Boneyard poll question: do you want the UConn-Tenn series continued?

[bballnut90]

Whether it is good for WCBB can be answered by how many people, who don't normally watch WCBB, watched the game. The great value to WCBB in the past was that the game did that,

Concerning UConn generally, the more decent teams on the schedule, the better, Tenn was ahead at the half.

Concerning this year's UConn team, this was the most important game of the season for several reasons, Geno said that this was not a confident team, especially when their shows were not gong in and against taller teams.

The shots were not going in against a taller team in which Ono sat for much of the game, but, they made up for it by incredibly aggressive play offensively and defensively.

When Ono did return, she also played tough,

And most importantly- THE FRESHMEN

There will be ups and downs, but, they will be from a higher level.

This is a different team from the one that entered the court at the beginning of the game.

Guessing a lot of casual fans did watch it, but man that was an awful game to watch for both teams. Horrendous shooting and turnovers galore. I cant imagine many casual fans who watched it would want to start watching the women's game as a result.

 

[itsasport]

The other threads say that it was the most watched game on TV and had the largest attendance so far this season.

It was, to me, very entertaining because all the missed shots resulted in exciting scraps for the ball, and, very athletic play.

 

[Bayareahusky]

You know... when thinking over this question.... I think about the game last night.... Uconn didn't shoot so great and Tenn wish they had far less turnovers.... but to me ostensibly it was another basketball game.... and when I saw Griffin AMP IT UP then it started to feel like the series had felt like in its heyday.... the two teams were always playing for something and they parlayed that fight into outward effort.... fights for rebounds for 50 50 balls etc.... personally that is what i like to see and would like to see return.....

 

[Bayareahusky]

Guessing a lot of casual fans did watch it, but man that was an awful game to watch for both teams. Horrendous shooting and turnovers galore. I cant imagine many casual fans who watched it would want to start watching the women's game as a result.

Amen bballnut90 hope that next years game and for that matter the games deep into the NCAAs .... are better games to watch... for the sake and growth of the game.

 

[and one]

I've been waiting for someone else to create this poll, no one has, so I did. I'm very interested in the results and any comments you'd like to make. I will read them all.

We've all seen various news articles suggesting how the resumption of the UConn-Tennessee is good for women's college basketball.

UConn-Tennessee women's basketball rivalry still good for the game

The rivalry isn't the same. And Thursday wasn't beautiful basketball. But we saw glimpses that the series can still be good for both programs.

www.espn.com

Mike Anthony: UConn-Tennessee remains special and should be scheduled every season

That may be the opinion of some fans, the media and interested/casual on-lookers from afar. I know (read) as it has been often documented here by some long time (veteran) UConn fans that were here back in 2007 and before (and part of the NCAA inquiry) that DO NOT want to see this series resumed or continued. Others do. So, the poll question for today is (I changed it): Do YOU, a staunch UConn WBB fan, a loyal and committed Boneyard member/contributor want to see this series played and continued? Everybody has an opinion. Everyone has a vote. Please share it with us. Cast your vote now!

As with HuskyNan I was more revved up for the game than most others just because it was UT. But the novelty of the resumption of UT/Uconn games will wear off fast unless UT gets better soon. No way we should commit to a long term series. As others have expressed, OOC games are precious and it's hard enough as is to schedule top ranked teams plus seniors "home' games. If UT improves, we can always revisit scheduling games. For those that want to be playing UT, even without regular seasons games, we may still end up playing them in the NCAAs, which would be all the more interesting.

 

[OneTrickPony]

Not a UConn alum, so my vote really doesn’t count. But, FWIW, life isn’t a zero sum game. Everyone benefits from a UConn/UTenn rivalry. I was stoked by it over the years, and the renewal game was pure magic...

 

[BostonBay]

I wasnt impressed with the Vols coaching or performance. Everyone says they are much improved this year, but I think a very weak schedule has masked a lot of things. They played an ugly game & both the coach & players looked like a deer in headlights for the last 20 minutes. I just dont see the Vols being at UConn's level for the next several years. I vote no.

 

[bballnut90]

Amen bballnut90 hope that next years game and for that matter the games deep into the NCAAs .... are better games to watch... for the sake and growth of the game.

On the plus side, the last few Final Fours have been incredible. 2017 had the Morgan William buzzer beater, 2018 had three buzzer beaters, 2019 had 2 close semifinal games and a high scoring 1 point title game. Probably the best 3 year stretch we've ever had in regards to overall competitiveness.

 

[Bayareahusky]

On the plus side, the last few Final Fours have been incredible. 2017 had the Morgan William buzzer beater, 2018 had three buzzer beaters, 2019 had 2 close semifinal games and a high scoring 1 point title game. Probably the best 3 year stretch we've ever had in regards to overall competitiveness.

I agree … baylor ND the Ms State great team.... wish Vic S got an NCAA he is good coach....

 

[JoePgh]

I think any rational UConn fan would have to acknowledge that Tennessee is the second toughest opponent that UConn has faced so far this year. Geno played a very respectable OOC schedule this season, but even so, games against opponents such as DePaul, Ohio State, Cal, Notre Dame (this particular year), and Vanderbilt do not approach the competitive challenge that the UConn team faced on Thursday night.

I think that is likely to be the case in future years as well. We can be sure that TN will present a big, fast, athletic team in almost every year. There are not 10 or 12 other out-of-conference opponents who can be counted on to provide a similar challenge.

 

[Roger G]

There was a little of the old magic in that game. You could feel it. And the fact that TN had really tall players, which is the toughest thing for our players to deal with, made it more of a struggle and worthwhile when CT won. It will help us if we have to face Baylor again. So, as long as TN continues to get some strong recruits, the game is good for CT. It brought a lot of eyes to the women's game too.

 

[Carnac]

Not a UConn alum, so my vote really doesn’t count. But, FWIW, life isn’t a zero sum game. Everyone benefits from a UConn/UTenn rivalry. I was stoked by it over the years, and the renewal game was pure magic..,

Negative there Pony, everyone’s vote counts!!!

 

[Viet Vet]

No. This game should have never been played. It is a travesty. I am deeply embarrassed and horribly disappointed in UCONN and Geno for letting this happen. Can't believe they would allow evil like that into their house. (luckily it was only the XL ) That place needs to be decontaminated and those black jerseys, burned.

re: Jerseys

Can we please do away with black, grey and pink uniforms? School's colors are White and National Flag Blue. Call me old fashioned (some traditions are worth preserving). White at home, blue on the road.

 

[Walksacross]

Coming out of the XL after the game, we walked by a group of orange clad people. One woman in the group shouted "F...UConn". My question do we want to see our players ( especially Evina) and coaches subject to that venom filled atmosphere in Tenn. once our two game obligation is over?
My answer is NO.

 

[psconn]

This has all been said above, I think but... Continue the game as long as the game is a draw for die hard and especially marginal fans but DO NOT go back to the twice a year, home and home.

I believe UT is on the rise and it looks like UConn will remain a top team for the forseeable future. Unlike some posters above I think any matchup that is "good for the game" (draws eyeballs nationally, inspires youngsters) is good for both schools.

It was unfortunate that the renewal game was a relatively low quality affair (poor shooting, turnovers). Not exactly a showcase outside of Husky and Lady Vol Nations.

 

[psconn]

I think any rational UConn fan would have to acknowledge that Tennessee is the second toughest opponent that UConn has faced so far this year. Geno played a very respectable OOC schedule this season, but even so, games against opponents such as DePaul, Ohio State, Cal, Notre Dame (this particular year), and Vanderbilt do not approach the competitive challenge that the UConn team faced on Thursday night.

I think that is likely to be the case in future years as well. We can be sure that TN will present a big, fast, athletic team in almost every year. There are not 10 or 12 other out-of-conference opponents who can be counted on to provide a similar challenge.

If you even up the points off turnovers it becomes a 6 point game. The good news for Tennessee is that their biggest problem is totally fixable, assuming the their coaches are reasonably competent and that the players are willing to be coached. Yup, they should be getting better down the road.

 

[eebmg]

Coming out of the XL after the game, we walked by a group of orange clad people. One woman in the group shouted "F...UConn". My question do we want to see our players ( especially Evina) and coaches subject to that venom filled atmosphere in Tenn. once our two game obligation is over?
My answer is NO.

Guessing DT heard a few unkind things. Top players/programs generally use that to their benefit.

 

[OneTrickPony]

Negative there Pony, everyone’s vote counts!!!

Thanks, Carnac...much appreciated.

 

[Carnac]

Coming out of the XL after the game, we walked by a group of orange clad people. One woman in the group shouted "F...UConn". My question do we want to see our players ( especially Evina) and coaches subject to that venom filled atmosphere in Tenn. once our two game obligation is over?
My answer is NO.

If some TN fan(s) had the temerity (the stones) to hurl obscenities at random UConn fans on the road, can you imagine the reception Geno, Evina and the team will get next year when they go to Knoxville? If I’m Geno, that’s not road trip I’m looking forward to.

I’m not subjecting my girls to that type of garbage and disrespect, for what? They didn’t do or say anything to, or about Tennessee, its players or the program to deserve that type of reaction (verbal assaults) from LV fans. The reception they receive will determine if UConn ever returns there again under Geno’s watch.

If TN is truly interested in resuming an ongoing home and home series, their fans must be on their best behavior without incident when UConn comes to town. My guess is this will be a one time visit.

I would be very interested to know if any of our fans crossed the line and hurled any obscenities or made any disrespectful comments or gestures to any TN fans Thursday. I hope not. We’re better than that.

That woman “confirmed” the hate and vitriol that is (imo) shared by many old guard LV fans. When you hear about incidents of that nature, it’s hard to have any empathy or respect for their program or it’s fans. I’m not turning the other cheek.

We don’t have to like them, but that does not mean we can’t be on our best behavior, show our class and pride, and conduct ourselves accordingly in their presence. I wonder if any young impressionable children were within earshot of that obscene comment?

It appears from that woman’s perspective, the only thing that has changed concerning this rivalry over the last 13 years is the date on the calendar.

I would love to get a first hand “Detailed” report from a UConn fan (wearing UConn gear) that attends the game next year. What they saw, what they heard and how they were treated and received during their time in and outside of the arena.

 

[RogueDave]

I liked what Geno suggested have Pat and Kay Yow fundraiser blockbuster Doubleheader 4 top teams...move the venue around, Madison Square Garden, Las Vegas, Indy, etc Mix it up TN/UC one year, Stanford/UC another year, etc.

 

[tomcat]

To me, this is a no-brainer. What this particular game lacked in artistry it more than made up for in electricity. It was exciting in ways, IMHO, a UConn game has not been for a long time. There's also a great charity to play for, an opportunity for UConn to make wonderful gestures (like donating the black uniforms to be auctioned off for the Foundation, etc), and over time, a chance to bring the rivalry back all the way. I vote yes, absolutely.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

In 2007 Pat said 'this is over' for whatever reason - disease or misplaced rancor or both. In reviewing the rivalry leading up to this game a number of outlets said Pat cancelled over concerns about UConn recruiting practices, not alleged practices. This perpetuates and some say validates the nonsense directed at Geno back in the day.

This is reason enough for me to say fulfill the "Back Pat" 2 game commitment and that is it. The OOC game numbers are shrinking with joining the Big East. There are better ways to spend them than Tennessee. Maybe in the future they will be a valuable OOC game. Let them find someone else for now to do a home and home "we back Pat."

 

[HuskyNan]

re: Jerseys

Can we please do away with black, grey and pink uniforms? School's colors are White and National Flag Blue. Call me old fashioned (some traditions are worth preserving). White at home, blue on the road.

They were a one game thing and the unis will be auctioned off for charirt

 

[UcMiami]

I started to vote 'Not Sure' but changed it to 'No'.
The hype is just that. Current college players were under 10 years old when TN/Uconn meant anything so few probably lived the history. The important games in WCBB do not include TN any more - it has been 11 years since they went to a FF.

I think hyping this 'rivalry' diminishes WCBB as a sport and turns it into a human interest story.

Uconn/ND, Uconn/Baylor, Uconn/SC and even Uconn/Stanford or Uconn/Louisville are more interesting games in terms of good teams, good coaches, and important results.

 

[hoopsfan22]

I say continue as long as they are on the upswing. No reason to schedule the game if they don't pose a challenge, but I think this game showed that they do, so it is worthwhile to play them. I'd like to see Tenneessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi State on the schedule every year, and add ND, Baylor, and a couple of Pac12 teams to round out the out of conference schedule. Every top team should be scheduling this way.

 

[hart2hart]

I ditto what tomcat said. Many upsides to keep scheduling the game. Raising monies
for this dreadful disease is simply Wonderful.
I think we all know someone who’s passed from dementia related diseases. Sad indeed
and hopefully there will be new treatments soon. Keep scheduling this game Geno and Kellie!

 

[HopJim]

In 2007 Pat said 'this is over' for whatever reason - disease or misplaced rancor or both. In reviewing the rivalry leading up to this game a number of outlets said Pat cancelled over concerns about UConn recruiting practices, not alleged practices. This perpetuates and some say validates the nonsense directed at Geno back in the day.

This is reason enough for me to say fulfill the "Back Pat" 2 game commitment and that is it. The OOC game numbers are shrinking with joining the Big East. There are better ways to spend them than Tennessee. Maybe in the future they will be a valuable OOC game. Let them find someone else for now to do a home and home "we back Pat."

Good point about less OCC games as part of Big East. Agree that there are several other top teams that we should schedule before TN.

 

[Sifaka]

Many, perhaps most, of those who want tne rivalry restored are "of a certain age", and therefore do not represent the future fandom for WCBB. Count me as one of those on the downward glidepath.

If we want to maintain and promote heated, yet somewhat civil, rivalries, there are Louisville, South Carolina, DePaul, and ND, among others who have earned respect through long-term high level play. Add in three or four West Coast programs, Mississippi State, Maryland, Baylor and even Texas to round out a top notch OOC schedule. We don't need TN and their lying, vitriolic fanbase.

Kellie Harper seems like a good sort, and I've nothing against the UT players, but their admin. and fans are (expletives deleted). Why should we help them and their recruiting by giving them national exposure?

We can play in tournaments to support Pat's foundation. I support that heartily.
Just don't include the ones who revel in calling our guy "gino", demean Maya and her Mom, trash everything about the state of Connecticut, etc.

 

[uconnell]

Geno didn’t want to play Tenn. ESPN really wanted this game to be scheculed. Geno is a softie for charities and while the Vol fans continue to hAte Geno. For no particular reason, just like to hate.
I don’t think Geno will renew playing them again after next year. I must say that Geno was very emotional talking about Pat at the news conference after the game. I was very surprised.

 

[Plebe]

Many, perhaps most, of those who want tne rivalry restored are "of a certain age", and therefore do not represent the future fandom for WCBB. Count me as one of those of the downward glidepath.

If we want to maintain and promote heated, yet somewhat civil, rivalries, there are Louisville, South Carolina, DePaul, and ND, among others who have earned respect through long-term high level play. Add in ree or four West Coast programs, Mississippi State, Maryland, Baylor and even Texas to round out a top notch OOC schedule. We don't need TN and their lying, vitriolic fanbase.

Kellie Harper seems like a good sort, and I,ve nothing against the UT players, but their admin. and fans are (xpletices deleted). Why should we help them and their recruiting by giving them national exposure?

We can play in tournaments to support Pat's foundation. I support that heartily.
Just don't include the ones who revel in calling our guy "gino", demean Maya and her Mom, trash everything about the state of Conneticut, etc.

+1000

As Geno said, this game was really just a nostalgia trip. It's like going to see a classic rock band whose members are all in their 60s and 70s.

If the goal is to raise money for charity, that can be accomplished through any number of high-profile games. ESPN just needs to promote those games as much as they promoted this "revival" game.