Achievements like a 22-11 record and an uninspired first-round exit from the NCAA tournament could depict any number of women’s basketball teams.
These are not entries from the season’s log of a select team — a team like Tennessee.
Until now.
“I can’t believe it,’’ Lady Vols sophomore guard Angie Bjorklund said. “I’m in disbelief.”
The reaction was expected in the wake of a 71-55 loss to Ball State on Sunday night in a first-round game of the Berkeley (Calif.) regional. UT had never lost in the first round. For that matter it had never lost before the round of 16 in 27 previous NCAA tournaments, going 42-0 in first- and second-round games.
The result rekindled thoughts of Tennessee’s 69-63 East regional final loss to Duke in 1999, which ended its quest for a fourth consecutive national championship. The 80-65 Mideast regional semifinal loss to Xavier in 2001 had a similar shock value.
Along with Bjorklund, there undoubtedly were thousands of women’s hoops observers who were stunned by what a poised, determined Ball State team pulled off at E.A. Diddle Arena.
Bjorklund is not an outside observer, however. As a Lady Vol, she is part of a select group that will be charged with summoning a response to this broadside. And it begins with the Lady Vols accepting themselves at face value.
To enhance this process, UT coach Pat Summitt plans to watch the game video from Sunday night multiple times.
“This is who we are right now,’’ she said, “and I want to know who we are and really get them to understand where they need to go.”
During her postmortem in a hallway outside the team’s locker room, Summitt summed up the season by saying: “You need to understand you’re not as good as perhaps you thought you were.”
The statement covers everyone — the coaches who misread the mind-set heading into this tournament and the players who were eager to say the right things throughout the season but not always so able to actually perform them.
Bjorklund set a tough tone for the offseason by warning her teammates to be spurred by what’s happened or be gone.
“If no one is motivated right now, the returning players, then they need to leave,’’ she said. “Everyone needs to go to work this summer. I just hope it motivates our team. I don’t know.”
The best place to start seems to be in forging a new attitude. After watching the season unravel with six losses in the last 11 games — three to unranked teams — you might wonder whether this team’s guiding principle was little more than a sense of entitlement.
Sounds like that thought has crossed Bjorklund’s mind.
“Coming to Tennessee, it just doesn’t come,’’ she said, “It’s almost like as a younger player, you expect it to come. You just expect to win. I don’t think everyone understands that it takes work.”
Bjorklund still qualifies as relatively young, but she sounded a lot older by late Sunday night.
“It takes a lot of work,’’ she said. “You really realize how important everything in the preseason, offseason and all through the season is. Some of the mistakes we made during the season, we didn’t adjust. They came back to bite us in the butt.’’
While an improved work ethic is a worthwhile start, it’s not necessarily an answer for everything. There are several other factors in play that could have a bearing on Tennessee’s immediate future.
For instance, the training room remains too crowded for comfort. Center Kelley Cain is expected to have another surgical procedure during the offseason to remove the screws that were inserted in her right knee during a reconstructive procedure early last season.
Forward Vicki Baugh, whose second serious knee injury in as many seasons (Feb. 2 against Oklahoma) was a prelude to the team’s demise, has just begun another rehabilitation process.
In the final game, Tennessee’s quickness deficiency was exposed by yet another guard. Ball State’s Porchia Green tore through UT’s defense for a game-high 23 points and helped rattle an already shaky offense with two steals and five defensive rebounds. No matter the taller opposition, the 5-foot-8 senior rose to the occasion.
Going forward, it’s risky to assume that Tennessee’s three-player signing class of Taber Spani, Kamiko Williams and Faith Dupree comprises a relief squad. Look what happened to this season’s freshman class, which had five McDonald’s All-Americans and was ranked the top recruiting class.
In the end, guard Shekinna Stricklen was about the only one who stood out with a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds against Ball State.
Starter Glory Johnson shot 1-for-6 from the floor, committed three turnovers and conceded to being nervous in her first NCAA tournament game. Reserves Alyssia Brewer, Briana Bass, Alicia Manning and Amber Gray combined for six points and 13 rebounds.
Brewer grabbed the bulk of those rebounds, gathering a team-high 10. Still, the 6-foot-3 post player rebuked herself for not adding to her four points after halftime, especially with Cain sidelined with a sore knee.
“I take full responsibility for not being able to bring what she brought,’’ Brewer said.
Brewer was lying on the floor afterward with her head propped up against the side of a locker. From this awkward spot, she acknowledged the uncomfortable position in which she and her teammates find themselves.
“We’re in the record books in the worst way,’’ she said.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 80
bluetick writes:
LOL. It was almost expected in my opinion. I mean that is how the season has gone for UT so why not stop the bleeding now. Next year is a new year and yea.. if they don't practice more, they'll be in the same situation next year. Rebuilding is tough and sometimes it has to be done. They'll be fine I'm sure. I dislike though how they take some shots there as pot luck shots and hoping they will go in. Shooting off balance, not being able to make simple lay ups and dribbling once when they could just take the shot from where they were WIDE OPEN instead of dribbling into coverage. So close to the basket, just take the shot.
UTandETSUfan writes:
I agree w/ Woody Paige take on Around the Horn today, the Lady Vols will be back, and stronger than ever.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Back to basics for this team. Girls, gotta realize it takes more than just putting on the jersys. Women's basketball has exploded with young gals eager to win. The competition is tough so it takes a tough team to stay together and win.
Good luck next year gals.. I look forward to seeing you shine and see a new team and spirit.
4114 writes:
This might just be the team that leads the GREATEST WOMAN's COACH of all time out to greener pastures...If Pat can not coach them up it makes you wonder if anybody can. Five McDonald’s All-Americans and ranked the top recruiting class led to one and done. Makes you wonder about who ranks them.
PureOrange writes:
It is a little late to regret not giving it everything you have, but I agree with Angie, either get with it or move on. I would love to have All-Americans playing like AA, but this group looked very much like someone labeled them something they were not. They came to Tennessee thinking their reputation would carry them. That does not happen at UT.
I hope they will have a heart to heart very soon and anyone who is unwilling to sell out to being a Lady Vol needs to go where not as much is expected. Pat does not need, and I hope she will not put up with so many loafers.
To make up for this embarrassment, we need a 3-peat.
knoxdaniel#213742 writes:
First of all, Cait needs to give up her scholarship, she isn't playing, she needs to give it up. We need to go after the second best center that has yet to commit. We need a new one in case of the knee injuries. Second this team needs to write an apology letter to the fans and the alumni of the lady vols, what a disappointment. I hope you all read what everyone is saying about you all. I agree with Angie if you don't work in the off season, GO TRANSFER like the others, if you want to win a national championship, then work hard in the off season. You hear that Glory, Amber and Alicia?!
Caspian writes:
"Coming to Tennessee, it just doesn’t come," she said, "It’s almost like as a younger player, you expect it to come. You just expect to win. I don’t think everyone understands that it takes work."
It's human nature. It's in everyone's DNA. With prolonged success eventually comes a sense of entitlement, and forgetting the price necessary for success. This first round loss is just nature's way of opening up the opportunity for the team to learn a hard lesson and recommit to the hard work necessary to begin the cycle of success again. Nothing is broken. It's just the cycle of the tide going out for a while.
CTOWNICON writes:
Who is the second best center and where is she located. I was thinking the same thing, wondering if the centers we have will be healthy enough to carry on. In the event that they aren't we may need to recruit one soon along with some new guards. I know Britney Griner is going to Baylor so who is the other center you speak of?
brokebackvol writes:
Well, if Pat needed a challenge, this team sure gave her one. Hopefully, the team is doing some soul searching, and realize that they are way over-rated. They haven't proven anything more than they are a collection of high school players, pretending to be one of Pat Summitt's Lady Vols teams. They got kicked out of the locker room.
It's going to be a different team next season - mark it down if you like.
TNPilgrim writes:
This was a young, inexperienced, complacent and lazy group that unfortunately had no senior leadership within the team. No doubt Pat will work her magic again by the time next season comes around, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of this group are gone when next season starts.
ozarkvol writes:
If you don't believe something like this can happen, it will. If you believe you can get beat by any opponent, you will work to make sure it won't happen.
I don't think this team really understood that.
kbart4033#247331 writes:
You can't coach up slow. This bunch is slow at every position,
not just point guard. Maybe Pat needs to take another swing thru the JUCO ranks and find some serious quickness!
ladyvolfaithful62 writes:
Angie B is my favorite player, and I agree with what she said. Get with it or get out. Glad to hear Coach Summit giving her some credit for being in the gym, working on her game. I also think next year will be much better. Most of the time, humiliation can make you humble, and I hope the humiliation of Sunday night makes these youngsters realize that to succeed in anything, you have to put in the work. I also continue to remember these gals in my prayers, hoping the Lord will watch over them and heal them quickly.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Freshmen or not, this is the worst team Pat's ever had and next year may not be much better.
Pat only wins national championships when she has THE BEST player in the nation on her team (i.e. Parker, Holdsclaw, Catchings, etc). I'm not saying she isn't a great coach because she obviously is, but it's also fair to assume that Glory Johnson playing at Webb which doesn't play the best competition in the world just MIGHT have been over-rated as a prospect.
Whoever is in charge of scouting recruits might want to adjust their radar to start getting more athletic guards and post players who WANT to play the post and don't shoot 17 ft jumpers all game and go 1 for 6.
knoxdaniel#213742 writes:
Oh mister Uconn man, let's talk about sports. What else is Uconn good at? Only thing I know is b ball in both men and women. Your little league boys will be playing us in football in the next few years. Our women indoor track team won the title this year, where was Uconn? Do you think your Uconn football team is going to win a football title in this century? Do you think your Uconn can win a baseball or softball title in this decade? Your Uconn university is soft. When you look at the real statistics, Uconn does have a better record than the lady vols, HOWEVER look at your schedule, GENO doesn't play a hard schedule, never has, never will. He has not and never will play hard rank teams year in and year out. He will not be a Pat Summitt, Pat has class, Geno is an.....
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
GET WITH IT OR MOVE ON ,I THINK AMBER GRAY NEVER MOVED IN .
harrierncd#500054 writes:
Cait is on a medical scholarship now and doesn't count against the NCAA limit. This team richly deserved to lose in the first round (really didn't deserve to be in the tourney at all), but Coach Summitt certainly didn't. Tragic that these freshmen acted as though they knew far more than Coach Summitt, given their refusal to play team defense.
Merv writes:
Pat's great, but it's not about her. The past teams were great, but it's not about them. It's about the women on the current team, who need to focus and kick butt. It's up to them.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
lot of time left girls, plenty of basketball to play, and time to heal, grow, and enjoy.
Were all spoiled, and while we can all talk about how dynasties cant last forever, we expect to fall etc, truth be told, we all get spoiled...
Thats just human nature.
I remain impressed that these kids continue given all the setbacks,.
Yesterday someone posted what this starting lineup could have been assuming all recruits worked out and no injuries, sometimes things happen beyond anyone's control.
Im proud to be an alum, and part of the UT family, and we will all survive, with this group, this staff, etc...
Life goes on,stay positive, and lets hope this team's injury bout has left for awhile
tennisvol writes:
Coach Summitt should try to recruit some JC players that can put the ball in the basket or next year should be pretty much the same. No scorers on this team.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
I have no idea who you are, but when you give even a fraction of the energy, sweat, time, etc, that these girls give to this school, then be critical... I find it difficult to imagine that you are and have been a fan of this program...
I assume that the players ignore comments like yours as we do...
rocky_topper writes:
The bad thing about this team is that they HAVE accepted these "all my fault, i am responsibile" responsibilities all season long---after every loss; yet, they have failed to really understand what the faults were and never really tried to correct them. They NEVER walked the talk!
They would never step-up, never play defense when asked, never hit the boards when told to do so, never defended, etc......For this team, it is simply just words with no meaning!
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
Ball State proved that speed kills .
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Here is my synopsis:
(Part 1)
-Bj: just keep working on creating your shot off the drive. watch tapes of Chris Lofton as a junior and pick up some cues there, both in his outside shots and drives.
-Kelley: drop the weight, get in shape; you can be a dominant, great player
-Glory: you have NO game. Work on jumpers, layups, 3-pointers, EVERYTHING. Find a boys HS team that will let you scrimmage with them. Great athlete, bad basketball player.
-Brewer: drop the weight, take up wrestling to make yourself tough. If you are going to be taht lazy on the court and off, get out.
-Gray: you didn't play enough to be noticed. do you really want to be here??
-Manning: You have a lot of Sid Spencer in you; keep working, get a 3-ball, and think TOUGH. Take a play a game to set a hard screen, box out with force....you are going to a real value if you stick around.
-Bass: grow up, and I don't mena height. tehre is ZERO reason for you not to shoot a good 3, not to drive to the basket with a little teardrop shot or dish, and to break anles with your crossover. either attack with the dribble, or get out.
-Smallbone: if you are going to stick around, what is your role?? lOckdown defender? 3-ball? Hatchet-man (girl)??? Better decide now and do it.
-Strick: Your game is fine, your mental toughness is not. Think aobut what you can do in the offseason to make yourself handle stress better. You and Bj should be team leaders, able to get in other player's faces and push them around a bit if needed. Officr leadership training would do wonders for you.
-Baugh: not much to say, you've been snake bit. If you rush back, you won't last. You have the heart....
As some have said, you cant't coach 'quick'; also, 'work' alone doesn't solve all problems. These girls didn't recruit themselves, the coaches assembled this bunch. we are also limited in recruits, unless one or two leaves. If I understand correctly, we already have 3 signed for 2009 and only 1 availabe for 2010, and that one is already given out. So, no juco help for 2009-2010. If a juco was good enough and could afford it, she could come on an academic scholarship and be an 'invited walkon'.
So, here we are, we have a big, slow team with no dribble creativity, easy to guard, poor 3-point shooting, and not a lot of basketball sense. What to do??? HERE is where your caoches earn their money. If we are slow, then we need to be powerful. Lots of hard screens, pick and rolls. Screen all over the court. Work the whole team on post moves. Quit the perimeter passing game, everything should be drive and dish, all tailored to getting inside.
On D, you have little choice but to play some matchup zone, a hybrid where your quickest players take on their guards but your posts back off the perimeter D.
(end of part 1)
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
(Part 2)
Finally, dumb this game down to a level that can be handled by freshmen and sophomores. Drive, drive, drive, be aggressive. Simple defenses, simple schemes. As for hustle, that should be a non-issue. If a starter doesn't hustle, she's not a starter anymore. If a sub doesn't hustle, she's asked to leave the team.
These girls are going to have to be TOUGH, bordering on 'dirty', to win. No, I don't mena cheating, but I DO mean having a football mentality: "I own the paint, get this cr*p outtahere" or "you might get by me, but you WILL earn the shots at the FT line, you are NOT getting a free layup".
Finally, for Pat and company: you are part of the 'team' too. did you guys throw yourselves out of your officds when you threw the team out of their lockers?? didn't think so. maybe takea look at what YOU do, and see how that appears to the players?? right now, all they hear/see is 'we suck, we suck, we suck'. Yet, you guys are their leaders, but you ar like generals who don't got to battle wtih the soldiers but are sitting back in a tent somewhere.
(End of Synopsis)
CHISMNUMBER1FAN writes:
I still say this team needs a few players who refuse to lose. Last year there was Candace; dislocated shoulder back in the game a few minutes later, Nikki (sp) her defense was amazing to watch, Alexis she could steal the ball and make 3's. The three of them refused to give up; to lose. Alot of posters say CPS is too hard on the girls; she sure was not easy on any of her teams before this. Candace even said she did not realize how hard she would have to work. Pat made then sit in the nose bleed section and review a game they lost at TBA just so they could get the fans view of what that was like. This years team just did not seem to have anyone who wanted to play through the pain; who wanted to win just because they were a Lady Vol. I hope next year they can have some new found respect for the game, the uniform and their coach
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
my apologeis for the myriad typos. I can't type and I can't freaking see, so not a good combination.
my bst typo ever was 'your has a floppy disk drive. Carefully insert your floppy d*ck into the floppy disk drive...' took me months to live that one down.
mtnsvol44 writes:
FIVE All Americans and they play like freshmen in high school?????
manateemo writes:
you need to look at ALL Uconn. They have national championships in Soccer, Equestrian, and have top programs in field hockey, mens and womens soccer, lacross, et al
ps what has your football coach said today after he pulls his foot out of his mouth
queens2183#661836 writes:
Actually, Coach had them go to the rafters after they won that game against MSU but gave lackluster effort. As someone who played at this level, I'm looking at this team with some perspective and not that of a fan. People need to face facts; this team was not the team that won back-back NCs. They were a team that had never played together before with only 2 people having ever started a game for TN together (Alex and Angie vs. Depaul last year). They were extremely young and had injuries to 2 key players and leaders, one being the experienced PG (Cait) and the other being the most dominant post player (Vicki). The expectations for this team were way, way too high and people expected them to be world beaters but never stopped to think or remember that there is a huge difference between HS and collegiate ball and there is a transition phase that players have to go through. GET A GRIP, TN FANS! Your team was young and they did what young teams do: be inconsistent, hardheaded, struggle, show flashes, and not truly understand what it takes to play at this level. It happens and it's no indictment on where these players will go or what they will become. It's too early to project anything on this team. Accept this season for what it was: a bad season of growing pains, inexperience, and injuries. The best thing that could happen to these kids is for them to go through this b/c it shows them that they truly must invest in this program and system to completely maximize their potential. All of them need to change their mindsets over the summer and work hard on their games and getting stronger, physically and mentally. If they accept the challenge and take this season and use it as motivation, they can truly be great next year. Don't give up on these kids; they need people's support now more than ever.
To the fans, believe it or not, these players read what fans say and it affects them just as much as coaching does. Some of you need to think about the fact that you're telling 18-19 year old kids "you suck" but don't expect it to affect them.
rocky_topper writes:
Why would anyone remove a factual statement?
rocky_topper writes:
if in fact they do read them, i would bet they would rather know someone's real opinion than just someone blowing smoke up their rears. i know i would. i respect people's criticism---even if it isn't what i like to hear.
i too played a sport on the college level, and in reality it is just par for the course to hear constructive criticism!
rocky_topper writes:
lol. that isn't anything the KNS wouldn't say or report itself.
98reax writes:
queens, You said a mouthful. Accurate in every syllable.
you wrote:
[ "People need to face facts; this team was not the team that won back-back NCs. They were a team that had never played together before with only 2 people having ever started a game for TN together (Alex and Angie vs. Depaul last year). They were extremely young and had injuries to 2 key players and leaders, one being the experienced PG (Cait) and the other being the most dominant post player (Vicki). The expectations for this team were way, way too high and people expected them to be world beaters but never stopped to think or remember that there is a huge difference between HS and collegiate ball and there is a transition phase that players have to go through. GET A GRIP, TN FANS!" ]
You know what, queens, this has been the ongoing comment since preseason. Problem is, there are uneducated posters who come on here ragging the Lady Vols who most likely have never taken the time to WATCH them nor pay attention to the intricacies of the team. They know SQUAT, yet they post negative comments about how they could have....bla-bla-bla.
Queens, they just don't get it. They don't want it. They could not handle it. They are the ones who blow smoke and call it constructive criticism. Take solace in knowing that The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, the premiere women's college basketball program in the nation is and will always be FIRST CLASS.
Pat Summitt teaches more basketball, life lessons as well as Xs&Os in one steamy glare than other coaches have in their entire repertoire. TN's trophy cases are not nearly as full as they will be in seasons to come. The best is YET to come.
rdsvol writes:
Try jucos,that's where Bobbit & Auguste came from. Also, I like Stricklen, but she is not a point guard; Bass is a point guard. Bass will get better if she GETS TO PLAY!
I hope Angie is right, work (tons) is needed, but what to do about slow, slow, slow? Turnovers are a killer and it's gotten to be a habit with these girls. A lot of the time they seem like a bunch of strangers trying to play together; no team cohesion. Got to have it!
I love the LVs, but change has to happen with or without some of them.
reachkim00 writes:
Great post, as usual! GO LADY VOLS!!
hilltopper writes:
Coach did not coach the game It was like she was ready for it to be over I wasted a lot of money to see this game with my family Biggest laziest girls I have ever seen wear orange and the bench has no speed Someone dropped the ball on recruiting in the worst sort of way. This team will not win anything important. She had better sign two or three girls that are fast and can handle the ball and not even waste time waiting on the big girls to catch up bad team
ladyvolmaniac writes:
ck out HoopGurlz.com for info on High School girl players....
OK...lady vols if you do read this forum...as much as you may not like this advice..take it...download the Pointer Sisters song "NEW ATTITUDE", and classic Aretha Franklin's "R E S P E C T"......practice, work out, eat right, do everything with those songs playin' in your ears!!!! That is if Coach Pat lets you have your Ipods!!!
Love u guys....no matter what!!!
topgun writes:
Excellent post, as usual.
No JUCO, huh?? Too bad. We need leadership, speed and shooters. And Heart!!
queens2183#661836 writes:
rocky_topper writes:
if in fact they do read them, i would bet they would rather know someone's real opinion than just someone blowing smoke up their rears. i know i would. i respect people's criticism---even if it isn't what i like to hear.
i too played a sport on the college level, and in reality it is just par for the course to hear constructive criticism!
As do I. I don't have any problem with constructive criticism and didn't have anybody blow smoke up my rear either. My problem is when posters say "you suck" instead of "you need to do this". It's personal attacks on the players I have a problem with and the stuff that does affect them. That was the purpose of that comment.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
agreed.....
excellent post....
and then we need to......
and you coach summitt.....
uconn is gay....
we need to go with juco's....
tweetering twits....
queens2183#661836 writes:
"hilltopper writes:
Coach did not coach the game It was like she was ready for it to be over I wasted a lot of money to see this game with my family Biggest laziest girls I have ever seen wear orange and the bench has no speed Someone dropped the ball on recruiting in the worst sort of way. This team will not win anything important. She had better sign two or three girls that are fast and can handle the ball and not even waste time waiting on the big girls to catch up bad team"
This would qualify for what I'm talking about and I have to respectfully disagree. These freshmen were the #1 ranked recruiting class in the nation so there's nothing wrong with the talent. It's young talent that had to adjust to the collegiate game and is still developing. To say these kids will never win anything or amount to anything, IMO, is a bit much b/c it's just too early to know what they will become with an offseason to work.
I don't necessarily think JUCO is the answer to this team's issues. JUCO is a crapshoot and you don't know what you're going to get everytime. TN got lucky with Shannon and Bird but that doesn't mean they will get another player that can help them and that will fit in with a young team. One of the things that really helped Shannon and Bird was the fact that they had a veteran team around them when they came in that knew the system and already had leadership established that put them in line quickly and helped them. This team did not have that luxury which was another reason why they struggled. If anything, the players need to develop. Bri needs to assert herself as THE PG and develop her leadership skills and work on her overall offensive and defensive skills.
The main thing this team needs is an attitude adjustment b/c that's really where the problem lies with them. They need to get their minds right and hit the offseason with something to prove and the mindset of "unfinished business" and play with that mindset next year. If they work hard and play with that mindset, they're as good as any top 10 team in the nation.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
queens, no one is giving up on them, at least not us long time fans. My argument is, and has been, this: the problem is JUST AS MUCH the coaching staff as it is the players. This season, when pat dumped them from the locker room, why didn't she and her staff leave their offices??
It's Pat and staff that have them in a situation with ONE senior, NO jumiors, and only 2 'game quality' sophomores (Bj and Baugh). Pat and staff are JUST as much a part of the team as any player. They lead, they direct, they control.
In America, 2 things have made us prosper: we look at WHY we screwed something up (assign blame) and then we tackle our problems with what we have. We seem to thrive on that.
Right now, we are all assessing and assigning blame. My complaint is, and has been, that everyone throws the players under the bus, while my contention is Pat and the coahes share equal or MORE blame.
What some of us are doing, as well, is looking to the future (solving the problem with what we have). In my view, it's goig to take Pat and the coahes to say to the players 'we are in this together, it's not just you'. These kids don't have any non-coms (juniors and seniors) to lead them. They need help.
Yeah, if Taber and Kamiko come in and give us some toughness and speed, it will help. And, yeah, if the girls do what I spelled out on another post, it will help.
Long way to go, lots to do.
topgun writes:
Let's see here...Hmmmmm...You say one has to have been a sweating, previous college level student athlete before one can offer observations and criticisms on team performance?? All anyone can say is "way to go UTLVs?"
No one can say the 3 pt shooting (vs Ball state)2 for 18 (11%)--Anjie was 2 for 8 and the rest, ZERO for 10--was horrible shooting? Fact: first time ever 1st round loss in NCAA tourney, most losses ever, etc., etc. Can't say that either??
Very little has been said here that CPS, herself, has not said many times, many ways. Pat has thrown them out of their plush locker rooms, made them do their own laundry, etc. She has challenged their effort, heart, etc., pretty much the entire season. Sorry if their little feelings are going to be hurt, but here is a newsflash--"you just got blown out in the 1st round of the NCAA tourney by a 12 seed!!"
This is college level BB!! It's time to grow up!! You don't get a gold star and a participation thophy for just showing up!!
I am a UTK alumni, have followed UTLVs since CPS was a teenager, (decades)-- never played college ball, but I did sweat a lot in playing for the USA in a little war called the Southeast asia conflict. (We came in about third, however!!)
So, I will tell you that when any one says the team played poorly--they played poorly. That does not forever bar them from being a loyal UT fan. It's a cold hard fact. GO VOLS!!
abnermc writes:
You are dead on. Can't believe we keep missing lay-ups. We need some shot makers to help Angie.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
thanks top;
one thing I'd respond: we will have to deal with what we have, none of which is maybe what you listed.
It can be done, just requires a style change.
richvol writes:
History is a good indication of the future. Unfortunately,both of our post players are injury prone and most likely will continue to be unreliable. We need an athletic post player...that could make a huge difference in this team next year.
SoCalVolsFan writes:
I sigh with relief. Finally the coaches own up to the fact they failed to look past their players BS words this season. Time and again this squad said they were on board with the program... they understand what it takes, etc. As fans, I think a lot of us felt these words rang hollow this year. True champions spend their time walking the walk not talking the talk.
With the knowledge and admission from Pat S. that the coaching staff got the wool pulled over their eyes this year lay the seeds of change. I suspect this attitude of complacency will get kicked out the door pretty quickly. The coaching staff will surely not fall for this again in the near future. I also agree the while we have some strong post players we still have some big knee problems to address. Bring in a third post please.
With diligence will come victory.
topgun writes:
Yesss...Of course. You are correct.
But, here is what bothers me. We need to remove our orange-colored glasses for a moment and accurately, factually determine exactly where we (UTLVs) are now, today. (OK, I know CPS is doing this--I'm just saying...)
WE need to know exactly where we are now before we embark on the journey to improvement. What changes MUST be made to improve for next year?? This group played in 33 games and untold practices under CPS and staff and did not improve during that entire time. Why would one assume that a few months later and more practices will make a tremendous improvement??
It MAY be a shortage of skill, but it HAS to be a shortage of heart and attitude. Can that be coached?? Also, we need real guards and speed.
Now, how is CPS and her staff going to rekindle the old UTLV fire?? With the same players?? If anyone can do it, CPS can. But, we may not see much improvement next year. Hopefully, Cain and Baugh wiil rehab and be 100% for the entire season--but, not likely. All in all, a troublesome, thought-provoking season that causes one to ponder the future and how the "Champs became chumps" in one year. Reverse it next year. GO VOLS!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
off-topic:
kind of makes me laugh; it's like moms and dads arguing on this board. mom is all supportive, little-janey-is-trying-so-hard, everything will be okay, and dod is 'yeah, everything will be fine if janey will get her butt off the cell and ipod and work on her jumper, 'cause it stinks right now'.
not all moms are that way, nor dads, but you get the drift.
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