The Team According To Geno

[DavidinNaples]

Several differences. Caroline Doty was a starter the preceding three years. She did not have a debilitating condition that could flare up at any time. The team was not as loaded as is the current team. The player she started over, Tiffany Hayes. was her best bud, and was fine with Caroline starting. In fact, if memory serves me Tiffany advocated for it.

Actually, Tiff Hayes had graduated the year before. Caroline had a very gimpy knee, wore a huge brace and while she started 32 of 38 games, she averaged only 16.5 minutes per game. Seven players averaged more minutes than Doty. Five other starters that year averaged between 24-30 minutes per game. Geno loves his Seniors and she deserved the honor. As far as talent, that team had Mosqueda-Lewis, Stewie, Bria Hartley, MoJeff, Kelly Faris, Morgan Tuck and Stef Dolson. And they won the National Championship.

 

[Geew1992]

It wasn't that long ago when another Caroline of note started despite a rather glaring drawback. Over the years there's been a few more like this who made it through rehab and four years of the program. Geno loves his seniors and I for one will be shocked if CD doesn't start.

Doty started because Hartley requested to come off the bench.

 

[Stagnant]

It is a younger team than last year. So, that will frustrate Geno.

 

[Crossover]

Actually, Tiff Hayes had graduated the year before. Caroline had a very gimpy knee, wore a huge brace and while she started 32 of 38 games, she averaged only 16.5 minutes per game. Seven players averaged more minutes than Doty. Five other starters that year averaged between 24-30 minutes per game. Geno loves his Seniors and she deserved the honor. As far as talent, that team had Mosqueda-Lewis, Stewie, Bria Hartley, MoJeff, Kelly Faris, Morgan Tuck and Stef Dolson. And they won the National Championship.

I stand corrected. It was during Doty's sophomore year that Tiffany stepped aside so that she could start. Thanks for all the rich context. You are right, that team was definitely loaded. However, the guards, apart from Doty, were inexperienced compared to this year's crop. Every one of them would eventually shine, but during Doty's senior year they benefitted from her steadying force as a starter. They also benefitted from the limited number of minutes she played.

 

[Cuango]

It wasn't that long ago when another Caroline of note started despite a rather glaring drawback. Over the years there's been a few more like this who made it through rehab and four years of the program. Geno loves his seniors and I for one will be shocked if CD doesn't start.

I realize many here are probably thinking there are likely better players on the roster now, and she has been out for injury for more than two years! They may be right. However, I’d just remind everyone that prior to her injury issues Caroline was well on her way to being our third or fourth best player and could/would possibly have climbed even higher! If she can earn a starting spot, there is no one I’d rather see as a starter than Caroline Ducharme!

She’s been dealt a bad hand and I (and everyone else, I’m sure) am pulling for her to finally have her day in the sun! Obviously, I hope she can earn that starting spot but mostly, I just pray she can remain healthy and be an impactful player this season. Finally, as for Geno’s statement that Caroline is “day to day”, I don’t put much stock into that statement as I believe he would say that anyway based on these past two years. He would not want to raise expectations or put any pressure on her in case there were a setback. Obviously I have no evidence to back that up but I think I’ll wait til Nov. 4th before I put much stock in that statement.

 

[gold2323]

and they …coaches and other teams.
WILL FEAR US AGAIN!!!!!!

 

[WiseWillie]

Geno's statements should not surprise anyone. This a a new team even though key players return.

Williams has to adjust to a new offense and defense. Heckel is in the same position. The freshman are all new.

I'm not surprised about Caroline.

But this is what Geno and company are very good at - bringing it all together. It will take some time. Last year the team gelled after the Tennessee loss. I expect the growing pains early on.

Looking forward to seeing this team develop.

From the multitude of glowing, optimistic expectations expressed on the Boneyard (including a couple by yours truly), "growing pains" for this team hopefully will mean winning by less than double digits.