Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cinderella good for tournament, but not great

I don't know about you but the women's tournament has been exciting. Quite a few unexpected upsets and unforeseen programs not fulfilling high expectations. As exciting as it has been to watch Vermont and Green Bay play and knock down their Goliath...I must apologize for this next statement...I don't want to see Cinderella in the final four. I realize the tournament is set up to "win or go home". I think it's great to have a few surprises here and there. We need that to validate the tournament. A continuous romp through the tournament by the top seeds year after year would render it "March Blandness" and not make for "must see tv". So why I appreciate the hard work, dedication and effort put forth by San Diego State University in disappointing Texas on their home floor and reaching the sweet sixteen, I found myself rooting against them with Duke. Don't we ultimately want to see the top teams in the country play for the National Championship? I'm not limiting it to a UCONN-Tenn-Duke-Stanford slug fest. I'm talking about the 20 or so teams who have built dominant programs over the years.

I've spent the better part of five months watching games and familiarizing myself with teams and players from the top six conferences (because they are who you get to see on tv). I've gotten to know their names, their style of play, the coach and coaching staff. I've seen their ups and downs, highs and lows. I know who are the players to watch and for many, who is the sixth man off the bench.

For most of these teams, there is history in the programs. Some feature legendary coaches and others have newcomers who are only newcomers to their respective programs. They are legends of the women's game, prodigal daughters returning to restore magic to a once royal program. Young coaches with a bloodline of winning and a determination to prove themselves.

Let me try to put it another way. Unless you are from Iowa, did you really want to see Northern Iowa in the final four of the men's tournament? Don't you secretly want to see Kansas clash with Kentucky or Duke. In the NBA finals would you be happy with the Timberwolves and Bobcats? Isn't it more appealing to see the Cavs-Lakers or Celtics-Lakers?

I love the tournament format. I love that it gives Vermont a chance to be put on the grandest stage in women's college basketball and for a week or so be the bell of the ball. But by the sweet sixteen I want order restored.

This is not to say Cinderella can never be a "bride". She needs to be visible in the regular season. I need to get to know her. Maybe she can participate in one of those high profile pre-season tournaments or schedule some games with the top programs, get on tv a bit more. I'll learn their names and be able to talk about a player or two and most of all they have to win! A couple years of this and when the brackets come out in March and I see their name on the schedule, I may not hesitate to pencil them in...and maybe even to the elite eight.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

UCONN does deserve credit for it's remarkable run, Let's watch'em til the end

I recently read an article from SI.com by a Boston Globe columnist, Dan Shaughnessy, entitled "UCONN deserves credit for it's remarkable run, but I can't watch. In his article he wrote about not caring about the women's tournament and that "most red-blooded American fans don't give a hoot about women's basketball", he went on to say that "the dominant Huskies are a part of the problem."

I took from his message that because of the utter destruction UCONN has put on it's opponents this year, with no team coming closer than 12pts, that it renders the games uninteresting, almost boring if you are not a UCONN fan.

He also says there is "little competition in the women's game"...
Since 2000, only 5 teams have won the national championship, UCONN and Tennessee having multiple wins. Compared to the men's national championship game for the same period, eight teams have won, with repeats from North Carolina and Florida. Just for fun I checked out the NBA. Since 2000 only 5 teams have been crowned NBA Champs. The Lakers and Spurs had multiple championships during that period. What jumps out at you about these statistics? All stats look pretty darn similar to me?

..."the game appears in slow motion compared to the men's game."
Only men compare women's play with men's play. Men and women are physically different. We don't run as fast or jump as high. Realistically the women's pace is not in slow motion. Many programs are designed specifically to run! No half court games for some.

..."nobody's fault the women's game is played below the rim"...
Several women have come before Baylor's Brittany Griner and showed effective skills above the rim, and many more will come after Griner who will continue the evolution of women playing above the rim. Playing below the rim isn't a handicap.

"Let's forgive the fact that the women play with a smaller basketball which makes it easier for them to shoot and dribble."
Come on! Is that really a good reason to bash the women's game? Should that really matter? Perhaps if my hand were large enough to spread across a small pizza this wouldn't be an issue. Since men have bigger feet, why have they not gone to a larger soccer ball?

"ESPN has been force-feeding us women's basketball (college/professional) for more than a decade"....
If you don't want to watch...change the channel. Enough said.

"Men simply don't want to watch"
Speak for yourself. At this year's SEC conference tournament in Georgia, I followed two women and two men, from the parking lot to the arena. In listening to their conversation, the men were explaining how they watched Tennessee when they were in the military some time ago, and picked them for their team. Now civilians, they traveled from South Carolina to see the Lady Vols play in person. One gentlemen admitted to having second thoughts about his allegiance to Tennessee since the Gamecocks now had Dawn Staley as the women's head coach.

"Upsets are the best part of the men's tournament. They rarely happen in the women's draw. There's no March Madness in the women's game"...
There have been plenty of upsets in the women's draw. #6 seeds falling to #11 seeds, #4 seeds falling to #13 seeds. Most notably last year's first round perennial powerhouse #5 Tennessee was ousted by #12 seed Ball State. Who can forget the most devastating loss to date, #16 Harvard defeats the number one seed Stanford Cardinal in the first round.

Everyone knows the mantra "Win or Go Home!" Everyone expected the New England Patriots to cap off a historic perfect season with a Super Bowl win, not many predicted the outcome that prevailed.

I love basketball in all it's forms, from the high flying acrobatics of the NBA to the electrifying male collegians that thrill me game after game. I especially enjoy the women's game for the way it's played, hard, energetic and with passion. Passion to play the best they can.

So, a boring women's tournament Mr. Shaughnessy? I beg to differ,...excitement for all and madness for some. And just think, your "UCONN greatness" may not be the script that unfolds. It's why we play the games.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A Novice Picks The Women's NCAA Tournament Winner

In watching the women's NCAA Selection Show and listening to the commentary being offered by the panel of experts, I couldn't help but run through my own belief as to who would sail through the tournament. Would UCONN go all the way unscathed? Who will wear Cinderella's slipper?

At first glance it appears that the committee did a good job of seeding teams. You can't make everyone happy and ultimately someone is going to have to travel well away from their fan base. The number one seeds seem to be what was expected. Even the ESPN commentators agreed these were the top four seeds in the tournament.

The Dayton regional pits the overall number one seed UCONN here. One of the most repeated questions nowadays as we enter March Madness is,..."can anybody upset UCONN?" An intriguing match-up, if it gets that far, is UCONN vs. Ohio State. If you have seen Ohio State play, you've got to like their post play (Jantel Lavender) and point guard (Samantha Prahalis). This is an exciting team to watch and a team with a lot of heart. Part of the madness of March is the idea that on any given night, David can slay Goliath. It's why we play the games! I still think UCONN is destined to be one of the final four.

The Memphis regional has for it's number one seed, Tennessee. With the likes of Baylor, Texas, LSU and Duke as well as some newcomers, West Virginia and Georgetown, I anticipate some exciting games to take place in this region. I pick Duke and Tennessee in the Elite Eight with Tennessee not letting Duke spoil their bid for a final four spot.

The Sacramento regional puts Stanford in as the number one seed. I don't want to belittle a team, but of the four regions, I feel Stanford has the easiest route. Texas A&M has peaked at just the right time, but I just don't think it's enough to get them a final four spot. Stanford assumes the position of Sacramento regional winner.

Finally, the Kansas City regional has Nebraska as the number one seed. My Cinderella team is here, with the number six seed Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets who I have upsetting Oklahoma, but going no further. I also like Harper and the N.C. State Wolfpack beating UCLA. Still Nebraska gets through this region to join the other number one seeds for the final four.

I pick Stanford and UCONN in the title game with a totally different game being played out. Although I think the game will be tighter this time around, I still feel it will be the same outcome.

The women's tourney starts Saturday so you have only a few days to get your bracket printed and filled out. Need a bracket, click here. Think you're pretty good, ESPN is offering it's bracket challenge again. You can compete for prizes, click here for the tournament challenge. March Madness is one of those unique moments, two and a half weeks of ball, ball and more ball! Players playing off emotion, fans enthusiastic about the unknown and the occasional upset that sparks a fire. It's a time to play the games and truly leave it all on the court. Win or go home! Get your bracket and get ready, countdown is on,....tip off starts in four days!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Formula For Success



If you have ever witnessed the Tennessee Lady Vols away from Thompson Boling Arena, you know one thing for certain. Tennessee fans travel well. Attendance at home is over 15,000 fans (per game) but I have a sneaky suspicion that their fan presence is big at away games as well. And according to utladyvols.com it is. Beth Bass, CEO of the WBCA tweeted the other night about how she ran into a UT pep rally at a local tavern "lots of orange and rocky top, I will this for all WBB programs." I assumed she is talking about their fan base. The Lady Vols basketball team is one of the most successful women's athletic programs ever! Is there success determined by their following year after year? What is the key to the success of the program? Winning? Passionate fans? The leadership of the University to support the women's team? The coach? Or could it be all of the above?

I've had the pleasure of seeing the Lady Vols in action on the road a few times. I was there in 1999 when Tennessee lost to Duke in the Mideast Regionals in Greensboro, N.C., ending Chamique Holdsclaw's bid to win a 4Th consecutive National Title. Most recently I attended the 2010 SEC Conference Championships at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth, GA. You know how most conference tournaments have a distinct section where the fans of a particular team are seated,...not Tennessee. There was a multitude of orange all over the arena. So the real question is, how can all programs learn and duplicate what Coach Summit and the Lady Vols have?

School Leadership
Who knows what the University of Tennessee administration thought would happen when they offered a 22 year old the keys to their women's basketball team back in 1974, but 36 years later, based on her success Summit, who was already a million dollar coach, signed a contract extension that will run through 2014. Not only is the coach cared for, the players are rewarded with top notch training facilities, travel venues and state of the art locker rooms.

Fan Frenzy
UT fans are passionate about Lady Vol basketball! They treat their team like royalty and Summit is the queen. A first hand account of their schmoozing goes like this. They give a standing ovation when the team enters the court before the tip-off. Coach Summit enters last and is greeted by cheers, loud applause and an onslaught of "We love you, Pat!" Pat responds with an appreciative wave. The fans continue to stand until the first bucket is made for the Lady Vols. They repeat the routine to start the second half. UT fans are loud and colorful, knowledgeable and appreciative of the success of their program. Who wouldn't want fans like that.

Just Win Baby
In order to have a winning season you have to have great players. How is Coach Summit able to year after year recruit at such a high level? Frankly, what does the city of Knoxville, TN have to offer a 20 something? It's not the mecca of pop culture. It's got to be the history of the program. The Lady Vols have 28 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament, winning 8 National Titles. A combined 29 SEC conference championships and tournament titles. 12 Olympians, 19 Kodak All-Americans, 72 All-SEC performers, 46 international participants and 43 professional players round out their accolades. One of the most impressive statistics has to be the 100% graduation rate for all Lady Vols who have completed their eligibility at Tennessee. The second most impressive statistic,...did you know every Lady Vol (since 1976) has played in at least one Final Four during her career at Tennessee. WOW!

There are some top programs which of course rival Tennessee,...UCONN, Stanford and Duke come to mind. And there are a mass of other up and coming programs Baylor? Nebraska? Ohio State? There is also a talented crop of young enthusiastic coaches eager to make a name for themselves and their programs. How about Caldwell and UCLA? Staley and South Carolina? Harper at N.C. State? Ironically I just mentioned three programs with ties to Tennessee. Caldwell served as an assistant at Tennessee. Harper was point guard for Tennessee during the 1995-99 season, she was Kellie Jolly then. Two former Lady Vols, Carla McGhee and Nikki McCray, are assisting Dawn Staley in her bid to build a winning program at South Carolina. So not only does it pay dividends to play for coach Summit and the Lady Vols, but it could put you on the fast track in the coaching ranks.



It is not my intent to paint Tennessee as the ultimate women's basketball program in the country. There are arguably a host of other programs well qualified to challenge Tennessee. But after seeing the Lady Vols win against Kentucky in the SEC Championship game, witnessing the ocean of orange, I was just compelled to sing their praises. They are great ambassadors for the game.

For those programs that aren't at the top of the mountain, I join Beth Bass in,... "willing this for all women's basketball programs!"

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Naming Practices - Survey Results

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the survey results from the "Naming Practices Of Women's Sports Teams" poll. If you missed the previous introductory blog explaining the survey you can visit it here. The entire concept behind using the prefix "Lady" or suffix "-ettes" in women's athletic teams as trivial or the idea that it evokes a second class status in women's athletics/athletes is an intriguing concept. The original study used schools from nine southern states to collect their data. I was mindful that perhaps "southerners" had a different perspective on the idea. Growing up in the south, I wasn't sure if my opinion about the subject originated as a product of nature vs. nurture.

The sole purpose for creating this survey was to gauge the opinion of persons about the naming practice concept. I hoped to have a good mix of individuals from all over the 50 states. The primary respondents came from the social media sites Facebook and Twitter. The highlights of the survey results are summarized here:

Number of respondents;
31% Male
69% Female

43% Black/African American
52% Caucasian
2% Asian
3% Other

Grew up (state)
87% Southern states*
10% Remaining states
3% Out of country

Current Residence (state)
78% Southern states
19% Remaining states
2% Out of country

* Southern states includes Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky

Respondents High Schools referred to girls teams as "Lady/-ettes";
56% Yes
39% No
5% Did Not Know

Respondents Colleges/University women's team referred to as "Lady/-ettes";
43% Yes
43% No
12% Did Not Know
2% Did Not Have Women's Athletics

Calling women's athletics teams "Lady/-ettes" trivializes women's teams and women's athletics
7% Strongly Agree
30% Agree
51% Disagree
13% Strongly Disagree

Using the prefix/suffix "Lady/-ettes" enforces second class status in women's athletics/athletes
13% Strongly Agree
18% Agree
51% Disagree
18% Strongly Disagree

Of the respondents who answered Agree or Strongly Agree to the last two questions;

65% Female
35% Male

40% Black
55% Caucasian
5% Other

75% Grew up (south)
25% Outside south

65% Currently Live (south)
35% Outside south

40% Born between 1950-1966
10% Born between 1967-1977*
50% Born 1978 or later

* The dates 1967-1977 was chosen as the 5 years before and after Title IX. It is used as a guide. It is unclear if Title IX had any effect on the thought process of the respondents born during that period.

What do the numbers say? What can you deduct from this information? Is it nature vs. nurture? Is it racially based? Does your age play a role in your thinking process? I still find the numbers and answers intriguing and would love to see this concept on a grand scale. I am not a scholar so I'll leave the formation of a theory to you,... the reader. Make your own assumption. I'd love to hear your personal opinion. Feel free to leave comments.