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

[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."

 

[CajunHusky]

The article implied Sadie wanted more minutes and that Coach said fine, show me you deserve them ..... So after one semester she left, went to USC and practiced but not played for two semesters and a summer before getting back on the court. Sadie might have done that at UCONN if she stuck it out.... or maybe we should just accept it was a bad match.

Brianna suffered a season ending knee injury with surgery in the second half of her sophomore season - not eligible for a redshirt. She had just six to seven months to come back from the surgery. She struggled in that comeback junior year, probably not all the way back from that surgery. Brianna then is faced with a senior year with a freshmen class of 4 guards coming in and her knee probably still bothering her. When she transfers to Penn State she is going to a coach who she has known for many years, she gets a full year to recover further from her knee injury, regain her confidence; a fifth year to get her masters and a pretty good shot at a final year starting. I think Brianna really liked it here at UCONN, loved her teammates, and didn't want to leave but she did want what was best for her career wise. I suspect Brianna is eyeing a coaching career.

And I think it is working out great for both of them.

Of course this is all conjecture

 

[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]

Brianna suffered a season ending knee injury with surgery in the second half of her sophomore season - not eligible for a redshirt. She had just six to seven months to come back from the surgery. She struggled in that comeback junior year, probably not all the way back from that surgery. Brianna then is faced with a senior year with a freshmen class of 4 guards coming in and her knee probably still bothering her. When she transfers to Penn State she is going to a coach who she has known for many years, she gets a full year to recover further from her knee injury, regain her confidence; a fifth year to get her masters and a pretty good shot at a final year starting. I think Brianna really liked it here at UCONN, loved her teammates, and didn't want to leave but she did want what was best for her career wise.

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

 

[CocoHusky]

The article implied Sadie wanted more minutes and that Coach said fine, show me you deserve them ..... So after one semester she left, went to USC and practiced but not played for two semesters and a summer before getting back on the court. Sadie might have done that at UCONN if she stuck it out.... or maybe we should just accept it was a bad match.

Brianna suffered a season ending knee injury with surgery in the second half of her sophomore season - not eligible for a redshirt. She had just six to seven months to come back from the surgery. She struggled in that comeback junior year, probably not all the way back from that surgery. Brianna then is faced with a senior year with a freshmen class of 4 guards coming in and her knee probably still bothering her. When she transfers to Penn State she is going to a coach who she has known for many years, she gets a full year to recover further from her knee injury, regain her confidence; a fifth year to get her masters and a pretty good shot at a final year starting. I think Brianna really liked it here at UCONN, loved her teammates, and didn't want to leave but she did want what was best for her career wise. I suspect Brianna is eyeing a coaching career.

And I think it is working out great for both of them.

Of course this is all conjecture

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

 

[CajunHusky]

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

I seem to recall reading there was an AAU connection...... (I hope I got that right)

 

[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!!"

 

[CajunHusky]

I seem to recall reading there was an AAU connection. (I hope I got that right)

I tried to verify my own comment re: the Coquese Washington and found that I had it wrong. The article I recalled were actually two, both Jim Fuller's. The first article in May 2014 referenced Brianna's AAU coach Kim Davis Powell as saying she was talking with Banks, and that she was fielding a lot of calls from Div I coaches wrt to Banks' transfer; when Fuller announced in August that Banks was going to Penn State, he quoted that earlier conversation with the AAU coach and I jumped to a conclusion that may not be right.

 

[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?

 

[Oldbones]

So...... the coaching staff must be really good at "pickin' role players?"

 

[Kaizen]

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?

So, what is your point? Stoke was a bench player and has better WNBA year than a starter KML.
Then the current benches, Chong is taller than Moriah, Butler is taller than Stewie, KLS is taller than Tuck all should have a better WNBA years?

 

[Huskies Rule]

The article implied Sadie wanted more minutes and that Coach said fine, show me you deserve them ..... So after one semester she left, went to USC and practiced but not played for two semesters and a summer before getting back on the court. Sadie might have done that at UCONN if she stuck it out.... or maybe we should just accept it was a bad match.

Agreed, Cajun. We all know how incredibly tough Geno is on his kids. Heck, he was absolutely brutal on the best player of this generation when she struggled as a freshman- and he gets all over her even to this day! If you are going to play for UConn, it's a given that you must be one very talented basketball player. But you must also have great self-confidence and be mentally tough, able to push through the challenges of playing for the finest program and the most demanding coaches in the country.

I know nothing of Sadie Edwards' work ethic or character, but maybe there is something revealing in her itinerant high school basketball career. She began as a freshman at Mercy, then changed schools to out-of-state Nazareth (NYC), then transferred yet again to Blair in NJ. And now it's bye-bye UConn, hello USC. Not sure why she transferred so many times, but it may speak to an inability or unwillingness to stick things out and persevere, choosing to move on rather than face adversity head-on and overcome it.

And if you can't deal with obstacles thrown in your way, you probably cannot play at UConn.

 

[hoophuskee]

So, what is your point? Stoke was a bench player and has better WNBA year than a starter KML.
Then the current benches, Chong is taller than Moriah, Butler is taller than Stewie, KLS is taller than Tuck all should have a better WNBA years?

earlier in this thread I went back and forthwith pvdoggy about "minutes" and what a player might consider as "fun" and their chances of making it at the pro level as a secondary player. etc. I brought up Stokes vs KML to just mention college minutes didn't seem to matter much here when they both went tot he next level. I'm not saying in the future KML won't end up becoming better. Just saying Stokes didn't need a lot of minutes to be a player who is going to play pro ball for a while therefore other players can follow a similar path- don't need a lot of minutes or be a star etc.

I'm not sure why you are mentioning height? I'm really confused what you and the poster are coming at me with. No biggie I think?

 

[Go/huskies]

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 ....

All the threads about Williams lack of athleticism, or that she shouldn't be the 5th starter, and you think I have a problem with her and Chong, Ok! Because Geno has seemed to make both bench players. Do you expect both players to start next year? And if so over who ?

 

[HuskyNan]

All the threads about Williams lack of athleticism, or that she shouldn't be the 5th starter, and you think I have a problem with her and Chong, Ok! Because Geno has seemed to make both bench players. Do you expect both players to start next year? And if so over who ?

Geno has said many times that it's not who starts, it's who's on the floor at crunch time that indicates a players value to the team during that particular game. Saniya played at the end of the Maryland game even though she didn't start because she was important to the team that game.

Shea came off the bench and Nykesha and Kelly Faris and numerous other valuable players but you knew if the game got tight, they'd be on the court. I wouldn't get hung up on who's starting for the Huskies.

 

[hoophuskee]

All the threads about Williams lack of athleticism, or that she shouldn't be the 5th starter, and you think I have a problem with her and Chong, Ok! Because Geno has seemed to make both bench players. Do you expect both players to start next year? And if so over who ?

As nan says - I wouldn't get hung up on who is starting but it is fun to debate. Here is my initial starting 5 if Tuck comes back / subject to many many changes. Chong, Nurse, Sam, Tuck, and Butler. Without Tuck - Collier. Might start Collier over Sam with Tuck too. Have to see how season plays out. Watch the jumper Gabby hit with 384 seconds left in the 1st half. Maybe she is about to turn the corner? Lots of time to ponder next year.

The reason for Chong is - Nurse seems much more comfortable playing sg. And don't think Danger can surpass Chong early on. I won't speculate further about Danger vs Chong next year until I see more of both. Third- Geno tends to initially start experience over talent if he is somewhat pleased by the experience. And right now he likes Chong a lot. SO imo she is in the driver's seat.

 

[Gus Mahler]

As nan says - I wouldn't get hung up on who is starting but it is fun to debate. Here is my initial starting 5 if Tuck comes back / subject to many many changes. Chong, Nurse, Sam, Tuck, and Butler. Without Tuck - Collier. Might start Collier over Sam with Tuck too. Have to see how season plays out. Watch the jumper Gabby hit with 384 seconds left in the 1st half. Maybe she is about to turn the corner? Lots of time to ponder next year.

The reason for Chong is - Nurse seems much more comfortable playing sg. And don't think Danger can surpass Chong early on. I won't speculate further about Danger vs Chong next year until I see more of both. Third- Geno tends to initially start experience over talent if he is somewhat pleased by the experience. And right now he likes Chong a lot. SO imo she is in the driver's seat.

I want to jump in and agree with you on Chong and Nurse. I think Chong is the leader in the clubhouse to start at point guard. Nurse seems better suited to being off the ball.

 

[Carnac]

Who would you expect her to play over last year? Last year at the 1-3 positions we had MoJeff, Nurse, KML, and Chong. And when KML went out sometimes Tuck or BS would take her spot because we had Stokes and Gabby. So she was 7th on the overall depth chart. What other reason is there that anyone should really care about?

While I agree with EricSanDiego, (I'm glad for Sadie too), I've also got to agree with you. Which starter was she going to play in front of? Mo and Kia are locks at the 1 and 2.

 

[Carnac]

I was talking primarily about players who may be good, but not really elite. If you are just good, I am not sure you will see a lot of min and will always be role players at UConn. Even within the team concept at UConn, there is still a hierarchy of key players and role players whether you admit it or not. As a good but not elite player, is it more fun to get a lot of unrestricted playing time on an OK team or getting very little time with Uconn potential championship team, I don't really know. The chance of you making it to the next level w/o being a player with some very special skill is pretty much slim to none anyway.

pvdoggy, you've made some interesting points. The reasons elite recruits choose different programs vary. Some of the want to play and graduate, while some others want to play, graduate and try and win a NC.

Some don't care about winning a NC. They know the few programs that are winning the NC's. it's the same 2-3 programs. Every coach that visits their home mentions the possibility of winning a NC if they will come to their school. But how realistic is the possibility?

Also remember that every year, new talent comes in. Its always possible that a elite freshman can come in and take your spot. I'm sure this has caused more than one player to transfer to another program.