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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2015 7:56:54 GMT -5
As people are following recruiting, there has been a lot of talk about choosing UConn and why would any prospect choose another school when they could compete for a NC at UConn. But I think some prospects might do better elsewhere. If I were a kid who was well-thought of but not considered the very top of my class - say a small power forward or a guard who lacked the quickness of the very best - I might not choose UConn if offered. Geno might see a role for me and I would be flattered, but if an honest assessment looked like the talent ahead meant only a role at best for 4 years, I might pass. (Especially if my weaknesses were not basically coachable - can't teach height!) Yes, I might give up the chance to be on a NC and contribute to some extent, if only in practice. But I think maybe I would rather play meaningful minutes, and more of them, and help a team achieve their goals. Even if that goal is a conference championship with little chance in the NCAAs, it can still be a satisfying achievement.
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Post by radylady on Mar 12, 2015 9:12:49 GMT -5
one man's ceiling is another man's floor...just sayin'
depends upon the kid and their goals.
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Post by ozzienelson on Mar 12, 2015 9:24:34 GMT -5
If you eliminate the University of choice as a academic factor, I have never understood why a student athlete would "knowingly" choose sitting on the bench over playing time...just saying. IOW, nothing beats participation AFAIAC...not a trophy or championship ring.
What think you?
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Post by atticusfinch on Mar 12, 2015 10:14:52 GMT -5
In most cases and with most schools/coaches I'd agree that playing time might be the better option, but in those rare circumstances with coaches like Wooden, Smith, Geno, etc... there may be more to be gained than just splinters and rings... learning the habits and requirements of success may be a more important influencer on one's life than playing time when these lessons are taught by the masters.
AF
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Post by ozzienelson on Mar 12, 2015 10:19:08 GMT -5
AF...Perhaps, but nothing beats playing if you are an athlete. If ya want lessons, many teach them better than coaches. Parents, Profs, contemporaries.
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Post by atticusfinch on Mar 12, 2015 10:45:01 GMT -5
I played D1 baseball and my experience tells me that there are some pretty good life lessons to be learned from exceptional coaches... mind you, I've had my fair share of stinkers too.
If one is lucky enough to have wonderful parents, then good life lessons won't be something foreign to the young one, but that's not available to many. I have had a lifetime of interaction with professors and some were true mentors of mine but the lessons offered and learned from them were no more valuable to my life than that lessons I learned from the contacts I had with a few really exceptional coaches. Peers and superiors in my work life also offered positive influences on my journey but again, not more important nor more valuable to my life... and then as you know, there is no need to limit the sources from which we learn. So, if the coach is one of those rare bird coaches like Wooden or Geno offers the opportunity to be mentored then splinters are a pittance to pay. Also to be considered is the experience to be had as the journey to a NC unfolds... the places and people one meets are different for those fortunate enough to be on an elite team. How many of our bench players have we seen take a shot in the NC game as the clock winds down.... now that is an experience of a lifetime.
AF
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Post by ozzienelson on Mar 12, 2015 11:19:16 GMT -5
AF...Thanks for your fine thoughts. At the expense of repetition(IMO), nothing matches playing the sport you love.
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Post by atticusfinch on Mar 12, 2015 11:37:09 GMT -5
Yes, playing is central but even the bench players play... they just play on a bigger stage than most that share their talent level. They also get better coaching than they'll get otherwise and at least in my case I wanted to be the best ballplayer I could be. Challenging myself against the best players in games and in practice was key to me... whether it was golf, tennis, cross-country or baseball, competing on a daily basis against the best can only help a person become the best athlete they can become. That's what welded me to UConn WCBB. They shared the competitive drive that I had to challenge myself against the best, day in, day out...one of the lessons that I learned early on was that winning was a side effect of stretching myself against those better than me.
AF
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Post by rockymtblue2 on Mar 12, 2015 14:09:56 GMT -5
If you eliminate the University of choice as a academic factor, I have never understood why a student athlete would "knowingly" choose sitting on the bench over playing time...just saying. IOW, nothing beats participation AFAIAC...not a trophy or championship ring. What think you? I think, no I know, that I'm too damn lazy to look up AFAIAC ... though it would be funny guessing scatological possibilities! But, hell yes, I'm with you on that. UConn had a frosh this year who demonstrated her preference real quick when reality set on her. |
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Post by meyers7 on Mar 12, 2015 14:43:36 GMT -5
If you eliminate the University of choice as a academic factor, I have never understood why a student athlete would "knowingly" choose sitting on the bench over playing time...just saying. IOW, nothing beats participation AFAIAC...not a trophy or championship ring. What think you? I think, no I know, that I'm too damn lazy to look up AFAIAC ... though it would be funny guessing scatological possibilities! But, hell yes, I'm with you on that. UConn had a frosh this year who demonstrated her preference real quick when reality set on her. As far as I am concerned. Damn, you old. (if I know it....) |
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Post by davidinnaples on Mar 12, 2015 14:55:49 GMT -5
In the South, we just shorten AFAIAC to "I reckon".....
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Post by rockymtblue2 on Mar 12, 2015 16:15:56 GMT -5
I think, no I know, that I'm too damn lazy to look up AFAIAC ... though it would be funny guessing scatological possibilities! But, hell yes, I'm with you on that. UConn had a frosh this year who demonstrated her preference real quick when reality set on her. As far as I am concerned. Damn, you old. (if I know it....) Why are you so so mean to me, an old fart... See you outside the bar tonight, I'll show you who's old MF!  |
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Post by meyers7 on Mar 13, 2015 7:27:01 GMT -5
As far as I am concerned. Damn, you old. (if I know it....) Why are you so so mean to me, an old fart... See you outside the bar tonight, I'll show you who's old MF! As long as you're buying.  |
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