Dangerfield (hip) and Westbrook (knee) undergo successful surgeries [merged]

[oldude]

I understand what you’re saying and at times felt the same. But looking at HW’s entire tenure as head coach in the rear view mirror, I’ve come to a slightly different perspective.

I think she was so entirely in over her head and so miserably lost that I doubt she even understood the implications of what she said in her post game interviews, after significant losses, as it relates to the potential impact on the players.

This is still an indictment of her, and maybe even a more damning conclusion in my way of looking at the world, but it allows me to maintain some sympathy for her as a person.

I certainly don’t disagree that HW was in way over her head. But after 8 seasons of underachieving, at some level a little self reflection might be in order.

 

[willtalk]

Contrary to some peoples perspective, I saw her nice persona as generally manipulative and self-serving. Her actions when it came down to her interests and the interests of others certainly revealed that. Some people use niceness as a means to deflect responsibility when they mess up. They let you slide more if you are seen as a nice person.

 

[UConnNick]

If I had heard HW just once take personal responsibility for a loss rather than throwing it back on her team by suggesting they needed to play harder, I would have considerably more sympathy for her.

She learned that from her mentor. I'll never forget the postgame remarks after Tenn. lost to Melanie Balcomb's Xavier team in the NCAAs. I think even the NCAA tourney and custodial staff at the arena got thrown under the bus, along with Pat's entire roster, including the players who didn't get into the game.