Thoughts from Geno Auriemma

Defensive Priorities
1- Take away transition points
2- Eliminate 3's
3- Don't foul

Defense is about-
1- Being smart
2- Being tough

Keys for individual defenders
1- Guard your man- don't need help all the time
2- Don't allow easy passes- push the receiver back 2-3 feet to force the offense out
3- End possessions- rebound

"UConn players don't foul." 
Two kinds of players commit fouls-
1- Bad players
2- Dumb players
If you foul- which are you?

Looking for in recruits-
1- Unselfish
2- Good passer & willing passer
3- Chance to become a good shooter

Winning Culture: #3 "It Don't Come Easy"

The Beatles classic, “It Don’t Come Easy,” captures an essence of competition. Once players/teams have established their vision and are firm in their commitment, they must realize that it is not going to be easy. Competition is tough.

It is easy for a player and/or a parent to mistakenly feel desire automatically produces success. Just because we want it doesn’t mean it is going to happen. Other teams are just as focused on success, and maybe just as committed. Quite simply, many teams are competing for the same goals- not every team is going to win.

On our own team, many players have the vision of playing regularly or of starting. Obviously if ten players have a vision of being a starter, not all of the ten will reach their goal. It is competitive- it is tough.