Well, a few thoughts on this….. First, I think Geno is already in the same pack as the John Woodens, and whoever else you choose to put at the top of the pack when figuring the greatest of all time….. Having said this, it is impossible, I think, to compare MCBB and WCBB….. just can’t do it, and I think all who have achieved must be applauded and celebrated…..
Because Pat’s name is mentioned….. I must reiterate what I have always said….. that she is a giant in the sport….. and largely responsible for its large growth the last generation …especially the earlier years….. what Immaculata and Louisiana Tech couldn’t sustain, the LV program did, and that is thanks to Pat. She has mentored 160 players in the finest fashion, and is responsible for many of them, including the current LV coach, going into coaching….. Perhaps things slipped a bit in recent years….. when “defense and rebounding” weren’t enough for strategy, and bringing in athletes who had their own agendas (e.g. Massengale) were accepted readily….. but Pat stands proudly amongst the profession….. I wish the Summit could give GA some credit (I never see anything positive written…even in acknowledgement) for his accomplishments….but that is OK… we all appreciate GA for all he has done in Storrs….. and respect as well Pat’s track record, for it is strong…..
As for the figures which make up the basis for the question of this thread….. here are some impressive figures for me….
- 8-0 in National Chmp. Games….. has been mentioned already….
- 8 NCAA titles in 28 yrs….. PS 8 in 37 yrs
- 1 vs 2 games…..UConn is 15-3……. LVs are 10-12
- 4 undefeated seasons….. and perhaps going for a 5th
This last stat is perhaps most amazing….. as Jay Bilas has said, the UC women have had for years their games circled on everybody’s schedule….. so they cannot take a game off…. And still they do it….. it is amazing….. on rare occasion you get a Jessica Foley, or a St Johns game in Storrs…. But 99% of the time these women are steel tested….. and this is largely due to coaching….. and look at the history of who has gone undefeated…. Texas was the first….. LVs did it once, prompting Pat to put out a book on that season…. And Baylor did it two years ago with Griner…. And other than that….. it is all us!!!! 4 seasons in which we did not lose a single game!!! An incredible job….. !!!Where will GA end up? I think the 1098 is inconsequential…… though this will be the lasting figure LV Nation can hold on to….. The big thing for GA I think is in sheer # of titles….. Wooden has 10….. if he gets to 9 this year….. he is on the precipice….. I hope he will stay on a few more years….. still has a lot of fire in the furnace….. Go Huskies!