That was a great team win in every way. It's probably the best game I've ever seen LSU play against a top team. The plan to make UCONN take it inside tonight was a great one and it was executed to perfection. They are going to be extremely tough to beat with that defense and team work. And let me say, yes, Pokey did a very good job with the team, etc. over the last few years. But she is gone now. All of this talk about Pokey getting her credit and everything is nice, but this team deserves the credit (and Starkey, etc.). As a whole, they've played better since Pokey left. Let's face it, most people didn't think we'd be in the Final Four, and based on our seed, we were not one of the four best going into the tourney when we had Pokey. We're one of the four best now. I'm not really judging Pokey or anything. But come on, she didn't leave the team or the assistants in the best possible situation. They've overcome all the distractions and made it to the Final Four in the finest fashion possible. All the credit now goes to the team and the coaches left. Go Tigers.
That's precisely why they couldn't do it the last 3 years. It was Seimone or bust. I remember thinking at the beginning of the season that this should be the year IF then can avoid relying solely on Sylvia. So far in the tournament that have accomplished that, but an easy road (14 seed, 11 seed, 10 seed) up until the Elite 8 could have been a factor. ESPN Front Page: Luckily, we still get another year out of Sylvia.
I completely agree with this post, and in fact, I thought that last night our women looked far more focused, composed, and calm than they often did under Pokey. Perhaps it was her intensity that she brought as a coach, while Starkey is more calm and laid-back, but I saw a difference in them as opposed to this time the last couple of years. One could also make the same arguments for how LSU has played football under Miles (calmer) than Saban (a madman).
I agree. There are times when a coach needs to turn it up but overall, who wants to play for someone who is always following you around waiting to chew on your azz? One of the commentators made a comment that, at one point in practice, Starkey "Raised his voice" and the girls listened, which is another thing- when someone tends to yell most of the time, the emphasis may get lost at critical times; whereas; when a calmer personality turns up the volume, the team may respond better. I love how down to earth and humble he is. Pokey deserves a lot of credit too- even though her actions could have really changed the outcome of this tournament. The one thing I don't miss is seeing that "I just bit a pickle" look she had. :grin:
I don't see that happening. The WNBA is struggling to stay afloat and the players are not paid a whole lot.
could this team have played any better? i dont think so. pretty amazing how well they executed on both sides of the court. this is as close to a perfect game as ive seen. sylvia adjusted on defense like she had radar or something without fouling. erica white is like tack minor with a brain. she really is unheralded and what makes this team go. i didnt realize how relentless she played til recently yet under control. should rename her tenacious d. chaney can hit from as far out as anyone. i cannot believe she has that range consistently. i cant say ive ever been impressed with a womans hoops game til last night. that was good basketball and i never thought id say that. seriously, it was one of those games I dont think they can repeat which worries me. usually a bad one seems to follow. i just hope they get somewhere near it for 2 more games and carry the momentum.
