I imagine some programs opt out of the WNIT because senior starters don't see it worth the risk of injury (putting their opportunities to play professionally at risk) playing in the lesser tournament. I believe that is what "injury concerns" is about. Not saying its a good excuse, but players do often appear have a say in whether they will play in the 'NIT.
All I can report is what I read on the Bench. The decision was Ivey’s alone. In addition ND doesn’t have any seniors with bright careers in the pros, imo. Many ND fans point out how numerous schools around the country used an NIT bid to elevate their program into annual trips to the NCAA tournament including: Oregon, UCLA, Ms St, NC St and even MM’s ND teams from years ago.
I think the WNIT dis is a very worrisome sign if you are a Notre Dame fan. Most coaches, especially ones whose teams are struggling, would be ecstatic at the opportunity to play 1-6 extra games under tournament conditions! As for her excuse, she was eager to play in the ncaa’s! While I understand the desire to watch her son play, I can’t help but wonder what her team, her administration, future recruits, and Notre Dame fans think about the state of this program? I think Notre Dame is in real danger of following Tennessee down a rabbit hole to extended mediocrity.
I have no problem at all with Notre Dame becoming totally irrelevant. Just wish it would happen in football too.
Playing in the Big Dance certainly carries more prestige to the players and program and is worth the effort to participate in. The same is likely less true for a WNIT run. We have seen instances in the past of prominent programs reacting like "NCAA or Bust" if they miss the tournament. Again, not defending the coach's decision, but we don't know what, if any, feedback from the team contributed to it.
Did you watch Tennessee today? That team is in no way, shape or form mediocre.
In the last few years with the talent they've had combined with past success and expectations, you can definitely call them mediocre.
You do realize that Middle TN’s biggest starter is 6’0”, shorter that TN’s smallest starter.
She also said that she is having contact with UConn and hoping for an offer. Yes, her dad played for us but if that clenched it, wouldn’t she have committed immediately upon receiving the offer?
As long as someone is going to support that, allow me a polite rebuttal. Tennessee has a three seed in the tournament, meaning it is theoretically one of the 12 best teams. They also gave UConn a great game. I must not remember what mediocre means.
Who are the other two?The Ayanna Patterson thread is closed so here it goes.
Another pic of Patterson with Fudd and DeBerry posted last summer.
The Ayanna Patterson thread is closed so here it goes.
Another pic of Patterson with Fudd and DeBerry posted last summer.
Who is the clown in the back looks like Waltz....The Ayanna Patterson thread is closed so here it goes.
Another pic of Patterson with Fudd and DeBerry posted last summer.
Valid. ESPN just ranked Tennessee as the 11th best team remaining in the tourney. I do need to clarify my opinion is that the Lady Vols are at best a sweet 16 team while I expect UConn to be a final 4 entry. I would like it very much if they defy my expectations and beat Baylor to become an elite 8 team.
Agreed
Apparently, my appraisal of Tennessee was way off. Davis just dropped five or six spots in the Draft.
