Geno on a new Tenn game (Tennessee passes) and SNY -LINK

[Waquoit]

Good point, and I agree. This was not just a Pat decision...this permeated throughout the Tennessee program.

I can't believe that is was anything other than a Pat decision. I thought it was pretty clear that the AD wasn't thrilled about giving up a nice payday for a women's game. It's no accident that the Pat killed the game coming off an NC, when she had the hand to do so.

 

[cardfan]

I can't believe that is was anything other than a Pat decision. I thought it was pretty clear that the AD wasn't thrilled about giving up a nice payday for a women's game. It's no accident that the Pat killed the game coming off an NC, when she had the hand to do so.

agree it was Pat, but my pt Holly had a lot say since much of the turmoil surronded recruiting. You last played in 2006/07 season (Jan 07). They beat us in Tampa for NC in 2007/08 season. Had you guys beaten us, you probably would have beaten then in NC. Really though, LSU blew it by not playing on the last play in the game with TN. TN did not deserve to win that game.

 

[Icebear]

I am going to take the opposing position and say that Pat had nothing to do with the refusal. She and Geno have been in communiation ever since he reached out to her after her announcement of the diagnosis. Their chat at the FF was just a public example of what had been going on behind the scenes. I would bet that there are others around Pat who think they are being protective of her and would readily take this action without her knowledge or consent.

 

[connboy77]

Good point, and I agree. This was not just a Pat decision...this permeated throughout the Tennessee program.

I wonder if the whole truth about how many and who were involved with discontinuing the series will ever be known! It was always my belief that Pat was the only one responsible with ending the series. I could be wrong.

 

[alexrgct]

I just don't think the "you can be part of a UCONN" game will be much of a selling point to a recruit. I think that the importance of playing UCONN is being greatly overstated. If that were the case every player who doesn't go to UCONN would want to go to a Big East school to get to play UCONN multiple times a year.

Just my opinion.

It's not about playing UConn; it's about playing in THE marquee game in WCBB. UConn-Marquette is not a big game. UConn-Tennessee is.

Tennessee can schedule other good programs to play, as can UConn, but it's not the same thing.

 

[cardfan]

It's not about playing UConn; it's about playing in THE marquee game in WCBB. UConn-Marquette is not a big game. UConn-Tennessee is.

Tennessee can schedule other good programs to play, as can UConn, but it's not the same thing.

It used to be the marquee game. It's been 5, soon to be 6 years, since they've last played. How long before it losses it's relevance in the women's game, if ever?

 

[UCONNfan1]

It used to be the marquee game. It's been 5, soon to be 6 years, since they've last played. How long before it losses it's relevance in the women's game, if ever?

i understand your point, and maybe to the rest of the country outside of UCONN and Tennessee fans, no one really cares. but when you have the 2 programs who have combined for 15 NC's who have played 22 times since 1994 or so, and whose fanbases generally dislike each other, i don't see a "more" marquee game than that one, even if it were 10 years since they played.

there are other terrific rivlaris out there, but really the only time you see "another" game in the news is if it's 1 vs. 2 or if Griner dunks. otherwise, you really don't see coverage of WCBB on ESPN. anytime UCONN and Tennessee were to play, it would be big news for WCBB in general, and a more sportsworthy (ie. ESPN) story than UCONN vs. Stanford, or Baylor vs. Duke....

Anyway, now that Pat is gone, i see no roadblock from UCONN's perspective, since she never apologized and all that. but either way it's pretty clear Geno has forgiven and moved on. Fans, on the other hand, rarely do....

honestly, the way around that is for the NCAA to seed them in the same bracket when it's likely for them to face each other (ie. both in southwest bracket or something).

 

[Kibitzer]

I don't understand the "they need us" mentality. Tennessee will be relevant by performing well in the NCAA tournament. One game a year with UCONN or any other university is not going cure their woes. If they get a solid recruiting class for 2013 they should perform well in the tourney and contend for future recruits. Tennessee did make the Elite Eight this past season, although they got whipped by Baylor. But then again, ND got their butts handed to them by Baylor, also.

I bolded a major obstacle (perhaps one that cannot realistically be overcome if they fail) to the short-term future of UT wcbb, and that is the quality of their recruiting classes in upcoming years. Right now, their prospects don't look very promising for 2013. It would be premature to speculate about 2014, but there can be no question but that the competition for top recruits is far tougher today than it was back in the good old days. This is especially true in the SEC, which Tennessee used to dominate but now must deal with emerging programs at Kentucky, South Carolina and LSU.

True, they did make the Elite Eight, but then they graduated five seniors (three deemed WNBA-ready) who do not appear to be replaced in numbers or quality by incoming freshmen.

Any way you slice it, Tennessee wcbb is in decline on its own and now must deal with the turmoil related to issues within the AD and the difficulties of transitioning from a legendary coach to a long-time loyal assistant now stepping into the big shoes.

We are better off to play the schedule we have and let them go their own way.

 

[cardfan]

I bolded a major obstacle (perhaps one that cannot realistically be overcome if they fail) to the short-term future of UT wcbb, and that is the quality of their recruiting classes in upcoming years. Right now, their prospects don't look very promising for 2013. It would be premature to speculate about 2014, but there can be no question but that the competition for top recruits is far tougher today than it was back in the good old days. This is especially true in the SEC, which Tennessee used to dominate but now must deal with emerging programs at Kentucky, South Carolina and LSU.

True, they did make the Elite Eight, but then they graduated five seniors (three deemed WNBA-ready) who do not appear to be replaced in numbers or quality by incoming freshmen.

Any way you slice it, Tennessee wcbb is in decline on its own and now must deal with the turmoil related to issues within the AD and the difficulties of transitioning from a legendary coach to a long-time loyal assistant now stepping into the big shoes.

We are better off to play the schedule we have and let them go their own way.

Exactly the pt, the quality of their players and absence of Pat, imho, would not make it a marquee game.

 

[easttexastrash]

Exactly the pt, the quality of their players and absence of Pat, imho, would not make it a marquee game.

Agreed. This would no longer be a marquee game. ESPN could try to sell it that way but this match-up would simply have no luster for the casual fan anymore. Part of what made the match-up what it was, IMO, was the battle between Pat and Geno...the coach with 8 titles being chased by the coach with 7 titles. Now that the Pat/Geno component is gone it just doesn't have the same appeal.

At this point, Tennessee would be crazy to schedule a series in which they know they will get their butts handed to them. The only people who would enjoy this game at this time would be UCONN fans, who would enjoy seeing Tennessee get demolished.

 

[connboy77]

Exactly the pt, the quality of their players and absence of Pat, imho, would not make it a marquee game.

Actually I think the Stanford game is now the marquee game. I forget what UCONN'S record is against Stanford, but I think its something like 6 and 6 or 7 and 6. Now thats a real rivalry!

 

[easttexastrash]

Actually I think the Stanford game is now the marquee game. I forget what UCONN'S record is against Stanford, but I think its something like 6 and 6 or 7 and 6. Now thats a real rivalry!

I think there will only be one marquee game next year and that will be Baylor vs. UCONN. After that I would guess that the marquee game will be UCONN and UNC if they can make it happen.

 

[connboy77]

I think there will only be one marquee game next year and that will be Baylor vs. UCONN. After that I would guess that the marquee game will be UCONN and UNC if they can make it happen.

I'm talking long term, one year does not make a rivalry. As for North Carolina, they won't come close to beating UCONN until the 2012 class graduates, and maybe not even then depending on who is on the UCONN team at that time.

 

[Shenandoah]

tenessee KNOWS that if they play us any time in, at least, the next four years, they would get slaughtered on National TV, in the "marquee" game of the year. Stewart, Tuck, Jefferson would have field days. NOW, their problem is that behind the scenes, Geno is probably really ticked off, and will not call off the dogs if we meet them in the big dance...

 

[Wonkster]

.
I think it is incumbent upon the NCAA women's selection committee to ensure that UConn and Tennessee meet up in March Madness through bracket intersection, given that the Vols aren't exactly Volunteering for it any more.

 

[Kibitzer]

I think there will only be one marquee game next year and that will be Baylor vs. UCONN. After that I would guess that the marquee game will be UCONN and UNC if they can make it happen.

Completely agree about the UConn vs. Baylor game next season being a very hot ticket to see and a huge TV audience as well.

Disagree about UNC. For the foreseeable future, it's ND vs. UConn. Both teams are top tier, both have a national fan base, and they are sure to play at least twice each year. All games in a packed arena (better for TV). If they play more often (3, even 4 times) it is unlikely that either team will sweep, based on recent years.

And it is a rivalry. We don't like them and they don't like us.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I agree. Pat will have to completely move on before this series can ever continue. How disrespectful would Warlick look to so quickly go against Pat's wishes in this respect?

Don't assume that Warlick's position would be any different than Summitt's. If the series were to resume (probably never gonna' happen now) it would probably be at the direction of the AD who can smell the money.

 

[easttexastrash]

I'm talking long term, one year does not make a rivalry. As for North Carolina, they won't come close to beating UCONN until the 2012 class graduates, and maybe not even then depending on who is on the UCONN team at that time.

I said "marquee" game, not rivalry. The marquee game will likely change year to year going forward.

UCONN and Notre Dame is hard to call THE marquee game unless you are a Big East fan. It will not have nationwide appeal like UCONN and Tennessee had. Plus, playing three or four times a year takes away a bit of the luster. Playing once a year is much more dramatic.

 

[easttexastrash]

.
I think it is incumbent upon the NCAA women's selection committee to ensure that UConn and Tennessee meet up in March Madness through bracket intersection, given that the Vols aren't exactly Volunteering for it any more.

I don't think anybody really cares anymore if UCONN and Tennessee play, other than UCONN fans. The NCAA has a responsibility to ensure that teams are seeded correctly and are sent to the correct geographic area. The game is not relevant unless both teams are competitive, and at this point UT will not be for a few years. If they are both competitive they will eventually meet in a big game, but just to make sure that they play has no value.

 

[Tonyc]

Why doesn everyone want the rivarly back? Its gone, like an old lover, it will never be the same. UConn is so far ahead of every other team in WCBB its almost silly. Do you realize our bench this season could be ranked in the top 5. Tenn might be ranked in the top 5 of the SEC and that isnt ment to be nasty its the truth . Understand where Tenn is at this point. Pat is ill, Holly is trying to hold things together and rebuild. It was written on the orange checkerboard that Tenn was getting a bunch of recruits per Maria chat. Well most of them have gone elsewhere. Alot of brokern dreams and broken hearts. Alot of wishin and hopin because things arent what they once were.

If UConn played Tenn it would be like hitting LV fans in the face with a cream pie. As bad as they feel it would only be salt in the wound. After what Tenn tried to do to UConn and Geno reachs out to them and the decline, well that tells you UConn is the last thing they need right now.

 

[Kibitzer]

Tony, now why don't you tell us how you really feel about Tennessee?

 

[doggydaddy]

I don't think anybody really cares anymore if UCONN and Tennessee play, other than UCONN fans. The NCAA has a responsibility to ensure that teams are seeded correctly and are sent to the correct geographic area. The game is not relevant unless both teams are competitive, and at this point UT will not be for a few years. If they are both competitive they will eventually meet in a big game, but just to make sure that they play has no value.

I don't see UConn fans clamoring for the game. It's the two biggest fan bases in the country and ESPN would LOVE to have this game. It's a huge story the first time they play again. After that? Who knows?

 

[CL82]

I am going to take the opposing position and say that Pat had nothing to do with the refusal. She and Geno have been in communiation ever since he reached out to her after her announcement of the diagnosis. Their chat at the FF was just a public example of what had been going on behind the scenes. I would bet that there are others around Pat who think they are being protective of her and would readily take this action without her knowledge or consent.

Any authority for the notion that Geno and Pat "have been in communication"? Articles, blogs, anything like that?

 

[CL82]

I don't understand the "they need us" mentality. Tennessee will be relevant by performing well in the NCAA tournament. One game a year with UCONN or any other university is not going cure their woes. If they get a solid recruiting class for 2013 they should perform well in the tourney and contend for future recruits. Tennessee did make the Elite Eight this past season, although they got whipped by Baylor. But then again, ND got their butts handed to them by Baylor, also.

Certian types of players like the biggest stages. UConn/Tenn was the biggest stage for a while. If Tenn doesn't play CT does that mean that they'll have shut down their WBB program? Of course not, but it is a step in the wrong direction for them IMO.

 

[easttexastrash]

I don't see UConn fans clamoring for the game. It's the two biggest fan bases in the country and ESPN would LOVE to have this game. It's a huge story the first time they play again. After that? Who knows?

I would tune in for about 5 minutes until UCONN went up by 20, then I would try to find something more interesting, maybe PDN (the Paint Drying Network).

 

[doggydaddy]

I would tune in for about 5 minutes until UCONN went up by 20, then I would try to find something more interesting, maybe PDN (the Paint Drying Network).

That doesn't mean that ESPN wouldn't love this game, and that it wouldn't get great ratings. At the start.

I agree that only UConn fans would watch the entire game. I would DVR it and watch it several times while reading posts on the Summitt...lol.

 

[cohenzone]

Aside from the intensity of the UConn/UT rivalry for the two schools, wasn't the real significance of the annual games that it captured the attention of otherwise casual or normally disinterested TV viewers? This boosted some general interest in women's hoops. There might be a game here or there that might capture that interest, but the unusual thing was that these were two programs that sustained the excellence of their programs for a much longer time than any other teams in the era when TV coverage blossomed because of that rivalry. The causal fan knew it and the rivalry caused some continuing interest outside of UConn and UT and fans and avid women's hoops fans.

Nothing has replaced that sort of relationship in a sport that truly has very few casual followers. If, say UConn, continues its excellence for an additional long time, then maybe some other opponent will show up who can match it and sustain it so that fans would be interested in watching the two play every year. Baylor has some potential, but they have a bit to go after BG graduates to show longevity. Stanford has that possibility and Tara's teams have come back to prominence after a little bit of a slide. ND has to show, as well, that it can be a perpetual FF team before the casual fan gets excited about some annual rivalry. In their case, relative to UConn, I'm not so sure that an in-conference rivalry gets as much juice nationally. Obviously in the men's game, the Duke-UNC games get a lot of national interest. Speaking of which, neither of those two women's programs has captured the fan imagination sufficient to create a game of casual fan interest.

Right now, a UConn/Baylor match up is attractive, but it's all about Griner. When UConn and Tennessee were playing, I'd wager that at its height, the most the casual fan knew about the teams was the name of the university and it didn't matter all that much to make them want to watch who was on the team at the time because they knew the teams were both likely to be very good. They played against each other with a passion and had visibly passionate coaches. Maybe I'm all wet about this, but I don't think the casual fan would be interested in a UConn/Baylor game if BG were not known to be on the team and that most of them have no idea who Sophia Young is. Women's hoops, while generally deeper and more competitive than even ten years ago, still is not a widely popular sport. Maybe it never will be. But having a widely identifiable annual rivalry is a big deal in that sport.

BTW, gotta love Tony C., but I'm pretty sure a few teams not named UConn have won the last two NCs and this year has a pretty big obstacle in the way.

 

[UcMiami]

All I have to say is that maybe now our fearless reporters will stop bringing up this issue (JA mostly.)

I don't think there will ever be the kind of 'marquee' game that Uconn/TN was - the game and talent has expanded to the point that you will never have only two dominant teams over a 10 year period - 8 championships between the two from 1995 - 2004.

 

[semper]

It's not relevant anymore. If UT regains ground, then maybe.

 

[Icebear]

Certian types of players like the biggest stages. UConn/Tenn was the biggest stage for a while. If Tenn doesn't play CT does that mean that they'll have shut down their WBB program? Of course not, but it is a step in the wrong direction for them IMO.

At the time the picture from the FF was run it was mentioned in a couple of the articles about the encounter. It was, also, mentioned that Geno had been one of the first contributors to Pat's new fund for battling Alzheimer's.

http://www.countytimes.com/articles/2012/04/02/life/doc4f79c1d0d523c151636355.txt

Simply Google "Auriemma and Summitt talking".