Post by Lawdog on Aug 22, 2010 1:55:16 GMT -5
The Wildcats are upgrading their schedule next season, and one of the big names is more than just an opponent.
It's a sort of blueprint for the Big Blue.
UK will play at women's power Duke in January, part of a nonconference slate that also includes a home game against Notre Dame.
“In the women's game, Duke has done a great job of doing what we're attempting to do,” UK coach Matthew Mitchell said. “They've built a very strong women's program over the last 15 years, and I think they've tapped into some of the positive momentum in the men's program.”
Mitchell is attempting to follow suit, but he stressed that it takes more than a strong men's program to build a comparable women's basketball power.
It takes on-court success, the kind the UK women had last season in making the NCAA Elite Eight.
But the brand name doesn't hurt, Mitchell said, and UK has it. So he sells it. Mitchell said the name recognition — coupled with increased attendance at women's basketball games — can help him get a foot in the door in recruiting.
“I think you can only use it to help you and say, ‘The passion for basketball's here, and here's why,'” Mitchell said. “But you don't need to make a mistake and think anybody's signing up here because John Wall came here. That may get them looking, but you've got to stand on your own and get some players in here.”
-CJ
It's a sort of blueprint for the Big Blue.
UK will play at women's power Duke in January, part of a nonconference slate that also includes a home game against Notre Dame.
“In the women's game, Duke has done a great job of doing what we're attempting to do,” UK coach Matthew Mitchell said. “They've built a very strong women's program over the last 15 years, and I think they've tapped into some of the positive momentum in the men's program.”
Mitchell is attempting to follow suit, but he stressed that it takes more than a strong men's program to build a comparable women's basketball power.
It takes on-court success, the kind the UK women had last season in making the NCAA Elite Eight.
But the brand name doesn't hurt, Mitchell said, and UK has it. So he sells it. Mitchell said the name recognition — coupled with increased attendance at women's basketball games — can help him get a foot in the door in recruiting.
“I think you can only use it to help you and say, ‘The passion for basketball's here, and here's why,'” Mitchell said. “But you don't need to make a mistake and think anybody's signing up here because John Wall came here. That may get them looking, but you've got to stand on your own and get some players in here.”
-CJ