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Louisiana Tech faces top seed Seattle Friday at 4:30 p.m. CT in semifinal action of the 2013 WAC Tournament in Las Vegas.
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A new article has been posted on www.latechsports.com:
Louisiana Tech faces top seed Seattle Friday at 4:30 p.m. CT in semifinal action of the 2013 WAC Tournament in Las Vegas.
More...
Discuss it here.
Wow, Good Luck Techsters!
It seems that you gals will have to be competing for the LaTech Nation with the dissappointing loss by the Dawgs to UTSA in the 1/4 round of the Men's tourney!
Time to give Seattle a little up-set of their own!
It's Game Day!
Can't wait to do some pay back to Seattle!
All pumped up here!
GO Techsters!
2 and a half more hours! I am getting pumped up too!!!!!!!
Idaho knocks off USU. If somehow the Techsters can upset Seattle, we might have a chance tomorrow since we've beaten Idaho twice this year.
Go Techsters! I can't follow the game due to other commitments, but I'm sure you guys will cheer enough for me!
pre-game on!
Idaho upsets Utah State in early game!
Now for the Techsters to do their job!
Gjo Techsters!
Going to be a tough one, but I think we can DO THIS!!!!!!!!!
anyone else lose the All-Access feed?
I lost it for a second and just clicked on it again and it came back up. I, also, purchased the WAC TV for this game. Still waiting on it to come up. I guess they wait to right at 4:30.Quote:
Originally Posted by BlindDog
they need to get that link up on WAC TV I am ready for gametime.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
I purchased the Idaho game but missed it ugggg damn work
Got it back here!
slow start for Techsters! 7-0
Frazier picks up 2nd foul...
8-0!
Hayes just picked up 3 fowl in first half!
very slow start for Techsters!
This is painful to listen to. Theyve lost the fire from the last two games...I hope they can recover before this gets any uglier.
What can be said now
poor half!
seems that Seattle has just gotten into the Techsters heads...
Let's just for a incredible second half!
Quick half too. Clock didn't seem to stop that much...and every time we got the ball it was either stolen (11 total turnovers I think) or we missed the shot (5-29).
score?
53-25. We're playing a *bit* better now but barring a miracle its too late. Giving the ball away every other play.
I should say shooting better - but only relative to the first half.
Hayes now has 4 fouls.
12 minutes to play. It's gonna be a looooong 12 minutes.
16 turnovers to their 14. So that's pretty even I guess.
We're not getting rebounds, and we're not being physical.
Jelly to the line.
Techsters won no more than 2 games in a row the entire season. This should not come as a surprise. The "fire" of the previous two games was against the worst of the WAC. This is what happens against the best of the WAC.
A few nice FTs and a layup later we've cut the lead to 55-31.
I'm not surprised to be losing. I am disappointed in what seems to be a complete deflation in every area. We seem to be rallying a little bit but it's too little far too late.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
60-35
Frazier with 4 fouls now.
Funniest line of the WAC announcer: "Techsters are showing some fight!" Nah. This is what you call desperation.
19 turnovers to 25 on them. Can anyone hang on to the ball? Big difference seems to be *mainly* that we aren't making our shots. I expected to give up 65-70 points, but I also expected 60+ scoring. I think we're close to 30% for the game.
Hayes fouls out.
Bianca Hall is in, which means TSpoon has given up.
80-61. Folks, we have our first losing season in history.
Did Spoon skip the post-game interview? Assistant Coach Carter stopped by and blamed the players, as the coaching staff has done all year. At some point it seems logical to consider that perhaps it is the game plan that is the problem, not only the poor execution of it.
The staff should own this epic failure. From the top down.
Malcolm said Spoon wasn't there because she had a WAC press conference. And I noticed, too, that the assistant coach stated they had a game, plan but the players didn't execute. Sort of said it like, hey, we did our job, too bad the players couldn't do squat with it. I wasn't impressed with her interview.
Fire her before the plane takes off
I agree completely. I've noticed that when TSpoon starts to put in the bottom of the bench (Langston, Hall, etc) it is usually a sign of desperation, ie, "Nothing is working so we'll try whatever we can think of."Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
I would feel much better if the coaches took the responsibility for this failure of a season - regardless of whose fault it actually is, they are the ones responsible for it. They need to admit fault and outline a plan to get our team back to where it needs to be. As the fans and supporters of this program, they owe us that much.
Thats my point. They come on radio and throw the kids under the bus. They brought them here so take some responsibility.
Well that stunk, I just wanna get some of your thoughts. I just wanna know how you all would react if Spoon was to revoke the scholarships of some of the players?
I would think that would be a pretty good ownership of we made some mistakes in our recruiting and we are going to correct this now by righting the ship. I didn't hear the interview so I am not sure exactly what Sarah said. I am hoping she didn't launch into personal attacks on the kids calling them out by name. I don't think that she would do that but from the way that it sounds with her throwing some of them under the bus she must have said more than we had a gameplan but the ladies didn't execute it. That is direct coaches talk right there. There is NOTHING wrong with calling out a team that isn't doing what you have told them to do.
The only mistake I can see is that she didn't bench them and say if you can't do what we told you we will find someone that can.
This was a complete team loss and team being everyone on that bench including the coaches. The players for not doing what they were told and the coaches for not yanking them earlier for not doing their jobs.
You completely missed the forest for the trees on that post, Phil. The point was that it's the same story every time: the players didn't execute the game plan. Perhaps that is true. And, perhaps it is true that the game plan sucks because the coaching staff does not have enough experience in developing an effective game plan. I'm putting my money on the latter.Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
This was the last game of the season in the first losing season in Techster history. Talk of failing to execute the game plan is another sign that this staff is in over their heads. The Techsters may not have executed but the preparation for Seattle was not there. This was a poorly coached game on the part of Tech. Consistent with the rest of the season, and a continuum of the previous four, the head coach doesn't appear to be up to the task. That's just an opinion from a fan. Many of us hoped for a very different outcome after four years. It isn't going upward, it has spiraled to an all new low. For the assistant coach to lay this humiliating loss on the players not executing the game plan is (in my opinion) short-sighted at best, and irresponsible at worst.
Spoon's quote after the game:
"I'm always proud of these kids," Weatherspoon said. "Sometimes it is not easy being in my presence. It's not easy. I'm demanding."
Wow. Just, wow.
Out of respect to the coaching staff and more importantly the program you as a player do as your asked to do. That is blatant lack of respect not to do that. I don't care if the game plan sucks or not.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
There is no excuse for a player to question what a coach tells you to do, if she says get out there and make it happen that is the end of story your job is to make it work. I would venture to say the reason things aren't working is that they are not fully executing what they have been told to do. You can watch the game film and see where they are not doing what they are suppose to do within the play at times.
I feel like I am beating a dead horse when I say this but you can't say the preparation wasn't there unless you were at the film session, practice and shoot around prior to today's game. You and I are not privy to what preparation was put in. We just see what happened on the floor. IYO the prep work wasn't done but you have no true knowledge of that so lets stop assuming what happened and go with what we know. They players played tentative and scared on offense and defense a complete turn around from the previous two games.
I didn't hear the interview with Sarah but from how it is being put on here she pretty much went player by player and called them out and told of what each one of them didn't do. I would agree that is not good when you start single out players.
I have no doubt that they will be on the recruiting trail by Monday getting ready for next season.
This has been a disappointing season and I can only tell you and everyone else that I am doing everything in my power from here in Florida to ensure that we have some athletes coming into the program for the 2013 season that can make an immediate impact and help ensure that this doesn't happen again.
We will know as early as a couple weeks if I am still able to sell Ice to Eskimos or not. We have a chance at a two for one deal with a couple of kids from Lakewood High School down here in St. Petersburg.
One has verbally committed to Seton Hall but is having second thoughts due to Anne Donovon leaving and going to WNBA. http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blo...-season/16684/
The other is Alexis Ungro a 5'9 Point Guard that can defend the entire floor and score of offense. She isn't flashy or going to do any sneaky stuff on the floor but she will get the ball to the post and put them in position to score.
We can hopefully get a two for one here. We are up against Georgia and a bunch of other big schools but we have an inside track since they want to go to school together if she Alvarado takes back the verbal.
They have been well coached Necole Tunsil is a great coach (played for C. Vivian Stringer at Iowa) and a good friend of mine. We (Lady Techsters) may have walked into a gold mine so keep your fingers crossed.
Please tell me your not trying to read something into that, I can imagine that she is extremely demanding. She was demanding as a player and would not accept less than the best from her teammates. I can't imagine that she is any less demanding with them as a coach. I would agree that being on the floor with her as your coach day in and day out (which is what the being in her presence is) is not an easy thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
I know for a fact that it was miserable at times being in Leon Barmores presence. You never went less than 125% anything less than that was unacceptable and every thing over that was just average in his opinion.
Saw my second Techster game of the year tonight. It looked like a completely different team than Wednesday night.
Everyone associated with TECH is invited to the TECH Vegas Bowling Tournament on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Orleans Casino bowling alley. Spread the word and let's create some excitement in the two game tournament. Don't worry if you can't bowl as they have some lanes that have some gutter guards to keep you from rolling a gutter ball.
I am just going to say that bringing in a top assistant is the #1 priority during this offseason. I am upset and didn't get on here, because of that, but not going to have a pity party now.
It's done.
Louisiana Tech University should start over in WBB. Nickname them the Lady Bulldogs, and start with a completely new coaching staff. All 'ships are hereby revoked, no player has a gaurantee of one for next season. However, they can pay their own way and hope to earn their way back on the team via a try-out with the new coaches. But, they are under no obligation to offer a 'ship to any current player.
So Phil, you proposed Spoon revoking scholarships and admitting mistakes in recruiting.
Seriously? Are you listening to your own argument? Defend Spoon, defend mistakes made in recruiting, defend that there is no assistant coach, defend a losing season.
Revoking the scholarships of the players isn't the issue, in my opinion. Revoking the contract of the head coach? Now that's a solution.
Wow! Talk about an EXTREME overreaction.......... It was a bad season. Maybe the Texas Women should not be called the Lady Longhorns anymore or Southern Cal should release all their players. Get a grip! Life goes on and we will be fine!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
"We will be fine."
Champ, you have said this so much, it no longer resonates. You can't go with the same mistakes over and over and expect a different outcome. It is time. We desperately need a change.
Don't go putting words in my mouth. I asked for some reactions if this was to happen. I am not defending Spoon. Spoon is who signed on the dotted line bringing the players to Louisiana Tech so she is holding the responsibility.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
Spoon allowed the players not to follow the game plan that was laid out so again that is on her.
Spoon allowed those players to continue on the floor while not following the game plan. That is on her.
If I had an employee that knowingly went against what I had said was our every day way of doing business and decided that he or she was going to do their own thing that is insubordination and that is an offense that he or she could be terminated for.
I would call behavior like that Conduct detrimental to the program.
Spoon is responsible on all fronts for the play and the behavior of this team and it is her job to correct that what ever it takes.
When we talk about termination of a coaching staff it would only be appropriate if that coaching staff was considering the termination of the players that they have surrounded themselves with.
IMO the coaching staff should be holding meetings with every member of the team doing the players final evaluations of the season.
That evaluation would determine if those that are returning for the 2013-14 continue with the program or if they will be dismissed and allowed to pursue offers from another University.
My thought is if you oversee the only losing season in history you are collateral damage no matter the reasons.
made me think of this:Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...yOZWEdNr28UiOM
you are so correct, no matter what the reason Spoon will always be remembered for the first losing season in history and not her play on the floor. I wish it would have never happened but to think the coach that saved us from the losing season five years ago now holds it five years later.Quote:
Originally Posted by bulldogbacker2
I replied above that Sarah had said the team didn't execute the game plan. Nowhere did I say she called out players by name, which she did not do. Not sure where that came from but it wasn't me. I skimmed other replies and didn't see it either, butQuote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
maybe I missed it. She sounded disappointed/disgusted/letdown more than anything and said we'd see how they responded by working hard over the summer.
People are hearing what they WANT to hear......Quote:
Originally Posted by CutiePie72
How about this, then - I will be fine. I am as upset as anyone on here, but I am not over reacting. Some of you are completely over the top right now. Of course, I knew this was coming. Seattle beat us soundly twice during the regular season. I was hoping we had turned some type of magical corner and we did for 2 games, but I am not that shocked that they beat us soundly again.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech62
Next year will come around and I will have my hopes set high once again. I hope some of you use your passion in the right way.
CutiePie72, I would have been shocked if she would have done that to the players. I see nothing wrong with saying that the team didn't do what they were suppose to do on the floor.Quote:
Originally Posted by CutiePie72
IMO, we have some on here that believe while the coaching staff should be held accountable, they don't think it is fair for the Coaching staff to do the same thing with the athletes.
You can't say it is fair for one and not the other.
Oh i think it is fair but my thoughts want change. If I was AD she be fired today.
Champion110 there is very little that we disagree on but this is one time I am gonna disagree with you. We are not fine and we have not been fine for MANY years. We will not be fine until we have the athletes that walk on the floor with a chip on their shoulder and DARE someone to knock it off.
We have to get back to basics and recruiting kids that want to win, know how to win and hate losing more than winning.
Louisiana Tech has gotten in the mind set of taking what comes to you instead of going out and taking what you want in the recruits.
We have to start recruiting those top 100 players with just as much conviction as we are recruiting everyone else.
We have not been recruiting these top tier kids or at least they didn't recruit Tianah Alvarado or Alexis Ungro. The only reason I can think of is that they saw the list of Tenn, Seton Hall, South Florida, UNC and other schools and thought they would not be able to sway them away.
Ungro is excited to speak with them about Louisiana Tech and this coming from Necole Tunsil (their coach) whoever gets Alexis also has a really good shot at Tianah Alvarado.
I know we don't have the budget when it comes to recruiting that a lot of the bigger schools have but this is when they (coaching staff) has to rely on us the high school coaches with love for the university to go find players that we can get them in front of.
so you think it is okay to hold one accountable and not the other.Quote:
Originally Posted by bulldogbacker2
That isn't one sided thinking at all LOL
I don't have a problem with your statement at all. Also, I am not saying that there does not need to be changes. The problem is people want to dump out the baby with the bath water. That isn't going to happen, is a complete over reaction, and shouldn't happen. This whole thread is WAY over the top. I love the Lady Techsters and am angry, upset, and more disappointed than probably any one else on this board. I am not in a panic, though. I know it is a different style of dealing with things and I don't expect everyone to react the same way, but a little perspective can be good from time to time. Some have lost that completely. I changed it to "I will be fine". The sun came up today and is shining just like it usually does.Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
Now, as for the program, bring in a TOP Assistant (like I have been saying all year) - maybe even 2 more - and you will see a HUGE change in our team next year. Don't do that, and bring in Geno and all his players with him and you will get the same result you saw this year. That is the problem that has plagued us all year. Spoon needs enough money in the budget to do that and hit the recruiting trails for some top players. The Techsters AND SPOON will then be just fine. I have never seen a Division One program so under staffed before. The Techsters have certainly never been this understaffed.
I am not sure if Daron will get the head coaching job at USC but if he doesn't I sure wish he would get back to TechQuote:
Originally Posted by champion110
That sums up the kool-aid drinkers very well.Quote:
Originally Posted by DogtorEvil
Actually, I advocated doing this several years ago, before the great Techster tradition could be soiled. Too late for that now. But, clearly this is not the "Lady Techsters" of folklore. This is nothing but a crappy team, not even mediocre by today's standards.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
The true haters are giddy about this. Tech's WBB program is non-descript. Yippee!
For me, I think it's a crying shame. It's done. Well....I was distraught when the Beatles broke up, and I survived that.
"Let it Be" - Beatles (1970)
Yes, you are correct about some being giddy about this. That is a shame, because you are not a true Louisiana Tech fan, if you want a team to fail.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Phil, I think Park would come back, if he doesn't get the HC position.
My point in all of this is that we are experiencing something that we have never experienced. Not winning is new to us and we are having a hard time with it. That is a good thing and shows that we still care. However, there is a point of doing more harm than good by acting the way some act. 90% of the programs in the country go through this (see my example of USC and Texas). By acting the way we are, we chase away recruits, chase away fans, and demoralize our coach - who is a Tech legend and supports all our teams.
I won't give up on the Techsters and I have a feeling that when we start winning again (and WE WILL), many will be in love with our Coach and team again. No one seems to listen when I talk about the missing tactical Assistant needed. It is GREATLY needed. I would love to get Park back and he is still very supportive of our program. He had to move for personal reasons. There are more great tacticians out there, though, and we need to tap into our own developed talent, if needed. We are only losing 2 players. We are gaining a top 6'5" forward/post and I think that will help a LOT. Playing Frazier at the 3 is what I would like to see. We should see a lot more out of Lulu next year, as well. As a freshman, she was phenomenal and should only improve.
I will sum up my rambling with the statement that I will NOT give up!
Meanwhile, Idaho went up early on Seattle, but Seattle is within one close to the half.
Champ, I will let you know what I find out from Parks.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
I just private messaged him, as well. I told him I would keep any remarks he made in confidence, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
YES, YES, YES x 100 BILLION!!!!!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
Ir's been so very long since I've seen this in most of our Techsters. Definitelty been missing since the Long years and I'd hoped this 2012-13 season with all Spoon players would be different. Phil, I sit right behind the Techsters goal, and you can just see this SO MUCH in our Techsters eyes and body language. I love every one of our ladies, but the cut-your-throat-and-enjoy-it mentality has not been prevalent maybe since the Tamicha Jackson years. Dowdell and Adrienne Johnson had it, but it has just been lacking overall. The CONFIDENT ATTITUDE, the DOMINATION DESIRE, the HURT -YOU-AND-ENJOY-EVERY-MINUTE-OF-IT attitude is just missing. Desire just cannot be underrated.
To me that's recruiting, and program culture. Gotta get it back. Hoping Spoon can find the players and the awesome assistant coach to get it done for us.
Giddy. Seriously? You think some of us are "giddy" over the complete implosion of the program this year? That is as delusional as now laying everything on the fact that Spoon needed a good assistant.
If Spoon wasn't good enough on her own to at least pull off a winning season, she needs to go. This was her team. Every player on this team was brought in by Spoon.
If the players can't respond to her as a coach, she has failed in her responsibility to recruits players who will respond. If she recruited stupid players, she has failed in her responsibility as a coach. I'm not saying the players are stupid, or lazy, but there is a subtext saying they are both stupid and lazy if they are unable to follow a game plan.
Blame the students over and over again, and hide behind your glossy-eyed look while you live in your padded cell, but the reality of the situation is far worse than just a losing season.
No one is giddy. But some on here are definitely delusional.
hmm...let's see...coaching job at USC, or return to Ruston to coach La. Tech in CUSA...Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
golly gee. that's a tough choice.
Tired of excuses...
This is much more than a one-year fluke...Tech has a 31-32 record over the last two seasons. And tacking on the last two games of 2010-2011 Tech has won only 31 of its last 65 games. There has never been anything close to a stretch like that in program history. And the competition level in those last 65 games has been the weakest by far than over any similar stretch since Tech came onto the national scene in 1978.
Those who blame money...the money situation wasn't created overnight and simply doesn't explain the last two seasons being the worst in program history.
Those who blame players...last time I checked players don't set the tone for the program, decide who to recruit, decide on playing time, make in-game strategy decisions, etc. If there is a problem with any team, you cannot replace all of the players even though technically you can with annually renewed scholarships. You have to look elsewhere.
Those who believe replacing Chris Long was the right decision...the last two seasons are worse than anything Chris Long served up. Long never had a sub-.500 RPI season, while the last two years have seen .4908 and .4873 RPIs. Long's weighted average RPI over the four complete seasons he was coach was .5540. Weatherspoon's weighted average RPI over her four complete seasons is just .5348. Weatherspoon has coached just seven fewer games at Tech than Long did, and she closer in losses to Long than she is in wins...Long 91-54, Weatherspoon 87-51.
The Tech program cannot move forward under its current leadership. Weatherspoon has had more than adequate chances and continues to fail. I thought a change might have been warranted after last year, but I admitted it might have been a hasty decision then. If a move isn't made now, it will be woefully late when it finally is made.
I've got no opinion on the coaching situation but here's something y'all need to consider. When it became apparent to one supporter that Kerry Rupp was not the man to be the MBB coach he/she stepped up and gave KR a buyout, reported to be $200,000. Is there someone willing to give enough money to do that for WBB?
I really don't think that post was referring to you but yeah there are some that have been vocal in the past that the women's program was not as important as the other programs at Louisiana Tech. IMO, I would agree that there are some people that are happy to see this happen but in no way would I think you would be one of those people.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
I agree with you there should not have been a second time, the second time that she had to have that conversation it would have been "We appreciate the time you spent here but this is not a good fit and we are releasing you from your obligations.
You are mistaking not able to follow a game plan with refusing to follow the game plan.
hmmmmmmmmmm you might wanna read before you pop off something being a smart a** .Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
You will hear CRICKETS now about this comment. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by HoDo-Tech70
You are correct and I can't speak for anyone else but I am gonna do what I can to help us find those players.Quote:
Originally Posted by Russdawg
It's called sarcasm. Something you are good at dishing out, but not as quick to identify in others.Quote:
Originally Posted by philgarris
you still didn't read the comment it said "if he doesn't get the USC position" never did I say if he had a choice that I hoped he chose Tech.Quote:
Originally Posted by fanfromafar
Champion110, you remind me of Baghdad Bob when he said that no bombs were falling on his city, and we were sitting in our living rooms watching on CNN as the bombs rained down. The dirty diaper is now more than half-full for it runneth over, and is in need of being changed.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
FYI, very little chance Park gets the USC job.
The prevailing argument by those I consider delusional is that Spoon needs to recruit better players and get a good assistant coach.
Ok. She's had four years to do that and didn't. No, I don't think she's going anywhere. But yes, I do believe some of the fans are going somewhere, and its not to the TAC or paying online to watch.
For the self-proclaimed faithful, a new year means new hope. At least they have that to hold on to, as they no longer have a program worth much of anything.
I want to keep Spoon. She is not the best head coach. But she brings a fire and a love for Tech that we desperately need. Winning is important but it's pretty high on my list to have loyalty...and Spoon's got that in spades...we just need to recognize it and reward her for it (whatever that may entail).
I dont gim a hoot about that..i want wins
What???? Reward her?????Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Crap, it is this kind of mentality that got the football program in trouble because we let Bicknell hang around about four years too long because he was a good guy. The same can be said about the current state of affairs with baseball.
Next year, will be even worse for the Techsters unless a change is made. We may have poor assistants and the players may not be all that good, but the reality is that those problems are the result of the efforts of the head coach.
Ok, how about giving her another assignment within the university since she is so loyal? She has no business coaching this team any longer unless you want to see if it can lose 20 games in one year.
I never said that reward should be a continued HC contract.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad
I'm calling BS to that. I don't care if the next head coach of the Lady Techsters attended LA Tech or not. I want a PROFESSIONAL head coach that knows how to recruit and even better, knows how to coach X's & O's DURING A GAME!! AND WINS!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
Don't make the same mistake with Spoon that the football program made with Jack Bicknell, or the men's basketball program made with Jerry Lloyd. LA Tech held on to BOTH of those coaches far too long. It was a HUGE mistake, and it damaged our brand. It hurt both programs for a decade. College athletics is a VERY FAST CHANGING BUSINESS, and head coach's are nothing more than hired guns. Our administration must learn to make the tough decisions much faster than they've shown in the past. It's NOT PERSONAL. It's a BUSINESS. And it should be treated it like one.
HD