tired of those who bash Bria Hartley

[cferraro04]

I have been reading on various message boards how bad Bria Hartley is, that Geno is disappointed in her because she doesn't listen. What a crock of baloney. Geno expressed frustration with Bria because she played while she was hurt and probably made her injury worse instead of giving it time for it to heal. He never said she didn't listen to his on court instructions. Why people have to distort reality in an effort to make a player look bad is beyond me. Truth be told, Hartley was an All American last year, got hurt in the summer, had the flu twice during the season, her body, emotions and confidence took a hit and it has taken time for her to get back on track. At the end of the day she was a contributor on a national championship team. She will have the summer to train with her personal basketball skills and shooting coach in New York and my guess is she will come back for her senior season in her former All American form.

I think some people forget how clutch she was last year against ranked opponents. Additionally, despite the challenges she faced this year she was fairly consistent and I'm glad we had her. Would I like to see her cut back on her turn overs? Sure I would, but nobody's perfect and knowing that Bria will be back to form next season, I think Bria is just fine.

Here is Bria's stats against ranked opponents during her All American 2011 - 2012 season

2011 - 2012 (ranked opponents)

#3 Stanford - 11/12/11 - 19 pts; 3 RBs; 4 Asts; 2 TOs; 3 Stls.
#7 Texas A&M - 12/6/11 - 13pts; 4 RBs; 8 Asts; 3 TOs; 0 Stls.
#1 Baylor - 12/18/11 - 25 pts; 3 RBs; 2 Asts; 4 TOs; 1 Stl.
#3 ND - 1/7/12 - 25 pts; 9 RBs; 6 Assts; 7 TOs; 2 Stls.
#24 North Carolina - 1/16/12 - 17 pts; 3 RBs; 8 Asts; 3 TOs; 3 Stls.
#19 DePaul - 1/21/13 - 10 pts; 4 RBs; 2 Asts; 5 TOs; 6 Stls.
#5 Duke - 1/30/12 - 15 pts; 5 RBs; 7 Asts; 4 TOs; 2 Stls.
#20 Louisville - 2/7/12 - 9 pts; 1 RB; 2 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#14 Georgetown - 2/11/12 - 18 pts; 5 RBs; 3 Asts; 1 TO; 3 Stls.
#3 ND - 2/27/12 - 8 pts; 7 RBs; 0 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#21 Rutgers - 3/4/12 - 8 pts; 1 RB; 0 Asts; 3 TOs; 2 Stls.
#18 St. Johns - 3/5/12 - 11 pts; 1 RB; 3 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#3 ND - 3/6/12 - 18 pts; 7 RBs; 2 Asts; 3 TOs; 4 Stls.
#12 Penn State - 3/25/12 - 20 pts; 2 RBs; 4 Asts; 2 TOs; 0 Stls.
#11 Kentucky - 3/27/12 - 13 pts; 3 RBs; 3 Asts; 4 TOs; 2 Stls.
#4 ND - 4/1/12 - 18 pts; 3 RBs; 3 Asts; 5 TOs; 1 Stl.


Here is Bria's post season play for our championship run during this past season (2012-2013):

DePaul: 3/10 - 12 points; 5 RBs; 6 A; 1 TO; 1 St.
Syracuse: 3/11 - 11 points; 3 RBs; 7 A; 4 TOs; 1 St.
Notre Dame: 3/12/13 - 9 points; 2 RBs; 2 Assists; 6 TOs; 2 Sts.
Idaho: 3/23/13 - 13 points; 5 RBs; 7 Assists; 2 TOs; 3 Stls.
Vandy: 3/25/13 - 8 points; 3 RBs; 4 Assists; 3 TOs; 1 Stl.
Maryland: 3/30/13 - 5 points; 3 RBs; 2 Assists; 3 TOs; 0 Stls.
Kentucky: 4/1/13 - 10 points; 4 RBs; 2 Assists; 1 TO; 4 Stls.
Notre Dame: 4/7/13 - 15 points; 5 RBs; 2 Assists; 6 TOs; 4 Stls.
Louisville: 4/9/13 - 13 points; 4 RBs; 4 Assists; 3 TOs; 3 Stls.


I believe we witnessed in the post season the beginning of Bria's return to All American form. A task she will complete over the summer. She is going to bring smiles to UConn fans faces next year. I think the biggest problem UConn is going to have next year is that there may not be enough basketballs to go around next year. This team is going to be an offensive juggernaut next season...records are going to fall. Assuming the defense is as good as it traditionally is...Teams are not going to look forward to facing UConn.

 

[JoePgh]

I haven't been reading those rumors and wouldn't be inclined to take them seriously. I don't think Bria had a particularly serious turnover problem this year. Her biggest problem was the sudden inaccuracy of her jump shot, and that will be the key to her return to 2011-12 form. Geno has said that he particularly trusts her in big games and for big shots, and her play in the tournament validated that.

No one (least of all Bria) can tell whether and when her jump shot will return with reliability, but even if it doesn't, her ability to make big plays and hustle plays will assure her of a lot of minutes next year. If she does get the jump shot back (even just the pull-up from the top of the key), she will be a 30-35 minute player in competitive games (if there are any ...)

 

[baggerbob]

Barring anything happening Bria, Stef , Seniors will start KML, Breanna, then whoever the 5th starter is, will be determined by whatever lineup has the best balance between defense, and offense.

 

[psconn]

Bria pushes the ball up court like no one else on the team. She triggered the big run in the NC game. I suspect she will be in All-American form next year and I'm happy to have her in our hunt for #9.

 

[sarals24]

I think Bria is exceptionally talented, and I love her willingness to take big shots and play through mistakes. She also plays exceptional defense, a fact that gets overshadowed with Faris and Stewart on the team. She has flaws, which include dribbling too much at times and making ill-advised passes at others. But Geno obviously loves her and she has been a huge part of the team for the past three years. I'm pulling for her! I think she can regain her AA status next season and win another National Championship.

 

[Blueballer]

If they broadcast Geno's entire post parade speech on SNYtonight at 10 PM you will see Geno give special recognition to Bria. He did make reference to her problems but said she played like an AA at the final four. And everyone gave her a great cheer. Nice moment.

 

[sTu]

Geno's fondness for Bria was displayed at the Parade today when in his unique style he said something similar to the following. Geno pointed to his two all-Americans and had them stand. He said we used to have three, but one hit her head on the wall and was lost for the season. She did come back as an All-American for the last two games of the year though. Had her stand, team and Bria were joyful. It appeared to me there was a great deal of mutual respect and admiration.

 

[baggerbob]

Some of the turnovers in the tournament, were early in the games when they were trying to pass over the top of the defender into Breanna, and went off her fingertips. Those were not bad turnovers, because later in the game Breanna was able to convert them, which let her play inside out. Next year Breanna will be stronger, quicker, make more of those plays, less turnovers.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Why people have to distort reality in an effort to make a player look bad is beyond me. .

I ask this question every day... when ANY player is mentioned

 

[UcMiami]

Bria is great and will have a very good senior campaign. These are kids dealing with injuries and desperately trying to come back to help their teammates. Not her easiest year, but she was everything the team needed at the end.

 

[EricLA]

I agree with you Charlie - where are you reading the Bria bashing? If it's the ESPN board, they are a bunch of loony tunes from fan bases all over the country. I thought the craziest fans lived in Knoxville on the summitt, but I realized there are loopy-loos all over the place!!

Bria is just sensational. I really enjoyed watching her through the tourney. You know, there were times when Moriah was overwhelmed and Caroline's body just not able to do what was needed during the NCAA's, and at those times Bria was the PG. I hope for great things for her senior year.

 

[cferraro04]

Yeah, it was on the ESPN board and sadly it was from a guy who claims to be a UConn fan...but, rest assured I pointed out the error of his ways...it is just the kind of thing that gets under my skin though. I mean Bria played her heart out, there was no quit in her, she went through a rough spat and she is working her way through it.

 

[glenn fisk]

According to what I heard Geno say in his post game conference after the championship,he said he can't wait for practice again to see how much Bria and Steph have improved.Doesn't sound like he is frustrated with her,to me.Both are special talents,and are major contributors.Seems to me,there may be a chance that the team could have quite a few AA's next year,barring injury.

 

[Shenandoah]

Bria Hartley was a very settling influence on our offense in the tournament. She also played really tough defense, as well as keeping opponents D honest with her willingness to take the ball to the hole, or pull up for a short jumper. She also showed that she could hit the 3 when left open. I fully expect THAT Bria Hartley to show up next season. A senior, and a leader. The one who put it all together when it counted, for the National Champions...

 

[alexrgct]

Bria certainly had her struggles this season, but she's done nothing but bust her ass for Uconn since coming here, including dealing with the intense and unfair pressure she and Stef had to absorb during the 2010-11 season. She and Stef got to enjoy a huge payoff for that at the conclusion of this season, and I hope they get to go out in style next season.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

I have been reading on various message boards how bad Bria Hartley is, that Geno is disappointed in her because she doesn't listen. What a crock of baloney. Geno expressed frustration with Bria because she played while she was hurt and probably made her injury worse instead of giving it time for it to heal. He never said she didn't listen to his on court instructions. Why people have to distort reality in an effort to make a player look bad is beyond me. Truth be told, Hartley was an All American last year, got hurt in the summer, had the flu twice during the season, her body, emotions and confidence took a hit and it has taken time for her to get back on track. At the end of the day she was a contributor on a national championship team. She will have the summer to train with her personal basketball skills and shooting coach in New York and my guess is she will come back for her senior season in her former All American form.

I think some people forget how clutch she was last year against ranked opponents. Additionally, despite the challenges she faced this year she was fairly consistent and I'm glad we had her. Would I like to see her cut back on her turn overs? Sure I would, but nobody's perfect and knowing that Bria will be back to form next season, I think Bria is just fine.

Here is Bria's stats against ranked opponents during her All American 2011 - 2012 season

2011 - 2012 (ranked opponents)

#3 Stanford - 11/12/11 - 19 pts; 3 RBs; 4 Asts; 2 TOs; 3 Stls.
#7 Texas A&M - 12/6/11 - 13pts; 4 RBs; 8 Asts; 3 TOs; 0 Stls.
#1 Baylor - 12/18/11 - 25 pts; 3 RBs; 2 Asts; 4 TOs; 1 Stl.
#3 ND - 1/7/12 - 25 pts; 9 RBs; 6 Assts; 7 TOs; 2 Stls.
#24 North Carolina - 1/16/12 - 17 pts; 3 RBs; 8 Asts; 3 TOs; 3 Stls.
#19 DePaul - 1/21/13 - 10 pts; 4 RBs; 2 Asts; 5 TOs; 6 Stls.
#5 Duke - 1/30/12 - 15 pts; 5 RBs; 7 Asts; 4 TOs; 2 Stls.
#20 Louisville - 2/7/12 - 9 pts; 1 RB; 2 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#14 Georgetown - 2/11/12 - 18 pts; 5 RBs; 3 Asts; 1 TO; 3 Stls.
#3 ND - 2/27/12 - 8 pts; 7 RBs; 0 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#21 Rutgers - 3/4/12 - 8 pts; 1 RB; 0 Asts; 3 TOs; 2 Stls.
#18 St. Johns - 3/5/12 - 11 pts; 1 RB; 3 Asts; 2 TOs; 1 Stl.
#3 ND - 3/6/12 - 18 pts; 7 RBs; 2 Asts; 3 TOs; 4 Stls.
#12 Penn State - 3/25/12 - 20 pts; 2 RBs; 4 Asts; 2 TOs; 0 Stls.
#11 Kentucky - 3/27/12 - 13 pts; 3 RBs; 3 Asts; 4 TOs; 2 Stls.
#4 ND - 4/1/12 - 18 pts; 3 RBs; 3 Asts; 5 TOs; 1 Stl.


Here is Bria's post season play for our championship run during this past season (2012-2013):

DePaul: 3/10 - 12 points; 5 RBs; 6 A; 1 TO; 1 St.
Syracuse: 3/11 - 11 points; 3 RBs; 7 A; 4 TOs; 1 St.
Notre Dame: 3/12/13 - 9 points; 2 RBs; 2 Assists; 6 TOs; 2 Sts.
Idaho: 3/23/13 - 13 points; 5 RBs; 7 Assists; 2 TOs; 3 Stls.
Vandy: 3/25/13 - 8 points; 3 RBs; 4 Assists; 3 TOs; 1 Stl.
Maryland: 3/30/13 - 5 points; 3 RBs; 2 Assists; 3 TOs; 0 Stls.
Kentucky: 4/1/13 - 10 points; 4 RBs; 2 Assists; 1 TO; 4 Stls.
Notre Dame: 4/7/13 - 15 points; 5 RBs; 2 Assists; 6 TOs; 4 Stls.
Louisville: 4/9/13 - 13 points; 4 RBs; 4 Assists; 3 TOs; 3 Stls.


I believe we witnessed in the post season the beginning of Bria's return to All American form. A task she will complete over the summer. She is going to bring smiles to UConn fans faces next year. I think the biggest problem UConn is going to have next year is that there may not be enough basketballs to go around next year. This team is going to be an offensive juggernaut next season...records are going to fall. Assuming the defense is as good as it traditionally is...Teams are not going to look forward to facing UConn.

Fine post Charlie...

 

[JS]

it was from a guy who claims to be a UConn fan...but, rest assured I pointed out the error of his ways...it is just the kind of thing that gets under my skin though.

You're giving him the payoff he seeks, Charlie.

There are two kinds of player critics:

1. The critic who makes straightforward comments pointing out a player's weaknesses, i.e.:

(a) physical (speed, height, strength) or

(b) in skills (dribbling, passing, decision-making).

This type of critic is sometimes dispassionate and neutral. Mostly, on this board, such a critic is supportive -- wants the player to improve, hopes she will, accepts those things the player cannot improve, wishes her well. These attitudes come through clearly in the critic's posts.

2. The critic who is basically antisocial. His main objective is not to add new thoughts or information to the board, but to get a rise out of other posters. He does this through a variety of needling or condescending techniques:

(a) taunting ("humorous") characterizations of a player or her performance,

(b) exaggerated language in describing the player's faults,

(c) distortions or selectivity in stating the facts,

(d) antagonistic posting style,

(e) choosing his moments to try to counteract positive feelings,which he basically can't stand,

(e) using sarcasm to mock other people's thoughts, and/or

(f) inflicting pure, water-torture consistency in making negative remarks.

You're dealing with Type Two, a category that has furnished some of our most memorable board alumni over the years, and that's more than just a guess.

Some Type Twos appear to have identifiable personality disorders. They're a small minority here and stay that way because they eventually cause enough trouble that they end up elsewhere -- most often where you encountered this specimen. And from that vantage point they typically knock this board as being unfair, dictatorial, homeristic, intolerant of criticism and favorite-playing.

Well, we try to please.

 

[diggerfoot]

You're giving him the payoff he seeks, Charlie.

There are two kinds of player critics:

1. The critic who makes straightforward comments pointing out a player's weaknesses, i.e.:

(a) physical (speed, height, strength) or

(b) in skills (dribbling, passing, decision-making).

This type of critic is sometimes dispassionate and neutral. Mostly, on this board, such a critic is supportive -- wants the player to improve, hopes she will, accepts those things the player cannot improve, wishes her well. These attitudes come through clearly in the critic's posts.

2. The critic who is basically antisocial. His main objective is not to add new thoughts or information to the board, but to get a rise out of other posters. He does this through a variety of needling or condescending techniques:

(a) taunting ("humorous") characterizations of a player or her performance,

(b) exaggerated language in describing the player's faults,

(c) distortions or selectivity in stating the facts,

(d) antagonistic posting style,

(e) choosing his moments to try to counteract positive feelings,which he basically can't stand,

(e) using sarcasm to mock other people's thoughts, and/or

(f) inflicting pure, water-torture consistency in making negative remarks.

You're dealing with Type Two, a category that has furnished some of our most memorable board alumni over the years, and that's more than just a guess.

Some Type Twos appear to have identifiable personality disorders. They're a small minority here and stay that way because they eventually cause enough trouble that they end up elsewhere -- most often where you encountered this specimen. And from that vantage point they typically knock this board as being unfair, dictatorial, homeristic, intolerant of criticism and favorite-playing.

Well, we try to please.

Very nicely categorized! I might add there appears to me to be a Type Three that is a borderline case between the two. The "glass half-empty" critic that is absorbed with your 2 (c) criteria but not really the others.

 

[oneresult]

Question?? Bria wares glases, Game time, does she ware contacts???

 

[DaddyChoc]

Question?? Bria wares glases, Game time, does she ware contacts???

I would think so... I thought she had a "contact" issue recently

 

[HGN]

I too have heard the Bria bashing............And I totally disagree with it. What all bashers should keep in mind is that we , Uconn , has never lost a game because of Bria Hartley...NEVER. She may have not played her best in a game , but it didn't result in a loss because she didn't play her best. We didn't lose those games to ND or to Baylor because of Bria....We lost because the other team played better down the stretch. It was a team loss. Bria played all season with a nagging ankle injury that never got a chance to heal , and never complained. She had her starting position taken away and came off the bench, when the team needed a spark off the bench , and never complained. She never used her injured ankle as an excuse. Played in pain. The mark of a true team player......... And it resulted in a NC.

I can truthfully say that we have won far more games with Bria than we have ever loss.

 

[Kibitzer]

Bria Hartley plays like a champion. She is destined to have her jersey on the wall at Gampel. No critic comes close.

 

[Shenandoah]

Bria Hartley plays like a champion. She is destined to have her jersey on the wall at Gampel. No critic comes close.

and she has NEVER, EVER, given less than 100% on the court. That's all that I'll ever ask of a student/athlete...

 

[OneTrickPony]

Does a battleship really feel the spitballs...?

 

[JS]

Does a battleship really feel the spitballs...?

No, but the spitball thrower sometimes annoys the battleship . . .