What do people want?

[Mainiac]

Geno never said that. Find me a quote when he said that?

I believe it first came up after he visited the Spurs about 4-5 years ago. And I know he mentioned it in at least one post game a couple years ago

 

[CocoHusky]

I believe it first came up after he visited the Spurs about 4-5 years ago. And I know he mentioned it in at least one post game a couple years ago

You are so confused I don't even know where to start. Please read this article so we can have a real discussion.
Geno Auriemma 1-4 High Offense Complete Guide

The offense is not 5 guards so please get that out of your head. Second It not like Geno has not tried to recruit big post players. What it speaks to is how special Dolson was and ideal for this offense.

 

[Huskygamble19]

I’ve seen an awful lot of complaining in the last couple of years but, boy, this year is something else. It’s not enough to despair over the awful players on the team or the crappy coaching they get, it’s also how terrible they’ll be next year too. What do you people want? Does the team have to go undefeated every year, winning games by 40 and having all players on the team averaging 20 & 10? Honestly, why do you bother to root for such a flawed team when there are others out there - bigger, stronger, better coached - that are superior to the Huskies? I gotta know.[/QUOTE




I expect the team to be on top of their game every time they take the court and it doesn't matter one whit if they have been off for 11 days and Baylor is a tough draw after that. There is never an excuse for losing a game, after all we are UCONN and are conditioned to never lose. To lose this game was inexcusable and i predict that we will end up the season ranked No 20 in the nation.

 

[uconnfan68]

I’ve seen an awful lot of complaining in the last couple of years but, boy, this year is something else. It’s not enough to despair over the awful players on the team or the crappy coaching they get, it’s also how terrible they’ll be next year too. What do you people want? Does the team have to go undefeated every year, winning games by 40 and having all players on the team averaging 20 & 10? Honestly, why do you bother to root for such a flawed team when there are others out there - bigger, stronger, better coached - that are superior to the Huskies? I gotta know.

Actually, I do like undefeated national champs every year. But that’s just me.

 

[HuskyNan]

It reminds me of my parents who are in Winter Park Florida. They are season ticket holders to the UCF women’s team. They go to EVERY home game to cheer on their knights! They get just as much excitement out of seeing the other teams and fans. They are there to support the team no matter the final score and that’s what it truly is about.

I just ordered my seasons tickets today. I’ll see Our Girls next month but in the meantime I’ll get to see some games in person

 

[Huskygamble19]

I don’t know why WE as a fans demand perfection from a bunch of 18-21 year old players who are doing the best they can with what they have.

We call young people soft nowadays for being offended by everything yet here we ALL are being offended by the fact that UCONN had the nerve to lose a game. How dare they.....cmon guys, snap out of it. It’s just a game in the grand scheme of things. Lighten up, don’t beat up on the coaches, the players, or the recruits that decide to go elsewhere bc they didn’t pick UCONN. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this to a bunch of whiney adults who demand perfection from players when they can hardly function on their day to day lives......Stop being spoiled brats!!!!

I am sorry to have to respectfully disagree with you...If UCONN loses..I have no life.

 

[SJF]

It's just todays society of the "I want it now" "I want more" Also social media outlets just like this one just give bitter unhappy people a place to spread their despair! Go UCONN!

 

[tomcat]

I’ve seen an awful lot of complaining in the last couple of years but, boy, this year is something else. It’s not enough to despair over the awful players on the team or the crappy coaching they get, it’s also how terrible they’ll be next year too. What do you people want? Does the team have to go undefeated every year, winning games by 40 and having all players on the team averaging 20 & 10? Honestly, why do you bother to root for such a flawed team when there are others out there - bigger, stronger, better coached - that are superior to the Huskies? I gotta know.

Sorry, but this is a fan board and fans love their team. Fans, especially UConn fans, come to expect certain things, like the pursuit of perfection. Why would it be a surprise to anyone that people are upset/disappointed/cranky over this year's Pursuit of Above Average. When players have a bad day, why is it a surprise that people would be critical?

And because fans who are used to unbroken strings of wonderful seasons (never mind undefeated seasons) look to the future, why is anyone surprised that they would project out how the team looks for next year and sure enough, it falls short by any UConn standard, and they complain. The issue is not rooting for some other team because it's better. The issue is that we know this team can be better than it currently is. Few if any of us are basketball experts, so we cast about for reasons -- is it the coaching? Is it the players? Is it caused by recruiting failures? Is Geno losing it? Who the hell knows?

No, the team does not have to go undefeated. That'd be nice, but it's not necessary. I just think that to ask a committed fan base to not complain when things go wrong is unrealistic. To sit back and smile and say, "It's all good," is delusional.

Fans. Dedicated, committed, we-love-our-team fans, Not lemmings.

 

[Striper69]

I’ve seen an awful lot of complaining in the last couple of years but, boy, this year is something else. It’s not enough to despair over the awful players on the team or the crappy coaching they get, it’s also how terrible they’ll be next year too. What do you people want? Does the team have to go undefeated every year, winning games by 40 and having all players on the team averaging 20 & 10? Honestly, why do you bother to root for such a flawed team when there are others out there - bigger, stronger, better coached - that are superior to the Huskies? I gotta know.

That's why John Wooden quit coaching. He got tired of the fans who couldn't be satisfied.

Myself...unbeaten streaks are overrated. Still love the girls.

 

[HuskyNan]

Sorry, but this is a fan board and fans love their team. Fans, especially UConn fans, come to expect certain things, like the pursuit of perfection. Why would it be a surprise to anyone that people are upset/disappointed/cranky over this year's Pursuit of Above Average. When players have a bad day, why is it a surprise that people would be critical?

And because fans who are used to unbroken strings of wonderful seasons (never mind undefeated seasons) look to the future, why is anyone surprised that they would project out how the team looks for next year and sure enough, it falls short by any UConn standard, and they complain. The issue is not rooting for some other team because it's better. The issue is that we know this team can be better than it currently is. Few if any of us are basketball experts, so we cast about for reasons -- is it the coaching? Is it the players? Is it caused by recruiting failures? Is Geno losing it? Who the hell knows?

No, the team does not have to go undefeated. That'd be nice, but it's not necessary. I just think that to ask a committed fan base to not complain when things go wrong is unrealistic. To sit back and smile and say, "It's all good," is delusional.

Fans. Dedicated, committed, we-love-our-team fans, Not lemmings.

Some people have missed the point here. I’m not talking about complaining about one game; I’m talking about the ceaseless complaints about the recruiting, the short bench, lack of playing time for bench players, and so on. It’s not one or two or even 50 posts on these select topics, either. I can count on seeing those complaints brought up in multiple threads daily. New threads are started to keep the complaints going. I’ve rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth for a long time but when folks started projecting all of the team’s failings onto next years team, I couldn’t stand it any more.

 

[UCBaller2012]

I just ordered my seasons tickets today. I’ll see Our Girls next month but in the meantime I’ll get to see some games in person

Bought tickets to the UConn game as well! Just bought tickets to UCF men versus UConn as well at the end of January. A nice 9PM start time for that one lol.

 

[CMC'72]

We wanted a talented "Big" recruit for Christmas...we got coal instead

 

[Mainiac]

You are so confused I don't even know where to start. Please read this article so we can have a real discussion.
Geno Auriemma 1-4 High Offense Complete Guide

The offense is not 5 guards so please get that out of your head. Second It not like Geno has not tried to recruit big post players. What it speaks to is how special Dolson was and ideal for this offense.

Agree on Dolson and I will admit 5 guards was not a correct analogy but my opinion somewhat stands; that is why would a traditional big (or post) want to play at UCONN when Geno doesn't normally play a traditional "post". He would rather out speed the other team with expectations that all players need to crash the boards. Where this sometimes fails is when you have an opponent with more then one big that can clog the lane from multiple sides and can shoot from the perimeter (reference Geno's post game on close games that had bigs clogging the lanes going back the past couple years) . There are bigs that are the exceptions but they don't come around very often, and I suspect other coaches entice bigs during the recruiting process based on utilization (e.g. high minutes played with an older version offence).

though I stand corrected on the 1-4 vs my bad statement of 5 guards, the link confirms the use of faster players referencing guards and does not show a traditional post usage in the 1-4 approach to the game in the diagrams

 

[VA Huskie]

What I find so incredibly frustrating about the whining, criticism and doomsaying that you describe is that it is so ignorant of this program's history. In two ways. First, it ignores that over the past 25 years UConn has had "down" periods that are considerably lower than what we have experienced the past three years. And the program recovered and attained levels previously unimagined. And two, that this naysaying ignores the absolutely remarkable achievements of this program. Yesterday was the 1st loss in regular season since 2014 and the first loss in regulation since 2013. Lou and Pheesa are seniors and have never lost in regulation time or in the regular season. That is insane. And yet for some it's not enough.

One last point is that this carping and complaining about losses ignores something, in my view, that is far more important. The way UConn has gone about its success. Geno is generous about sharing what he knows with other coaches. UConn does not shy away from competition. The players always play hard. They never showboat, trash talk or show up an opponent. They react to a loss in the same professional way they handle winning. The players are universally well spoken and generous with their time. I could go on and on. All of this is what UConn is and represents. It is who we are. And maybe, just maybe, those who feel the need to complain about some perceived failure to achieve perfection could remember at least some of this. I, for one, never forget it.

WOW, I just can’t “like” your comments enough! Yesterday was the first time Lou and Pheesa lost in regulation. That’s not just insane, it’s amazing and unheard of. Yes, as fans we have the right to complain and to question decisions - we are fans after all. But as fans we also need to fully appreciate what our team has done. And what it’s done is to set a standard that nobody will EVER match. Just think about that for a couple of minutes... a standard NOBODY WILL EVER MATCH! That being said, keep on rooting and expecting the best. Geno, his coaches and players strive for the same!

 

[VA Huskie]

You are right, Nan. Your views are realistic and sobering. We are all spoiled. And we desperately don't want this magical run to end. Yet, we see the slightest sign of inevitable slide beginning. Some of us are old enough to have witnessed the John Wooden era at UCLA. We also saw it end. And not recover. I think we are frustrated that, for much of the season, we can't really evaluate this team. That is, we live with the endless ( though somewhat meaningless ) undefeated statistics for UCONN within the conference. It is reality, but maddening, that UCONN got stuck in such a non challenging conference. So we over-react to the big games; after ND we were certain that Williams was the new Maya Moore; after Baylor, we were certain that the end is nigh. After Houston we shall know nothing. We also want all the young, great women BB players to dream of UCONN as their first choice. We want it to be easy. Unlike our real lives. Unlike everything else we know. Because, for years, it has been easy and diverting, in a positive, predictable way. Brianna Stewart and her teammates made it that way. For years, UCONN always got the " hollywood endings." Now we don't. And you can see the panic and disappointment. But we will cheer for this team and this program whatever develops. Even if our comments suggest that we shall only support a champion. We do know that nothing is forever. And that basketball is just a game.

Very, very well said. Thanks for your perspective!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

In 2003 after the super team graduated UCONN WBB was undefeated until Villanova won the Big East Final 52-48 at the RAC at Rutgers! UConn then went on a 6 game winning streak culminating in a National Championship! Back then the Program threw a post-season banquet for their season ticket holders.
A gentleman season ticket holder came up to CD and they were talking about the team and the fan said, "you had a pretty good season!" CD replied, "Pretty good season, we won the National Championship!" The fan answered, "yes but you lost the Big East title to Villanova!"
Even back then UCONN fans were demanding more!

 

[Bajan Best]

Agree on Dolson and I will admit 5 guards was not a correct analogy but my opinion somewhat stands; that is why would a traditional big (or post) want to play at UCONN when Geno doesn't normally play a traditional "post". He would rather out speed the other team with expectations that all players need to crash the boards. Where this sometimes fails is when you have an opponent with more then one big that can clog the lane from multiple sides and can shoot from the perimeter (reference Geno's post game on close games that had bigs clogging the lanes going back the past couple years) . There are bigs that are the exceptions but they don't come around very often, and I suspect other coaches entice bigs during the recruiting process based on utilization (e.g. high minutes played with an older version offence).

though I stand corrected on the 1-4 vs my bad statement of 5 guards, the link confirms the use of faster players referencing guards and does not show a traditional post usage in the 1-4 approach to the game in the diagrams

LOL, I have better question.
Why would any successful coach go after a "Traditional Big" in 2018 or beyond, when they are adequate athletic bigs who can score and defend from several locations on the court?
The game has changed, and that is both on the men and womens side. Geno opting to recruit versatile players instead of one dimensional post has in what way impacted his success?

 

[Bajan Best]

In response to the OP

What is the purpose of a discussion board?
Is it that we should all agree and see things from the same perspectives?
How boring would this Fan forum be if everyone posted the exact same thing?
Is it really a good thing when we attempt to control the emotions and opinions of others?

I'm of the opinion as long as board members can voice their opinions without being disrespectful to each other, all is well. Fan sites and social media, provides an outlet for people who are passionate about sports to vent frustrations, gloat, share their wisdom, excitement and concerns or display their lack of those things.

If fans or haters believe/insist that our coach (who has lost 3 games in three years and won 11 NC's so far) can't recruit or coach, why even acknowledge it? The coach is human, heard him say just the other day, sometimes they the coaches get it right and sometimes not. I personally see nothing wrong with us discussing either of those scenarios.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Not gonna lie, that would be nice.

I had to laugh about the posts on the men's board bemoaning the 2 final four losses. C'mon! We are spoiled no doubt about it.

Keep in mind that Geno didn't deliberately plan for a donut team (hole in the center.) Zee was supposed to be playing a dominant senior year for us right now. Camara was supposed to give us up front depth. Things just didn't work out that way. (If you don't think Camara would have mattered, take a look at how she was effective in her limited minutes. A healthy BC instantly makes us much more physical in the paint.)

As Geno points out, winning a national championships is hard. We still have a shot this year but our margin is razor thin.

and the young lady that backed outta her verbal and stayed home

 

[willtalk]

The true test of a fan is if they continue to be supportive when things do not go well. Still that does not mean they can not be objective.

As I have said from the beginning. Zee leaving early really threw Geno for a loop. It was totally unexpected.

 

[HuskyNan]

In response to the OP

What is the purpose of a discussion board?
Is it that we should all agree and see things from the same perspectives?
How boring would this Fan forum be if everyone posted the exact same thing?
Is it really a good thing when we attempt to control the emotions and opinions of others?

I'm of the opinion as long as board members can voice their opinions without being disrespectful to each other, all is well. Fan sites and social media, provides an outlet for people who are passionate about sports to vent frustrations, gloat, share their wisdom, excitement and concerns or display their lack of those things.

If fans or haters believe/insist that our coach (who has lost 3 games in three years and won 11 NC's so far) can't recruit or coach, why even acknowledge it? The coach is human, heard him say just the other day, sometimes they the coaches get it right and sometimes not. I personally see nothing wrong with us discussing either of those scenarios.

Ive made a couple explanatory posts that I’m not talking about comments on the game. Reread the thread

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Is the purging over?

 

[LouS]

I’ve seen an awful lot of complaining in the last couple of years but, boy, this year is something else. It’s not enough to despair over the awful players on the team or the crappy coaching they get, it’s also how terrible they’ll be next year too. What do you people want? Does the team have to go undefeated every year, winning games by 40 and having all players on the team averaging 20 & 10? Honestly, why do you bother to root for such a flawed team when there are others out there - bigger, stronger, better coached - that are superior to the Huskies? I gotta know.

Fans who are spoiled and many who don't necessarily understand sport and basketball in particular. What Uconn has done is historically amazing but unsustainable, we must learn to appreciate effort and class.

 

[luckyhusky7]

Is the purging over?

Unfortunately, not yet. Might continue until we get a “great/amazing” recruiting class

 

[reno tony]

UCONN lost a game..... the sky is falling! It is a bunch of teenagers playing a game and getting an education for their play. Good grief, get over it and move on to the next big dilemma..... not enough milk for your cereal. I root for the guys and have been to three Final Fours but some of you are just crazy. Please reevaluate your priorities.

 

[tomcat]

Nan, wish you and the other mods would just delete the incessant, annoying, repetitive & boring posts you described. Maybe if enough of the Debbie Downers see their posts disappear they'll just go away.

Now there you go. That's exactly the attitude we need in a world where the only messages most people now listen to are the ones with which they agree. I for one do not come to the BY to hear 10 or 25 or 100 people all say in unison: "It;'s a beautiful; day today, and it will be even more beautiful tomorrow." I'm a fairly regular participant on this board, and I don't find the amount of critical content all that unusual. And although I always disagree with at least some of it, I don't even find it all that annoying.

The whole freakin point of this board is to have stimulating discussion. And last time I checked, the only way to have stimulating discussion is to have at least two sides to the argument. IMHO, there is real value in being able to take the temperature of the UConn WCBB fans, especially for those of us who are geographically removed from the home base in Connecticut. Participating in the BY gives us this. If lots of people are complaining about something, it may tell us something about the team. Granted, it may not, but it gives us the chance to investigate and reach our own conclusions.

Censoring the board so that if reflects only or mostly the pleasant opinions of only or mostly the most pleasant contributors is not only unrealistic, it will destroy the point of this place.

Nan, here's a thought to consider: Is it possible, just possible, that because you are a moderator and read everything, you tend to accumulate more impressions of this negative stuff than at least some of us others? If so, I recognize that's a downer for you, but it may just be one of the burdens that come with the job you do so well.

 

[BobbyJ]

Nan has tried several times that I can think of. Just seems to get worse. Not that it matters, but I'm about ready to bail til tournament time. Too aggravating.

If you know who they are, just use that Ignore button. It works great.

 

[HuskyNan]

Now there you go. That's exactly the attitude we need in a world where the only messages most people now listen to are the ones with which they agree. I for one do not come to the BY to hear 10 or 25 or 100 people all say in unison: "It;'s a beautiful; day today, and it will be even more beautiful tomorrow." I'm a fairly regular participant on this board, and I don't find the amount of critical content all that unusual. And although I always disagree with at least some of it, I don't even find it all that annoying.

The whole freakin point of this board is to have stimulating discussion. And last time I checked, the only way to have stimulating discussion is to have at least two sides to the argument. IMHO, there is real value in being able to take the temperature of the UConn WCBB fans, especially for those of us who are geographically removed from the home base in Connecticut. Participating in the BY gives us this. If lots of people are complaining about something, it may tell us something about the team. Granted, it may not, but it gives us the chance to investigate and reach our own conclusions.

Censoring the board so that if reflects only or mostly the pleasant opinions of only or mostly the most pleasant contributors is not only unrealistic, it will destroy the point of this place.

Nan, here's a thought to consider: Is it possible, just possible, that because you are a moderator and read everything, you tend to accumulate more impressions of this negative stuff than at least some of us others? If so, I recognize that's a downer for you, but it may just be one of the burdens that come with the job you do so well.

It’s not just me. The people who endlessly complain about the same things - things that can’t be changed - have driven off numerous posters and many other posters have become lurkers after angry, snotty replies to their positive comments. “You don’t know anything about basketball”, “you’re an idiot if you don’t see how undersized we are”, “you believe in unicorns and lollipops and I see reality”, Etc. That’s the type of things that many of those people heard.

Most of the pinheads tossing out their verbal grenades came over from the men’s board after the horrific Ollie years and, unfortunately, didn’t go back when Hurley arrived. I do NOT want a part of the women’s team fans feeling they can’t post on the Boneyard without being attacked when they dispute the endless complaining. But they are, and so the complaining goes on unabated. I’m tired of it

 

[the Q]

LOL, I have better question.
Why would any successful coach go after a "Traditional Big" in 2018 or beyond, when they are adequate athletic bigs who can score and defend from several locations on the court?
The game has changed, and that is both on the men and womens side. Geno opting to recruit versatile players instead of one dimensional post has in what way impacted his success?

I think brown on Baylor just answered that question.

Frankly so was Wilson at SC.

 

[Charliebball]

LOL, I have better question.
Why would any successful coach go after a "Traditional Big" in 2018 or beyond, when they are adequate athletic bigs who can score and defend from several locations on the court?
The game has changed, and that is both on the men and womens side. Geno opting to recruit versatile players instead of one dimensional post has in what way impacted his success?

Boston was a traditional big and I can assure you that Geno wanted her at UConn in a "big" way.................