UConn Exits Stage Left

A problem that doesn't exist is difficult to fix. One of the great challenges in coaching is trying to get a player to look within more than he does without. Six years into this I've learned that some people aren't equipped to (and will never be able to) acknowledge and work at improving their own defiencies. UConn fell into this very deficient category.

A few days after he grimaced his way through workouts because of a cut to his heel, UConn called me about some swelling he was experiencing in his knee.

UConn: Coach, I have something serious to talk about.
Me: (annoyed) what's up?
UConn: My knee. It's acting up on me again. I made an appointment to have it checked out. I think there's fluid building up in it again.
Me: Oh okay. So, you won't be able to make it for your workout today?
UConn: See. I don't know. I want to, but my knee... It's killin me!
Me: If you can't put 100 percent effort into this then I think you should consider stopping now.
UConn: I don't want you to think I'm making excuses. My knee really hurts.
Me: I hear you and I respect the fact that you called to talk about this. I'm just saying if your knee can't hold up then it's better for you not to do this.
UConn: You know what? I'm gonna keep workin out until my doctor's appointment in two weeks.

If memory serves me correctly, I think he came to a couple of the workouts that week. I reached my peak when he texted to back out of, yet, another workout.

(2:27 p.m. on the day of workout)
UConn: Can't make it today. Lawyer wants to meet with me at 5.
Me: Really? Your Lawyer just called to let you know that he has to meet with you at 5 p.m.?
UConn: You tryna say I'm lyin??
Me: I'm asking if your Lawyer just called in the last ten minutes to schedule this. If you knew you had a 5 p.m. meeting, why didn't you come to the morning workout or at noon??
UConn: I wasn't thinkn bout workin out dis a.m. cuz I thought I'd be free this evening.
Me: You know what? Let's just take a pass on this season, man. We aren't on the same page. You and I weren't meant to work together.
UConn: OMG!!! I thought you changed! You still the same! How you expect me to know when my Lawyer wants to meet?!

In my entire life I've never played for a team where the Coach had more to prove than the player...