Down goes Tennessee!!

[RadyLady]

I really enjoyed Walz' in his interviews after their last two games. His unabashed joy during his break in while Shoni was being interviewed. He's a real person not a phony. I admire the guy and what he's got his team to accomplish.

He's having fun. There's no pressure or expectations on him or his team. He's doing a great job preparing these kids for the games, evidenced by the way they came out and beat tennessee after that amazing win over Baylor. I'd be smiling, too. Hell, I'd be having one hell of a party!

 

[RadyLady]

The strategy to beat ND in my book is to limit Diggins's time with the ball.
How?
Put MJ on her. MJ has the quickness and youth, she will put a dampen in Diggins's ability to manage half court offense.
Geno has to teach MJ how to read a pick before it develops. ND will have many picks to get SD to open, MJ has to be awared.
Again, if we can limit the ball handling time of SD half court offense to 60% we will WIN.
WINING!

McBride is the UConn killer on that team. She needs to be shut down as much as Diggins. That said, any number of them can step up. Preparation be UConn has to be thorough leaving nothing to chance. THEN we can talk about WINNING!

Wining is for after the victory!

Whining is if we lose

 

[Icebear]

Playing zone late in the last game helped to limit the foul trouble we encountered and helped to bring us back. Geno may want to play some zone earlier mixing up the Ds to slow down early fouls.

 

[vtcwbuff]

---bad quality of the Auriemma wines

Eh, I wouldn't crow too loudly about the quality of Auriemma wines. Admittedly I haven't tried them since they first came out, but the red that I tried was not very good, even at the cheapo price.

 

[RadyLady]

I put the TN loss to Louisville on Holly. I think she's a decent coach but not a nimble one. If their pre-game strategy is working, all is fine. But if a problem crops up during the game, she is unable to adjust on the fly. Her in game solutions appear to be too general. More likely to be "knock down your shots, rebound better, etc.) rather than detailing specific changes that will address specific issues. With a few minutes left in the game she might figure it out, but, by then it's too late.

Her tolerance of Simmons lack of discipline is a good example. After one off balance 3 attempt with 25 on the shot clock, I'd expect her not just to be on the bench, but on the bus out in the parking lot.

It's only the superior raw talent UT has that makes Holly look like she's doing a decent job. We'll see next year if she can keep Mercedes' development from being a train wreck. All those air-bags could come in handy.

That's right out of Summit's book - "play harder."

Have to agree with the legacy Pat Summitt "play harder" strategy. Also, the stars on the team tend to be able to do what they want to do when they want to do it. Parker was a great example of that, however Simmons doesn't even come close in talent. I know the girl has grit and determination, but she needs a strong coach to rope her in sometimes.

 

[RadyLady]

Playing zone late in the last game helped to limit the foul trouble we encountered and helped to bring us back. Geno may want to play some zone earlier mixing up the Ds to slow down early fouls.

He did use some zone in each of these previous tourney games, I am wondering if they were an in game dry run for ND in the event that we would play them again.

 

[Icebear]

He did use some zone in each of these previous tourney games, I am wondering if they were an in game dry run for ND in the event that we would play them again.

Yes, he did.

 

[boontonbomber]

---bad quality of the Auriemma wines

Eh, I wouldn't crow too loudly about the quality of Auriemma wines. Admittedly I haven't tried them since they first came out, but the red that I tried was not very good, even at the cheapo price.

wow! and i've been limiting my geno complaints to his coaching and personality. thanks for another angle.

 

[earl the pearl]

Key stat: Tennessee's starting backcourt of Meighan Simmons and Ariel Massengale was just about as ineffective shooting Tuesday as it was Sunday in the win against Oklahoma. It didn't hurt the Lady Vols against the Sooners because their defense was so good, but it did hurt against Louisville. Simmons and Massengale were a combined 7-of-41 from the field in the two games, with a combined nine turnovers. (Mechelle Voepel)

Meighan Simmons being mentioned as an AA is a joke. She has been an out of control gunner since she has been ay TN. They will never win with her.

 

[vtcwbuff]

wow! and i've been limiting my geno complaints to his coaching and personality. thanks for another angle.

I just call it as I taste it. Let me recommend his Nero d'Avola. I suggest buying several cases. While you're at it pick up a few cases of his Pinot Noir.

 

[alexrgct]

I have a hard time rejoicing in Tennessee's misfortunes this season for some reason. Yes, a large portion of their fanbase are a bunch of dingleberries, and I'm happy they're sad. But man, those poor kids looked devastated last night. They were put in a tough situation over the past few years and have made the best of it.

 

[doggydaddy]

I have a hard time rejoicing in Tennessee's misfortunes this season for some reason. Yes, a large portion of their fanbase are a bunch of dingleberries, and I'm happy they're sad. But man, those poor kids looked devastated last night. They were put in a tough situation over the past few years and have made the best of it.

You can feel bad for the kids and still rejoice in the teams misfortunes. I don't see the issue.

I am a big Spani fan and Williams played much better this year. Tennessee will miss them.

 

[meyers7]

You can feel bad for the kids and still rejoice in the teams misfortunes. I don't see the issue.

Exactly. Especially the rejoice in the team's misfortune part.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Rejoice in the Summitt fans' misfortune. With Pat Summitt out of the picture UTenn is just another team.

 

[triaddukefan]

You can feel bad for the kids and still rejoice in the teams misfortunes. I don't see the issue.
.

I agree...... there are plenty of times (every year) that I get to rejoice in the downfalls of programs and fanbases that I dislike.
With a few exceptions that I wont name, I hate seeing the sad and sometimes inconsolable young ladies on the sidelines as their teams go down in defeat during the tournament. Its tough sometimes to watch...... its tough seeing women cry

 

[doggydaddy]

I agree...... there are plenty of times (every year) that I get to rejoice in the downfalls of programs and fanbases that I dislike.
With a few exceptions that I wont name, I hate seeing the sad and sometimes inconsolable young ladies on the sidelines as their teams go down in defeat during the tournament. Its tough sometimes to watch...... its tough seeing women cry

But we shouldn't feel differently about women compared to the men players according to some. Most of us just do.

 

[RadyLady]

I agree...... there are plenty of times (every year) that I get to rejoice in the downfalls of programs and fanbases that I dislike.
With a few exceptions that I wont name, I hate seeing the sad and sometimes inconsolable young ladies on the sidelines as their teams go down in defeat during the tournament. Its tough sometimes to watch...... its tough seeing women cry

Hey Triad - Nice avatar....I hoped you would beat ND, too.

 

[stwainfan]

You can feel bad for the kids and still rejoice in the teams misfortunes. I don't see the issue.

I am a big Spani fan and Williams played much better this year. Tennessee will miss them.

Spani had to battle some injuries. She did have a pretty good carrer at Tennessee. Do you think she can make a WNBA team?

 

[doggydaddy]

Spani had to battle some injuries. She did have a pretty good carrer at Tennessee. Do you think she can make a WNBA team?

No. Too slow and needs too much space to get off her 3 point shot.

 

[boontonbomber]

I just call it as I taste it. Let me recommend his Nero d'Avola. I suggest buying several cases. While you're at it pick up a few cases of his Pinot Noir.

thanks again. but i'm a retired teacher, so don't buy anything by the case, even at a cheapo price. though i would love to help him supplement his coaching salary.

 

[vtcwbuff]

But we shouldn't feel differently about women compared to the men players according to some. Most of us just do.

Always with the needle, even when unprovoked.

So if I understand you correctly, women need male protection because they cry and are emotionally weaker than men? I'm still waiting for an explanation of why you feel that female athletes need to be treated any different than a male athlete. You've been dodging that one for weeks.

I can understand feeling sympathy but its the same sympathy that I feel when I see a dejected male player on the sidelines. What I don't understand is exactly what is it about women players that requires something more?

 

[EricSD]

Spani had to battle some injuries. She did have a pretty good carrer at Tennessee. Do you think she can make a WNBA team?

There's a difference between getting drafted and making a team. I have no idea what the draft board will look like for who's available, but i could see her going somewhere in the 2nd round (and I'm far from an expert). Problem with that is often only about half to 3/4 of the first rounders actually make a roster and generally the 2nd and 3rd rounders don't last very long (guessing on the %'s. no idea if that's accurate - just my gut feeling)...

Example, I thought Ann Strother was a better all around player than Spani but she went near the top of the 2nd round and lasted only 3 years in the WNBA never really finding a home. The WNBA gets more competitive every year and I'd be surprised to see Spani (or Williams for that matter) find any long term traction there...

 

[EricSD]

So if I understand you correctly, women need male protection because they cry and are emotionally weaker than men? I'm still waiting for an explanation of why you feel that female athletes need to be treated any different than a male athlete. You've been dodging that one for weeks.

I can understand feeling sympathy but its the same sympathy that I feel when I see a dejected male player on the sidelines. What I don't understand is exactly what is it about women players that requires something more?

I know that DD can speak for himself, but women are inherently different than men. I know Geno treats his teams as "basketball players" and not girls (or young women). It's just our nature to treat the sexes differently, even if the treatment differences are really minor.

I have sympathy for the players - for any player male or female who is sobbing on the bench after a devastating loss. But I still can't stand Tennessee, will never root for them in anything, and enjoy seeing them lose more than any other sport I follow... I'm not sure what side of the issue my feelings fall on, but there you have it. I hate Tennessee lol...

 

[CL82]

McBride is the UConn killer on that team. She needs to be shut down as much as Diggins.

This.

 

[JellyBean]

Whatever Mojo the Irish have over us, I hope it ends Sunday. I hope that we bring our "A Plus" game against them and totally dominate the Irish. But we can't let down if we beat them. We gotta keep it going for the Championship game if we can beat the Irish. Come on, UConn!!! Bring the "A plus" game!!!!

 

[RadyLady]

Whatever Mojo the Irish have over us, I hope it ends Sunday. I hope that we bring our "A Plus" game against them and totally dominate the Irish. But we can't let down if we beat them. We gotta keep it going for the Championship game if we can beat the Irish. Come on, UConn!!! Bring the "A plus" game!!!!

The A game has to push through to the last second. I notice, especially when we are up big that Geno takes the foot off the gas to elongate the possession for the entire shot clock which often leads to careless mistakes and the opponent getting some shots ( and us none) reducing the size of the deficit. I understand that this is use of the clock to try to shorten the game, but I don't believe that it should be done here especially. I hope that Geno and Co. do not let that happen, that they send a barrage of shots (that go in) from the first tick of the clock to the last without let up.

 

[CCinCT]

The A game has to push through to the last second. I notice, especially when we are up big that Geno takes the foot off the gas which often leads to careless mistakes and the opponent getting some shots ( and us none) reducing the size of the deficit. I hope that Geno and Co. do not let that happen, that they send a barrage of shots (that go in) from the first tick of the clock to the last without let up.

Pedal to the metal - There is no tomorrow if UCONN loses !

 

[triaddukefan]

Hey Triad - Nice avatar....I hoped you would beat ND, too.

33-3 isnt a bad record, but just expected better. Considering the injury to Gray...... we did as well as could be expected in her absence.

 

[doggydaddy]

Always with the needle, even when unprovoked.

So if I understand you correctly, women need male protection because they cry and are emotionally weaker than men? I'm still waiting for an explanation of why you feel that female athletes need to be treated any different than a male athlete. You've been dodging that one for weeks.

I can understand feeling sympathy but its the same sympathy that I feel when I see a dejected male player on the sidelines. What I don't understand is exactly what is it about women players that requires something more?

You are too easy.

 

[stwainfan]

There's a difference between getting drafted and making a team. I have no idea what the draft board will look like for who's available, but i could see her going somewhere in the 2nd round (and I'm far from an expert). Problem with that is often only about half to 3/4 of the first rounders actually make a roster and generally the 2nd and 3rd rounders don't last very long (guessing on the %'s. no idea if that's accurate - just my gut feeling)...

Example, I thought Ann Strother was a better all around player than Spani but she went near the top of the 2nd round and lasted only 3 years in the WNBA never really finding a home. The WNBA gets more competitive every year and I'd be surprised to see Spani (or Williams for that matter) find any long term traction there...

I think with the talent in the WNBA. Making a roster unless a top player like Parker, Maya ect. It is going to be hard to make a team.