Geno Auriemma has what he has long desired.
He has his Olympic team all to himself, exclusivity to its time and talent. He finally has the chance to mold 12 astonishing players into one historic team, carve another indelible niche into the game’s lore.
And to be honest about it, he’s a little apprehensive about the whole thing.
“This is like UConn on steroids,” said Auriemma.
The reasons are clear. The Americans are expected to win. And they are expected to roll.
“I didn’t feel [the pressure] as much at the World Championship [in 2010], even though it was incredibly hard to win,” said Auriemma. “It doesn’t have the same feeling. You don’t get the same vibes from it.
“But at the Olympics, you are surrounded by the best athletes in the world, at every position. A coach is simply selected; the players earn their way in by reaching the finish line faster, landing a vault a little better. It’s kind of overwhelming. You want to feel worthy of it.
“Winning for USA is expected. We’ve won four gold medals in a row. We might be the most dominant team in the Olympics since the Red Army [Russia] teams. We are supposed to win and we are supposed to win by a lot. It’s a lot for the players to carry around. There are no parades if you win the silver medal.”
Monday, the USA plays Brazil at the Verizon Center (5:30 p.m., ESPN2). This will be the final domestic exhibition game for the Americans before they leave for Great Britain to begin the final phase of preparation for medal play with a series of addition exhibitions.
And when it is over, one way or another, Auriemma rest, reflect and then resume his life as UConn’s Hall of Fame coach, fully aware he is not allowed to run for a second term.
“Right now, I don’t know if I can finish the first term without having a breakdown,” said Auriemma. “I’ll do the best I can and whatever happens from here happens.”
The USA will complete its second day of practice Sunday at American University. It is expected that all 12 players will work, including Asjha Jones, the Connecticut Sun forward, who missed Saturday’s practice with a sore left foot and ankle.
Jones is one of six former UConn players on the team, and one of three – along with Sue Bird and Swin Cash – from the Huskies freshman class of 1998.
“Seeing those girls out there playing for him is going to bring so much joy to his him,” said Tamika Williams-Raymond, who along with Keirsten Walters comprised that five-player freshmen class that helped UConn to two national championships.
With Diana Taurasi almost recovered from the leg and hip injuries that have limited her to just two games and 36 minutes for the Phoenix Mercury this season, Auriemma will have many options to chose from with one major exception.
He can’t lose.
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8 Responses to No-Win Situation For Coach Who Seldom Loses
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Take heart Geno, all teams in the olympics expect to win. Australia, China, Russia, heck even the Puerto Rican National Team expect to win. Their countries expect them to win. Think of that Puerto Rico is an American Commonwealth–like Mass, Virginia etc and they have a “national” team. Politics isn’t it wonderful??
So only 3 teams can reach the podium–it’s no disgace to lose. The only disgrace is not to give it your best. And all Geno’s teams have a trade mark of giving their all and playing harder than anyone. Go get em GENO and the USA Women!!
Keirsten Walters was recruited and “made the team” with the 1998 feshman group but she never played. But thanks to a very compassionate and caring Geno she rode the bench for 4 year and got the Championships for which she too got a ring. She did not play because of injuriies and physical problems she arrived on campus with. This is the compassionate Geno few read about. If Uconn recruits you, they take very good care of you.
Tamika—Jublication!!! Raymond does some color commentary on ESPN. She shot over 70 percent most of her UConn Career. Amazing
UConn Haters will have a field day if Auriemma, Bird, Taurasi, Moore, Cash, and Jones do not win Gold. It is possible that can happen. The backlash will get ugly.
Taurasi’s injury has not really been tested. Bird is slightly banged up and had surgery last year. Parker is injury prone and had surgery last year. Angel is a turnover machine in the WNBA. Moore was taken advantage of a few times in the FIBA WC. Cash is past her prime. And of course, Geno has the lawsuit on his mind. Who knows, in a game the USA is losing, Auriemma might have a breakdown screaming at the refs. Time will tell. Go USA!
Wonder if Auriemma will have anything left in the tank to give UConn WBB 110% from start to finish.
Mr. Gorbachev, take your hate speech back to Russia.
FREDDYKOOL: MR G, KNOW WHERE THE CHARTER OAK BRIDGE IS?
GO USA OUR GREAT COUNTRY AND ALL OF UCONN NATION IS BY UR SIDE CAUSE U R STILL VERY VERY “KOOL”
USA women, you ROCK!!!! Do your best and bring the gold home!!
Mr. Gorby: USA’s best competition, Australia, is also not full strength: just as you say Candace Parker is prone to injury so is Lauren Jackson (just ask Seattle teammate Sue Bird); Australia is also totally without the services of its 2nd best player, Penny Taylor, out with ACL injury (just ask Mercury teammate Diana Taurasi). So you see, most likely every team in the Summer Games is a bit banged up and not always going to be at full-strength, but on talent alone I still like the chances of the USA team to win the gold.