Which team has the best chance to stop UCONN from four consecutive NC

[RockyMTblue2]

Call off the season...no need to play the games.

Oh, come on, is that the best you've got easttexas! You better get working out. You aren't in game shape yet.

 

[meyers7]

LOL...Meyers7, I humbly apologize. I had not read your posts.

That's the part that's Un-be-liev-able.

I mean, what's the point of coming to the Boneyard if NOT to read Meyers7's posts?

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Coates will be more important to South Carolina next year than either Davis or Gray. I disagree on your big 3 being the best in NCAA. Miss Cox could change/shape big 3 next year. But even without Lauren ,Cuevas, Gray, Davis, Wilson & Coates still not as good as ND: Reimer, Turner,Allen, Boley Ogunbwale etc. also not as good as UCONN: Butler Tuck, KLS, Collier, Nurse, Williams IMO.

I'm not a huge Cuevas fan at this point but at this time Gray and Davis have a track record that you can't say about Boley/Ogunbwale and KLS/Collier. The coaching is better at UConn and Notre Dame but Gray and Davis are difference makers that you can't say about the freshmen players at this time. (think UCLA and Texas).

 

[CocoHusky]

I'm not a huge Cuevas fan at this point but at this time Gray and Davis have a track record that you can't say about Boley/Ogunbwale and KLS/Collier. The coaching is better at UConn and Notre Dame but Gray and Davis are difference makers that you can't say about the freshmen players at this time. (think UCLA and Texas).

Gary was a difference maker at UNC. Davis at GaTech not so much! Neither was/is good enough to exclude Coates from a South Carolina "Big3" IMO.

 

[stwainfan]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

 

[cbraarj]

I have to disagree that SC won't be better this year. I agree they'll miss Welch, but I think the overall team will be much more talented and more cohesive. As to whether they beat TN, that depends on how much TN improves from last year. I do think SC wins the SEC over TN, but it will be close: I think they only play each other once in the regular season.

SC lost to North Carolina tice 2 years ago that had a freshmen named Diamond Deshields led them to those victories.IMO Tennessee will be the better team and UConn will win by 20 at least in Columbia!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

Oh, stwainfan, finally we have a Tenn. coach talking about Deshields and what he says is not exactly encouraging. She can do some "small things with us and she can move" and we aren't going to bring her back 'til she's a 100 % and she could do some things in the strength and conditioning exercises BUT "any hard core running and pounding" no! Still they play cute with what the issues are and home boy Fleser doesn't push. What is up ... it's the legs I guess, but why the great mystery. You UTs have always been worse than secretive about this stuff, but it is a little silly for fans to be calling DD the savior when she's obviously "injured reserve."

 

[Alydar]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

Didn't listen to the audio but read the article. I'd suggest that the unnamed author answers to Pollyanna.

A quote concerning DD and MR:

After a year of ineligibility and battling injuries alongside Vol center Mercedes Russell, the pair began to find their stride again playing for the U.S.A. in the World University Games this summer

I fail to see how DeShields "found her stride" at all during the WUG's since after playing a couple of minutes of the first game she sat on the bench for the rest of the tournament. And not a mention of her current health. By DeShields own words, she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis. Not exactly what is needed for a new member of a team when she is being counted on to put the LV's on her back and carry them to the FF.

It was a nice puff piece designed for the homers in Knoxville but tells us little as to why you think Tenn is the biggest threat to UConn this coming season.

 

[stwainfan]

Oh, stwainfan, finally we have a Tenn. coach talking about Deshields and what he says is not exactly encouraging. She can do some "small things with us and she can move" and we aren't going to bring her back 'til she's a 100 % and she could do some things in the strength and conditioning exercises BUT "any hard core running and pounding" no! Still they play cute with what the issues are and home boy Fleser doesn't push. What is up ... it's the legs I guess, but why the great mystery. You UTs have always been worse than secretive about this stuff, but it is a little silly for fans to be calling DD the savior when she's obviously "injured reserve."

I think since there still is a little time. I think it is smart not to rush her into it. Like he said we want her for the long haul. Not just play a little and be done. So I think taking slow is smart.

 

[stwainfan]

Didn't listen to the audio but read the article. I'd suggest that the unnamed author answers to Pollyanna.

A quote concerning DD and MR:


I fail to see how DeShields "found her stride" at all during the WUG's since after playing a couple of minutes of the first game she sat on the bench for the rest of the tournament. And not a mention of her current health. By DeShields own words, she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis. Not exactly what is needed for a new member of a team when she is being counted on to put the LV's on her back and carry them to the FF.

It was a nice puff piece designed for the homers in Knoxville but tells us little as to why you think Tenn is the biggest threat to UConn this coming season.

Dean always does a good interview. I do look at this team. This team is the most talented Holly has had. Mercedes will be much better than her freshman year. This team is very athletic. I was speaking of the talent aspect about matching up with UConn. From that perspective I see it as pretty close.

 

[CocoHusky]

I think since there still is a little time. I think it is smart not to rush her into it. Like he said we want her for the long haul. Not just play a little and be done. So I think taking slow is smart.

I agree with the cautious approach for DD. There are only 3 games on the schedule that you would need DD to win before the start of conference play-Texas, Stanford, and ND. Assuming no DD and 3 loses in only those games Lady Vols would be going into conference play with identical record as last year. Injuries suck for everyone,I wish Diamond the best of health and hope to see her playing as soon as possible.

 

[CocoHusky]

I was speaking of the talent aspect about matching up with UConn. From that perspective I see it as pretty close.

Sorry I Can't cosign that one, the talent gap with UCONN is huge! I don't even think your 1st team can match up with UCONN 2nd team.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis

This is the first time anyone has put that name to her condition. I heard shin splints after she withdrew from play in the WUG. True, so pain from patellar tendonitis or tendinosis can be in the upper shin, but it certainly isn't shin splints. If it is the patellar tendon it can be symptomatic of genetic/structural issues or overuse and muscular imbalances. There is no simple fix and it cannot be rushed.

 

[toadfoot]

UConn's 1st 5 off the bench

 

[EricLA]

Sorry I Can't cosign that one, the talent gap with UCONN is huge! I don't even think your 1st team can match up with UCONN 2nd team.

Couldn't agree more. I thought I was misreading the vol fan's post, but apparently not. Maybe most talented team for them on paper, but again, they've always had uber talented teams on paper (tons of top 10 recruits and McD AA's every year on their team). But the reality is they've not been a real threat to even make the final 4 since 2008...

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Every time a Tenn devotee brings up Diamond as being the difference maker I think of a certain Seinfeld episode that has George giving Elaine a cashmere sweater with a blemish on it. Look away, look away. Do not look at the spot! Look, I wish her well, just don't go prattling on about her likes she is 100% and ready to go.

 

[stwainfan]

Dean always does a good interview. I do look at this team. This team is the most talented Holly has had. Mercedes will be much better than her freshman year. This team is very athletic. I was speaking of the talent aspect about matching up with UConn. From that perspective I see it as pretty close.

Holly did say in a interview today. Diamond is doing more now than in the summer. She is expected for the start of the season. it's on YouTube of LV site.

 

[stwainfan]

Couldn't agree more. I thought I was misreading the vol fan's post, but apparently not. Maybe most talented team for them on paper, but again, they've always had uber talented teams on paper (tons of top 10 recruits and McD AA's every year on their team). But the reality is they've not been a real threat to even make the final 4 since 2008...

This team has a go to player like Diamond. Russell is healthy now and going to be a force.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Holly did say in a interview today. Diamond is doing more now than in the summer. She is expected for the start of the season. it's on YouTube of LV site.

I think. You are a Faithful LV Enthusiast.

 

[rvwsleep]

This team has a go to player like Diamond. Russell is healthy now and going to be a force.

But what about teamwork and trusting each other ? This from Holly's interview at the Rotary Club luncheon.
""That's hard; that is hard for women," she said. "Guys, they can get mad at each other. They can fight. Now women, we get mad at each other and I'm not speaking to her for a month. And I'm not throwing her the ball. I know it's crazy. We have to develop that trust in each other."
Evidently, Holly has had some interesting experiences as a head coach.

 

[stwainfan]

But what about teamwork and trusting each other ? This from Holly's interview at the Rotary Club luncheon.
""That's hard; that is hard for women," she said. "Guys, they can get mad at each other. They can fight. Now women, we get mad at each other and I'm not speaking to her for a month. And I'm not throwing her the ball. I know it's crazy. We have to develop that trust in each other."
Evidently, Holly has had some interesting experiences as a head coach.

haha yes there can be some interesting experiences. I think the game against Texas will be a good gauge. As to where this team is. I think this team as they did in Italy. Will be able to play different lineups. It will be interesting to see how the lineups are. There could be four guards and Mercedes for example.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

four guards and Mercedes for example

Might as well. I'd pay to see that in Texas. Not in Tenn. Way too much home cooking by the Zebras for the Vols. Will it be televised?

 

[stwainfan]

Might as well. I'd pay to see that in Texas. Not in Tenn. Way too much home cooking by the Zebras for the Vols. Will it be televised?

I think ESPN Will have that game.

 

[rvwsleep]

Now that we've established that Tennessee will not be the team to stop UConn because they won't pass the ball to each other, I think that USCe has the best chance to defeat UConn. The game on their home court will be close, IMO.
Unfortunately, for USCe and everybody else, the NCAA finals will be on a neutral court where UConn will be prohibitive favorites.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I think ESPN Will have that game.

Thanks. It's a home game for you guys I see. Gotta ask - or gottah ask- do you see Deshields as a starter by then?