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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Watson on the BIG EAST WBB Tournament


- Another writer's WBB BIG EAST picks


( David Watson is a special correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. He also has over 5,000 8-track tapes. We've seen them. 'Google' 8-tracks if you're under 18) 

I won't be attending the BIG EAST Tournament this year. I'm on a DON'T OCCUPY Hartford strike. Been there and done that. I was there in 2007 when Rutgers won the tournament. That's back when C.Viv had Matee Ajavon, Epiphany Prince, Kia Vaughn and Essence Carson. Just thinking of those girls makes me ache. Talk about physical!  


Louisville was a #5 seed and it was Tom Collen's final year at Louisville (although we didn't know it at that time). The Lady Cards came into the tournament after a tough loss to West Virginia. Angel was a sophomore and the Cards faced St. John's first. They won by 14 and a re-match with the Mountaineers awaited.   


I remember sitting in a downtown Hartford restaurant/bar establishment in my red windbreaker after the Louisville win over the Red Storm and catching some good natured ribbing from a few WVU fans there. I gave it back. The Rutgers fans rallied to my cause. The UConn folks just sat back aloof and dis-interested. Amateur night for them, I guess. I predicted we'd beat WVU. Some portly guy in WVU Blue and Gold was unconvinced and bet me a steak dinner that it wouldn't happen. I accepted.


Louisville, of course, got off to the great start in that game and handled the Mountaineers by a dozen. I never saw ol' portly again or got a free steak dinner. I did, however, run into a parent of one of the UofL players. I have sworn to her I'd never reveal her identity if I ever re-told the story about "the incident". 


And I won't. But, here's the story. 


I'm sitting with my friend Mick at the same establishment the next evening when "she" comes in with another Cardinal fan. We had two seats at the table open, the place was packed --so we waved them over to join us. We'd "had a few". It was obvious they had, also. 


The conversation was light, friendly and fun until a UConn "know it all" fan overheard some of what we were discussing. UConn was the Cards next opponent. We were told, in no uncertain terms, that the Huskies would demolish Louisville and that "her" daughter, in particular, was overrated and under-skilled. Mick and I took it as good-natured ribbing but she did not. 


This did not go over well. 


She rose to her feet and began verbally "laying into" this poor guy like a Baptist preacher at a revival. We watched -- amused and fascinated -- as it got louder and louder. The poor guy was probably wishing Scotty could beam him up to the Enterprise. The bar started to get quiet as she continued the assault. Her friend rose to quell her attack but was gently shoved away by her and the guy had backed up until he was literally 'up against the wall' (of the bar). 


I can't remember all the exact words but it would have gone viral on YouTube if someone could have captured it on camera. Finally, she ended the sermon by pointing a finger in the guy's face and telling him that "he didn't know nothing about anything." She then calmly returned to our table and sat down, grinning from ear to ear. The bar erupted in cheers and applause. The guy slunk back into the crowd, accompanied by taunts and laughter.


I'm not sure how many drinks got sent over to the table after that for her, but she was sharing them with us and the four of us left there hours later at closing time and had to walk the several blocks back to the hotel.

That, too, would have been great to catch on a camera phone or video and put on the internet.

It was one of Mick's favorite stories to tell. He went to the Great Beyond last year and I miss that old roustabout. We saw a lot of basketball together. He was a Notre Dame fan true and through. Smoking kills, though, kids. 


Louisville, of course, lost to UConn. We didn't return to the bar after the loss. We don't think she did either -- and I'd bet even money that the guy didn't show his face around there for a long time. 


About this year's tournament first round games.


-- The committee made a good choice by putting Syracuse's Quentin Hillsman on stage first. A great opening act! "Q" and his antics are always worth the price of admission. I'm guessing he gets a second afternoon matinee to perform in by handling Providence but the Morgantown Hillbillies will probably send him home before the Sabbath. Or invite him over for vittles on the "fancy dining table". Maybe. 


-- Paul's favorite non-Cardinal BIG EAST player Inga "the Russian Rocket" Orekhova leads the USF Bulls into war next against Pitt. This one could get ugly. Detente, anyone? Gotta feel for Agnus, a really nice coach. Guess it's true, though. Nice guys (and gals) finish last. I may go through my sock drawer during this one. Or sneak in nine holes at the public course down the street before the night session if the weather's good. Lord knows, I'm not going to work Friday. 


-- Harry Peretta brings the "shirt-tail out, unkempt look" to the XL in the quest to advance over Seton Hall to face Louisville. I love Harry and he's been around forever. They might struggle, but the Nova squad should get their chance to try and upset the Lady Cards. I'm starting a pool on what the time clock reads when Harry's shirt tails liberate themselves from his slacks. I've got the 8:00 minute mark in the first half. Maybe Anne Donovan should opt for playing Harry one-on-one to determine which team advances to Saturday.


-- The final Friday game features Cincinnati against Marquette. This match-up looks to be about as exciting as watching a boy roll a rock across the sidewalk. Maybe they'll offer half price beer and hot dogs to get the crowd to stay. It may be the first time in BIG EAST Tournament history that ushers will be walking the XL Center aisles offering NoDoz to those left in their seats. Or entice the Lady Birds to perform, which would be about the only thing that could get me to stay around for this one.


A couple of games further into the tournament that I hope materialize. 


--  Georgetown vs. West Virginia. The Mountaineers lost to the Hoyas by ten during the regular season in Morgantown. They went on a five-game winning streak after the loss -- leaving Louisville, Notre Dame, Rutgers, USF and Marquette in their wake. These two aren't exactly hand-holding, BFF's. Wait for the bell and come out swinging. Bring a couch and have a seat. Maybe they'll let Michael Buffer do the pre-game introductions. "Let's get ready to rumbllllleeeee!" I hope one of the pep bands learns how to play THE Archie's hit from the sixties "Sugar, Sugar". I've got it on 8-track in case they need a refresher course.


-- St. John's vs. Louisville. Cardinal fans and players want another crack at McKenith, Smith, Stevens and McPherson after losing to them in New York in front of about 40 or 50 people. It's the only game this year that ESPNU switched away from to show lumberjack competition. (Just kidding). St. John's has won their last seven games. Be careful what you wish for, Cardinal fans.  


-- Notre Dame vs ANYONE BUT UCONN in the finals. Don't care if it's St. John's, Rutgers, Marquette, Louisville or Christ the King High School. To watch a BIG EAST Tournament title game at the XL without Husky participation would be just as fun as having to attend your nagging bosses' birthday party and then finding out he's going to be a no-show. More champagne!  


It's time to get this annual rodeo out of Hartford, out of Connecticut and bounce it around awhile. Anyone in favor of the KFC YUM! Center being the first stop -- raise your hand. 


(David would also like the Daytona 500 to be run in Kansas, the Kentucky Derby to take place at Indiana Downs and Rosie O'Donnell to sing the National Anthem at UofL WBB home games next year. We still love him but think ROBBIE BARTLETT is a much better choice for the Star Spangled Banner. You listening UofL?)


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OK. Paul Sykes here and I'll go next with my picks. I've offered a bit of reasoning with each one...so head to the fridge and get a chicken leg...it's lengthy. Like David's cage-liner stuff today wasn't? 

"I'm sad to report that the Bulls are down by
three with 2:10 left, Mr. Big Shot..."

1. SYRACUSE over Providence. The Orange handled them by 26 earlier this year. Providence has lost seven out of their last eight. And, as David mentioned earlier, the "Q" is the best show in Hartford this weekend. He deserves a two-day run. Next?


2. USF over Pittsburgh. With Andrell Smith contributing again and Pitt's 0-16 BIG EAST record...this may be a wild, far-fetched guess, but give me the Bulls. Go, Inga, Go. I wonder if that USF play-by-play radio guy that looks like Cary on The Good Wife will be there. Fun guy to talk to. Maybe he'll bring "Mr Big" Chris Noth.
  
3. VILLANOVA over Seton Hall. I expect this one to be the best game of Day One. Now that the Pirates have won one and played Louisville close, they're reborn. Kinda. Nova still wins. All 14 on Harry's roster are from Philadelphia and hit threes, right? Shirt-tail alert, shirt-tail alert!


4. CINCINNATI over Marquette. I didn't like the way Marquette's head coach Terri Mitchell came into the post-game press conference complaining this year after the Louisville game because she didn't get to go first. It didn't bother Geno when he was in Louisville, Ms. Mitchell. That's the only reason I'm picking against the Golden Eagles. Seriously, I could care less on this one. Whoever...they aren't advancing anyway.

"Q" gets two games in the BIG EAST .
Tournament.Any more and he should be
 made president of Syracuse University.  

5. WEST VIRGINIA over Syracuse. WVU beat Syracuse early in the season. In the middle of the non-conference schedule. Both teams have grown since then but I think WVU will prevail in what should be another great and close match-up. Hemingway and Alexander fall just short. WVU did beat Notre Dame this year, you know. Syracuse? It was the Irish by 19. Enough said.


6. DEPAUL over USF. Martin and Harry ran into a inspired bunch of Cardinals Saturday but recovered well against Cincy. That recovery continues and they get revenge for the earlier overtime loss to USF in the regular season. It's a #8 vs. #9 seed game, though and it should be a "down to the buzzer" contest. Could be the most exciting of the second round games.

7. LOUISVILLE over Villanova. The Cards are playing with a purpose and have won four out of their last five. These two had a battle in the regular season, Louisville escaping by four. This one could be just as close, but Shoni, Becky and gang find a way to send Louisville to Sunday action. 


8. RUTGERS over Cincinnati. Don't look now...but Rutgers has won their last four games in a row. They took the Bearcats by 11 in the regular season. If you're looking for a second round potential upset, this isn't it.  C Viv advances.


9. GEORGETOWN over West Virginia. A good game between these two in the regular season. I think the Mountaineers will be worn out after a tough Syracuse battle though and Sugar Rodgers is the best guard in the BIG EAST. Go ahead and laugh...but I think she is. 

Anna will find the going tough
against the Irish. 

10. NOTRE DAME over DePaul. Put Keisha Hampton on this DePaul team and they have a chance. No Keisha Hampton and you get beat 90-70. Add in two games in two days for a short DePaul roster and the Irish eyes will be smiling. 


11. ST JOHN'S over Louisville. It kills me to pick against a Louisville team that I think has really come together as a unit in the last six games...but St John's has the hot dice right now and their guard play is just a tad better than Louisville's right now. I hope I'm wrong, I hope I'm wrong, I hope...


12. RUTGERS over UConn. Yes, you read it right. The first huge upset of the tournament. Geno says he doesn't care how they do in the tournament, this is a big rivalry game
and forget the fact the Huskies won the previous match-up by 28. Oliver, Rushdan and Sykes all show up on the same night and the Scarlet Knights go to the semi-finals. Notre Dame showed the world the blue-prints on how to handle the Huskies. Were you watching...Scarlet Knights?  


13. NOTRE DAME over Georgetown. I think this one could be closer than most think. I do think, though, that there is no one on the Hoya squad who can stop Peters, Novosel and Diggins. Irish eyes still smiling... 


14. ST JOHN'S over Rutgers. Another intense rivalry game. The difference in this one won't be by many. The Red Storm won both regular season matchups, though and they'll prevail again. Close, close, close.

Paul thinks Notre Dame
will win the BIG EAST
Tournament. Longshot
pick, big guy...

15. NOTRE DAME over St. John's. I really liked this St. John's team before the season started and had them picked to finish 4th in the BIG EAST behind Notre Dame, UConn and Louisville. OK, the Louisville pick was a bit off. The bubble finally bursts for Kim Barnes Arico's squad...though. The Irish handled them by 15 in Queens. This one won't be as big of a Notre Dame win, let's say by six...and a fun one to watch. The Irish go back-to-back as tournament winners. 


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(You can get in the fun, too! Leave your picks in the comments section or e-mail them to CARDINAL COUPLE. We promise not to laugh and we'll laminate each one and use them as decorative wall-hangings. OK. We probably won't do that, but you can win a $ 25 PANERA or Wal Mart gift card. That's way cool and mas fina, amigos.) 


We've even attached a bracket below and will continue to do so the rest of the week and throughout the tournament, adding updates, so you can play along at home. 


WE'll be providing coverage each day...here from Louisville. Couldn't get clearance from the warden to go to Hartford this year. Just as well, they city council would probably frown on me and five or six chimps running a muck through the city streets of Hartford and the XL Center tossing banana peels in front of unsuspecting citizens, de-pantsing referees and BIG EAST officials and getting "POO-BAH" and "SHONI" chants started in restaurants, the arena and various big box stores in the area.  

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Danielle does some dancing...Softball skills camp moved to Weds.-Thurs.

WEDNESDAY WITH THE COUPLE:

-BIG EAST commish Danielle Donehew taps around

-UofL Softball Skills camp moved to Weds.-Thurs.

-Pasqualichio at field hockey Junior National camp

-Walz gets a slap on the wrist

They've trained her well. The art of explaining an issue without really providing a concrete or
helpful answer is one of the guidelines to being successful in any administrative situation.
Call it gobbledy-gook, dancing around the issues, much ado about nothing...Danielle Donehew, associate commissioner for BIG EAST women's basketball has been taking classes. 

Here are some classic answers from her on the questions surrounding the return to Hartford for BIG EAST women's hoops. 

Q: How was the decision made?
A: The decision is made by a vote of the conference athletic director's. And we thought Mo, Becky and Asia got together with a few players from the 15 other teams and slugged it out. (Watch out for the Georgetown girls...they trip people.) And, a Gibbs-slap to the back of the head for the 'Captain Obvious' answer.


Q: Is a majority vote the deciding factor in decisions like this?
A: I am not going to get into those things. Those are internal conference conversations. When we make a decision we are all behind it...whether it was unanimous or not.  (So...the final vote is 16-0 regardless of what the count was?
Sounds like voting in Kentucky counties back in the 1930's...when a jug of moonshine or plow mule dropped off on various porches or front yards got county judges re-elected.)

Q: Can dissenting votes block a decision?


Danielle Donehew is
the associate commish
for BIG EAST WBB.

 A: I don't want to get into the specifics of why we move forward or don't move forward. I appreciate your (the media) understanding that when we make a decision we make it as a united group. (In other words, you don't go against the 'family' or you end up taking a ride with Syl or Paulie. Somehow, I have a hard time seeing Tom Jurich or Julie Hermann goose-stepping past the grandstand...)

It gets better...

Q: Were other venues, like the Mohegan Sun Arena discussed?
A: We discussed multiple venues. We came to the decision that the XL Center was where we wanted to be. (And the gang from South Florida and Louisville led the acceptance parade, right?)

Alfred E.Newman, of MAD
magazine fame...

Q: On trying to find a neutral site for those coaches who favor that?
A: Women's basketball tournaments began on college campuses. As the game has progressed, we've seen some move off campus. some move to professional venues and cities that embrace events. But others are still on campuses. It's based on the desire of the membership and what seems to fit best. And in two years, we will conduct another process and make another decision. We have some coaches in our league that are committed to the conference and direction we need to head. Some have their own opinions, which is fine. But the key is to discuss as a family what's best and all come together and support the decision that is made. The XL Center has proven a great host. We've had better attendance than any other conference in the country. It's hard to argue with that truth. Coming back here was a good move for the conference. (And in this family, Connecticut is the stern father of 15 kids who can't talk back.)

One of the happy children in the BIG EAST family.

For example, consider this statement by one of the oldest daughters in Family BIG EAST, Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw:

"We would really like to get out of Hartford. A neutral site would be great."

Yep, nothing but solidarity and unity in this family...

It's pretty clear to us that some elements in the BIG EAST would prefer that the fan base in the conference know nothing about the process. And, why should we? After all, all we fans do is attend the games, cheer for the players and bumble along like sheep being led to the shearer's table. We don't need to understand, right?....because this big family has all our best interests in mind and all we need to do is just hand over money, keep our mouths shut and fall in-step with the parade. We would love to hear from the other 15 schools in the BIG EAST besides Connecticut and see how they feel about this "family" concept...but, you see, that isn't necessary...because the family has spoken and it is final. So fans are red-headed step-children? Maybe...

The Walton's? Probably not. The Sopranos? There you go...

The family that plays together stays together, right? No matter how dysfunctional it is...and what game is being played. In this case, it's a rip-roaring game of Family Feud.

Here's a little quiz for your Wednesday morning. Where was the last place (besides Hartford) that the BIG EAST women's tournament was held?


A) Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
B) Madison Square Garden, N.Y., N.Y.
C) Louis Brown Athletic Center, Piscataway, NJ.
D) The Palestra, Philadelphia, PA

C is the correct answer. The RAC...for two straight years..in 2002, 2003. And how many years did host Rutgers win it while there? 

Zero.

This thing isn't about how great the XL Center is. They were holding the tournament in tiny Gampel Pavillion for most of the 1990's and 2000 and 2001. It's a Connecticut love affair.



Our choice for Santa at the BIG EAST
women's basketball Christmas party...

 Nevertheless..it's good to know that UofL women's basketball is part of such a big family. I wonder what they'll get for Christmas? And, which family member will play Santa Claus at the family Christmas party? We're voting for Quentin Hillsman...Syracuse head coach. (see right)

One big, happy family...that lives in sixteen different cities but always manages to return to Hartford and re-unite in the XL Center once a year for a family reunion. Time to change the venue...maybe by 2020? (If there's a BIG EAST around by then...) 

See you at Vito's By The Park in March.

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The water main break on the University of Louisville campus Monday night has forced the University of Louisville Softball Skills camp to begin Wednesday instead of the originally planned Tuesday start. Same hours, same excellent tutelage. Based on the way things looked on Floyd Street on Monday night, the rowing team could have had a skills camp on campus.

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The University of Louisville's Dominique Pasqualichio is attending the Junior National Camp at Old Dominion University and Cardinal head coach Justine Sowry is coaching at the camp, which serves as a tryout for the 2012 U21, U19 and U17 junior national squads.

Pasqualichio,  a defender from Plymouth, PA. red shirted as a freshman at UofL last season.

Louisville will have 18 games and one scrimmage this year in field hockey and the season gets underway August 19th. at Iowa. The Cards have nine home games scheduled at Trager Field for the 2011 season.

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And, in the "it took them this long to decide on this?" category...

Coach can almost clear scorer's
tables with his vertical in addition
to be able to deliver kicks to them.

Louisville head women's basketball coach Jeff Walz has been reprimanded by the NCAA for violating tournament policy during this year's women's basketball championship against Gonzaga.

NCAA officials (google "village idiots" for a description) say that Walz used profane and abusive language toward game officials, people seated at the scorer's table and on the team bench. (Which bench they didn't make clear...) 

He's also accused of kicking the scorer's table during the contest.

(They dropped the charges of plotting to advance to the Great Eight, conduct unbecoming the best coach in college basketball and conspiracy to defeat Gonzaga on their home court in an NCAA game.) 

And, it's disco night at the Waco
Bar and Grill...

They nailed Baylor coach Kim "Monkey" Mulkey with a reprimand also. She wanted to suit up and play in the second half. Seems the NCAA was upset about her remarks concerning the bracketing process for the 2011 Tournament, which had them matching up against Texas A&M for the 4th time during the season.  

The NCAA says that the behavior of both coaches discredits them and tarnishes the championship...so says Marilyn McNeil, who is the chair of Division I women basketball and also vice president and director of athletics at Monmouth University.

The NCAA also withheld both coaches per diem allowance for the tournament. Neither coach will probably have to worry about filing Chapter 11...if it gets too bad for Coach Walz, we can lend him a $20. We've lent considerably more to people we like less and haven't seen a penny of it back. Maybe we should frequent 12 Mile Island more often. Or contact some close family friends...And...just how much is a per diem? And what does per diem have to do with tarnish? Maybe the NCAA should have just made Coach Walz listen to Ozzy Osbourne's Flying High Again on Diary of a Madman CD.

OK, then...

Funny, but neither Gary Blair or Muffet McGraw complained of any tarnish and they were the coaches in the championship game. Somehow, I doubt the viewers watching the NCAA 2011 women's basketball championship game were filled with fear and trepidation...wary that Mulkey might get a hold of a microphone or Walz would pop out of the stands and kick a table while cursing.

Walz is out on the road watching future college stars currently and we didn't want to disturb him with a comment on something so trivial and inane. Cardinals football coach Charlie Strong is impressed with Walz's leg, though...and is considering offering him a walk-on role as the Cards place-kicking specialist.

Mulkey is probably out on the road right now. We're not sure why complaining about having to play the same team four times is "tarnishing." Her hairstyle...now that's worth chipping in for a little extra per diem...just to get her out of Floyd the Barber's chair...


We did talk to William Frawley, though...at Walmart this afternoon (who has no idea who either are) and he commented...

"What they really ought to do is take a look at their own vague, nebulous and ridiculous policies and spend a little time doing that instead of busting up a couple of coaches four months after the fact. For pete's sake...if it took me that long to make a decision in my business...I'd be out of business and selling bottled water on Central Avenue during Derby Week."

We went back and watched parts of the replay of the Gonzaga/Louisville game. (as painful as that was to do).

Yup. Coach was a bit disturbed.. The Cards also came back from a 20 point deficit to cut it to three with three minutes left. Without their leading scorer. Guessing it just might be worth a slap on the wrist...and a bit of tarnish. Hold the relish.
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No surprise here, XL Center to get BIG EAST WBB Tourney for multi-year deal.

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-XL Center gets the BIG EAST Women's Tournament

-UofL under water.

-UofL adds another Cardinal Caravan

The BIG EAST will announce Tuesday around 1 p.m. or so that the XL Center in Hartford, CT. will host the 2012 BIG EAST Women's basketball tournament in 2012 and beyond. A multi-year deal has been reached.


BIG EAST returns to the XL Center
for 2012 and beyond.



And this surprises you?

It's been there since 2004, after all. The parties involved were anxious to make a multi-year deal with someone, somewhere after the current contract expired. A venue that came up beside the XL Center were Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, also in Connecticut. That one was shot down by a few university presidents...allegedly because of "philosophical reasons". Never mind that Mohegan Sun offered to supply their arena (where the WNBA's Connecticut Sun play) at no charge and also has thousands of free parking spots...unlike the gougers around the XL Center.

You can also rest assured that the XL didn't offer their facility "on the house" to BIG EAST officials. We must not allow BIG EAST Tournament attendees and fans the option of rolling a few dice or playing blackjack after watching 12 hours of basketball, after all.

Another idea, obviously popular amongst Louisville fans, was to hold the tournament at the KFC YUM! Center in downtown Louisville. That one had about as much chance making it past the folks in Providence, Villanova and Seton Hall as a Ford Escort has winning a NASCAR event. And, the fans just might find their way to Turfway Park or Churchill Downs simulcasting facility after the games...or the Horseshoe Casino in New Albany. But, to borrow a line from Judge Smells in the movie CADDYSHACK..."there is no gambling at Bushwood, sir". Or the BIG EAST Tournament either, apparantly. I wonder if Kentucky State Senator and gubernatorial candidate David Williams is behind this, somehow?

Someday they may move the tournament to another location.

(When pigs fly, monkeys jump out of my ears and John and George join Ringo and Paul on stage for a Beatles reunion.)

The Geno Invitational breathes again. UConn has a top women's basketball program year in and year out. Do they really need the BIG EAST Tournament in their back yard every year? I hear that there are pretty nice facilities and St. Louis, Detroit and Boston where people can play basketball. Isn't it time to try a neutral court?

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CARDINAL COUPLE reader Danny Smythe likes to ride his bicycle from Schnitzelburg to the UofL Belknap Campus each evening after work. He was greeted with a major surprise Monday evening when a huge water-main break flooded a large portion of the campus. As he describes it:

A major water-main break had this UofL parking lot
on Floyd submerged.

"Floyd and Warnock...down by the McDonalds restaurant...is a lake. I thought the Ralph Wright Natorium had sprung a leak at first. That area near the softball stadium on Floyd...same deal."

The pipe burst around 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, according to Metropolitan Sewer District workers, and has affected a wide swath of businesses in the area...even stretching to the downtown area of Louisville, where 100's of businesses had little or no water pressure.

A boil-water alert is in effect for Louisville Water Company customers in the areas west of Bardstown and Baxter roads, west to Ninth Street, north to the Ohio River and south to the Watterson Expressway.

Greg Heitzman, president of Louisville Water Company, said the break happened at a "T" section of two 48 inch pipes near Eastern Parkway. Officials were able to find the break minutes after it occurred and began shutting off the valves feeding the break. The last of three large valves was closed shortly after 9 p.m., but officials said it would take six to twelve more hours to turn off smaller valves feeding the break.

"It's a heck of a thing, reminds me of when the river flooded back in the spring of 1997 and River Road and Adams Street were underwater." Smythe recalled. "Took forever to clean that mess up and it'll be the same with this."
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The University of Louisville will have one additional CARDINAL CARAVAN...to be held at Captain's Quarters...off River Rd....on Thursday, Aug 18th.

No word on start time yet or which coaches or players will attend the event.

The venue has been a popular spot for the CARDINAL CARAVANS each year and a good turnout shows up each year.

UofL not interested in WBB Big east tournament?...Mercedes Russell to visit Louisville?

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CARDINAL COUPLE: Tuesday Report

-BIG East says Cards not interested in 2012 Big East WBB Tournament...
OR ARE THEY?

-Class of 2013 Oregon hoopster Mercedes Russell to visit UofL?

-Unsportsmanlike conduct?

AND NOW....LADIES AND GENTLEMEN....PLEASE IGNORE THE EARLIER ARTICLE ABOUT
THE BIG EAST TOURNAMENT TODAY...BECAUSE THAT WASN'T WHAT THE BIG EAST MEANT TO SAY AND YOU DIDN'T READ ANYTHING, ANYWAY.

WE NOW RETURN YOUR TO YOUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING...  

****THIS UPDATE @ 7 P.M. Tuesday concerning the 2012 BIG EAST TOURNAMENT*****

OK, It isn't like it is breaking news or anything...but it looks like...BIG EAST associate commissioner for women's basketball Danielle Donehaw may have had to do a little tight-rope walking about her statements yesterday about the tourney. Or the Hartford Courant writer who reported the story was busy texting or doing mushrooms while she spoke. Here is the BIG EAST'S
LATEST, new and improved..with more nutrients and vitamins..approved by local moms and dads

BIG EAST associate women's basketball
commissioner Danielle poses with Hartford
 Johnnie? Some backpedalling and
serious monkey-business going on here..

version of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK...as Danielle fires a laser blast back in the direction of

Hartford:

"I didn't mean to send the message that a formal proposal is necessary from institutional venues that are interested in hosting our Women's Basketball Championship. The Louisville administration has consistently expressed interest in hosting the Conference Tournament. With the completion of the YUM CENTER  and Louisville's outstanding attendance, it is obviously a first-class women's basketball setting. The upcoming decisions for 2012 and beyond will be made by our member schools."

Alrighty, then! Looks like the Cards haven't been on double secret probation since the semester began and that UofL's administration has not fumbled on 4th and short (in this case). In fact, UofL's Julie Hermann..who knows a thing or two about administration and UofL women's sports...fired this missive off via Blackberry:

"Danielle has made an error in this (Monday's) communication. It's not true that we have not communicated our interest. Thx u for caring! Believe me if all we had to do to get this is put a BID in we'd had it. We r working on this opportunity! But it is a Herculean project conference wide right now."

After the Blackberry, she gave the raspberry to the dingleberry standing by the smoothie stand..who went bananas...

(We've also got an e-mail out to Julie requesting a explanation on UofL's position and stance on this issue. Let's hope they don't send Rocco, Rico, Brawner or Bronger out to deliver it personally...unless they intend on helping Paul cut the CARDINAL COUPLE lawn tomorrow...)

Here's how we see it...

This thing has been already decided and the teams are headed back to the XL for 2012. The BIG EAST is using all the right weasel words and glittering generalities to make it appear that it's going to be a "Herculean
project" but I'm guessing the XL has already been booked, bagged and reserved for the dates. This does not surprise us. We're guessing. also, that "Johnnie from Hartford" released something that wasn't meant for release. Let's "google" Danielle Donehew this time next year (just for fun) and see where she's working. This thing has about as much chance of ending up in Louisville as the next Space Shuttle.

Why all the fuzz about something so far away? It goes to show the rapidly growing fervor, interest and excitement about women's basketball at the University of Louisville. Jeff Walz and crew have a tiger by the tail right now and are riding the lightning bolt acros the vast women's college baskeball stratsophere. Hang on tight, passengers...

(see you in Hartford for the post season tourney, folks)

And now...back to the show...Bailiff, bring in the next defendant!

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(FROM EARLIER TODAY)

Reports are that Hartford has emerged as the leading contender for the 2012 BIG EAST Women's Basketball Tournament. The event has been held at the XL Center in Hartford since 2004. The BIG EAST has also officially ruled out two other potential sites...Mohegan Sun and the KFC YUM Center.

Associate BIG EAST commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference Women's Basketball released the following statement:

The XL Center has hosted the
BIG EAST Women's basketball
tournament since 2004.

"We've had some really good discussions with the XL Center and we're getting closer to making a decision. We're deep into the process and expect a decision in the next few weeks. The XL Center has been tremendous to us over the years and we can't thank them enough for what's happened in the past. Our presidents have talked to Mohegan Sun and there is not support at this time. I'm getting flooded with emails from Louisville's fans telling me how much they would love the tournament to be there but the administration (of the university) hasn't contacted us with a formal proposal."   

Really?

WE would like to hear some reasons why UofL isn't interested in the event. Strictly off the record, we're hearing that it might interfere with final regular season home game(s) for the men's team. We've also heard that there may be concerns on how well the event would draw in Louisville in the games that Lady Cards weren't playing in. 

WE realize that Hartford is a lot closer to some of women's basketball programs in the BIG EAST than Louisville is. WE also understand that UConn fans support the event well up there. WE just can't understand why Louisville isn't willing to make an offer and see how it goes. A pretty large basketball arena is still located over at the Fairgrounds...maybe a game or two of the WBB Tournament could be moved over there if a conflict were to arise. The KFC YUM! Center is hosting second and third round men's NCAA Tournament games...but these are scheduled for at least a week after the BIG EAST women's championship game.

It needs to be pursued. Certainly Louisville, Cincinnati, TCU, DePaul, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh, WVU and South Florida wouldn't object to a shorter trip, would they? Once again, the east coast clique rules...let's not upset Villanova, Seton Hall, Providence, Rutgers, St. John's, Georgetown  Syracuse or the mighty UConn...shall we?

Give it a shot, Mr.Jurich. If not this upcoming year, then maybe for 2013. After all, the rear view mirror may be cleaner than the windshield...but the view is strictly limited to the past. IS there an official response coming from UofL's administration?

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Mercedes Russell is 6'5" and may not be
finished growing yet...

Is sophomore sensation Mercedes Russell headed to Louisville for a look-see? Considered one of the best players in the girls 2013 class, the 6'5" post from Springfield, Oregon has been drawing considerable attention for the last couple of years. Rumors out on the vast world of the Internet that claim she'll may be on campus June 20-21st. This would be a dead period for college coaches recruiting players off campus but the NCAA Rules are a bit vague on whether a coach can talk or visit to a player who comes onto campus. We know the coaches can't officially comment on her or any other recruit until a

letter of intent is received.

We expect she'd have a lot to see here even if Walz and crew weren't allowed to have any direct or phone contact with her. We're guessing maybe some sort of host system is in place for this and she and her parents or whoever accompanies her on this rumored visit could check out Cardinal Arena, the KFC YUM Center and other campus and local attractions. Maybe she go one-on-one in a game of hoops against Cierra Warren or try and block a rapid-fire Becky Burke three.

We've had no official word on whether the amazon Oregonian is officially coming or not...but if anyone sees a 6'5" girl getting out of a car with Oregon plates at McDonald's or White Castle near campus...let us know. Is it just Internet chatter or another possible intrigue factor for the 2013 class?

(THANKS to CARDINAL COUPLE READER JENNY..whose e-mails prompted the ideas for today's top two articles.)
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Ulmer Stadium is where the Louisville softball team plays
their home games. High school softball uses the place, too.

WE like J-Bone (Jared Stillman) over at the University of Louisville. He does a lot of good things for Cardinal Women's Sports...including public address announcer duties for Cardinal softball. He's also the

"man in the stands" at UofL women's and men's games doing interviews and contests.

WE can't understand the recent slams and pounding he's been getting at another Cardinal Sports site.

The esteemed and knowledgeable Howie Lindsey of Cardinal Sports comments on the critical treatment of J-Bone's "in the stands' segments:

"He is a good kid. Unless it was somebody famous already, people would hate whoever handles that microphone."

And Lindsey would know...having handled numerous Cardinal Athletic function public address duties. Our CARDINAL COUPLE'S Paul was friends with a couple of deceased but great P.A. announcers at UofL....John Tong and Jack Tennant. One thing Jack told Paul years ago still rings true. "Be yourself when you're relaying information." We're pretty sure that's what Jared is trying to do and that takes a lot of courage and guts to do.

Cut the J-Bone some slack, readers and commenters over at Rutherford's site.  (As if you could do any better?)

We'll admit it, we like to do parodies and have fun here at CARDINAL COUPLE and will always continue to do so. These attacks over at CARD CHRONICLE on the "J-Bone" in the comments section seem a little too mean-spirited, to us...though.
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