msf22b
Maestro
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- Aug 27, 2011
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We watch the demise of the Lady Vols basketball establishment with some glee, exuberance, and a bit of trepidation.
I know this has been discussed before, but the poignancy of their plight is heightened by the fear that this could happen to us as well.
Is UTenn's abrupt decline, the roadmap that the UConn program is destined to traverse?
Obviously, the choice of new leadership upon Geno's retirement, will have the majority effect on the continuation of the program's success. Several years ago, I wrote a thesis in which I described that the life-span of independent orchestras in New York is proscribed; most often associated with the enthusiasm of their founders and like dance companies, when the major founding figure is no longer active, they are rapidly diminished and often disappear. (For those New York arts buffs, consider: Music Aeterna, Opera Orchestra of New York, Y Chamber Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, and even the New York City Opera).
Let us examine certain options. Isn't it likely that CD will retire simultaneously with Geno?
It would be wonderful if she stayed for a few seasons, easing the transition, and imparting her special brand of values to off-court standards. But most of us feel that it is unlikely that she will either be an interim head or choose to reenlist in a new administration.
Geno may have a real sense as to whom he would recommend as the next head and may have a great influence as to his successor as did Pat Summit and Jim Calhoun. But clearly, it is not in anyones interest for him to publicly muse about it.
Pat chose one of her long-time assistants and a former player; it appears to have not worked out very well. Jim also chose a former player who had graduated into an important and extended NBA career and had developed a unique reputation for setting the highest standards in professionality for his younger teammates. to emulate. Many of today's superstars recall Kevin's influence with admiration and respect. After a short, two year apprenticeship as Calhoun assistant, Kevin was a brilliant choice.
Discussion as to whom will emerge as Geno's successor has centered around his current assistants, especially Shea, and Jennifer Rizzotti at Hartford, both former hard-nosed, UConn guards who thrived as unique performers in the team's earlier successes.
Nevertheless I anticipate that Geno will surprise us and go outside the program for his recommendation.
(I must admit to being quite uninformed as to Shea's actual contribution presently, but Jenn's record is quite
understood).
Almost as important as the choice of the new coach is the replacement of the CD figure. I suggest the Marisa Moseley is being groomed to slide into that role.
The most significant young mind in the basketball coaching firmament with Kevin Ollie-like credentials appears to be Becky Hammon. if she is not grabbed by another major program...Tennessee would be hard pressed to find someone better to rejuvenate their program...Becky would be the type of candidate that UConn might very well recruit.
I know this has been discussed before, but the poignancy of their plight is heightened by the fear that this could happen to us as well.
Is UTenn's abrupt decline, the roadmap that the UConn program is destined to traverse?
Obviously, the choice of new leadership upon Geno's retirement, will have the majority effect on the continuation of the program's success. Several years ago, I wrote a thesis in which I described that the life-span of independent orchestras in New York is proscribed; most often associated with the enthusiasm of their founders and like dance companies, when the major founding figure is no longer active, they are rapidly diminished and often disappear. (For those New York arts buffs, consider: Music Aeterna, Opera Orchestra of New York, Y Chamber Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, and even the New York City Opera).
Let us examine certain options. Isn't it likely that CD will retire simultaneously with Geno?
It would be wonderful if she stayed for a few seasons, easing the transition, and imparting her special brand of values to off-court standards. But most of us feel that it is unlikely that she will either be an interim head or choose to reenlist in a new administration.
Geno may have a real sense as to whom he would recommend as the next head and may have a great influence as to his successor as did Pat Summit and Jim Calhoun. But clearly, it is not in anyones interest for him to publicly muse about it.
Pat chose one of her long-time assistants and a former player; it appears to have not worked out very well. Jim also chose a former player who had graduated into an important and extended NBA career and had developed a unique reputation for setting the highest standards in professionality for his younger teammates. to emulate. Many of today's superstars recall Kevin's influence with admiration and respect. After a short, two year apprenticeship as Calhoun assistant, Kevin was a brilliant choice.
Discussion as to whom will emerge as Geno's successor has centered around his current assistants, especially Shea, and Jennifer Rizzotti at Hartford, both former hard-nosed, UConn guards who thrived as unique performers in the team's earlier successes.
Nevertheless I anticipate that Geno will surprise us and go outside the program for his recommendation.
(I must admit to being quite uninformed as to Shea's actual contribution presently, but Jenn's record is quite
understood).
Almost as important as the choice of the new coach is the replacement of the CD figure. I suggest the Marisa Moseley is being groomed to slide into that role.
The most significant young mind in the basketball coaching firmament with Kevin Ollie-like credentials appears to be Becky Hammon. if she is not grabbed by another major program...Tennessee would be hard pressed to find someone better to rejuvenate their program...Becky would be the type of candidate that UConn might very well recruit.
, that is inevitable. UConn may not, year in and year out, get the true HS greats like Stewie, Moriah, and Morgan (DT, Maya, Tina, et al), but UConn will continue to get those very good kids who are willing to work harder than anyone else, who want to be champions, who will play relentless defense and unselfish team ball without giving a damn about the stat line- as long as the team wins.
