Shea Talks About Unicorns at UConn

[WiseWillie]

This thread about who would take over following the departure of Geno and CD is more than a little premature. Geno is at UConn at least until Sarah leaves for the W. Much can happen in the interim.

As for Shea, she has done a great job in turning around a program that was struggling and is now ranked in the top 25 of the NET rankings and is a steady participant in the NCAA Tournament. A recent study published in the Wall Street Journal by an Indiana University professor ranked the top ten men's and women's basketball programs by their "enterprise value" based on revenues, cash flows and making financial projections. Not surprising Duke and North Carolina topped the men's side while what was surprising was Vanderbilt's women's program was #7 of the top ten and beat out programs like USC and Louisville. *

While some may conjecture Shea could be a possible replacement for Geno when he decides to hang it up, she certainly might consider Nashville a little more dynamic environment than Storrs and stay right where she is.

*P.S. (The Tar Heels men's basketball enterprise value was estimated at $378 million and Blue Devils at $370 million. For women, UConn had the highest value at $95 million, South Carolina was second at $86 million and Vanderbilt at #7 was $58 million. )

 

[WiseWillie]

Post script to above: Bit of a digression from the thread but according to SI, the valuations try to determine what each program would be worth if it was sold as a professional team considering brand value plus the other criteria mentioned. . (The UConn men's basketball team did not make the top 10 which ranged from $378 million to $217 million. Would think however two back-to-back Natties would certainly put UConn's brand on the top 10.)

 

[uconnfan68]

Post script to above: Bit of a digression from the thread but according to SI, the valuations try to determine what each program would be worth if it was sold as a professional team considering brand value plus the other criteria mentioned. . (The UConn men's basketball team did not make the top 10 which ranged from $378 million to $217 million. Would think however two back-to-back Natties would certainly put UConn's brand on the top 10.)

If they could undervalue UCWBB, they would. It’s all about the P2/3/4.

 

[Cuango]

I don't think the approach that Tennessee was that bad when they went with Holly. Holly wasn't all that bad. 7 seasons. 7 trips to the NCAA. Sure they suffered some early tournament losses but, in the end, a winning percentage around .700-.750 range, she could coach. I get having expectations. I just think that fans, mostly Lady Vol fans, had crazy expectations.

Yes, her record was respectable I suppose (for most schools) but let’s face it, she ran that program into the ground. There was reportedly very lax discipline and she, Holly had very little bball knowledge beyond trying to emulate Pat. She seemed incapable of making adjustments. I think Evina could tell some stories about the state of that program there at the end.

 

[Skeets]

I think something is being missed in this discussion. The head coach is obviously the most important member of the staff and Geno certainly fits that bill. But to me the success of UConn's program has been having a great head coach who can get and retain top level assistants who can fill the missing attributes that head coach may have. Men and women generally are different thankfully and to me getting the right pair in UConn's case was the key. Each has carved out a unique spot in the players lives. Fill in what characteristics are missing with assistants that fill those needs. Needs of both on and off the court - gets the recruiting job done.

I agree that assistants are very important to the success of a program, but I don't think any HS kid chooses a school based on the quality of the assistants.

 

[Zinethar]

I agree that assistants are very important to the success of a program, but I don't think any HS kid chooses a school based on the quality of the assistants.

I certainly don't disagree with you. I'm sure that they don't knowingly do that but I'm sure that the atmosphere they help create is a factor in their decision to join a team but certainly in their happiness once getting on any campus and their desire to remain later.

 

[Jackcatscal]

UConn's women's basketball coaching job is the #1 women's coaching position in the country. When the time comes, they have every right to require proven experience:
-Winning at the D1 level (shows progress each year)
-Unicorn recruiting (unlike most schools, the benchmark is to win it all)
-Top level coaching (i.e. ability to make players better; make positive in game changes)

While I have high regards for coaches such as Marisa Mosely and Jamelle, their results were inconsistent. Most schools have to hire based on potential. While a factor for UConn, we are fortunate that Huskies can hire the best of the best.

You've just described Dawn Staley.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

My, we seem to be devaluing unicorns. Too many unicorns=no unicorns. We need the BB definition of a unicorn; the other kind is extinct.

Greg Gutfeld would have issue with unicorns being extinct...

I am happy with UConn's current collection of "unicorns" and hope the trend continues for at least ten years, so Geno feels compelled to coach for another 13 with CD on top of all of the issues she is so tremendous at covering/fixing. Best tandem in history of basketball coaching!!!

Go Huskies!!!

 

[The CDR-Ret]

UConn's women's basketball coaching job is the #1 women's coaching position in the country. When the time comes, they have every right to require proven experience:
-Winning at the D1 level (shows progress each year)
-Unicorn recruiting (unlike most schools, the benchmark is to win it all)
-Top level coaching (i.e. ability to make players better; make positive in game changes)

While I have high regards for coaches such as Marisa Mosely and Jamelle, their results were inconsistent. Most schools have to hire based on potential. While a factor for UConn, we are fortunate that Huskies can hire the best of the best.

Although I am a big Shea fan and happy for her continuing improvement at Vandy, I haven't heard Swin Cash mentioned in the mix for Head Coach/Associate Head Coach when Geno/CD (co-)retirement in about thirteen years from now.

She was with the N.O. Pelicans for 6 years. She might be available to fill the open assistant's spot @ UConn as her youngsters are growing up!


Go Huskies!!!

 

[MooseJaw]

Greg Gutfeld would have issue with unicorns being extinct...

I am happy with UConn's current collection of "unicorns" and hope the trend continues for at least ten years, so Geno feels compelled to coach for another 13 with CD on top of all of the issues she is so tremendous at covering/fixing. Best tandem in history of basketball coaching!!!

Go Huskies!!!

I appreciate your service, thank you. No problem with your post, still looking for a definition. Agree about Gutfeld, keep in mind he now sports a terd where the unicorn was on the 5. Don't know what it means but enjoy his sense of humor. Try to never miss his show.

 

[Cuango]

Always amazed at those who push former players with zero coaching experience as preferred Geno replacements. I just don’t get it. There are two, and only two, former players who have been and are continuing to be successful as major college basketball coaches. They are Shea Ralph and Carla Berube. I’d be happy with either though my first choice would be Shea. I am aware that there have been others who coached in big time colleges however, none have been a success at their respective colleges. I realize that is blunt and some might disagree but that is the way it is. I believe if people want a UConn player to take over, there is only Shea or Carla. Now there are obviously many other coaches out there, some known and some not. I just want someone who can hopefully keep our beloved Huskies on top and hiring someone who’s never coached before to take over the premiere program of all time just doesn’t seem rational. (To me)

 

[DefenseBB]

This is the one thing that gives me hope for the return of Shea. Heading into the South she was returning to a comforting environment. But by now I thing she's been disappointed in her recruiting at Vanderbilt, which I'm sure she new would be difficult in the SEC. She may want national relevance and a steady supply of unicorns more than the ambience and ambient temperatures of the South.

Hey Rock, I guess I am a bit confused by your thinking Shea is disappointed in her recruiting. Shea inherited an absolute dumpster fire of a program that was left by Steph White, who in her 5 years finished 13th, 11th, 14th, 12th and 14th in a 14 team league. Ms. White also had the team quit during the Covid season of 2020-21 after 8 games. The team only had 9 players and only 1 top 100 recruit on that roster....so the cupboard was completely bare.

Since that season, Shea garnered plenty of top 100 since. 2021 Sacha Washington #57, DeMauri Flournoy #69 and unranked Iyana Moore (who she has coached up). In 2022 Ryanne Allen #82, Amauri Williams #93 in 2023 she got Kamal Pierre #63 (who was absolutely disrepsected by the SEC voters this year as not only did she have 1st All-Conference numbers, she deserved an HM All-American consideration. Shea also signed her highest recruit to date with #8 Mikayla Blakes who won the SEC Freshman of the Year.

She finished 8th in a 16 team league, and maybe most importantly, beat Tennessee TWICE! I think she has done well and the administration is very pleased from what I hear. That said, if she can keep it up, she would leap ahead of Carla as the heir apparent.

Just my humble opinion....

 

[Alydar]

This is the one thing that gives me hope for the return of Shea. Heading into the South she was returning to a comforting environment. But by now I thing she's been disappointed in her recruiting at Vanderbilt, which I'm sure she new would be difficult in the SEC. She may want national relevance and a steady supply of unicorns more than the ambience and ambient temperatures of the South.

I can remember when Vandi was a top 10 team but fell to the bottom of the SEC through a string of inept coaches. Speculation: The fall may have been due to decisions about funding from the school. In any case I don't think Shea would have taken the job unless the program was being funded at a level to allow it to compete on a national level. Shea inherited a non-team. Shea is building from scratch and that takes 5 years, unless there is a sugar daddy ready to buy Vandi a team, which would be legal today I guess.

 

[Steelerone]

I'm not sure if Geno will even have or want to have a say in who follows in his footsteps.
UCONN might just go with a pretty much unknown just like they did when they chose Geno and CD.
One thing for sure is who ever they pick to be Geno's and CD's successor, they are gonna have REALLY GINORMOUS shoes to fill.

Are you serious? Geno IS Uconn Women's Basketball. He built the program from scratch and has elevated it to heights unknown to any other program and you don't think he'll have the final say in his successor? He will not only have the final say, but he'll also have the first, second and third.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Hey Rock, I guess I am a bit confused by your thinking Shea is disappointed in her recruiting. Shea inherited an absolute dumpster fire of a program that was left by Steph White, who in her 5 years finished 13th, 11th, 14th, 12th and 14th in a 14 team league. Ms. White also had the team quit during the Covid season of 2020-21 after 8 games. The team only had 9 players and only 1 top 100 recruit on that roster....so the cupboard was completely bare.

Since that season, Shea garnered plenty of top 100 since. 2021 Sacha Washington #57, DeMauri Flournoy #69 and unranked Iyana Moore (who she has coached up). In 2022 Ryanne Allen #82, Amauri Williams #93 in 2023 she got Kamal Pierre #63 (who was absolutely disrepsected by the SEC voters this year as not only did she have 1st All-Conference numbers, she deserved an HM All-American consideration. Shea also signed her highest recruit to date with #8 Mikayla Blakes who won the SEC Freshman of the Year.

She finished 8th in a 16 team league, and maybe most importantly, beat Tennessee TWICE! I think she has done well and the administration is very pleased from what I hear. That said, if she can keep it up, she would leap ahead of Carla as the heir apparent.

Just my humble opinion....

You make a good case ... for her staying right where she is. Anyway, we don't have to decide right now.

 

[Blond D.]

Are you serious? Geno IS Uconn Women's Basketball. He built the program from scratch and has elevated it to heights unknown to any other program and you don't think he'll have the final say in his successor? He will not only have the final say, but he'll also have the first, second and third.

Not so sure. I think once he decides to leave he will have little to do with it. Otherwise he wouldn't be leaving. It would be hard for him to sit back and watch someone else run the UCONN program if he still has a hand in it.

 

[DefenseBB]

I would echo @Blond D. in the thought that AFTER Geno was asked who he thinks should be considered, he absolutely will distance himself from the program to allow that new person the autonomy to run the program they way they think it should be managed. Benedict, or whoever the AD is, will absolutely want Geno's input and I would be very surprised if that person deviated AT ALL from the Geno recommendation. But Geno will not be dictatorial in that choice and will be very supportive of whoever it is.

My own thought is if Geno does decide to retire within the next 3 years, CD would be the best stop-gap to run the program for 3-5 year period, then hopefully, another legacy candidate will be the heir apparent. But this thread is about Shea and how she is building her own legacy at Vanderbilt, mindful of her own history with deference and awe.

Keep up the good work Shea, we are all rooting for you!

 

[Bone Dog]

My own thought is if Geno does decide to retire within the next 3 years, CD would be the best stop-gap to run the program for 3-5 year period,

CD is undefeated in games at UConn, after all.

 

[CL82]

This thread about who would take over following the departure of Geno and CD is more than a little premature. Geno is at UConn at least until Sarah leaves for the W. Much can happen in the interim.

As for Shea, she has done a great job in turning around a program that was struggling and is now ranked in the top 25 of the NET rankings and is a steady participant in the NCAA Tournament. A recent study published in the Wall Street Journal by an Indiana University professor ranked the top ten men's and women's basketball programs by their "enterprise value" based on revenues, cash flows and making financial projections. Not surprising Duke and North Carolina topped the men's side while what was surprising was Vanderbilt's women's program was #7 of the top ten and beat out programs like USC and Louisville. *

While some may conjecture Shea could be a possible replacement for Geno when he decides to hang it up, she certainly might consider Nashville a little more dynamic environment than Storrs and stay right where she is.

*P.S. (The Tar Heels men's basketball enterprise value was estimated at $378 million and Blue Devils at $370 million. For women, UConn had the highest value at $95 million, South Carolina was second at $86 million and Vanderbilt at #7 was $58 million. )

UConn men's program?

 

[uconnfan68]

Are you serious? Geno IS Uconn Women's Basketball. He built the program from scratch and has elevated it to heights unknown to any other program and you don't think he'll have the final say in his successor? He will not only have the final say, but he'll also have the first, second and third.

Does he want it? He has nothing to protect but his last group of recruits.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I would echo @Blond D. in the thought that AFTER Geno was asked who he thinks should be considered, he absolutely will distance himself from the program to allow that new person the autonomy to run the program they way they think it should be managed. Benedict, or whoever the AD is, will absolutely want Geno's input and I would be very surprised if that person deviated AT ALL from the Geno recommendation. But Geno will not be dictatorial in that choice and will be very supportive of whoever it is.

My own thought is if Geno does decide to retire within the next 3 years, CD would be the best stop-gap to run the program for 3-5 year period, then hopefully, another legacy candidate will be the heir apparent. But this thread is about Shea and how she is building her own legacy at Vanderbilt, mindful of her own history with deference and awe.

Keep up the good work Shea, we are all rooting for you!

I liked it @DefenseBB but I don't agree with it. Quite some time ago when the thought of Geno retiring came up, I think it was when Geno got sick and scared us all to death but it could be earlier, CD was quick to tell us all that when Geno goes Chris goes. I think she's wise to say that. Smart enough to know she is not Geno and has no wish to go out being punished for it. Anyone who thinks Chris has been a coequal in deciding who is a Husky or how they play hasn't been paying attention. They have a wonderful symbiotic relationship but substantially different roles.

 

[CL82]

I think she's wise to say that. Smart enough to know she is not Geno and has no wish to go out being punished for it.

She's not Geno, she's Chris Dailey, and impressive in her own right. If I recall correctly, she has a better winning percentage and one more national championship than Geno.

Just saying.