So here we are again 89 in a row

[Tonyc]

Wow. This is unbelievable. Now we look forward to the rest of the season. The questions have changed from the preseason when the thoughts were how many games will this team loose? Even after their first game most fans never saw what this coming. Most fans never expected it and Geno concurred whether he believed it or not or knew they were better then we thought he never let the team or us know. Now its different. More history in the making. Now fans are talking once again about going undefeated and another NC.

Preseason some questions marks. UConn has lack of depth, no height who will start? Can they hit the trey and is their outside shooting weaker compared to the previous season. Who would play the point, who would play in the post, and on and on. This was suppose to be a down year. A season where opponents could get even with UConn because UConn appeared to be beatable.

So what happened? Why has this team outperformed in many peoples opinion or were they this good and we never saw it coming? What most didnt realize is this was a Geno team. This is not an ordinary team. This is what it took Geno over 20 years to build and no other coach has been able to copy it because it took years to build. He knows how to build a team in the true sense of T.E.A.M ( together everyone achieves more). Geno knows how to build a team beginning with commitment discipline desire sacrifice and rewards that are earned not given. He knows how to build his players in waves. First his starters, then his next group of up and coming players who will fill the roles of the current starters, then role players, and how to recruit and what he's looking for which is probably the most important because he recruits good attitudes and that means players and their parents with the right attitude. Everybody is on the same page, everybody will abide by the rules and everybody will do what it takes for the team.

So what are we looking at for the next few weeks. IMO we are looking at the development of the non starters and that starts with running plays to get Natalie going especially offensively. You saw that the other nite when she took the ball to the hoop and scored 10 points. What difference I saw was the smile on her face as she scored basket after basket. Her smile showed me confidence growing. Much like we saw Lou developing last season. We will need her not only for her height but to give Collier and Willams a breather and keep them fresh and most importantly out of foul trouble. Dangerfield has tremendous talent and will be given the reigns to take over the point for this team next season. Irwin and Bent will be taught the system and worked into the lineup and taught how to contribute. All the non starters will be developed into their roles over the next few weeks to be ready for the post season.

You know what. TLaw as a walk on could be the first to win 4 NC rings. Aint that somethin. I know she has a scholly now but she was originally a walk on. Pretty amazin.

So for all those who still wonder if UConn will loose I gotta say it will depend on how fast Butler and Dangerfield develop to a level where they can be counted on at crunch time in a tuff game. Their big test for them will be against S Carolina. The coaching staff will work them develop them and ride their butts until they get it because they will be a huge part of our run for 5 NC in a row and beyond. Irwin and Bent are freshman and their development and contributions will be dependent on how fast they develop and can be counted on. All this is preparation now will be tested against S Carolina which will be a final exam for Butler and Dangerfield. If the coaching staff can count on them in that game then they will feel they are ready for the post season and can count on them in the post season. If not UConn could have the same weakness as they have now and thats foul trouble.

So over the next few weeks we will witness the development of a new wave of players our non starters. We will also see Gabby and Colliers games expand mostly on the perimeter as they develop and gain more confidence in their outside game. There will be many teams who will get better but non like UConn because Geno has turned coaching into a science. How does he do it? He does what others wont do and he has been doing it for over 20 years. So I will step up and say once Butler and Dangerfield are at a point where they can step into the lineup without the lineup loosing a beat then UConn will be completely unbeatable. They could lose but only they can lose a game, they cant be beat. Losing a game and getting beat are two different things.

Tuesday nite will be a good test. Tuesday nite the media attention will be crazy. Then again at SMU Saturday and then again for number 100 against S Carolina. Think about it. How crazy is it to think any team could break UCLA mens record. Now think of this UConn will do it twice???? Now think about winning 100 games in a row????? You cant make this up.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Too bad Morgan didn't stay. She would have had a great chance at a 5th ring.

 

[CL82]

Wow. This is unbelievable. Now we look forward to the rest of the season. The questions have changed from the preseason when the thoughts were how many games will this team loose? Even after their first game most fans never saw what this coming. Most fans never expected it and Geno concurred whether he believed it or not or knew they were better then we thought he never let the team or us know. Now its different. More history in the making. Now fans are talking once again about going undefeated and another NC.

Preseason some questions marks. UConn has lack of depth, no height who will start? Can they hit the trey and is their outside shooting weaker compared to the previous season. Who would play the point, who would play in the post, and on and on. This was suppose to be a down year. A season where opponents could get even with UConn because UConn appeared to be beatable.

So what happened? Why has this team outperformed in many peoples opinion or were they this good and we never saw it coming? What most didnt realize is this was a Geno team. This is not an ordinary team. This is what it took Geno over 20 years to build and no other coach has been able to copy it because it took years to build. He knows how to build a team in the true sense of T.E.A.M ( together everyone achieves more). Geno knows how to build a team beginning with commitment discipline desire sacrifice and rewards that are earned not given. He knows how to build his players in waves. First his starters, then his next group of up and coming players who will fill the roles of the current starters, then role players, and how to recruit and what he's looking for which is probably the most important because he recruits good attitudes and that means players and their parents with the right attitude. Everybody is on the same page, everybody will abide by the rules and everybody will do what it takes for the team.

So what are we looking at for the next few weeks. IMO we are looking at the development of the non starters and that starts with running plays to get Natalie going especially offensively. You saw that the other nite when she took the ball to the hoop and scored 10 points. What difference I saw was the smile on her face as she scored basket after basket. Her smile showed me confidence growing. Much like we saw Lou developing last season. We will need her not only for her height but to give Collier and Willams a breather and keep them fresh and most importantly out of foul trouble. Dangerfield has tremendous talent and will be given the reigns to take over the point for this team next season. Irwin and Bent will be taught the system and worked into the lineup and taught how to contribute. All the non starters will be developed into their roles over the next few weeks to be ready for the post season.

You know what. TLaw as a walk on could be the first to win 4 NC rings. Aint that somethin. I know she has a scholly now but she was originally a walk on. Pretty amazin.

So for all those who still wonder if UConn will loose I gotta say it will depend on how fast Butler and Dangerfield develop to a level where they can be counted on at crunch time in a tuff game. Their big test for them will be against S Carolina. The coaching staff will work them develop them and ride their butts until they get it because they will be a huge part of our run for 5 NC in a row and beyond. Irwin and Bent are freshman and their development and contributions will be dependent on how fast they develop and can be counted on. All this is preparation now will be tested against S Carolina which will be a final exam for Butler and Dangerfield. If the coaching staff can count on them in that game then they will feel they are ready for the post season and can count on them in the post season. If not UConn could have the same weakness as they have now and thats foul trouble.

So over the next few weeks we will witness the development of a new wave of players our non starters. We will also see Gabby and Colliers games expand mostly on the perimeter as they develop and gain more confidence in their outside game. There will be many teams who will get better but non like UConn because Geno has turned coaching into a science. How does he do it? He does what others wont do and he has been doing it for over 20 years. So I will step up and say once Butler and Dangerfield are at a point where they can step into the lineup without the lineup loosing a beat then UConn will be completely unbeatable. They could lose but only they can lose a game, they cant be beat. Losing a game and getting beat are two different things.

Tuesday nite will be a good test. Tuesday nite the media attention will be crazy. Then again at SMU Saturday and then again for number 100 against S Carolina. Think about it. How crazy is it to think any team could break UCLA mens record. Now think of this UConn will do it twice???? Now think about winning 100 games in a row????? You cant make this up.

Loved this post from start to finish!

 

[CocoHusky]

Remarkable how the expectations have changed for this team. Many predicted and would have been happy with 3, 4 or 5 loses and a FF appearance. The team is undefeated and anything but another National championship would be a disappointment.

 

[UcMiami]

Tony - you are back in good form!
Just one quibble - agree with all your development talk, but even if it goes perfectly this team can get beat - this is not last year's team. There are a few teams out there that have enough talent that if they play there best game can beat this team even when it is playing well. That was not true last year, but is this year.

 

[Baroloboy]

Wow. This is unbelievable. Now we look forward to the rest of the season. The questions have changed from the preseason when the thoughts were how many games will this team loose? Even after their first game most fans never saw what this coming. Most fans never expected it and Geno concurred whether he believed it or not or knew they were better then we thought he never let the team or us know. Now its different. More history in the making. Now fans are talking once again about going undefeated and another NC.

Preseason some questions marks. UConn has lack of depth, no height who will start? Can they hit the trey and is their outside shooting weaker compared to the previous season. Who would play the point, who would play in the post, and on and on. This was suppose to be a down year. A season where opponents could get even with UConn because UConn appeared to be beatable.

So what happened? Why has this team outperformed in many peoples opinion or were they this good and we never saw it coming? What most didnt realize is this was a Geno team. This is not an ordinary team. This is what it took Geno over 20 years to build and no other coach has been able to copy it because it took years to build. He knows how to build a team in the true sense of T.E.A.M ( together everyone achieves more). Geno knows how to build a team beginning with commitment discipline desire sacrifice and rewards that are earned not given. He knows how to build his players in waves. First his starters, then his next group of up and coming players who will fill the roles of the current starters, then role players, and how to recruit and what he's looking for which is probably the most important because he recruits good attitudes and that means players and their parents with the right attitude. Everybody is on the same page, everybody will abide by the rules and everybody will do what it takes for the team.

So what are we looking at for the next few weeks. IMO we are looking at the development of the non starters and that starts with running plays to get Natalie going especially offensively. You saw that the other nite when she took the ball to the hoop and scored 10 points. What difference I saw was the smile on her face as she scored basket after basket. Her smile showed me confidence growing. Much like we saw Lou developing last season. We will need her not only for her height but to give Collier and Willams a breather and keep them fresh and most importantly out of foul trouble. Dangerfield has tremendous talent and will be given the reigns to take over the point for this team next season. Irwin and Bent will be taught the system and worked into the lineup and taught how to contribute. All the non starters will be developed into their roles over the next few weeks to be ready for the post season.

You know what. TLaw as a walk on could be the first to win 4 NC rings. Aint that somethin. I know she has a scholly now but she was originally a walk on. Pretty amazin.

So for all those who still wonder if UConn will loose I gotta say it will depend on how fast Butler and Dangerfield develop to a level where they can be counted on at crunch time in a tuff game. Their big test for them will be against S Carolina. The coaching staff will work them develop them and ride their butts until they get it because they will be a huge part of our run for 5 NC in a row and beyond. Irwin and Bent are freshman and their development and contributions will be dependent on how fast they develop and can be counted on. All this is preparation now will be tested against S Carolina which will be a final exam for Butler and Dangerfield. If the coaching staff can count on them in that game then they will feel they are ready for the post season and can count on them in the post season. If not UConn could have the same weakness as they have now and thats foul trouble.

So over the next few weeks we will witness the development of a new wave of players our non starters. We will also see Gabby and Colliers games expand mostly on the perimeter as they develop and gain more confidence in their outside game. There will be many teams who will get better but non like UConn because Geno has turned coaching into a science. How does he do it? He does what others wont do and he has been doing it for over 20 years. So I will step up and say once Butler and Dangerfield are at a point where they can step into the lineup without the lineup loosing a beat then UConn will be completely unbeatable. They could lose but only they can lose a game, they cant be beat. Losing a game and getting beat are two different things.

Tuesday nite will be a good test. Tuesday nite the media attention will be crazy. Then again at SMU Saturday and then again for number 100 against S Carolina. Think about it. How crazy is it to think any team could break UCLA mens record. Now think of this UConn will do it twice???? Now think about winning 100 games in a row????? You cant make this up.

Great post. A couple of random thoughts:
(1)Who could have seen this coming? The answer is no one. Phessa and Lou were clearly on an upward trajectory the second half of last year showing lots of promise. But their actual sophomore jump was not just a continuation of last years trend line but an uber-leap. I was snowed in today and re-watched a few games from last year and anyone who actually goes back and sees some games from last year would be stunned by the difference a year makes. Gabby also evolved from a very good wing last year to an all court nightmare this year. Geno and staff of course gets much credit for the development of these players but no amount coaching, motivating or needling from the maestro could account for this dramatic improvement without the desire, dedication, competitiveness, heart and soul of these guys.
(2) the elephant on the roof for South Carolina and more importantly the FF is the possibility of injury especially to Lou, Pheesa or Gabby. I bite my tongue but injuries are part of the game and while our bench might enable us to muddle through an injury in the regular season if we get to the FF I just don't know if they could make up for a lose to one of those three. Even without an injury we will have all we can handle if we meet Baylor in the tourney.

 

[Bgillon]

Tony - you are back in good form!
Just one quibble - agree with all your development talk, but even if it goes perfectly this team can get beat - this is not last year's team. There are a few teams out there that have enough talent that if they play there best game can beat this team even when it is playing well. That was not true last year, but is this year.

I LOVE Tony's enthusiasm but ucMiami is correct. This team has to stay focused on each game and on each practise . The prize is the NC, not the winning streak.

 

[msf22b]

Watching South Fl tonight, not an easy team to dominate.
I'm enjoying this group even more than the 'inevitable's' of the last few years.
Just bought tix for the game on Tuesday; stop-off on the way home from Vt.

 

[Zorro]

Loved this post from start to finish!

There ain't but one Tony C!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I posted this on Natalie Butler's thread: Applies here as well!

The secret, BYers, is we have Geno and opponents don't! He has one of the truly great coaches minds in any sport!
He has a tremendous ability to see an opponents strengths and especially their weaknesses!
He gets his players prepared better than any other coach in Div. I! And his 1/2 time adjustments are legendary!
He will figure a way to get the most of the 7 or 8 players he uses vs SoCar so his match-ups, and double-teams, and switches will create a chaos that the opponents will not be able to attack or defend!
Watching the HUSKIES ACCESS show Wednesday night after the ECar game was amazing! His use of attacking his players then to say something that pushes his players to play above their skill level! He rides Crystal Dangerfield unmercifully, then hugs her when she exceeds his expectations! His constant snide comments keep the players constantly on edge and he makes sure no matter how talented his teams are they can never WIN in practice so he constantly keeps them humble going into a game! His alumni tell stories that he keeps changing the drill goals so they are always coming up short and he doesn't let them forget they failed! So they can't get too cocky!
The UCONN coaching staff is by far the best in WCBB not just for their BB knowledge, but their ability to prepare their players for life as well as BB!
I keep bringing up Doris Burke's comments from the end of last years championship game, "Opposing coaches shouldn't be jealous of UCONN's successes, they're not doing anything different, they are just flat out-working every other program! They're in better shape, and better prepared, than any other program!"
There isn't one coach in Div. I that comes close to Geno, as a coach! Not The Muffett, Dawn, Kim, Brenda, Tara, CVS, or any other coach you can name!

 

[chrissaran]

Without Courtney Williams, it should be easier to guard their players. Laksa is mostly a spot-up shooter and not quick. If Kia stays with her, there shouldn't be a problem. I don't see any one player that will overwhelm UConn offensively. I haven't seen USF play this year, but they'll have problems stopping UConn's offense. Jenkins, their all-time leading rebounder, also graduated. They should be able to run against USF.

 

[meyers7]

Too bad Morgan didn't stay. She would have had a great chance at a 5th ring.

Yea, we could of had a decent team if Tuck would have stuck around. Sigh.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Tony - you are back in good form!
Just one quibble - agree with all your development talk, but even if it goes perfectly this team can get beat - this is not last year's team. There are a few teams out there that have enough talent that if they play there best game can beat this team even when it is playing well. That was not true last year, but is this year.

Any team can be beaten at any time--usually! I'm superstitious --I don't particularly like counting wins until they happen.
I go back to Geno on the Capitol steps--after a huge parade for Winning the NC--saying (with the team to back it) we'll be back again next year with another championship--I cringed. They did not return the next year--haven't heard Geno say that again if my memory is correct.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Yea, we could of had a decent team if Tuck would have stuck around. Sigh.

Yea-- she could have enjoyed this team--sitting injured on the bench. !!!

 

[WestCoastPup]

Any team can be beaten at any time--usually! I'm superstitious --I don't particularly like counting wins until they happen.
I go back to Geno on the Capitol steps--after a huge parade for Winning the NC--saying (with the team to back it) we'll be back again next year with another championship--I cringed. They did not return the next year--haven't heard Geno say that again if my memory is correct.

Check his white house visit for NC #10. It's the last thing he says to President Obama ... something on the order of "we'll see you next year". Oh, and he totally made good on that!!



Ok, upon review, the comment is "there is no better way for him (President Obama) to go out than to host us again" (7:55 mark). Which I read as a prediction, but not as strong as "see you next year...".

 

[BroadwayVa]

Check his white house visit for NC #10. It's the last thing he says to President Obama ... something on the order of "we'll see you next year". Oh, and he totally made good on that!!



Ok, upon review, the comment is "there is no better way for him (President Obama) to go out than to host us again" (7:55 mark). Which I read as a prediction, but not as strong as "see you next year...".

Thanks---I think Geno may be a slow learner but he learned with that --see you next year--about 13-15 years ago.
Wouldn't be nice ---is a whole lot different than see ya next year. He was hedging his bets--smart, even with the best team you can lose. Isn't much left for Geno to learn--he has seen it all --and done it all--even a lot of goofy stuff.