week 5

[visitingcock]

It was great to APB beat Arkansas. Watched their game vs Oregon State and they play hard for each other. Such a typical Arkansas team. Does anyone know what happened to Jersey Wolfenbager?

Pretty sure she’s just waiting for the portal to open

 

[SECbbfan24]

And Kateri Poole is no longer with LSU.

LSUs' program is a mess as usual. I'm really over Kim and her drama. Fortunately the rumor on the street is she plans to retire much sooner than her 10 year contract and we can move on.

Mikaylah Williams also plans to transfer when the season ends so someone is getting a program changer.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Kentucky lost to Louisville

I was shocked at how close that was.

Kentucky is a dumpster fire. Elzy better put her money into the savings because she gonna be out of a job soon

 

[jdote33]

Just got back home. final game observations: Uconn vs UNC

Similar to Alissa Pili, I do stan Paige Bueckers. It's just great to watch her play. She was just great and did some things that were special. It was hard to comprehend some of the blocks. And if I was a defensive scout, I'd plan on her rejecting the screen and heading to the basket. In any event, I'm not sure she's lost a game in the state of Connecticut (terrible jinx), but she feeds off the crowd. 14 shots kinda irks me, but that's just her. There was a play in the third where she got the ball in semi transition, she could've easily pulled up for a three. If it was Caitlin Clark, she definitely would've pulled up, and in my eyes would've been justified, as its such a momentum shot. I kinda think Azzi would've pulled up for the three. Instead Paige slows down a bit, waits for Aaliyah Edwards and passes it to her and she draws a foul.
Overall, I thought UConn played ok. Their rotations still seem a bit in flux with all the injuries, and they have some glaring weaknesses, particularly size/rebounding. They had some head scratching possessions/turnovers, but I don't want to be too negative. They beat a good North Carolina team, and though at halftime it was a tie game, it felt like they were in control most of the game. Nika is defnitely a threat offensively, and A.Shade was pretty good. Edwards also was good to see live. She makes tough shots, like she's learned how to be a go-to offensive player for sure.
I actually came away relatively impressed with Carolina. They were missing a lot of players, though Teonni Key did dress, she did not play. Paulina Paris was there but did not play either. I thought Lexi Donarski played pretty well, like she seemed to make Uconn pay every time they made a mistake, even if the stats don't bear that out. I thought Gakdeng was great, like a real problem inside. She definitely gives UNC something that they were missing. So what's their issue. I hate to be that guy, but it starts with their seniors who in large part have brought the program back to contention. I thought Utsby was not good today. I'm a fan of hers. She's 6'1, long and athletic. She missed several bunnies, and did not take advantage enough when Uconn went small against them. I thought Deja Kelly was fine. She's a mystery to me. Her ability to stop on the dime and pull up/create her own shot is elite. But she's always been a sub 40 percent shooter from the field. She was in a battle with KK Arnold most of the game, and just never seemed to catch a good rthyme. Probably not the fairest comparison but in a game where several role players stepped up on both sides - Paige goes for 26 on 14 shots. Utsby and Kelly go for 21 combined on 29 shots. To win a game like the one today they both simply had to be better. Nevertheless i do think UNC will still be a tough out in the ACC.

Anyways really great event. Utah vs South Carolina was probably the best game. As a UConn fan, seeing them live was pretty cool and the crowd was the best that game.

 

[GamecockFam]

Anyone else feel like the 1 seeds are starting to become more clear? Obviously we still have half a season to play but I think we can start making reasonable assumptions at this point. It seems to me like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina are starting to separate themselves at the top. I'm not convinced that South Carolina is #1 overall when compared against those two teams but they're definitely in that pack. Also, that last #1 seed is up for grabs. There hasn't been separation there as of yet. Will it be NC State? Iowa? Stanford? Baylor? Southern Cal? LSU? ...or some other team?

 

[visitingcock]

Anyone else feel like the 1 seeds are starting to become more clear? Obviously we still have half a season to play but I think we can start making reasonable assumptions at this point. It seems to me like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina are starting to separate themselves at the top. I'm not convinced that South Carolina is #1 overall when compared against those two teams but they're definitely in that pack. Also, that last #1 seed is up for grabs. There hasn't been separation there as of yet. Will it be NC State? Iowa? Stanford? Baylor? Southern Cal? LSU? ...or some other team?

Not even close. Our seed won’t be determined til we are proven to be the best team in the SEC . It is rare for a conference to have 2 one seeds. The PAC might this year.

 

[visitingcock]

Just got back home. final game observations: Uconn vs UNC

Similar to Alissa Pili, I do stan Paige Bueckers. It's just great to watch her play. She was just great and did some things that were special. It was hard to comprehend some of the blocks. And if I was a defensive scout, I'd plan on her rejecting the screen and heading to the basket. In any event, I'm not sure she's lost a game in the state of Connecticut (terrible jinx), but she feeds off the crowd. 14 shots kinda irks me, but that's just her. There was a play in the third where she got the ball in semi transition, she could've easily pulled up for a three. If it was Caitlin Clark, she definitely would've pulled up, and in my eyes would've been justified, as its such a momentum shot. I kinda think Azzi would've pulled up for the three. Instead Paige slows down a bit, waits for Aaliyah Edwards and passes it to her and she draws a foul.
Overall, I thought UConn played ok. Their rotations still seem a bit in flux with all the injuries, and they have some glaring weaknesses, particularly size/rebounding. They had some head scratching possessions/turnovers, but I don't want to be too negative. They beat a good North Carolina team, and though at halftime it was a tie game, it felt like they were in control most of the game. Nika is defnitely a threat offensively, and A.Shade was pretty good. Edwards also was good to see live. She makes tough shots, like she's learned how to be a go-to offensive player for sure.
I actually came away relatively impressed with Carolina. They were missing a lot of players, though Teonni Key did dress, she did not play. Paulina Paris was there but did not play either. I thought Lexi Donarski played pretty well, like she seemed to make Uconn pay every time they made a mistake, even if the stats don't bear that out. I thought Gakdeng was great, like a real problem inside. She definitely gives UNC something that they were missing. So what's their issue. I hate to be that guy, but it starts with their seniors who in large part have brought the program back to contention. I thought Utsby was not good today. I'm a fan of hers. She's 6'1, long and athletic. She missed several bunnies, and did not take advantage enough when Uconn went small against them. I thought Deja Kelly was fine. She's a mystery to me. Her ability to stop on the dime and pull up/create her own shot is elite. But she's always been a sub 40 percent shooter from the field. She was in a battle with KK Arnold most of the game, and just never seemed to catch a good rthyme. Probably not the fairest comparison but in a game where several role players stepped up on both sides - Paige goes for 26 on 14 shots. Utsby and Kelly go for 21 combined on 29 shots. To win a game like the one today they both simply had to be better. Nevertheless i do think UNC will still be a tough out in the ACC.

Anyways really great event. Utah vs South Carolina was probably the best game. As a UConn fan, seeing them live was pretty cool and the crowd was the best that game.

How was the atmosphere for the games not involving UConn ? Did the games other than UConn’s draw good crowds? Someone else told the crowd was anti - Gamecock but that should be expected. Most non-aligned fans pull for the underdog. At least I do

 

[Vowelguy]

How was the atmosphere for the games not involving UConn ? Did the games other than UConn’s draw good crowds? Someone else told the crowd was anti - Gamecock but that should be expected. Most non-aligned fans pull for the underdog. At least I do

On TV, crowd seemed sparse for the 1st game. But it's a lot to expect fans to be for there 7 hours.

Does Mohegan allow fans to leave and come back? Seems like it they should advertise "watch some BB then go to the casino or one of the restaurants, and then go back for the UConn game."

 

[cancontent]

On TV, crowd seemed sparse for the 1st game. But it's a lot to expect fans to be for there 7 hours.

Does Mohegan allow fans to leave and come back? Seems like it they should advertise "watch some BB then go to the casino or one of the restaurants, and then go back for the UConn game."

Would hope so. Sounds like good business if you ask me.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Not even close. Our seed won’t be determined til we are proven to be the best team in the SEC . It is rare for a conference to have 2 one seeds. The PAC might this year.

I agree. No one has really cemented its seeding.

But I'd agree also that SCar, Texas and UCLA have distinguished themselves so far.

Next most likely #1s:

If LSU and SCar both have one loss then they both probably are #1s. Long way from that happening of course.

Pac 12 #2 is likely the #1 if that doesn't happen.

A clean big 10 record specially if it's Iowa has next best chance.

Then UConn if it runs the table.

 

[SEbluebood]

LSUs' program is a mess as usual. I'm really over Kim and her drama. Fortunately the rumor on the street is she plans to retire much sooner than her 10 year contract and we can move on.

Mikaylah Williams also plans to transfer when the season ends so someone is getting a program changer.

I won’t believe Williams is leaving until I see it. I can’t think of any other schools willing and able to pay her anywhere near the kind of NIL money LSU can. Please don’t say money isn’t everything, because it is to most players. Not many people are willing to walk away from a big bag for a smaller bag!

 

[GamecockFam]

I agree. No one has really cemented its seeding.

But I'd agree also that SCar, Texas and UCLA have distinguished themselves so far.

Next most likely #1s:

If LSU and SCar both have one loss then they both probably are #1s. Long way from that happening of course.

Pac 12 #2 is likely the #1 if that doesn't happen.

A clean big 10 record specially if it's Iowa has next best chance.

Then UConn if it runs the table.

I wasn't trying to imply that any team has cemented its seeding. I ain't ignorant!

I was just looking at the big picture of those schools that have distinguished themselves from the crowd based on their performances so far this season. It was a mixture of the eye test, stats, W/L, and performance against good competition.

We still have a full season left of injuries, upsets, improvements, and battles between the heavyweights. So many things can change in the blink of an eye...

 

[GoChips20]

I agree. No one has really cemented its seeding.

But I'd agree also that SCar, Texas and UCLA have distinguished themselves so far.

Next most likely #1s:

If LSU and SCar both have one loss then they both probably are #1s. Long way from that happening of course.

Pac 12 #2 is likely the #1 if that doesn't happen.

A clean big 10 record specially if it's Iowa has next best chance.

Then UConn if it runs the table.

LSU and SC can’t both have one loss since LSU already has one. They’ll meet once in Baton Rouge and possibly again in the SECT. If the latter doesn’t happen it’ll mean one or both have already lost.

A 2-loss SC would still be a 1-seed based on SOS. A 2-loss LSU team would likely not be.

 

[jdote33]

How was the atmosphere for the games not involving UConn ? Did the games other than UConn’s draw good crowds? Someone else told the crowd was anti - Gamecock but that should be expected. Most non-aligned fans pull for the underdog. At least I do

The atmosphere for the UCLA game wasn't that great. I was sitting next to some Florida State fans. It was a pretty early tip but I was still a bit disappointed as it was a top 25 Matchup. The South Carolina vs Utah game was definitely better. A bit more filled in. I was also next to a lot of South Carolina fans. Like after their game Paopao came to sit with her fam and Bakari Sellers I believe. There was a good amount of Gamecock fans but I think both sides were a bit tired of the refs. Pili and Cardoso had some rough calls. But South Carolina fans definitely did travel.
UConn game was like a home UConn game. Arena was pretty much filled (probably like 85 percent). Everyone standing before first basket. MVP chants for Paige after.

 

[YoDore]

It was great to APB beat Arkansas. Watched their game vs Oregon State and they play hard for each other. Such a typical Arkansas team. Does anyone know what happened to Jersey Wolfenbager?

Arkansas junior Jersey Wolfenbarger no longer with team, entering transfer portal

Arkansas junior Jersey Wolfenbarger has entered the transfer portal, according to multiple sources who provided information provided on Monday night and Tuesday morning.

www.nwahomepage.com

 

[jdote33]

Anyone else feel like the 1 seeds are starting to become more clear? Obviously we still have half a season to play but I think we can start making reasonable assumptions at this point. It seems to me like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina are starting to separate themselves at the top. I'm not convinced that South Carolina is #1 overall when compared against those two teams but they're definitely in that pack. Also, that last #1 seed is up for grabs. There hasn't been separation there as of yet. Will it be NC State? Iowa? Stanford? Baylor? Southern Cal? LSU? ...or some other team?

I actually kinda feel the opposite. I agree with South Carolina. But I have no idea what to do with the BIG 12. Texas has looked great, but Baylor is undefeated as well, and Kansas State has looked pretty good as well. After seeing UCLA, I think they are one of the most talented teams for sure. But I think the PAC is pretty competitive, so I'm not sure who will make it out clean. I even think LSU can still get back into that conversation. Morrow looks a lot more comfortable and they obviously have a deep roster.

 

[bballnut90]

Anyone else feel like the 1 seeds are starting to become more clear? Obviously we still have half a season to play but I think we can start making reasonable assumptions at this point. It seems to me like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina are starting to separate themselves at the top. I'm not convinced that South Carolina is #1 overall when compared against those two teams but they're definitely in that pack. Also, that last #1 seed is up for grabs. There hasn't been separation there as of yet. Will it be NC State? Iowa? Stanford? Baylor? Southern Cal? LSU? ...or some other team?

Agree with another poster, way too early to declare. Even most likely team to get a #1, South Carolina, is young and inexperienced. I could see them hitting a way midway through conference play and struggling with some SEC opponents. On the flip side, people thought LSU's season was caving in early on and they looked like a #1 team playing against Virginia Tech. Way too early to declare anything yet, but if I'm a betting man my predictions are South Carolina, UCLA, LSU and Ohio State nab the top 4 seeds. I wouldn't count out Iowa, Indiana, Texas, UCONN, Stanford, Colorado or NC State.

 

[GamecockFam]

sigh I'm making this my last post on the topic because I feel like my statements are not being interpreted the way I think I am saying them.

Picture a marathon with each university having one representative. We're about halfway through the marathon and there are three runners starting to separate from the pack...

That's all I am trying to say.

I've watched at least one game from every top 10 team and that's how I feel about it at this moment. I could be wrong... injuries can happen... teams with a fast start could have a slow finish ... teams with a slow start could pick up the pace. I'm not stupid and I'm not making any declarations about the final seeding. My intent was to spark conversation about the teams that are trending at the top, and instead everyone focused on the 1-seed statement...

 

[bballnut90]

sigh I'm making this my last post on the topic because I feel like my statements are not being interpreted the way I think I am saying them.

Picture a marathon with each university having one representative. We're about halfway through the marathon and there are three runners starting to separate from the pack...

That's all I am trying to say.

I've watched at least one game from every top 10 team and that's how I feel about it at this moment. I could be wrong... injuries can happen... teams with a fast start could have a slow finish ... teams with a slow start could pick up the pace. I'm not stupid and I'm not making any declarations about the final seeding. My intent was to spark conversation about the teams that are trending at the top, and instead everyone focused on the 1-seed statement...

Sorry didn't mean to pile on, thanks for clarifying. To respond to that, I'd say South Carolina/UCLA look like top dogs right now. Both have proven wins over tough opponents. They're the most feared teams this season.

At 3, I'd put NC State solidly on the 1 line but they have potential to plummet. I think they're playing a lot better than their actual talent level suggests but they deserve to be clear cut #3 with their big wins over UCONN and Colorado. I don't think beating NC State holds the same weight as upsetting UCLA or South Carolina at this point.

After that it's a crapshoot of teams that have work to do if they'll elevate to the 1 line. You have a lot of solid 1 loss teams (Colorado, Stanford, Iowa, LSU, Ohio State, Indiana) as well as undefeated teams like Texas, USC and Baylor. All 3 undefeated teams have a solid win under their belt, but don't look like 1 seed material yet. Utah and Kansas State also fall into this category. I'd also add UCONN and Virginia Tech into this pool, as they reap benefit of the doubt due to their talented players. Both have underachieved thus far but are too good to write off this early, so I think they have potential to still be in the hunt for a 1 seed. I could see any of these 11 teams elevating themselves to the 1 line if they continue to win and improve as the season unfolds. Certain teams have higher ceilings than others, but most of these teams are flawed or have notable injuries.

Beyond that, looking at the rest of the top 25, there's a number of teams with great starts but I don't think they're capable of elevating to the 1 line. Squads like UNLV, Marquette, Louisville, Creighton and Notre Dame either lack talent to get to the 1 line, or have endured some devastating injuries that leave their roster depleted in key areas. Notre Dame is the main team who could arguably be with the group of 11 above, but I just can't see them contending for a 1 seed without Miles/Citron.

 

[Bjbod]

How was the atmosphere for the games not involving UConn ? Did the games other than UConn’s draw good crowds? Someone else told the crowd was anti - Gamecock but that should be expected. Most non-aligned fans pull for the underdog. At least

How was the atmosphere for the games not involving UConn ? Did the games other than UConn’s draw good crowds? Someone else told the crowd was anti - Gamecock but that should be expected. Most non-aligned fans pull for the underdog. At least I do

YouTube

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world.

tv.youtube.com

Here's the line outside the Kohl Center (Wisconsin) 2 1/2 hours before the Iowa at Wisconsin game.
Apparently 2nd sell out ever. Caitlin Clark selling lots of tix for whoever they play.

 

[JellyBean]

Great week of games.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

LSU and SC can’t both have one loss since LSU already has one. They’ll meet once in Baton Rouge and possibly again in the SECT. If the latter doesn’t happen it’ll mean one or both have already lost.

A 2-loss SC would still be a 1-seed based on SOS. A 2-loss LSU team would likely not be.

You thought that through better than I.

Probably LSU needs a win over SC and not but one other slip to be a #1.

 

[triaddukefan]

Sorry didn't mean to pile on, thanks for clarifying. To respond to that, I'd say South Carolina/UCLA look like top dogs right now. Both have proven wins over tough opponents. They're the most feared teams this season.

At 3, I'd put NC State solidly on the 1 line but they have potential to plummet. I think they're playing a lot better than their actual talent level suggests but they deserve to be clear cut #3 with their big wins over UCONN and Colorado. I don't think beating NC State holds the same weight as upsetting UCLA or South Carolina at this point.

Looking at the conference schedule. I can see State having at least five losses. Definitely losing in Chapel Hill and Durham in back to back games in late Feb. @ND, @Miami... and some crazy loss like UVA.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

A couple of games of possible interest tonight:

Rutgers at Princeton 7PM on SNY
Texas at Arizona 9PM on PAC-12 Network

Alas, the game I'd most like to see, Marquette v. Creighton is only on FLOSPORTS.

 

[Bigboote]

A couple of games of possible interest tonight:

Rutgers at Princeton 7PM on SNY
Texas at Arizona 9PM on PAC-12 Network

Alas, the game I'd most like to see, Marquette v. Creighton is only on FLOSPORTS.

i was gonna post the same thing. I guess I'll just check the box score now and then.