing time, respect, etc. After a survey of college students and grad students (and my own view) here is a strong perspective. Alabama football, North Carolina women's soccer, Stanford tennis, & UConn WBB--or any top dogs in the NCAA. AD IN COLLEGE PAPER - We are looking for only two regular college students (who played in HS) who want to hang out with the players, go on trips around the country (maybe foreign countries too), probably win championships, get rings, pad the resume of being on the roster/championship team, get special meals/food/snack bar, special workout rooms, and you get to play pick-up & or practice the game you enjoy. Only two walk-ons get to have this "out of the world experience" with all the perks mentioned above. Please note-- "walk-on competitors"-- that "game time" is not listed. Play time will probably be NONE or a minute every other game. OUTCOME - you would have quite a few students who would feel like the luckiest person on campus if they were selected. From the unofficial survey, almost all say "I'll take the unbelievable experience and the perks and I'll deal with the NO PLAYING time.
To solidify the point, think of the MALE practice players. They get some of the perks--practice, pick-up games, & resume--but no ring, no travel, no championships, etc. Those guys are still feeling lucky and fortunate to be a small part of the success.
I love sports and rather play than watch on TV, but I would take the walk-on position (with all those benefits) (& I wasn't playing the game anyway) and give up playing/ game time.
And everyone knows how lucky the walk-ons are and everyone respects the role the walk-ons play. In this scenario, Playing time is dead last on the priority list. Geno/CD are just good people and give the walk-ons a taste anyway (and the crowd loves it.)

 

[Gus Mahler]

Geno/CD are just good people and give the walk-ons a taste anyway (and the crowd loves it.)

As a spectator of basketball, few things are more pleasing than seeing the players on the bench go nuts in celebration when a walk-on or little-used player does something notable on the court.

 

[calpedaler]

As a spectator of basketball, few things are more pleasing than seeing the players on the bench go nuts in celebration when a walk-on or little-used player does something notable on the court.

They know how hard the end of the bench players work every day and seem to love having them as teammates.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Thanks for seeing the humor , it was meant that way.
This was a FAKE posting--

 

[BroadwayVa]

As a spectator of basketball, few things are more pleasing than seeing the players on the bench go nuts in celebration when a walk-on or little-used player does something notable on the court.

I think that is a Uconn Tradition---also Geno and Christine expect those on the bench star or not to give those working hard a real cheer.
Fan's love the walkons (in this case non-recruited) players and I believe the assumption that the Starting 5,7,9 really and truly like the non-recruited and their effort. (they are Non-Recruited aren't they scholarship or getting one??

 

[BroadwayVa]

Slu -Hoop -Broadway and calling all BY posters - TOPIC - walk-ons; playing time, respect, etc. After a survey of college students and grad students (and my own view) here is a strong perspective. Alabama football, North Carolina women's soccer, Stanford tennis, & UConn WBB--or any top dogs in the NCAA. AD IN COLLEGE PAPER - We are looking for only two regular college students (who played in HS) who want to hang out with the players, go on trips around the country (maybe foreign countries too), probably win championships, get rings, pad the resume of being on the roster/championship team, get special meals/food/snack bar, special workout rooms, and you get to play pick-up & or practice the game you enjoy. Only two walk-ons get to have this "out of the world experience" with all the perks mentioned above. Please note-- "walk-on competitors"-- that "game time" is not listed. Play time will probably be NONE or a minute every other game. OUTCOME - you would have quite a few students who would feel like the luckiest person on campus if they were selected. From the unofficial survey, almost all say "I'll take the unbelievable experience and the perks and I'll deal with the NO PLAYING time.
To solidify the point, think of the MALE practice players. They get some of the perks--practice, pick-up games, & resume--but no ring, no travel, no championships, etc. Those guys are still feeling lucky and fortunate to be a small part of the success.
I love sports and rather play than watch on TV, but I would take the walk-on position (with all those benefits) (& I wasn't playing the game anyway) and give up playing/ game time.
And everyone knows how lucky the walk-ons are and everyone respects the role the walk-ons play. In this scenario, Playing time is dead last on the priority list. Geno/CD are just good people and give the walk-ons a taste anyway (and the crowd loves it.)

Coach-- l too love or loved playing BB-- Jame A Naismith was/is a hero of mine. Ct. High School Coaches, and many college BB coaches I followed like a religion. These (I call them non-recruited) kids, in my opinion, are the two luckiest kids on campus. Others see Jefferson, Stewies, Morgan, Kia, Saniya, Courtney, Gabby, now KLS, Collier, Boykin at a distance or in a rare class or two--but these kids see them as FRIENDS!! How great can that be??

 

[billnaples]

As a spectator of basketball, few things are more pleasing than seeing the players on the bench go nuts in celebration when a walk-on or little-used player does something notable on the court.

I especially remember Heather Buck, making the steal and driving the length of the court for a basket with about 1:30 left in the Louisville title game and the bench erupting. Buck had given all she had for five years (pretty sure she had a red shirt med year) and her team mates recognoed her contributions. Something special.