UConn hosts BRUNELLE and Poffenbarger | Page 3 | The Boneyard

UConn hosts BRUNELLE and Poffenbarger

So far, so good!

I bought green bananas today. Staying optimistic.
I'll be 73 this month. My drivers license was just renewed. And I bought milk with an expiration of my birthday. My short term goal is to outlive the milk. And renew my license again 2023...and I still wonder what UConn number will Paige Bueckers wear.
 
I completely agree, oldude: the Tiger Woods effect. OTOH, Mozart composed an Andante in C when he was 5, and no one said, it's a shame to push him so much; he should enjoy just being a kid.

Talk about the pushy parent living vicariously through his talented son! And yes, Wolfie was one of history's genuine geniuses, but his too short adult life was a mess.
 
I'm "only" 70, but still loading up on the fabulous 2013 Barolos that will be at peak drinking in 20+ years. Why assume your demise? Personally, I intend to live forever and will modify my plan as the situation warrants.

At age 91 my father-in-law bought a car and insisted on getting the extended warranty, and he was right. He's now 102, with an older sister still breathing, and he watches every Uconn Women's game. I bought an "I'm Not Dead Yet" t-shirt and requested that I be dressed in it for the viewing, but with the "not" crossed out.
 
In this instance I could not agree more--every word is proper.
I come from a era of sand lot everything baseball, football, driveway basketball--can you imagine shoveling snow to play basketball then choosing up skins vs shirts, in winter Ct?? It was done and all was for FUN.
Eventually the town hall was opened for BB evenings.
I often post here about the value of having fun. I value the time spent by kids, as kids. Christine, has been reported to often tell the Uconn kids---play hard , have fun. Smart lady that CD..
Back then it was all about competing and having fun. Winning was not everything. One did not feel they were a failure if they did not win. There were no grown ups putting pressure on us. It was a lot of fun.
 
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I've always wondered about this regarding young gymnasts (girls). It looks to me that to be an Olympic-caliber performer you have to sacrifice your childhood. I don't think any medal or title is worth that.
You are right in what you've seen. Way before GIRL sports young girls were giving away their youth. Think of the Ballerina's in making--all started very young. Few made the cut.
For a parent it is a very difficult choice because at times it is the field the child chooses, success is in the distant and "possible", choose sports, professions the end result is if you want a possible success investment is early. I'm not in favor of the choice but I understand the decisions.
 
Back then it was all about competing and having fun. Winning was not everything. One did not feel they were a failure if they did not win. There were no grown ups putting pressure on us. It was a lot of fun.
Most Dads and older brothers were trying t0 support our survival, too busy to get involved.
 
Two point guards from the same class? Is that Kosher? Has Geno ever gone down that route? Could they co-exist in a Husky backcourt? Chris Paul and James Harden?

I just think of Bueckers as a guard and, if she gets bigger, perhaps a point forward. She can play numerous positions at a high level. How would VanLith fare off the ball? I haven't really seen her outside of highlights to know. But her fiery demeanor, defensive competitiveness, and skill level are too great to pass up.
 
I'm "only" 70, but still loading up on the fabulous 2013 Barolos that will be at peak drinking in 20+ years. Why assume your demise? Personally, I intend to live forever and will modify my plan as the situation warrants.
Smartest decision you ever made---live til you die, but LIVE. The game is all mental--The ART OF POSITIVE THINKING.
 
I just think of Bueckers as a guard and, if she gets bigger, perhaps a point forward. She can play numerous positions at a high level. How would VanLith fare off the ball? I haven't really seen her outside of highlights to know. But her fiery demeanor, defensive competitiveness, and skill level are too great to pass up.
Agree. Actually PB didn't play PG on team USA. She was utilized as a SG so she'll work well with a PG with both having the ability to move the ball, pass and score
 
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So in a few months I hit 73. I was recently told to save a date in 2021. I read here about recruits for 2020 or 2021. I bought a car that included a 100000 mile or ten year warranty. I’m looking for a 10 year warranty on myself. Interesting to read about talent that might be ours in 3 years, but I am really looking forward to the next game and swallowing my daily cache of pills to try and make it at least that far. Happy New Year. Go Huskies. :cool:
I’ll hit 72 this year. Wish I could double like this post!
 
Two point guards from the same class? Is that Kosher? Has Geno ever gone down that route? Could they co-exist in a Husky backcourt? Chris Paul and James Harden?

Lots of questions but I'm confident you guys (Milford, Sluconn, Coco, et al) have the answers.
Sue Bird and Keirsten Walters were part of the incoming 1998 group. Sue was ranked as low as #20 for political reasons. We all know that she became arguably the best PG ever over her career. Keirsten was ranked very highly, but her career was cut very short by injuries. I think Paige can be a combo guard or even a wing. Just think of Sue and Diana in the same backcourt. That has worked rather well (massive understatement). ;)
 
The issue of parenting and pushing one's child is a very complicated issue. There are certainly many examples of overbearing, unrealistic parents. It's not easy or pleasant to watch.
On the other hand children who are gifted in any field whether it be sports or academics, often need to be pushed and challenged, but a great deal has to do with a child's emotional makeup. It seems to me that almost all of the very best players who choose U Conn, have both very significant basketball skills, as well as life skills. They choose to be a part of a system, a culture where they can maximize their bb skills but also learn to be great teammates and are or become well spoken and well behaved adults. There are many female or male stars who don't or can't find that balance and they at best excel in one aspect but their weaknesses in other areas can undermine their successes.
As an aside there are questions about whether two great players can exist and still excel when it seems their skill sets and ability to star overlap. The best example I can think of is when the old NY Knicks who had Walt Clyde Frazier as the point guard and then obtained Earl the Pearl Monroe in a trade. Many questioned how they were going to play with only one ball. It made the Knicks then an even better and then again a championship team. It's what has turned me off to so much of pro and college basketball since. It's what's drawn me to be a U Conn women's bb fan. The manner in which they play together and excel almost all of the time. The manner in which they handled a terrible loss last year with class and without blaming each other and then using it to become better players (especially Katie Lou and CD), and use the experience to focus and push them forward. Already this season they have overcome a few instances of adversity and time will tell if they win another NC.
What is clear though to me, is they will do whatever together, and use the experiences to grow as players, a team and as human beings.
Bronx23
 
The issue of parenting and pushing one's child is a very complicated issue. There are certainly many examples of overbearing, unrealistic parents. It's not easy or pleasant to watch.
On the other hand children who are gifted in any field whether it be sports or academics, often need to be pushed and challenged, but a great deal has to do with a child's emotional makeup. It seems to me that almost all of the very best players who choose U Conn, have both very significant basketball skills, as well as life skills. They choose to be a part of a system, a culture where they can maximize their bb skills but also learn to be great teammates and are or become well spoken and well behaved adults. There are many female or male stars who don't or can't find that balance and they at best excel in one aspect but their weaknesses in other areas can undermine their successes.
As an aside there are questions about whether two great players can exist and still excel when it seems their skill sets and ability to star overlap. The best example I can think of is when the old NY Knicks who had Walt Clyde Frazier as the point guard and then obtained Earl the Pearl Monroe in a trade. Many questioned how they were going to play with only one ball. It made the Knicks then an even better and then again a championship team. It's what has turned me off to so much of pro and college basketball since. It's what's drawn me to be a U Conn women's bb fan. The manner in which they play together and excel almost all of the time. The manner in which they handled a terrible loss last year with class and without blaming each other and then using it to become better players (especially Katie Lou and CD), and use the experience to focus and push them forward. Already this season they have overcome a few instances of adversity and time will tell if they win another NC.
What is clear though to me, is they will do whatever together, and use the experiences to grow as players, a team and as human beings.
Bronx23
Enjoyed your post. Welcome to the board.

Yes, how they play the game is where it's at for me.
 
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Does the sideline reporter ever interview a visiting recruit? Illegal?unethical?
 
Does the sideline reporter ever interview a visiting recruit? Illegal?unethical?
Illegal.
13.11.1 Presence of Media during Recruiting Contact. A member institution shall not permit a media entity to be present during any recruiting contact made by an institution's coaching staff member. Violations of this bylaw do not affect a prospect's eligibility and are considered institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1.

13.11.3 Radio/TV Show. A member institution shall not permit a prospect or a highschool, college preparatory school or two-year college coach to appear, be interviewed or otherwise be involved (in person or via film, audio tape or videotape) on: (a) A radio or television program conducted by the institution's coach; (b) A program in which the institution's coach is participating; or (c) A program for which a member of the institution's athletics staff has been instrumental in arranging for the appearance of the prospect or coach or related program material.
 
Sue Bird and Keirsten Walters were part of the incoming 1998 group. Sue was ranked as low as #20 for political reasons. We all know that she became arguably the best PG ever over her career. Keirsten was ranked very highly, but her career was cut very short by injuries. I think Paige can be a combo guard or even a wing. Just think of Sue and Diana in the same backcourt. That has worked rather well (massive understatement). ;)
I was relying on the Hoopgurlz designation of Paige as a PG but what you say makes sense. Kids grow and expand their games. You've convinced me; let's get both of them.
 
Illegal.
13.11.1 Presence of Media during Recruiting Contact. A member institution shall not permit a media entity to be present during any recruiting contact made by an institution's coaching staff member. Violations of this bylaw do not affect a prospect's eligibility and are considered institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1.

13.11.3 Radio/TV Show. A member institution shall not permit a prospect or a highschool, college preparatory school or two-year college coach to appear, be interviewed or otherwise be involved (in person or via film, audio tape or videotape) on: (a) A radio or television program conducted by the institution's coach; (b) A program in which the institution's coach is participating; or (c) A program for which a member of the institution's athletics staff has been instrumental in arranging for the appearance of the prospect or coach or related program material.


Thank u COCO.
 
On that "you can't have all the recruits" thing, I'm just trying to protect all of you from the complaints from other fan bases about UConn getting all of the best players. I know you hate that. So just leave Brink and Van Lith alone, you have plenty enough good players east of the Mississippi to choose from.
 
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On that "you can't have all the recruits" thing, I'm just trying to protect all of you from the complaints from other fan bases about UConn getting all of the best players. I know you hate that. So just leave Brink and Van Lith alone, you have plenty enough good players east of the Mississippi to choose from.

We don't see geography. We just see talent. :cool:
 
While the basketball skills displayed by an 11 yr old? are amazing, I can’t help but be alarmed at this video. I’ve been around sports all my life. When I was growing up there was LL and other organized sports opportunities with the Y, Pop Warner and so on, but most of the time, it was just a bunch of kids getting together, playing ball and having fun.

Later, when my son got involved in sports my first and only rule was, “Have fun.” My son was involved in many different sports and ultimately became a pretty good college football player. At the time I observed far too many parents who pushed their kids relentlessly at young ages to achieve something they were not capable of, ultimately leading to rebellion by their kids and spoiling the fun of simply playing sports.

Von Lilith may thoroughly enjoy the time spent with who I assume to be her father, and maybe that’s just what’s required nowadays to play Big Time, WBB, but I can’t help being concerned about all the many kids around the country going through similar rigorous training regiments who don’t have the talent or passion to ultimately succeed.


I was thinking along the same lines except I can remember listening to a pediatrician talk about choosing activities for child athletes that wouldn't overtly stress young bones and connective tissue. He had good examples of things he was seeing more of and if I can ever find the podcast I'll post it here. Kids are not only not adults emotion-wise but physically as well. I wonder if this ever comes up once it becomes apparent a child does have a talent for things like this or if the fame machine kicks in and drowns out other considerations?
 
since I've been living the life of a basketball dad for the past eight years I can attest to the pushy over reaching parents, the kids that are forced to play virtually twelve months out of the year, and the thousands of dollars and thousands of miles spent on training and travel......as my daughter reaches her sophomore year, I've observed that no matter what parents want, a good percentage of the kids genuinely love the sport, a smaller but significant percentage are suffering from burnout and just leave the sport and an smaller percentage just grin and bare it...that said, I haven't met a great player that doesn't love playing the game and the competition..
When I coached high school as an asst at the time. I also coached a 7th grade travel team in the middle 90s. Before season started I had a meeting with parents and my players about parents coaching from the stands or anytime they were with me. If it happened that kid would not play! I played two thirds of my schedule against older teams. There is 3 high schools in town and basically we ran alot of the same plays offense and defense. Which we learned from watching some of it at Uconn practices! At halftime we were down 10 and my team was not handling the press well because they were doing a lousy job with our press breakers with to much dribbling. My leading scorers father started to tell her to dribble through the press right before the 2nd half started. So I took her aside and before I said anything to her, She knew her night was done. During a timeout my pg came to me and said that player was on bench saying I hate my f@#$ing father! I sat with her and told her It wasnt her I was dissapointed with and calmed her down. We lost the game and after her father (who never played or coached ) started ranting about his daughter not playing. I just said you know the rules. He left his daughter there 25 miles from home. With 3 months left in season this players father didnt bring her to anything! We ended up winning the Boys & Girls Club State Championship! Then we played New Hampshire for the New England Championship At Brandeis University. With 9 seconds left and a tie game at 40 and our ball. They played man to man. During our timeout I put his daughter in the far corner, my 2 post opposite side elbow and block with my pg receiving the inbounds at half court. at 6 seconds my post on the elbow started sliding towards the block at that time my player in the far corner watched that post move down and then cut towards them. Right after she cut between them. My big girls stood shoulder to shoulder and sealed off the girl guarding her and the 2 guarding them! She received the ball 15 ft.away and it hit nothing but net as time expired to win the NEC! After the game this father came up to me an apoligized and congratulated me on the game and final play. I told him thank you for today but save your apology for your daughter! All 12 of my kids played 4 years of high school and all were ahead of the other freshmen at there schools. This was one of the worst parents I dealt with in my coaching career!
 
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In this instance I could not agree more--every word is proper.
I come from a era of sand lot everything baseball, football, driveway basketball--can you imagine shoveling snow to play basketball then choosing up skins vs shirts, in winter Ct?? It was done and all was for FUN.
Eventually the town hall was opened for BB evenings.
I often post here about the value of having fun. I value the time spent by kids, as kids. Christine, has been reported to often tell the Uconn kids---play hard , have fun. Smart lady that CD..
Unfortunately I could shoot better with mittens than I could without.
 
I just think of Bueckers as a guard and, if she gets bigger, perhaps a point forward. She can play numerous positions at a high level. How would VanLith fare off the ball? I haven't really seen her outside of highlights to know. But her fiery demeanor, defensive competitiveness, and skill level are too great to pass up.

Well, one of the "old guy" versions of guards that controlled the ball playing together were Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe. Worked just fine for the Knicks. "Clyde" was the primary lead guard, but "the Pearl" would spell him and mix things up.

As for growth, as a former long-time travel soccer coach, most of my female players had reached peak height by 8th or 9th grade, so I wouldn't expect too much growth from Bueckers. From the tape I've seen of her, she could play "off guard" easily or -- with an intelligent (basketball-wise) running mate -- they could interchange certain duties at certain points (bringing the ball up court, initiating the half-court offense). Given the offense the Huskies run, I can see this.

(An unintended example of this may be taking place in South Bend the rest of the season depending on the extent of Lili Thompson's injury.):(

With all the talk about the flair of Paige's game and intensity of VanLith, the guard I'm drawn to is Caitlin Clark, who seems to have a number of each player's characteristics, plus a steely resolve and ability to oversee an approach to the game. Macro management with an attention to detail and a bit of flair. I could also see why MM would be interested.
 
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