UConn searching for leadership

[The deacon]

Did you actually read the articles? Alcindor and Russell were the epitomes of a leader on and off the court. Warren and Allen acknowledged Alcindor's leadership by following him to boycott the Olympic trials in 1968 while at UCLA. He was the outspoken team leader on racial equality at the time.

The reign of Lew Alcindor in the age of revolt - Andscape

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known as one of the greatest basketball players in history. During his 20-year professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he appeared in 19 All-Star Games, won six championships and collected six MVP awards. In retirement, he has become a...

theundefeated.com

Good call, BobbyJ. Kareem has been a leader throughout his career, very much so during that amazing run by the Lakers.

Mike Warren and Lucius Allen formed what might have been one of the best college backcourts ever, but it was Lew/Kareem who was the team leader (nurtured and encouraged every step of the way by Wooden, of course, just as he did a few years later with Bill Walton).

 

[The deacon]

Kara Woters tells a story of Jen Rizzotti grabbing a handful of her jersey to yell at her during a time out. I don’t think that is the only way to lead, volume and physicality, but it often breaks through the clutter in the moment.

I'm not surprised at that one, CL82. I got to see Jen play a lot of high school basketball and volleyball and she was very much the on-court player/coach for both programs, both in word and by example. Her teams won back-to-back state titles in basketball and were back-to-back state runnersup in volleyball with her at times dragging her team along with her, like it or not.

Jen seemed to always be able to 'break through the clutter,' both at New Fairfield and at UConn.

 

[CL82]

Nah. You can be a leader without being the person who wants to take the last shot. Jamelle most certainly was a leader to give an example.

Yeah, but her intensity level as a player was off the charts. Which, by the way, cracks me up because in person she’s probably one of the most low-key, kind and least intimidating people you’ll ever meet.

 

[CL82]

“I need to be that player for my teammates every day in practice,” Williams said, “be consistent with it, carry it over in the games. As an upper classman, I feel it’s my duty.”

It’s this sense of obligation and living up to expectation that I think has been the biggest impediment for Christyn this year. She needs to be true to herself and let the game come to her. When she does that, she is a phenomenal player.

JMO

 

[oldude]

Absolutely!
Fine book I read about the Celtics and in particular the complicated relationship between Russell and Cousy, called The Last Pass.
I wonder what he was like at USF and when he first arrived in Boston. His physical gifts were other-worldly but I wonder if he was a leader from the get-go or if he developed into a leader. In the book, his skills from day 1 fit perfectly with Red's fast break philosophy and with Cousy as the star and point guard. They won the title his rookie year. He was an Olympian the summer of his rookie year and the there was a bit of a delay in him reporting to the Celtics. He was also a track athlete at USF, I believe, quarter-miler and long jumper maybe, which speaks to his incredible ability to move and get out on the break.

Russell had a reputation as a difficult player to coach when he arrived in Boston, likely resulting from the fact that he was an intelligent black man who was not afraid to speak his mind. During his rookie year a Boston beat writer asked Red Auerbach, “Is the new guy tough to handle?” Auerbach responded, “You handle mule teams. Bill Russell is a man. You treat men with respect.” That quote made the Boston papers. From that point on, Russell and Auerbach enjoyed a lifetime friendship and respect, with Russell quickly eclipsing Cousy as the team’s best player and leader.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Did you actually read the articles? Alcindor and Russell were the epitomes of a leader on and off the court. Warren and Allen acknowledged Alcindor's leadership by following him to boycott the Olympic trials in 1968 while at UCLA. He was the outspoken team leader on racial equality at the time.

The reign of Lew Alcindor in the age of revolt - Andscape

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known as one of the greatest basketball players in history. During his 20-year professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he appeared in 19 All-Star Games, won six championships and collected six MVP awards. In retirement, he has become a...

theundefeated.com

Russell had a reputation as a difficult player to coach when he arrived in Boston, likely resulting from the fact that he was an intelligent black man who was not afraid to speak his mind. During his rookie year a Boston beat writer asked Red Auerbach, “Is the new guy tough to handle?” Auerbach responded, “You handle mule teams. Russell is a man. You treat men with respect.” That quote made the Boston papers. From that point on, Russell and Auerbach enjoyed a lifetime friendship and respect, with Russell quickly eclipsing Cousy as the team’s best player and leader.

You might like the book. Cousy's best friend and long time friend was Tommy Heinsohn. If I remember right, Russell never really felt that Cousy did enough for him regarding the racial aspects of Russell's life in Boston and in the early NBA days.
You might be slighting Cousy a tad. Remember he was an "innovator" as well. He revolutionized the point guard position, he was a scorer with an array of shots, and he was a master orchestrator of Red's fast break. He was in the last half or twilight of his career when Russell arrived. Cousy helped Boston become a consistent winner and contender but never champion until Russell arrived. Russell was certainly the glue and the missing ingredient. Keep in mind, Red never had a true center until Russell. I believe his center was the lanky Ed Macauley. I think he was traded to St. Louis along with the Ice Capades by Boston for the rights to draft Russell. No ifs, ands, or buts, Cousy was an all-time great NBA player.

 

[AgStatesman]

I think we are way overvaluing leadership. These are all intrinsically motivated athletes who come to Storrs because they want to be the best. They don't need someone who can give a pep talk. What's needed is someone who can knock down shots, grab rebounds, and lock down the other team's players. UConn doesn't have a leadership problem, it has a talent problem.

UConn fans need to readjust their expectations that this is a top tier elite team. Once you do that, you can appreciate this team a lot more. The team is 112th in scoring offense and 131st in scoring defense. At 7-3 the team is probably overachieving.

 

[CocoHusky]

“I need to be that player for my teammates every day in practice,” Williams said, “be consistent with it, carry it over in the games. As an upper classman, I feel it’s my duty.”

It’s this sense of obligation and living up to expectation that I think has been the biggest impediment for Christyn this year. She needs to be true to herself and let the game come to her. And when she does that she is a phenomenal player.

JMO

Wether you call it an "obligation" as you have or a "duty" as CW has, leadership is a necessary ingredient of team success especially in times of adversity.

 

[CocoHusky]

I think we are way overvaluing leadership. These are all intrinsically motivated athletes who come to Storrs because they want to be the best. They don't need someone who can give a pep talk. What's needed is someone who can knock down shots, grab rebounds, and lock down the other team's players. UConn doesn't have a leadership problem, it has a talent problem.
UConn fans need to readjust their expectations that this is a top tier elite team. Once you do that, you can appreciate this team a lot more. The team is 112th in scoring offense and 131st in scoring defense. At 7-3 the team is probably overachieving.

Uhm.. Leadership is a talent!

 

[MD#12Fan]

I'm not surprised at that one, CL82. I got to see Jen play a lot of high school basketball and volleyball and she was very much the on-court player/coach for both programs, both in word and by example. Her teams won back-to-back state titles in basketball and were back-to-back state runnersup in volleyball with her at times dragging her team along with her, like it or not.

Jen seemed to always be able to 'break through the clutter,' both at New Fairfield and at UConn.

Leadership is so tricky. Like it's chemical or organic.
I think about the old TV show "Combat". I think of the floor leader/general as Sgt Saunders and the coach as like Lieutenant Hanley.
I remember in college the captain/leader admonishing me as much or more than the coach doing so.
Leadership is such a combination of factors. I think it's fascinating. One of the main reasons I watch so much sports is to see the dynamics between players. Great story last night with the walk-on QB leading GA to the title. You could see the love and respect all his teammates had for him.

 

[eebmg]

I like some of the dynamics you highlight.
I remember watching a presser last year that featured PB and CW together. I remember observing how awkward the body language was between the two and wondering how they got along. PB not only the better player but also more polished with the media. Maybe, in hindsight it would have been better in the long haul (PB gets hurt) for CW to have been more stingy in relinquishing her leadership role to the freshman. But she did and to her credit she adopted the necessary role last year of "defensive stopper". Maybe she can step up in the same way again, regarding leadership.
I'm not ready to proclaim CD the...... She's a scorer, a gamer, and a good all-around player. The players on the team already knew all that.

I generally disagree.

I remember several joint pressers and I think their chemistry looked good and honest. For example, in one case, they were asked to act out their favorite Geno mannerisms. To your point, Paige takes over and tells CW to do some of them which she does. CW is a good kid and she certainly understands that Paige is the better player and deserves the accolades etc. My point is that even though she understands the correctness of being a complementary player, she could have been much better and more consistent in that role and even if the spotlight was off, she would not be penalized in the WNBA draft. Eg. Morgan Tuck. Ditto for Evina.

I do not understand the part where you are saying she should have been more Stingy relinquishing the role. The coach basically said if you dont shoot everytime you are open to Paige , I will yank you (empty threat of course but an eyeopener to the team I am sure). In the end, No choices. Best player ultimately dominates, others have to figure out how to fit in. And to her credit, Paige continues to push back on Geno trying to keep everyone as involved as possible.

 

[victor64]

"Caroline Ducharme was on Williams’ right, Aaliyah Edwards on her left. They carried much of the load Sunday. Ducharme, the freshman who has been the leading scorer since Bueckers went down, had 17 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals, a sturdy all-round performance that exhibited all the work she has put in to raise her game, especially on defense, to the major college level faster than anyone imagined."

I'm not so sure about that last statement....there were a lot of hints that she might have it.. It just got a bit lost in the Azzi excitement

Injuries and transfers provided the opportunity Caroline needed. If everyone stayed healthy and played to their ability, she might have only gotten 10 minutes or so a game. If I recall, Geno loved Caroline Ducharme in the fall but also Caroliine got off to a rather shaky start.

 

[CL82]

Wether you call it an "obligation" as you have or a "duty" as CW has, leadership is a necessary ingredient of team success especially in times of adversity.

No doubt, I suppose that the burden of being a “leader” may be a distraction to her. My sense is that she has a quiet personality such that she would struggle with a Diana Taurasi or Jen Rizzotti type of leadership. Likewise, I sometimes feel like she has a split second of “analysis paralysis“ when she’s playing. It’s almost as if she’s thinking what should I do here rather than just reading and reacting. I may be projecting that entirely, though.

My heart goes out to her because I think she wants to be everything that she feels Geno wants her to be in terms of senior leadership. But stylistically some of what she’s shooting for doesn’t come naturally to her.

 

[eebmg]

Injuries and transfers provided the opportunity Caroline needed. If everyone stayed healthy and played to their ability, she might have only gotten 10 minutes or so a game. If I recall, Geno loved Caroline Ducharme in the fall but also Caroliine got off to a rather shaky start.

She already made her mark in the ND game before Nika and Paige injuries and was a Geno favorite from practices. That 4rh Q performance insured she would be a major rotation player although certainly more gradual. And what transfer affected her minutes? Mir, Saylor? Aubrey may have cut some minutes and Azzi a little as well but not that much.

 

[ccwarrior]

I remember the UConn-Tennessee game in Hartford, the one where DIana made the 3/4 court shot, when it was nip and tuck all game. Tennessee had a slim lead with seconds left and the Huskies were gassed. Geno, in a rare mood, told his team he was proud of their effort but that if they lost, it was OK. He said Diana got in his face and said, “We are NOT going to lose” then she yelled at her teammates. Of course, she then went onto the court with a few seconds left and nailed a turnaround 3 from about 20’.

That’s leading vocally AND by example.

Exactly, the best do both. The issue is that quiet individuals must be exceptional performers, hard workers, responsible players to even have a chance at being viewed as leaders. Human nature suggests that certain people need the verbal aspect (along with the other factors) to perceive someone as a leader. I simply don't know how I could have been a team leader if I was quiet all the time.

 

[ccwarrior]

Did you actually read the articles? Alcindor and Russell were the epitomes of a leader on and off the court. Warren and Allen acknowledged Alcindor's leadership by following him to boycott the Olympic trials in 1968 while at UCLA. He was the outspoken team leader on racial equality at the time.

The reign of Lew Alcindor in the age of revolt - Andscape

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known as one of the greatest basketball players in history. During his 20-year professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he appeared in 19 All-Star Games, won six championships and collected six MVP awards. In retirement, he has become a...

theundefeated.com

While I agree with your statement, we are talking about leadership on the court (not about social issues) - correct?

 

[MD#12Fan]

I generally disagree.

I remember several joint pressers and I think their chemistry looked good and honest. For example, in one case, they were asked to act out their favorite Geno mannerisms. To your point, Paige takes over and tells CW to do some of them which she does. CW is a good kid and she certainly understands that Paige is the better player and deserves the accolades etc. My point is that even though she understands the correctness of being a complementary player, she could have been much better and more consistent in that role and even if the spotlight was off, she would not be penalized in the WNBA draft. Eg. Morgan Tuck. Ditto for Evina.

I do not understand the part where you are saying she should have been more Stingy relinquishing the role. The coach basically said if you dont shoot everytime you are open to Paige , I will yank you (empty threat of course but an eyeopener to the team I am sure). In the end, No choices. Best player ultimately dominates, others have to figure out how to fit in. And to her credit, Paige continues to push back on Geno trying to keep everyone as involved as possible.

I definitely appreciate all of your "disagreements". You made good points for sure. Remember and this is a fact: perception is 20/20. Go to the subway stop and witness an event and you'll get 20 accounts of what happened.
That's what I saw.
Also, I think we can agree for the most part, that the best player isn't necessarily the best candidate for team leader. We saw that a lot with E last year. I hold to the idea that CW with GA's help could have done more to assert her leadership.
Another idea not mentioned is how difficult it would be on a freshman to be "anointed" team leader. It's a tricky spot, even with Paige's sophistication. Add to that, that the freshman leader is also your go-to scorer. So you have to lead your team into battle and you also have to make all the big plays. It's a lot. Damn she's good! Maybe I projected it onto the scene, but I felt some natural tension between them in that presser. I would also be willing to bet it's still there between them to some degree.

 

[Cornell Lt]

Has there ever been a UConn player more of an enigma than CW ? It's always the same old talking points about needing to be better... yada yada yada. She's shown flashes in the past, but has not been able to sustain a high level of play for an extended period of time.

 

[Vowelguy]

Has there ever been a UConn player more of an enigma than CW ? It's always the same old talking points about needing to be better... yada yada yada. She's shown flashes in the past, but has not been able to sustain a high level of play for an extended period of time.

Charde Houston

 

[CocoHusky]

I definitely appreciate all of your "disagreements". You made good points for sure. Remember and this is a fact: perception is 20/20. Go to the subway stop and witness an event and you'll get 20 accounts of what happened.
That's what I saw.
Also, I think we can agree for the most part, that the best player isn't necessarily the best candidate for team leader. We saw that a lot with E last year. I hold to the idea that CW with GA's help could have done more to assert her leadership.
Another idea not mentioned is how difficult it would be on a freshman to be "anointed" team leader. It's a tricky spot, even with Paige's sophistication. Add to that, that the freshman leader is also your go-to scorer. So you have to lead your team into battle and you also have to make all the big plays. It's a lot. Damn she's good! Maybe I projected it onto the scene, but I felt some natural tension between them in that presser. I would also be willing to bet it's still there between them to some degree.

Paige was never "anointed" or expected to be the leader of these teams. For UCONN WBB leadership is a responsibility assigned to the upperclassmen. The leadership responsibility was assigned to ONO, CW, & EW.

Geno's captains ready to face unique challenges ahead

A talented trio of juniors will be leading the Huskies into the unknown that is the 2020 season.

connecticut.rivals.com

 

[AgStatesman]

Uhm.. Leadership is a talent!

I don't get the point of this image. What does a person bending over with their underwear down around their ankles have to do with anything?

 

[MD#12Fan]

Paige was never "anointed" or expected to be the leader of these teams. For UCONN WBB leadership is a responsibility assigned to the upperclassmen. The leadership responsibility was assigned to ONO, CW, & EW.

Geno's captains ready to face unique challenges ahead

A talented trio of juniors will be leading the Huskies into the unknown that is the 2020 season.

connecticut.rivals.com

I put the word in quotations because she obviously assumes the role not that she was given the role.
Thanks for the article.
Interesting: back to the recruiting of #1 HS players-
Did our scouting of Paige in HS yield the feedback that it would be obvious that she would be the team leader as a freshman at the illustrious UConn WCBB program. I wonder what their expectations were.

 

[CL82]

I don't get the point of this image. What does a person bending over with their underwear down around their ankles have to do with anything?

Perhaps they are “leading from behind”?

 

[HuskyNan]

Charde Houston

Willnett Crockett

 

[HuskyNan]

Perhaps they are “leading from behind”?

Man, I see a light bulb. I didn’t realize you posted a Rorschach test.

 

[CL82]

Man, I see a light bulb. I didn’t realize you posted a Rorschach test.

It was Coco‘s post not mine, and I didn’t see that until @AgStatesman mentioned it. Of course, now I can’t “unsee it“.

 

[CocoHusky]

I put the word in quotations because she obviously assumes the role not that she was given the role.
Thanks for the article.
Interesting: back to the recruiting of #1 HS players-
Did our scouting of Paige in HS yield the feedback that it would be obvious that she would be the team leader as a freshman at the illustrious UConn WCBB program. I wonder what their expectations were.

I don't recall leadership ever being discussed or considered when Paige was being recruited. I honestly don't believe UCONN was thinking along the lines of Paige being the best player or default team leader. Geno explained it very clearly how this came about. Paraphrased; It was very obvious from the first few practices that Paige was on a different level and could do things that the other players simply could not.
BTW Geno said the same thing about Maya Moore.

 

[eebmg]

I don't recall leadership ever being discussed or considered when Paige was being recruited. I honestly don't believe UCONN was thinking along the lines of Paige being the best player or default team leader. Geno explained it very clearly how this came about. Paraphrased; It was very obvious from the first few practices that Paige was on a different level and could do things that the other players simply could not.
BTW Geno said the same thing about Maya Moore.

Actually, I think Paige had said that when Geno visited her at Hopkins, he told her you need to prepare to be one of the leaders on the team, being more vocal etc.

I am sure I did not get the quote 100% but close enough. I think this was evidence enough that he thought she could be very special even as a freshman even before 1st practice.

On the other hand, he did say he was not sure how she would fit in as a freshman and he had to be flexible in seeing how well she integrated into the team and college. Was she a Maya from 1st second or did she need to be handled with more care and even perhaps not start.

Of course, one practice in, "never mind"

 

[BobbyJ]

While I agree with your statement, we are talking about leadership on the court (not about social issues) - correct?

I believe people follow leaders on the court or off. Obviously and unfortunately they may not always lead in the right direction. That's a whole other discussion but most people seem to recognize leaders and do follow them. If a coach determines that the leader has his/her team going in the right direction it makes their job a lot easier. JMO, but with the makeup of this UConn team as I see them, I think Auriemma may be looking for a 2022 version of Rizzotti or Elliott. Two would be even better. Not a rah-rah type to lead cheers and dance routines on Tik Tok, I think they need a leader with a real edge to them. And I don't think they have one right now.

 

[Cuango]

First an observation. You can't be a leader if your play is inconsistent and below what are reasonable expectations for a potential WNBA first round draftee, This seems to apply to both CW and Evina.

Now my Holiday Inn Express Psychological Analysis

I think prior to last year before Paige getting to Storrs, I think Evina and CW felt good about being the leaders of the team and probably being the best 2 players on the team. They saw Crystal and Megan leave to the WNBA and probably felt we should be able to match their level of play (or better) and solidly lead the team to at least a final 4 and then to the WNBA. They probably viewed Paige as a very talented player who will add alot to the team but not likely to take over the team as she transitions to the college game. Her passing will get them good open shots and their play will even be better.

So what happens? Paige shocks Storrs by showing that she is by far the best player in the first hour of practicce and she will be the main focus on and off the court. That turns them into complementary players and they fulfill that role with varying levels. Some good days, some less than good. Paige in the beginning is happy to keep feeding them and trying to stay in the background but the other players don't fill the vacumn. By the end of the first half of the 2nd game last year (SH), Geno has had enough of Paige dipping her toes into the game and pushes her to control everything, What doe Paige do? She completely dominates every aspect of the game including one of the most obscene full court drives to beat the clock before the end of the 3Q. Nothing else will ever be the same again. Paige is UConn and it is left for others to find a way to be productive which is as simple as making open shots but Evina / CW are just not consistent enough so Geno begins pushing Paige to shoot more. And in my opinion neither CW or Evina played up to their potential which might make them a solid WNBA 1st round pick

In the interim, Geno mentions how important it is for kids wanting to be WNBA players have to be consistent 3pt shooters and that CW and Evina perhaps does not meet that threshold? So I am guessing they worked hard in practice to improve and maybe they did improve incrementally.

So what comes into Storrs now? Azzi Fudd. Owner of the most perfect 3pt shot mechanics in the game and a new shock to the system. A summer program to observe and be envious of Azzi's 3pt form.

So what is my point? I think both are dealing with waves of doubt about how good they can actually be at the next level and it is adding to the pressure to be great players at the college level. Thinking they were definite WNBA level players, they are seeing what true elite players look like up close.

So now what happens? Paige and Azzi have injuries and they must be thinking this is their shot. So what happens? This almost after thought freshman (Caroline) with perhaps less athleticism than either who looked so out of sorts and was perhaps a cute "sneaky player " story in the blink of an eye steps over them in the pecking order in performance.

So my solution? I have none.

I really feel for Christyn! There’s no doubt in my mind she desperately wants to play well, she works hard, and that she really wants to lead this team! In spite of her obvious desire and hard work however, she has been unable to overcome her inconsistent play on the court. She seems like a really fine person and I would dearly love it if she can somehow find a way to step up and be the player she so clearly wants to be. Here’s wishing her all the best as she finishes out her senior year!