Gator Women BB vs Ole Miss, Thurs 7 pm

[gatorbogey]

Gator women in the O'dome hosting ole miss (let's hope the rebs 'miss' alot!)
7pm...be there, or be here

Tracker: http://gatorzone.cstv.com/gametracker/launch/gt_wbaskbl.html?event=1178816&school=fla&sport=wbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&

Radio: http://www.gatorvision.tv//mediaPortal/player.dbml?&catid=0&DB_OEM_ID=6500

Game info / Story (http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24707)

first 500 fans get a free gator 'rally towel'

[Gatorgal04]

I'm there! Jen was warming up with the team, so hopefully she's playing.

[gatorbogey]

did you get a rally towel?

[Gatorgal04]

Well, Jen didn't start. All guards starting including Sydney, Kayla and January. Carlie and Jaterra usually start and they did tonight too.

Tied at 7 in the early going.

[gatorbogey]

back and forth early

[MJGator8104]

Thanks for the updates.

[Gatorgal04]

I forgot to get the towel. Oh well, I have a few others at home.

Christin and Vicky come in. Gators up 9-7.

[gatorbogey]

both teams shooting under 33% early

[gatorbogey]

sounds like they may want to try to beat ole miss w/out having to use jennifer george

[gatorbogey]

@14min mark
11 all

[Gatorgal04]

Jen looks ready on the bench, but I think you're right. They don't want to chance another re-injury if we can do it without her.

Rebs up 12-11.

[Gatorgal04]

We're getting rebounds, but missing the put backs. Shooting is cold so far. Gators tie it on a FT. 12-12

[Gatorgal04]

Rebs making some 3's and Amanda takes a time out to talk about GUARDING them.

Rebs 18-14.

[gatorbogey]

Frizzell fo' shizzle makes back 2 back 3's
4 of 5 from 3 for rebs

[gatorbogey]

love the coast to coast by bonds

[gatorbogey]

11:17
rebs up 18-16

[gatorbogey]

doing well on the boards, but shooting at about 30% - pretty miserable

[gatorbogey]

1 of 9 from 3 for UF
while ole miss is now 5 of 6 from 3!

we aren't doing a good job of defending the perimeter. and just need to work the ball inside ourselves

[gatorbogey]

miller w/ a bucket +1
3 pt play the ole fashion way

[Gatorgal04]

January with the old fashion 3-pt play. Rebs up 24-23.

[gatorbogey]

under 8 timeout
25-23 ole miss

rebs shooting 48%, gators at 31%
rebs stellar from three shooting 83%
gators at 12.5% from 3
UF up 17-11 on the boards w/ 11 offensive boards

[gatorbogey]

12-12 score w/ 4:30 left in the 1st half in the southcarolina / kentucky women's BB game

[gatorbogey]

needles w/ a needed 3 from the corner

[Gatorgal04]

Park Carlie in the corner. She just hit a beaut of a 3!

Down 32-28 and Jen comes in.

[gatorbogey]

ole miss men losing to tenn vols 23-16 w/ 4:10 in the 1st at home

[gatorbogey]

need to cover fizzell

[gatorbogey]

rebs in the bonus

[gatorbogey]

rebs up 9

[gatorbogey]

3:41
41-30
Rebs
we are losing players on the defensive while ole miss is hot shooting
and we're cold on the offensive end. although 30 at this stage might be about our avg.

[G2MGA]

Wouldn't want to be in our locker room at halftime...

[gatorbogey]

ole miss is now 7 of 8 from 3

[gatorbogey]

bonds 1 of 8 shooting
gators in the bonus

[Gatorgal04]

The game is getting worse. No offensive flow. They're just tossing it up there. Still can't defend the 3. Geesh. Me thinks there will be some verbal thrashing at the half.

Rebs up 44-33.

[gatorbogey]

rebs now 8 of 9 from 3
now 9 of 10
17 ole miss lead

[gatorbogey]

50-35 w/ 1 min left

[gatorbogey]

bit of a rally by UF to close the half
buckets by bonds
50-39 halftime deficit for UF

[Gatorgal04]

At the half Rebs 50-39.

[gatorbogey]

rebs shooting 52% gators at 34%
rebs 90% 9 of 10 from 3, gators 2 of 10 (20%)
rebs now even leading by 3 25-22 on rebounds

[gatorbogey]

bonds leads the gators w/ 9, miller & moss w/ 8
bonds and moss w/ 4 rebounds

[gatorbogey]

Florida has GOT to beat teams like ole miss - who are at 0-5 in the league. have to beat them - especially at home - given the rest of the sec schedule. ole miss looks like they are a top 10 team. we need to play more inspired defense

[gatorbogey]

get out those rally towels! time to rally, gators!!!

[gatorbogey]

too many turnovers in the 2nd half
gators still down 11

[gatorbogey]

12:54
rebs up 66-54

[gatorbogey]

11:08 rebs up by 10
bonds now w/ 4 fouls

[gatorbogey]

gotta make a run here

[gatorbogey]

steal, drive by miller scores + 1

[gatorbogey]

another steal, and jumper by miller
another steal by miller
needles w/ a 3 in a corner

[gatorbogey]

7-0 run by UF
8:35 down only 5 now
68-63

[G2MGA]

Huge 3! Hope that gets us going.

[gatorbogey]

RALLY, Gators, RALLY!

[jcp]

Come on GATORS!!!!!!

[gatorbogey]

geezus! another 3 by ole miss

[gatorbogey]

another steal and fast break bucket by lewis
another steal for UF

[gatorbogey]

6:47
UF down 71-65

[gatorbogey]

george w/ a rebound & putback on a missed foul shot

[gatorbogey]

5 pt game
w/ 5 left
steal and fast break for ole miss
bucket and a foul

[gatorbogey]

feeding george in the paint
need some stops and /or steals

[gatorbogey]

gators in double bonus

[gatorbogey]

kayla lewis makes 1 of 2 foul shots
19 pts for her, career high

[gatorbogey]

ole miss now in the double bonus too
going to the line up 5
76-71
3:47 remaining

[gatorbogey]

feed to lewis assist to george

[gatorbogey]

gators had a chance to cut to 1 but turned it over and ole miss converts, now up 5 again

[gatorbogey]

ole miss now up 7

[gatorbogey]

2:26
80-75 after george hits 2 foul shots

[gatorbogey]

block by moss, but lewis gets blocked on the transition on the other end

[gatorbogey]

another block by UF, but gators can't get the transition
1:20 still down 5
now 7 w/ a minute left on an easy drive and layup

[gatorbogey]

floater by moss
down 6
83-77
1:00 left

[Gatorgal04]

It's certainly been discouraging. Every time we get close they pull away again. Oh well.

[gatorbogey]

ole miss w/ 5 players in double figures tonight

[gatorbogey]

0:27
gators down 6 after bucket by bonds

[gatorbogey]

scoring 79 isn't that bad for UF, but allowing 85 to an 0-5 team in the sec is atrocious

[gatorbogey]

lewis w/ a steal bucket
then take a charge
down 6 w/ the ball

but only 0:15 sec remaining

[ufgator4ever]

oh darn. we lost to the worst team in the SEC at home.
go get them next year.

[gatorbogey]

miller fouled on a 3 try

[gatorbogey]

miller misses all 3

[gatorbogey]

UK women lost to s. carolina

[gatorbogey]

ball game
ole miss gets their first SEC win beating the Gators
88-81
bad loss!

hope the men can avenge the loss to ole miss next saturday

[G2MGA]

Not much positive to say about this one. Obviously it was Ole Miss's day...it is not often that one of the worst shooting teams in the league is going to shoot 70% from 3. That said, there is still no way we should lose this - this is the type of loss that we seem to have almost every year that just kills the positive momentum of the program.

Now it is going to be a huge uphill battle to make the NCAA tournament.

[gatorbogey]

gators on the road at #14 georgia in athens on sunday @ 1pm
then go to columbia for a game vs missouri next thursday 8 pm game

before coming back home next sunday to host bama at 1 pm on super bowl sunday.

Go Gators!

[GboroGator]

We lose to the worst team in the league at home..Yep, this program is heading in the right direction. I don't want to hear about the injury excuses anymore. Ole Miss is not UK, UT, or USCe. The next 4 of 5 are on the road. Looks like Butler and co are headed towards the bottom of the standings again.

[apkgator]

This has been the frustrating thing about the entire Butler tenure....these headscratching horrible losses. Just seems like it is a non stop one stepforward one step back.
And yes I know they are young and have some talent coming in. But they are always young because of so many transfers every year and they gain no continuity
No doubt they will rebound and get some quality wins, but making the tourney will be tougher now.

[UFreak]

It may be time ...

[gatorbogey]

can't go down 17, that's a deep hole. gotta convert the easy bunny shots too...and can't turn the ball over multiple times when you're trying to stage a comeback.

[Gatorgal04]

Well they certainly didn't look like an 0-5 team tonight, and not because our defense was bad. They just couldn't miss.

[G2MGA]

If Ole Miss shot their season average % from 3, we would have won this game by double figures. Ifs and buts and all that...

The reality of this team that I kind of saw coming early in the season is that we have to play primarily zone and live or die by the opponents' 3-pt % because we don't have SEC-calibre speed on the perimeter and can't really defend dribble penetration at all.

[crapgame44]

We lose to the worst team in the league at home..Yep, this program is heading in the right direction. I don't want to hear about the injury excuses anymore. Ole Miss is not UK, UT, or USCe. The next 4 of 5 are on the road. Looks like Butler and co are headed towards the bottom of the standings again.

Boy, you could set your clock with posters like these. If this guy knew anything about the building process and the team that will be fielded next season he might have a different outlook. I guess he also doesn't count torn ACL's and stress fractures as legit injuries, whatever. Not to mention 7-8 freshman this season. Nobody predicted this current line up, especially with the injuries, to go much further then they went last season. This season has always been a set up one for next season. So tell me, how would the men be doing at this point with 7 freshman and a bunch of injuries? Think they would be 14-7 at this point. Butlers also not going anywhere with her contract extension and recruiting these last 2 years also.has been very good. Keep the faith.

[number1]

Boy, you could set your clock with posters like these. If this guy knew anything about the building process and the team that will be fielded next season he might have a different outlook. I guess he also doesn't count torn ACL's and stress fractures as legit injuries, whatever. Not to mention 7-8 freshman this season. Nobody predicted this current line up, especially with the injuries, to go much further then they went last season. This season has always been a set up one for next season. So tell me, how would the men be doing at this point with 7 freshman and a bunch of injuries? Think they would be 14-7 at this point. Butlers also not going anywhere with her contract extension and recruiting these last 2 years also.has been very good. Keep the faith.

1. The men actually have been battling a bunch of injuries this season.

2. I think what they are just upset with the fact that the team every season seems to play the exact same way. Lose some head-scratchers in the OOC, then play some of the top teams close and not pull out the win, then follow that up with losing to horrible teams in conference. I guess they are just fed up with the same ole pattern season after season. And I will point out that the same excuses have been used every season, youth and injuries.

[crapgame44]

1. The men actually have been battling a bunch of injuries this season.

2. I think what they are just upset with the fact that the team every season seems to play the exact same way. Lose some head-scratchers in the OOC, then play some of the top teams close and not pull out the win, then follow that up with losing to horrible teams in conference. I guess they are just fed up with the same ole pattern season after season. And I will point out that the same excuses have been used every season, youth and injuries.

But the difference is that these freshman are the best class UF has had in years or has ever had. Gotta give them some seasoning. And consider how strong Peoples, Bannister and Williams will be? Those three are probably the most raw talented on the team, Williams especially. Then factor in Dimaite who has had the most prep time of anyone and who can actually play some offense as well for a 5. MacIntyre really just not getting it done so far in the SEC, but maybe next season will be a breakout one for her like George and Bonds have had as upper classman. And factor in a potential JUCO transfer. Keep the faith.

[jhsgator]

Boy, you could set your clock with posters like these. If this guy knew anything about the building process and the team that will be fielded next season he might have a different outlook. I guess he also doesn't count torn ACL's and stress fractures as legit injuries, whatever. Not to mention 7-8 freshman this season. Nobody predicted this current line up, especially with the injuries, to go much further then they went last season. This season has always been a set up one for next season. So tell me, how would the men be doing at this point with 7 freshman and a bunch of injuries? Think they would be 14-7 at this point. Butlers also not going anywhere with her contract extension and recruiting these last 2 years also.has been very good. Keep the faith.

This is Butler's 6th season here. Any shortcomings talent wise on this roster is on her.

[oragator1]

This is Butler's 6th season here. Any shortcomings talent wise on this roster is on her.

She took over a program that had little talent, no recent success, no history of sustained success, little fan support in a conference of giants. It isn't your normal rebuilding project. If you look at her last 2 recruiting classes, she looks to have finally got it where she wants it long term. Next she needs to start converting those to wins with the talent as it comes in, that will be her final arbiter but this is the sandwich year.

[gatorbogey]

i agree, this is a longer rebuilding project. i think foley recognizes that. and i think that once we do get to a certain level, the resources and the ever- building hoops fanbase - that donovan has built here at UF - will help allow the gator women's bb program really take flight.

we can't drop games like last night though. i think everyone recognizes that. but even BD's team has dropped some headscatchers, usually when we're off and/or when the other team is hitting shots at an uncommon frequency. then "everyone" questions the team's heart and/or coaching.

[stingbb]

Boy, you could set your clock with posters like these. If this guy knew anything about the building process and the team that will be fielded next season he might have a different outlook. I guess he also doesn't count torn ACL's and stress fractures as legit injuries, whatever. Not to mention 7-8 freshman this season. Nobody predicted this current line up, especially with the injuries, to go much further then they went last season. This season has always been a set up one for next season. So tell me, how would the men be doing at this point with 7 freshman and a bunch of injuries? Think they would be 14-7 at this point. Butlers also not going anywhere with her contract extension and recruiting these last 2 years also.has been very good. Keep the faith.

This is Butler's sixth season and the roster make up is her doing, and can't be used as an excuse. Actually, how the roster got so out of balance is because of Butler's average recruiting, and the fact she has been forced to bring in a bunch of transfers to fill the holes.

This is Butler's sixth season and this year will be the fourth time UF has missed the tournament. Keep in mind also the SEC is much weaker now than it was 10-15 years ago (when it was far and away the best conference in the country) and it should be much easier to build. Actually, you can say the program is about at the same level as when Peck was here but that the results are better because of a much less competitive conference.

I'm not saying Butler should be fired but I am saying the excuses are getting old. I've said for the last couple of years that until Butler recruits Florida better (for some reason, it seems she is not respected among the high school coaches in the state), this program will not take the next step. Hopefully, the transfers work out- unfortunately, the one we have playing this year is not much of a contributor so we'll take a wait and see on the others.

[GboroGator]

So when we rely upon this great freshman class again next season, and things don't go well..we'll hear the same youth w/o time to gel excuse. Why did so many of Butler's early classes transfer out? I believe one of them has started for Delaware the past 2 seasons at point guard.

Check the rebuilding process the coach at UK has done in the same time period.. And UK has had no history in the women's game..USCe in the same time frame has passed UF by..SC is not exactly a hotbed of basketball either..I'm not expecting Final 4's..but making the NCAA year in and year out..being in the top 5 of the SEC isn't too much to ask.. Qualifying for the Women's NIT is nothing to hang your hat on.

[apkgator]

I think both sides of this argument make very valid points. No doubt the womens hoops job is the toughest HC job at UF,but that almost becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
O'Leary starts a lacrosse program from scratch in a state that has little homegrown talent or support, and reaches a number one ranking in her third year. She had injuries and youth but still great success. Ultimately, at year 6 I only buy the "youth" argument if a team is coming off some success with a group that just graduated and that is not the case here....we just keep churning thru transfers each season with limited development or improvement. Last year was certainly the highlight, but losses like last night are a reminder of how far there still is to go.
Stingb is correct that the SEC is not what it used to be either....UT, Vandy, UGA, Aub, LSU would all be top 10 teams at the same time a few years back. Carol Ross had a much tougher road IMO. Add in the fact that Florida HS basketball has gotten much much better and should provide an easier path to talent(unfortunately we don't sign many of those players), look at FSU and Miami that have both built better programs during the last few years.

This year is salvageable, but next year is a must for considerable improvement. I would think that is the make or break season.

[gatorbogey]

O'Leary, though, was a top name in lacrosse women's coaching. right? who was looking to expand the sport too.

don't think we could duplicate that for women's hoops. or could we? doubt we could attact a name that wants to retire to florida and build the program 'from scratch'. wouldn't necessarily be expanding the sport, though. so it would be someone that was a program builder. or liked that sort of challenge.

we've tried getting the coach that had won the nat'l title and she couldn't do 'it' here. so we're doing a different way - the incremental way, old fashion way of building things one 'brick' at a time. you can dump millions into it - go after the best coach in the nation, but i think that would be just throwing away money. and does it really matter in the grand scheme of things to instantly have a top 'final four' women's hoops team? i mean, do the benefits offset the costs? and do your really build a strong live-long fans that way?

not surprised butler struggled early w/ in state talent or florida h.s. coaches - she had to earn their respect, imo. much like BD did. but, probably has that now, or it is growing, right?

the recent classes are good. getting transfers into the program now instead of out of it. so i like the vector we're on. don't u?

[apkgator]

Bogey,
Yes, O'leary was an established coach, but not sure how that matters. It's what the coach does here that is relevant, as you pointed out with the success of Peck.
I agree that UF needs to get the right up and comer and build the program incrementally on a solid foundation...ala Donovan. But the question becomes is that happening in year 6? Most agree there is young talent and more on the way. But there are still questions, puzzling losses, and a program struggling to make the big dance well into the Butler tenure.
So when you say you like the "vector" we are on , I would answer with a definite maybe. Headed for the NIT in year 6 , bottom half of the SEC, behind in state rivals is bad. But next year des look considerably brighter. But looking brighter has to translate into tangible results.

[tommyuf21]

So when you say you like the "vector" we are on , I would answer with a definite maybe. Headed for the NIT in year 6 , bottom half of the SEC, behind in state rivals is bad. But next year des look considerably brighter. But looking brighter has to translate into tangible results.

Dumping this coach and losing Williams in the process will mean a restart and another 4-6 year rebuilding job.

There are times when you have to stick with someone and see it through, even if its taking "longer" than you expect.

Some of you would be treating this job like an elite program going through coaches every 3-4 years and seeing miserable results.

[crapgame44]

[QUOTE=GboroGator;6363992]So when we rely upon this great freshman class again next season, and things don't go well..we'll hear the same youth w/o time to gel excuse. Why did so many of Butler's early classes transfer out? I believe one of them has started for Delaware the past 2 seasons at point guard.

Gborogtor, I guess the only thing to tell you is good luck with your frustration level this year. Just don't let it eat you up. Pretty much the rest of us are taking the longer term look cause thats the reality of the situation with what we have coming next season. And the last time I looked we have had 2 HIGH quality transfers in (Peoples and Bannister) and none out this year. A third if you count McIntyre who still has a season left to show us something. And don't lose perspective on what its like to be a freshman in any sport. This season will be the ultimate prep time for them. Its un-disputed their talent level ( ie Sydney Moss, Ms Kentucky Basketball for example). Nothing personal man, glad you are onboard with the program. If you weren't you'd wouldn't even bother to post on the women's team.

[crapgame44]

"This year is salvageable, but next year is a must for considerable improvement. I would think that is the make or break season.[/QUOTE]"

APKgator, I think we are all in agreement to an extent. But if we go deeper in the tourny then we did last season Foley wont make any changes and it wouldn't make sense too. Not to mention hitting the re-set button with the transfers out

[apkgator]

"This year is salvageable, but next year is a must for considerable improvement. I would think that is the make or break season."

APKgator, I think we are all in agreement to an extent. But if we go deeper in the tourny then we did last season Foley wont make any changes and it wouldn't make sense too.[/QUOTE]

I don't even think deeper into the tourney is necessary for the season to be a success. I would look at the season as a whole and not worry so much if they get a tough NCAA draw.....but I would think making the NCAA next year is a must

[crapgame44]

"



I don't even think deeper into the tourney is necessary for the season to be a success. I would look at the season as a whole and not worry so much if they get a tough NCAA draw.....but I would think making the NCAA next year is a must

Totally agree as it will be a referendum on her recruiting so far. There MUST be a vector swing up as planned.

[apkgator]

Dumping this coach and losing Williams in the process will mean a restart and another 4-6 year rebuilding job.

There are times when you have to stick with someone and see it through, even if its taking "longer" than you expect.

Some of you would be treating this job like an elite program going through coaches every 3-4 years and seeing miserable results.

You may be absolutely right, although I think 4-6 years is way overstated as a rebuilding window in hoops. The right person can do it much faster.
You are also right, this isn't a great job right now. But the mens job wasn't great either when BD took over. Again, the right person for the job.

While your argument is taking a step back when changes coaches is corect, ultimately it has to be done if things are not progressing. Otherwise no coach would ever be fired.
I think the critics are saying 6 years is a reasonable time frame...I certainly think so.
This year is going to be what it is going to be...mediocre in most respects. Next year is the key.

[gatorbogey]

would be interesting to know what goals foley has set for the team w/ butler or what butler has set for the team (each year) - what are the realistic goals to make??

anyone w/ insider insight?

[crapgame44]

would be interesting to know what goals foley has set for the team w/ butler or what butler has set for the team (each year) - what are the realistic goals to make??

anyone w/ insider insight?

Lets just put it this way.....it begins next season.

[tommyuf21]

You may be absolutely right, although I think 4-6 years is way overstated as a rebuilding window in hoops. The right person can do it much faster.
You are also right, this isn't a great job right now. But the mens job wasn't great either when BD took over. Again, the right person for the job.

While your argument is taking a step back when changes coaches is corect, ultimately it has to be done if things are not progressing. Otherwise no coach would ever be fired.
I think the critics are saying 6 years is a reasonable time frame...I certainly think so.
This year is going to be what it is going to be...mediocre in most respects. Next year is the key.

The men's program was only a couple of years removed from a final four. Kruger just dropped the ball on recruiting for a couple fo years, but it was not the dumpster fire that Peck left.

I agree that you have to fire coaches, but Peck deserved her send off in spades. She made an absolute mess of this program and it had nothing to fall back on when Butler was brought in.

[apkgator]

The men's program was only a couple of years removed from a final four. Kruger just dropped the ball on recruiting for a couple fo years, but it was not the dumpster fire that Peck left.

I agree that you have to fire coaches, but Peck deserved her send off in spades. She made an absolute mess of this program and it had nothing to fall back on when Butler was brought in.

Kruger left the program short on talent, so did Peck. Not sure there is much difference other than the splash of success Lon had earlier in his run.
Regardless, most of us are arguing that 6 years is ample time to get the program where it needs to be. We are 4 1/2 years in....so make or break time is approaching. The question is, how much success will be required in year 6?

[tommyuf21]

Kruger left the program short on talent, so did Peck. Not sure there is much difference other than the splash of success Lon had earlier in his run.
Regardless, most of us are arguing that 6 years is ample time to get the program where it needs to be. We are 4 1/2 years in....so make or break time is approaching. The question is, how much success will be required in year 6?

They'll need to be a league contender and have to get through the first weekend of the NCAA tourney. The talent and experience should be there to accomplish that.

As far as National Titles go, I don't think that should be part of the expectations here for quite a few more years. I'm not sure that this program will ever have the fan support and recruiting to ever reach that level, regardless of the caliber of the coach.

[gatorbogey]

you look at the history of gator women hoops....and it SCREAMS of mediocrity ....or worse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Gators_women's_basketball

i think amanda showed early she can coach peck's players effectively. but recruiting early was lacking. we can all agree on that. hence a dip in record/performance. lately recruiting is improving - as evidenced by the last 2 classes and this next class...can we all agree on that - even the most ardent detractors?! reasonable people can agree. right?

given the record - the hard facts, i think it's rather unreasonable to think gator women's hoops can become a major player over night. sure some can do it. those coaches, however, don't exactly grow on trees.

what are the reasonable expectations for this program? given our past, present, and expected future? i'm sure for foley he wants: SEC titles and NCAA titles. is that a 5 to 10 year horizon for those? i think once you are able to compete for the SEC title, just like in football, etc - you are a contender for the nat'l title.

[ufgator4ever]

Unless there's a petrino situation, not sure how butler keeps her job if they miss the tourney.

[oragator1]

Unless there's a petrino situation, not sure how butler keeps her job if they miss the tourney.

I would be shocked if she didn't get next year at least, too much talent in the last 2 recruiting classes to start over again.

[EastTNG8TR]

Butler isn't going anywhere nor should she. She just got a contract extension through 2017. Foley actually follows what is going on closely like a few fans do. The Ole Miss loss is the only bad loss of the year. We do need to get it back with an upset somewhere for NCAA resume, but Butler is back even with an NIT appearance. We lost two players for the season early on, and our best player and only strong post presence is hampered. This team is what it is, a roster with a lot of youth, no elite players to carry them, and little depth due to a rash of injuries. We started 5 guards. I am not saying we shouldn't have still won this one, but losses like this are sadly not uncommon with youth.

[crapgame44]

I would be shocked if she didn't get next year at least, too much talent in the last 2 recruiting classes to start over again.

Its a no brainer she getting at least next year and most likely beyond.

[oragator1]

Its a no brainer she getting at least next year and most likely beyond.

Yeah I hope she has many years, I am in her corner.
By the way, your pic is Viktorija Dimaite correct? Do you have a connection to her? Kind of a random pic to use otherwise :)

[crapgame44]

Yeah I hope she has many years, I am in her corner.
By the way, your pic is Viktorija Dimaite correct? Do you have a connection to her? Kind of a random pic to use otherwise :)

No. Just started following her in HS, am Lithuanian also, and think she is probably the most beautiful girl thats ever played UF basketball! I''m really rooting for her especially with the frustration of her injuries the last 2 years. I also think she is representative of the talent "explosion" we will see next season. And she's that post/center that is multi-dimensional that we've lacked for a real longtime. Pray she stays healthy.

[apkgator]

They'll need to be a league contender and have to get through the first weekend of the NCAA tourney. The talent and experience should be there to accomplish that.

As far as National Titles go, I don't think that should be part of the expectations here for quite a few more years. I'm not sure that this program will ever have the fan support and recruiting to ever reach that level, regardless of the caliber of the coach.

I'm not sure any coach of any program should have National Titles be part of the expectations. Maybe be a contender on a regular basis, but I think Mary Wise, Tim Walton, and Rhonda Faehn all prove that you can be a great coach without that final piece.

[tommyuf21]

I'm not sure any coach of any program should have National Titles be part of the expectations. Maybe be a contender on a regular basis, but I think Mary Wise, Tim Walton, and Rhonda Faehn all prove that you can be a great coach without that final piece.

I believe that there is a mentality among many of our fans that expect National Championships in this sport because of the success of our Football and Men's Basketball programs. After all, if Billy could turn it around so quickly, why can't someone else. First of all, that is a slap at Billy. He isn't some run of the mill coach. He is already the greatest athletic coach in the history of this University.

I don't believe they truly understand how difficult it is to build a dominant SEC program in this sport. By pointing to other Florida schools, they conveniently neglect to bring up the difficult competition that is faced in this league. Even the worst programs are better competition than these other schools face.