Even if Geno Auriemma is to be compared George Washington – let’s face it, the UConn coach is the “Father of Women’s College Basketball” – documentation is still required to link the men historically.
And as bad as it seems, losing three national semifinal games to Notre Dame since 2001 is nothing like a winter in Valley Forge.
Auriemma delivered the goods this week with his “I can’t tell a lie” admission that his 2012-13 team is going to be very good, perhaps national championship good. He didn’t try to deny it, play it down or distort it.
“When you’ve done what we’ve done, how do you temper the expectations?” said Auriemma, who has seven national titles. “You can’t even try. It’s silly. At the same time, what are we going to do that hasn’t been done?”
With no cherry tree is sight, here are 10 things UConn has going for it as it makes the attempt:
Depth
Take a look at the UConn roster and try to decide who will start the opener Nov. 11 against College of Charleston.
Just for fun, let’s say Stefanie Dolson, Breanna Stewart, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Kelly Faris and Bria Hartley do?
That still leaves a second unit – Caroline Doty, Brianna Banks, Morgan Tuck, Kiah Stokes and Moriah Jefferson – strong enough to finish 2nd or 3rd in the Big East, if stays out of foul trouble.
That’s not depth. That’s profundity.
Freshmen
At Big East media day, DePaul coach Doug Bruno said UConn may have two “Hall of Famers” in its freshman class. He is speaking of Stewart and Tuck, who he described as a cross between Nykesha Sales and Jamelle Elliott.
As for Stewart, Auriemma thinks she looks a little like former NBA great George Gervin or perhaps Kevin Durant.
Good luck, Seton Hall
Versatility
Aside from the options Auriemma has, he can also mix and match players depending on the situation and mood. Faris, a rebounding machine at guard, could even play center in a most extreme set-up.
And once you see Stewart, the 6-4 center, shoot from 17 feet, you will realize she could be a two-guard.
Conditioning
When Dolson wasn’t sky-diving this summer or watching GLEE reruns, she was working on the construction of a thinner, stronger more efficient body type. She has succeeded.
Dolson says she has lost about 12 pounds by pushing away carbohydrates. But she looks much leaner thanks to a work out regime that has put the wind into her sails jumping out of a plane can’t match.
Desire
At UConn, just making it to five straight Final Fours (stop to contemplate) is not good enough. You should read Auriemma’s mail.
Losing the last two years in the national semifinals to Notre Dame has not settled well with the upper classmen. They are disappointed, somewhat embarrassed and ready to make amends.
MORE TO COME in part 2
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7 Responses to UConn Has A Lot Going For It This Season (Part 1)
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George Washington–Geno was even so stupid as to tell the Media that US soldiers (like me) have fought and died for her right to not have a photo ID to vote. GW he ain’t. Great UConn Women coach he is.
You are right about seeing the video of Stewart shooting from outside the circle. Tuck is very good and will be among the greatest at UConn. Kaleena will be BE player of the year. She a great all around Basketball player.
Jefferson is very good. We may not win the NCAA championship but surely the BE and it will be a very good year.
Interesting fact about the Photo ID controversy–in the next election, in 2 years, it will be mandated to have a photo ID to vote in every state.
Buck has given us great minutes ala against Griner. She has the ability–now with this her last year maybe she has the desire too. If they can add her as a minor factor it will truly be a very good year.
To: BTW –
Buck won’t get a lookin this year. When and where would she fit on the floor. Exactly, the last couple of minutes in a blowout is what she has earned and she accepts that (as she is still here) and that is where she fits. It’s not often that a player can finally deliver on potential in a fifth year. Nothing against Buck; but, that is just how it is. A good teammate by all accounts, but has not recovered from the “oops Sorry! that I bumped you” syndrome that can inhibit big girls.
so true uconn should be great this year gouconn takecare all
Foster–there may be something to what you say. However, Buck had some moments, like those against Griner. We can only hope she does more than just warm a spont on the bench.
I for one am happy Engeln and Johnson are gone. They wore a hole in the bench seats. Neither from day one were of UConn caliber. Samarie Walker is a talented girl. But no coach wants a talented player on his team that does not want to be there. To me their loss was Geno’s gain. Engelin is a very nice woman and Im sure she is happier at BC–is that really closer to home?????
heatherbuck played good defnese agains britneygriner and i can believe im the onl one who remebers uconn being ahead by double figures in the 4th quarter ealry last season at baylor before lossing close game not a blowout loss and uconn women will be much better this year breannastewart and moriahjefferson and morgantuck are the real deal and i agree johnframingham no cach wanst a talanted player who doesnt want to be there laurenenglin is nice but sorry bc in not closer to home 4 her and she wont make te fianl4 at bostoncoelleg i can guarantee that one uconn will be much better this year think positive uconn fans takecare godbless gouconn have a great day all
Walter — You too are correct. UConn did really lead by double figures at Baylor. Then needed one or two more player–. Uconn was in all 5 loses, they had no legs left at the end of tight games–no real subs.
Heather Buck didn’t leave because Connecticut is her home!!!
I’ve had great and big hopes for her. She has the ability, maybe Foster is right she’s just too nice. But Christine Dailey may have changed that. We call all hope, it would be nice to see another big girl with experience.