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Message: [QUOTE="and one, post: 3407924, member: 10475"] I’m a long time BY lurker and thought today would be a good time to join the conversation. [B] Somebody[/B] has to say what everyone has been thinking but no one will say…we need a big and the sky is falling!;) In the mid 80’s I moved to Knoxville for a job and while I wasn’t a fan of women’s basketball I did read the paper every day so the LV were certainly on my radar. Most games weren’t televised, but I watched some of those that were and went to a few games at Thompson-Boling. Not exactly a fan but my first taste of women’s basketball and at a high level at that. In the early 90’s the office I worked at closed and I, along with many of the folks (mostly native Tennesseans) I worked with, migrated to a new office that was opened in East Hartford. For the first couple of years I didn’t give women’s basketball a thought, but one fine day in January of 1995 one of my Tennessee workmates said he was going to get some tickets to a Tennessee game that was coming up and invited me along. About six of us settled in our seats behind the end line, mostly surrounded by students. Needless to say, the very first Huskies game I watched, in person or otherwise, was that most historic of Huskies games. I started the game rooting for UT but by the end of the first quarter I couldn’t help but be impressed and intrigued by the Huskies. Jen was flying around, Karla was so solid and Rebecca was, well, Rebecca. It was clear that this underdog team came into the game to make the statement that no, we are not the underdog. By half time I was pulling hard for Uconn, so much so that at one point the guy who got the tickets turned to me and said “Who are you rooting for anyway?” I don’t think he ever quite forgave me for abandoning the orange for blue. I’ve probably watched 95% of Uconn’s games since, mostly from home, or a hotel room or bar when traveling. Of all the teams I follow (and the wife would think it is too many), pretty much only the Uconn women are must see. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed the ride. As for UT. They gave me my first taste of women’s basketball and I appreciate how good they were. They showcased how well women could play basketball and brought women’s basketball into the national consciousness. With all respect to Old Dominion and La Tech, UT ushered in the modern era of women’s basketball. I’m grateful that they led me to appreciate the women’s basketball game and put me on the path to being a Uconn fan. I know the issues between Geno and Pat got out of hand, but from a fan perspective it added spice to a good rivalry. If they can rebuild and be a serious contender for a NC, it would be good for the game and a hell of a fun thing to watch as Uconn puts yet another dagger in their heart. So, big game tonight. I think we should win but if it is close I’ll be pacing as I watch; hopefully they’ll save the wear and tear on my legs and win by 30. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach

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