UConn. LadyVols. Dixon Classic.

[Kibitzer]

Are the stars aligned?

A few years ago I sensed that the stars were indeed aligned for UConn and Penn State to begin to play each other again. We all know about the grudge Geno held against Rene Portland, but once she left the perfect opportunity to play surfaced serendipitously in the form of the Maggie Dixon Classic (great cause, neutral court, etc.). So, coincidentally, the folks who do these things set it up, UConn and PSU played in Madison Square Garden and they now play regularly and competitively.

Fast forward to present. It would be awkward for many (both schools' AD's and coaches, Pat herself) to either have UConn play there or them to play here.

But Holly just got the Maggie Dixon award (best rookie coach), she and Geno will share a podium in Knoxville, there has been a thaw in the Geno-Pat relationship, and such a game in Madison Square Garden would drive TV ratings through the roof. A great day for wcbb. And all for a great cause.

From my distant perch I see the stars aligning beautifully. I believe that Geno and Holly would go for it. Pat would add her blessing. Question remains, could the fellows at ESPN pull it together?

 

[Phil]

I've been pushing for this for years, partly because, as you mention, it avoids the need for a home and home and can be done as a one off.

Good point that the Maggie Dixon Award to Holly may help. I note that Teresa Weatherspoon was the 2010 winner, and they played in it last year. That's the only example I can think of where a winner of the award when on to play in the Classic, but it isn't a bad precedent.

I understand they are trying to arrange a Cal invite for this coming year. If that is settled, then it may have to be another year, but if Cal can't make it, then an LV invite would be a great option.

edit Of course, TN played in the Classic in 2011. Not sure whether that increases or decreases the chance of a quick return invite.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I believe I read an article a couple of weeks ago in which Holly said the series would not be renewed.

 

[alexrgct]

This would be great for WBB, great for the LVs, and good for UConn. So of course it won't happen.

 

[stwainfan]

There is a real good chance they could play in Nashville.

 

[Phil]

I believe I read an article a couple of weeks ago in which Holly said the series would not be renewed.

Yes, I read that too, but that doesn't necessarily preclude a match up in the Maggie Dixon. It might simply mean that the complications of a home and home can't be a addressed immediately, as well as the implication that it was all about Pat. A one-off game in New York, with emphasis on her Award, and on the cause, would go a long way to making it a different story.

 

[UConnCat]

At a press gathering the day after the NC game Holly was asked whether there's been any talk of reviving the series and she said no.

 

[Phil]

There is a real good chance they could play in Nashville.

It is possible, but as discussed last week, the legacy of team with initials UT, trying to win an NC in their home state, isn't that great.

But that's for fun, it could happen.

 

[meyers7]

Are the stars aligned?

A few years ago I sensed that the stars were indeed aligned for UConn and Penn State to begin to play each other again. We all know about the grudge Geno held against Rene Portland, but once she left the perfect opportunity to play surfaced serendipitously in the form of the Maggie Dixon Classic (great cause, neutral court, etc.). So, coincidentally, the folks who do these things set it up, UConn and PSU played in Madison Square Garden and they now play regularly and competitively.

Fast forward to present. It would be awkward for many (both schools' AD's and coaches, Pat herself) to either have UConn play there or them to play here.

But Holly just got the Maggie Dixon award (best rookie coach), she and Geno will share a podium in Knoxville, there has been a thaw in the Geno-Pat relationship, and such a game in Madison Square Garden would drive TV ratings through the roof. A great day for wcbb. And all for a great cause.

From my distant perch I see the stars aligning beautifully. I believe that Geno and Holly would go for it. Pat would add her blessing. Question remains, could the fellows at ESPN pull it together?

Let's hope not. If we never played them again, it would be too soon.

 

[Wbbfan1]

IMHO Holly is not in a position to advocate for the renewal of the Series. So many Lady Vol fans and probably some in the athletic department would believe it would be a betrayal of Pat's Legacy and what she stood for. I don't know what Holly's actual beliefs are but if I had to guess she's in no hurry to renew the series and/or may never want to play UConn as long as Geno is the Head Coach. If the series is renewed it will be after UConn & Tenn play in the NCAA tournament a couple of times. Another possibility is that the Lady Vols may finally realize not playing UConn is actually hurting them by diminishing their brand. As the saying goes, to be the best you have to schedule and beat the best and right now UConn is the program that others want to emulate. It used to be the Lady Vols that everyone wanted to emulate.

I don't envision the Lady Vols going by the wayside like ODU & La Tech have, but if they're not careful, they'll just be another good team in the eyes of the media and WBB fans. Pat's Legacy and Accomplishments have kept the Lady Vols in the media spotlight. How long will that continue since she's no longer coaching. I suspect only three or four years, unless the Lady Vols can get into the Final Four on a regular basis. They had a golden opportunity this year with Baylor's defeat, but they didn't take advantage of it.

 

[Kibitzer]

I believe I read an article a couple of weeks ago in which Holly said the series would not be renewed.

At a press gathering the day after the NC game Holly was asked whether there's been any talk of reviving the series and she said no.

For UConn and Tennessee to each accept invitations to play in the Maggie Dixon Classic would not in itself represent a renewal of the series. And, if invited, how could either decline?

 

[Shenandoah]

You say that the Geno and Pat relationship has thawed in recent years. I hope that you're right, but I'm not so sure that is so, although I have nothing to base it on, just my opinion. I think that their PUBLIC relationship has, indeed, become civil. What they feel in private, may be another story. What Pat accused Geno of doing, cut pretty deeply. I've known an awful lot of off-the-boat Italians in my day, and they can be pretty stubborn. As for the southerners, well, they're not quite over that little temper tantrum in the 1860's!

 

[msf22b]

When I noticed the title of the thread, fantasies of a quick call to ticket-master and a short tootle up to the Garden from the Village next fall, tantalized my soul…oops.

 

[CL82]

I have to say that, though I missed the series when it was cancelled, I am over it. There are other more successful programs that we've built a current rivalry with. It would be fine to play them but with Summit gone it isn't the same.

 

[Olde Coach]

Let's hope not. If we never played them again, it would be too soon.

+1 Meyers.

There is still way too much "garbage" attached to the UC/TN rivalry. The focus of the press would be too much about Geno and Pat, and not enough about the players. This scenario will be inescapable.

JMHO -- but I think it will be a messy affair if this game is played in the next 4 or 5 years. I am a long way from making peace with Pat. Her attempts to weaken the UConn program in general, and Geno in particular, were the epitome of bad sportsmanship in college coaching. I have no respect for Pat Summit; and I am not interested in watching a game that is played (at least in part) to polish her image.

 

[meyers7]

Y As for the southerners, well, they're not quite over that little temper tantrum in the 1860's!

Always cracked me up.

"The South's gonna do it again" - what? lose?

"The South's gonna rise again" - ummm when? It's been 150+ years.