This is how I'm trying to look at it. There's been a tendency IMO for the team to sit back & let Paige try to win the game for them. Now they'll have to do it themselves. This could be a blessing in disguise.
Beemer, you hit the nail on the head!! Geno has told his players to do things they still are not doing. UConn had
21 turnovers in Sunday's game. Don't you think Geno has been harping to not turn the ball over, and to protect the ball since practice began? But they do it anyway. He tells and teaches them to stay in front of your man and don't let they drive by you for an easy lay-up, but they do it anyway. The post players that are foul prone are, not because Geno isn't or hasn't taught them how to play defense in the paint. They foul because they get beat, and are (most of the time) out of position, thus they reach.
We've stopped rebounding. No doubt Geno has implored his team to go after and get rebounds, yet they don't.
How many times has he told certain players to shoot the ball when they have a good look? Do they do it? I have a premonition of things to come that I won't share at this time. I'm not a chicken little nor am I a harbinger of bad news. What I will say is the ONLY thing that will keep UConn afloat and formidable during these next 8 weeks is
EXECUTION.
Several top 10 teams have already lost to teams ranked below them or teams that are unranked. UConn IS NOT above being victimized by hungry and determined unranked teams wanting to knock off the Huskies if they can. Of course the entire team needs to make a decision to step up. It MUST begin with the seniors. They can't expect any underclassman to take up that baton and except that responsibility before they do.
Geno and his staff will continue to coach the team up sufficiently to be successful. Whether they are or not depends strictly on their ability to EXECUTE the game plan and Geno's in-game instructions. That's why Geno loves Paige so much. She executes!! She makes good decisions, she plays hard on BOTH ends of the court and is not afraid to shoot. Every person on this team considers themselves a basketball player. Basketball players play.
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Admiral Nimitz was credited with lots of quotes. One often remembered is what he told officers under his supervision: "
when you're in command, command."
That directive can be said to our team with a small change of verbiage.
If you're a basketball player, then play!! You're not a cheerleader or a spectator. You didn't come here to do either. When you get into the game, PLAY!! Play as hard and determined and with as much resolve and urgency as your opponents will against you.