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View Full Version : Tennessee No. 1???

Bob_Ballew
10-03-2002, 11:24 AM
I am surprised that Tennessee is picked so high in the preseason polls! Am I missing out on major changes at Tennessee for the coming year? With all due respect for coach Summitt and her team, Texas beat them in Knoxville on their home court last year and I certainly see Texas as a much stronger team than last years team. Who is going to be the real impact players for Tenn this year? Any thoughts?
ChipperF1
10-03-2002, 11:45 AM
What's the surprise. Look at Tennessee last year. A team with a fractured offense, cohension problem and with pourous outside shooting got to the Final Four on gritty defense and some kids playing above and beyond.

I don't see Tennessee as a #1 team, but when you look at the talent the Lady Vol have stockpiled this year from a healthy Ashley Robinson to freshman Shanna Zolman, this team is one could get to the top prize with some fine tuning.

Now you mention Texas being stronger? I don't see that yet. The Longhorns have a serious inside game, but the team still doesn't have anyone in the backcourt who can take charge and give control of the perimeter to Texas. If some guard play develops? Okay. Hook 'em horns, but right now I don't see it.
Bob_Ballew
10-03-2002, 12:54 PM
Chipper, I thought Ashley Robinson was still having knee problems. I do agree that Texas may still have backcourt questions, but even so, they managed to win with defense being the key and their defense should get better. Tennessee shot poorly due to the tough defensive effort by Texas. I am anxious to see how the young Texas players perform in the pre-season. Texas needs consistency this year. That was the thing I noticed most about their team last season. Up one game and down the next.
Jennifer
10-03-2002, 04:14 PM
Michelle Snow being gone will probably help, as well as the transfer of other players. They just seemed to not be a 'team', and maybe this year will be different. They certainly have the talent.

ANd I don't mean to take a dig on Michelle Snow. She had a solid rookie season in the WNBA; she just never seemed to mesh w/ team and coaches at TN.