The Geno A Show: Episode 1

[BigBird]

I was okay with the video as a whole. Lou mentioned somewhere that she can be stubburn at times, and I know Maya was, it was mentioned somewhere that Stewie was - I think that can be said about alot of sucessful people. If you remember in one of Megan Walkers interview she mentioned she was stubborn and so was Geno.

But I'm pretty sensitive as well and can understand how it could be hard to watch some parts. Geno reminds me of a boss I had once - I accomplished so much working with him, he taught me alot. He went on to build a large company and moved on to better things but boy was he tough to work for.

I had one boss like that, too. His name was Ed, but he wanted to be known as "Easy Ed." He was a veteran broadcaster from Philly. I was a talented but (God help me) seventeen-year old beginner. He rode me like a mule. He was anything but easy.

 

[ochoopsfan]

I wonder if all or part of the video shot was cleared with Geno, the SID, or the AD Dept. before airing.
I thought the "priceless" part of the video was when at the practice Geno turns to Shea, looks at her and she walks away.

#Nastyfor2hours

 

[MilfordHusky]

Keep in mind that people say Geno has mellowed compared to the olden days. So if he says stuff like that now, imagine what he was like in 2005 or 1995, eh?

I'm not worried about KLS based on what I saw there. When I look at her, it seems to me that she has an interesting edge to her that doesn't always come out. I can see it in the way that she celebrates after getting hammered while completing a play. Geno is trying to make it come out on command.

This edge (or the potential for it) is IMO one of the things that separates her from a lot of players with similar builds and skillsets.

Honest question for people who know more of UConn history than I: would it be terribly amiss to describe KLS as "Strother with a chip on her shoulder"? I wasn't really watching closely in the Strother years. But I do feel that KLS is nursing a real chip on her shoulder. Watch out when it develops properly.

Ann was a very good player. Lou is taller and stronger (I think the latter) and can/will be a great player. Lou is already an elite shooter.

Ann made a dumb play at the end of a loss--taking a 2-pointer when we were down by 3. CD came to her defense when people were concerned about Ann and said that Ann is very tough mentally.

We've heard that Lou is tougher than her sisters. Geno is increasing that gap.

 

[DaddyChoc]

imagine the players that never recovered from the Geno tongue lashing... not everyone is KLS, Rebecca or Wolters.

Maybe this will help some understand how the "lack of confidence" happens with UConn players

 

[DaddyChoc]

Would people feel the same way, e.g. protective of the players, if the clip were of Kevin Ollie and Jalen Adams (a sophomore guard on the men's team)?

Jalen may be able to defend himself... Spreewell-style!

 

[j66kicker]

I wonder if all or part of the video shot was cleared with Geno, the SID, or the AD Dept. before airing.
I thought the "priceless" part of the video was when at the practice Geno turns to Shea, looks at her and she walks away.

#Nastyfor2hours

It's called The Geno Auriemma Show, so I suspect he has a lot of editorial control if he wants it. Not so sure about the in-process All Access piece, but also suspect they wouldn't agree to that without some say-so on the final product. In both cases, at minimum everyone is aware the cameras are running.

 

[HoopsFan21]

It's called The Geno Auriemma Show, so I suspect he has a lot of editorial control if he wants it. Not so sure about the in-process All Access piece, but also suspect they wouldn't agree to that without some say-so on the final product. In both cases, at minimum everyone is aware the cameras are running.

Geno said that they allow SNY's cameras to be around the program as much as they are because they trust SNY. There was an interview with Geno about this earlier in the season where he elaborated a bit more than what I wrote.

 

[meyers7]

Honest question for people who know more of UConn history than I: would it be terribly amiss to describe KLS as "Strother with a chip on her shoulder"? I wasn't really watching closely in the Strother years. But I do feel that KLS is nursing a real chip on her shoulder. Watch out when it develops properly.

I do think KLS has a little "nasty" in her. I assume Geno would like to see that more often.

 

[meyers7]

imagine the players that never recovered from the Geno tongue lashing... not everyone is KLS, Rebecca or Wolters.

Maybe this will help some understand how the "lack of confidence" happens with UConn players

And therein lies their problem.

 

[HuskyNan]

Do you think that you would have felt the same if the band director's comments had been broadcast to tens of thousands of people on TV throughout the state and nation, including a close-up of your son listening to the spiel?

It still seems to me that most of those who are defending Geno (needlessly) are missing the point that a few of us are trying to make: it may be a legitimate and successful coaching technique to say such things to your players, and they certainly know what they are in for when they come to UConn, and yes, they are strong and can take it. But whether those moments should be televised to a huge audience of fans is another question entirely. I doubt whether UConn players or their parents sign up to have their weaker moments broadcast to the world, and I don't know what is gained (for anyone) by doing that. It is as much or more a criticism of SNY as of Geno, although I assume they both decided that this was OK to show.

the dressings down to both male and female band members took place in front of the other 100 members of the band, all of the instructors, and parents. The band director lit into them at the National Parade in Washington DC a couple years ago in front all the other bands that were there. so, while not exactly national tv (neither is SNY, by the way) my son has gotten chewed out in public. But whenever I asked if he wanted to quit, he looked at me like I was crazy.

And let me tell you something, the rough and tough band director got choked up when my son's class graduated, he cared about the kids that much. He just wanted to push them to the best of their abilities and he wasn't going to be p.c. about it.

 

[HuskyNan]

The scent of paternalism is strong in this thread.

 

[HopJim]

It's


It's pretty obvious that Samuelson was devastated. Just look at her terrible performance in the games following Auriemma's "tune up."

Why does everyone think that these women are so emotionally fragile that they are incapable of dealing
with an ass chewing? I think the reality is that these are some tough cookies. If they weren't they would be playing elsewhere.

Maybe it's some fans that are too sensitive to deal with it.

Mixed thoughts on this segment. Geno's motivational techniques have worked through the years, but the Lou clip seemed on the edge between harassment and "tough coaching." Not everyone responds well to this type of feedback.

 

[Geew1992]

I agree with a lot of you above. It's no coincidence that the two greatest coaches in the history of WCBB are Geno and Pat Summitt: just think about how SHE treated her players publicly. And yet, just like Geno, Pat commanded complete and utter loyalty from her players, because, we have absolutely no idea what follows one of Geno's (or Pat's) ripping. Whether he goes out of his way to say something nice in compensation; whether CD covers for him; whether he's expecting other players to rally around the player to develop team cohesion. We just don't know everything what goes on behind the cameras, but we DO know how much loyalty and love Geno commands of his players, so something else we can't see must be going on.

This isn't D-3 walk-on kids playing in a gym that holds a couple of hundred. This is the most elite version of amateur women's basketball in the world, played under glaring lights and the greatest possible pressure. To paraphrase Hyman Roth: This is the business they've chosen.

My daughter plays D3 and gets an ass chewing all the time. Even got benched for not listening.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

The scent of paternalism is strong in this thread.

Paternalism is probably one of the factors accounting for the strong following among seniors that
UConn women's basketball has always enjoyed. The young women are taken to heart.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

The scent of paternalism is strong in this thread.

The last time I caught a whiff was in a thread about Saniya being underappreciated.

 

[chrissaran]

With all the ranting and raving most of Geno's players return to Storrs to see him. That's how you know how they feel about him. Not everybody subscribes to his ways. It's not for all players. It takes a strong-willed player to deal with and understand Geno's methods. Those who want to be great become great: Rebecca, Jen, Kara, Sue, Swin, D, Maya, Tina, KLM, Breanna, Stef, Bria and others that I didn't mention. Gabby, Lou and Napheesa are next in line.

 

[vtcwbuff]

One of the court shows on TV a couple of weeks ago had a young lady who was sueing her AAU coach for the return of her money after she quit the team. She stated that she quit the team because he yelled at her and didn't make her feel appreciated. The coach responded that he didn't single her out and that he was an equal opportunity screamer.

I don't think this young lady is on UConn's radar.

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[JS]

Paternalism is probably one of the factors accounting for the strong following among seniors that UConn women's basketball has always enjoyed. The young women are taken to heart.

Good for you, Ed. Your handle indicates your status as a member of a dwindling but I hope unabashed constituency. Some of my favorite people, actually.

The trend now is different: athletes are athletes, to be considered all the same. No girls, just men and women; and that distinction doesn't mean much either, other than what is possible under finite physical limits.

But I remember the best UConn fan I ever knew, and the one who did the most for the University, urging me to attend a reception for the team members. When I hedged on it, he persisted: "But they're OUR GIRLS!"

Those afflicted with OGS (the sometimes derided "Our Girls Syndrome") don't need to apologize to anyone. There's an honored and pioneering place for them among the various UConn fan constituencies, and they're good company in my book.

 

[DaddyChoc]

is there video of the KLS-situation posted on the BY?

(is it the "I cant give you a heart" snippet?) I hope not cause that wasn't jack!

 

[RedStickHusky]

The program is historically great and there is widespread interest in how they do it. It may be painful to watch if you're emotionally attached to the players but this is the sausage making... it's supposed to be ugly. I'm also fairly confidant that what's airing on SNY is a pretty sanitized, tip-of-the-iceberg glimpse of what goes on.
As to "what good can come of it?" Geno's always maintained that "we have no secrets", invited other coaches to his practices, and been vocal about wanting the rest of WCBB to come up to his level. Maybe people involved with some other programs around the country are looking at this video and saying "we're not working hard enough..."

 

[HuskyNan]

Good for you, Ed. Your handle indicates your status as a member of a dwindling but I hope unabashed constituency. Some of my favorite people, actually.

The trend now is different: athletes are athletes, to be considered all the same. No girls, just men and women; and that distinction doesn't mean much either, other than what is possible under finite physical limits.

But I remember the best UConn fan I ever knew, and the one who did the most for the University, urging me to attend a reception for the team members. When I hedged on it, he persisted: "But they're OUR GIRLS!"

Those afflicted with OGS (the sometimes derided "Our Girls Syndrome") don't need to apologize to anyone. There's an honored and pioneering place for them among the various UConn fan constituencies, and they're good company in my book.

So, those of us who think that the UConn women can be treated like athletes don't enjoy our affection? I would disagree.

 

[rvwsleep]

It appears as though Geno violated one of his own tenets as verbalized in the clip you provided.
Geno - " You never want to go after somebody's heart, somebody's core ... "
The whole question of the KLS televised admonishing has made me rethink my own feelings on the matter.
My initial emotional reaction upon seeing Lou in an apparent state of despair was that of an unnecessary piece of reality TV that made me uncomfortable by just watching it. Then I began to think about my reaction and what that meant. Would I have reacted, emotionally, the same way if it was coach Ollie addressing one of his (male) players the way that Geno did to Lou ? It all honesty ? NO. I'm sure my emotional reaction would have been quite different.
After some thought on the entire situation I've come to the conclusion that while it wasn't necessary (maybe even gratuitous) to zoom in on Lou in the locker room, Geno can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs. It's the price to pay for the results everyone wants. And that's regardless if it's the men's or women's team.
Though even Geno makes mistakes and I wonder how he would reconcile his admonishing of Lou with his statement of not going after somebody's heart ?
I don't think he regrets the dress down of Lou because if he did it would have probably ended up the the cutting room floor. (Now there's an antiquated term)

 

[RedStickHusky]

The more I think about this, the more I wonder whether we're not misreading the whole dynamic of what's going on there. Easy enough to do given just a few seconds of video. Considering Geno's tone and the context (halftime of the FSU game), isn't it possible that Lou was beating herself up for what had to be a very disappointing start to a highly anticipated sophomore season and Geno was telling her that she had to dig deep to push through it. I mean his tone wasn't angry or accusatory, it was very matter of fact. I just don't think there was enough shown in that snippet from Geno to warrant what they showed of Lou's countenance... had to be more to it than that....

 

[JS]

I mean his tone wasn't angry or accusatory, it was very matter of fact. I just don't think there was enough shown in that snippet from Geno to warrant what they showed of Lou's countenance... had to be more to it than that....

Agree about the tone, except for the snark ("I could draw a picture of a heart . . ."). But the latter is his prerogative entirely; he knows what he's doing, even if (being human -- probably) he may not always do it perfectly.

The very ambiguity of context you describe -- the "reaction" shot with his voiceover -- is one reason some of us contend they shouldn't have shown that clip.

Earlier in the thread, I said some positive things about a group of fans -- the mostly venerable "Our Girls" folk -- that IMO has gotten beat up a bit lately in the march to "athletes who happen to be women." To me, they're valued. For sure they won't change much no matter what anyone says but will, like old soldiers, just fade away.

Nothing negative about any other group. The aforesaid march is good for excellence and growth, both team and individual. Truth be told, in this sort of discussion, my curled lip only applies to a few individuals whom I perceive as lacking a capacity for empathy, maybe even despising it -- an outlook I suspect goes far beyond sports.

 

[j66kicker]

is there video of the KLS-situation posted on the BY?

(is it the "I cant give you a heart" snippet?) I hope not cause that wasn't jack!

Much ado about nothing IMO. Emotional motivator, Geno. Makes for good TV too, I guess, as evidenced by all the discussion/controversy.

These girls are not normal everyday kids (Didn't you hear? UConn is not taking 'regular' kids.) They are uber-competitive elite athletes who have led unbalanced lives (by choice) since 8th grade or earlier. Just in their everyday training they push way beyond pain ("Pain is where the fun starts!"). They have a different mentality than most. They can take it. And later on in life they always agree that they needed it.

 

[CocoHusky]

I've been to a West Point game and sat behind the bench.. talk about a screamer .. yikes ..

Maureen the daughter of Army's coach Magarity has been coaching at University of New Hampshire since 2010. Maureen is not nearly the screamer that her father is and both are delightful people outside of the basketball arena.

 

[meyers7]

Nothing negative about any other group. The aforesaid march is good for excellence and growth, both team and individual. Truth be told, in this sort of discussion, my curled lip only applies to a few individuals whom I perceive as lacking a capacity for empathy, maybe even despising it -- an outlook I suspect goes far beyond sports.

 

[islandgurl]

I haven't posted here since June....been meaning to since November....but RL seems to always get in the way. But I feel compelled to make time, and comment on the episode regarding Lou's heart, and on Geno being served up by too many forum members as not only a great basketball coach, which he is, but also as virtually infallible, unassailable, and unaccountable, which he isn't.


I encountered a puzzling mindset of obeisance on this board some six months ago. I remarked then....


Interesting replies to my criticism of Geno in mishandling NB and adversely impacting the team's 2016 prospects. I have to stand by my contentions.....explanations, justifications, and rationalizations notwithstanding.


I was expecting a spirited defense of Geno, but am quite surprised at his wholesale acquittal. Plausible deniability would have been a nebulous but more acceptable cover, but I sensed instead a unified front exempting Geno from answerability, thus culpability. UConn in November will not be what it should be, and it's not "not anyone's fault"....providence isn't at play here :-( . In all, it leaves an impression that is too cavalierly exculpatory. Sorry, guys.


Such deferential treatment of Geno was specious then....even more so today vis-à-vis the preposterous defense of Geno's unwarranted rebuke of Lou's character, as presented on a recent tape (assuming its authenticity and there was no editing for dramatic effect). Geno has no right to question Lou's heart in front of the team, under any circumstances....that it was made public is outrageous.


There's ass-chewing and there's ass-chewing, the spectrum runs from betwixt and between deserved to undeserved.....wrist-slap to strident.....constructive to destructive. To cavalierly and publicly assert that Lou doesn't have heart is a humiliation bordering on destructive, which can only be undeserved.


Moreover, that Geno can draw a heart for her benefit is piling mockery on to verbal abuse.


Inherent in many forum comments is whether one can or should be able to "take it", or not, it being a disturbing impropriety that should not have been alleged to begin with.


To then assay Lou's fortitude against such a personal censure re-victimizes her.


Depending on context and other factors, verbal aggression by or from random people is one thing, when they are uttered by an authority figure who has dominion over one's aspirations (perhaps future professional careers for some)....when it's superior-to-subordinate such as Hall of Fame Coach Geno-to-Sophomore Player Katie Lou....it can be an indignity, as well as deeply hurtful.


It wasn't long ago that I was where Lou is....an age where she's still discovering herself, including what she rightfully has coming to her, all the bads, goods and uglies....regardless of legal chronology, she's not fully transitioned from girl to woman, from minor to adult....life can still be a million-piece puzzle. On the other hand, Geno is a grown up, he ought to know better.


For many forum members to dismiss Geno's unfortunate verbal aggression is callous at best, and brings into question their own lack of heart they forcefully concur Lou doesn't have, thus deserving to be chastised.


Worse yet, it will bring forth Lou 2.0, a new, improved version....perhaps with double the heart!


What is of such import or so hugely at stake that permits a meritorious coach to so audaciously rebuke a player's character?


Flip the parameter and I recall my Gramps' telling me many years ago of a Georgetown player mistakenly passing the ball to an opponent late in a game, which cost the team the game. Having just lost the chance for the ultimate prize---a national championship---Georgetown's coach hugged his crushed player to console him, to make him whole again. It was just a basketball game, with a monumental screw-up at that, but which Hall of Fame Coach John Thompson turned into an inspiring display of pure heart, a delightful moment witnessed by millions.


Great coaches do not resort to dignity-shredding take-downs of players who may be messing up, nor does his position give him a right to....be it to a star player, budding star or last woman at the end of the bench.


I needed to speak out on this. I wish I had more time. There are a few here I suspect support my position....thank you.


I will respond to some curious Geno-supportive comments from forum members as well.

 

[islandgurl]

I haven't posted here since June....been meaning to since November....but RL seems to always get in the way. But I feel compelled to make time, and comment on the episode regarding Lou's heart, and on Geno being served up by too many forum members as not only a great basketball coach, which he is, but also as virtually infallible, unassailable, and unaccountable, which he isn't.


I encountered a puzzling mindset of obeisance on this board some six months ago. I remarked then....


Interesting replies to my criticism of Geno in mishandling NB and adversely impacting the team's 2016 prospects. I have to stand by my contentions.....explanations, justifications, and rationalizations notwithstanding.


I was expecting a spirited defense of Geno, but am quite surprised at his wholesale acquittal. Plausible deniability would have been a nebulous but more acceptable cover, but I sensed instead a unified front exempting Geno from answerability, thus culpability. UConn in November will not be what it should be, and it's not "not anyone's fault"....providence isn't at play here :-( . In all, it leaves an impression that is too cavalierly exculpatory. Sorry, guys.


Such deferential treatment of Geno was specious then....even more so today vis-à-vis the preposterous defense of Geno's unwarranted rebuke of Lou's character, as presented on a recent tape (assuming its authenticity and there was no editing for dramatic effect). Geno has no right to question Lou's heart in front of the team, under any circumstances....that it was made public is outrageous.


There's ass-chewing and there's ass-chewing, the spectrum runs from betwixt and between deserved to undeserved.....wrist-slap to strident.....constructive to destructive. To cavalierly and publicly assert that Lou doesn't have heart is a humiliation bordering on destructive, which can only be undeserved.


Moreover, that Geno can draw a heart for her benefit is piling mockery on to verbal abuse.


Inherent in many forum comments is whether one can or should be able to "take it", or not, it being a disturbing impropriety that should not have been alleged to begin with.


To then assay Lou's fortitude against such a personal censure re-victimizes her.


Depending on context and other factors, verbal aggression by or from random people is one thing, when they are uttered by an authority figure who has dominion over one's aspirations (perhaps future professional careers for some)....when it's superior-to-subordinate such as Hall of Fame Coach Geno-to-Sophomore Player Katie Lou....it can be an indignity, as well as deeply hurtful.


It wasn't long ago that I was where Lou is....an age where she's still discovering herself, including what she rightfully has coming to her, all the bads, goods and uglies....regardless of legal chronology, she's not fully transitioned from girl to woman, from minor to adult....life can still be a million-piece puzzle. On the other hand, Geno is a grown up, he ought to know better.


For many forum members to dismiss Geno's unfortunate verbal aggression is callous at best, and brings into question their own lack of heart they forcefully concur Lou doesn't have, thus deserving to be chastised.


Worse yet, it will bring forth Lou 2.0, a new, improved version....perhaps with double the heart!


What is of such import or so hugely at stake that permits a meritorious coach to so audaciously rebuke a player's character?


Flip the parameter and I recall my Gramps' telling me many years ago of a Georgetown player mistakenly passing the ball to an opponent late in a game, which cost the team the game. Having just lost the chance for the ultimate prize---a national championship---Georgetown's coach hugged his crushed player to console him, to make him whole again. It was just a basketball game, with a monumental screw-up at that, but which Hall of Fame Coach John Thompson turned into an inspiring display of pure heart, a delightful moment witnessed by millions.


Great coaches do not resort to dignity-shredding take-downs of players who may be messing up, nor does his position give him a right to....be it to a star player, budding star or last woman at the end of the bench.


I needed to speak out on this. I wish I had more time. There are a few here I suspect support my position....thank you.


I will respond to some curious Geno-supportive comments from forum members as well.

My apologies regarding the spacing....I copy/pasted it, and it's how it came out.