What’s the long term plan for Amari?

[kidfrom360]

Someone please shed some light on this situation. She is a Junior. Does not get any minutes and when she does, it’s at the end of the game for 45 seconds with Ines. She dealt with some injuries appropriately last season which is understandable, but this season she is healthy 6’6” sitting on the bench on a team that lacks rebounding and size. I understand Geno and the UConn program in regards to needing to have his trust and confidence to perform In the game, but at this point I it’s just a disservice to both her and the program for her to just be a body for practice. I hope she can turn it around or the coaching staff chooses to give her a shot soon. Again, these are my personal feelings but would like to hear what you all think.

 

[Nolefan]

Well she will hopefully get a degree .. cause she isn’t gonna contribute to basketball unless it’s meaningless time

 

[SEbluebood]

Someone please shed some light on this situation. She is a Junior. Does not get any minutes and when she does, it’s at the end of the game for 45 seconds with Ines. She dealt with some injuries appropriately last season which is understandable, but this season she is healthy 6’6” sitting on the bench on a team that lacks rebounding and size. I understand Geno and the UConn program in regards to needing to have his trust and confidence to perform In the game, but at this point I it’s just a disservice to both her and the program for her to just be a body for practice. If she can’t turn it around or the coaching staff chooses to give her a shot soon, I personally feel she should transfer next year to a program that will give her an opportunity, especially if she has any aspirations to play after college. Again, these are my personal feelings but would like to hear what you all think.

You answered your own question. If she proves to be ready, she will play! If not……

 

[01Neaggrad02]

I could be mistaken, but I think Geno and CD are both waiting for this answer from all the amazing fans here who know more about basketball and this team than they do apparently. Is it possible some of the "fans" have too much time on their hands?

 

[pk1234]

She seems content with her role on the team, helping in practice and adding to the team chemistry on the bench while getting a degree from a fine University for free.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

I think we would all be guessing at this point. My guess is eventually they will have to play her against bigger teams. My bigger concern is what potential center recruits see or imagine. What's the issue with UCONN and the center position? For several years it's been this brass ring, but no one seems anxious to grab it. Lately, UCONN has had to settle for a 4 being converted to a 5 with inconsistent results and of course, the growing pain that comes with learning a new position. Even Jana is not a natural 5. Dolson was the last effective 5 at UCONN. The 5 at UCONN doesn't need to be a 5 star. Good fundamentals and a space eater would go a long way.

 

[BobbyJ]

Someone please shed some light on this situation. She is a Junior. Does not get any minutes and when she does, it’s at the end of the game for 45 seconds with Ines. She dealt with some injuries appropriately last season which is understandable, but this season she is healthy 6’6” sitting on the bench on a team that lacks rebounding and size. I understand Geno and the UConn program in regards to needing to have his trust and confidence to perform In the game, but at this point I it’s just a disservice to both her and the program for her to just be a body for practice. I hope she can turn it around or the coaching staff chooses to give her a shot soon. Again, these are my personal feelings but would like to hear what you all think.

Why would it be a disservice to anyone? UConn,like all teams, has had bench players who don’t play much forever. And their height is immaterial. This is no different.

 

[Geosfun]

I too keep hoping to see some life in her game. It’s not like she hasn’t had the opportunity.

 

[kidfrom360]

Why would it be a disservice to anyone? UConn,like all teams, has had bench players who don’t play much forever. And their height is immaterial. This is no different.

A disservice in the sense that I’m sure the intention when recruiting her wasn’t to be a bench player and would assume she had other aspirations as well. If she and the team are happy with the role she plays for the team the that’s great! I see glimpses of good basketball when she does get some time, just wish I could see more.

 

[BobbyJ]

A disservice in the sense that I’m sure the intention when recruiting her wasn’t to be a bench player and would assume she had other aspirations as well. If she and the team are happy with the role she plays for the team the that’s great! I see glimpses of good basketball when she does get some time, just wish I could see more.

The intention when recruiting her was to give her an opportunity to compete for PT just like all the other kids. And she accepted that opportunity, she just hasn’t been able to take advantage of it.

 

[sun]

Let's see if she gets any PT against UCLA & Kansas which are played 2 days in a row.
She can block shots.
Each team has a superbig & she can try to help slow them down.

 

[CTrefugee]

Someone please shed some light on this situation. She is a Junior. Does not get any minutes and when she does, it’s at the end of the game for 45 seconds with Ines. She dealt with some injuries appropriately last season which is understandable, but this season she is healthy 6’6” sitting on the bench on a team that lacks rebounding and size. I understand Geno and the UConn program in regards to needing to have his trust and confidence to perform In the game, but at this point I it’s just a disservice to both her and the program for her to just be a body for practice. I hope she can turn it around or the coaching staff chooses to give her a shot soon. Again, these are my personal feelings but would like to hear what you all think.

graduation

 

[FairView]

A disservice in the sense that I’m sure the intention when recruiting her wasn’t to be a bench player and would assume she had other aspirations as well. If she and the team are happy with the role she plays for the team the that’s great! I see glimpses of good basketball when she does get some time, just wish I could see more.

She seems to be a great person with a sparkling personality, but "glimpses of good basketball?" You and I must be watching different games. Every time she has come in, I rooted for her to contribute. Unfortunately, her performance hurts UConn's chances almost every time. I believe every UConn fan wishes that was not the case. But it is.

 

[Dublin]

Geno plays those who practice hard. Poor practices simply mean more minutes on the bench.

 

[Boreifs]

I think we would all be guessing at this point. My guess is eventually they will have to play her against bigger teams. My bigger concern is what potential center recruits see or imagine. What's the issue with UCONN and the center position? For several years it's been this brass ring, but no one seems anxious to grab it. Lately, UCONN has had to settle for a 4 being converted to a 5 with inconsistent results and of course, the growing pain that comes with learning a new position. Even Jana is not a natural 5. Dolson was the last effective 5 at UCONN. The 5 at UCONN doesn't need to be a 5 star. Good fundamentals and a space eater would go a long way.

You don’t think Dorka was an effective five?!

 

[hoophuskee]

I think we would all be guessing at this point. My guess is eventually they will have to play her against bigger teams. My bigger concern is what potential center recruits see or imagine. What's the issue with UCONN and the center position? For several years it's been this brass ring, but no one seems anxious to grab it. Lately, UCONN has had to settle for a 4 being converted to a 5 with inconsistent results and of course, the growing pain that comes with learning a new position. Even Jana is not a natural 5. Dolson was the last effective 5 at UCONN. The 5 at UCONN doesn't need to be a 5 star. Good fundamentals and a space eater would go a long way.

I don't agree with the tone of any of this.

What was Liv if not a 5? What was Dorka, if not a 5? And why would UCONN want a "space-eater" when they recrrtuited at the top of the list elite guards and wings designed to run? UCONN is not looking for a space-eater. They want athletes that will play fastbreak hoop. The big center for rebounding of course but not some random space eater. When UCONN gets number 1 recrutis and player's like Ducharme - they aren't looking to "match up to the other teams.." They are trying to force the other teams to match up to them. And injuires have thwarted this.

What's killed UCONN the past several years been injuries and in 2 random years two stars (Stevens and Walker) left early. . Not height. Not size. ANd the injuires are continuing. Getting a player just so UCONN can get mauled in the paint by a quality team and playing a style they don't want to play is not a way UCONN should go.

 

[hoophuskee]

You don’t think Dorka was an effective five?!

How about Liv too?

 

[Cuango]

I think at this point it is clear that Amari is really here on an academic scholarship with a side of supportive teammate. Yes, it’s disappointing that she has not , and likely will not, ever make a meaningful playing contribution but I am at least comforted by the fact that she is apparently extremely smart, a good and supportive teammate, a high character individual, and is well liked by her teammates. Somehow, that makes the disappointment over her playing contribution, a lot more tolerable.

 

[CTtoSanDiego]

Amari seems very happy... and her teammates seem to like her. Yes, we all wish she had a fire inside her and could contribute, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. So let's be happy for her, she'll get her degree and will have established lasting friendships... the disappointment of the Boneyard is probably not on her radar. Postscript: I hope I'm wrong and she will help us win an NC!

 

[Bald Husky]

Amari seems very happy... and her teammates seem to like her. Yes, we all wish she had a fire inside her and could contribute, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. So let's be happy for her, she'll get her degree and will have established lasting friendships... the disappointment of the Boneyard is probably not on her radar. Postscript: I hope I'm wrong and she will help us win an NC!

She might be happy, her teammates might be happy, but I for one am not. This is ridiculous that we are height starved and have a real rebounding problem, yet we have a 6"5" girl sitting on the bench like an ornament. I acknowledge that she probably doesn't perform well in practice, but she is tall, and if she can just clog the paint so the opposition will stay away, then we need her to be in there. She has been here for 3 years, so although she may not be a good practice player, she has paid her dues by staying here and not complaining. Geno has to loosen up his practice requirements and forget his ego and put her in if we get into foul or defensive trouble. Every time she comes in she hangs around the foul or the 3 point line. How about putting her under the hoop, maybe be in position for rebounds. I don't understand how she can be that bad in practice that he won't use her. Until Yanna gets back, we don't have the third Big to put in, and I think one of our problems is Ice and Aaliyah should be on the floor at the same time, just like Dorka was with Aaliyah. If it still doesn't work, fine, but give it a chance. She's not a freshman, give her a chance, give us a chance to compete on the boards. Just my opinion.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

I don't agree with the tone of any of this.

What was Liv if not a 5? What was Dorka, if not a 5? And why would UCONN want a "space-eater" when they recrrtuited at the top of the list elite guards and wings designed to run? UCONN is not looking for a space-eater. They want athletes that will play fastbreak hoop. The big center for rebounding of course but not some random space eater. When UCONN gets number 1 recrutis and player's like Ducharme - they aren't looking to "match up to the other teams.." They are trying to force the other teams to match up to them. And injuires have thwarted this.

What's killed UCONN the past several years been injuries and in 2 random years two stars (Stevens and Walker) left early. . Not height. Not size. ANd the injuires are continuing. Getting a player just so UCONN can get mauled in the paint by a quality team and playing a style they don't want to play is not a way UCONN should go.

Liv's natural position when she was recruited wasn't a 5. She played the 5 out of necessity. I didn't use the term "random". You did. Basketball is a game of matchups. Sometimes you need a big body. They don't need to be uber athletic to be effective in the right condition against the right team. Czinano wasn't athletic, but effective. Big T wasn't uber athletic. Ayoko Lee isn't athletic. What they have in common is rebounding. They present second chance opportunities. They block shots at the rim. Yes. UCONN has had injuries, but guards aren't the issue these past few years. Rebounding is the problem. You can have all the athletic guards in the world, but if you can't get clean rebounds you will be playing a lot more in the half court against set defenses.

 

[oldhusky]

I don't think it is that complicated. As a #15 recruit I'm sure Geno fully expected her to be a good contributing part of the rotation. She has disappointed to a major degree. She is on the roster, but apparently not in the plans, not just now but for next year as well. It didn't work out, life goes on.

As others have said she seems to be happy enough and gets along with her teammates, so the long term plan appears to be for her to be a third string, emergency injury use only in contested games, end of the bench player for mop up minutes in blowouts. In that role she might be relatively good.

 

[Zarathustra]

Let's see if she gets any PT against UCLA & Kansas which are played 2 days in a row.
She can block shots.
Each team has a superbig & she can try to help slow them down.

NOW is the time to contribute!! Will Geno play her?? I'm guessing " YES".

 

[LwrcasefaN]

You don’t think Dorka was an effective five?!

I think she was naturally a stretch 4. By natural I mean..is the players first instinct to post and play with their back to the basket. You can post a 4, but their instinct is more likely to dribble and drive or face up and shoot a jumper. Natural 5s are not trying to dribble if they don't have to. By effective I mean is the player staying on balance against contact or falling on the ground?

 

[LwrcasefaN]

I like Deberry. I'm not here to guess what is going on beyond what I see on the court. She's tall. We could use rebounds. In some of the less competitive games she could eat some of Edward's minutes and give her a breather. Kiah Stokes hung around on the bench, but eventually became a solid and reliable player. I'm hoping for the best with Deberry.

 

[HuskyNan]

She might be happy, her teammates might be happy, but I for one am not. This is ridiculous that we are height starved and have a real rebounding problem, yet we have a 6"5" girl sitting on the bench like an ornament. I acknowledge that she probably doesn't perform well in practice, but she is tall, and if she can just clog the paint so the opposition will stay away, then we need her to be in there. She has been here for 3 years, so although she may not be a good practice player, she has paid her dues by staying here and not complaining. Geno has to loosen up his practice requirements and forget his ego and put her in if we get into foul or defensive trouble. Every time she comes in she hangs around the foul or the 3 point line. How about putting her under the hoop, maybe be in position for rebounds. I don't understand how she can be that bad in practice that he won't use her. Until Yanna gets back, we don't have the third Big to put in, and I think one of our problems is Ice and Aaliyah should be on the floor at the same time, just like Dorka was with Aaliyah. If it still doesn't work, fine, but give it a chance. She's not a freshman, give her a chance, give us a chance to compete on the boards. Just my opinion.

Amari won’t rebound unless it bounces to her, she won’t battle for them. She’s very passive in the paint, NOT what the Huskies need. She seems to prefer to drift to the perimeter but Geno wants her, needs her, to be a post player so she struggles to do what doesn’t appear to come naturally to her

 

[veryolddog]

You know, I really do not know Amari and I do not know why Geno parks her on the end bof the bench, but I can see that she has been relegated to obscurity as Geno has done to many of his recruits of the past. She is an adult and should act responsibly on a scholarship and Geno should actively cultivate her skills. I do not know why she could not be really used where her skills and size really are positive for this team. Every year so much waste. It is shameful.

 

[Dezoworld]

Her

Amari won’t rebound unless it bounces to her, she won’t battle for them. She’s very passive in the paint, NOT what the Huskies need. She seems to prefer to drift to the perimeter but Geno wants her, needs her, to be a post player so she struggles to do what doesn’t appear to come naturally to her

That's not true ive seen Amari battle fight and get on the floor for rebounds when she's in at very little time. And that's the coaches job to teach and have her learn to be a post and work on moves. But to be a top recruiter coming out of high school she's a big disappointment

 

[maple]

Amari has not panned out as a player on the floor, but she seems content in her role as more of just a supportive teammate/cheerleader who gets a few minutes at the end of games. But we don’t know what it is like behind the scenes and what she does for her teammates when the cameras aren’t rolling. Perhaps she provides invaluable moral and emotional support or something like that. I’m sure everyone who stays with UConn for their college career enjoys being part of the team and is happy with their role.

It sucks for us that she can’t contribute more in actual games, but that’s where my disappointment begins and ends. As others have said, she will get out of this lifelong friendships and also a degree from a good university. Plus she will get to say she played for UConn (and hopefully won a NC). I’d say that’s pretty good.

 

[CTrefugee]

I like Deberry. I'm not here to guess what is going on beyond what I see on the court. She's tall. We could use rebounds. In some of the less competitive games she could eat some of Edward's minutes and give her a breather. Kiah Stokes hung around on the bench, but eventually became a solid and reliable player. I'm hoping for the best with Deberry.

Kia had two great characteristics, hustle and most importantly for a center - good hands.