Kaira White to transfer from UT

[carolann]

It was announced today on the local sports radio station that Kaira White has left the Texas basketball program, effective immediately. She will finish the semester at Texas but does want to transfer to another program where she can play basketball.

I am not entirely shocked. I am saddened. Kaira White possesses unique talents. If anyone watched the Miami/Texas game, you would have heard the Miami t.v. announcers talk about Kaira's 'WNBA moves to the basket'. I was also pleased to hear the radio talk show host who calls some of the Texas games this year, Chad Hastings, talk very positively about Kaira White's game. He said, and I have had the same thoughts, that he thought that if there was one player who might have been able to help Texas against A&M, it was Kaira White. Kaira has such strong moves to the basket, such a play-making ability, and the ability to shoot some tough shots. Kaira reportedly did not play Saturday because of a hand injury.

I believe Kaira White is a very talented player who was not able to find her place on the Texas team. She is not a player who can be happy on the bench. I hope Kaira finds a team where she can develop and star. I am going to miss watching her play.

[Press]

I'm surprised to hear that too. I thought after she came on last year she was going to be something scary to deal with. I hope she find the right spot for her because she is very talented.

[Bobcat4956]

Carolann, I know you probably don't want to hear this from me. But before I say anything, know that I am a HUGE Lady Horn fan. I have been to 7 games this year, including some during the week when I had to turn right around and drive back to Dallas since that is where I reside. I love the Lady Horns. As I have stated, I have so much respect for Jody and all she stands for. She is a class act. However, if she cannot see that this team's guards have lost their confidence, if she cannot see that we simply are not a good offensive team, and make the moves that are best for the team, then she needs to step down and let someone with a fresh approach take charge. When you watch the other GOOD teams in the Big 12, their offensive schemes and sets are far superior to ours. That is why they are having more success. Jody fails to adjust. She expects all the players to adjust to her style, which 15 years or so ago was okay. But this is 2002 and it breaks my heart to say it, but unless we are able to improve offensively, we need new blood. Look at Alisha Sare. What did she do as a freshman. She was great. Asha Hill, another star freshman player. And look at them now. You can see their confidence has suffered. Kaira had tremendous talent. I have not been pleased with her turnovers this year. But could that be because our offensive schemes SUCK. I, for one, think that is the case. Our system is outdated and it does not produce an environment for players to flourish offensively and become confident players. Let's hope we can beat Tech tomorrow night. I am not too confident though.

[carolann]

It's ok Bobcat for you to dislike our offensive play. About Kaira White, after a good night's sleep, I have a different perspective. Kaira White's decision to leave in the middle of the 2nd semester smacks of immaturity and self-centeredness. She could have stayed the rest of the year and done her best to improve her game and help the team. She gains nothing by leaving in the middle of a term.

Alisha Sare left in February last year but the circumstances were different. (1)Sare was struggling with an injury. (2)Sare wanted to leave sooner but delayed her decision on Conradt's request. Sare did not burn her bridges. Ironically, as White has pouted and Dillard has struggled with her return from injury, Sare's minutes have increased. Last year, with Sare's injury, Dillard emerged. When Sare departed and Dillard was hurt, White was given the chance to shine.

Since White has left, the coaching staff and the team are free to move on. Conradt has already talked about working harder to get Dillard back into the flow of the offense.

[Bobcat4956]

That is REALLY good to hear Carolann (re Dillard getting back on the floor). I watched her in the K State game and her quickness in moving the ball up the floor was impressive. I just wish we could get her back to where she was last year. She is a very good defender and handles the ball very well (which I think might help our turnover problem a bit). Sare seems to be coming on as of late and we need her big time. I am just so frustrated right now, I don't know where the blame should go. Maybe it is a combination. I don't know. But I do know that other teams in our conference sure seem to be using more innovative offensive schemes. I hope we turn it around. Am driving all the way to Waco tonight to rent motel room to watch the game because the Mavericks are on here in Dallas. Are we fans or what?

[JK]

I have to agree with you, CarolAnn. White's decision, at this point in the season, definitely indicates a lack of maturity and consideration for others on her part. I thought Kaira was a good recruiting "gamble" when we signed her. One thing I can definitely say for her is that she is a hard worker and plays with heart. After her freshman season, I thought she would be more improved this year than she actually was. Her fitness was much better, but her decision making and passing has left MUCH to be desired. She just seemed to lack the discipline needed to take better care of the ball. She passed and received passes in an extremely lackadazical manner. Thus, she turned the ball over a lot. Thus, JC evidently got tired of it and benched her. Thus, she decided to quit. All I can say is "Oh well..."

Furthermore, the writing is on the wall for all the guards to read. With the recruits coming in next year, they'd better get their acts together!!! If none have you have seen Nina Norman play, let me tell you Longhorn fans, you are going to be elated! Nina is a true point guard who looks for her teammates and runs the offense. Additionally, she is quick, jumps well, can penetrate and can score!!! Step back off of her once or twice and you won't do it again. She also possesses the defensive prowess that we need. Nina is also a good rebounder! From what I've read about Tamra Cobbins, they sound like very similar players. Then there's Stephanie Theil from Nazareth who can shoot the lights out! I'm sure Kaira took all this into consideration. I certainly wish her the best of luck. I'd like to see her go somewhere that is on the rise and could use her talents while accepting her shortcomings -- maybe somewhere like North Texas? She'd be a great player for them, as they are building up their program. By the way, anybody know the whereabouts of Lindsay Ryan or what her future playing plans are? I sure did like her!!!

[Jennifer]

Though it's only one game, I was not impressed with her at all in Norman. When she had the ball, she seemed to have that 'deer in the headlights' look. I was hoping they'd get her the ball more, so she could turn it back over to OU!
Seems like an article I read a short while back had some quotes from her that made it sounds like she wasn't entirely happy with the way her PT was playing out, so I wasn't terribly surprised.

Best of luck whereever she lands...could she fit into the program at TCU?

[Texan]

I have to echo the relief expressed about Kiara White leaving the team. I had very high hopes for her and often enjoyed her high-risk, high-reward playing. BUT, I've seen her in practice and her attitude is awful. Lots of foot stomping, eye rolling, shoulder shugging and pouting. My daughter's soccer coach wouldn't let a player who acted that way on the field. I don't know if it has caused any problems among the players, but I bet it will be a relief not to have the conflict between her and Jody ongoing.

I hope this makes room for Tia and Alisha. I've been really impressed with Sare's hustle and willingness to leave it all on the floor.

[metromaniac]

to JK:

Lindsay Ryan is attending OU and is a student. Her father is a professor there. In fact, I saw and talked to her last night at the Baylor game. She has no plans to play anymore on the college level. She looked great and was in a good humor.

[BigUtFan]

Originally posted by JK:
I have to agree with you, CarolAnn. White's decision, at this point in the season, definitely indicates a lack of maturity and consideration for others on her part. I thought Kaira was a good recruiting "gamble" when we signed her. One thing I can definitely say for her is that she is a hard worker and plays with heart. After her freshman season, I thought she would be more improved this year than she actually was. Her fitness was much better, but her decision making and passing has left MUCH to be desired. She just seemed to lack the discipline needed to take better care of the ball. She passed and received passes in an extremely lackadazical manner. Thus, she turned the ball over a lot. Thus, JC evidently got tired of it and benched her. Thus, she decided to quit. All I can say is "Oh well..."

Furthermore, the writing is on the wall for all the guards to read. With the recruits coming in next year, they'd better get their acts together!!! If none have you have seen Nina Norman play, let me tell you Longhorn fans, you are going to be elated! Nina is a true point guard who looks for her teammates and runs the offense. Additionally, she is quick, jumps well, can penetrate and can score!!! Step back off of her once or twice and you won't do it again. She also possesses the defensive prowess that we need. Nina is also a good rebounder! From what I've read about Tamra Cobbins, they sound like very similar players. Then there's Stephanie Theil from Nazareth who can shoot the lights out! I'm sure Kaira took all this into consideration. I certainly wish her the best of luck. I'd like to see her go somewhere that is on the rise and could use her talents while accepting her shortcomings -- maybe somewhere like North Texas? She'd be a great player for them, as they are building up their program. By the way, anybody know the whereabouts of Lindsay Ryan or what her future playing plans are? I sure did like her!!! I agree with the comments made by all except for Bobcat, which I will address shortly. I believe White was originally recruited in efforts to sign Grant as well. I think she will and can fit in someone's program, but it was not to be at UT. I have witnessed her tantrums, pouting, and poor decision making on the court. I fully understand why JC benched her. I also agree with the fact that the three guards arriving next semester will have reduced her minutes even more. Shouls she have remained through the end of the season? It is hard to say, especially since UT is on a three game losing streak. They certainly do not need any more disruptions. I wish her well, but sadly, it was time for her to go. Now to Bobcat........please refrain from smacking on JC every other week. Do I agree with her every move? Of course not..but it is not up to me to make those decisions. JC can not play the game for her players, shoot the ball, and eliminate turnovers. When they are on the court, they must make competent decisions and learn to adjust and handle pressure. JC is the coach and they must adapt to her coaching techniques or move on. Don't you think they did their research befor signing with UT. Every player knows EVERYTHING about her before they sign, so it is no mystery to them when they enter the Erwin Center for the first time. It is quite ridiculous to consistently smack JC for the sudden fall from glory. This is a very young and talented group of players that will be around for the next three years, along with a bumper crop of newcomers. UT will be in the top three of the Big 12 next year. JC wants to return UT to the upper echelon more than anyone else, so IMO, it is not time for her to step down as you say. Iowa State was picked to win the conference, so should Fennely step down? Sharp is 5-5 in conference and never explained the Pierson episode, nor the other player leaving the team....should she step down? Wisconsin was ranked within the Top 7 in the AP poll I believe, and they have recently been free-falling....should their coach step down? I think not in any of these cases, just examples. Therefore, please refrain from lip-smacking JC when it is convenient for you to do so and support the team in the manner in which a true UT fan should.

[dem]

It is hard and painful for a great team to be in a down streak where they lose four out of five games. But one has to try to keep some perspective. Texas has a 14-6 record against the 4th toughest schedule in the country, has an RPI of 13, is ranked in the top 17 in both polls, and of their four recent losses, two were on the road, and three were to teams ranked within the top 12 on both polls. For UConn or Tennessee that might qualify as a disaster and lead to calls for the coach's head. For any other team in the country, the worst you can say is . . . well, it's disappointing, we sure hoped for better. But overall, I think this has been a terrific season for Texas up until now.

(See, we've been having to learn about this perspective thing here in Ames this season. Safe to say that EVERYBODY in the Big 12 will be learning about it over the next few years, those who haven't already.)

[Bobcat4956]

Big UT Fan - Production is what people are judged on. PERIOD!!!! If a player no longer produces, they do not play. As I have stated before, I admire and respect Jody Conradt. However, that does not mean I have to agree with her style of coaching. Criticizing her is not a personal issue. It is professional only. I AM NOT ALONE in my thinking that either she hires someone who can run an up-to-date offensive scheme as an assistant, or we get some new blood. You can see it on the faces of the players. Their confidence is just not there. I believe that starts with the coaching. We just disagree. We may be young, but it is not like we don't have the players to be more successful. I stand by my opinions. I certainly respect yours and your right to express them.