I'm glad Geno is doing this. They really need to develop and this is the game to do it.
After the way the reserves played, it looks like Geno is between a rock and a hard place. He didn't like what he saw, and was convinced that the only reason they won the game was because UConn had three more All-Americans on their team than Tulsa did. This still does not mean that he can just throw in the towel. Geno says he likes challenges, well he's got one. He and his staff have got to figure out how to get pass this temporary situation they're in. Other teams (Notre Dame, Temple, et.al) have suffered the same or worse fate that this. I agree with Kara Wolters and others here in the yard that one or more of the reserves has got to step up. They can't wait until next year.
Normally, freshmen are not needed to make significant contributions during their first year. Things are different this season. Minor injuries to several starters, players not producing as expected, reserves not progressing in a timely manor as expected. Sometimes things don't go as expected. Back in September, Geno's bench was thought by many to be deep. That' is no longer the case. And no one is going to feel sorry for the Huskies. Being an optimist, I think Geno and staff (this is one of those times when he really needs their input and support) will figure out and implement the best course of action. At some "point", ALL the freshmen will get it. Unfortunately for them, we can't wait. The team needs that "point" to be now!!!
Lately, UConn has appeared to have lost some of its Mojo. They don't look quite as over powering as they usually do. Geno mentioned in his post-game presser that Tulsa never quit. They kept coming and were making easy shots that UConn usually makes, but for some reason, was not able to. Something has to change. I'm not sure berating his players relentlessly is the way to go. There are other ways to motivate players, but that's Geno's call. I commented during the 2nd quarter that I liked what I was seeing. What I liked was seeing all of them on the floor.
They had a 15 point lead at the beginning of the quarter, and maintained it to half time. For a group of players not used to playing that early in a game, and the fact that Tulsa's starters were still on the floor, and still competing and making shots, it could have been much worse. Like it or not, Geno is still going to have to continue putting the reserves on the floor earlier. At some point (hopefully), they will breakout of their cocoon, get over being nervous and playing scared, and just play. Play like they did in high school. Wolters said something last night I thought was very insightful.
She said Geno is very demanding (duh). When most freshmen do get into the game, they are so worried about making a mistake(s), and possibly getting yanked by Geno, that it's hard for them to be productive, and play in the normal ebb and flow of the game. They're still learning the system, and are subject to making mistakes, be it being out of position, making a turnovers, and having defensive lapses. We saw a lot of that last night in the 2nd quarter. We'll see more of it the next time he puts them out there. At some point, they will settle down and begin to recapture the blue chip persona and swagger they played with in high school.
There's not a switch that Geno can flip to make the second unit instantly play better. Addressing issues shown in the game, and correcting them is the only antidote for the deficiencies we saw last evening. Throwing in the towel, and resorting to go with 5 won't work. Two of the starters are already hurting. They must be allowed to heal. Playing them 40 minutes a night will not allow for that healing to take place.
I'm sure Geno and staff will come up with something. We'll just have to wait and see what is is. They've got 3 AAC games coming up with Temple, Memphis and Tulane. Twelve days before their date with South Carolina (Feb 1). Plenty of time for Lou, Gabby and Crystal to get better and hopefully for 1-2 of the reserves to step up. God forbid, it could be worse. One or two of the injuries to the starters could have been season ending (like Notre Dame. Down to 7 scholarship players). It's not, so that's something to be happy about.
Notre Dame found a way to win last night after being down 23 points to Tennessee. I'd like to think that our girls have as much if not more grit and resolve as they do. When times get tough (and they are now), the tough get going!! I'm expecting a breakthrough some time between today and the South Carolina game. I'm not ready to give up and throw in the towel. I have not read any comment this morning (it's still morning here) yet. Some of you may have said the same thing I've commented on. My comments are based on what I saw, and Geno's & Kara's post-game comments. Thoughts............................
