2023-2024 Season Thread

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 11:58 am

The outpouring of support for Adia from current and former players is quite underwhelming on Twitter.

Actually don't see any. Maybe on other platforms like Instagram or whatever are more popular with the younger crowd.

Especially no word from Maya herself.

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 12:05 pm

What concerns me is that I do not see Adia has one commitment for next year. Maybe she will be using the transfer portal more than bringing in freshmen for next year.

RawleArenas · Post by **RawleArenas** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 12:24 pm

Bill Gates once said (more rumored) that success is a menace... it fools smart people into thinking they can't lose. I don't think I've ever posted on her since being on this board, but it's clear there a sense mutiny going on within the program.

Adia took us to heights we never saw before, but with the adulation comes responsibility and I think up until this point she's handled it poorly. It's a big reason why I didn't want Damon or JT coaching here, I didn't want to see any remixes of the Kevin Ollie situation. Our relationship with our former players is more important than their success (short or long term) with our program. It's something that I hope Adia takes to heart when she thinks about her former players. That relationship is sacred.

And it can get ugly when things go badly. Either she needs to take stock and shake things up with her philosophy and staff or she needs to get out ahead of it and walk away. It's simply not worth it. Personally, I think she needed to have older coaches within her staff (think Steve Robinson types) to help her navigate the ups and downs of coaching while holding her accountable in a gentle, professional way. It could have helped her keep perspective on things on and off the court.

I wish her nothing but the best, but something needs to change soon. Hopefully, some former players or coaches within the Wildcat family can step up and help her get through this.

Siempre Verde · Post by **Siempre Verde** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 2:21 pm

I was critical of Adia long before this. I chose to leave a UofA women’s b-ball fan page on Facebook after getting lambasted by some sycophants, especially the lead moderator, after posting my (I think valid) concerns end season before last. That said, when my wife asked me last night if I’d like to see Adia fired, I replied no way. UofA can’t afford another buyout, but moreover, I’m truly hoping Adia will eat a slice of humble pie and evolve. She is not Kim Mulkey. She can’t run players off and thrive. This simply cannot continue. I just hope she’s savvy enough to see that.

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:46 am

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:52 pm

So not temporary at all, and just more damage control from Adia. If this was truly JUST about Maya needing to focus on school then she would've said so Wednesday. Clearly "recent events" mean much more than that, and Adia needs to figure out how to stop the bleeding with out going off on people.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:57 pm

This plane is in a nosedive and I'm not sure if the pilot has the ability to pull out of it.

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 3:28 pm

Go with (your) God Maya, and best of luck to you.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 3:33 pm

Nothing but best wishes for Maya. And good to see she is not throwing Adia and the program under the bus.

After the Niya Butts years, the absolute worst program in UA sports history where she lost like 12 out of 13 to ASU and had McKale empty, I really hate to see Adia get fired. The UA AD and campus administration had absolutely no interest in supporting WBB then and apparently just wanted to minimize the huge losses the program has by ignoring it.

But like Sean Miller said, there was a silver lining in him getting fired, and that he could actually get his mind together and start thinking a lot more about basketball and people in general, and made him a better coach because of it. Working 70 hour weeks with all the coaching, recruiting and game planning doesn't leave a lot of time to do other things.

I like the ideas mentioned above where get a senior coaching mentor like Lloyd has with Robinson. Just off the top of my head, Jim Rosborough has a lot of experience under Lute, and he is now the assistant WBB coach at Pima so does know the women's game too. Might be too old, but that's the general idea.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:45 pm

So Mike Luke isn't tied to sports and this is just the way it is now. Okay then Adia.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:28 am

Merkin wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:35 am
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2023 9:32 am Getting into Twitter beefs with local media at 1 in the morning.

Bold strategy Cotton.
Guess he told her to stop.

Last night she started a Twitter beef with Mike Luke and then deleted it. He should have taken her phone.

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:34 am

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:28 am
Merkin wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:35 am
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2023 9:32 am Getting into Twitter beefs with local media at 1 in the morning.

Bold strategy Cotton.
Guess he told her to stop.

Last night she started a Twitter beef with Mike Luke and then deleted it. He should have taken her phone.

She blocked JMarkJohns.

Way too much energy being spent on stupid shit. You don’t see head coaches getting into social media wars for a good damn reason. She’s embarrassing herself and the school.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:08 am

If she is getting into twitter spats in the middle of the night…. She is not right mentally right now

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:21 am

Some random musings, some of which may be off-base. I've enjoyed seeing a successful Arizona women's hoops team and would like to see that continue. Adia seems like a charismatic recruiter type, rather than a big Xs and Os type who can diagnose and fix lots of little things. How much have the euro connections she and her husband had dropped off? The loss of his midwestern recruiting connections after a few years was the downfall of Fred Snowden. How important were Aari McDonald and Sam Thomas, not just on the court, but in the locker room? It's hard to identify and then attract such special people with such a broad range of skills and drive. And you can't just snap your fingers and have team chemistry. You can try various bonding activities, but if you have a lot of self-focused and jealous individuals, that only goes so far. Note that I'm not specifically referring to Maya Nnaji with the following, because there are many college athletes who feel this way. I can't really argue if someone has a focus that their scholarship is primarily to get their degree and the main thing is to stay eligible and remain on the team. But that person isn't likely to dive into the folding chairs, either. And it doesn't matter if you yell at them or not. You have to somehow recruit that personality, and if you didn't, then you have to look in the mirror.

Carcassdragger · Post by **Carcassdragger** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:51 am

I dont think a player like Nnaji quits in the middle of the season unless there is a problem with team management.

But I know less than nothing.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:47 am

Adia also made some bizarre drunk like tweets before deleting them. She needs to quit Twitter now before she goes too far.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 5:49 pm

I imagine Robbins/Heeke have had some discussions with her over her tweets. Along with the general direction of the program.

Blocking JMJ of all people? Has he ever made an offensive post ever?

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:18 pm

The bear minimum any Arizona coach needs to do is beat ASU. Thankfully since Adia played here, she understands how important that is. Couple this with the men losing at TCU by 20, and this has been an awful weekend for Dumpe.

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:16 pm

The last few games you can see the girls are more focused. Helena needs to shoot more than she has.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:37 pm

Those in Tucson can watch the game against Gonzaga on KOLD. Everyone else will have to use ESPN+.

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 5:26 pm

Congrats to Kailyn!

Siempre Verde · Post by **Siempre Verde** » Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:16 pm

38-32 halftime Gonzaga up. Adia’s teams are so damned frustrating sometimes. Get a turnover? You don’t then have to try to do something spectacular. Just set up instead of throwing up. JFC.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:19 pm

Halftime: Gonzaga 38, Arizona 32

G’s Ejim has 21 pts! Awesome player

Gilbert & Pueyo each have 10

I just don’t understand how our women miss so many bunnies - continues from last year…

Siempre Verde · Post by **Siempre Verde** » Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:52 pm

pc in NM wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:19 pm Halftime: Gonzaga 38, Arizona 32

G’s Ejim has 21 pts! Awesome player

Gilbert & Pueyo each have 10

I just don’t understand how our women miss so many bunnies - continues from last year…

Continues from our final two game against Stanford. It haunts….

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:57 pm

Third quarter was a blowout! 14-29 So sad to see…

Gonzaga is shooting 68%

Can’t watch any more today…

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 7:09 pm

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 7:37 pm

Does anyone know why we're missing two players tonight?

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:25 pm

Lost 75-74

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:30 pm

Jada Williams was amazing.

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 12:51 pm

arizonawildcats · Post by **arizonawildcats** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 1:56 pm

Going to OT.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 1:59 pm

I agree - defense is rising to the occasion, and playing with only 7-8 available players, Adia’s coaching is showing results.

I love Pueyo’s game!!

I’m still mystified by the high volume of missed short shots - defies logic!!!

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 2:16 pm

Nice win

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 2:18 pm

‘Cats win 71-70

BTFD!!!!

Irish27 · Post by **Irish27** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 2:21 pm

That was a great win. Adia definitely has the women playing up to their capabilities lately. They are playing more like a team. I also liked that Pueyo is taking more shots.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 3:13 pm

That was a hell of a game! Our play wasn't that great in crunch time, but we finally found a way to win. Still have to question Adia's coaching though. Felt like there was too much confusion and a lot of questionable plays.

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Sun Jan 07, 2024 5:08 pm

After the disappointment of the 1-point loss to Top Ten Colorado, it was great to see them bounce back and play hard in a 1-point OT win over Top Fifteen Utah. Regarding Adia and the coaching, I understand the concept of going with your best, along with avoiding game-ending late turnovers with lots of passing. So this is probably one of those "Aari McDonald could be even better if..." deals. Kailyn Gilbert won it at the line with clutch FTs, and she was 41/17 in the two games, which speaks for itself. But also, only a total of 4 assists, which also kind of does. She had Jada Williams available on breaks on multiple occasions, kept it herself, and didn't convert at least some of them. And she needs to work in general on finishing at the rim on drives. But, even having this discussion is good news. We're short-handed, but looking better. It's a brutal conference, though. We may be in the situation of investing this year for dividends next year.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:26 pm

I wonder how much longer Adia can keep this drama under wraps.

AZCatGirl · Post by **AZCatGirl** » Fri Jan 12, 2024 10:31 pm

Lost in double OT 73-70. Women were just too shorthanded, too gassed, and forgot how to run an offense.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:36 am

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Fri Jan 12, 2024 10:31 pm Lost in double OT 73-70. Women were just too shorthanded, too gassed, and forgot how to run an offense.

I thought they competed very well, especially as short-handed they were! I chalk up some of that offensive breakdown in the 2nd OT to tired bodies and brains.

I do think the overall quality of play, effort and defense speaks to players responding to coaching - not sure how that reflects on the concerns about player turnover.

I really enjoyed watching them compete against a decent team on the road!

Hope they can recover physically in tome for the Ducks...

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:47 am

If Maya needs to focus on classes, maybe she should stay off the social media?

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:50 am

Is it common in women’s sports to have spouses on the coaching staff?
That seemed odd to me. I know it’s not uncommon to have a son on staff in men’s sports.

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:08 am

If they hit their free throws at the end of regulation they would have won.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:45 am

Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:50 am Is it common in women’s sports to have spouses on the coaching staff?

I have no idea, but why would you want to work with someone all day, then go home with the same person? What do you even talk about? How was your day?

I told my wife she couldn't even work the same place I worked, even if not together.

Been married 38 years and still going strong.

TheCatInTheHat · Post by **TheCatInTheHat** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:48 am

The team played hard against a decent opponent, and road games are tough. (Raegen Beers shot 18 free throws, many of them in the OT periods.) But that aside, what's up with the scheduling? This is the first of FOUR straight road games, all of them on the long haul up to the PNW with their lovely weather. The team has had its struggles already, and this seems unreasonable.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:51 am

Merkin wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:45 am
Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:50 am Is it common in women’s sports to have spouses on the coaching staff?
I have no idea, but why would you want to work with someone all day, then go home with the same person? What do you even talk about? How was your day?

I told my wife she couldn't even work the same place I worked, even if not together.

Been married 38 years and still going strong.

I just think it's a bad idea. If he sees something she is doing wrong with the team, is he going to say anything? It's bad enough if you are worried about getting fired, now you have to worry about getting a divorce too.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:14 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:51 am
Merkin wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:45 am
Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:50 am Is it common in women’s sports to have spouses on the coaching staff?
I have no idea, but why would you want to work with someone all day, then go home with the same person? What do you even talk about? How was your day?

I told my wife she couldn't even work the same place I worked, even if not together.

Been married 38 years and still going strong.

I just think it's a bad idea. If he sees something she is doing wrong with the team, is he going to say anything? It's bad enough if you are worried about getting fired, now you have to worry about getting a divorce too.

Some couples can actually have disagreements, problem-solve and respect boundaries…

So can some coaching staffs.

pc in NM · Post by **pc in NM** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:16 pm

Merkin wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:45 am
Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:50 am Is it common in women’s sports to have spouses on the coaching staff?
I have no idea, but why would you want to work with someone all day, then go home with the same person? What do you even talk about? How was your day?

I told my wife she couldn't even work the same place I worked, even if not together.

Been married 38 years and still going strong.

Uh, what if she told you that?

Postmaster · Post by **Postmaster** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:47 pm

I don’t think Merkin would apply to a place where his wife worked.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:04 pm

pc in NM wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:16 pm Uh, what if she told you that?

I would be perfectly fine with it. And so would she.

Postmaster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:47 pm I don’t think Merkin would apply to a place where his wife worked.

Yes, 0 chance. She worked at an elementary school. If you have been around little kids, you know you can never stop watching them. Now that's work. As a computer programmer with my own office, if I wanted to take a break and post on Goazcats I would at any time.

Keeping my work life separate from my home life is very important to me.

Note my wife and I are both retired now, and with each other constantly, and still get along fine.

Meanwhile back on subject.

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