There was much noise throughout Kiah's career at UConn, a lot of it emanating from Geno, that he could not "get" to Kiah; and it was well-documented that she was perennially in the doghouse (for transgressions never completely explained...we never get the practice story, just the staff's conclusions...sometimes).
One quote in particular (which I will paraphrase, too lazy to go back and find it) noted how he "loved" her off the court
and sometimes "hated her" on it.
To conclude that this was a normal (love-in) type UConn relationship between player and coach runs counter to substantial evidence.
And the change in her demeanor is what is charming so many of her fans. She has a new look about her.
We cheered her like mad (at the TV) the other night
Good on you, Kiah.
You and I have a completely opposite view of what we're watching and what are expectations are.
1--- For example when you say "Much noise" - I don't think it was close to what he did to Tina. Tina Charles was a 3rd team all-American and was on all tourney team her soph year and he wound up benching her and tore into her after the loss. Two years Tina got whipped. Criticizing her for not having double-doubles by halftime.
Geno has had a history of being very frustrated with either players who are awful on Defense, or on offense they do nothing. He let Farris go because she was at least able to pass along with super effort and defense. A player like Stokes who was anemic offensively at times, I don't know why she'd get special treatment over players like Tina had in the past. So when you speak of "noise" imo it has no more relevance than any other player with gifts that were never totally tapped.
2-- When you speak of "perennially in the doghouse" imo it's a gross over-exaggeration. So she was 6thman 2 years ago, but she was "perennially in the doghouse?" Sixth man off the bench for one of the greatest team's ever for a coach like Geno and you categorize THAT as "In the doghouse?"
Is it because he "yelled at her" or used the word "hate?" Please. . . I don't mean this seriously but half-jokingly you should consider posting on the men' board for a time. I was told recently on the men's board that “I was an over-sensitive women's fan" - it was all because I criticized Doris Burke. You should explain to them that you don't like coaches who throw around the word "hate" such as Geno does- thus I assume that you'd have similar issues with Jim Calhoun which you could express on the men's side -who as a state employee JC cussed like a wild man I think, And would run out to half court to point at player down at the other end and point him to the bench right after going through histrionics calling a timeout because his team let up an easy basket even if the game wasn't close.
3--- When you speak of "we never get the practice story . . . Just the staff's conclusions . . Some of the time" No offense- but -well who are you? What entitles you to know every flaw and detail and tactic Geno is using? You've heard even CD and MC speak of how they break a player down, Geno and the staff have to give you all the details? Not to mention then- if not you- but others would say 'Geno should stop trashing or embarrassing all the kid's weaknesses publicly." Heck - when Geno says "I have the worst posts in America" you think he isn't following that up with the kids he's speaking of with further "negative" comments? Do YOU really need to hear that as a follow-up all the flaws why they are the worst in America? Is it good that he speaks openly that his kid for example isn't working hard in practices or can't shoot or pass worth a lick? In addition now Geno is telling the competition the weaknesses of his players too all because you want a little more scoop?
4-- From what I've seen of Kiah this year in WNBA - I see the same player I saw at UCONN. I don't agree at all with what you're suggesting that you see Kiah as different.
Final 2 points- One is that I guess you're just going to have to suffer through the one-loss and undefeated seasons, the multiple national championships, the players getting drafted in the pros and the many that go on to play in the Olympics and "endure his "hate comments" in that time span. Maybe after that you'll find that coach that has the exact perfect balance you seek as a fan. If that is what turns you on as a fan - great. It certainly isn't mine.
And as for Stokes- like you I am so proud. What I'm most proud about is that I recall how pumped I was on a play imo exemplified Kiah- the greatest defensive player in UCONN wcbb history coming from THE MOST DOMINANT wcbb Program over that past 10 years or so stretch in wcbb History. A player from AAC was coming down on a break she took a dribble or two looking like she was going to attack- she had an open floor looked up saw Stokes- Stokes immediately put her hands up to her shoulders in the paint to await the offensive player. The player stopped dead in her tracks, wanting no part of the greatest defender in our history. And now I see she her be a total menace at the pro level- the greatest defender in our history - I am so proud. OFC I would like to see a low post offense and more offense but I know what I saw these last two years and I am still seeing that fabulous defense today. It's a treat.
