Uconn South Carolina Series Over

[cancontent]

View attachment 110370

That too. It's a weird trend that makes no sense.

 

[boontonbomber]

We are on the same wavelength here. I made a post for easy rebuttal to zombie complaints about UConn in the Big East/ AAC.

I find the zombie complaints about UConn in the Big East/ AAC mildly annoying as I have yet to encounter someone who makes such complaints cogently explain why:

• Would UConn be more successful than what it is currently: a 12-time national champion, the only one with 3 Power Decades of dominance, the pre-eminent farm system of talent that WNBA coaches recognize?
• Would UConn’s “pretty basketball” admired by basketball legends be any more admired than it currently is?

If I had to hazard guesses, the reasons for the zombie complaints fall into two categories:

• (a) a notion about a carbon-to-diamond thunderdome/ gladiator pathway to a national championship;
• (b) utter boredom in blowouts.

Since 1995 (31 years), Geno and Muffet have combined for 14 out of 31 championships. So (a) as a null hypothesis cannot be stated with even a significant degree of confidence.

Re: (b). It is what it is. [cc: @boontonbomber re: this post]

• Geno doesn’t have any control over conference affiliation;
• Geno has some control over OOC games, but only if there is a willing counterparty;
• Geno does have control &1 over the kind of basketball he teaches, and we fans are spoiled in witnessing blowouts — is it Geno’s fault that his teams are generally that much better than willing OOC opponents?

I realize that we are used to on-demand a la carte entertainment. Geno and CD try as much to oblige &1, but there are limits beyond their control.

&1 Geno is well aware that his brand of basketball is akin to a pinnacle entertainment a la “Broadway Show” that has cascading meaning:

• Geno said he won’t retire for as long as he can consistently chase national championships (rebuttal to this @boontonbomber post);
• He admonishes his players to have the same craft dedication to put on a show (symphony of movement) when the curtains go up (chase for championships);
• etc.

Cc: @DefenseBB

C'mon, calm down with all of your many-lettered words.I don't think that being in the Big East necessarily hurts UConn's title chances, nor have I ever thought that Geno is at fault for the schedule. All I've ever said is that it's just not enjoyable to me spectating thru a Big East season. If watching UConn's well-oiled machine rolling over Butler, Providence, and other mid-majors is satisfying to you, enjoy. Those who think it wouldn't be much different in the ACC,SEC, or The BIG, have definitely found themselves a large pile of sand. Someone screwed up badly years ago in not finding a way to get into one of the power conferences. Of course, a good argument can be made that for
most of the other sports the Big East is a strong, competitive conference.

 

[boontonbomber]

UConn won the title with 3 "yawners" against the cream of the P4 conferences. I was excited as hell during all three games.

I actually started rooting for the other teams to get back in the game, for an actual exciting finish, of course with UConn prevailing. As I've gotten so very old, I've become a rather strange sports fan that way. I have lived and died with the Dodgers since 1947, and, obviously, felt much animosity towards those Bronx Bombers. Yet as the Dodgers were taking them apart last fall, I found myself rooting for the Yankees to extend the series.

 

[ERWUC65]

Dawn’s isn’t afraid to play Geno, she’s shown that especially in the early days of her time at South Carolina. Perhaps the reason the series was canceled is because they’ll have a new coach

Yahoo Sports: News, Scores, Video, Fantasy Games, Schedules & More - Yahoo Sports

Sports News, Scores, Fantasy Games

sports.yahoo.com

And how many NBA women head coaches have their been? Only one who came close was Becky Hammon, who served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs from 2014 to 2022.

 

[GabbyLee]

I actually started rooting for the other teams to get back in the game, for an actual exciting finish, of course with UConn prevailing. As I've gotten so very old, I've become a rather strange sports fan that way. I have lived and died with the Dodgers since 1947, and, obviously, felt much animosity towards those Bronx Bombers. Yet as the Dodgers were taking them apart last fall, I found myself rooting for the Yankees to extend the series.

Not me! I loved every victorious second - especially the Game 5 collapse! It is small solace for an eight/nine year olds bitter disappointment in '52 and '53.

 

[oldude]

C'mon, calm down with all of your many-lettered words.I don't think that being in the Big East necessarily hurts UConn's title chances, nor have I ever thought that Geno is at fault for the schedule. All I've ever said is that it's just not enjoyable to me spectating thru a Big East season. If watching UConn's well-oiled machine rolling over Butler, Providence, and other mid-majors is satisfying to you, enjoy. Those who think it wouldn't be much different in the ACC,SEC, or The BIG, have definitely found themselves a large pile of sand. Someone screwed up badly years ago in not finding a way to get into one of the power conferences. Of course, a good argument can be made that for
most of the other sports the Big East is a strong, competitive conference.

So answer me this. Did you find UConn’s run through the Big Dance this season where they effectively gob-smacked a number of the “top teams in the nation” equally unenjoyable?

 

[Tonyc]

One thing I realize. UConn came out of nowhere because of what Geno built. They have maintained that respect ever since. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment,... to maintain their dominance for 3 decades.

At one point the Big East was a very tuff conference. Its not as tuff now however UConn continues to make the NCAA tournament and win NC's. Geno has his team prepared for every opponent. Just think where UConn would be if they had been healthy the past few years. Would any other team had won a NC? Possibly but with Paige Caroline and Azzi healthy I doubt it. I remember during Diana's freshman season UConn had the injury bug and lost to ND in the Finals. Another what if scenario if UConn had been healthy. The Big East is where UConn is. The Big East is what it is. Some other conferences have some better teams and some teams that arent as good as Big East teams. In fact some are not top caliber teams.

Last season UConn blew out many teams they faced in the NCAA tourney. Many of those teams were in tuffer conferences. They werent prepared for what UConn brought but UConn was prepared for what they bought. I think alot of that has to do with coaching and maybe some of it has to do with strength of schedule.

 

[Bigboote]

This is what I love best about UConn women's basketball. When it's clicking, it is, literally, beautiful to watch. Five individuals coming together to act as one. It is amazing, and yes beautiful, to watch regardless of the score.

Many years ago my old boss asked what I liked about watching the UConn women. I said something like it was like watching a well-choreographed ballet. He said hmm, his lifelong best friend, who lives in Mystic said exactly the same thing.

 

[boontonbomber]

So answer me this. Did you find UConn’s run through the Big Dance this season where they effectively gob-smacked a number of the “top teams in the nation” equally unenjoyable?

I did enjoy how well they played, especiallyAzzi. Unlike the Big East, there was at least the possibility that these quality teams would rally. Didn't happen. I honestly was disappointed that they weren't tighter games. Answer me this: would you really rather watch UConn blow away someone than watch them prevail as the game comes down to the end? There's little doubt in my mind that many here would rather stick out their chests, as they proclaim UConn's dominance in a blow-out. I've followed them for 30 years, and had plenty of those opportunities over all those years. I don't need more of that. Give me good competitive games that go down to the wire.

 

[Basingstoke]

One thing I realize. UConn came out of nowhere because of what Geno built. They have maintained that respect ever since. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment,... to maintain their dominance for 3 decades.

At one point the Big East was a very tuff conference. Its not as tuff now however UConn continues to make the NCAA tournament and win NC's. Geno has his team prepared for every opponent. Just think where UConn would be if they had been healthy the past few years. Would any other team had won a NC? Possibly but with Paige Caroline and Azzi healthy I doubt it. I remember during Diana's freshman season UConn had the injury bug and lost to ND in the Finals. Another what if scenario if UConn had been healthy. The Big East is where UConn is. The Big East is what it is. Some other conferences have some better teams and some teams that arent as good as Big East teams. In fact some are not top caliber teams.

Last season UConn blew out many teams they faced in the NCAA tourney. Many of those teams were in tuffer conferences. They werent prepared for what UConn brought but UConn was prepared for what they bought. I think alot of that has to do with coaching and maybe some of it has to do with strength of schedule.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, in the deep recesses of my memory, I seem to recall the ACC raiding (& greatly weakening) the Big East decades ago (I think it was after Dave Gavitt's tenure as men's commissioner). At the time, I regarded it as a hostile act against the Big East, but I don't know how this contributed to the downslide of the conference on the women's side.
I'd love to hear others observations.

 

[YKCornelius]

A shame that the series has been paused. It increases the odds of an undefeated regular season, for sure. With Notre Dame on the mend, and USC in a bridge year, it looks as though the Lady Vols have emerged as the toughest test in the upcoming season.

I hope Shea steps up and fills the gap.

 

[oldude]

I did enjoy how well they played, especiallyAzzi. Unlike the Big East, there was at least the possibility that these quality teams would rally. Didn't happen. I honestly was disappointed that they weren't tighter games. Answer me this: would you really rather watch UConn blow away someone than watch them prevail as the game comes down to the end? There's little doubt in my mind that many here would rather stick out their chests, as they proclaim UConn's dominance in a blow-out. I've followed them for 30 years, and had plenty of those opportunities over all those years. I don't need more of that. Give me good competitive games that go down to the wire.

So, I am a diehard UConn fan because my mother was a diehard UConn fan, part of a legion of older Italian-American women from CT who adored Geno Auriemma. Mom watched every UConn game throughout her life, no matter what else was going on, and she did not enjoy any of those games unless and until UConn was up by at least 20 pts.

I am my mother’s son. Give me a UConn blowout any day, and I am a happy guy.

 

[oldude]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, in the deep recesses of my memory, I seem to recall the ACC raiding (& greatly weakening) the Big East decades ago (I think it was after Dave Gavitt's tenure as men's commissioner). At the time, I regarded it as a hostile act against the Big East, but I don't know how this contributed to the downslide of the conference on the women's side.
I'd love to hear others observations.

Syracuse, BC, ND, Louisville, WV & Rutgers were all former BE teams with strong WBB programs that migrated to power conferences because of football. During the 2013 championship run, 3 BE teams made it to the FF: UConn, ND & Louisville.

Dave Gavitt’s vision of a powerful eastern basketball conference became a reality and almost immediately started to deconstruct due to football revenue.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

C'mon, calm down with all of your many-lettered words.I don't think that being in the Big East necessarily hurts UConn's title chances, nor have I ever thought that Geno is at fault for the schedule. All I've ever said is that it's just not enjoyable to me spectating thru a Big East season. If watching UConn's well-oiled machine rolling over Butler, Providence, and other mid-majors is satisfying to you, enjoy. Those who think it wouldn't be much different in the ACC,SEC, or The BIG, have definitely found themselves a large pile of sand. Someone screwed up badly years ago in not finding a way to get into one of the power conferences. Of course, a good argument can be made that for
most of the other sports the Big East is a strong, competitive conference.

If that’s what you like, then that’s what you like.

But can there be anything be done about it? Go up and down the thread, and the answer is pragmatically no.

So, the question for you becomes, would you rather:

• Want UConn to play down to the competition?
• Want bruisers matchup bully ball or some other contrived play to intimidate UConn?
• Want UConn to play with a handicap, just to make things interesting?

Geno hates all of these. The coaching staff and players work so hard to be the “best version of themselves”, which is their measuring stick. And most of us enjoy what we see.

 

[Swish It 88]

Where are you getting that from? Not only regular season games, but they broadcast every game in the ncaa tournament. I know UConn’s games are off sny, but I haven’t heard of this.

Maybe the 2 schools are playing hard to get with ESPN/FOX.

ESPN is not broadcasting WCBB games anymore.

I goofed that one up. I believe they're not broadcasting anymore Big East games.

 

[Dove]

Dawn’s isn’t afraid to play Geno, she’s shown that especially in the early days of her time at South Carolina. Perhaps the reason the series was canceled is because they’ll have a new coach

Yahoo Sports: News, Scores, Video, Fantasy Games, Schedules & More - Yahoo Sports

Sports News, Scores, Fantasy Games

sports.yahoo.com

lol

 

[boontonbomber]

If that’s what you like, then that’s what you like.

But can there be anything be done about it? Go up and down the thread, and the answer is pragmatically no.

So, the question for you becomes, would you rather:

• Want UConn to play down to the competition?
• Want bruisers matchup bully ball or some other contrived play to intimidate UConn?
• Want UConn to play with a handicap, just to make things interesting?

Geno hates all of these. The coaching staff and players work so hard to be the “best version of themselves”, which is their measuring stick. And most of us enjoy what we see.

No, nothing can be done about it ; that ship has probably sailed. "If that's what I like"? I would think most people would prefer more competitive games.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

No, nothing can be done about it ; that ship has probably sailed. "If that's what I like"? I would think most people would prefer more competitive games.

Even if that were the case — which I doubt (see, for example: Thread 'Completely comfortable') — that’s on the “ship that has sailed”.

 

[cabbie191]

When the kitchen gets hot, some can't handle the heat.

Wish I could say I'm surprised but I'm not.

I'm responding to Plebe's post, #56 in the thread, without having read anything further so apologies if anyone else has made the following points.

For those saying that Dawn is now calling it quits because of the two losses last year, I disagree because I don't think the facts support that conclusion.

First, if she really has a hard time facing tough OOC competition, then why did she renew the series when the Gamecocks record against UConn was 1-8? Sure, the first games took place while she was building the program, and perhaps the calculus is a bit different when you become a premier program, but I just don't think running away from stiff challenges fits Dawn's history or DNA.

Second, losing to UConn in February I'm sure stung a lot, but it didn't derail their program. Similar to what happened after our loss to TN, South Carolina went undefeated until they met us again, and they still wound up a #1 seed. I don't see these losses, especially the one in Columbia, as a reason to pull the plug.

I really think the issue is not playing the Huskies per se but the timing of the game. The SEC has had several quality teams for a long while, but with the latest realignment, they are an even stronger conference. Many teams that used to be close to laughingstocks are now respectable and will give their conference opponents tough match-ups. The SEC is harder now than it was just a few years ago and that makes it more problematic for them to play teams like UConn in the second half of their season.

 

[TC22]

I'm responding to Plebe's post, #56 in the thread, without having read anything further so apologies if anyone else has made the following points.

For those saying that Dawn is now calling it quits because of the two losses last year, I disagree because I don't think the facts support that conclusion.

First, if she really has a hard time facing tough OOC competition, then why did she renew the series when the Gamecocks record against UConn was 1-8? Sure, the first games took place while she was building the program, and perhaps the calculus is a bit different when you become a premier program, but I just don't think running away from stiff challenges fits Dawn's history or DNA.

Second, losing to UConn in February I'm sure stung a lot, but it didn't derail their program. Similar to what happened after our loss to TN, South Carolina went undefeated until they met us again, and they still wound up a #1 seed. I don't see these losses, especially the one in Columbia, as a reason to pull the plug.

I really think the issue is not playing the Huskies per se but the timing of the game. The SEC has had several quality teams for a long while, but with the latest realignment, they are an even stronger conference. Many teams that used to be close to laughingstocks are now respectable and will give their conference opponents tough match-ups. The SEC is harder now than it was just a few years ago and that makes it more problematic for them to play teams like UConn in the second half of their season.

This is it in a nutshell. In the past 2 years the SEC has gone from a two team race (SC and LSU) to SC, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, LSU and Bama, Vandy and Ole Miss right below. Maybe in the coming years we will meet in an early season matchup or a holiday tournament.

 

[Cuango]

I'm responding to Plebe's post, #56 in the thread, without having read anything further so apologies if anyone else has made the following points.

For those saying that Dawn is now calling it quits because of the two losses last year, I disagree because I don't think the facts support that conclusion.

First, if she really has a hard time facing tough OOC competition, then why did she renew the series when the Gamecocks record against UConn was 1-8? Sure, the first games took place while she was building the program, and perhaps the calculus is a bit different when you become a premier program, but I just don't think running away from stiff challenges fits Dawn's history or DNA.

Second, losing to UConn in February I'm sure stung a lot, but it didn't derail their program. Similar to what happened after our loss to TN, South Carolina went undefeated until they met us again, and they still wound up a #1 seed. I don't see these losses, especially the one in Columbia, as a reason to pull the plug.

I really think the issue is not playing the Huskies per se but the timing of the game. The SEC has had several quality teams for a long while, but with the latest realignment, they are an even stronger conference. Many teams that used to be close to laughingstocks are now respectable and will give their conference opponents tough match-ups. The SEC is harder now than it was just a few years ago and that makes it more problematic for them to play teams like UConn in the second half of their season.

I don’t think it was the humiliation in the NC game alone that caused her to cancel but it was certainly part of it. I believe she took a cold hard look at what is likely to happen for the next three years, saw that many in the SC fan base were OK with it as they felt the game helped UConn more than them, and she was incensed with Geno’s cutting remarks regarding her (and A’ja’s) statue so she pulled the plug. Was it a mistake? Well, I certainly think so because it hurts women’s basketball. I’m pretty sure it was an ego thing but in the end, I guess it doesn’t really matter why she did it, only that it is a shame for women’s basketball!

 

[BobbyJ]

I don’t think it was the humiliation in the NC game alone that caused her to cancel but it was certainly part of it. I believe she took a cold hard look at what is likely to happen for the next three years, saw that many in the SC fan base were OK with it as they felt the game helped UConn more than them, and she was incensed with Geno’s cutting remarks regarding her (and A’ja’s) statue so she pulled the plug. Was it a mistake? Well, I certainly think so because it hurts women’s basketball. I’m pretty sure it was an ego thing but in the end, I guess it doesn’t really matter why she did it, only that it is a shame for women’s basketball!

1) What's going to happen? UConn domination? This is just speculation by a homer fan. Real competitors like coaches and players never toss in the towel for 3 years in advance and run away. I don't understand why fans like to brag about championships that they had nothing to do with winning.
2) More speculation. You have no idea what Staley's view of the situation is since she hasn't put out any kind of statement about the decision that I'm aware of.

 

[Steelerone]

First of all, I cannot recall an instance where Geno has ever turned down playing a ranked team. You can make any excuse you want for South Carolina ending the series but it comes down to simply, they don't want to lose a game.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

This is disappointing. Losing such a high-profile national platform is a bad decision for the sport. Especially at a time when WCBB is in a unique position to showcase competitive excellence and grow its popularity. But I guess some people don't care about such concerns.

Completely agree. It APPEARS that SC doesn't want to most likely lose this game...but to NOT play it takes one of the marquee games off of the NCAAW schedule...a game seen and WATCHED by a National Audience every year. To NOT "Challenge" her Team with this game at some point during the regular season...to gauge where they are...seems like a bad strategy... BUT, who am I to question what Dawn decides to do. (I admit I could be wrong blaming this on Dawn and the SC leadership...Maybe there just weren't any convenient dates (??? Not likely) or Maybe Geno didn't want the regular season non-conference game (even MORE not likely)

 

[Alydar]

I actually started rooting for the other teams to get back in the game, for an actual exciting finish, of course with UConn prevailing. As I've gotten so very old, I've become a rather strange sports fan that way. I have lived and died with the Dodgers since 1947, and, obviously, felt much animosity towards those Bronx Bombers. Yet as the Dodgers were taking them apart last fall, I found myself rooting for the Yankees to extend the series.

Most top 5 teams are dbl digit favorites in most of their games and if they have a close score in one or two it's because they played crappy basketball. I've watched P-4 games during the season when 5 or 6 minutes of game time produces 8 pts., 6 of them ft's. I'd rather watch my team play efficiently at a high level and win by 25 than to watch them shoot under 30% with 25 to's and win in OT. It may be exciting but it's still incompetence.

If UConn can play at their final four level (or exceed it) in 2026 I will enjoy every minute. It's beautiful basketball even if the outcome is predetermined. When the other team plays at that level too then the game becomes epic but thise are few and far between.

 

[Alydar]

ESPN is not broadcasting WCBB games anymore.

I goofed that one up. I believe they're not broadcasting anymore Big East games.

A lot of the event games at neutral sites for men and women are sponsored by ESPN. The teams get paid. And unlike conference games UConn gets to keep all the money.

 

[Cuango]

1) What's going to happen? UConn domination? This is just speculation by a homer fan. Real competitors like coaches and players never toss in the towel for 3 years in advance and run away. I don't understand why fans like to brag about championships that they had nothing to do with winning.
2) More speculation. You have no idea what Staley's view of the situation is since she hasn't put out any kind of statement about the decision that I'm aware of.

Of course its speculation! What else could it be? I’m speculating on what I have observed from Dawn over quite a few years. Could I be wrong? Sure, but that is what I believe is going on and as for the homer thing, I’m not sure what your point is? Should I not have an opinion because I’m a UConn fan? I do not believe they (SC) will win against us for the next few years. I think most of the wins they had since 2020 were largely due to our inability to field a healthy team due to the unprecedented spate of injuries we experienced. I am aware they had very good teams as well and they may have won some of those games but I believe Geno’s style of play is simply better than hers and barring a big advantage, a dominant post, and/or half our team being injured, I think we win most of the time. I hate to be the one to point this out, but most of what you see here or in the wider world is speculation in one way or another. Believe what you want & I’ll do the same.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Completely agree. It APPEARS that SC doesn't want to most likely lose this game...but to NOT play it takes one of the marquee games off of the NCAAW schedule...a game seen and WATCHED by a National Audience every year. To NOT "Challenge" her Team with this game at some point during the regular season...to gauge where they are...seems like a bad strategy... BUT, who am I to question what Dawn decides to do. (I admit I could be wrong blaming this on Dawn and the SC leadership...Maybe there just weren't any convenient dates (??? Not likely) or Maybe Geno didn't want the regular season non-conference game (even MORE not likely)

I think they'll be challenged enough playing teams like Texas, Tennessee, LSU, etc. 2-3 times every single year. It's not like Coach Staley has decided to just go play a bunch of high school teams 30 times a season. With how big these conferences are getting, they really don't need to go outside of conference for tough games when just playing their conference schedule gets them 10 games against ranked teams.

 

[BobbyJ]

I don’t think it was the humiliation in the NC game alone that caused her to cancel but it was certainly part of it. I believe she took a cold hard look at what is likely to happen for the next three years, saw that many in the SC fan base were OK with it as they felt the game helped UConn more than them, and she was incensed with Geno’s cutting remarks regarding her (and A’ja’s) statue so she pulled the plug. Was it a mistake? Well, I certainly think so because it hurts women’s basketball. I’m pretty sure it was an ego thing but in the end, I guess it doesn’t really matter why she did it, only that it is a shame for women’s basketball!

Take another look at your statement. You can speculate all you want about what YOU think would happen over the next 3 years. But here you're speculating about what SHE thinks and trying to tell us that Staley is afraid of losing games to UConn, that her ego is involved, and that she's running away from continuing the series. And that's ridiculous and presumptuous since you have no idea what she thinks about anything.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

“Good-for-the-game” games obviously exist outside quotas.

Teams that make such OOC commitments (which doesn’t affect conference goals but run the risk of a shade-lower NCAAT seeding) accommodate such commitments within the context of their conference schedules.

During the 2022 COVID season, Dawn reached out to Geno to postpone their scheduled game in order to make up for an SEC conference game.

If Geno and Dawn were able to make it work during the COVID seasons by moving things around, why can’t it be done now?

In the information vacuum, people gravitate towards a reasonable explicating reason. Some point to the increase in conference games in both the Big East and SEC.

Others, including me, think it no longer serves South Carolina (nothing wrong with that, but it is unfortunate that there is a limit to “Good-for-the-game” games) when Geno proved that he has Dawn’s number despite the illusionary interregnum of UConn’s biblical-injury-filled seasons.

And yes, Dawn did commit to such games when she was trying to establish SC as a powerhouse. It was in Dawn’s best interest to do so. That calculus is irrelevant now when her program is another powerhouse which makes the UConn-SC matchup appointment TV to grow the game.