Women's Basketball: Summitt says forget it

      

Tennessee

coach Pat Summitt reiterated Monday her belief that the resumption of the Lady Vols regular-season series with UConn was not in the future.
     “I hadn’t really thought about it,” said Summitt, on the eve of her national championship game Tuesday night against Stanford. “At this point I really don’t see it happening.”

     When asked if there was anything UConn coach Geno Auriemma could do on his end to help mediate the situation, Summitt was clear.

     “Not now,” she said.

     Summitt put an end to the 13-year series between the two national powerhouses last summer and has yet to address why. And she said she wasn’t planning to be more forthcoming Monday had UConn defeated Stanford Sunday to set up a fifth title game between the teams.

    “I would say, I didn’t want any of that to be a distraction,” Summitt said. “It’s not about the coaches. It’s all about the players. And unfortunately, some of the media folks out there have wanted to make this about Pat and Geno and it’s all about the players.

     “I think it’s fair to say that because of the unknown that’s still out there, that this would still be a story that has people digging and still interested and writing about it. I can respect that from the media. But it doesn’t mean that I’m going to reveal anything. When I make my mind up, I’m as stubborn as my father was.”

     Summitt said she hadn’t thought about the possibility of being asked questions about her apparent rift with Auriemma and his program, which has been accused by Tennessee and the Southeastern Conference of recruiting improprieties concerning freshman Maya Moore. Summitt has referred to the loss of

Moore

to UConn as the most disappointing of her career.

    “I hadn’t really thought about the questions I might get asked, because I wasn’t planning to talk about anything other than the players,” Summitt said. “I have tremendous respect for Geno’s coaching skills and ability. He made us better. They’ve beaten us enough.

   “But the fact that we’re not both here today is not going to change what I want to talk about or what it might take to mend this. My mind has not even gone there. My mind right now is one what we need to do to win one more game against a great basketball team (Stanford). That’s pretty much it.”

Comments

[sailrgirl]

Good for Pat S. She is a class act. How come Gino gets away with calling the lady Huskies "guys?"

[Matt]

How come you get away with calling Geno "Gino"? I'll tell you one thing Miss, Tennessee better win it all this year because if they don't, they're not going to win it for the next 3-4 years because of Maya, EDD, and Tina.

Don't worry Husky fans. As much as this loss hurts, there's less than 365 days till next year's championship game.

[Sam]

Huskies thanks for a great season you worked hard and frankly have nothing to be ashamed of. My wish to the 2008 -2009 team.. simply .... no ACL injuries!!!

[Brenda Hoops]

email to ESPN:

Your commentators consistently and repeatedly stated "no team in college (NCAA) basketball history has had 38 wins...."

Sorry, gentlemen, but the UCONN Women in the 2001-2002 season went 39-0, setting the record.

An apology to the Women is in order, as they certainly are a part of the history book and their record (whether UCONN or any other Women's team) was hard earned.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/WBasketball/2002/Stats/teamcume.htm

Thanks
Behoops51@yahoo.com
Baltimore, MD

[Patti]

If Tenn. doesn't want to play Uconn, so be it. Pat S. doesn't need to explain herself. I'm so excited about the final game tonight and for Stanford to win it all. Normally I wouldn't mind Tenn. because I do like Pat S. and the rest of the gals, but Candace Parker needs to join Geno and Uconn with some humility. Go Stanford!

[Southern Exposure]

Pat is a class act who is very savvy. Don't overlook the obvious reason she does not want to play: Recruiting. If she thinks the game gives UCONN a leg up recruiting in the deep South she would have the best reason of all to sever ties.

[BigOrangeVol]

Sailrgirl...we did!

Hooyah Lady Vols the Teams in Coronado and Little Creek salute you!

"I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity...If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail."

[manchester111]

Geno, I hope you were watching how the lady coaches coached to victory.
We had it in the bag if you could coach on the move.
I will write more later.
but look how you got doubled team and the top of the key and you did not react to it.
A million dollars per year is a lot of money. Think about giving some the charity until you Will and earn it

[manchester111]

Geno got out coached again like he did against ND when D was a freshman.
Oh well, He has good looks a wonderful wife and family, good humor and a sharp tung.
I love to watch him anyway. and to botax is working.

[Matt]

Manchester, you must have lived under a rock the past 18 years. Geno earn it? He's the best Coach in America. Did you forget that 4 of UConn's 5 National Titles have come against Tennessee? Geno has a 3peat under his belt. And for all you Tennessee fans who post on this: enjoy these two titles. The tides have turned. We will win the next 3 and have 8 ourselves and I pray we play you so we can whoop you around again and again and again. Utlimately, it will lead Pat to retirement. I mean cause we all know Geno is going to be the reason Ms.??? Summit retires, right?