It’s not that I disagre exactly. I just think if it isn’t obviously Azzi and Caroline’s team by January, if those two haven’t stepped up in a big way, it won’t bode well for #12.
Didn't Christyn Williams, or another player, have a small cross tattooed on her neck somewhere? I don't recall - since i don't recall seeing it taped over. Does anyone remember/know?“We kinda talked about what that’s gonna look like and how I can help her and how I can do everything I can to just sorta support her, because I know it’s hard playing the point guard,” Bueckers said. “Her role is obviously going to be bigger, she’s gonna have to look to shoot more and she’s gonna be the playmaker on the floor, the leader on the floor.
Also I’m curious to see the “neck tape” when Nika plays
Azzi or Caroline, and I predict both, will step up in a big way but it will still be Nika's team. The leader on the floor and in the locker room does not have to be the best player or the leading scorer but rather that the rest of the team looks to for the offensive and defensive sets, for the emotional shifts, for the energy and determination, for Geno's voice on the floor and, above all else, the person who takes ownership of every single thing that happens. Who is fanatical enough to embrace that role with glee? The Fuel.
It should be everyone's team, not just one player's team.
I suppose that’s possible. The pg is the most important position And it needs an outsize personality to be great in it. But it also needs mastery of every aspect of the offense, including ones own scoring, and it is not clear Nika has achieved this. We spent the last few weeks arguing over whether Nika will make herself a credible scoring threat. No one has suggested she’ll be a great one. It’ll be her team if she can consistently finish at the rim (through contact) and sink the midrange jumper in the half court set. This is what Jen, Sue, Renee, Moriah, Crystal all brought to the pg role. If she can’t live up to that standard and is merely a serviceable passer and ball handler, we may well have a great season but it won’t be her team no matter how much passion she brings to the floor.
Not according to Geno. In Geno's mind there must be a single player, especially in times of adversity, that pulls the team together and says this is exactly what we are going to do. His ideal would be ( he actually used this example) a Tom Brady huddle, where you don't hear any other voices except that of THE leader.
There is real difference between a team leader and saying its this player's team. A term I dislike. I don't associate it with leading. Besides everyone at some point must lead. Not be the leader but in smaller ways must lead. The team leader won't always be in the game. What then? A leaderless team! So now a team leader must be manufactured. Why? The next leader must be ready to take charge, not learn to be a leader after the leader goes down. Does a Seal Team mission stop if the leader cannot continue? Every group has an unofficial leader. Learn who that is and why the group sees this person as their unofficial leader. I believed every team (organization) I managed had to operate as a team with a leader or as multiple teams each with its own leader or as individuals capable of making decisions and executing them. I really believe Geno recruits players capable of this. I am not concerned about leadership on this team. I can't believe Geno believes there should be one and only leader on his team. I do believe he wants one leader on the floor at all times. Someone taking responsibility for all decisions but a good leader does listen to the team's inputs. Autocratic does not cut it ... unless your name is Geno.
Sort of. The way I remember it Geno talks about having a player who wants the ball and is going to make a big play for you in crunch time. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a single player, we’ve had many teams that I’ve had multiple players who could do it. Bird and Taurasi are the most obvious example.
It’s true Paige leaves a gaping hole. But for some of these players it may be more an opportunity than a burden. I suspect Ice and Ayanna may experience it like this. Maybe Lou as well.
I guess Geno has backed off his opposition to display of tats from the Gabby days.UConn women’s basketball’s Nika Mühl will have expanded role without ‘best friend’ Paige Bueckers
Nika Mühl started 19 games for Paige Bueckers last season and will play an expanded role...www.ctinsider.com
While home in Croatia, Muhl got the word “loyalty” written in cursive tattooed on the right side of her neck. It’s her 16th tattoo.
It is not pure fantasy, it is call being a fan. The need to become a more complete player is not limited to just Nika, the entire team needs to improve. For example, Azzi Fudd's on ball defense needs to improve significantly.
I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
The world is changing and Geno and CD are doing their best to keep up. We actually have a player with Purple and Yellow streaks in her hear now. Somewhere Stefanie Dolson is saying "bout time!
But has Chris?
I think you are dramatically underselling Nika Muhl. She's a significant player on one of the most preeminent D1 basketball teams in the country. To say she has no natural basketball talent or skills is ridiculous. I won't be surprised by what Geno does lineup-wise, but Muhl clearly has his backing and confidence.