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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 18, 2004 23:40:47 GMT -5
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Post by kyblueintenn on Jul 18, 2004 23:50:47 GMT -5
Great first post, thanks for the link !! And let me welcome you aboard, have a good time here and jump in anywhere and post away, we look forward to hearing your thoughts !
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 19, 2004 10:14:19 GMT -5
Welcome aboard. Thanks for the informative link. Purdue is a tough customer. They've had 2 Final Fours since 1999 and they won in 1999 and got to the title game in 2001. They are a tough team. Kristy Curry is a great coach, and her Boilermakers are always ready to play. Rutgers is good too. Their coach, C Vivian Stringer, is coaching on the Olympic Women's Basketball Team, and they are always prepared too. This tourney is gonna be tough, but you gotta play tough opponents to succeed. We may not beat Purdue or Rutgers, but this is the kind of competition we need to beat the UT's and LSU's and Georgia's in the conference.
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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 19, 2004 11:31:24 GMT -5
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Yes, this is a good tournament in which to measure the mettle Mickie's young team.
Purdue lost a lot but they have Katie Geralds and Erin Lawless back so they won't drop off too far.
The matchup that could be really good is Kentucky and Rutgers....both teams have lots of talented frosh on them...Sade should probably start for the Kats and I imagine that some of the other frosh will get some playing time. Rutgers has Essence Carson, Matee Ajavon, and Trudy Reed who should see quite a bit of playing time for the Knights. Both teams have extreme talent in the backcourt and the winner may be the team that gets the most out of their frontcourt.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 19, 2004 13:12:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes, this is a good tournament in which to measure the mettle Mickie's young team. Purdue lost a lot but they have Katie Geralds and Erin Lawless back so they won't drop off too far. The matchup that could be really good is Kentucky and Rutgers....both teams have lots of talented frosh on them...Sade should probably start for the Kats and I imagine that some of the other frosh will get some playing time. Rutgers has Essence Carson, Matee Ajavon, and Trudy Reed who should see quite a bit of playing time for the Knights. Both teams have extreme talent in the backcourt and the winner may be the team that gets the most out of their frontcourt. Wow!! I'm very impressed. We can talk some women's basketball now. I love basketball period, but I really love the purity of the women's game--it's more team-oriented. Rutgers and Purdue lost some great seniors last season. Purdue lost Shereika Wright, who had a knack for getting the ball inside and drawing fouls and she wasn't really considered a big. I can't remember the name of the Rutgers senior, but she could sure score. She was a very prolific scorer. On the subject of women's college basketball, I hope the Tennessee Lady Vols can win the national title this season. I really love Pat Summitt and her program. Geno and UConn seem a little to arrogant for me. NoDakSt who do you think the surprise teams will be this season?
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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 19, 2004 13:53:59 GMT -5
Surprise teams.
Ohio State. This team is going to figure big come NCAA time. They have 6'6" post player Jessica Davenport who was splendid as a frosh last year, sniper Caity Matter, a very talented pg in Kim Wilburn, Brandie Hoskins, another talented sophomore, and a couple of former SEC players in Michelle Munoz (TENN) and Tia Battle (VANDY). They will challenge Minnesota and Michigan State in teh Big 10.
Oklahoma. Dismantled Texas in the Big 12 Championship game last year. They lost Caton Hill but return Dionnah Jackson and Leah Rush (who is such a heady player. They'll push Texas again.
Vandy. The talk of the SEC is Tennessee and LSU and to a lesser extent Georgia but Vandy has a very good team returning. Abi Ramsey, Dee Davis, Cherish Springfield and Katie Antony are just part of a very deliberate backcourt that is highly efficient in producing points. Carla Thomas was spectacular as a frosh last year and ashley Early played a key role. Depth might be an issue if injuries mount up but Balcomb is a good coach.
Boston College. Return 4 players who shot over 50% from the field including deadeye Jessalyn Devaney, who shot over 40% from 3 pt. land. They have a couple of young post players in Lisa Macchia and Katheryn Ress who can dominate and they have an athletic forward coming in. They will give UCONN a serious challenge in the Big East along with Villanova.
Maryland will be fun to watch and should challenge Duke in the ACC. I also like TCU and I think UCLA will return to greatness out West. .
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Post by kyblueintenn on Jul 20, 2004 0:48:34 GMT -5
I love DeMoss and hope the Lady Cats have a great year, I hope I get a chance to see them play this year as well.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 20, 2004 9:06:34 GMT -5
Surprise teams. Ohio State. This team is going to figure big come NCAA time. They have 6'6" post player Jessica Davenport who was splendid as a frosh last year, sniper Caity Matter, a very talented pg in Kim Wilburn, Brandie Hoskins, another talented sophomore, and a couple of former SEC players in Michelle Munoz (TENN) and Tia Battle (VANDY). They will challenge Minnesota and Michigan State in teh Big 10. Oklahoma. Dismantled Texas in the Big 12 Championship game last year. They lost Caton Hill but return Dionnah Jackson and Leah Rush (who is such a heady player. They'll push Texas again. Vandy. The talk of the SEC is Tennessee and LSU and to a lesser extent Georgia but Vandy has a very good team returning. Abi Ramsey, Dee Davis, Cherish Springfield and Katie Antony are just part of a very deliberate backcourt that is highly efficient in producing points. Carla Thomas was spectacular as a frosh last year and ashley Early played a key role. Depth might be an issue if injuries mount up but Balcomb is a good coach. Boston College. Return 4 players who shot over 50% from the field including deadeye Jessalyn Devaney, who shot over 40% from 3 pt. land. They have a couple of young post players in Lisa Macchia and Katheryn Ress who can dominate and they have an athletic forward coming in. They will give UCONN a serious challenge in the Big East along with Villanova. Maryland will be fun to watch and should challenge Duke in the ACC. I also like TCU and I think UCLA will return to greatness out West. . An interesting thing about Ohio State. Their current coach Jim Foster, left Vandy to take the OSU job. Had Stallings left Vandy's men basketball for OSU, they would have two former Vandy coaches leading their basketball programs. You never overlook a Jim Foster team, one of the underrated coaches in the nation. I'm a big Oklahoma fan also. They were in the title game in 2002, but since they've had some surprising early exits. Coach Sherry Coale is one of the better coaches in the profession, and she'll definitely have her team ready to go. NoDakSt, I'll throw in another surprise team. What about Florida?? Carolyn Peck is their coach, and she's quite possibly the best coach in the nation other than Pat and Geno. She's had two seasons to implement her system into the Florida program after a failed WNBA stint with the Orlando Miracle, and I think year three, could be the year where they make a bigger name for themselves in the nation. And Notre Dame with national championship coach Muffet McGraw shouldn't be too bad either.
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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 20, 2004 11:12:46 GMT -5
I don't know much about Florida, kentubbybb, other than Peck is a great coach and she has had a year to bring in her recruits. So I see good things.
Notre Dame has some great talent to challenge in the Big East as well. Batteast is a great all around player and Duffy has emerged as a tough point guard. They need a consistent perimeter threat and they could do some damage. They may match off against the Blue Devils in the WNIT preseason so that should tell alot about both teams.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 20, 2004 23:53:36 GMT -5
Duke is hard to predict also. They lose POY Alana Beard and a good inside-out player in Iciss Tillis. But, Coach G hasn't had a bad season at Duke in the last 8 years or so. Duke still has Foley which is a great long-range threat, and they've got a decent 4 that reminds me of Chuck Hayes--she just gets it done. I can't think of her name.
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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 21, 2004 1:39:39 GMT -5
You are correct in that DUKE is hard to predict. Alana was the team the last three years. If it needed to get done, Alana did it. That being the situation, I am not certain how often the other players defaulted to her. Anyhoo...Gail has acknowledged that it is time for everyone to step up. The best thing for this team...the pressure is off!! There are no expectations.
Duke lost a lot: Alana, Iciss, Vicki Krapohl, and Brittany Hunter (the latest big name player to sign on to the program.) But they have considerable talent: Lindsey Hunter runs the point. She is FAST and the ACC defensive player of the year. Doesn't score much and that will have to change. Mistie Bass (Step-kid of Chubby Checkers) is a solid post player. She averaged double digit scoring last year. Very emotional if not outstanding. Jess Foley got it done during the UCONN game but wasn't incredibly consistent otherwise...she will be pushed for starting time by true forsh Wanisha Smith.
Mo Currie is the star of the next Blue Devil team. She is Duke's last multi-position player (ala Alana who at 5'11" could post it up or Iciss Tillieis who at 6'5" was content to shoot the three and bring the ball up court.) This is most likely MO's last year. She has an injury red-shirt and may opt not to take it in lieu of going to the WNBA in what should be a week senior class.
I think DUKE is a Sweet Sixteen team in 2004. They will make more noise in 2005 when the Waner sisters are eligible for competition. Gail has an incredible recruiting class to support Abby and Emily Waner in Brittany Mitch, Carrem Gay, and Keturah Jackson. They could challenge again for the Final Four....they will be that good.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 21, 2004 15:36:00 GMT -5
Duke lost a lot: Alana, Iciss, Vicki Krapohl, and Brittany Hunter (the latest big name player to sign on to the program.) Mistie Bass (Step-kid of Chubby Checkers) is a solid post player. She averaged double digit scoring last year. If I'm not mistaken, Mickie DeMoss stepped in and got Brittany Hunter to sign here after her transfer was made official by Duke. Mistie Bass is the name of the post player that reminds me of our Chuck Hayes. Duke will always be in just for the fact that Coach G(Gail Goestenkors) is coaching them. Your knowledge of women's basketball is incredible, NoDakSt.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 21, 2004 15:40:17 GMT -5
NoDakSt, how do you think the SEC will play out this season?
IMO, Tennessee is will always be Tennessee. With Pat Summit, at the helm they should always be the favorite. They still have Shyra Ely, Shana Zolman, Loree Moore, and Spencer. Ely should be an All-American, without the injury of Loree Moore, UT could have beat UConn in the title game. But, I'd have to put UT as the top SEC team right now.
LSU is coming off of a final four appearance. And now that Sue Gunter is retired, I feel like Pokey Chatman has breated new life into the program. UGA will also be good. Andy Landers is an underappreciated coach. They got to the Elite 8, but they will miss Christi Thomas, now playing in the WNBA with the LA Sparks. Arkansas, Florida, Vandy, South Carolina, and Alabama should all be good also. The SEC has some great coaches and some great programs.
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Post by NoDakSt on Jul 21, 2004 17:38:44 GMT -5
Brittany Hunter will be heading off to UCONN after sitting out a year and recouping from an injury.
My thoughts on the SEC? Well you've pretty much touched on the heavy hitters, kentubby....LSU and Tennessee are going to be the heavyweights.
Tennessee's frosh class has the potential to be legendary but no one should forget Shyra Ely or S. Zolman. And I think Sidney Spencer is one of those unsung players who just get it done.
LSU is solid also. They solidified their weakness in the paint by recruiting 6'5" Sylvia Fowles who is not just tall...she is chisled. They have solid depth returning everywhere and Seimone and Temeka can get this group to another final four.
Georgia has an awesome backcourt in Kendrick, Hardrick and Baker. As you surmised, Christie Thomas will be missed, Kara Braxton won't be. Andy is a great coach and has recruitied three most players to come in. One of them, Tasha Humprhries will be an impact palyer from day one. Might be a year away for the Dawgs tho....in 2005, Penn State transfer 6'6" Receina Russell becomes eligible and then Georgia's backcourt will be on par with the frontcourt.
I like what Melanie B. has done a Vandy. She recruited a great class who will be sophomores this year and has a well-disciplined team where everyone knows their role. As I said in a previous thread, this team will be weak in the post but Carla Thomas is such a force (in another year she will be joined by UCONN transfer Liz Sherwood). And their is soem good depth at the guard position. I see Vandy as coming in third behind Tennessee and LSU.
You like Florida because of Peck and that is the same reason I like Auburn because of Nell Fortner. Auburn might have a drop off year because they lose so much interior strength (both LeCoe Willingham and Mandisa Stevenson are in the WNBA) but they return Natasha Brackett and shot blocker extraordinaire Marita Payne (I think she had two games where she blocked 10 shots this past year.) These two teams should finish middle of the pack.
South Carolina brought in a whole new load of people last year and it showed. Players should have jelled a little bit more but i don' know if it will make a difference.
Arkansas lost Shemeka Christon to the pros and even with her they were 5-7 in the conference...I like Ruby Vaden in the post and Kristin peoples is a spark plug but I also don't see them doing much better.
Ole Miss did quite well last year under Carol Ross. Miss. State really misses LaToya.
Here's how I see things:
1. Tennessee 2. LSU these two are in a league of their own... 3. Vandy 4. Georgia these two will be a second tier just slightly removed from: 5. Auburn 6. Florida hard to say after this. Mickie has great talent coming in but to what point do they jel and help next years team.
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Post by kentubbybasketball on Jul 21, 2004 18:25:06 GMT -5
LSU's Simone Augustus may very well be the SEC POY, but I really like Shyra Ely. I really think she is unsung, and she was the top player on a team last year that was said to have no stars.
The SEC has some of the best coaches in nation: Pat Summit(Tennessee), Andy Landers(Georgia), Pokey Chatman(LSU), Carolyn Peck(Florida), Mickie DeMoss(Kentucky), Nell Fortner(Auburn). Wow, that has more big names than on the men's basketball side in the SEC.
NoDakSt, do you watch any WNBA? I do. My team is the Los Angeles Sparks, because I absolutely love Lisa Leslie. She is the best in the game right now, even tho her scoring isn't as high as last season. Mwadi Mabika, Laura Macchi, Nikki Teasley, Tamika Dixon, Christi Thomas, Tamika Whitmore, and injured DeLisha Milton make up a solid 7 players to compliment all-everything Lisa Leslie. We lost our coach Michael Cooper to the NBA, tho.
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