Thoughts to 2008-2009

Seattle4UT

Seattle4UT

1,000+ Posts
I cannot even express how disappointing today's loss was. I can accept a loss in the Tournament but to absolutely not improved on last year's season is unacceptable.

i think everyone (coaches, players, AND fans) from top to bottom need to take a long hard look at what happened this season. It is apparently obvious that the Class of 2005 was indeed overrated. Where was their leadership? Did these players have no pride in themselves? Did these players truly attribute their accomplishments due to injuries? Why can't these girls play 40 minutes of complete basketball? Why does it seem this team needs to always RALLY to have any shot of winning? Why is rebounding and scoring problematic, especially the last half of this season? UT started off the season wonderfully... and end poorly?

What is this class's legacy? The other major programs in the Big XII have surpassed UT and will continue to do so until a reality check is made at all levels of this program.

Coach G could not mold these players into her system since her arrival; frankly, I don't believe any Coach could have taken these players and get them to realize their potential. This is the truth.. no matter what their skills, ratings, or experience -- these girls simply did not have it on the basketball court.

I cannot even imagine what this loss means to Texas, the Big XII and recruiting. If you can sit her and post what positives came out of today's game, i'd be shock to see anything come out of it. No more "Big XII conference is tough" excuses either.

I see all these 'thank yous" to the graduating Seniors.. Thanks for what? Thanks for a 6th place finish? Thanks for a 1st round loss in the NCAA Tourney? Thanks for the whimper of a finish in the Big XII Tourney? Yes, they deserve thanks for their hard work and contributions. And they deserve thanks for upholding the high standards of class and sportsmanship expected at Texas.

Face it... the UT program is broken, and has been broken since 2005. Let's not kid ourselves about this and live in the past.
 
I've been sitting here thinking about this season. Perhaps we were "as good as it gets" in the first of the season. Other teams improved, while we were "as good as it gets". So, while it appears we regressed, in reality other teams progressed and we stayed the same. I dunno. I'm just trying to make sense of a very disappointing season. And it has been disappointing. Like you Seattle, and I think it was Ashley Lindsay who said, anything less that a sweet 16 (improvement from last season) will be a disappointment. I feel that way, very much so. But I'll have to say, I really did not think we could win today - just that gut feeling.

It was so obvious at the beginning of the year that this year's team was light years ahead of last year's team (Coach G's first season). And they came out of the box with guns blazing, but they fizzled out, or as I posed above, everyone else got better and they were "as good as it gets".

I fully understand that these are not Coach G's "players". Perhaps that has more to do with the outcome of this season than we can imagine. All I can do is shrug my shoulders, cause I just really don't know.

This team does feel "broken" and it has felt broken since 2005 - but again, maybe it's just "as good as it gets".

I have all the confidence in the world in this coaching staff. Texas basketball will be OK - it's just going to take longer than I thought it would. But hey, I plan to be around for a looooong time - so I can wait - but I'm not very patient!
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Thank goodness I have this forum to gripe on.
 
Great post Seattle: I'm in total agreement with you! In my view our team has never displayed the teamwork,attitude and
chemistry it takes to play with the big girls and win.Jody
dealt with this for two years and Gail for the next two with
little,if any,success.That tells me somthing.If one compares
the won/lost record of 2001-04 with 2005-09 it is evident
just how far womens basketball at Texas has fallen!
 
Next year will be pretty important in the progress of the program. If there is little improvement then everyone may have cause to worry.
 
This thread is WAY out there.....now all the Jody-bashers are both Coach G and '05 Class bashers....

The fact that there were some SEVERE injuries and a coaching change and a whole new system is irrelevant?

Arriaran STILL plays in pain, and did you notice those braces on Earnies knees? The only '05 frosh I feel could have worked harder is Lindsey, but even she improved a lot...

Get a grip.....sure, there were some bone-head moments, but heck, we were playing FRESHMEN for a LOT of the season....

I just think all this criticism is a bit unwarranted, but ya'll do what you do.....

I wonder if the Vols fans are calling for Summitt's head???

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No coach bashing here - I think our staff is GREAT. I know Texas will be back, it's going to take longer than I thought, but that's OK - disappointing, but OK. Not much I can do but cheer!
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This has been a disappointing season, but not really a surprising one. The class of 2005 has had horrible injuries, but I suspect worse chemistry issues. Someone closer to the program might know more. I agree with the OP. They ruined the end of a very distinguished coaching career. The seniors showed no leadership, though EW tried to lead by example. Sometimes they had smarts, sometimes they had heart, but never the two at the same time. I was heartened by the tv shot of AT crying at the end of the game. It hurts to lose, and a freshman gets it. Texas will be better next year. I honor EW, Carla, Aubrey and Ashley, but they never played up to their potential and I don't blame Jody or GG.
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Unlike the Big East, SEC or ACC, the Big 12 has at six least consistently good/very good programs-OU, BU, A&M, ISU, KSU and Texas. We have been competitive with all except A&M (damn) the past two seasons. I am convinced that given the opportunity to continue to get players like our current freshmen Coach G will have us consistently competing for the title soon.
 
Maybe its because I have a daughter who plays at a high level in another sport - but I think it is pretty much bs for fans who sit in the stands and in front of their televisions to bash these girls and the years of dedication and physical punishment they take playing in this conference. They have seen really horrible injuries - the kind that not long ago put an immediate end to a college career - and the retirement of the coach who recruited them. They may not have lived up to the hopes we had for them on the court when they came to Texas, but they have stuck with it, not gotten into trouble, kept their grades up and are graduating. I, for one, am proud that my kids see them as role models. I care about winning, but I care more about sticking with it and being responsible citizens. Thank you seniors for setting an example of how to handle yourself in adversity and to be a student athlete for my girls.
 
WOW Seattle tell us how you really feel. I understand where you are and you make several valid points. But like I've said all year we do not have a playmaker/baller. And we need one!

I also want to know what happened over Christmas break. The team that came back after the break is not the team that beat TN. I don't know what happened but something happened. Everyone lost their fire.

I'm proud of the '05 Class for being students and graduating. It's time for the changing of the guards. Their class was a bust but they also had injury after injury after injury. Did they reach their potential? No. I'm ready for the whole class to graduate and move on to the next chapter of their life. They're probably ready to move on as well. This was not the ride the signed up for and I don't blame them - I would graduate and keep moving forward. Play a 5th year? NOT!

Jrs - Britt and Kristen - not as good as advertised. They have one more year to make good but it might be too little too late. And I still say Kristen should have more playing time. Coach G's problem w/ her hurt the team. When she's in - it changes things for the good down low. I like her playing the post better than Gayle and Lindsey. Gayle is clumsy and no post moves and Lindsey is soft. Kristen is aggressive, rebounds and has a nose for the ball and takes it to the hole - HARD!

Soph - Kat - to be continued. I believe she will be the leader next year. I think she's just waiting for some players to come along that want to play and win and share her passion and desire.

Fresh - Gayle, Afont and Anderson - Gayle - post camp for you this summer. Afont and Anderson find that point guard camp that K. Toliver attended so you can sharpen and master your PG skills. Afont don't back down. The first couple of games you started you were awesome. Then something happened and you stopped playing and having a nose for the ball. You stopped being aggressive and taking it to the hole. What happened? I don't know but you changed your game after the first couple of starts.

We have to take our medicine like good boys and girls. I don't like it but we all know it takes time. Put your big kid britches on and take it like a LONGHORN! Was the '05 class over rated? Yes. '06? Yes. Were there adversities? Yes. Do we give up on our Longhorns? Heck to the NO! We support and encourage them until the tide turns. 4 years to get rid of the pre Coach G team and 4 years to build a new team. So I'm cool. Just frustrated as all get out because we WANT MORE!!! We expect more! And we HATE to lose!!

Texans in generally just want everything bigger and better and we want it NOW!!!
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Every possible theory has been floated on this board. Who knows? It's a conundrum why this team never came together very successfully. It hasn't been much fun, and the team didn't often look like it was having much fun. I think the players tried hard and wanted to do well. The theory that works for me is that we had good players but not as good as we hoped, and bad luck with injuries. There could have been some personality issues or troubled team dynamics, but that's complete speculation, of course. (I will always wonder why Niquy (sp) Hughes said she wanted to be around a more positive atmosphere, why Mergerson was kicked off the team, and why Carla and Earnesia do not want to take advantage of their extra year of eligibility.)

The tendency to blame the former coach for our problems of the last 4 years or so has now been proven wrong, since we got the great coach that UT wanted and the same problems have continued right on. It seems best now to let the last 3 or 4 years fade quickly and build up some good energy for what lies ahead. We still have good coaches and some good players. We may be getting some new players who will quickly bring us up to a higher level. If not, we can have fun being in the underdog role. Here's to the good teams of the future -- hook 'em.
 
I think the future is bright but I have to admit, as a life-long Texas fan and a 25 year Texas Women's Basketball fan, it's hard to maintain the "we'll get them next year" attitude. At least for today. This team was a complete mystery. I was in Waco for the Baylor game and left thinking, "they've finally found themselves." That feeling only lasted a couple of weeks and then the season basically fell apart. On the bright side, we have one of the best coaches in women's basketball, some outstanding recruits coming in, and we're still Texas.
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good post seattle -i agree with everything - these girls have had some horrible luck, but still have been so inconsistent even when all possible hands on deck - this group has had 2 outstanding coaching staffs to work with them and they couldn't take advantage - there were stories of lack of work habits, team attitude, and having a hard time grasping the fundamentals and thus the results are what they are - i do believe things will get turned around, but it is going to be longer than i thought especially if we don't get bone - i think it is going to take longer than even coach g thought
 
How long did it take Coach G to get Duke rolling?? I'd give her that long, and then if we weren't equal to OU, Rutgers, or Duke; find a new coach....or settle on being Baylor, OU, and A&M's whipping post. Jodie let Baylor and OU and others catch us when she took on both the AD and coach jobs. It was too much, and she let the program slip. Losing a stud to Tech ( can't remember her name) was the "shot heard 'round the nation" that killed our elite status. Even though she rebounded in like '05 with a good run it has never been the same and has slipped to what it is today because of it. With so many good teams in our conference alone, it is going to be hard for Coach G to rebuild this former great program.
 
Thank you, Txex86.

The only consistent thing on this board is scapegoat identification. It's been Tiffany, Jody, Erika, and now it's the entire 2005 class. They "have no pride in themselves"??? Get a life!
 
I am more interested in relevancy for Texas rather than excuses that define this year's basketball team.

Thanks to many for the constructive dialogue. I wholeheartedly support Coach G and staff and hope they themselves continue to keep the faith regarding their commitment to bringing back Texas to relevancy and success as well as their confidence.

I certainly did not expect everyone to agree with me on my thoughts after yesterday's game. I have been following Lady Longhorns basketball since 2001 and don't intend to stop my interest of following and supporting this program.

I am sure many fans out there are hurt and unaccustomed to playing levels and results not atypical of the Texas program, and I personally feel that the the declining attendance at home games over the years plus the energy of Texas fans on these discussion forums, does not bode well for Texas at this time.

As we all know, recruiting is essential in defining a program's relevancy and success. Many of the talented and highly sought after players want to play in a program that will allow them to win a National Championship. It is also critical that these recruits also believe in the Coach's philosophy as well as be able to feel that they can reach their potential with the Coach.

Texas is Texas but that alone is not enough to attract the type of players that Texas needs to compete and win championships. Yesterday's success does not mean entitlement for success today or tomorrow.

As for this comment:
In reply to:
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As I said in another post – I still don’t think this team under-achieved. I do think expectations were unrealistic. Texas fans get upset and talk about disappointment every time a program doesn’t finish the season at or near the top nationally. It is good to have high expectations. You will never be a champion without them. But, when that does not work out the answer is not always blaming the coach and/or players.

As the saying goes, sh$t happens. Sometimes there is no one to blame…..Sometimes there is some blame, but it is rarely straightforward or black and white. It was “obvious” to a lot of people a few years ago that a coaching change was needed. I suspect that the obvious problems with this season are just as far off base.

Texas certainly could have beat Mississippi State. But, as 11th seeds go they certainly looked well above average. Texas also was missing their starting point guard – playing a freshman in that spot against a team that defines itself with pressure defense. While at times they had me cussing and throwing things across the room during that game, in retrospect it wasn’t that bad a showing…….well, how about it could have been a lot worse?

Like a previous poster I have daughters who are about the same age as the players on this team. I don’t know that I can say they participate at a “high level”. Still it helps to keep me grounded, and I have a lot of trouble being really upset. I understand they are human, and young adults. They will never earn a fortune playing this sport, so their education and the life lessons they learn from the game are much more important to them than what I think about how they performed on the court.

So, as a fan I am disappointed that I don’t have more to brag about. And, I thank this group for representing their school well, being positive role models for young women, and giving me something to talk about.

BTW – From questions in previous posts….

Mariana – I’m not going into why she was dismissed but the reasons were valid and she was not surprised.

Carla Cortijo – is leaving because she wants to play for her national team. I can’t find any fault with someone not taking an extra year of eligibility when presented with that opportunity.

Earnie Williams – has played in pain for years and will graduate before next season. She really has no good reason to come back.

Ashley Lindsey – I am amazed every time I read anything critical of her play. When she signed most people thought she was not a D1 player. She has improved every year, been a starter and made significant contributions. She has far exceeded my expectations.

Erika Arriaran – This was the number one recruit in the nation – or, second according to some people. She has had knee injuries, sat out, and played in pain. My impression is that we are just starting to see what she is capable of bringing to this team.

The three year plan – The idea that we should give coach G three years because that is how long it took at Duke just seems silly. Women’s college basketball is not the same game is was then. Even if it is not an excuse the Big 12 is a very talented and very deep conference. I agree that we should see progress next year. But, let’s judge each team, and each season on their own merits and circumstances.
 
Learn the difference between "broken" and rebuilding. Then get some perspective between "excuses" and reality.

Get a grip. Have a little faith in the coaching staff and quit ragging on players because they didn't meet your personal expectations (while you refuse to acknowledge reality).

I honestly think the Horns would have gone another round in the Big 12 tourney (at least) as well as the NCAA's with their starting Senior point guard healthy.

I see nothing positive from the OP, just a temper tantrum from a fan who has followed the team all the way back to 2001.
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It's a good thing you weren't spoiled year after year without a conference loss like some of us....I'm not sure what you would do with yourself in today's world of relative parity.
 
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