Article on Candace Parker and not playing for USA again

[sivad40]

Even though Pat is gone, Tennessee and UConn hasn't played either in over a decade, the bad blood is still strong as ever.

 

[Goodgood]

Even though Pat is gone, Tennessee and UConn hasn't played either in over a decade, the bad blood is still strong as ever.

No, UConn and Tennessee have moved on. No problem there. The fans are still stuck there and refuse to move...sad.

 

[EricSD]

No, UConn and Tennessee have moved on. No problem there. The fans are still stuck there and refuse to move...sad.

Why is it sad? That's what makes rivalries exciting - dislike between coaches, players, fan bases, etc etc.

Perhaps the next generation who didn't live thru the 39 page complaint to the NCAA's, Pat's not-so-subtle attempt to take down Geno, Geno's constant tweaking of Pat and Tennessee, Tenn fans feeling UCONN cheated to get Maya (and used Pat's sexual orientation against Tennessee), UCONN surpassing Tennessee as the best program ever in WCBB, etc etc...

Plus the fact that when the 2 teams met over 20 times, it was usually #1 vs. #2 - a truly gargantuan heavyweight battle that almost always had huge implications for the WCBB landcscape... Perhaps that next generation will not remember as strongly and "move on" as you say...

 

[Big Mick]

I like how after they offered her a convenient excuse to say it was her decision, she basically told them to screw off. Good for her.

They offered her a Graceful way to spin it and she chose the "poor me" routine........sooo, your "screw off" is misplaced.

She’s publicly stated she isn’t considering playing for USA basketball again. That’s why no one has made anything of it.

Apparently shes NOT making Dawn's 2020 team either......so, Candace SPINS it that she quit.


It's just Sour Grapes all around.....

 

[Goodgood]

Why is it sad? That's what makes rivalries exciting - dislike between coaches, players, fan bases, etc etc.

Perhaps the next generation who didn't live thru the 39 page complaint to the NCAA's, Pat's not-so-subtle attempt to take down Geno, Geno's constant tweaking of Pat and Tennessee, Tenn fans feeling UCONN cheated to get Maya (and used Pat's sexual orientation against Tennessee), UCONN surpassing Tennessee as the best program ever in WCBB, etc etc...

Plus the fact that when the 2 teams met over 20 times, it was usually #1 vs. #2 - a truly gargantuan heavyweight battle that almost always had huge implications for the WCBB landcscape... Perhaps that next generation will not remember as strongly and "move on" as you say...

I know. The old guys from Brooklyn still talk about the Dodgers and Giants...pre California rivalry....

 

[HuskyNan]

Are we really relitigating something that happened two years ago?

 

[Striper69]

I can understand Candace being disrespected. But Team USA is looking for loyalty, flexibility, and toughness, perhaps even more than ability. Candace is a finesse player who doesn't like physical contact, so she often plays "small." I think it's a legitimate question: If you have to take 3 of Charles, Parker, Delle Donne, and Stewart, whom do you take? Tina is strong and can play the 4 and 5; Elena is a world-class shooter; and Stewie is more versatile and a better shooter, as well as the future of Team USA. By a narrow margin, Candace finishes 4th.

All around...I think Candace (CP3) was better than all of them at the time.

 

[EricSD]

All around...I think Candace (CP3) was better than all of them at the time.

Very possible, which is why the decision was not made solely on basketball skills. Hence the discussion of her attitude/commitment towards Team USA, and the opinions of other players on Team USA, and the committee deciding on the best teammates for the team.

One thing not mentioned really this time around is that Catching was the last player off the bench and played the fewest minutes. It's likely she was the 12th player on the team and the decision came down to Parker or Catchings. Catch is one of everyone's all time favorites, whether you are a UCONN fan, or just a fan of women's basketball. She is respected by all, and no one has worked harder over the course of her career for US National Basketball than Catch. Plus she's a class act. The committee made the right decision.

 

[Blue Huskie]