“The best four in the history of college basketball”

[bantamlaker]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

 

[oldude]

I believe it’s called “hyperbole.”

 

[chocher]

What she meant was “the best four in the history of college basketball” without a championship.

 

[bantamlaker]

I believe it’s called “hyperbole.”

I know but it gave me the opportunity to reminisce about all the greatness we’ve had at UConn over the years.

 

[uconnfan68]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

Recency bias.

 

[DRBackup]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

The announcers for this tournament are AWFUL. UConn has played two games so far and the announcers spent both games talking about their opponents as if both teams and their coaches were god's gift to basketball. They have almost no interest in the game taking place half the time.

 

[fomalhaut]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

I imagine the fourth was probably Stuelke, but you're absolutely correct that they're not even close to the best ever. I wouldn't take them right now over Bueckers, Edwards, Muhl, and Shade. I imagine other schools in history have had better quartets too.

 

[Urshurak]

Beth Mowins.....ugh. I cannot listen to her. Just horrid. Clueless 90% of the time.

I remember last year (maybe year before) after the tournaments, switch over to NCAA Softball to watch the UConn of Softball (Oklahoma.)

Imagine my dismay when one of the announcers was, yup, Beth Mowin. I literally almost hurled in my chair.....

ANyone worse then her? Maybe Deb Anotneli or that one announcer on ESPN that GUSHES BUCKETS whenever she talks about South Carolina. Forget her name.

 

[maple]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.”

Maybe she meant to the best four in the history of IOWA college basketball. Because otherwise … give me a break.

 

[jeff30189]

Maybe she meant to the best four in the history of IOWA college basketball. Because otherwise … give me a break.

Precisely. She must have left out the word Iowa. I'm betting that some sharp WCBB historian could come up with 100 better all-time senior foursomes (eliminates Stuelke by definition), men or women, and probably at least 10 from UConn alone.

Current UConn seniors (liberal interpretation of the word senior): Paige, Edwards, Nika and Audrey. I'd put them up against any 4 women who ever played at Iowa.

 

[psconn]

I believe it’s called “hyperbole.”

I call it "blah-blah-blah, yadda, yadda, yadda". Time-filling nonsence, maybe a "hot take"? Either way, Stewie's gang... 4 Chips and top 3 picks in the W. Sue, Swin, Tamika, Diana... 3 current or future Naismith HOFers. C'mon.

 

[Kaizen]

Don't listen to the big mouth ~~~~

 

[Henry]

This is taking the CC hype (deserved for her) to an extreme. Her teammates may be good complementary players, but they are in no way the best 4 in the history of college basketball. How short is the memory of these announcers, who've been around basketball for long enough to know better.

 

[maple]

This is taking the CC hype (deserved for her) to an extreme. Her teammates may be good complementary players, but they are in no way the best 4 in the history of college basketball. How short is the memory of these announcers, who've been around basketball for long enough to know better.

 

[huskyd]

I NEVER listen to the audio of UConn games. Most boneyarders know the team better than most announcers and don't need to be hand-fed what they already know. For fear of offending, I won't add here that many announcers are stupid or have faces for radio. That would be insulting, so I'll err on the side of civility. In short, few if any announcers add anything, and many distract from what's going on. How often have some of you complained about commentators discussing stuff that has nothing to do with what's going on? Few can tolerate silence, but give it a try.

 

[Henry]

When I watch on TV, I have the sound on, but when I watch on my laptop, sound is off. I don't think I'm missing much since even with the sound on, the announcers rarely tell viewers who the foul is on, for example.

 

[browns]

She had to be talking about Iowa basketball..I mean give me a break

 

[Gus Mahler]

When I watch on TV, I have the sound on, but when I watch on my laptop, sound is off. I don't think I'm missing much since even with the sound on, the announcers rarely tell viewers who the foul is on, for example.

Yes. One of my biggest pet peeves. Also, in Iowa's first-round game, a number 34, whom I had never seen play, made a basket but was not named for doing so. Nor was the basket even being made noted. Call the !@#$% game!!

 

[FormerCTrez]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

Maybe she was referring to the school itself, as in “The best four in the history of college basketball”, at Iowa. But at the same time, I won’t get too picky about the announcers’ comments, especially during, or immediately at the end of these games. Why? Because it’s an exciting time for everyone, mainly because the landscape of WCBB is growing, and the wealth of good players is now spread across the country. Forget about the negative impact older players exhibited this year, the play of freshmen Milaysia Fulwiley, JuJu Watkins, Audi Crooks, Madison Booker, Mikayla Williams, Ashlynn Shade and KK Arnold, tells us that the future is bright. Their on-court performance helps lead their teams in NCAAs. Then seasoned players like Paige Bueckers, Dyashia Fair, Cameron Brink, Te-hina Paopao, Kiki Irirafen, Mackenzie Holmes, and numerous others, help to guide them.

Last night it was Caitlin Clark’s last time playing at home, with her teammates and her coaches. Her parents, other parents, and fans were rightfully giddy with excitement, and everyone else was caught up in it. And that is okay. During her career, she’s been brilliant, and she’s deserving of all the accolades that go her way. And although the season isn’t over yet, I’m wishing her all the best, except if, and when her team faces UConn.

 

[Ouremblem]

I wonder if she meant the best group of 4 seniors in Iowa history?

 

[Cuango]

Near the end of the Iowa- West Virginia game the announcer ( Beth Mowins I think) said that this is the last time for the home crowd to watch this group of seniors,”the best four in the history of college basketball.” She must be kidding. In addition to Caitlin I think the other 3 she would be talking about are Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and probably Molly Davis who was a transfer. Are you really going to choose that group over Sue Bird , Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams - a group that won two national championships. Or how about Stewie. Mo Jeff and Tuck. For a fourth you could add one of the walk-ons (either Tierney Lawlor or Briana Pulido) and I’d still take that group that won 4 national championships.

I’m really not sure if the announcer meant the overall talent or the accomplishments of the Iowa foursome but in either case they don’t compare to the UConn Fab Fours.
,

She had to be speaking of Iowa basketball! The best four Iowa players in history? If not, then she clearly needs help!

 

[Monte]

Beth Mowins.....ugh. I cannot listen to her. Just horrid. Clueless 90% of the time.

I remember last year (maybe year before) after the tournaments, switch over to NCAA Softball to watch the UConn of Softball (Oklahoma.)

Imagine my dismay when one of the announcers was, yup, Beth Mowin. I literally almost hurled in my chair.....

ANyone worse then her? Maybe Deb Anotneli or that one announcer on ESPN that GUSHES BUCKETS whenever she talks about South Carolina. Forget her name.

She can pronounce Lu-ah-vil.

 

[cohenzone]

How about an ancient lineup that even with changes in the game, this Iowa team can’t match. Sales would give even Clark headaches.
Lobo
Wolters
Rizzotti
Elliott
Berube
Sales

and Sales didn’t usually start, early sub for Pam Webber. A few national players of the year and 4 all Americans.

 

[cohenzone]

Last night it was Caitlin Clark’s last time playing at home, with her teammates and her coaches. Her parents, other parents, and fans were rightfully giddy with excitement, and everyone else was caught up in it. And that is okay. During her career, she’s been brilliant, and she’s deserving of all the accolades that go her way. And although the season isn’t over yet, I’m wishing her all the best, except if, and when her team faces UConn.

I would love to see us play Iowa and Clark and Bueckers. I’m old. When I was a UConn student. Wes Bialosuknia was our star, I think #3 scorer in the country. Rutgers had the #1 scorer in the country, Bobby Lloyd. We played them in Storrs near the end of the season when they needed to win to get an NIT invitation, a big deal back then. UConn won a close game and the two stars put on a show- . If I recall Wes scored 40 and Lloyd 39, Wes having a big first half and Lloyd the second. Seeing Paige and Caitlin on the same floor would be fun, win or lose.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

A desire to avoid the dreaded "dead air" causes a lot of nonsense to spew forth.

 

[hoopsfan22]

I would love to see us play Iowa and Clark and Bueckers. I’m old. When I was a UConn student. Wes Bialosuknia was our star, I think #3 scorer in the country. Rutgers had the #1 scorer in the country, Bobby Lloyd. We played them in Storrs near the end of the season when they needed to win to get an NIT invitation, a big deal back then. UConn won a close game and the two stars put on a show- . If I recall Wes scored 40 and Lloyd 39, Wes having a big first half and Lloyd the second. Seeing Paige and Caitlin on the same floor would be fun, win or lose.

We did play Iowa and Clark in Paige's freshman year I think.

 

[Biff]

Well I've said it several times this year but I'll say it this one last time for the season.

For the last several years I have turned off the TV audio and listened to the Varsity network audio broadcast. You can get that audio either on your phone or computer. Bob and Debbie are a joy to listen to due to their preparation and knowledge. Because they are doing an audio coverage they HAVE TO describe the action. They cannot go off on any unrelated stories or extended "color".

The only hitch is that you need to synch up the streamed audio with the TV video. Easy if you have a DVR as usually the video needs a slight delay. Occasionally the audio needs to be delayed and that is easy to do on the Varsity Network stream.

I'm telling you who can do this it is well worth it.

 

[huskeynut]

It's all about the network's script. This year it's the Caitlin Clark show. I ignore it.

As to the announcers, in general, it's been poor and I'm being kind.

It is what it is.

 

[cohenzone]

We did play Iowa and Clark in Paige's freshman year I think.

Yes. But a little different now. it would get a lot of attention.

ETA. Looked at the box. UConn won by 20, Clark had 21, Paige 18, but Christyn went off for 27.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Beth Mowins.....ugh. I cannot listen to her. Just horrid. Clueless 90% of the time.

I remember last year (maybe year before) after the tournaments, switch over to NCAA Softball to watch the UConn of Softball (Oklahoma.)

Imagine my dismay when one of the announcers was, yup, Beth Mowin. I literally almost hurled in my chair.....

ANyone worse then her? Maybe Deb Anotneli or that one announcer on ESPN that GUSHES BUCKETS whenever she talks about South Carolina. Forget her name.

I don't mind Mowins herself, it is the nonsense she gets into with her color commentator that can be annoying. As I watched all the games this weekend (or parts of all them), yes, there were clearly some awful blah-blah. At times, several announcers were better, including Mike Thibault, although I didn't watch a ton of the 3 games in Gonzaga. But what I saw, he was as usual, good, and paired with Ann Schatz I think,, who is a good play by play as far as it goes, but ok.

However - on softball - Mowins is far and away the best. She is, there are other good ones, but she played softball (may have played basketball for all I know) and is very smooth.