UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma recognizes the vast potential of sophomore center Tina Charles, and he wants to make sure he helps her reach this potential, even if it means berating her every time he can at practice. Auriemma tells her she can't make a layup. She's too lazy. He singles her out for failing to pick up a player driving to the basket defensively. He throws the names of All-Americans Sylvia Fowles (LSU) and Courtney Paris (Oklahoma), as well as Kia Vaughn (Rutgers), in her face. And, frankly, Charles wouldn't have it any other way. The fact that she knew she would be pushed and prodded by Auriemma was one of the major reasons why she came to UConn. The fact that she is one of his favorite targets — along with sophomore Kaili McLaren and freshman Maya Moore — is exactly what she said she needs to continue to progress.

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