It has always been difficult for Geno Auriemma to play games against friends and former players. Whether they are against the likes of Jennifer Rizzotti, Doug Bruno or Harry Perretta, there is an uneasy feeling existing within Auriemma, especially when the games get out of hand.
Thursday’s game against Cincinnati won’t be easy either. Former Huskies standout and long-time assistant coach Jamelle Elliott will make her highly anticipated return to Gampel Pavilion for the first time as the head coach of the Bearcats.
Following Monday’s win over South Florida at the XL Center, in his typical wise-guy fashion Auriemma delivered a sarcastic jab in Elliott’s direction when he was asked about the game.
“Any surprises for Thursday? No,’’ Auriemma said. “We’re playing Cincinnati. Jamelle has won a lot of games at Gampel Pavilion as a player and as a coach. Thursday night is not going to be one of them. Not if I have anything to do about it. Jamelle’s coming over the house for dinner Wednesday night. That’s the most fun she’ll have while she’s in Connecticut.’’
In the 16 years she spent at UConn, Elliott certainly had her share of fun. She had a hand in 519 wins and five national championships in four years as a player and 12 as an assistant coach.
Elliott said during a conference call today that she is not exactly sure what she will be feeling when she walks into Gampel Pavilion for the first time as a member of the opposition.
“I would love to answer that question,’’ Elliott said. “I would love to tell you exactly how I’m going to feel, what my emotions are going to be like. Today, I know I’m not really looking forward to the emotions that I’m going to feel when I’m going to walk out there. I know they’re not going to be happy, laughter and all those types of things. I’m going to feel some emotions that are really sad. Obviously, I miss Connecticut and the people there and the team and the coaches and everything that goes with it. I spent half my life there and people ask me all the time, `Where are you from?’ And I say, `Washington D.C.’ But I also say that the place that I grew up and matured is the state of Connecticut and being around UConn and the people that are affiliated with that program.’’
South Florida coach Jose Fernandez has given Auriemma his share of Cuban cigars in recent years. He was looking for some reciprocation Monday night, looking, in particular, for a bottle of Auriemma’s wine.
“I told him all the Cuban cigars I’ve given him through the years and I can’t get a bottle of wine from him,’’ Fernandez said. “He’s got his own wine label now. … He’s going to mail it to me. We’ll see if I get it.’’
Auriemma’s response: “I told him, `Get your money out of your pocket.’ He’s Cuban. You know where he gets those cigars. He’s not paying for them. I know where he gets those cigars.’’
Maya Moore moved into the Top 10 in scoring at UConn Monday with 1,680 points. Here’s how much the accomplishment meant to her: “All I’m looking at is I had more turnovers (two) than assists (one),’’ Moore said. “So I’ve got to go and work on that.’’
If Tina Charles continues to average 17.1 points per game she would break Nykesha Sales’ team scoring record (2,178) in the semifinals of the Big East tournament March 8. She is on pace to score 2,527 career points if UConn reaches the NCAA tournament final. If Charles continues to average 8.4 rebounds per game she would break Rebecca Lobo’s team rebounding record (1,268) in the Big East tournament final March 9. She is on pace to finish with 1,322 career rebounds.
Caroline Doty was sick Sunday night and did not practice Monday. Her status was questionable prior to the game against South Florida. But she gutted out 14 minutes, finishing with seven points, three assists and no turnovers. She even forced a travel during a collision in the backcourt with Jasmine Wynne 67 seconds into the game.
Meghan Gardler has just five turnovers in 132 minutes over the last eight games.
Rich
