Many of us have wondered why Patterson and Nixon, 2 players who were clearly penciled in to ND’s starting lineup this season, would transfer after last season. While Jackie Young turned pro, she could have stayed to complete her senior year. Perhaps the answer to both these mysteries can be seen in MM’s postgame presser. In all honesty the level of frustration and anger she displayed towards her team was shocking.
I have noticed with some admiration that ND fans like Dillon, Orangutan and many others on McGraw’s Bench are demonstrating a commendable level of patience and understanding as this ND teams goes through a rough patch. I don’t understand why MM doesn’t demonstrate a similar level of patience with a team that clearly doesn’t have the horses to compete at a high level this year. If she runs off one or two key players, in addition to those who have already left, it will make the job that much harder next season.
Oldude: Thanks for voicing your observation.
I'll try to summarize the way a lot of ND fans (primarily located on the Bench) are taking this:
- The team (the players and most coaches) are giving it everything they have. For a whole variety of reasons (more on that later), there's just not enough horses (to stay with your metaphor) at this moment. They're pretty darn good horses, but unlike the run in 2017-18, they're either young, coming back from year(s) off and not used to one another. It shows. They'll frequently fall behind while figuring out what they're up against, then charge back only to run out of gas.
- Still, save for the UConn game, they're hanging in there, making it competitive and showing improvement. Maybe not to the taste of MM, but I think it's pretty admirable for first-year players or those who have been on sidelines for years (Destinee Walker).
- Once again, the current players have nothing to do with the shortened roster: that's MM's baliwick and responsibility. There have been massive threads dedicated to recruiting and retention and that some personnel issues need to be addressed in either insuring the right person is recruited and then nurtured and retained. It's simply not a matter of playing time (all the time). Many think that's one reason why younger (Michaela Mabrey) and/or accomplished (Kayla McBride) are joining the staff.
- That said, the sideline behavior and press conference were completey unacceptable. MM, candidly, can be caustic in the best of circumstances, but that was a low point. Sam Brunelle has her career high by 12 points and her reaction: "she should've had 40." Thank Touchdown Jesus that Sam wasn't in the room (but she'll see it soon enough). The most mature ND adults in the presser were Anaya Peoples and Sam Brunelle. They deserve better.
- I'm hoping good friend Carol Owens has a chat with her or husband and advisor Matt does the same. If not, AD Jack Swarbrick needs to pop up at a few games.
- Not giving a mulligan here, but hoping the finals/Xmas break gives coaches and players a chance to recharge and start anew. Of course, if Mik Vaughn's ankle could get better, that would help a bunch, too.
Keep the faith, Irish.
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