So Far, Which Team is The Year's Biggest Disappointment?

[Huskies Rule]

It's only been six weeks, but many teams have failed miserably to live up to their pre-season hype and expectations. Every team (including UConn) has endured injuries, but it's a part of the game all teams must deal with. So injuries aside, and based upon an obviously limited quarter-season sample size, which team do you believe is the biggest FLOP to date and why?

Though there are lots of possibilities, my pick-THE TENNESSEE LADY VOLS. As Charlie Creme's #4 in the national pre-season poll, and included in every pollsters top ten, Tennessee (7-3) currently has a Sagarin ranking of #46 and a strength of schedule of #57. Sooner or later, the national polls will get the courage to drop Tennessee from the top 25 altogether. With 7 High School All-Americans on their roster, including two of this year's most hyped kids, the 2013 Hoopgurlz #1 (Russell) and #3 Diamond Deshields, this team just isn't getting it done. Coach Warlick must get some of the flack for an impotent offensive scheme that has scored an anemic 65 ppg. against a decidedly weak schedule.

While beating up on the likes of Central Arkansas, East Tennessee State, and Wichita State, when they played ranked teams like Texas and Stanford they got whipped.

Coach Warlick's team is in disarray, and though there is time to get it together, one has to wonder.

ROCKY TOP is rushing headlong to a ROCKY BOTTOM.

 

[Sonny44]

It's only been six weeks, but many teams have failed miserably to live up to their pre-season hype and expectations. Every team (including UConn) has endured injuries, but it's a part of the game all teams deal with. So injuries aside, and based upon an obviously limited quarter-season sample size, which team do you believe is the biggest FLOP to date and why?

THE TENNESSEE LADY VOLS. As Charlie Creme's #4 in the national pre-season poll, Tennessee (7-3) currently has a Sagarin ranking of #46. Sooner or later, the national polls will get the courage to drop Tennessee from the top 25 altogether. With 7 High School All-Americans on their roster, including two of this year's most hyped kids, the 2013 Hoopgurlz #1 (Russell) and #3 Diamond Deshields.

While beating up on the likes of Central Arkansas, East Tennessee State, and Wichita State, when they played ranked teams like Texas and Stanford they got whipped.

Coach Warlick's team is in complete disarray, and though there is time to get it together, one has to wonder.

ROCKY TOP is rushing headlong to a ROCKY BOTTOM.

I'm just afraid they will fire her.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

UConn's bench. They are not rated in the top 25.

 

[Bestiarius]

There's no doubt the Lady Vols win this competition by a wide margin.

To illustrate, compare Margo's video of 1.5 years ago with current Volnation posts.

 

[EricLA]

Margo was unreal in that video. So excited because Diamond took her team to the elite 8. Um... I think her teammates, and more importantly, coaches, had something to do with i t. Looks like in her first year at Tenn, Diamond will be lucky to "take" her team to the NCAA's. Nothing against Margo, but I absolutely love seeing their fan base meltdown as Tennessee flounders and looks worse and worse almost every game.

 

[msf22b]

That's a really wonderful video. Super, thanks.
Still waiting for her explanation for yesterday's debacle

 

[Gus Mahler]

Funny how we're reading the word "debacle" more and more in the context of Tennessee WBB.

 

[geneticrex]

Tennessee and it isn't close.

 

[Wbbfan1]

I'd have to include Louisville in the Mix as most disappointing team. At end of last year, they were projected to be Ranked 7th to start the season and ended up as ranked #9 in the ESPN's Pre Season Poll in November. Currently a record of 5-5 and 13th in ACC Standings. BTW did not receive a vote in this weeks Poll. I'd say they have fallen farther then the Lady Vols. However with that said Lady Vols were considered one of the favorites to reach the F4, and now are in danger of falling out of the Top 25.

 

[connboy77]

I think next to Tennessee, Louisville has to be a major disappointment. Just about everyone including me thought that Louisville would be one of the best teams in the country this year.

 

[Geno-ista]

Tenn first . NY Giants 2nd.

 

[Sonny44]

I would say the Browns, but then we're accustomed to disappointment.

 

[meyers7]

I agree with TN and Louisville. But I think if we're being honest, we have to add in UCONN to the mix. I mean this is the greatest team ever assembled. And yet they are winning by what? Only 33 ppg. I mean really? That's it? And they've only won 8 games. Maryland and Baylor have won 10. Even lowly Northwestern has won 9. What are they waiting for? Add to that only (ONLY) 4 starters are averaging double figures in scoring. Unheard of. The opponents 3pt percentage it higher than UCONN's ? WTH. And Butler is not averaging a double double as promised. Unacceptable.

I hope they turn it around soon. Geno really needs to get on them. Maybe if they didn't spend all their time making Christmas cards or singing Let It Snow, they'd be up to speed. They better get moving or I'll be very disappointed.

 

[Kibitzer]

Red Sox.

 

[pinotbear]

Red Sox.

Oh, Lord, I didn't like the Rameirez and Sandavol acquisitions from the get-go last year. I wish they could dump Hanley, anyway, but, I'm not sure anybody would take him. Still like to see Dombrowski pick up a little more pitching, and the whole first base situation has to clarify. Third base too, if Pablo doesn't look better (and leaner) in spring training.

The Sox are still heavy in some young talent, redundantly, in the outfield and maybe catching/1st base, so I'd love to see them put together a package that would either get a solid #2 starter or a solid B+/A- bat.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Am I the only one that is not disappointed with UTenn's performance so far this year? I like the way they are playing just fine.

Disappointments -
Louisville

 

[Orangutan]

Definitely Tennessee. I thought the pre-season projections for Louisville were overly bullish. Certainly, they are struggling a little bit more than I thought, but I also thought Durr would be healthy. I did expect they would struggle relying on so many unproven frosh and sophs. I believe Walz said something to the effect he has Walton, Jackson, Moore, and Hines-Allen and after that he doesn't know who to play.

 

[diggerfoot]

I agree with TN and Louisville. But I think if we're being honest, we have to add in UCONN to the mix. I mean this is the greatest team ever assembled. And yet they are winning by what? Only 33 ppg. I mean really? That's it? And they've only won 8 games. Maryland and Baylor have won 10. Even lowly Northwestern has won 9. What are they waiting for? Add to that only (ONLY) 4 starters are averaging double figures in scoring. Unheard of. The opponents 3pt percentage it higher than UCONN's ? WTH. And Butler is not averaging a double double as promised. Unacceptable.

I hope they turn it around soon. Geno really needs to get on them. Maybe if they didn't spend all their time making Christmas cards or singing Let It Snow, they'd be up to speed. They better get moving or I'll be very disappointed.

Signed in just to "like" this. What a great application of PONs!

 

[Zorro]

Certainly not the Cubbies.

 

[Zorro]

Oh, Lord, I didn't like the Rameirez and Sandavol acquisitions from the get-go last year. I wish they could dump Hanley, anyway, but, I'm not sure anybody would take him. Still like to see Dombrowski pick up a little more pitching, and the whole first base situation has to clarify. Third base too, if Pablo doesn't look better (and leaner) in spring training.

The Sox are still heavy in some young talent, redundantly, in the outfield and maybe catching/1st base, so I'd love to see them put together a package that would either get a solid #2 starter or a solid B+/A- bat.

Where is Theo when we REALLY need him?

 

[Zorro]

There's no doubt the Lady Vols win this competition by a wide margin.

To illustrate, compare Margo's video of 1.5 years ago with current Volnation posts.

It does appear that Margo's rejoicing was just a tad over-optimistic, doesn't it!

 

[UcMiami]

Since people are going pro sports:
Colts and Ravens - as a Patriots fan it has been a wonderfully karmic year!

(Especially since Buffalo (ex jet coach) and Miami (ex jet GM) are also experiencing such success! Now if only KC and Pittsburgh can step up and keep the Jets out of the playoffs, and Washington and Philly can keep the Giants quiet as well it will be a clean sweep.)

 

[meyers7]

Where is Theo when we REALLY need him?

Chicago.

 

[Carnac]

It's only been six weeks, but many teams have failed miserably to live up to their pre-season hype and expectations. Every team (including UConn) has endured injuries, but it's a part of the game all teams must deal with. So injuries aside, and based upon an obviously limited quarter-season sample size, which team do you believe is the biggest FLOP to date and why?

Though there are lots of possibilities, my pick-THE TENNESSEE LADY VOLS. As Charlie Creme's #4 in the national pre-season poll, and included in every pollsters top ten, Tennessee (7-3) currently has a Sagarin ranking of #46 and a strength of schedule of #57. Sooner or later, the national polls will get the courage to drop Tennessee from the top 25 altogether. With 7 High School All-Americans on their roster, including two of this year's most hyped kids, the 2013 Hoopgurlz #1 (Russell) and #3 Diamond Deshields, this team just isn't getting it done. Coach Warlick must get some of the flack for an impotent offensive scheme that has scored an anemic 65 ppg. against a decidedly weak schedule.

While beating up on the likes of Central Arkansas, East Tennessee State, and Wichita State, when they played ranked teams like Texas and Stanford they got whipped.

Coach Warlick's team is in disarray, and though there is time to get it together, one has to wonder.

ROCKY TOP is rushing headlong to a ROCKY BOTTOM.

If you're a Lady Vols fan, these are troubling times indeed. Louisville Cardinals fans aren't too happy either.

 

[Bonpland]

Definitely Tennessee. I thought the pre-season projections for Louisville were overly bullish. Certainly, they are struggling a little bit more than I thought, but I also thought Durr would be healthy. I did expect they would struggle relying on so many unproven frosh and sophs. I believe Walz said something to the effect he has Walton, Jackson, Moore, and Hines-Allen and after that he doesn't know who to play.

I agree with you but I think that Louisville has a stronger upside to finish the season than Tennessee has. Walz is a better coach and I think his group has greater potential to be molded into a cohesive unit.

I'll be surprised if Louisville doesn't finish as a much better team than they have shown so far. I can't say the same about the Lady Vols. Most teams get better as the season progresses, but given what is happening on court for Tenn. right now, I don't see them challenging for a Final Four berth anytime soon.

And about the Tennessee situation I agree with the LV fan who suggested that we back off with the gloating. When Geno retires and we go through a period of adjustment we'll be in as much pain as the Vol. Nation is right now.

It's enough for me to revel in our march to another National Championship. I've got a great team to root for; they can suffer through without me commenting about their past arrogantly rude behavior.