Lady Vols renewing series with UConn at right time after dodging the dynasty

[SVCBeercats]

Apparently UCONN's dynasty is over according to this writer who believes TENN is replaying UCONN at the right time.
Lady Vols renewing series with UConn at right time after dodging the dynasty
"Tennessee women's basketball got lucky when it came to Connecticut. The Lady Vols were fortunate to end their series with the Huskies after UT won the 2007 national championship. When the series ended, Tennessee was on a three-game winning streak. UT also has been fortunate about the series renewal. When the teams play next season, UConn's roster won't have the caliber of talent that has produced 11 national championships."
"Bottom line: Tennessee dodged a dynasty."
"But when the once-famous rivalry is renewed next season, Tennessee will have more McDonald's All-Americans on its roster than UConn will."

 

[warbler1055]

Utter nonsense. Should just mention opportunity for both programs to allow players and coaches to produce an excellent environment to showcase their talents and passion!!!

 

[Beemer]

Well it is from knoxnews.com, I don't know why anyone would expect the writer to say anything different

 

[hoopsfan22]

Well the article's writer is not wrong.

 

[LStudfellow]

"But when the once-famous rivalry is renewed next season, Tennessee will have more McDonald's All-Americans on its roster than UConn will."

Yeahhhhh... but they won't have Geno.

Unless Kellie Harper is the 2nd coming of Pat Summit (unlikely), or Muffet or Tara or Kim for that matter, we will have a HUGE advantage in the coaches matchup each and every time we play as long as he is our guy, and isn't on their sideline. John Adams (the writer of the article) will want to revise this in about 4 to 5 years when we have won every one of the future games between now and then... you just watch.

Typical local writer who writes from an obviously biased and lack of understanding of the bigger picture point of view.

 

[Beemer]

Well the article's writer is not wrong.

I'll take Geno coaching a bunch of average HS players over Harper coaching a bunch of HS All Americans.

 

[hoopsfan22]

I'll take Geno coaching a bunch of average HS players over Harper coaching a bunch of HS All Americans.

I'd rather it was Holly coaching that team of HS All-Americans.

 

[oldude]

I truly hope that UConn vs TN regains the notoriety as one of the top rivalries in WBB. As for the game this coming season, the LV’s will likely be getting a basketball lesson from the Huskies.

While KJH may well turn the LV program in the right direction, it’s not going to happen right away. The early season trip to UConn will be an opportunity for TN to learn.

 

[EricSD]

Tennessee will be solid next year. Can't be worse than this past year. BUT... They lose Westbrook, Green (Cheridene) and Jackson - 3 starters. I'm sure they feel Horston is the 2nd coming of Catchings (or whoever), but she is only a freshman. Williams will eat her lunch and then spit it back on her (metaphorically speaking). They have no one who can come close to the talent Danger has. ONO will hold her own and Walker will have her hands full with Rennia Davis.

Tenn fans can correct me if they think I have it wrong, but I can see starters of Massengill, Horston, Zaay Green, Davis and Collins (I think she passed Kushkutuah on the depth chart). Some talent for sure, but nowhere near the firepower UCONN will have. Just my $.02...

 

[HuskyNan]

I’m sure this article won’t end up on the UConn bulletin board with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one.

 

[HuskylnSC]

I'll take Geno coaching a bunch of average HS players over Harper coaching a bunch of HS All Americans.

Like Shug Jordan said about Bear Bryant, "He can take his'n and beat your'n then take your'n and beat his'n" (you must use an Alabama accent to get this right ) Just substitute Walz for Jordan and Geno for the Bear.

 

[Nash83]

Tennessee will be solid next year. Can't be worse than this past year. BUT... They lose Westbrook, Green (Cheridene) and Jackson - 3 starters. I'm sure they feel Horston is the 2nd coming of Catchings (or whoever), but she is only a freshman. Williams will eat her lunch and then spit it back on her (metaphorically speaking). They have no one who can come close to the talent Danger has. ONO will hold her own and Walker will have her hands full with Rennia Davis.

Tenn fans can correct me if they think I have it wrong, but I can see starters of Massengill, Horston, Zaay Green, Davis and Collins (I think she passed Kushkutuah on the depth chart). Some talent for sure, but nowhere near the firepower UCONN will have. Just my $.02...

Maybe:
Jazmine Massengill/Jordan
Zaay Green/Jess Rennie
Rennia Davis/Rae Burrell
Mimi Collins/Lou Brown
Kasiyahna Kushkituah/Key

Jordan will and Key might become starters at some point next season...

 

[msf22b]

I think one can assume that Ms. Kellie is an above average coach.
Lots of talent on that team even losing Westbrook
Rae Burrell has the look of a fine player...Gabby-like in some ways...aggressive, Nevada, even a high jumper....but more refined BB skills than Gabby at that point in their careers.
Who else is lurking deep in the UTenn bench? ...Holly wouldn't have known.

Next season, we will be more or less evenly matched...talent wise.
Game won't be a push-over

 

[SVCBeercats]

I'll take Geno coaching a bunch of average HS players over Harper coaching a bunch of HS All Americans.

Really? How is the UCONN bench doing?

 

[stwainfan]

Any one here going to the game?

 

[Alydar]

The date of UT's game with UConn also could be in the Lady Vols' favor. Although the date hasn't been announced yet, it likely would be in November or December before teams begin conference play.

The earlier in the season the better for Tennessee, because Auriemma's teams usually get better as the season goes along. But no matter how much his next team improves, it won't be comparable to his national championship teams.

Actually I think he got this wrong. UConn has always been a fast starter and way ahead of their opponents early in the season. Tenn will have played no one but will have won easily, resulting in an inflated opinion of themselves (as usual). They will also be breaking in a new coach and a new point guard. They would be much better off playing the game in January or February.

Tenn will be a much more formidable opponent at home in 2000/2001. But UConn will be unbeatable by then.

 

[gioff2323]

Tenn will be a much more formidable opponent at home in 2000/2001. But UConn will be unbeatable by then.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. No way we go back in time 20 years and lose!

 

[Alydar]

Really? How is the UCONN bench doing?

How many of the 11 were won without a deep bench? Most of them. And those few years with a good bench were totally dominant seasons.

 

[Beemer]

Really? How is the UCONN bench doing?

See @Alydar's post.

 

[SVCBeercats]

I'll take Geno coaching a bunch of average HS players over Harper coaching a bunch of HS All Americans.

How many of the 11 were won without a deep bench? Most of them. And those few years with a good bench were totally dominant seasons.

I referring to the development of average players versus McDonald's All-Americans. Our bench came in average and have improved modestly. They could not compete with a team of McDonald's All-Americans as was Beemer premise.

 

[oldude]

I referring to the development of average players versus McDonald's All-Americans. Our bench came in average and have improved modestly. They could not compete with a team of McDonald's All-Americans as was Beemer premise.

Unless I’m mistaken, there were 2 McD AA’s coming off UConn’s bench this past season.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Apparently UCONN's dynasty is over according to this writer who believes TENN is replaying UCONN at the right time.
Lady Vols renewing series with UConn at right time after dodging the dynasty
"Tennessee women's basketball got lucky when it came to Connecticut. The Lady Vols were fortunate to end their series with the Huskies after UT won the 2007 national championship. When the series ended, Tennessee was on a three-game winning streak. UT also has been fortunate about the series renewal. When the teams play next season, UConn's roster won't have the caliber of talent that has produced 11 national championships."
"Bottom line: Tennessee dodged a dynasty."
"But when the once-famous rivalry is renewed next season, Tennessee will have more McDonald's All-Americans on its roster than UConn will."

They were "lucky" to end the series when they did? Let me see: since Tennessee ended the series, they haven't been to a single Final Four, while- oh, right!- Connecticut has been to twelve straight Final Fours, setting the all-time record. And this year, Tennessee was bounced in the first round of the Tourney for only teh second time in program history, while Connecticut went to the Final Four. Again.

Seems sort of like "the luck of the Irish." After suffering through centuries of oppression, poverty, severe starvation, bloody repression of rebellions, that constitutes "luck" for the people of Ireland?

Tennessee might get lucky and defeat Connecticut with a new coach. But I can't look back at the collapse of the UT WCBB program over the past dozen years and call that "luck."

 

[JonathanXIV]

They were "lucky" to end the series when they did? Let me see: since Tennessee ended the series, they haven't been to a single Final Four, while- oh, right!- Connecticut has been to twelve straight Final Fours, setting the all-time record. And this year, Tennessee was bounced in the first round of the Tourney for only teh second time in program history, while Connecticut went to the Final Four. Again.

Seems sort of like "the luck of the Irish." After suffering through centuries of oppression, poverty, severe starvation, bloody repression of rebellions, that constitutes "luck" for the people of Ireland?

Tennessee might get lucky and defeat Connecticut with a new coach. But I can't look back at the collapse of the UT WCBB program over the past dozen years and call that "luck."

It would have been "lucky" if the series ended accidentally or due to a third party. This wasn't luck. Tennessee made the unilateral decision to end the series when they did. They ran from Uconn.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I mean, from the standpoint of hoping for a competitive game/rivalry, the author is basically right. Post-Holly UT will be better, and Geno has more questions to answer this off-season than at just about any time since the post-DT era. For anyone who wants to see a good game (and by "good" I mean competitive and close), this fall offers a much better chance of that than basically any time since 2008.

 

[j66kicker]

Like Shug Jordan said about Bear Bryant, "He can take his'n and beat your'n then take your'n and beat his'n" (you must use an Alabama accent to get this right ) Just substitute Walz for Jordan and Geno for the Bear.

Hmmm... Bum Phillips make that exact same quote about Don Shula (pretty much same accent too, I'm sure). I'm sure Bum said it while he was coaching in the NFL, 1975-85. Shug probably said it about Bear while he was coaching at Auburn, 1951-75. So it looks like Bum may have plagiarized Shug...

 

[CL82]

I truly hope that UConn vs TN regains the notoriety as one of the top rivalries in WBB. As for the game this coming season, the LV’s will likely be getting a basketball lesson from the Huskies.

While KJH may well turn the LV program in the right direction, it’s not going to happen right away. The early season trip to UConn will be an opportunity for TN to learn.

Don't see it happening. It will be a nostalgic thing for a few seasons and fade away. Think "U game."

 

[Alydar]

I referring to the development of average players versus McDonald's All-Americans. Our bench came in average and have improved modestly. They could not compete with a team of McDonald's All-Americans as was Beemer premise.

Sure our bench looks average. But we are comparing it to a starting team historically filled with AA's I am confident that UConn's bench, filled with seniors, will make up for any lack of talent with their experience. I've seen many many times on more teams than just UConn when players who showed little for 3 years step up as seniors. Nelson for the Irish & Gardler for UConn are 2 examples. I'm not saying they will play major roles individually but that 10-15 minutes each for 4 players would be 20%-30% of the minutes played, and with a freshman possibly starting and a foul-prone post they will have to be ready. And sometimes when they become seniors there are no upperclassmen there to stand behind, if you know what I mean.
I'm normally a cynical person but I am very confident that things are a lot brighter for next season than many think. Dangerfield will now have the ball in her own hands, where she does the most damage. Williams will actually get the ball more too. Her talent is obvious and I think she held back and let the experienced AA seniors run the show. Same with Walker. I looked back at the HS reports of ONO. The praise was for her defensive play, rebounding, shot blocking, lateral quickness, quick leaping, etc. Her offense was described as "emerging". So that explains the missed bunnies. And I'd prefer to see them have to teach a 6'5" post to shoot than teach them to play defense. (see Stevens) I expect ONO to be among the leaders in rebounds and blocked shots. Coombs is the dark horse. She came back after a scary life-threatening condition, which has to shake anyone's confidence. She has emerged as probably the best defender on the team (not that that is a big deal) with hands as quick as 2 diamondbacks. She was a hotshot HSAA and could still have some upside but even if not, still will be a huge asset just for her defense.

 

[Alydar]

I truly hope that UConn vs TN regains the notoriety as one of the top rivalries in WBB. As for the game this coming season, the LV’s will likely be getting a basketball lesson from the Huskies.

While KJH may well turn the LV program in the right direction, it’s not going to happen right away. The early season trip to UConn will be an opportunity for TN to learn.

Harper needs to get the program faced forward. It's been looking backwards for years and anyone can see that doesn't work. I don't want to sound cold but the LV's need to stop being a memorial to their late coach. Get rid of that empty chair. No one needs to be reminded of Pat, especially at any LV game. All that chair does is remind the players who isn't their coach, diminishing who is.

If all Harper does is abandon what passed as an offense for the last 10 years then she is halfway home.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Apparently UCONN's dynasty is over according to this writer who believes TENN is replaying UCONN at the right time.
Lady Vols renewing series with UConn at right time after dodging the dynasty
"Tennessee women's basketball got lucky when it came to Connecticut. The Lady Vols were fortunate to end their series with the Huskies after UT won the 2007 national championship. When the series ended, Tennessee was on a three-game winning streak. UT also has been fortunate about the series renewal. When the teams play next season, UConn's roster won't have the caliber of talent that has produced 11 national championships."
"Bottom line: Tennessee dodged a dynasty."
"But when the once-famous rivalry is renewed next season, Tennessee will have more McDonald's All-Americans on its roster than UConn will."

Good article, Uconn came out a winner in that. Except.
Hey---I liked that article except believing Uconn won't be as good next year> All the sign posts say it will be better. If those that predict a recovered Touly are correct, look out post players you'll end up in the cheap seats. The major lack of the last 2 years (until the NCAA's) was a big and effective post player--Uconn got one in March--ONO!! She came to life, showed what she will be next fall. Then to that you add 2 very experienced CW and Megan (a small post), Danger is Danger probably the best guard in the country and a true leader. Add a Griffin, whom many believe is Div 1 ready, they may be hard to beat.
So Lady Vols-you missed some bullets, you failed to perform, you were loaded with talent--and what did you do with it? If you think Geno does not have a 155 mm artillery battery ready, think again. I feel a 60 drubbing of UT coming on.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Harper needs to get the program faced forward. It's been looking backwards for years and anyone can see that doesn't work. I don't want to sound cold but the LV's need to stop being a memorial to their late coach. Get rid of that empty chair. No one needs to be reminded of Pat, especially at any LV game. All that chair does is remind the players who isn't their coach, diminishing who is.

If all Harper does is abandon what passed as an offense for the last 10 years then she is halfway home.

I'm a believer in : If a player is gone, she is gone. If a coach is gone you can't use her or her memory--look forwards (as you say) and not backwards. If you fail to look forward you may run into a buzz saw (name of which is not necessary). @Alydar really good post with good common sense--I hope LVs doesn't read your stuff, they'll get too smart!!