Candace Parker says....

[pap49cba]

McBride and Stewart stand out

Who surprised you or stood out?There have been a lot of young players. Kayla McBride, she’s played extremely well. She’s knocking down the shot. I didn’t realize how strong and how much of a pro body she has already. Obviously (Breanna) Stewart has played amazing. Those are two of the young players that have really stood out.

 

[stwainfan]

Nice complements by Candace.

 

[doggydaddy]

Uconn fans know how good both of those players are.

 

[Husky1964]

The Vols owe CP3 big time. No Championships since 1998 without her!! Much like the Cuse men. No rings ever without Melo!!

 

[Goodgood]

The Vols owe CP3 big time. No Championships since 1998 without her!! Much like the Cuse men. No rings ever without Melo!!

You mean 2008. CP3 is not that old.

 

[doggydaddy]

You mean 2008. CP3 is not that old.

I think he means that without Parker, they don't win in 06-07 and 07-08 and that would mean no championships since 97-98.

 

[Goodgood]

Oops. Just re-read.

 

[EricLA]

Actually, while Parker is terrific, I don't think Tennessee wins anything without Bobbitt. They had no PG at that time, Pat was forced to hit the scrap heap known as the JUCO ranks, and managed to land a tiny PG who was super quick, but (apparently) had no outside shot. Suddenly at Tennessee, she knocks down the 3 on a regular basis, steadies the ship, and helps lead them to 2 NC's. Of course they don't win without Parker, but for those NC's, I actually think Bobbitt was just as important.

Anyway, nice comments indeed re; Bree and Kayla. As a side note, I think some people are really underestimating ND this season. I've seen Tennessee ranked ahead of ND in several polls, some having ND as low as 9.

Loyd might be the most exciting PG not named Simms or Grey this year, and with McBride, and Achonwa, they have a formidable trio. Braker and Wright make a great starting 5 unless they want to substitute one of those forwards with a more guard/wing type (Cable maybe?). Either way, ND is deep and talented. And they are battle tested and have proven they can win on the biggest stages...

 

[Husky1964]

Good point, Hornbuckle too.

 

[Justavisitor]

Actually, while Parker is terrific, I don't think Tennessee wins anything without Bobbitt. They had no PG at that time, Pat was forced to hit the scrap heap known as the JUCO ranks, and managed to land a tiny PG who was super quick, but (apparently) had no outside shot. Suddenly at Tennessee, she knocks down the 3 on a regular basis, steadies the ship, and helps lead them to 2 NC's. Of course they don't win without Parker, but for those NC's, I actually think Bobbitt was just as important.

Anyway, nice comments indeed re; Bree and Kayla. As a side note, I think some people are really underestimating ND this season. I've seen Tennessee ranked ahead of ND in several polls, some having ND as low as 9.

Loyd might be the most exciting PG not named Simms or Grey this year, and with McBride, and Achonwa, they have a formidable trio. Braker and Wright make a great starting 5 unless they want to substitute one of those forwards with a more guard/wing type (Cable maybe?). Either way, ND is deep and talented. And they are battle tested and have proven they can win on the biggest stages...

I guess the point here is that all players need help. UConn doesn't win the ones with Maya, without Maya, and Maya doesn't win without Charles. Therefore, I imagine UConn has just as much gratitude for Maya, as doesn TN for Parker. The difference being that Candace didn't need another #1 recruit on the roster with her in order to lead the team to titles. Then there's Stewart, another marvelous player and going to be a hand full for the next 3 years, but without KML, she doesn't win the title. So the point is made, regardless of how heralded a player is, they ALL need help. I guess that's what happens with team sports. It always requires a team effort.

Notre Dame will be in the mix again, but they will definitely feel the void left by Diggins who carried them with her leadership and ability to run the offense. I like Lloyd, but think she is a better 2 guard than a point guard. She may end up being a very good point guard, but it remains to be seen if she has the same floor leadership as did Diggins. Diggins played with a confidence that spread throughout her team. Her winning attitude was contageous. As for ND's inside presence, it won't match TN. The reason Anchonwa gets in so much foul trouble is because she's undersized and doesn't have the same athleticism as some of the opposing post players on elite teams. That leads to grabbing and reaching. McBride is McBride. She will get hers, no doubt, but the absence of Diggins will also take it's toll on her. She will be asked to do more than play off the ball and score. She will also be the focal point of the defense this season, which was not the case in the past. They will still be a formidable foe, but I don't see them as last year's team

 

[doggydaddy]

I guess the point here is that all players need help. UConn doesn't win the ones with Maya, without Maya, and Maya doesn't win without Charles. Therefore, I imagine UConn has just as much gratitude for Maya, as doesn TN for Parker. The difference being that Candace didn't need another #1 recruit on the roster with her in order to lead the team to titles. Then there's Stewart, another marvelous player and going to be a hand full for the next 3 years, but without KML, she doesn't win the title. So the point is made, regardless of how heralded a player is, they ALL need help. I guess that's what happens with team sports. It always requires a team effort.

Great players win championships. Occasionally a team without a superstar can win it all, but it's rare.

It's clear that without Parker, TN's last NC would be 1998. That's a fact. It has nothing to do with Uconn winning with Moore and Charles. Great players win championships.

Now if you want to compare NC's since then, I'm game.

 

[stwainfan]

I agree with that DD. When Parker injured her shoulder in A&M game. I said we can't win a the title without Parker. Yes having Bobbitt and Hornbuckle did help. Without Parker that title would not have been.

 

[JellyBean]

Parker has an eye for talent. She is pretty good her darn self.