Some more notes from the Geno show

[pap49cba]

Took a bunch of notes during the show (nerdy, I know) but have been out all day and haven't had a chance to post. I will largely ignore the comments already posted by Alex.

• Geno went on for some time about kids today. He feels their make-up has changed and it is harder to get "buy-in" from everybody. Kids don't enjoy it as much today which he attributed to playing year-round. They play so much basketball and are gone every weekend that nothing is special. He talked about saying something like "Hey, we're gonna make a trip to Chicago and play DePaul" and the reaction is sort of "Yeah?"

• He wants focus and effort for 2 1/2 hours a day. A professor, he says, just wants kids to focus for 90 minutes twice a week but then the kids go in and fall asleep. "Well, you're not sleeping through MY class." Some kids think they don't need practice.

• Kids today are bigger, stronger and faster but most post players are not physical enough. Stef has not been physical enough and has been off balance a lot this year. Maya was a great passer into the post. Our guards are part of the problem. Talked about h.s. post players that "just stand there and wait for the ball to come to them". (I found this comment interesting one day after he watched Reimer.)

• Thinks Stewart is "an off the charts athlete". A young kid but with a mature outlook. "Special kid." "She will dunk in college." "The next evolution of Rebecca."

• Took a question about starting KML. "Starters make no difference. People get too caught up in that stuff. We've had PsOY that came off the bench."

• Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning.

 

[Husky68]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

 

[phil sampieri]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

I guess you miss it. He is the one that convinces the best palyers to come to UC when every other big time program is offering who knows what.When all he offers is they work harder than anyone else and that he'll make them better than they thought they could be.
After reading your comments it went from 2 % to 3 %. Go watch the men dribble for 30 seconds and shoot from the bench

 

[ChicagoGG]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

Well, hope that made you feel better and all...you seem a little worked up! And a little convoluted in your statements....

 

[EricLA]

thanks for the notes pap. good stuff to read!!

 

[tomcat]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

Must be me. I do not understand most of this post.

 

[doggydaddy]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Let's see. 95% plus 1 or 2% is 96-97%.

You must be in the other 3-4% that are ingrates.

 

[Icebear]

And so, given the number and tone of responses maybe we have a new candidate in Husky68 for the all-time "What the..." post.

 

[Biff]

Must be me. I do not understand most of this post.

I suspect that you are too illogical disadvantaged to follow this post. Accept your affliction, move on and count your blessings.

 

[HuskyNan]

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

Then you should stick with the men's hoops and football boards. You're not adding anything worthwhile here.

 

[RoyDodger]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

I won't argue with Husky68, but I will note that I do find that there is a prejudice against women's basketball by many men. They put it down as somehow beneath them ("you mean you watch girl's basketball?"). Or they feel that the men's game is vastly superior and that the lopsided scores of so many games proves that the women's game is not sufficiently competitive. I know one thing and I've said it before and I'll say it again. I disliked basketball intensely for most of my adult life. I went years without watching a basketball game. That is until I came across the women's game and the UConn Huskies in particular. Suddenly, I saw a basketball game that actually looked like basketball as it was intended to be played (i.e., by human beings, not giants). Not a game in which these giants grab onto the rim and put the ball through the hoop without having to shoot. This was a game that resembled the men's game that I remembered from my youth (when extremely tall men and dunk shots were almost unheard of). And I've been a fan of the UConn Huskies women's team ever since (even watching an occasional UConn men's game).

 

[Sonny44]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

Well, hope that made you feel better and all...you seem a little worked up! And a little convoluted in your statements....[/q\

Well morning's come. Have you sobered up yet?

 

[vtcwbuff]

I may have misunderstood but I don't think so. I took Auriemma's fan comments as an apology for what he said about fans on the previous show.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

I may have misunderstood but I don't think so. I took Auriemma's fan comments as an apology for what he said about fans on the previous show.

I think Geno was right on with his comments about the fans. The previous show he was complaining about the media and the 2% fans with a crazy perception of the team that they have to win every game and they do not want to hear any excuses when they do lose.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

One word to discribe this - moronic

 

[CCinCT]

OMG ! Geno must be a terrible coach. Unlike Summitt and Tara, he can only compete because he recruits well ????

 

[doggydaddy]

I think Geno was right on with his comments about the fans. The previous show he was complaining about the media and the 2% fans with a crazy perception of the team that they have to win every game and they do not want to hear any excuses when they do lose.

I agree. And to me it appears that the only people complaining about it are in that 2%.

 

[pap49cba]

 

[UCinsider]

"Thinks 95% of the fans support the program and the kids but there are 1 or 2% that are fans of winning... all that matters to them is winning."

Good try Geno but making up straw horse doesn't excuse your nasty attitude from last show where you were still in a tither 'cause you were out coached by Muffet and lost your cool at winning time.

Winning matters or you wouldn't be making that million $ salary you find time to mention whenever anyone questions if Uconn's play might have been better if you coached better. Seems the girls have to take your constant criticism and its for their betterment, but any question of what you do or don't do can't be tolerated.

The girls are so good that for most games it doesn't matter what antics you pull, how you straighten your hair or whatever the sustitution pattern is. They are good, want to win, and do win.

WCBB is a terrible basketball, no on in their right mind would watch it 'cause "all that matters to them is winning." I've tried to watch Tenn, LSU, Kentucky, Stanford, etc. - you got to be kidding me. If you aren't a supporter of Uconn and the girls (or some other team) why in the world would you spend any time watching them play much less commenting?

I'm a Uconn fan, like the girls and want them to play well. Winning comes 'cause you recruit well. Put DT, Maya, KML and Steward on other teams and see if you are challenging Summit for most NCAA championships or tied with Tara. I watched the Ann/Barb/Nicole/Wilnett teams just as much and enjoyed it 'cause they were the Uconn girls and 8 losses and then the tough loss to Duke was the best they could do (again recruiting - no sophomore class since the Liz class all left).

Never mind making up the "2 % story", how about spend your time getting Hartley to cut down on her walks and carries and bouncing the ball at shoulder height. Seems pretty simple yet she does it almost every possession and got called for turnovers (and got ball stolen) enough in both games we lost, but then again since you like the girls so much and "all that matters isn't winning" if she is more comfortable doing that you should just support her and hope for the best.

Where were you in '95 when the team was undefeated and won the NC, with players no other school wanted, like Kara Wolters? Now that's coaching!

 

[Drumguy]

Well, hope that made you feel better and all...you seem a little worked up! And a little convoluted in your statements....

Yeh, I think he needs to take a chill pill. Wow is there some anger there.

 

[Georgestarr7]

I really appreciate the responses I found this morning to H68's post. When I first read it last night my mind went into overload shutdown and I could think of a coherent thing to say. For that matter, I still can't.

 

[meyers7]

I really appreciate the responses I found this morning to H68's post. When I first read it last night my mind went into overload shutdown and I could think of a coherent thing to say. For that matter, I still can't.

Well don't feel bad, 68 really couldn't either.

 

[alexrgct]

I really appreciate the responses I found this morning to H68's post. When I first read it last night my mind went into overload shutdown and I could think of a coherent thing to say. For that matter, I still can't.

Nan said what I wanted to say. Seemed more appropriate coming from a moderator, so I avoided responding at all and did something I really don't like to do ad a general rule: augmented my "ignore" list.

 

[Kibitzer]

 

[winlots]

HUSKY - I'm sure you didn't make your post with the expectation that everyone (or even anyone) would agree with you word for word. You sound like someone who doesn't need to run always with the herd, and I applaud you for that.

Two of your themes that DID resonate with me were:

1. Coach does seem to find it easier to take others (his players, fans, etc) to task than to look at himself with the same degree of criticalness. And that is true of most all of us, to one degree or another.
So, though I don't seriously fault him for this very human trait, I do think he will become an even better coach (yes, that IS possible, despite his phenomenal achievements) if he achieves more balance in that regard.
For one very encouraging recent example of his ability to look at himself critically, I was delighted to hear him say last week in an interview, with regard to Dolson, "Perhaps we have done her a disservice to put her at the high post so much." ( Everyone in the Yard knows how strongly I've felt for two years now that she needs to spend MOST of her time down low, where I continue to believe she can be almost unstoppable. I've been so pleased to see her getting down there more in recent games and doing a ton of damage for us.)

2. Your comments pertaining for some of the downsides of Hartley's game also struck a responsive chord. I agree with both your perception of those downsides and to your notion that they are correctable via coaching.
These days when I see her play, I see alot of coach-induced improvements already: I get a sense of a more "serious" player......someone seeming to put alot more effort into her play....seeming to be more invested in the results the team achieves......someone with a growing sense of what "team" really means.
It also seems to me, though I don't have data on this, that there are more games where she is pumping up fewer shots and garnering more assists enabling her teammates to score.......usually with splendid results when the final score is posted. Areas for improvement, as you point out, would certainly include taking much better care of the ball, cutting down on the dribbling, etc. ( Personally, I'd also like to see her take another step away from the "look-at-me-ness"' of her high school days by hiking up her underwear and getting that in synch with the rest of the team.)

I'm glad you felt free to voice your opinion on here, and I am not among those who would invite you out the door because you exercised your right to express your particular sportsfan's opinion in a sports forum. Hope you won't "take your ball and go home" despite some of the rough feedback you've gotten. Do your thang, Dude.