The Heart of UConn

[justML]

If you're not tired of articles about our last game and haven't read this one yet, I thought Rich Elliott did a nice job of showing how important Kelly Faris is to our team.

Kudos to all the Boneyarders who never gave up on her this season!

LINK: http://www.ctpost.com/uconn/article/Faris-the-leader-and-the-heart-of-UConn-3456733.php

 

[UConnChapette]

I have never given up on the hard-working, under-appreciated (by the points centric fans) Ms. Faris. I have been a staunch defender of her work ethic, the intangibles she brings to the court, the little things she does every game that is easy to miss if you aren't paying attention.

The only problem is she is going to need a new nickname. As a senior "Omnu" isn't going to cut it. Maybe "Omold"?

 

[pinotbear]

Omnipetent!

 

[Icebear]

One thing she will not be is Omtired.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Omwhatyououghttotrytobe.

 

[JoePgh]

Actually, the article's reference to her fighting back tears is not something I associate with Kelly, even in these circumstances.

But there is a question as to whether she will have a sure place in the starting lineup next year, which will not be a year in which four guards will start.

Nonetheless, I think she will start with Bria as the backcourt pair.

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[speedoo]

Actually, the article's reference to her fighting back tears is not something I associate with Kelly, even in these circumstances.

But there is a question as to whether she will have a sure place in the starting lineup next year, which will not be a year in which four guards will start.

Nonetheless, I think she will start with Bria as the backcourt pair.

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Why not start 4 guards? Seems to me that Bria, Caroline, Kelly, KML and Stef would work just fine. Especially with the 3 frosh plus Kiah coming off the bench ready to play 15-20 minutes each. Killer rotation IMO.

 

[speedoo]

Kudos to all the Boneyarders who never gave up on her this season!

No true Boneyarder would ever give up on Kelly.

 

[Icebear]

It is impossible to imagine Kelly not starting. She is a warrior on the court and an absolute inspiration to the younger players as KML's comments have shown. That is not a player you remove from the starting line up.

 

[RadyLady]

It is impossible to imagine Kelly not starting. She is a warrior on the court and an absolute inspiration to the younger players as KML's comments have shown. That is not a player you remove from the starting line up.

Agreed. And folks, Geno doesn't start freshman unless he is forced to by circumstance (such as injury)

 

[John Fryer]

On the floor, the heart of UConn resides in its AA, Bria. (Oh, did I forget to mention that Bria joined the 1,000 point club during the ND Final Four game?)

I repeat again: If Morgan is as good a advertised there is no way that she won't start at the four spot.

I repeat yet again: If Moriah is as good as advertised there is no way that she won't be the starting PG by the end of December.

I repeat still yet again: If Breanna is as good as advertised there is no way that she won't start. (At which spot is the question that the coaching staff has to answer.)

Perhaps the larger question will be: Will KML continue to accept coming off the bench?

These are, of course, just my opinion.

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[sarals24]

And I say there is NO WAY Geno starts three freshman when he has four returning starters, all upperclassmen. No way on earth. Barring a major injury, he's not starting any of them. Look at the way he has coached in the past, which has led to multiple NC, FF, BE championships, etc. No matter how great you are as a freshman, you probably aren't starting unless it's dictated by injury, transfer, etc.

Diana. Shea. Maya. KML. All came off the bench their freshman years until needed bc of injury.

If he's going to keep NPOY-type players on the bench their freshman year, why on earth would he start THREE freshman at the same time, when he's got a returning AA in Hartley, BET MOP and 6th man of the year in KML, All-tourney in Stef, and all-around stud Kelly Faris? I still say CD starts and plays at least the first four minutes, but that's been discussed ad nauseum here.

 

[Icebear]

Part of what Geno teaches through folks like CD' and Kelly starting is the effort it takes in practice every minute and every play. He uses them to teach effort and consistent effort. KML got it. He, also, teaches in this respect for the UConn way and those who have paid that price for years. If changes are to come it will not be on the basis of talent alone but on the basis of how trustworthy young players are showing themselves to be in terms of stewardship of "the UConn way."

 

[rocky rococo]

Removing Kelly from the starting lineup? Don't even THINK about it. I consider only Bria to be more of a lock for a starting spot.

 

[attaboy]

Only the shadow knows for sure. Don't see a lot of shifting in the starting line up, especially initially. However, overall, playing time could be shifted to reflect some talent and effort issues.

 

[ucdt3]

Why would Geno NOT start the upperclassmen in lieu of 3 players who 1. have never played one second of WCBB, 2. don't know any of the UConn plays, and 3. don't care about starting (which is why they chose UConn)???

The starting spots will be earned based on effort and success in practice and there is NOTHING that leads us to believe that on Nov. 1st...

Caroline won't have earned a starting G spot (besides the fact that Geno says he likes starting her b/c her knee is warm)
Bria won't have earned a starting G spot (is an AA now, spot is hers from now until graduation)
Kelly won't have earned a starting G spot (MVP of the team, hardest worker, best defender, best passer, etc. - this spot has been hers for 2yrs and she certainly isn't going to lose it as a senior)
Stefanie won't have earned a starting C spot (played like a 1st team AA in Final 4 game, she'd have to go backwards down a steep slope while verbally abusing Geno on the way down to lose this spot)

...however, if I had a gun to my head and had to choose who's most likely of these 4 to lose spot -- it would be Dolson)

That being said, there is really only ONE spot open at this current time -- Tiffany's starting position -- which will likely be filled by a F or F/C -- it might be Kiah, it might be Breanna, it might be Morgan, it might be Kaleena...we won't know until Nov. 1st!!!

Calm down, I know everyone is anxious for the new season to start, but geez, it just ended Sunday.

 

[UConnChapette]

I am always amused by how much us fans care about who starts while the players, most UConn players anyway, don't give a rats patootie.

Over the years Geno has said many times that who starts isn't that important. He likes having a 'game changer" type player who can come in off the bench after the first media time out and change the pace of the offensive game, or turn up the defensive pressure.

I think Geno will always start the best player at point guard and center, even if they are freshman. The starting players at the other guard and forward spots is largely "ceremonial" in the UConn system. Based on leadership shown in practice, maturity, experience. In UConn's system, I think it is more important to have the "first off the bench" position because Geno uses is so effectively to mess with the heads of the opponents. After the first media time out, UConn is up 12-6. Not so bad, still close. Put in that sixth player and watch the lead balloon to 24-10 or worse before the next media time out. Demoralizing.

I don't think I have ever heard a player the caliber of Maya, DT, or KML not relish the role of 6th man and say "I want to start" as a freshman. They know that if they do what they need to do in practice and in the classroom that their time will come.

As Geno has stated, minutes are earned in practice. I think the same goes for starting spots.