Players Tribune - Napheesa on life, basketball, and UConn

[Argonaut]

There are a lot of gems in this article, written by our beloved Phee. Every UConn recruit needs to read this article.

"During high school, I got scholarship offers from all around the country. It was pretty overwhelming, honestly. I wasn’t sure about where I wanted to go, but I did know one thing for certain: It wouldn’t be UConn."

"But I think what drew me in as much as anything was how the girls on the team interacted with each other. On that official visit, we went to one of their apartments one night and just hung out, laughed, and played board games. The girls on the team seemed more like sisters than friends, and right away they made me feel like I was part of their family."

"But what most people don’t understand about [UConn winning], and what I certainly didn’t, is that it’s not something that just happens. Not at all. It’s easy to assume UConn’s edge is strictly a talent thing — and no doubt, there’s a lot of talent — but the consistency comes from the grind.

The Every. Single. Day. Grind."

One of the 144 | By Napheesa Collier

I’ve known I wanted to play professional basketball since I got my first scholarship offer in eighth grade. Being in the WNBA? On the Lynx?! I can’t imagine anything being better than that.

www.theplayerstribune.com

 

[soxfan23]

There are a lot of gems in this article, written by our beloved Phee. Every UConn recruit needs to read this article.

"During high school, I got scholarship offers from all around the country. It was pretty overwhelming, honestly. I wasn’t sure about where I wanted to go, but I did know one thing for certain: It wouldn’t be UConn."

"But I think what drew me in as much as anything was how the girls on the team interacted with each other. On that official visit, we went to one of their apartments one night and just hung out, laughed, and played board games. The girls on the team seemed more like sisters than friends, and right away they made me feel like I was part of their family."

"But what most people don’t understand about [UConn winning], and what I certainly didn’t, is that it’s not something that just happens. Not at all. It’s easy to assume UConn’s edge is strictly a talent thing — and no doubt, there’s a lot of talent — but the consistency comes from the grind.

The Every. Single. Day. Grind."

One of the 144 | By Napheesa Collier

I’ve known I wanted to play professional basketball since I got my first scholarship offer in eighth grade. Being in the WNBA? On the Lynx?! I can’t imagine anything being better than that.

www.theplayerstribune.com

This passage should really stand out to recruits

"In the end, I can look back at my time at UConn and say that I’m kind of glad my freshman year was so difficult. In fact, it’s probably a big reason why my transition to the W as a rookie has been pretty natural. Yeah, there’s definitely been a ton of learning experiences, no question. But I’ve been ready for everything that’s come at me because I’ve been preparing to play at this level every day for the past four years."

 

[Husky fanatic]

Thanks for sharing. A good read for anyone, especially new recruits

 

[Carnac]

There are a lot of gems in this article, written by our beloved Phee. Every UConn recruit needs to read this article.

"During high school, I got scholarship offers from all around the country. It was pretty overwhelming, honestly. I wasn’t sure about where I wanted to go, but I did know one thing for certain: It wouldn’t be UConn."

"But I think what drew me in as much as anything was how the girls on the team interacted with each other. On that official visit, we went to one of their apartments one night and just hung out, laughed, and played board games. The girls on the team seemed more like sisters than friends, and right away they made me feel like I was part of their family."

"But what most people don’t understand about [UConn winning], and what I certainly didn’t, is that it’s not something that just happens. Not at all. It’s easy to assume UConn’s edge is strictly a talent thing — and no doubt, there’s a lot of talent — but the consistency comes from the grind.

The Every. Single. Day. Grind."

One of the 144 | By Napheesa Collier

I’ve known I wanted to play professional basketball since I got my first scholarship offer in eighth grade. Being in the WNBA? On the Lynx?! I can’t imagine anything being better than that.

www.theplayerstribune.com

Great article and very well written. Thanks Argonaut. Enjoyed it.

Here is the link to the Hartford Currant podcast featuring Napheesa Collier produced about a month ago. I don't recall if this was already posted back then. Some of you may have missed it. UConn Insider Podcast, Episode 120: Napheesa Collier

 

[pvdoggy]

That's a beautiful soul.

 

[HuskyPhan]

Just when I thought I couldn't admire and appreciate Phee any more........

 

[JonathanXIV]

Just when I thought I couldn't admire and appreciate Phee any more...

That's been a pretty consistent theme over the past four years, hasn't it?

 

[MainefanSC]

This young woman has been special in my heart from day 1. Talent, beauty, self confident (not cocky) and team oriented. Does my heart good to see her successes. Would take every "Phee" that's looking to play WCBB.

Argonaut, thanks for sharing.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

This passage should really stand out to recruits

"In the end, I can look back at my time at UConn and say that I’m kind of glad my freshman year was so difficult. In fact, it’s probably a big reason why my transition to the W as a rookie has been pretty natural. Yeah, there’s definitely been a ton of learning experiences, no question. But I’ve been ready for everything that’s come at me because I’ve been preparing to play at this level every day for the past four years."

Say wow and amen to that!

 

[victor64]

Why is it that the first thing I noticed in this fabulous first-person article that provides testimony about everything we hope the UConn women represent is that Phee colored her hair? Man, I have issues...

 

[RockyMTblue2]

That quiet assurance was there very early wasn't it and that daily grind has obviously made her one of the elite in the WNBA. Best article I have ever read by a player on these subjects. She's a deep old soul. Recruiting tool yes. Also will frighten away the pretenders.

But, unlike her, many kids in HS just don't read! On the internet or in a comic book, they just don't read.

 

[Zanzman]

Thanks argonaut great read

 

[Argonaut]

That quiet assurance was there very early wasn't it and that daily grind has obviously made her one of the elite in the WNBA. Best article I have ever read by a player on these subjects. She's a deep old soul. Recruiting tool yes. Also will fright away the pretenders.

But, unlike her, many kids in HS just don't read! On the internet or in a comic book, they just don't read.

I'm a high school librarian. Fear not, your readers are still out there.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'm a high school librarian. Fear not, your readers are still out there.

Great, cuz the readers will always be the best leaders. Those who know history know achieving takes hard work.

 

[eebmg]

Fantastic article from a special person.

 

[Blueconn]

As a career bookseller (and now a p-t librarian) this essay was a delightful surprise. As a life-long Husky it was more proof positive that our team is the Gold Standard...period. Years ago Geno was right when he told a reporter “We don’t recruit dopes.”

 

[BobbyJ]

Man, that Mr. and Mrs. Collier are one lucky set of parents.

 

[Carnac]

Say wow and amen to that!

A new recruiting package for UConn to send to all future recruits: the I want you poster that I suggested in another post, and a copy of this article by Collier. One if not both is sure to make them think very seriously about UConn.

 

[JavaMan]

I can only imagine how Geno and CD must feel when they read and hear stories like these over and over and over. How many volumes are you allowed to have in a scrapbook? They must be so proud and filled to the brim with satisfaction for their career choice and for the hard work they put in over the years. Kudos and thank yous to Pheesa, Geno, and CD ...and all of Pheesa's older and younger sisters.

 

[DallasBUFan]

I love this woman! I fell in love with her this summer watching her play since she plays with Odyssey. I admire her so much on here poise, athleticism, humbleness, and just overall demeanor. She carry's herself well and represent whomever she is representing to the best of her abilities. Should have been No.1.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I can only imagine how Geno and CD must feel when they read and hear stories like these over and over and over. How many volumes are you allowed to have in a scrapbook? They must be so proud and filled to the brim with satisfaction for their career choice and for the hard work they put in over the years. Kudos and thank yous to Pheesa, Geno, and CD ...and all of Pheesa's older and younger sisters.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I love this woman! I fell in love with her this summer watching her play since she plays with Odyssey. I admire her so much on here poise, athleticism, humbleness, and just overall demeanor. She carry's herself well and represent whomever she is representing to the best of her abilities. Should have been No.1.

Then she would not be a Lynx. Perfect for her. Dallas not so much!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Caption this:

PHEE: Dammit Z would you just listen to him!

Geno: How many fingers am I holding up?

Geno: You do understand this means go up, right?

 

[VAMike23]

“Phee: Up Close and Personal”

Love it !!!

 

[Bama fan]

Man, that Mr. and Mrs. Collier are one lucky set of parents.

They may be lucky, but they are also good at parenting. Not everyone is, unfortunately.

 

[Carnac]

I love this woman! I fell in love with her this summer watching her play since she plays with Odyssey. I admire her so much on here poise, athleticism, humbleness, and just overall demeanor. She carry's herself well and represent whomever she is representing to the best of her abilities. Should have been No.1.

She IS number 1. She’s #24 in your program, but she’s #1 in OUR hearts ~ UConn Nation.

 

[Bigboote]

As a career bookseller (and now a p-t librarian) this essay was a delightful surprise. As a life-long Husky it was more proof positive that our team is the Gold Standard...period. Years ago Geno was right when he told a reporter “We don’t recruit dopes.”

Sylvia Fowles said something similar during Lynx training camp this year: “There’s no knuckleheads in camp this year.” I got a charge out of that, thinking of Geno.

 

[CocoHusky]

"I'm probably one of the luckiest people in the coaching profession because I get to coach players like Stefanie and Bria," he said. Then the Hall of Fame coach took a long pause and struggled to compose himself.
"Yeah, I get to coach guys like that," he continued. "That's why we do what we do."

USA TODAY

Connecticut's coach shed some tears when talking about his seniors

www.usatoday.com

"Guys like that" undoubtedly now includes Napheesa.

 

[Rema64]

Excellent article. Says as much about who Napheesa is and the environment CD and Geno nurture at UConn. This program will continue to produce amazing young women that understand that talent isn't everything. You still have to work to be successful. Thank you Napheesa for giving us a little more of you and thank you Geno and CD for the love you give to these ladies.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

As I review this thread I realize my usually indifferent spelling has become much worse. Combination of factors. I'm typing on my laptop in a wheelchair and the position and touch is much different from my norm. I discovered my sleeves have been touching the key pad while I type, leading to all sorts of mischief. And I am on pain killers and the interesting curve of their effect over the 4-6 hours. Damn artificial knee which started down hill 2 years after "install", and no one can figure it out. Now I have to get answers at Mayo or wherever I can find the best. I can no longer walk on it. Playing here and elsewhere takes me away from that, like Phee with her reading books.