Mir? Any idea why so little playing time?

[tower1]

But you are second guessing Geno.

You are not at practices. You do not know or see what happens. One thing we all know, or should know, is that a player's game minutes are earned in practice.

It's the way Geno has run things since her arrived in Storrs. I think Geno's stats speak for themself.

Oh boy another one that thinks Geno is God !

 

[Argonaut]

At the end of the day, it's easy for us to look at the stats and ask questions, but we don't really know what's going on outside of the game tape and the numbers. Is there an issue at practice? Is she 100%? Is there an issue with gameday body language? We really just don't know.

There is a reason both Saylor and Piath got in before Mir -- and we'll never know that reason unless someone in the media asks and Geno doesn't tell them that it isn't their business.

 

[MooseJaw]

Has Saylor moved ahead of Mir? Saylor came in with 5 minutes left and looked much better then her last effort. Piath got 4 minutes and looked much better than her last effort. Mir played 2! Am I wrong to suggest that is now the way Geno considers these players? Do the skillsets brought by Saylor and Piath out weigh what Mir brings to the table? Specially considering just about all her skillset is matched and exceeded by Aubrey.

Maybe, some good points. Your ideas are as good as others. I remember when the season started many on the BY were asking where all the minutes were going to come from and who would get them. Now we know a lot more about the distribution on minutes but still champion our personal favorites. Thankfully Geno gets to decide who plays, just think what it would be like if all of us got to put together the lineup for a quarter. My guess is that our picks would look very much like the coaches. While it's fun to fanaticize reality is usually much different.

 

[Littlemin]

Oh boy another one that thinks Geno is God !

Not sure about the God part but he is the coach and gets to decide who plays when and how much. And I am pretty sure his main criteria is not static statistics, it is what will help the team play to its maximum potential. No knock on McLean but as others have pointed out repeatedly, she brings what Griffin brings and Griffin does it better. Comparing her stats to Muhl makes no sense at all; this team needs Bueckers off the ball which leaves Westbrook and Muhl to initiate offense.

 

[Rb335]

My guess is that Geno was displeased with something that happened in practice. That's been the case with many players for many many years. I wouldn't be so quick to say that Piath and Saylor have moved ahead of her. It is more likely that he is just proving a point, just like what he did with Nika earlier this year.

 

[JoePgh]

My guess is that Geno was displeased with something that happened in practice. That's been the case with many players for many many years. I wouldn't be so quick to say that Piath and Saylor have moved ahead of her. It is more likely that he is just proving a point, just like what he did with Nika earlier this year.

I think Geno is now totally focused on the NCAA tournament in 2021, as opposed to player development for future seasons. And he recognizes that the two big gaps in the present roster are: (a) additional backup to Liv and Aaliyah in the paint, especially since they are now often playing together and may therefore get into foul trouble together; and (b) reliable 3-point or midrange jump shooting from someone other than Paige -- at least reliable enough that defenses need to account for it.

Since Geno isn't going to pick up anyone from the waiver wire or the transfer portal in the next two months, he has to look to his own bench for these resources. With Anna's status not certain or not known, I suspect he is thinking that Piath is his best answer for (a) and Saylor may be his most plausible answer for (b).

Both of these are long shots, of course. For (a), there is really no near-term alternative to Piath. Using Aubrey or Mir in the paint will simply not get the job done, although he may be forced to do that if Piath cannot answer the bell.

For (b), there are far better answers than Saylor: the return of Anna with a reliable 3-point shot, the return of Evina's 3-point shot, or the development of consistency in Christyn's 3-point shot. But if none of these things happen, Saylor may be next in line.

 

[JordyG]

This type of question comes up every year in one form or another. For Geno it's all about how you practice. The simple answer is if Mir is playing so little it's because she's earned it.

 

[HopJim]

My confusion isn’t that Mir should get more playing time over Aubrey or anyone else in the regular rotation, I was wondering why did she come in after Saylor and Piath last game. She is far and away better than those two and deserves to be in during garbage time before anyone else. Unless her practice habits have been bad. That’s all.

I read a number of the top school's basketball blogs and only in the Boneyard will there be a lengthy set of posts trying to come up with the true meaning of 1-2 minutes of garbage time. 🤣

 

[GRIFFBIFF20]

Ok, the simple math regarding Mir McLean is this:

Next Season's Front Court will be predominately: ONO, GRIFFITH, EDWARDS, WESTBROOK & DEBERRY
Next Season's Back Court will be predominately: BUECKERS, FUDD, WILLIAMS, MUHL, & MAKURAT

The Rest of the Team will consist of: CAROLINE, SAYLOR, MIR, PIATH, & AUTUMN

That is 15 Players in total for 40 Minutes of Playing Time on the court with only 5 Players allowed on the court at any given time. DO THE MATH !!!

 

[HuskylnSC]

Ok, the simple math regarding Mir McLean is this:

Next Season's Front Court will be predominately: ONO, GRIFFITH, EDWARDS, WESTBROOK & DEBERRY
Next Season's Back Court will be predominately: BUECKERS, FUDD, WILLIAMS, MUHL, & MAKURAT

The Rest of the Team will consist of: CAROLINE, SAYLOR, MIR, PIATH, & AUTUMN

That is 15 Players in total for 60 Minutes of Playing Time on the court with only 5 Players allowed on the court at any given time. DO THE MATH !!!

First of all a game lasts 40 minutes. times 5 is 200 minutes to divide up That is 25 minutes each for 8 players or 20 minutes each for 10 players. there is plenty of time for 12 players to to 8 minutes or more.

Second Anna plays predominantly in the front court and Westbrook is a natural guard who is forced to defend the other teams 4 because the best team right now is 4 guards and Liv.

Caroline Ducharme and Saylor will be significant players by January if next year is a normal season. They both bring tough D, rebounding and 3 point shooting. Things which have been lacking until St. Johns

Just from the St. John's game I believe Saylor has moved ahead of Mir in the rotation and we will probably see her minutes increase until the BET. I was very pleased with her increased court awareness. She appeared less like a deer in the head lights than her last adventure.

 

[Rb335]

I think Geno is now totally focused on the NCAA tournament in 2021, as opposed to player development for future seasons. And he recognizes that the two big gaps in the present roster are: (a) additional backup to Liv and Aaliyah in the paint, especially since they are now often playing together and may therefore get into foul trouble together; and (b) reliable 3-point or midrange jump shooting from someone other than Paige -- at least reliable enough that defenses need to account for it.

Since Geno isn't going to pick up anyone from the waiver wire or the transfer portal in the next two months, he has to look to his own bench for these resources. With Anna's status not certain or not known, I suspect he is thinking that Piath is his best answer for (a) and Saylor may be his most plausible answer for (b).

Both of these are long shots, of course. For (a), there is really no near-term alternative to Piath. Using Aubrey or Mir in the paint will simply not get the job done, although he may be forced to do that if Piath cannot answer the bell.

For (b), there are far better answers than Saylor: the return of Anna with a reliable 3-point shot, the return of Evina's 3-point shot, or the development of consistency in Christyn's 3-point shot. But if none of these things happen, Saylor may be next in line.

Yeah, sure that's a possibility. But I highly doubt it. He played Piath and Saylor for 5 minutes at the end of 45 point blowout win. Their minutes had vitually zero impact on the game. If he was so concerned about your two scenarios and needed to actually address them, he would be playing these two players in Q2 to see how they play when the outcome of the game hasn't been fully determined. Come tournament time, just one month away, the rotation will become tighter, not expand.

 

[Tonyc]

At this point in the season with the tournaments just a few weeks away we need to get to where Geno wants us as a team. Our top 7-8 players need to be up to speed which means the team must be able to play together and score. We need players who will score and play defense. I expect to see more plays designed to get everybody not named Paige to score over the next few games. As far as Paith goes we may need her height as well as Saylors height and shooting. They need to be options if we get into foul trouble. Other then that our starters are going to start and Griff Edwards and if Anna is ready will come off the bench. Everybody else isnt ready unless there is foul trouble, or injuries. At this point in the season thats it. We are what we are and we must tweak where we need it because there isnt much time left before tournament time.

 

[hoophuskee]

The stats show that Mir has hit 49% of her shots, good for 5th highest on the team. She's scored 20 FG's, which is more than Muhl has scored, who has played two and a half times more minutes. She would rank (rough estimate) 5th on the team in points scored per minute, trailing only Paige, Cristyn, Edwards, and ONO. She's second on the team in FT%, having hit 11 of 14 FT's. She's 7th on the team in FT attempts, though she's 9th in minutes played. She's 6th on the team in blocked shots with 5, just one behind Cristyn Williams. She's tied with Aaliyah Edwards for 7th place in assists with 9. And let's keep in mind that Muhl and Evina have only scored (?) 49 points together in the past five games, and were shut out against St Johns. Yet Mir has remained virtually nailed to the bench.

So what in the world is going on? Of course, not second-guessing Coach Geno. But there must be a back story here.....

Don't take this the wrong way. We're just disagreeing. You have to recognize sometimes each of us have biases. I prefer ball movement with stronger guard play. Over the years with your posts-- imo - let's face it you prefer low post play. Your posts seem to always have a huge concern of the next big player they are going ot get. Then it means you are always going to ask the same questions regarding players who have higher fg%'s because they score more inside. FG% is not as important for guard play when you compare an inside scorer vs a perimeter guard. Style of play also impt. As well as EFG% and TS%. You're referencing the stat that is bias for post players without context.

The post you made here shows that imo. The individual stats you are referencing can’t take one bit into account ball movement, effectiveness in a passing offense, and running fastbreaks. In half court sets the best option (ofc not the only) is Paige for example. You saw the SC game in which SC contests many of the passes. The passes needed consistently to be thrown toward the outside hand. The 2nd and 3rd pass leading up to the 4th and 5th pass are important in order to free a player. Guards aren't just important because they can shoot 3's. It's clear here that's your bias - you're looking to quote fg% - and not the difference between what a guard does vs an inside scoring forward. You're not even looking at efg% or TS% while comparing a guard vs low post type of forward.

Even if her individual stats are better than Mir's - which they probably are-- it doesn't take into account not only competition but more importantly how the offense runs. Guard play usually lends itself to better ball movement which is super important for this team. They don’t have a dynamic post player but they do have an unreal perimeter player. In the 3 tough games vs SC, Tenn, and Ark. - scoring by the guards was critical.

And-in terms of 2pt fg%-- Mir is behind UCONN's 3 other post type of players- Liv, Edwards, and Griff. And how much of a scoring option were UCONN's "big 3" vs South Carolina, Tenn and Ark? So how much are you expecting from Mir in a more perimeter type of offense? She is going to struggle more than the big 3 (she's not shooting as well as them) and she isn't going to play defense as well as the big 3 either.

Unless you want to play Mir or Griffin at sf? But that's "Baylor Basketball." You've heard before how Geno wants his teams to emulate The old Edmonton Hockey Team led by Gretzky. He wants a fast-paced offense. Not just with fastbreaks but quick moving through passing in half court. And a pass is faster moving than a player can run. Nika can lead fastbreaks and make very good passes in half court sets which leads to opening up the floor and playing at a fast pace. Your questions are more addressed to old-time basketball which Geno doesn't want to play. .For me -I'm thankful for the style Geno wants UCONN to play.

 

[GRIFFBIFF20]

First of all a game lasts 40 minutes. times 5 is 200 minutes to divide up That is 25 minutes each for 8 players or 20 minutes each for 10 players. there is plenty of time for 12 players to to 8 minutes or more.

Second Anna plays predominantly in the front court and Westbrook is a natural guard who is forced to defend the other teams 4 because the best team right now is 4 guards and Liv.

Caroline Ducharme and Saylor will be significant players by January if next year is a normal season. They both bring tough D, rebounding and 3 point shooting. Things which have been lacking until St. Johns

OK, me being over 65, I guess my knowledge of the time per quarter is a bit off 🙂 . No matter who player plays FRONT COURT or BACK COURT or BOTH, this Coaching Staff will certainly be challenged to get enough playing minutes for "15 Total Players" to A) be effective and extremely competitive, B) to come up with the BEST overall combinations, game in and game out, and C) to keep everyone happy. It will NO DOUBT be the most challenging season that Geno and his Coaching Staff will face in all of his years at UCONN.

 

[hoophuskee]

OK, me being over 65, I guess my knowledge of the time per quarter is a bit off 🙂 . No matter who player plays FRONT COURT or BACK COURT or BOTH, this Coaching Staff will certainly be challenged to get enough playing minutes for "15 Total Players" to A) be effective and extremely competitive, B) to come up with the BEST overall combinations, game in and game out, and C) to keep everyone happy. It will NO DOUBT be the most challenging season that Geno and his Coaching Staff will face in all of his years at UCONN.

Giving "15 players enough minutes" is not HIS challenge. Nor is it "to keep everyone happy."

His challenge is coach his team to win as many games as possible including the title game.

 

[GRIFFBIFF20]

Giving "15 players enough minutes" is not HIS challenge. Nor is it "to keep everyone happy."

His challenge is coach his team to win as many games as possible including the title game.

BUT, the BIG question still remains, what will "The Individual Players" want and expect ?????? (and we all know what Geno doesn't really care what the Players personally want and need, it is what the TEAM needs. But we have seen over the years, that those 2 things 'sometimes' don't always go hand in hand)

 

[BostonBay]

Mir has shown spurts of energy & some scoring here & there. But, not enough to give up minutes to the 7 players that looks to be the horses Geno's going to run with. I dont think Geno has ever gone more that 7 deep when its Tourney time.

 

[slepers]

Oh boy another one that thinks Geno is God !

No, but he is the coach of the most successful program in the past 25 years and has developed the most and best players in the women’s game

 

[Cuango]

Oh boy another one that thinks Geno is God !

Oh boy, another one that thinks he’s a better coach than Geno!

 

[dtbtbtb]

I think that Geno sees Saylor as an insurance in case Ana doesn't come back healthy any time soon and Piath as insurance in case ONO or AE get's injured. Mir situation is tricky as she is a sub (in skills) to AG who is a sub herself.

 

[Longtime fan]

Plenty of ideas, no facts.

Can only guess. Mir hasn't shown much progress ( to my eyes) on the court. She shows athleticism and speed, but also seems out of control. Often, what appears to be an aggressive defensive stop by her turns out to be a foul call. We have seen her win rebounds and then lose the ball ( not convert an offensive rebound into
points ). She has not shown much of a game on offense ( she hit one 12 footer, I think ), isn't particularly prominent on making steals or fast-breaks, and I can't even recall a three point attempt. So, she is a 5'11" forward? More likely, Geno feels she has not learned the defense and/or is not sufficiently disciplined when playing it. Usually, playing time for freshman begins with defense. To me, she looks exactly the same as the first time I saw her on the court. Like everyone else, I can't wait for her to emerge as a superstar. But she hasn't emerged, period.

 

[Longtime fan]

But you are second guessing Geno.

You are not at practices. You do not know or see what happens. One thing we all know, or should know, is that a player's game minutes are earned in practice.

It's the way Geno has run things since her arrived in Storrs. I think Geno's stats speak for themself.

Good stats, but we all know statistics do not tell the whole story. Autumn probably has the team's best statistic for three point shots made per minute played. But does that mean she should be playing more minutes?

 

[hoophuskee]

View attachment 64793

BUT, the BIG question still remains, what will "The Individual Players" want and expect ?????? (and we all know what Geno doesn't really care what the Players personally want and need, it is what the TEAM needs. But we have seen over the years, that those 2 things 'sometimes' don't always go hand in hand)

No.

The big question is will they win it all? That's the only big question and has always been the only big question. And if you don't achieve the ultimate answer to the big question - that doesn't make you a failure. Not even close. There may be fans with a complete unrealistic view of basketball and sports but that doesn't change the points that UCONN - the current number 1 team in the country - has been and IS extremely successful.

There are other smaller questions too that get achieved but there has been and only is one big one. .

And what we've seen over the years is a team in Storrs Ct -coached by Geno- becoming the team with the most championships in WCBB History, and getting to the most/consecutive Final Four's in WCBB History - all-the-while being blocked from entering a P5 Conference.

 

[Cuango]

Ok, the simple math regarding Mir McLean is this:

Next Season's Front Court will be predominately: ONO, GRIFFITH, EDWARDS, WESTBROOK & DEBERRY
Next Season's Back Court will be predominately: BUECKERS, FUDD, WILLIAMS, MUHL, & MAKURAT

The Rest of the Team will consist of: CAROLINE, SAYLOR, MIR, PIATH, & AUTUMN

That is 15 Players in total for 40 Minutes of Playing Time on the court with only 5 Players allowed on the court at any given time. DO THE MATH !!!

I think people are really underestimating Caroline and Saylor upsides. Caroline is the 5th ranked player in her class (on what I believe is a rating service that does everything it can to minimize the placements of UConn recruits) She is 6’2” and a very good shooter from three. I don’t claim to be an expert on women’s basketball but I will be very surprised if she is not a regular contributor by mid-season next year. Saylor, while not as highly regarded, has basically the same skill set (with perhaps a little more experience/skill in the post. She also, is a good three point shooter. I absolutely love Mir! I think she has the potential to be really impactful for this team but the simple truth is that she has to be able to shoot the ball out to (at least) 12 feet and she has to be able to play team basketball. She simply cannot be relied upon unless she knows where to be/go and what to do on offense and defense. I’m hoping she goes home and spends the whole summer working on her shot. If she comes back able to shoot 45+% from 12-14 feet, she will force Geno to play her!

 

[dragon]

I see Caroline Ducharme going in for Paige and CW next year and then starting her second year along with Paige and Azzi.

 

[huskeynut]

Oh boy another one that thinks Geno is God !

That is your opinion. You said God, I didn't.

Geno is the coach and his record speaks for itself. Are you another couch coach?

 

[schmendrick]

smdh
Only a matter of time before we get a "why doesnt Autumn play more?" thread.

Is this comment facetious? Autumn is a walk-on, a delightful one, it seems. Mir is a special, if raw, talent. I, too, wondered where Mir was when Piath and Saylor were on the floor before her.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Giving "15 players enough minutes" is not HIS challenge. Nor is it "to keep everyone happy."

His challenge is coach his team to win as many games as possible including the title game.

I think you are oversimplifying complex dynamics. You know it is more complicated than that. Haven't you quoted John Wooden? Maybe now would be a good time to take a gander at Wooden's pyramid. Remember for Wooden, wins are a natural result of doing all the little things well.
I respect Geno's integrity as well. I think one huge reason UConn is playing perhaps better than anyone else right now, is how he has handled Covid. IMO it says a lot about him. He's demonstrated patience, straightforwardness, honesty, consistency and the strength of his program including assistants has taken care of the rest.
Recruiting has to be the hardest thing to do. How about an analogy to dating, which we all know is next to impossible. Can you have that ultimate integrity to be able to tell your girlfriend(s)/boyfriend(s) how you really feel about them at any given time? Have you ever said "I love you" back when that's not how you really feel.
Long story short (if that's still possible) IMO Geno has a responsibility to every one of his recruits. That responsibility could depend on what was "promised" at the outset. He could have told Mir that based on returning players, and recent recruiting classes, that it may be unlikely that she will be in a position to play a key role at UConn and that she is welcome to enroll with a scholarship and an opportunity to prove him wrong. We don't know what Mir's expectations were.
I believe it's more than just stockpiling talent, putting a solid 6-7 rotation out there and win as many games and NC's as possible. These are quality young people in his care. He is responsible to every one of them.
You know a little hoops: are you old enough to remember Dean Smith's "Blue Team"? I played against a guy in high school that went to UNC and contributed on the Blue Team. That concept would work so well at UConn. Play 5 guys for 2-3 minutes each half. Huge morale booster. Keep 1 "leader" out there with them. Could be Nika, E, CW, or PB. You see if they can maintain or increase the lead. They are fresh, so they play with intensity and passion. Then they come out. If they're killing, leave them out there another minute or so.

 

[hoophuskee]

I think you are oversimplifying complex dynamics. You know it is more complicated than that. Haven't you quoted John Wooden? Maybe now would be a good time to take a gander at Wooden's pyramid. Remember for Wooden, wins are a natural result of doing all the little things well.
I respect Geno's integrity as well. I think one huge reason UConn is playing perhaps better than anyone else right now, is how he has handled Covid. IMO it says a lot about him. He's demonstrated patience, straightforwardness, honesty, consistency and the strength of his program including assistants has taken care of the rest.
Recruiting has to be the hardest thing to do. How about an analogy to dating, which we all know is next to impossible. Can you have that ultimate integrity to be able to tell your girlfriend(s)/boyfriend(s) how you really feel about them at any given time? Have you ever said "I love you" back when that's not how you really feel.
Long story short (if that's still possible) IMO Geno has a responsibility to every one of his recruits. That responsibility could depend on what was "promised" at the outset. He could have told Mir that based on returning players, and recent recruiting classes, that it may be unlikely that she will be in a position to play a key role at UConn and that she is welcome to enroll with a scholarship and an opportunity to prove him wrong. We don't know what Mir's expectations were.
I believe it's more than just stockpiling talent, putting a solid 6-7 rotation out there and win as many games and NC's as possible. These are quality young people in his care. He is responsible to every one of them.
You know a little hoops: are you old enough to remember Dean Smith's "Blue Team"? I played against a guy in high school that went to UNC and contributed on the Blue Team. That concept would work so well at UConn. Play 5 guys for 2-3 minutes each half. Huge morale booster. Keep 1 "leader" out there with them. Could be Nika, E, CW, or PB. You see if they can maintain or increase the lead. They are fresh, so they play with intensity and passion. Then they come out. If they're killing, leave them out there another minute or so.

I think there is such a thing as over-coaching. and over-analyzing things that aren't so difficult.

Further- I don't know what Geno said to Mir (I have no way of knowing). But imo it had little do with promising her time. And imo without a doubt with him it's about getting his team best prepared for titles as number 1 objective.

Third I remember Dean Smith and the Blue Team vaguely. However, I do remember his title team vs GTOWN in which he had yet to win a title. He didn't play a deep bench while GTWON did, yet he won - I believe his 1st title.

I remember the year in which Pitino's vaunted pressure team went against NC's short bench squad and again Dean Smith's short bench team came out on top vs the 10 man squad.

In summary, a few of Dean's titles were short bench teams not The Blue Team - he might have had a title team with a deep bench maybe the team that beat the Fab 5 but his short bench teams I cited did win too. And as you indicate right now UCONN is number 1-- and yet he hasn't done the full court pressure and use ten players that some wanted etc. Geno's style is not the Rick Pitino or John Thompson style and he is more successful than them.

I look at the most successful coach in men's game after Wooden and it's Coach K. I look at the women's game - the most successful coaches were Geno and Pat. Geno doesn't employ ten player types and neither does Coach K unless both are desperate. IMO it's over-coaching, over-analyzing to go away from what they are doing. Until someone knocks Geno off his mantle as the lead number 1 program - then his style reigns the best.

 

[MD#12Fan]

I think there is such a thing as over-coaching. and over-analyzing things that aren't so difficult.

Further- I don't know what Geno said to Mir (I have no way of knowing). But imo it had little do with promising her time. And imo without a doubt with him it's about getting his team best prepared for titles as number 1 objective.

Third I remember Dean Smith and the Blue Team vaguely. However, I do remember his title team vs GTOWN in which he had yet to win a title. He didn't play a deep bench while GTWON did, yet he won - I believe his 1st title.

I remember the year in which Pitino's vaunted pressure team went against NC's short bench squad and again Dean Smith's short bench team came out on top vs the 10 man squad.

In summary, a few of Dean's titles were short bench teams not The Blue Team - he might have had a title team with a deep bench maybe the team that beat the Fab 5 but his short bench teams I cited did win too. And as you indicate right now UCONN is number 1-- and yet he hasn't done the full court pressure and use ten players that some wanted etc. Geno's style is not the Rick Pitino or John Thompson style and he is more successful than them.

I look at the most successful coach in men's game after Wooden and it's Coach K. I look at the women's game - the most successful coaches were Geno and Pat. Geno doesn't employ ten player types and neither does Coach K unless both are desperate. IMO it's over-coaching, over-analyzing to go away from what they are doing. Until someone knocks Geno off his mantle as the lead number 1 program - then his style reigns the best.

I would request that you and I NOT have any more back and forths about short benches vs long benches. You disagree with me and I disagree with you. Besides neither of us is 100% correct. Too many examples on either side. Do me a favor and don't just sluff off Dean's "Blue Team" approach. Dean is way up on one of the top branches of the history of college basketball tree. He was just a branch below Naismith himself, having begun his illustrious career at Kansas. His career is so much more than NC's. He was a preeminent innovator.
I tried to pose a couple of kind of nuanced points, but you went straight to your short bench argument.
One reason for teams, even great teams having short benches is that they don't have a full bench of players that can contribute. I believe deeply in the idea that if you have players on your team that are capable of contributing to the team's success, then you should play them. There are multiple benefits to doing that, and a large one is the maximum development of each player in your charge. Nika IMO is the perfect example. IMO we're better with Nika. If Anna's healthy in this short bench world, maybe Nika never plays. Maybe PB never gets to play off the ball.
In addition to winning NC's, Geno has a responsibility to each young woman put in his charge. If these top recruits develop there is going to be a logjam for playing time. What's going to happen? He doesn't graduate anybody. Players even get another year of eligibility. E should stay. She has the best coaching and best training staff she will ever have. She can prove herself to be 100% healthy before entering the draft. And another monster recruiting class coming in. What's he gunna do HoopHuskie? I contend he has a responsibility to every player recruited at UConn to help them be the best players they can be. Priority #1. Did you bother looking at Wooden's pyramid?
You ever heard of Sven Nater? We're gunna have 3, 4, or 5 Naters next year.