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Message: [QUOTE="Carnac, post: 3830108, member: 5798"] I'm going to share an observation that [U]I know[/U] will not only draw some sharp and bitter criticism, but darts and spears as well. I go back to the summer months when the temperature of the boneyard was warm and fuzzy. There was a hint of optimism in the air. The outlook for the team was good, and the expectations for the incoming freshmen and the team was high. Everyday various posters were extolling the virtues of one or more of the players, and suggesting that this team had the potential of a championship run. There's an old saying that "when you hear something long and often enough, you start to believe it." That was the consensus in the yard back then. THIS UConn team would be much better and deeper than last year's team, and therefore expected to do much better in the win-loss column. There were so many unknowns back then. We debated who the starting five would be for months (we do that every summer, and with Azzi coming in and no one leaving, we'll do it again THIS summer). While we were all basking in the glory of our team, we failed to recognize the other elites ranked in the top 10 were also getting better. UConn Nation does not like to lose, and does not take a loss lightly. Because our (I'm part of the Nation who is looking at this thing from the inside out) expectations are so high, when we lose a game, even if its by a point or two, we become unhinged. I've been a regular here in the yard for 6 years. Long enough to know what was coming. I was right. Finger pointing, name calling (Nan posted a cease and desist warning about that), comments expressing disappointment flooded the forum. AND THAT'S OK!!!! That is exactly what this forum is for. A place for us to vent, express our disappointments, fears and anxieties as well as our glee and happiness (after a BIG win). Being a UConn fan is like riding a roller coaster, lots of fast paced ups and downs, twists and turns. EVERYONE has the right to their opinion and to express that opinion. That is a FIRM staple of this forum and our society. I know what I think about the loss to Arkansas and the reason(s) why. I also found it very interesting to read the thoughts and concerns of other posters who watched the game and offered to share their take. Most of them were fair, accurate and spot on. Win or lose, I can't wait to read the comments following the South Carolina game. Here we go, here comes the pushback. Based on what I've seen to this point, I don't think UConn will win that game. I'm not an harbinger of doom and gloom, nor am I a disciple of Chicken Little. I simply try to call them as I see them. This observation is based on their play versus Tennessee and Arkansas. Some will say you can't judge a team by two games. Well, we judged our team last year on 3 games. Those are the best teams they've played to date. We had to hold on to beat a stubborn Tennessee team, and lost our grip late in the Arkansas game that was not decided until the final shot. I just don't like the tendencies this team has shown to date. I hope I'm wrong. I just don't like what the tea leaves are saying. Until a "go to" player steps up, and until a "lock down" player steps up (both of which in my opinion are needed to go deep into the tournament), I just don't see this team getting to the final four. There are just too many other top 15 teams (Arkansas was ranked No.19 at the tip) that have improved enough this season to end UConn's run before that third weekend arrives. UConn will have to get by at least two of them. This is just one fan's opinion. It's almost time for the tipoff, enjoy the game everyone. Go Huskies. [/QUOTE]

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