My 2 Cents

[caramel]

It really gets to me how some people here have to find something wrong or something not up to their standards every time they post.I can see why some long time posters do not participate on the board no longer.
Basketball was invented as a game,just as all the other sports played.That's it----a game,no more,no less.Mankind has turned it into more than the original inventors meant it to be.Most of us,I do believe,do not or have not had the talents to excel at the game we follow and post about.Yet,we criticize,even when our team wins.loses.struggles,and the same goes for the individuals who suit up year after year on the said team.
I wonder if these same people who have to find something to complain about,would like a boss in their profession who would constantly criticize or complain about them.No one,again,No One,is perfect,in anything associated with in their lives.If anyone thinks they are,then please show me how to walk on water.
We as fans know nothing about the players struggles,feelings,physical well being,on this or any team.All I see,is these girls are giving their best effort each and every time they go to practice or get in a game.Notice,I said their best effort,not yours.
Some people thinking about a Connecticut experience in playing and schooling for four years,could very well read this board.What a horrifying experience to see you may be whipped and trashed if you came to the school,not just over the four year recap of your time here,but daily.
Looking in the mirror,would some of you like the daily angst and commentary some put in writing.I surely wouldn't like it spent on me.
Some of our girls,year after year,never become excellent at this game,but they try.Are we to judge who is trying and how hard?Not me,I say.
That's all I have.So,if you disagree,I have a strong back,so shoot away.I do hope though,we can tone down the dissection of these girls going forward.

 

[huskyd]

Last loss until the Tournament. UConn had three BIG games on its schedule, and lost 2. It's not the end of the world, but it is the end of an era. And this was a long time coming because the Huskies managed to cover up the fact that it hadn't recruited a dominating big for quite awhile. First, Breanna Stewart appeared to play the 5 when that was not her true position. Her brilliance compensated for that fact. It made us forget that we didn't have a truly balanced team. Then came the conversion of Napheesa, a 6'2 player banging heads against much bigger girls and Gabby, a 6' guard, utilizing her amazing leaping ability to become an inside force. Meanwhile the best big girls went elsewhere (including this year), the Butler couldn't do it. Stewie graduated, Mo, Tuck, Kia, and Gabby did, too. And then there was no one to command the inside; we were exposed. Now we have only 'Pheesa and the gallant Lou standing guard.

But in the L-ville game, the 2 seniors let us down. With the score still close, both Napheesa and Lou threw successive possessions into the stands. Next possession, 'Pheesa missed 2 FTs. Add to this the 4 bunnies Collier inexplicably missed, and at least 14 potential points came off the board—enough to win the game.

Give credit to the Cardinals. They played with an abundance of energy and determination. More importantly, they couldn't miss their 3s. They deserved to win as they did.

So: it's the end of an era. No more “There's UConn and then there's everybody else.” No more “We're in a league of our own.” We're very good as are a few other teams. This year. Next year, the deluge. We'll be fitting up cheerleaders for unis. This was inevitable; no one's fault. Four years of Z would have helped, same with Aja, same with Lauren. Now Boston will be at SC. No big girls, no big accomplishments on the old scale ahead. It's all caught up.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

I agree with you @caramel , and @huskyd . AND, I know others will disagree with Your and My comments as well... fine... some just do that! I can predict those who will likely make disparaging comments to our comments... so here goes:

UCONN WBB fan base have come to EXPECT every year will be undefeated, and National Championship Seasons; we have been spoiled by the successes of the past. Unfortunately it can't always be that way...for a multitude of reasons. Last night Geno made a similar comment in the post game presser... "Why is this such a big deal? UConn lost only their 2nd game for the season, and it a BIG DEAL..." (or words to that effect. )
Look at the NY Yankees who own the most MLB Championships in history...but haven't won OR even been to the World Series since 2009. Never been a Yankees fan...but I'm sure those on their version of the BY (assuming there is one) are totally disgusted with their Team, despite all the STARS they buy each year.
THIS Season's Team is the TEAM we have...and the Team to which we should give our support. The players who won 4 straight NCs, and on the other 7 NC teams have used up their eligibility and can't help...with the exception of offering support to this year's Team.
I am awed by the incredible basketball knowledge displayed by so many posters here on the BY. It almost seems they must have been Championship coaches at the highest levels and/or achieved a Masters or Doctorate in Basketball. It is amazing how they can analyze every nit-noid of a flaw (major or minor) in each player, the entire team and the manner in which the Coaches coach, recruit, motivate, game plan, relate to the players and so on. Heck, I was the last player cut from my Middle School Team (but I had a broken finger on my shooting hand from football season, so there was that)... so I am saying I am not an expert at the nuances of the game..... BUT, I wish I knew how all of those well thought out and well written critiques help the Team? I suppose if we knew Geno's BY handle and could see the posts he "likes" or comments on...then I we would know that he, or CD, or Shea, or Jasmine are reading the posts and taking the suggestions/critiques to heart.
Unfortunately, I suspect there is a higher chance that potential recruits are reading this stuff, including the terrible comments on Chat during games, than the coaches...and if I were a recruit, I know I would think long about going to a college where the fan base rips the team apart...as opposed to supports them.

If I recall correctly, the 2012-2013 National Champion UCONN Huskies Women's Basketball Team...the first of the 4 straight NCs, LOST Four Games (conference and OOC), including the Conference Championship Game. That same Team likely got similar comments on BY, including how a certain freshman was not living up to her #1 ranking out of HS. BUT, that same team WON their last 6 games...The MOST important 6 Games of the Season. I don't know...but I believe this team can win out from here...I believe they will go undefeated through the AAC regular season and tournament...I believe they will beat SC at home, and maybe, just maybe, it will jell at the right time, CW will find it like Stewie did, ONO will be an important force off the bench at both ends of the court, others will contribute key minutes off the bench to give the starters brief rests in the biggest games... and maybe "things" will fall their way...through solid Team play and even some "luck"... and maybe they will win the LAST SIX games of the year... I am excited by the parity in NCAA WBB this year... 6, 7, or more teams that could win it all... we'll see how it goes... Fan Support is a piece of the puzzle...and I know I'll do everything I can to support them through the last final buzzer of the year.

GO HUSKIES!!!

 

[bbballfan23]

I didn’t realize they gave out the national championship January 31st.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

I didn’t realize they gave out the national championship January 31st.

That's what the 3 previous posts are saying... but other threads not so much...others would make readers think there is no chance any more...that the sky has fallen.

 

[bbballfan23]

That's what the 3 previous posts are saying... but other threads not so much...others would make readers think there is no chance any more...that the sky has fallen.

We certainly have things to work on but this is such a classic BY overreaction. Every other team is has as many issues as we do. We still have a great chance.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

We certainly have things to work on but this is such a classic BY overreaction. Every other team is has as many issues as we do. We still have a great chance.

AGREED!!! There were many "if this happened" points last night that could have changed the result. I completely agree there is no 'sure thing' team this year... and UCONN has a chance to raise the trophy in Tampa, just like the other 6 or 7 top teams out there this year.

 

[huskeynut]

We have a "New" batch of posters. They have been spoiled by the 4 championships in a row, I think. I get that, but get a grip.

We had a 4 year drought between the first natty in 96 and the second in 2000. After the three peat with D in 2004, there was a 4 year period of no championships. After winning again 2010, we had to wait 2 years until 2013 started the run of four straight. So now we have a 2 year span without the championship and maybe a third year. So what!

As to this year, the top 7 to 8 teams are all flawed. It's wide open and that's what all the pundits have been screaming for. It wasn't that long ago the headline was UConn is bad for women's basketball. So parity has come to the game.

As to last night's game. It was exciting and good for the game as a whole. The streak of UConn dominance over Louisville was going to end - law of averages.

I'm one of those posters who are posting less. And that started last season will some of the garbage that made it here.

A reminder to some of our posters - its only a game! Our young ladies deserve our respect and support. They are smart, intelligent, well spoken and extremely talented.

Since I'm on a little rant, I'll add this. We have season tickets for the USF women. They have been decimated by injuries - Laksa, Jordeo and Ferriera. But that team is out there working and competing. And there is none of this trashing of the team or the coaches or nitpicking of every play a player makes or doesn't make. Its a refreshing change from what I read here.

GO UCONN

 

[eebmg]

"2 cents" buys alot. Oy voy.

 

[Centerstream]

This is just my opinion and can't verify it, but during the game when BYers have to post in the chatroom (are the posts being reviewed by the moderators?) it seems to me that a few of the people that post a lot of comments are not what I would call "Husky fans" and are just trying to stir the (negativity) pot.
But I could be wrong because for most of this season I only go to the chatroom during game timeouts, to see what is going on.
And then I usually say to myself "why did I come here?".

 

[veryolddog]

I totally concur with what the original poster is saying especially the part that this is a game. I have always said that UConn provided great Sports Entertainment and they still do. The 4 National Championships in a row was one of the most extraordinary sports event that has ever occurred. I am proud of that as a graduate of this University (1964) because there is little that UConn is known for except basketball.

If you listen to the announcers, there is glee when UConn is playing poorly and loses a game. But they always say along with other coaches that they aspire to what UConn is when it comes to basketball because Geno and company have THE standard for excellence. And that is what they want.

Even if UConn fades and blends into a level of mediocrity, sports minded people will be talking about their achievment for years like they talk about Wooden and UCLA.

The old Brooklyn Dodgers went through many losing and underachieving seasons, but their fans loved the old "bums". Things will be changing for UConn women's basketball in the next few years. Geno will be leaving along with CD, a new Coach, a new way, recruiting, whatever.The AAC is what it is.

Folks, just root for your team and enjoy it.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

This is just my opinion and can't verify it, but during the game when BYers have to post in the chatroom (are the posts being reviewed by the moderators?) it seems to me that a few of the people that post a lot of comments are not what I would call "Husky fans" and are just trying to stir the (negativity) pot.
But I could be wrong because for most of this season I only go to the chatroom during game timeouts, to see what is going on.
And then I usually say to myself "why did I come here?".

I hope @HuskyNan will answer your question, but my "suspicions" are things happen so fast on the in game Chat that reviewing/censoring isn't possible. I used to follow the Chat's when I could get the game on TV (vice ESPN3)... but now I won't go anywhere near the Chat room during a game.

 

[Centerstream]

I hope @HuskyNan will answer your question, but my "suspicions" are things happen so fast on the in game Chat that reviewing/censoring isn't possible. I used to follow the Chat's when I could get the game on TV (vice ESPN3)... but now I won't go anywhere near the Chat room during a game.

Someone basically called @HuskyNan a censor in last night's chat and I couldn't believe it.

 

[terif831]

These are young ladies who, if they are following Geno's credo, are working as hard as they can to aspire to perfection so that they can achieve excellence. What they are NOT, are robots. They are human beings who are going to make mistakes and bad judgments during the course of a game, and those miscues are going to cost them when they are competing against another excellent team. This year especially, their lack of size is being exploited.

More to the point, let's give those other excellent teams some credit. Much as I hate, hate, HATE to see my Huskies fall, it truly does my heart good to see the development of women's college basketball in general. That's the very definition of parity, folks - more and more teams can win against more and more other teams, on any given day. It's beginning to happen, and I welcome it, and I relish the thought of how much Geno and company had to do with it. Makes me love them even more.

 

['nuff sed]

Last loss until the Tournament. UConn had three BIG games on its schedule, and lost 2. It's not the end of the world, but it is the end of an era. And this was a long time coming because the Huskies managed to cover up the fact that it hadn't recruited a dominating big for quite awhile. First, Breanna Stewart appeared to play the 5 when that was not her true position. Her brilliance compensated for that fact. It made us forget that we didn't have a truly balanced team. Then came the conversion of Napheesa, a 6'2 player banging heads against much bigger girls and Gabby, a 6' guard, utilizing her amazing leaping ability to become an inside force. Meanwhile the best big girls went elsewhere (including this year), the Butler couldn't do it. Stewie graduated, Mo, Tuck, Kia, and Gabby did, too. And then there was no one to command the inside; we were exposed. Now we have only 'Pheesa and the gallant Lou standing guard.

But in the L-ville game, the 2 seniors let us down. With the score still close, both Napheesa and Lou threw successive possessions into the stands. Next possession, 'Pheesa missed 2 FTs. Add to this the 4 bunnies Collier inexplicably missed, and at least 14 potential points came off the board—enough to win the game.

Give credit to the Cardinals. They played with an abundance of energy and determination. More importantly, they couldn't miss their 3s. They deserved to win as they did.

So: it's the end of an era. No more “There's UConn and then there's everybody else.” No more “We're in a league of our own.” We're very good as are a few other teams. This year. Next year, the deluge. We'll be fitting up cheerleaders for unis. This was inevitable; no one's fault. Four years of Z would have helped, same with Aja, same with Lauren. Now Boston will be at SC. No big girls, no big accomplishments on the old scale ahead. It's all caught up.

whew.......not the guy I wanna be in a foxhole with

 

[Longtime fan]

These are young ladies who, if they are following Geno's credo, are working as hard as they can to aspire to perfection so that they can achieve excellence. What they are NOT, are robots. They are human beings who are going to make mistakes and bad judgments during the course of a game, and those miscues are going to cost them when they are competing against another excellent team. This year especially, their lack of size is being exploited.

More to the point, let's give those other excellent teams some credit. Much as I hate, hate, HATE to see my Huskies fall, it truly does my heart good to see the development of women's college basketball in general. That's the very definition of parity, folks - more and more teams can win against more and more other teams, on any given day. It's beginning to happen, and I welcome it, and I relish the thought of how much Geno and company had to do with it. Makes me love them even more.

The hard truth is; what we fans wanted to have happen, has now occurred. To wit; women's college basketball is broadly improving. There are more top talent players in the country, and there are more high quality programs competing to recruit them. I certainly welcome the moments when UNC women can defeat ND. When Utah can unseat Stanford. I don't welcome Louisville or Baylor beating UCONN ( my Lady Huskie fan bias showing ), but that fits the category as well. It should be that any of the top 16 teams in the nation has a legitimate shot at winning the NCAA tournament. And we are getting there. The old-line " sure thing" teams, of course, pay the price. UConn is a highly competitive team, with fantastic young women competing every day. But they are no longer " an automatic" champion, or final four team. They will earn what they get. And we won't know what that is until we see how they are playing. We now know that there are a bunch of teams who can play just as well, and sometimes better.

 

[Waquoit]

That was a bad game. Why is it wrong to say so?

 

[hipressure]

If I recall correctly, the 2012-2013 National Champion UCONN Huskies Women's Basketball Team...the first of the 4 straight NCs, LOST Four Games (conference and OOC), including the Conference Championship Game. That same Team likely got similar comments on BY, including how a certain freshman was not living up to her #1 ranking out of HS. BUT, that same team WON their last 6 games...The MOST important 6 Games of the Season. I don't know...but I believe this team can win out from here...I believe they will go undefeated through the AAC regular season and tournament...I believe they will beat SC at home, and maybe, just maybe, it will jell at the right time, CW will find it like Stewie did, ONO will be an important force off the bench at both ends of the court, others will contribute key minutes off the bench to give the starters brief rests in the biggest games... and maybe "things" will fall their way...through solid Team play and even some "luck"... and maybe they will win the LAST SIX games of the year... I am excited by the parity in NCAA WBB this year... 6, 7, or more teams that could win it all... we'll see how it goes... Fan Support is a piece of the puzzle...and I know I'll do everything I can to support them through the last final buzzer of the year.

GO HUSKIES!!!

Well said!

 

[HuskyNan]

Someone basically called @HuskyNan a censor in last night's chat and I couldn't believe it.

The game threads used to be on the board with the same kinds of comments you see in the chat room. I used to have to watch the game threads instead of the games and I got tired of it. It was also mortifying to see the game threads on the board days after the game for everyone to see.

Chat room transcripts are only up for a couple days then they mercifully disappear. I don’t bother to moderate them because the comments will go away eventually. I don’t want to waste another evening reading that crap anyway.

As for being a censor - I don’t give a hoot what they call me. When it comes to opinions of me, I only care about the ones of people I like and/or respect. If they don’t like the way the board is moderated, the can take a hike.

 

[Jmsdawg]

These are young ladies who, if they are following Geno's credo, are working as hard as they can to aspire to perfection so that they can achieve excellence. What they are NOT, are robots. They are human beings who are going to make mistakes and bad judgments during the course of a game, and those miscues are going to cost them when they are competing against another excellent team. This year especially, their lack of size is being exploited.

More to the point, let's give those other excellent teams some credit. Much as I hate, hate, HATE to see my Huskies fall, it truly does my heart good to see the development of women's college basketball in general. That's the very definition of parity, folks - more and more teams can win against more and more other teams, on any given day. It's beginning to happen, and I welcome it, and I relish the thought of how much Geno and company had to do with it. Makes me love them even more.

Me too!

 

[EricLA]

Some people thinking about a Connecticut experience in playing and schooling for four years,could very well read this board.What a horrifying experience to see you may be whipped and trashed if you came to the school,not just over the four year recap of your time here,but daily. Looking in the mirror,would some of you like the daily angst and commentary some put in writing.I surely wouldn't like it spent on me.

FWIW I agree with much of what you said except for the sentences I quoted.

1. High school hoops players should do their research, involve their parents, visit the universities they like, meet with coaches, players, talk with former players, etc.
2. Any kid who is going to make a decision regarding her 4 years of college and beyond based on what some old fogeys say on a message board isn't that bright and I wouldn't want her at UCONN anyway.

Having said that, I know some kids have parents, friends, relatives, etc who not only read message boards, but also post on them. In the past, there were parents who actually lamented some of the comments on the board and reached out to the admins. Since then, the mods have worked hard to make the BY a place for respectful, but honest, discourse on the team.

That includes being critical of play and performance on the court. WCBB is not tee league where everyone gets a participation trophy and everyone plays. While not nearly as cutthroat as MCBB, it's still a "business" (ie. not a charity) and there's not a kid who comes to UCONN (or ND or Baylor or Stanford or Tennessee) who is not aware of the history and the expectations (both of coaches AND of fans.

You think our board is bad? Go visit Volnation. Sure Holly is getting ripped to shreds, but there is stuff said on there about players that makes even my hair curl.

I agree that NO ONE should ever be allowed to come on here and insult or overly criticize players. The mods have a list of "don't's" for the board including no personal attacks (or transfer speculation). They delete posts that cross the line. Given the amount of traffic on our board, it's almost a full time job.

But bottom line - if kids don't want to go to a school with rabid fans, which includes message boards, they can opt for a mid-major or D2 or D3 school where they can be the star, play how they want, and be adored by the 50-100 fans who attend their games.

The last thing I will say is that UCONN fans are spoiled. Are we fans of UCONN or fans of winning? Of course I get disappointed when we lose, but that doesn't mean the kids didn't work their butts off and try their best. Some UCONN fans have unrealistic expectations at this point (any season that's not undefeated or doesn't end in an NC is a bust). But... in a way that's the nature of being part of a program that has won roughly 50% of the NC's in the past 22 years...

 

[Los24]

I think people should be able to speak their mind because this is a sports board. However, I get the original poster's point as some people just communicate negativity all the time. In the first 5 mins of yesterday's game some folks are saying the game, this season, next season and the next decade is over.

This is called entitlement. They act as if a perfect season and championship is owed to them. Just think if we do win it all how much sweeter it will be. Also, I think that losing the last two the way we did makes it even harder for some (including me.) This is life and at the end of the day I hope once the initial sting is over of a loss, or not winning an NC, you can find happiness in your life in the things that really matter.

 

[willtalk]

The fact is that the WCBB dynamics has been gradually changing. As Longtime fan pointed out their are more elite players available to day than in the past. Just check the ESPN top 100 scores and how they have shot up over the last ten years. They reflect the skill level of players in high school. Just ten years ago a score of "96" was rare. The 2019 ratings shoe those with a score of "96" inhabiting the range between the 43 and 53 ranked player. More elite players means more parity. Add the fact that there are also more top level coaches running top level programs and it is less about certain programs declining as it is others elevating. Part of that being a result of them learning from and coping older successful programs, especially Uconn.

A vast number of Uconn fans have gotten spoiled by the programs success. They have come to expect it with our realizing how unique and special the run was. As I posted before, success is generally noticed, copied or adapted by anyone with a brain. Uconns run will not ever be repeated because of the change in the dynamics of WCBB. Much like John Woodens run was not repeated. The type of players that made Woodens program work became a thing of the past and he recognized that. Geno's also recognizes the change in WCBB has happened. He recognizes that the situation to day makes the it impossible to run the type of program that created the consistency of that was the foundation of the Uconn dynasty. There just are not enough motivated players today to make that happen. That is why there is no depth on the roster. To bring in more players the programs standards would have to be lowered. The question is if Geno would do that. Wooden chose not to.

Players are not always going to have their A game. They are not machines. To expect this from them is both unrealistic and unfair. Why criticize players for not full filling unrealistic expectations. In Maya's Sr season Uconn was eliminated in the simi finals, because they lacked the depth to adjust when players had off games. This is the situation today. The greatest guarantee for consistency is depth. Even with a player like Maya depth is what did them in. A go to player is not always the answer. I mean who would say Maya was not a go to players. Even the best have off days.

 

[Urshurak]

I have been following UConn Women's basketball since the first NC. Nope, they are not as good this year. So what? They still have a chance. No team is elite this year. Not even close. Geno's a pretty smart cookie. I have a feeling they will be ready come March.

Forgot to add, I had never even heard of the BY until this year...not sure how that was even possible.

 

[Longtime fan]

That was a bad game. Why is it wrong to say so?

Nothing wrong to say it. But there is an implication that" had we played better" we would have won.

I am not so sure that is the case. UCONN is no longer superior to everyone. There can easier occur a situation where we play our best, and still lose.