Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="VillageHusky, post: 2530713, member: 6636"] At this point, it seems to me there has been extensive discussion on the Boneyard of the issue of Geno's reluctance/refusal to play MW/KI/MC/AEH (not to mention BC's physical capability to play) during the meaningful minutes of games, i.e., when the margin of the score is less than 20 points. This discussion has taken place on at least four or five different threads, if not more. Clearly, at least four or five on this site believe strongly and vocally that Geno should be playing at least MW and KI during some meaningful minutes in games and not wait to do so until they consistently meet some standard of performance during numerous practices. In fact, these individuals suggest that, if Geno does not adopt this practice but continues to play the core six during all meaningful (and many non-meaningful) minutes of games, not only are the chances of winning a national championship this year diminished but, in addition, future highly sought-after recruits in the current generation may choose programs other than UConn due to this practice. Others on this site concede that, even if the approach being urged of playing MW/KI/MC during critical moments of games makes sense, there is no indication Geno is changing his policy of not playing his youngest players until they satisfy his practice standards. Nonetheless, this group is not overly concerned because they believe Geno will add MW (and possibly KI or MC) at the very least to the regular rotation in time for the NCAA Tournament AND because Geno has won 11 national championships doing it his way, no matter how the rest of country's coaches are doing it. There appears to be no real debate however between either group that, at this point in the season, Geno will not begin playing any player beyond the core six in critical minutes of games unless and until such such player meets the requisite standards in practice consistently and sufficiently. In my mind, the only real issue in debate is whether Geno would change his policy in this regard even if he thought it might increase the chances of winning a specific game or games this season (such as the semi-final or final of the NCAA tournament.) Unlike others, I think he would not because this policy and practice is fundamental to his view of how the world should work and he will not vary it even for another national championship. I may well be wrong however and Geno may be sufficiently "pragmatic" to do so. Either way, I think meyers7 is correct that the discussion is largely exhausted (and should end) regarding the topic of whether Geno will (or even should) change his practice of refusing to play individuals in meaningful moments in games until they meet his practice standards. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach