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1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

http://www.theday.com/eng/web/news/re.aspx?re=6DCAFA8D-122E-4585-A95B-2C92285B1BA5
Quote: By VICKIE FULKERSON
Scholastic Sports Editor, UCONN Women's Basketball
Published on 10/29/2004
[the following are excerpts from original article]
UConn Still Picked To Rule The Big East
Coaches vote Huskies tops even with Taurasi departed

Newark, N.J. — One day, the Boston Red Sox obliterated the ghost of the Bambino.

The next, Big East Conference coaches discussed the ghost of Diana Taurasi — aka the Chino Bambino — and what effect, exactly, it would have on the three-time defending national champion UConn wom-en's basketball program.

“They have a realistic chance to win the national championship again,” Villanova coach Harry Perretta said. “They're still the best team in the league. I know people don't like to hear it, but just because they're younger, they're still talented. They have the best players and the best coach. What can I tell you?”

Taurasi_Chick04 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Palm Bay, Florida

Thanks for the link!

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/10040497.htm
Quote: Three-time defending national champ UConn picked in Big East
Posted on Thu, Oct. 28, 2004
TOM CANAVAN
Associated Press

If there was a mild surprise in the poll, the Huskies were not the unanimous choice in the survey released on Thursday at the league's annual media day.

Notre Dame and conference preseason player of the year Jacqueline Batteast got two of the 12 first-place votes from the coaches who are not allowed to vote for their own teams.

The Huskies have a veteran front court with Barbara Turner, Ann Strother and Jessica Moore, but the backcourt will be new with Taurasi and point guard Maria Conlon gone. Charde Houston, the San Diego product who has been selected the preseason freshman of the year, is expected to get one of the guard spots, but the point is open, with freshman Mel Thomas of Cincinnati a potential candidate.

The Big East has produced the NCAA tournament champion the last five seasons, with Connecticut winning four crowns and Notre Dame one.

Notre Dame (21-11) returns four starters from a team that reached the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament.

Besides Batteast, who averaged 16 points and 8.6 rebounds, guard Megan Duffy, forward Courtney LaVere and center Teresa Borton are all back for coach Muffet McGraw.

"We have the talent to have a very special season," Batteast said. "We got them (Connecticut) last year, and we are looking forward to playing them again twice this year. Even though Diana is not there, it will still be a challenge. They still have a great team."

Boston College, which is expected to join the ACC next season, was picked to finish third in the preseason poll. It was followed by Rutgers, Villanova, West Virginia, Seton Hall, St. John's, Syracuse, Georgetown, Pittsburgh and Providence.

"I think there are a lot more good teams with many more good players, so each game gets more difficult," Seton Hall coach Phyllis Mangina said. "You are not going to find a UConn team and Notre Dame just beating people by 20 and 25 points."

Eight Big East teams played in the NCAA tournament last season.

Villanova coach Harry Perretta isn't sure the Big East will be able to match that this season with Miami and Virginia Tech now playing in the ACC.

"Are the teams that were below them ready to move up? I'm not sure," Perretta said. "I think they are getting better, but you don't build a program in a year, so I don't know if that is a realistic goal.

The Big East will expand next season with Cincinnati, DePaul, Louisville, Marquette and South Florida joining the league.