Lady Vols renewing series with UConn at right time after dodging the dynasty | Page 2 | The Boneyard

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

Status
Not open for further replies.
Alydar said:
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.
Expand ...
Another good one, especially on ONO. I'll put money on Coombs ability to shoot in November--You, I believe will see a top Div one player has emerged. Geno likes her.
 
The only thing about the article I disagree with is that the dynasty has, like the LV's, had it's run. With who is committed for 2020 and those likely to that year and the next it may be that the brightest stars are still ahead. Truly.
 
SVCBeercats said:
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."
Expand ...


Be careful what you ask for. Something tells me that they are not going to like the results!
 
oldude said:
Unless I’m mistaken, there were 2 McD AA’s coming off UConn’s bench this past season.
Expand ...
Unless I am mistaken the article is about next year.
 
oldude said:
Unless, I’m mistaken the Huskies will have 2 McD AA’s on the bench again next year.
Expand ...
My point was even Geno can't take average players and turn them into winners against McD AAs. Without talent, serious talent, there are no NCAA championships.
1995 - Lobo, Wolters, Rizzotti
2000 - TASS
2002, 2003, 2004 - Taurasi
2009, 2010 - Moore, Charles, Ann Strother, Barbara Turner
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
 
.-.
SVCBeercats said:
My point was even Geno can't take average players and turn them into winners against McD AAs. Without talent, serious talent, there are no NCAA championships.
1995 - Lobo, Wolters, Rizzotti
2000 - TASS
2002, 2003, 2004 - Taurasi
2009, 2010 - Moore, Charles, Ann Strother, Barbara Turner
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
Expand ...
I agree with your main message in your first sentence, but you have your history mixed up if you think that Ann Strother and Barbara Turner were on the 2009 and 2010 teams. They both graduated in 2006. But you forgot to mention that Renee Montgomery and Tiffany Hayes were on the 2009 and 2010 teams.

There is a parallel between Barbara/Ann and Lou/Pheesa insofar as they won NC's as underclassmen on the Taurasi teams, but were not able to win an NC on teams that they led. At least Lou and Pheesa got to the Final Four every year, which Ann and Barbara did not do.
 
There is no question the ending of the series came at the right time for Tenn. They would be looking at an 11 year losing streak to the Huskies. Moreover, the series continuing next year could not come at a better time than next season for them, since UCONN will be no where near as formidable as years gone by.
 
SVCBeercats said:
My point was even Geno can't take average players and turn them into winners against McD AAs. Without talent, serious talent, there are no NCAA championships.
1995 - Lobo, Wolters, Rizzotti
2000 - TASS
2002, 2003, 2004 - Taurasi
2009, 2010 - Moore, Charles, Ann Strother, Barbara Turner
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 - Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck
Expand ...
Fortunately, Geno has much better than average talent on his team, and that should continue for years to come.
 
Yeah, A lot of us like that quote. I was at school in Alabama from 67 to 72 and heard Shug say it during an interview. Being a Connecticut Yankee, I didn't know what he meant when he said 'urine' :confused:
 
I have read the entire article and I'm trying to see where the writer said specifically that the UConn's dynasty has had it's run.

To me, this article simply compliments what UConn has accomplished. For the writer to say UT dodge a dynasty, Is just projecting that had the series continued on throughout that absent period of time, the series would be significantly more lopsided in Favor of UConn with possibly several embarrassing losses to a once proud rival..

He clearly stated even with more HS AA's on their team, that UConn will still be favored to win when they meet. I see absolutely nothing wrong with his projections ...
 
JoePgh said:
I agree with your main message in your first sentence, but you have your history mixed up if you think that Ann Strother and Barbara Turner were on the 2009 and 2010 teams. They both graduated in 2006. But you forgot to mention that Renee Montgomery and Tiffany Hayes were on the 2009 and 2010 teams.
There is a parallel between Barbara/Ann and Lou/Pheesa insofar as they won NC's as underclassmen on the Taurasi teams, but were not able to win an NC on teams that they led. At least Lou and Pheesa got to the Final Four every year, which Ann and Barbara did not do.
Expand ...

I added Barbara/Ann as an after I checked the spelling but placed them on the line below. I like you comparison between Barbara/An and Lou/Phee.
 
.-.
Can't believe I wasted my time reading that mess. In the words of the great (well in his mind...great) Mercury Morris (Maimi Dolphins 1972 Super Bowl Champs), let me know when the Lady Vols are on our block! Right now they ain't even in town.
 
The LV's have really thrived since they cancelled the series behind a curtain of lies and slander. Why are we playing these chumps again?
 
Waquoit said:
The LV's have really thrived since they cancelled the series behind a curtain of lies and slander. Why are we playing these chumps again?
Expand ...
The 2 game series will benefit both the Naismith HOF and the Pat Summit Foundation, two causes that Geno strongly supports.
 
HuskyNan said:
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. :rolleyes:
Expand ...

I wonder how many on here get that reference? :);)
 
I wouldn't do handicapping too soon.... and let KJH settle in and take control... probably will be a year or two before she can put her stamp on the program..... couple of classes of her recruits.....

and on KJH, I would predict her to be neither a know-nothing coach nor the "second coming" ... the one thing I feel confident saying at this point is that she is a marked improvement over Holly....
 
.-.
I like the article to a degree as it is factual and gives UConn credit due. On the other hand as a well seasoned print media writer this was just something to fill the column for the day. They all do it just like others in different professions coast for a day. Not a soul that has followed woman's basketball for a good amount of time learned or were intrigued by anything in the story.

Just my thought of what would leave some questions to be answered and made the article compelling, would have been to present the challenge before Kellie. Most all coaches taking a new job are going into a situation where if it were a car, it's a domestic vehicle that needs a engine rebuild. This along with a timing belt, brakes all around, exhaust system and four new tires.
With the prestige of the Tenn program, the built in fan base and media, seven Micky D All Americans, Kellie has been handed the keys to a Lamborghini that simply needs detailing. ;)
 
EricLA said:
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...
Expand ...


I'll correct you. Kasi was injured quite a bit last season. If she continues to progress over the summer and in Harper's systemd, expect her to be the center. Collins is not a center.

Point guard could just as easily be Horston considering Massengill will not have a year up on her. The offense will be different, so it will go to best player.

Rae Burrell came on strong and will also vie for position,

There are lots of unknowns, as Kellie starts with a clean slate.

As for Williams eating the lunch of Jordan, don't forget about the size that Horston brings. Horston has the potential to be one of those freshmen that is serving up a good dish of her own.

Last, Brown could totally shift the roster, if she rebounds well from injury. She could end up starting, which would move Burrell or Collins to be players off the bench.

New offense, new defense, and new philosophy, alot of questions to be answered.
 
JonathanXIV said:
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.
Expand ...

Pat had no reason to run from competition and she never did. She ended the season the same year that TN went on to repeat as champions. She ended the season after winning 3 in a row against UConn. She also had high expectations because the incoming 2009 class was to go on and do big things. Injuries to key players that were to be the next big thing (2009 / 2010 class combined) was the only reason they didn't make a final 4 or beyond run. None of that could be foreseen by Pat.

Don't forget that TN and Pat have played big games before UConn was ever relevant, so let's not act like Pat runs from anybody.
 
Justavisitor said:
Pat had no reason to run from competition and she never did. She ended the season the same year that TN went on to repeat as champions. She ended the season after winning 3 in a row against UConn. She also had high expectations because the incoming 2009 class was to go on and do big things. Injuries to key players that were to be the next big thing (2009 / 2010 class combined) was the only reason they didn't make a final 4 or beyond run. None of that could be foreseen by Pat.

Don't forget that TN and Pat have played big games before UConn was ever relevant, so let's not act like Pat runs from anybody.
Expand ...
1555954029572.png
 
Justavisitor said:
Pat had no reason to run from competition and she never did. She ended the season the same year that TN went on to repeat as champions. She ended the season after winning 3 in a row against UConn. She also had high expectations because the incoming 2009 class was to go on and do big things. Injuries to key players that were to be the next big thing (2009 / 2010 class combined) was the only reason they didn't make a final 4 or beyond run. None of that could be foreseen by Pat.

Don't forget that TN and Pat have played big games before UConn was ever relevant, so let's not act like Pat runs from anybody.
Expand ...

Well, Tennessee did manufacture a fake recruiting scandal and unilaterally ended their series with UConn, casting dispersions along the way. And since then how many Final Fours has Tennessee attended (not having to pay for their tickets) and how many has UConn been to? I maintain my position that "luck" didn't have anything to do with the series ending. And that if the series had continued, the record would be a lot more lopsided than 13-9.
 
Last edited:
.-.
Justavisitor said:
I'll correct you. Kasi was injured quite a bit last season. If she continues to progress over the summer and in Harper's systemd, expect her to be the center. Collins is not a center.

Point guard could just as easily be Horston considering Massengill will not have a year up on her. The offense will be different, so it will go to best player.

Rae Burrell came on strong and will also vie for position,

There are lots of unknowns, as Kellie starts with a clean slate.

As for Williams eating the lunch of Jordan, don't forget about the size that Horston brings. Horston has the potential to be one of those freshmen that is serving up a good dish of her own.

Last, Brown could totally shift the roster, if she rebounds well from injury. She could end up starting, which would move Burrell or Collins to be players off the bench.

New offense, new defense, and new philosophy, alot of questions to be answered.
Expand ...
I have no doubt the players you mentioned will "vie" for playing time. They are just light years behind UCONN talent wise. You will have no one who can contain Dangerfield. If you think Horston as a freshman will be anywhere close to Williams as a sophomore, keep on believing that if it makes you feel better. You will see just how large the talent/experience gap is when we play. I have no doubt she will have a nice freshman year, but she's not the player Williams is.

As you said lots of unanswered questions. Not sure what you mean by "Massengill will not have a year up on her". Massengill will be a sophomore. Horston a freshman. Most certainly Jaz has a year up on Jordan. I have no doubt Tennessee will play lots of in your face man to man defense. Sure you have Green and Horston - a pair of top 10 players - who both should be good, but the rest of the roster is questionable.

Tennessee over the past 3 years has lost #2 Westbrook, top 10 Hayes, and then 2 starters. I can't wait till the UCONN-Tennessee game. Epic beatdown coming...
 
Justavisitor said:
Pat had no reason to run from competition and she never did. She ended the season the same year that TN went on to repeat as champions. She ended the season after winning 3 in a row against UConn. She also had high expectations because the incoming 2009 class was to go on and do big things. Injuries to key players that were to be the next big thing (2009 / 2010 class combined) was the only reason they didn't make a final 4 or beyond run. None of that could be foreseen by Pat.

Don't forget that TN and Pat have played big games before UConn was ever relevant, so let's not act like Pat runs from anybody.
Expand ...

Wow... have not been following the thread.... but saw this.... "Let's not act like Pat runs from anybody"... well what else do you call it? Pat quit the series with UConn.... that is a fact.... and you say that she ran from nobody because she was playing big games before UConn was ever relevant....?? OK

Injuries to key players... was that the reason Tenn lost to Ball State....

And yes you are correct... Pat ended the series with 3 straight victories vs UConn.... you focus on the 3 straight victories so congratulations to you.... what about the 6 wins and 13 losses vs UConn before those 3 victories, and 0 wins and 4 losses in NCAA championship games vs UConn when it counted the most....

I have respect for pat, but yes she did run, and ran far..... when she wasn't dominating any longer....
 
You all know good and well why she cancelled the series. Wins vs. losses had nothing to do with it. TN had the better team at the time she cancelled. The proof is the banner that was hung at the completion of that season. Pat had every reason to believe she would continue with that success considering the incoming recruits. But yeah, let's just ignore the reason why and come up with all this running from competition. Laughable at best.
 
.-.
Status
Not open for further replies.

Forum statistics

Threads
168,011
Messages
4,549,363
Members
10,431
Latest member
TeganK


Top Bottom