Here is my updated UConn/Central Florida Pre Game Report with the information that Tuck a maybe Jefferson will be out of the game. Tuck for sure, as UConn is going to give her two weeks off to rest that balky knee. Better now than the end of the season. Jefferson banged her head and knee in practice and will be a game time decision. Several articles in the UConn Links Page below.
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It looks like Doris Burke hit a soft spot with Dawn Staley.
"I'm one that stays in my lane but to listen to the commentators speak about Tenn and its recruiting class is disturbing. #notcool #SEC"
Yes, Monday night during the Tennessee/Notre Dame game, Doris had the nerve to talk about Tennessee's lack of recruits in 2016 and how they struck out with the bigs they needed in the recent seasons.
She also pointed out the struggles this Tennessee team has had this season. Is there a problem with either comment?
Not in my opinion. The collapse of the Tennessee team this season, the fact that they have ZERO recruits in 2016, the fact that they have missed out on all of their "big" targets is certainly fair game. In fact, she would be remise if she didn't talk about it.
But on the other hand, I don't blame Dawn for sticking up for a conference mate and fellow coach.
Of course you get crazy opinions that are there just to trash UConn where UConn was not even part of the discussion. Here is a few thoughts from the internet world from fans of other teams....
Notre Dame Fan - Let's face it, these people aren't "journalists" . They aren't thoroughly researching a story, there's no effort at completeness, balance, or objectivity, there's no editorial oversight before their comments hit the airwaves. More often than not they're shilling for the home team or conference or their favorite. What happens when they go the other direction with a team? So is it appropriate for them to start talking about Tenn whiffing on their recruiting targets and having an empty class? Is it ok to say people are calling for Warlick to be fired? Is that and should it be the job of game announcers? Is it more appropriate during studio segments or on Sportscenter? I thought they might have crossed the line last night. I guess I might be less troubled if I had any trust at all in the fairness or objectivity of the individuals or their network, but I don't. Yet those kind of comments can affect recruiting and be self fulfilling. I wasn't comfortable with it.
Me - So, even though what they said was 100% accurate, this ND fans doesn't trust the objectivity of the individuals or their network. What do you mean? read further!!!
South Carolina fan - see your point. I guess I thought they were just voicing what most of the rest of us have been thinking/saying. But you're right that there are probably a lot of people watching that didn't know all that stuff. They did start out saying they thought the calling for Warlick's head was unfair or premature or something to that effect....but then went through all the reason's it might not be. I'm not sure I see the difference between it being said on-site or in the studio. Yes, I guess it could effect recruiting, though I would think that any recruit (and their parents) would be doing their own research before committing to any program. (Is that expecting too much? hmm maybe). All the ESPN folks of course do slobber all over UConn. But really what media is truly objective? If you look at almost any news, it has a slant. Fair? Probably not. But at least the stuff about UT was mostly pretty factual. I would say in general that the commentators at the women's games, much more than during the men's games, get totally off track and gossip about just about anything, even to the point of practically ignoring the game in front of them....and this does annoy me.
And this brilliant Tennessee fan - I agree, I get very annoyed when they talk about anything BUT the game in front of them. I also get annoyed when an announcer is overly partial to one team or another (talking to YOU, Lobo and Antonelli especially). And I admit to being a Tennessee fan, but jeez, guys, you REALLY overdid it last night! I was not happy with my team, I thought they were flat and I wondered WTF was wrong with them in that nobody but Graves and DD played with any kind of enthusiasm, but announcers are supposed to call games, not eviscerate and dissect programs on air!
Me - More UConn hammering
Notre Dame fan again - As you say, " All the ESPN folks of course do slobber all over UConn. " I guess I don't think they should be "taking sides", in this case between UConn and Tenn. And I have this gnawing feeling that Doris Burke making Tennessee look bad is just a purposeful part of her incessant campaign to help out UConn and make them look good. I distinguish the studio because, probably erroneously, I feel that studio stories are more fully prepared and vetted than Doris blabbering unsupervised on air. But hey, I'm no Tennessee fan, and they were actually the opponent to my school last night, but even I felt uncomfortable where they were treading. Evidently Dawn Staley criticized it on Twitter (I haven't looked at her tweets, I was just told about it).
Me - What I bolded has to be one of the dumbest statements I've seen in a while. UConn doesn't need anyone to make them look good.
Notre Dame fan again - As you say, " All the ESPN folks of course do slobber all over UConn. " I guess I don't think they should be "taking sides", in this case between UConn and Tenn. And I have this gnawing feeling that Doris Burke making Tennessee look bad is just a purposeful part of her incessant campaign to help out UConn and make them look good. I distinguish the studio because, probably erroneously, I feel that studio stories are more fully prepared and vetted than Doris blabbering unsupervised on air. But hey, I'm no Tennessee fan, and they were actually the opponent to my school last night, but even I felt uncomfortable where they were treading. Evidently Dawn Staley criticized it on Twitter (I haven't looked at her tweets, I was just told about it).
Me - What I bolded has to be one of the dumbest statements I've seen in a while. UConn doesn't need anyone to make them look good.
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Ok, I have a Tennessee fixation. I admit it. I'm in a 12 step program.....it's not working so well.
Here are a few videos to watch.
Here are the video highlights from the ND/Tenn Game
Here is the player interview with Graves and Deshields. Lots of credit for handling this with class. Tough to do after another tough loss. Sounds like Deshields is doing what I said, taking solace in the last 8 minutes.
She is living in a fantasy world with her comment that they "have the best coaching staff, the best roster 1-12". It's just not true and it's really not even close.
I thought Holly was going to cry when talking about the support the team needs from it's fans and how bad things are being said about the players. "They play hawrd". She must be getting tired of the same old stuff every game.
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From David in Naples
Some statistics are better at measuring success than others. For example, UConn has scored 1,420 points and given up only 824. That difference is almost 600 points, and would support the idea that UConn is a very good team. Other statistics also illustrate how superior UConn has been so far this season.
1. UConn has 346 assists while opponents have only 176. The Huskies have almost twice the number of assists (1.96).
2. Opponents have 328 turnovers versus 326 made baskets. They are more likely to give up the ball, than get it in the basket.
3. The Huskies have 189 turnovers versus 551 made baskets. They are 2.91 times more likely to score than turn over the ball.
4. UConn currently shoots 52% from the field, including 3 pt shots. Opponents are at 34%.
5. UConn has made 192 free throws while opponents have only 71. That difference is 121 points in just 16 games.
6. Finally, from inside the 3 pt arc, UConn has a 58.9% accuracy rate. Teams they play only make 34.6% from inside the arc.
Taken together, these stats illustrate why UConn's record stands at 16-0. Sharing the basketball, taking better shots, making those shots, not turning the ball over and not fouling shooters.
1. UConn has 346 assists while opponents have only 176. The Huskies have almost twice the number of assists (1.96).
2. Opponents have 328 turnovers versus 326 made baskets. They are more likely to give up the ball, than get it in the basket.
3. The Huskies have 189 turnovers versus 551 made baskets. They are 2.91 times more likely to score than turn over the ball.
4. UConn currently shoots 52% from the field, including 3 pt shots. Opponents are at 34%.
5. UConn has made 192 free throws while opponents have only 71. That difference is 121 points in just 16 games.
6. Finally, from inside the 3 pt arc, UConn has a 58.9% accuracy rate. Teams they play only make 34.6% from inside the arc.
Taken together, these stats illustrate why UConn's record stands at 16-0. Sharing the basketball, taking better shots, making those shots, not turning the ball over and not fouling shooters.
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The differences are greater than the similarities.
Similarities -
- Geno and Pat are HOF coaches with incredible success in their programs.
- They both have (had) their unique styles in motivating players that are (were) incredibly effective.
Differences -
- Geno has always run a terrific offensive system that whoever Geno picks to succeed him will surely have been exposed to that. Pat ran a "rebound and defend" system that was never a smooth running offense.
- Geno will not pick a 25 year assistant as Pat did.
- Geno will leave on his terms ensuring that the program is in great shape with the roster and incoming recruits before he leaves. Pat sadly struggled with her disease before she left and struggled with her recruiting the last couple of years.
I'm sure there are more, but if Tennessee fans think that UConn will be in the same boat as Tennessee when Geno retires is mistaken.
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So, without further ado!!!
Ladies and Gents, DD looks at the news........
Tuck out two weeks, Williams to start Hartford Courant
UConn’s Morgan Tuck to miss two weeks New Haven Register
UConn Women's Insider: Stewart Takes Samuelson Under Her Wing Hartford Courant
No. 1 UConn Hosts UCF at the XL Center on Wednesday UConn Huskies Team Site
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Upsets in Red
NO AAC GAMES SCHEDULED
Thanks to Johnny C for sending me many of these numbers!!!
Johnny C is on the DL with a shoulder injury. I'll do my best to get you the info!!
Angel McGowan Georgia Southern 28 points
Tyler Scaife Rutgers 24 points
Aerial Powers Michigan State 18 points 12 rebounds
Olivia Parker Gardner-Webb 15 points 12 rebounds
Ronata Rogers Winthorp 10 points 12 rebounds
Angel McGowan Georgia Southern 28 points
Tyler Scaife Rutgers 24 points
Aerial Powers Michigan State 18 points 12 rebounds
Olivia Parker Gardner-Webb 15 points 12 rebounds
Ronata Rogers Winthorp 10 points 12 rebounds
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Statistical Sites
NCAA 2015 Stats
NCAA Division I basketball records thru 2013-2014
ESPN Women's Basketball Stats
Women's Basketball State
NCAA 2015 Stats
NCAA Division I basketball records thru 2013-2014
ESPN Women's Basketball Stats
Women's Basketball State
Message Boards
UConn Territory - The best UConn women's message board ever!!!
College Fans Only - WCBB board where no holds are barred
Vol Nation - Tennessee women's basketball board
ND Nation - Notre Dame women's basketball board
UCONN Information
Interesting Blogs and Links
Carl Adamec's blog, SNY
John Altavilla's blog, Hartford Courant
Jim Fuller's blog, New Haven Register
A Dime Back - A great web site for all UConn Sports, Including UConn Women
A Dime Back - A great web site for all UConn Sports, Including UConn Women
I'm always open for suggestions. Just please reply to this blog or email me at:
Holly in a really tough spot; and, yet it is one of her own making. IMO, until she can start looking those asking the questions in the eye when giving her answers there exists little hope she can turn this around. She seems totally embarrassed that she has no real answers
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for her, really.
Delete