Week 4 - Nov 24-30

[WBBZen]

Dugalic as one of the main press breakers was interesting. She’s got good handles. Betts was okay this game and she’s had many dominant games in her career at UCLA. But I can’t help thinking the team is better when Dugalic subs in for her.

Also, Leger-Walker looked really good, a pure PG, more so than Rice. And it’s not like Rice had a bad game either. I can’t help picturing a starting 5 of Dugalic Rice Leger-Walker Jaquez and Kneepkens, with Betts as 6th woman.

Agree about Dugalic. She also had a few nice moves in the low post as well. I didn't watch the whole UCLA Duke game when Betts had to sit, but I think in general, the UCLA offense runs better when they are not going through her in the low post. I think it was necessary last year, but they have better guards this year and teams have also scouted Betts to a T and she (and her coach) hasn't really changed her game to compensate

 

[Vowelguy]

And during the gsme the announcers said “Cori thought Janiah was a great fit for Cladwells system and was happy for her.”

Not saying Close was being sincere (or not) but at least she was saying the right things.

 

[Bone Dog]

what I saw during the National Semi-final that I have watched over a half dozen times

Only a half dozen? I've lost count of how many times I've watched the whole tournament run. It may be beyond numeration.

 

[triaddukefan]

What if I bring donuts??

Donuts and some New Haven pizza, and you can jump to the front of the line.

 

[Centerstream]

Only a half dozen? I've lost count of how many times I've watched the whole tournament run. It may be beyond numeration.

I was low balling my guess. It's more like three times a month since April 6th, minimum.

 

[Stagnant]

I was looking at the ACC/SEC challenge coming up this week. And I think the bad start to the season continues for the ACC. I could see the ACC going 2-13 at the event.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I was looking at the ACC/SEC challenge coming up this week. And I think the bad start to the season continues for the ACC. I could see the ACC going 2-13 at the event.

If memory serves, wasn't that more or less how last year's series unfolded?

 

[TheFarmFan]

Uh, I don't know, professionalism? Honestly, only in today's era would a player like Barker show such little class. Folks around here know I have mixed views of Cori, but on the player treatment aspect of things, she is top tier. UCLA didn't recruit Barker last season, she came of her own accord. It is well known that Close warned her there were no playing time guarantees if she came. When she did play, it was clear she was not following UCLA's offensive script, and would jack up shots without ever looking to pass the ball. Barker also wasn't "recruited over," because UCLA's current freshman class had been targeted long before Barker reached out to UCLA. And Barker's probably making more NIL money at Tennessee this season anyway.

So suck it up, shake your former coach's hand, and show you're ready to be an adult when you graduate in five months. Oy vei.

Extremely classy from Cori, starting at 1:09 where she spontaneously and intentionally wishes Barker well:

UCLA Coach Cori Close Sends Honest Janiah Barker Message After Handshake Refusal

The No. 3-ranked UCLA Bruins women's basketball team is undoubtedly one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country right now. This is made clear by t

www.si.com

 

[Geew1992]

Donuts and some New Haven pizza, and you can jump to the front of the line.

Pepes, Sallys or Modern?

 

[TheFarmFan]

Pepes, Sallys or Modern?

Swerve: Bar Pizza. Nothing beats the mashed potato.

 

[Vowelguy]

I was looking at the ACC/SEC challenge coming up this week. And I think the bad start to the season continues for the ACC. I could see the ACC going 2-13 at the event.

SEC Wins 9
Va @ Vandy
NCSt @ Okla
GaT @ TAMU
Pitt @ MsSt

KY @ Mia
Tn @ Stan
SC @ Lou
Ark @ SMU
LSU @ Duke

ACC Wins 0

Tossups 7
Aub @ Syr
Ga @ FSU
Fla @ VT

UNC @ Tx
Clem @ Ala
ND @ Miss
Cal @ Mo

 

[Geew1992]

SEC Wins 9
Va @ Vandy
NCSt @ Okla
GaT @ TAMU
Pitt @ MsSt

KY @ Mia
Tn @ Stan
SC @ Lou
Ark @ SMU
LSU @ Duke

ACC Wins 0

Tossups 7
Aub @ Syr
Ga @ FSU
Fla @ VT

UNC @ Tx
Clem @ Ala
ND @ Miss
Cal @ Mo

I can't see UNC hanging with Texas

 

[Vowelguy]

I can't see UNC hanging with Texas

Probably not, but in the spirit of the season I was being charitable.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

And during the gsme the announcers said “Cori thought Janiah was a great fit for Cladwells system and was happy for her.”

Not saying Close was being sincere (or not) but at least she was saying the right things.

I just don't understand the whole Tennessee thing.

I do not know why you would choose to play like that unless fast and athletic and deep was all you had to work with.

 

[Stagnant]

I have seen enough. I believe Marquette, Saint John’s, Villanova, and Seton Hall are at least decent. So, at least the big east is not all bad.