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Message: [QUOTE="Inthepaint, post: 4040514, member: 11386"] I hadn't seen Paige play before last season started. Only knew she was very highly regarded by just about everybody. When I tuned in to that first UMASS_Lowell game and saw that Geno was starting her, I thought he must have reservations about everyone else. I mean, what else could it be? Was Aubrey in his post-practice dog house ALREADY? When I saw her warming up, pregame, I was not impressed since she was anything but physically imposing. Almost delicate,frail. Also, and I have to chalk this up to my 60+ year old eyes, She looked about 12 years old. Once the game started, I almost immediately saw a difference in the floor chemistry the Huskies seemed to have. The 2019-2020 team had never really jelled, in spite of some very talented individuals. Paige seemed to set the parameters without "taking over". The anticipation of the movements of her teammates, and the opposing players was uncanny. Not to mention her ability to put the ball in the bucket when the "spirit moved her" as Geno often grumbled. As the season unfolded, it became obvious to me that this was a very special athlete. Game after game there were some "turning points" that turned into "Paige Buckets" highlight videos. I willingly acknowledge my own UCONN bias. Like so many, I hunger for another national title game and look forward with great anticipation to Geno's ascent of the ladder to cut down the net. And let's bury the "Final Four"bugaboo that has reared its ugly head recently. UCONN's program is arguably the marquee attraction in NCAA WBB. But, that would not explain ALL of Paige's awards, attention and accolades from around the country and different media outlets. 2021-2022 will either justify all the hoopla or ( AAARRGGHHH!) reveal this "Shooting Star"as a one year phenom. Seeing the looks on [B]all [/B]the faces walking off the court after the latest disappointment, one couldn't help the observation that they really [B]do[/B] have a chip on their collective shoulder. They firmly believe that they should not be beaten, no matter who the opponent might be. Liv & CW must feel a bit snake bitten by now and will hopefully bring an increased resolve with them to realize the "potential" which has been both blessing and curse.No secret that Evina & Dorka transferred in to get to the top of the mountain.Aubrey and the new sophomores have had a taste of what the Husky experience is all about and want more. Azzi and the "New Generation" are already learning just what the term 'high expectations"is all about. Both good and bad. But PB, modesty and tact aside, IS the face of the UCONN WBB team until someone or something proves otherwise. Until that 12th NCAA Tournament trophy rests in that glass case in Stoors, she won't be content with complimentary puff pieces or "nice try", "good effort",or "wait till next year". Perhaps, behind that smiling, angelic face, lurks hunger personified. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach

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