Texas/Penn St.

[Bevo]

WARNING: Flaming post ahead!

Oh, if only I had Chipper's eloquence to describe the debacle in Austin tonight. This was possibly the most pathetic display of "basketball" that I have seen since,...well since...last year. I am feeling a bit embarassed that I have been defending this team and coach so adamantly over the past two weeks. The first half of the game displayed everything, I mean EVERYTHING that the critics had been pointing out on the UT/Miami thread...lack of intensity, lack of offensive movement, lack of quality point guard play. Add to that a lack of desire and domination on the boards (which had been our strength - Stacy's absence really hurt us in that department) and you had a total meltdown.

Yes, they turned it around somewhat in the second half. Yes, Tracy Cook is a WARRIOR! But there is really no excuse for being down that far (especially at home) in the first place. This team is developing a disturbing pattern of falling behind in games. Early on, we were able to come back and win the games, but it is catching up to us now. Penn St. played aggressively, yet with calmness and confidence. Texas seems to have two modes: lethargic (1st half tonight) and frantic (second half). When will we see a Texas team go out on the floor against a good opponent (Lamar/SWT etc. don't count) and look as if they are in control, confident, and know from the opening tip that they are going to win?

The execution on the final play was just atrocious. Dribble, dribble, dribble...oops, lose control of the ball. Play like this in conference and we will be staring a bottom 4 finish in the face.

[Bobcat4956]

Well BEVO, it is good to see you have finally seen what some of us have been seeing for quite a while now. You can blame the players all you want, but the lack of preparation and intensity starts with the coach. Jody Conradt simply does not have it anymore. Her arrogance has gotten in the way of an astonishing career. SHE WILL NOT ADJUST OR CHANGE WITH THE TIMES. It is her way, or no way. And lately, it has been no way. The players have no respect for her and EVEN MORE DISTURBING, no confidence in her ability to lead the team. I sat directly behind the Texas bench and you could see it in their faces. At one point, she pulled Alisha Sare out after she missed a shot. Tracy Cook came over to the sidelines, looked at Alisha, and just laughed and shook her head in disbelief. When Asha Hill was a freshman we were all so high on her. But after Jody RUINED her confidence, she never became the player she should or could have been. She yanks players out of the game at will - after every mistake just about - that is except for Kenya Larkin - and of course last year Jo Ruth Woods. As good as Heather Schreiber and Kala Bowers are - I hope she does not ruin their confidence too. As I have stated, I have so much respect for Jody, but her time has come and gone. I WISH IT WERE DIFFERENT - I REALLY DO!!! I would love to see her come back and do well, but I don't think it will happen. I realize we are a very young team, but I EXPECT to see a more focused well-prepared team being coached by the winningest coach in college basketball. She has lost the attention and respect of her players quite simply because she tries to run the same things that worked years ago. She refuses to change. Period. Looks like another mediocre year. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!