I wish I could like this 10 times. This passively endorsed physical violence in is not what drew me to love WBB. I grew up playing/ loving hockey, but the physical excesses (euphemism for physical/sometimes violent excess not enforced by the leagues representatives/officials) turned me off. Eventually the NHL figured out that people like skating, stick skills, positioning etc- not grabby brawling. I hope Charlie Baker recognizes the need to prevent teams from moving to the model of bringing in Enforcers to protect the skill players because the officials are unwilling. We’ve seen many of our teams kids get injured (dorka’s hand/Azzis knee/Caroline’s head and neck) get injured as a result of illegal plays. Last night one of our kids chop blocked (personal foul in NFL) an opponent while going after a loose ball. That was a play made against UConn several times this year, and it’s rarely called a foul. And I am not calling out our player for the play- I don’t think it intentional and she looked shaken at outcome. just saying that the officials need to better control the play so that it does not escalate to lifelong knee and brain injuries for the kids that want to play a game. The officials (league and refs) are the adults in ths situation- they need to be more responsible protecting the students.
As i said in another post, women’s hoop games, not just those involving UConn, are starting to look like Roller Derby.
It's not just UConn. As the players have gotten bigger, stronger and faster, the game has become more physical. It's just the way it is. Watch just about any game and you're going to see holding /grabbing while cutters go through or by a screen. They aren't trying to hurt anybody most of the time - they're just trying to keep up with their girl. UConn does it some as well. Focus on it sometimes and you'll see it. Gosh, the physicality with the big girls is insane - all of them. It's a wonder there aren't more technical fouls - I wouldn't be able to hold my temper.
Yeah, I saw it differently. Smith cuts towards Lou and gives her a forearm shiver. Apparently that’s what the refs saw as well.
“ Good luck with that “
If you look at the replay, as I did, several times, the first 'contact' did NOT involve "legs being tangled", but a push. Then when they were both running back up the floor, Lou was shoved again (Lou not doing anything)! Then look at the Xavier player 'smiling' afterwards!
Doesn't just happen to UConn correct, but some teams coach the Detroit Pistons approach to defense " won't call them all.".
This is the way WCB is going and i hate it. It’s a formula that works for some top programs (cough cough) and it will be adapted more often by less talented teams. The game needs to be officiated as to the rules to make it stop. Unfortunately I don’t see it happening and it will turn into just another street ball game!
That's what Sophie Cunningham used to do and why SC fans absolutely detested her...and still do.
Yes we are seeing that with Coach Abe. OMG already.
Just Georgia? In the SEC? The BE has a few now also.
With the fouling? Yes. The SEC is physical - it's a defensive battle every game. Georgia? I'm not sure what their strategy is. Get under your skin maybe?
Interesting point about the smiling, but the smiling also and first occurred after the first encounter. I think that is part of what got Lou so riled up. If you ever have gotten knocked down in a bball you are not happy but then when you see the perpetrator smiling, then you really looking to get even