Kentucky-Tennessee (merged thread)

[Huskies Rule]

I'm not sure that is the case. The ending of this game was no different than the ending of the last UCONN Stanford game. I am sure Geno had a plan and had practiced that ending also.

You may be right, Coco. Both games did end in losses. The difference is that Tennessee's loss will likely only lead to more losses, while I believe that our loss to Stanford last year led, in large part, to NC #10.

While Geno was obviously disappointed/pissed by that Stanford loss, I have long thought that deep down he was "okay" with it. Coach never wants to lose, ever. But it gave him the opportunity (pretext) to dramatically change his starting rotation and to make it clear to every player that if she could not play the game and defend his way, then she will not start, she will sit, and she may not even play one minute. That Stanford loss was significant in determining the lineup and the tone for the rest of what ultimately became yet another championship season. That Stanford loss was one of those moments Geno never wastes- the chance to teach an essential, motivational lesson. Message sent, message received.

Then later against Memphis, Geno sat Stewie and Morgan after only 5 minutes of play, and they never got off the bench the rest of the game. Geno said he was not happy with their uninspired, "slow start," as in their previous several games. The master motivator and teacher saw the moment and made his move. Geno recognized an opportunity and seized it, to once again send a message, loud and clear, to his stars and to the entire team. Play the UConn way, play his way, or don't play at all- no matter if you're the NPOY named Stewart or the AA named Tuck. The result? Next game's 87-62 pasting of #1 SCarolina.

Win or lose, Geno is a damn genius and the best coach ever in the history of WCBB.

 

[Jim R]

The hardest thing to cure is a bad attitude and when you have a couple on bad attitudes on a team it ruins the team. Tenn showed they do not know how to play the game. The minute Kentucky made a comeback Tenn reverted to their comfort zone and when one on one and out of control many times. Panic set in and lack of discipline took over. The biggest difference is KU had Epps who did her thing and Tenn could not stop her.

Ive been saying it for years. Tenn has unbelievable talent but cant win. Hey it hasn't changed and the answer to why is coaching. Last nite when the pressure was on neither team could execute a play and Epps stepped up and that was the difference. Still neither team executed plays. No poise no chemistry no execution no nothing and that's what you got nothing. A comedy of errors that just wouldn't stop until the clock ran out. The sad thing is the announcers said the SEC will put 8 teams in the NCAA tourney. LOL you've got to be kidding. I think their are 6 teams out there that are better and they may not be in a big conference.

While talent helps, there's no doubt that attitude and teamwork (passing, screening, switching on defense, etc.) are the mojo that produces success, and both these teams, but, especially Tenn, seem lacking. Most of us simply shake our heads when we hear statements like Staley's, after the Miss St. game, when she stated about the SEC, "we're the best conference, hands down". Unfortunately, they haven't been for years. It is now the ACC, and prior to its break-up, the Big East. But, similar to Creme's seedings, they seem to be stuck in the past!

 

[CocoHusky]

You may be right, Coco. Both games did end in losses. The difference is that Tennessee's loss will likely only lead to more losses, while I believe that our loss to Stanford led in large part to NC #10. While Geno was obviously disappointed/pissed by that Stanford loss, I have long thought that he was deep down "okay" with it. Coach never wants to lose, ever. But it gave him the opportunity (pretext) to dramatically change his starting rotation and to make it clear to every player that if you cannot play the game and defend his way, then you will not start, you will sit, and you may not even play. That Stanford loss was significant in determining the lineup and the tone for the rest of what ultimately became yet another championship season. That Stanford loss was one of those moments Geno never wastes- the chance to teach an essential, motivational lesson. Message sent, message received.

Then later against Memphis, Geno sat Stewie and Morgan after only 5 minutes of play, and they never left the bench the rest of the game. Geno said he was not happy with their uninspired, "slow start," as in their previous several games. Geno seized upon the opportunity to once again send a message, loud and clear, to his stars and to the entire team. Play the UConn way, play his way, or don't play at all- no matter if you're the NPOY named Stewart or the AA named Tuck. The result? Next game's 87-62 pasting of #1 SCarolina.

Win or lose, Geno is a damn genius.

Agree completely. I have infinitely more trust in Geno to handle any adverse situation than I would Holly. I was just pointing out that the ending of both game was similar-No time outs left and having to go the length of the court to get a shot attempt off. 20 years from now when they make a 30 for 30 about this current UCONN run the Stanford loss will be the defining moments.

 

[UcMiami]

Mechelle Voepel @MechelleV
Unfortunately, Kentucky-Tennessee WBB game came down to who made the last mistake. Because both made their share. Wildcats win 64-63.

More perceptive than usual from the media. Usually it is 'what great defense' to force that last pass 50 feet into the stands, when the defender was playing off.

 

[UcMiami]

Agree completely. I have infinitely more trust in Geno to handle any adverse situation than I would Holly. I was just pointing out that the ending of both game was similar-No time outs left and having to go the length of the court to get a shot attempt off. 20 years from now when they make a 30 for 30 about this current UCONN run the Stanford loss will be the defining moments.

I have infinitely more confidence in the players to know what to do in any adverse situation with or without Geno, because they have worked through it themselves practice after practice.

 

[msf22b]

Looking for a way to describe De Shields antics on National TV last night (in addition to her myriad turnovers), I harkened back to one of my favorite Christmas songs for some unsolicited advice for her.

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

 

[CocoHusky]

Even-thought they are ahead at the moment, I can't see Tenseness winning... they are shooting way above their usually percentages.... they're going to stop making shots at some point.

Good call.

 

[CocoHusky]

Looking for a way to describe De Shields childish, despicable antics on National TV last night (in addition to her myriad turnovers), I harkened back to one of my favorite Christmas songs for some unsolicited advice for her.

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

What "[mod edit for inappropriate comment by OP]" are you talking about?
She played poorly, she often plays poorly, why not stick to that?

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

The "talking suits" love the SEC and brag of the 7 or 8 teams in the TOP 25 Poll!
Truth is the SEC brand of BB is sloppiness and scores in the 50's!
It's not because of shut down D, it's because they can't score inside or outside!
I'm not impressed with the SEC style of play!
To me the BIG 12 is better than the SEC!

 

[HuskyNan]

What "[mod edit for inappropriate comment by OP]" are you talking about?
She played poorly, she often plays poorly, why not stick to that?

The poster has a history of similar comments about DD. The young woman may be a Tennessee player, but we do not trash players of other teams any more than we trash UConn players. Discussing/criticising someone's play is fine, calling her names is not.

(not talking to you, Coco, it's a general statement)

 

[msf22b]

[QUOTE="HuskyNan, post: 1556309, member: 4"]The poster has a history of similar comments about DD. The young woman may be a Tennessee player, but we do not trash players of other teams any more than we trash UConn players. Discussing/criticising someone's play is fine, calling her names is not.

(not talking to you, Coco, it's a general statement)[/QUOTE]

Is that true Nan
I think not
What I was referring to was her behavior as exhibited on National TV.
I thought her facial expressions, body language, rolling eyes, shoulder shrugs etc were inappropriate for a potential superstar.
I don't think I have in any way a history of trashing players.

 

[CocoHusky]

[QUOTE="HuskyNan, post: 1556309, member: 4"]The poster has a history of similar comments about DD. The young woman may be a Tennessee player, but we do not trash players of other teams any more than we trash UConn players. Discussing/criticising someone's play is fine, calling her names is not.

(not talking to you, Coco, it's a general statement)

Is that true Nan
I think not
What I was referring to was her behavior as exhibited on National TV.
I thought her facial expressions, body language, rolling eyes, shoulder shrugs etc were inappropriate for a potential superstar. I don't think I have in any way a history of trashing players.[/QUOTE]

Inappropriate? Perhaps. But then those are the words you used to trash DD were they?