Thank Goodness For The Boneyard; I Really Mean It ...

[Huskies Rule]

I was out of the country on business and in a meeting at game time. The timing of it was excruciatingly bad. It was the first game I haven't seen live this year, and it was killing me. I managed but a few furtive glances at The Boneyard on my iPhone (which was carefully hidden in the folds of my crumpled suit) while I was seated. You have no idea how agonizing it was to scroll down the "USF Game Thread" with one hand cupped about my left eye so as not to arouse anyone's attention, as my right eye did a chameleon-like survey of the assembled bean-counters, feigning interest. The early 14-6 update almost stopped my heart.

Eventually the meeting broke for dinner, at which time I literally sprinted to a quiet place to read every single entry on the "USF Game Thread." I resisted the urge to go to the last page and learn the score- I started from the beginning and went through every single post. Falling behind early, lousy officiating, vicariously experiencing the BYers rollercoaster messages of euphoria and angst...it was pure torture. And relief. Actually seeing the girls play on tv is seems not nearly as nerve-wracking as reading message after message and not seeing what's actually happening.

I usually don't read through the 'game threads' because I'm too engrossed watching the games themselves in real time. But this was one time I surely did appreciated those good old Boneyard 'game threads.' I'm grateful to everyone who placed messages on that thread and helped me get through this day, with a special thanks to HuskyNan and HoopsFan21 who went to the max in providing so much in the way of game updates, insights and info. Thank you.

 

[DaddyChoc]

what was the meeting about?

 

[HuskyNan]

I was out of the country on business and in a meeting at game time. The timing of it was excruciatingly bad. It was the first game I haven't seen live this year, and it was killing me. I managed but a few furtive glances at The Boneyard on my iPhone (which was carefully hidden in the folds of my crumpled suit) while I was seated. You have no idea how agonizing it was to scroll down the "USF Game Thread" with one hand cupped about my left eye so as not to arouse anyone's attention, as my right eye did a chameleon-like survey of the assembled bean-counters, feigning interest. The early 14-6 update almost stopped my heart.

Eventually the meeting broke for dinner, at which time I literally sprinted to a quiet place to read every single entry on the "USF Game Thread." I resisted the urge to go to the last page and learn the score- I started from the beginning and went through every single post. Falling behind early, lousy officiating, vicariously experiencing the BYers rollercoaster messages of euphoria and angst...it was pure torture. And relief. Actually seeing the girls play on tv is seems not nearly as nerve-wracking as reading message after message and not seeing what's actually happening.

I usually don't read through the 'game threads' because I'm too engrossed watching the games themselves in real time. But this was one time I surely did appreciated those good old Boneyard 'game threads.' I'm grateful to everyone who placed messages on that thread and helped me get through this day, with a special thanks to HuskyNan and HoopsFan21 who went to the max in providing so much in the way of game updates, insights and info. Thank you.

You are quite welcome. USF hit some amazing threes thanks to a young player with a hot hand and Courtney Williams continued to display her All American talents but it takes more than two players to beat the Huskies. But, there wasn't as much general angst as you might glean from the thread, just a handful of folks who think beating a ranked team on the road by 16 - UConn's third game in five days in three states - with gimpy players means.....something, not sure what. It was a good win, and Geno thinks so too.

 

[Huskies Rule]

You are quite welcome. USF hit some amazing threes thanks to a young player with a hot hand and Courtney Williams continued to display her All American talents but it takes more than two players to beat the Huskies. But, there wasn't as much general angst as you might glean from the thread, just a handful of folks who think beating a ranked team on the road by 16 - UConn's third game in five days in three states - with gimpy players means.....something, not sure what. It was a good win, and Geno thinks so too.

Just caught the replay on watchESPN, and the game thread comments were on the money. One thing was bothersome about the posts, though. As fans, we all want to see our team play great every time out, but it seems like many on the Boneyard hold our kids to an impossibly high standard every single game, awfully quick to criticize the occasional off-game or injury/fatigue-hampered performance (as you mention). As much as I often think differently, even Moriah and Stewie don't always get it perfect.

I'll try remembering that the next time I'm inclined to knock one of our kids for making a bad play or having an unspectacular game.

 

[mrmojack]

That was a very nice USF team. They brought in some nice players and I would not be surprised to
see them may a run in the NCAA Tourney. Courtney Williams is very good.

 

[ThisJustIn]

One thing was bothersome about the posts, though. As fans, we all want to see our team play great every time out, but it seems like many on the Boneyard hold our kids to an impossibly high standard every single game, awfully quick to criticize the occasional off-game or injury/fatigue-hampered performance (as you mention).

This, too, can stick in my craw - mostly because I doubt the posters hold themselves to those standards.

 

[Ozimoto]

If the shots taken in the first quarter had gone in, many of these "the sky is falling" posts would not be made. Yes, the team could have played better, (and can play better) but it was not a disaster by any means. I too thought they could have worked deeper in the shot clock on a number of possessions in that first quarter.

I know it seems like teams are bombing away successfully from three and that our defense is not playing well, but the defensive statistics don't appear that much different from previous years. Because the team has had streaks of low point production, teams are "hanging around" longer than we are used to and apparently that makes some people really nervous. They have not been in any real danger of losing a game though. The Maryland game was close for sure, but there was never a sense that the wheels were coming off the cart and that they would lose.

Having said that, there is a real possibility that an injury to any one of "the big three" would definitely put the win streak in jeopardy and could threaten the NC run, but that is true of any team. I think it is unfair to compare the team from the tournament run of last year to this team in the first week of January, and that is what a lot of posters seem to be doing.

Even if they drop a game in the regular season (and they might) their performance during March Madness is the important thing.

 

[Carnac]

This, too, can stick in my craw - mostly because I doubt the posters hold themselves to those standards.[/QUOTE

ThisJustIn, I doubt it also. The problem Uconn fans have is: We've endured so many continuous winning streaks (like the one we're in now) and consecutive championships, that winning has become the norm. We lost 1 game last year, and the "chicken littles" among us came out in droves, running in all directions like the Keystone cops. We're not use to losing.......period!!! Geno and Co. has spoiled us rotten.

Winning by 40+ points per game (on average) doesn't help either. Regardless of the opponent, If UConn is not up by 20 at the end of the first quarter, somethings wrong. There are some among us that would feel that the girls are not playing hard enough, or they're not focused and ready to play.

THAT is what Geno means when he says the pressure on a player to play at UConn is extreme. Because the expectations are so high, year in, and year out. Every year, most programs hope to win a championship. At UConn, we EXPECT to win a championship. Didn't we expect to win one last year? Don't we expect to win one again THIS year? I rest my case.

Most teams would be happy to just win a game by 20. Not us. It's 40+ or bust.

THAT sir is the problem!! We're spoiled rotten, and we're wallowing in it! ........and it's all Geno's fault. We have to point the finger at someone else. We can't be expected to take responsibility for our own shortcomings, can we?

As many here in the yard, and outside of the yard have surmised, next year's team doesn't figure to be as dominant as this year's team.
So, we'd better enjoy basking in the sun while its shining, cause the rain clouds are on the horizon. Another Breanna Stewart IS NOT walking through the door next year when practice officially begins. We may not have to endure any prolonged thunder storms next season, but it won't be 72 and sunny everyday either.

 

[rugbymate]

You are quite welcome. USF hit some amazing threes thanks to a young player with a hot hand and Courtney Williams continued to display her All American talents but it takes more than two players to beat the Huskies. But, there wasn't as much general angst as you might glean from the thread, just a handful of folks who think beating a ranked team on the road by 16 - UConn's third game in five days in three states - with gimpy players means.....something, not sure what. It was a good win, and Geno thinks so too.

Nan...I really shared your frustration with some of the comments made about our team. Anyone who has played sports at a high level knows that perfection is impossible but that the pursuit of it is the differentiator between good teams and great teams. While posters are free to comment as they please within appropriate standards, responders are free to speak their mind, or as some of us try to do, ignore stuff that makes no sense or is offensive.
Its my perspective that the student athletes and coaching staff, which are such a gift to all of us, have earned the right to be above petty criticism. Their performance is historic. Pursuing perfection implies taking risks and trying new things on the court. That is the best way to get better. If someone misses 5 treys in a row then take another one. If on defense someone doubles up or goes for a steal and leaves an opponent open , well that's just the way the game is. These early and mid-season games are for taking risks so that when it really counts we are closer to the perfection that is sought after.
These kids are under a lot of pressure to perform and meet the expectations of fans, family and media. It would seem that if we are to be quality fans we should give them support and encouragement to take risks. Whether they succeed or fail is almost beyond the point.

 

[Huskies Rule]

what was the meeting about?

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.

 

[Dougie]

I was out of the country on business and in a meeting at game time. The timing of it was excruciatingly bad. It was the first game I haven't seen live this year, and it was killing me. I managed but a few furtive glances at The Boneyard on my iPhone (which was carefully hidden in the folds of my crumpled suit) while I was seated. You have no idea how agonizing it was to scroll down the "USF Game Thread" with one hand cupped about my left eye so as not to arouse anyone's attention, as my right eye did a chameleon-like survey of the assembled bean-counters, feigning interest. The early 14-6 update almost stopped my heart.

Eventually the meeting broke for dinner, at which time I literally sprinted to a quiet place to read every single entry on the "USF Game Thread." I resisted the urge to go to the last page and learn the score- I started from the beginning and went through every single post. Falling behind early, lousy officiating, vicariously experiencing the BYers rollercoaster messages of euphoria and angst...it was pure torture. And relief. Actually seeing the girls play on tv is seems not nearly as nerve-wracking as reading message after message and not seeing what's actually happening.

I usually don't read through the 'game threads' because I'm too engrossed watching the games themselves in real time. But this was one time I surely did appreciated those good old Boneyard 'game threads.' I'm grateful to everyone who placed messages on that thread and helped me get through this day, with a special thanks to HuskyNan and HoopsFan21 who went to the max in providing so much in the way of game updates, insights and info. Thank you.

Fun post. I'm glad you have your priorities straight. And you captured the spirit of the true UCONN fan. If I was there I would have been looking over your shoulder. Screw the bean-counters.

 

[HuskyNan]

Fun post. I'm glad you have your priorities straight. And you captured the spirit of the true UCONN fan. If I was there I would have been looking over your shoulder. Screw the bean-counters.

Hey! I'm a professional bean counter!

 

[Huskies Rule]

DaddyChoc said: ↑
"what was the meeting about?"
Well, let me make it perfectly clear to you, BigDaddy...