My contributors have been deeply engaged in the NCAA tournament, and many have questions about what they’ve witnessed.
Dave is still puzzled over the Lady Vols’ decision to part ways with Kellie Harper. Meanwhile, Colorado Mark and James are wondering when college basketball became so physically intense.
Dave’s Take: I’ve never understood why Tennessee fired Kellie Harper. I’d bet that five years from now, Kim Caldwell’s record won’t be much better—but I hope I’m wrong. It’s frustrating, but time will tell. Missouri landed a good coach in Harper, and she’s one of our VFLs.
My Response: I’d take that bet in a second.
Harper was a beloved former Lady Vol, much like her predecessor, Holly Warlick. However, both struggled to win at a school with a storied history in women’s basketball.
On the bright side, Lady Vols fans should be encouraged by how well Caldwell has recruited both transfers and high school prospects in her first year.
Harper has found success coaching at mid-major programs, but she was let go by both NC State and Tennessee. Missouri will be a tough challenge.
Joe’s Take: I read your article on Coach Caldwell from February 19, 2025. It was quite complimentary, so I admit I was wrong in my earlier criticism. My comment about Hartford, CT, was a knee-jerk reaction to your prediction of an early Lady Vols exit and UConn’s winning tradition since the Pat Summitt era.
I didn’t attend UT, but I’ve been a passionate supporter of its sports programs since the days of Johnny Majors and Pat Summitt. So when a writer appears to unfairly criticize the team, I’m not afraid to speak up. Was my reaction over the top? Maybe.
My Response: I welcome overreactions. Never hesitate to criticize me or fellow emailers—fact-based or not.
Terry’s Take: I agree that our Vols will face Houston, and I believe we’ll reach the Final Four. As for Joe, maybe he confused Hartford, Tennessee, with Hartford, Connecticut—possibly after a white-water rafting head injury off I-40. He seems permanently stuck in concussion protocol.
My Response: I once had a flat tire that forced me to spend an afternoon in Hartford, Tennessee. I prefer it over Hartford, Connecticut—despite my car being out of commission.
Colorado Mark’s Take: SEC basketball feels like a mix of football, rugby, and, occasionally, actual basketball. Players push, shove, and bulldoze their way to the hoop without drawing a charge or foul.
Meanwhile, teams in smaller conferences still play real basketball. Somewhere, Bob Knight is probably shaking his head—or looking for a folding chair.
My Response: Maybe you’ve gone soft from being away from SEC country too long.
The SEC is, first and foremost, a football conference. Credit the league for extending the football season into early April.
If you’ve ever played pickup basketball, you’ve likely heard, “No blood, no foul.” I’ve seen two SEC games this season where players left the court bleeding—yet no foul was called.
By the way, I preferred the original Rollerball (1975) over Roller Derby. Congrats on being the first contributor to use “amalgamation” in a sentence.
James’ Take: Watching the tournament, I can’t figure out what’s happened to basketball.
A ball handler shoves a defender in the chest to make space for a pass (no foul). The center bulldozes his defender backward—twice (no foul).
Then, the defender stands tall with arms raised, and the center jumps into him. The defender barely grazes his elbow with a pinky finger. Foul. Two shots. Explain this to me.
My Response: College basketball is evolving. Those in charge—especially TV executives—seem to prefer a more physical game.
More contact means more injuries and game stoppages, which lead to—you guessed it—more commercial breaks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see injury tents set up behind the benches, with stretchers on standby.
As for the so-called “pinky finger fouls,” they exist to create the illusion that officials have control of the game.
