Shea Talks About Geno and UConn

[YoDore]

When Geno broke the record for most wins back in November, a student writer at Vanderbilt interviewed Shea Ralph, and she had glowing remarks about both Geno and the UConn program. I cannot remember if it was ever posted here, though there was a short video of a separate interview posted. Anyway, Nan said it was OK to post it since, even if it was posted before, there are probably members who did not see it. Here ’tis:

Shea Ralph reflects on UConn, Auriemma after his recording breaking win

 

[LesMis89]

Thanks for posting it.

Adore Shea

 

[Cuango]

I love Shea and find myself torn between wishing her every success at Vandy (which of course, I do) and worrying that too much success might prevent her from wanting what I see as her natural destiny. That, of course, is taking over from Geno when he finally decides to hang it up. I am convinced that she is the natural, best choice to take over when he leaves.

 

[Viet Vet]

My number 1, 2 and 3 choices to succeed Geno are (in no particular order)……Shea, Carla, Shea, Carla, Shea, Carla.

I’m a bit conflicted. I love both of them,

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Wonderful article. Thanks for posting. I won't get into who is next until I have to.

 

[cgshuskie]

I'm sorry but I'm a big Carla addict......but Shea is great too.....

 

[BRS24]

One of my favorite quotes -

"The cool thing for me was that I got to peek behind the curtain for almost 20 years. People talk about it being a machine and all that. Yeah, it is. But those people care, and they get the best out of their players" Ralph stated. "They have people that come in, coaches and staff members, year in and year out, that just are really special. And for them to do what they've done is a testament to great leadership, great work ethic. And say what you want to say, but he's the best coach in the history of our game."​

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This is what a lot of coaches/programs try to emulate, there may be spots of success, however without a consistent staff, low turnover of rosters, and a recruitment of players that understand why there's no name on the back of the unis, etc, etc, is why UConn is what it is.

Yes, I'm a homer, however Geno & CD have made the same demands, set the same expectations, and have run the program the same way for years. The players might not have to wear hose anymore (ha ha), however they still don't wear headphones in public, they "kit up" with the same travel warmups, all wear the same color sneakers at games ...

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[Bald Husky]

Shea is building her own program in the tough SEC. Although I know she is a great coach, no way would she leave Vandy for a school where she will always be compared to Geno. I think the best, and most logical choice is Carla. Princeton is a mid-major, and she is such a great coach that she deserves a chance at the top level of WBB. She is my choice, and probably the choice of Geno.