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Message: [QUOTE="Bigpetunia, post: 2636846, member: 1772"] Bags, I think that yours is an interesting perspective (as I usually do), but, on this occasion, I must demur (as I usually don’t). I think “pretense” is just not the right word. Allow me to preface my remarks by saying that I, unlike so many here, am not a Rocky Top hater. I think the antipathy so often expressed here is rooted in ancient history that no longer has any relevance. I admired Pat S. For the program she built, and was fully prepared to cut some slack for her eventual successor, as I would for anyone who has the unenviable task of following a legend. Granted, in this case the successor turned out to be particularly hapless, but clearly well-motivated. I just think, or wish to think, that programs that reach such elite levels can continue, based on history, tradition, etc., to attract talented kids who want their names associated with such programs even after the “legendary” creators of those programs disappear. I want to believe this especially because, on some dreaded day in what we all hope will be the distant future, our own legendary creator will be gone. When that day comes, anyone, ANYONE who is awarded the unenviable task of replacing him is doomed to almost certain “failure” by comparison. I hope that talented recruits will still view UConn’s program as one to which they wish to attach themselves, and one to which they want to play a part in restoring it to what I fear, at that point in time, will be regarded as its former glory. If they choose thusly, I don’t think they will do so as a result if pretense or deception, but out of genuine respect for the tradition. I sincerely expect that Geno’s eventual successor will not prove to be similarly hapless, but our own fate as ardent fans is part of a great unknown, and maybe not so rosy! [/QUOTE]

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