UConn's Return

In late July I felt somewhat uneasy about our point guard situation. I couldn't think of one person who could actually play the role of floor general among the eight players I envisioned being on the team. Having been here for six years, I knew the chances were strong that a decent point guard would find his way to tryouts--but absolutely nothing is certain at this level. Last year, the guy I thought would be our starting point guard literally disappeared the day before tryouts. My projected starting center was committed to an asylum a few weeks later that year. Knowing how crazy things could get, I contacted UConn about playing for me again.

UConn's first tour of duty with us ended on a sour note. When he was substituted out of the game, he threw a kiddy tantrum and disrespected my Assistant Coach in the process. His outburst got me so angry that I really considered leaving him at the gym, which was an hour and a half away from home.

Given his awful attitude for most of the season, I chose not to invite him back for the following season. I had kept him around simply because our point guard situation that season was also tenuous. I figured the year-long suspension would have straightened him out so I called him in to see if we could reconcile our differences and start fresh.

Me: You and I both know that our first trial at working together didn't go well. You didn't like me, and I didn't like you all that much either.
UConn: True, but I learned from that.
Me: Hold on now. Let me finish.
UConn: Okay
Me: I'm inviting you back because I really think you have the head to be a solid point guard for us. You had a good understanding of the plays, and I think your shot will come back with more confidence. If you're willing to come back and put a lot of work in at the gym, I want to do this again.
UConn: Honestly, coach.. I'm ready to do this again. We had some misunderstandings, but I heard you've changed so I see this being able to work.
Me: I changed?
UConn: Yeh. I heard you just different now. You communicate wit guys better n stuff. After that first year I decided to take the year off to work on some things...to put on weight like you told me to< and look at me now! I put on like 20 lbs just working out this past year.

In all honesty, he seemed to be five pounds heavier--at best. That conversation was a strong indicator that UConn and I would continue to have issues.