Sadie Edwards - GREAT game vs. Oregon State...

[Gus Mahler]

Regarding Sadie: The only thing I can remember hearing/reading after the season started was CD saying that she hadn't caught on to the offense yet but that her defense was fine. Here is a link to an article in the Courant that contains a little piece from Geno I hadn't seen before:

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-uconn-women-1218-20141217-story.html

From the article, emphasis added:

"She just came into my office after the Notre Dame game and told me it wasn't working out for her," Auriemma said. "So I told her I appreciated [her honesty] and that I hoped she learned something while she was [at UConn] and that she had a better idea of what it was going to take to play Division I basketball at this level."

It seems to me a reasonable surmise (not mere speculation) that she was not living up to expectations regarding intensity or performance.

 

[HuskyNan]

And who else ?

Kelly Schumacher.

 

[HuskyNan]

Regarding Sadie: The only thing I can remember hearing/reading after the season started was CD saying that she hadn't caught on to the offense yet but that her defense was fine. Here is a link to an article in the Courant that contains a little piece from Geno I hadn't seen before:

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-uconn-women-1218-20141217-story.html

From the article, emphasis added:

"She just came into my office after the Notre Dame game and told me it wasn't working out for her," Auriemma said. "So I told her I appreciated [her honesty] and that I hoped she learned something while she was [at UConn] and that she had a better idea of what it was going to take to play Division I basketball at this level."

It seems to me a reasonable surmise (not mere speculation) that she was not living up to expectations regarding intensity or performance.

Maybe, but @hardhatguy said she was unwilling to work hard. That is pure speculation.

 

[VAMike23]

Maybe, but @hardhatguy said she was unwilling to work hard. That is pure speculation.

Saying that Sadie was "unwilling to work hard" -- which he didn't -- is different than saying "she was unwilling to put in the time and effort necessary to earn the minutes she wanted at UCONN" -- which he did.

There are lots of hard-working college athletes that would not be able to hack it under Geno's program. It's at another level of intensity and requires extraordinary commitment. Hardhatguy's wording was hardly a broadside insult.

And IIRC it fits with the impression I had after reading the coverage and quotes around the time she left.

 

[Go/huskies]

Kelly Schumacher.

Schumacher And Battle both started games at Uconn, while there's a chance that Williams and Chong could start next season, it's not likely to happen.

 

[HuskyNan]

Schumacher And Battle both started games at Uconn, while there's a chance that Williams and Chong could start next season, it's not likely to happen.

So you define a role player as someone that doesn't start?

 

[CocoHusky]

Regarding Sadie: The only thing I can remember hearing/reading after the season started was CD saying that she hadn't caught on to the offense yet but that her defense was fine. Here is a link to an article in the Courant that contains a little piece from Geno I hadn't seen before:

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-uconn-women-1218-20141217-story.html

From the article, emphasis added:

"She just came into my office after the Notre Dame game and told me it wasn't working out for her," Auriemma said. "So I told her I appreciated [her honesty] and that I hoped she learned something while she was [at UConn] and that she had a better idea of what it was going to take to play Division I basketball at this level."

It seems to me a reasonable surmise (not mere speculation) that she was not living up to expectations regarding intensity or performance.

Performance is different than effort IMO. Geno is seldom reluctant to publicly discuss a players effort in practice and in games. Just last week he stated that KLS needs to work harder. I do not recall him publicly discussing lack of effort with Sadie. There was the infamous open mike on the NC parade where many speculated that he was talking disparagingly about Sadie but that was before Sadie got to campus. After she got to campus Geno was very complementary of Sadie saying "She is very good at breaking down defenses and getting to the rim and that he was excited about that because he never had never had a player like than before."

 

[Gus Mahler]

Performance is different than effort IMO. Geno is seldom reluctant to publicly discuss a players effort in practice and in games. Just last week he stated that KLS needs to work harder. I do not recall him publicly discussing lack of effort with Sadie. There was the infamous open mike on the NC parade where many speculated that he was talking disparagingly about Sadie but that was before Sadie got to campus. After she got to campus Geno was very complementary of Sadie saying "She is very good at breaking down defenses and getting to the rim and that he was excited about that because he never had never had a player like than before."

Yes, I agree that intensity (of effort) differs from performance. That's why I used the "or." I guess I should have elaborated a range of things Geno might have been thinking.

I would note, though, that being complimentary of a freshman in the early days of the season when fans and students are interested in hearing about new players, is not the same thing as being satisfied with performance in practice on a day to day basis.

 

[HuskyNan]

Saying that Sadie was "unwilling to work hard" -- which he didn't -- is different than saying "she was unwilling to put in the time and effort necessary to earn the minutes she wanted at UCONN" -- which he did.

I disagree with your interpretation of HardHatGuys post but I'm done. We will have to agree to disagree.

As a mod, though, I will restate that people may not indulge in harmful speculation - any player, any team. We may disagree on the definition of "harmful" but I would much rather err on the side of the player than not.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I think that is absolutely, positively, 100% correct.

 

[CocoHusky]

Great input. Just curious, you stated that Brianna knew Coquese "for many years", from where & how long?

 

[wire chief]

We all remember Ketia's zip down the court to nip DePaul. She's one who had a long WNBA
career, without being a settled starter at UConn. She referred to herself as "not an impact player in college".

 

[hoophuskee]

Schumacher And Battle both started games at Uconn, while there's a chance that Williams and Chong could start next season, it's not likely to happen.

If Chong continues to play pretty good - I think she starts next year. Geno has started seniors even if they aren't as good as bench players. Doty comes to mind. As well as long time ago Pam Webber vs Sales. He didn't start Maya Moore initially. Geno has a certain affection for the old Boston Celtics and how they didn't start Hondo, then Paul Silas.

 

[malevocalist#]

No one. No other program put a impactful Non- Starting player in the WNBA last year. Sadie is only starting because Adams is hurt.

Regardless of why she is starting, the fact is she is starting which is good for her. Because now she gets the minutes that will establish and boost her confidence. This is a Top 20 player coming out of high school and she was not in any shape or form overated.

I would have liked to see her stay regardless who was in front of her. But she did what was best for her. Wish her the best.

 

[hoophuskee]

Agree more on Saniya than Gabby at this point - mainly because Gabby is 5'10 or 5'11". She needs to be a wing/guard, not a forward to succeed at the next level, IMHO. But plenty of time for her to develop and it's hard to know what she will be like as a senior. Still, I agree both will get serious looks and probably get drafted, if for no other reason than they are from UCONN.

I don't mean for that to sound arrogant, but there have been many quotes from coaches and GM's in the WNBA that laud the fitness, intensity, and hard work ethic of former UCONN players. That generally translates to at least giving the player a shot...

By the way did you see Gabby knock down the jump shot vs Cinci with 38 seconds left in the 1st half? Very very sweet looking jump shot. Unlike the ugly shot vs Md. I guess "sweet" vs "ugly" in my bias book had a lot to do with both "angle" and "if the ball went in!!"

 

[msf22b]

I had the same impression re: Sadie's commitment level so I am a little surprised at the reaction in this thread.

We don't often (ever?) see official pronouncements dissing a player, but I just seem to remember that between the Horde's coverage and Geno's own quotes, there were indications of something less than the requisite level of intensity from Sadie in practices and that this was apparent from the early stages.

I wish her well and am happy to see her picking it up lately at USoCal

But let us not forget that there was a public dissing of her work standard even before she arrived; the unfortunate "open mike" incident at this group's first National Championship parade.

It was almost as if Geno had "buyers remourse."

But I'm with Nan, don't recall any in-season barbs…has anyone noticed a significant reduction in Geno's output in that regard. The recent Katie Lou out burst and public humiliation, the Ek moment, and the wonderful (I forgot his expression) to the effect that the team doesn't always play with a full deck (my substitution).

I think to lump Caroline and Tiff with Nan's list of role players is an error. Much was expected of both of them and as Freshmen, they both delivered. I recall a NCAA regional (Trenton?) where Tiff was on fire and turned a very difficult game
into a ggod win. Caroline's career sucumbed to injuries and perhaps if Tiff didn't quite reach her potential at UConn, she certainly has made an impact in the W. Not much was expected of Maria, but boy did she come through big-time.

With regard Brianna…she was as lost as a freshman as anyone I've seen, especially on D…She was totally incapable of keeping her man between her and the basket; drivers and cutters went through her matador D like…you know.

Much improved (and considerable playing time) until her injury, came back, did reasonably well…shined while K was recovering, then went into an offensive slump (as did Chong) when K returned and never had the confidence of the staff again. And thyen of course her injury. She learned a lot at UConn, good to see her having a decent season.

And HoopHusky…I think the jury is still out on Kiah…and there are players who do better with coaches other than Geno…not many, but some…One might give Tiff as an example. Let's see if Bill can push the right buttons to unleash Kiah's full potential. He's made a good start.

 

[Gus Mahler]

But let us not forget that there was a public dissing of her work standard even before she arrived; the unfortunate "open mike" incident at this group's first National Championship parade.

It was almost as if Geno had "buyers remourse."

But I'm with Nan, don't recall any in-season barbs…has anyone noticed a significant reduction in Geno's output in that regard. The recent Katie Lou out burst and public humiliation, the Ek moment, and the wonderful (I forgot his expression) to the effect that the team doesn't always play with a full deck (my substitution).

I think to lump Caroline and Tiff with Nan's list of role players is an error. Much was expected of both of them and as Freshmen, they both delivered. I recall a NCAA regional (Trenton?) where Tiff was on fire and turned a very difficult game
into a ggod win. Caroline's career sucumbed to injuries and perhaps if Tiff didn't quite reach her potential at UConn, she certainly has made an impact in the W. Not much was expected of Maria, but boy did she come through big-time.

With regard Brianna…she was as lost as a freshman as anyone I've seen, especially on D…She was totally incapable of keeping her man between her and the basket; drivers and cutters went through her matador D like…you know.

Much improved (and considerable playing time) until her injury, came back, did reasonably well…shined while K was recovering, then went into an offensive slump (as did Chong) when K returned and never had the confidence of the staff again. And thyen of course her injury. She learned a lot at UConn, good to see her having a decent season.

And HoopHusky…I think the jury is still out on Kiah…and there are players who do better with coaches other than Geno…not many, but some…One might give Tiff as an example. Let's see if Bill can push the right buttons to unleash Kiah's full potential. He's made a good start.

He said they were not the brightest bulbs (on defense). He included the coaching staff.

We should also recall that Brianna had a chronic ankle injury her last season at UCONN.

 

[CocoHusky]

But I'm with Nan, don't recall any in-season barbs…has anyone noticed a significant reduction in Geno's output in that regard. The recent Katie Lou out burst and public humiliation, the Ek moment, and the wonderful (I forgot his expression) to the effect that the team doesn't always play with a full deck (my substitution).

I have not notice any significant reduction in Geno output nor have I notice any reduction in the over the top hyperbole that fans use to describe Geno's coaching style. Seriously, KLS was publicly humiliated? I must have missed the Geno outrageous outburst that triggered KLS humiliation, but I take it you obviously didn't think she deserved it.

 

[Kaizen]

I think it comes down to wanting to play at the next level or not, she might not make it as a pro anyway, but playing at USC and getting minutes will help her chances vs being a role/ bench player at Uconn.
Players like Chong and Williams might not make it to the wnba for this very reason.

I don't know why you dislike Chong and William so much?
Chong and Gabby are good girls and working very hard. How do you know they will not start next year or year after?
I am so glad that you are not Geno ....

 

[msf22b]

but I take it you obviously didn't think she deserved it.

Actually, have no opinion about that.

 

[CocoHusky]

He said they were not the brightest bulbs (on defense). He included the coaching staff.
We should also recall that Brianna had a chronic ankle injury her last season at UCONN.

Good point about Brianna ankle injury but IMO it was much more mental than physical. For example despite aggravating the injury at Maryland (Nov '13) she played brilliantly with Dolson in foul trouble and KML and Morgan both out. By the time March rolled around she was a shadow of her & essentially a healthy scratch against Louisville with 1 minute of playing time.

 

[hoophuskee]

But let us not forget that there was a public dissing of her work standard even before she arrived; the unfortunate "open mike" incident at this group's first National Championship parade.

It was almost as if Geno had "buyers remourse."

But I'm with Nan, don't recall any in-season barbs…has anyone noticed a significant reduction in Geno's output in that regard. The recent Katie Lou out burst and public humiliation, the Ek moment, and the wonderful (I forgot his expression) to the effect that the team doesn't always play with a full deck (my substitution).

I think to lump Caroline and Tiff with Nan's list of role players is an error. Much was expected of both of them and as Freshmen, they both delivered. I recall a NCAA regional (Trenton?) where Tiff was on fire and turned a very difficult game
into a ggod win. Caroline's career sucumbed to injuries and perhaps if Tiff didn't quite reach her potential at UConn, she certainly has made an impact in the W. Not much was expected of Maria, but boy did she come through big-time.

With regard Brianna…she was as lost as a freshman as anyone I've seen, especially on D…She was totally incapable of keeping her man between her and the basket; drivers and cutters went through her matador D like…you know.

Much improved (and considerable playing time) until her injury, came back, did reasonably well…shined while K was recovering, then went into an offensive slump (as did Chong) when K returned and never had the confidence of the staff again. And thyen of course her injury. She learned a lot at UConn, good to see her having a decent season.

And HoopHusky…I think the jury is still out on Kiah…and there are players who do better with coaches other than Geno…not many, but some…One might give Tiff as an example. Let's see if Bill can push the right buttons to unleash Kiah's full potential. He's made a good start.

What is it that we're disagreeing with regarding Stokes? She has solidified herself as a solid WNBA player for several years in the future, right? And she had a better rookie year than KML, right?