[81alum]

Colorado turning this into a rugby match and the refs giving them all the calls. Ugh.

We need to get by UCLA first, but I really hope WSU takes out Colorado.  I hate playing Colorado, I hate the style of basketball they promote, I hate the risk of injury they create, and I hate the way their maul ball forces refs to back down or make the action grind to a halt.  Yet, it seems to be effective for them.

I would much rather have had a rematch with Utah than one with Colorado.  Let's hope we beat UCLA so we can worry about such things.

[81alum]

Colorado turning this into a rugby match and the refs giving them all the calls. Ugh.

We need to get by UCLA first, but I really hope WSU takes out Colorado.  I hate playing Colorado, I hate the style of basketball they promote, I hate the risk of injury they create, and I hate the way their maul ball forces refs to back down or make the action grind to a halt.  Yet, it seems to be effective for them.

I would much rather have had a rematch with Utah than one with Colorado.  Let's hope we beat UCLA so we can worry about such things.

[WBB fan]

I know that many enjoy Vegas, but I'm not among them as a place for the tournament. Vegas just does not care. The two local papers this am, absolutely nothing re the tournament as far as I could find. Maybe I missed it, but I looked twice. In the meantime, the Chron women's sports writer is here and there's a front page feature article re yesterday's game and as well as an article on the Cal game.
I understand the other team objections to San Jose, but they did a terrific job, and the event was not an afterthought. Seattle was also a great place. Hope we can go back to one those places some day ,or at least a locale that cares about this wonderful event.

[WBB fan]

I know that many enjoy Vegas, but I'm not among them as a place for the tournament. Vegas just does not care. The two local papers this am, absolutely nothing re the tournament as far as I could find. Maybe I missed it, but I looked twice. In the meantime, the Chron women's sports writer is here and there's a front page feature article re yesterday's game and as well as an article on the Cal game.
I understand the other team objections to San Jose, but they did a terrific job, and the event was not an afterthought. Seattle was also a great place. Hope we can go back to one those places some day ,or at least a locale that cares about this wonderful event.

[Mudhead]

I know that many enjoy Vegas, but I'm not among them as a place for the tournament. Vegas just does not care. The two local papers this am, absolutely nothing re the tournament as far as I could find. Maybe I missed it, but I looked twice. In the meantime, the Chron women's sports writer is here and there's a front page feature article re yesterday's game and as well as an article on the Cal game.
I understand the other team objections to San Jose, but they did a terrific job, and the event was not an afterthought. Seattle was also a great place. Hope we can go back to one those places some day ,or at least a locale that cares about this wonderful event.

All good points and fairly put but I have a different take.  I think it’s nice to have local support but what really counts is TV and a good crowd.  If you aren’t in commuting distance , a trip to the Tournament is most of the week with a one day open time and lots of spare time. Spending a week in San Jose sounds like a W.C. Fields punch line.  Seattle was once a great city to visit but now is more of a “ go to the Arena and get back out “ kind of a deal.  

San Diego or San Francisco or Anaheim are all good venues. Las Vegas by far the best. Wide choice of hotels including those close to the Arena.  It is  easy to get to the Arena by relatively inexpensive Cabs if you can’t walk there . A good, well sizes arena.  And no shortage of things to do. 

Viva Las Vegas!

[Mudhead]

I know that many enjoy Vegas, but I'm not among them as a place for the tournament. Vegas just does not care. The two local papers this am, absolutely nothing re the tournament as far as I could find. Maybe I missed it, but I looked twice. In the meantime, the Chron women's sports writer is here and there's a front page feature article re yesterday's game and as well as an article on the Cal game.
I understand the other team objections to San Jose, but they did a terrific job, and the event was not an afterthought. Seattle was also a great place. Hope we can go back to one those places some day ,or at least a locale that cares about this wonderful event.

All good points and fairly put but I have a different take.  I think it’s nice to have local support but what really counts is TV and a good crowd.  If you aren’t in commuting distance , a trip to the Tournament is most of the week with a one day open time and lots of spare time. Spending a week in San Jose sounds like a W.C. Fields punch line.  Seattle was once a great city to visit but now is more of a “ go to the Arena and get back out “ kind of a deal.  

San Diego or San Francisco or Anaheim are all good venues. Las Vegas by far the best. Wide choice of hotels including those close to the Arena.  It is  easy to get to the Arena by relatively inexpensive Cabs if you can’t walk there . A good, well sizes arena.  And no shortage of things to do. 

Viva Las Vegas!

[WBB fan]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

[WBB fan]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

[81alum]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

Exactly.  I have never set foot in Las Vegas, and it is about 1,372nd on my bucket list of things to do.

I also wonder how the departure of the SoCal schools will affect the choice.  With no local schools from LA, maybe that becomes an attractive venue? Wouldn't it be fun to dance in USC's and UCLA's backyards while they are off to the their tournament in....Minneapolis?

San Diego would also be a fine choice, although the neutrality of that site might be compromised if SDSU joins the PacXX.

[81alum]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

Exactly.  I have never set foot in Las Vegas, and it is about 1,372nd on my bucket list of things to do.

I also wonder how the departure of the SoCal schools will affect the choice.  With no local schools from LA, maybe that becomes an attractive venue? Wouldn't it be fun to dance in USC's and UCLA's backyards while they are off to the their tournament in....Minneapolis?

San Diego would also be a fine choice, although the neutrality of that site might be compromised if SDSU joins the PacXX.

[BobK]

I’m missing my first tournament in 8 years or so. Went to everyone in SJ several in Seattle all in Las Vegas until this year. Seattle is fun vegas great I always stayed in the tournament hotel
LA area I sure hope not I never ever when in LA

[BobK]

I’m missing my first tournament in 8 years or so. Went to everyone in SJ several in Seattle all in Las Vegas until this year. Seattle is fun vegas great I always stayed in the tournament hotel
LA area I sure hope not I never ever when in LA

[81alum]

I've been mulling over the effects of transfers on the teams in the Pac 12 tournament.

UCLA has Dugalic but she has not been playing this year.  UCLA is playing with home-grown talent.  Young talent, mostly.  They are going to get better in the years ahead.

WSU is also playing without a bunch of transfer stars.

And of course we are playing with no transfers. 

Only Colorado is left who has played the transfer lottery.   They are making extensive use of Vonleh from Arizona as their inside presence.  They also have Jones from Georgetown, Sadler and Quay Miller from Washington, critical players on their team.    Another reason for me to dislike them.

And to be pleased that the other transfer-dependent schools have lost, like USC, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.  

Call me petty, but I would like to see all the mercenary schools lose to all the "grow your own talent" schools.

[81alum]

I've been mulling over the effects of transfers on the teams in the Pac 12 tournament.

UCLA has Dugalic but she has not been playing this year.  UCLA is playing with home-grown talent.  Young talent, mostly.  They are going to get better in the years ahead.

WSU is also playing without a bunch of transfer stars.

And of course we are playing with no transfers. 

Only Colorado is left who has played the transfer lottery.   They are making extensive use of Vonleh from Arizona as their inside presence.  They also have Jones from Georgetown, Sadler and Quay Miller from Washington, critical players on their team.    Another reason for me to dislike them.

And to be pleased that the other transfer-dependent schools have lost, like USC, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.  

Call me petty, but I would like to see all the mercenary schools lose to all the "grow your own talent" schools.

[JohnR34231]

I've been mulling over the effects of transfers on the teams in the Pac 12 tournament.

UCLA has Dugalic but she has not been playing this year.  UCLA is playing with home-grown talent.  Young talent, mostly.  They are going to get better in the years ahead.

WSU is also playing without a bunch of transfer stars.

And of course we are playing with no transfers. 

Only Colorado is left who has played the transfer lottery.   They are making extensive use of Vonleh from Arizona as their inside presence.  They also have Jones from Georgetown, Sadler and Quay Miller from Washington, critical players on their team.    Another reason for me to dislike them.

And to be pleased that the other transfer-dependent schools have lost, like USC, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.  

Call me petty, but I would like to see all the mercenary schools lose to all the "grow your own talent" schools.

Tough for us to complain too much about Colorado getting transfers because we have taken away so much of their home grown talent.

[JohnR34231]

I've been mulling over the effects of transfers on the teams in the Pac 12 tournament.

UCLA has Dugalic but she has not been playing this year.  UCLA is playing with home-grown talent.  Young talent, mostly.  They are going to get better in the years ahead.

WSU is also playing without a bunch of transfer stars.

And of course we are playing with no transfers. 

Only Colorado is left who has played the transfer lottery.   They are making extensive use of Vonleh from Arizona as their inside presence.  They also have Jones from Georgetown, Sadler and Quay Miller from Washington, critical players on their team.    Another reason for me to dislike them.

And to be pleased that the other transfer-dependent schools have lost, like USC, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.  

Call me petty, but I would like to see all the mercenary schools lose to all the "grow your own talent" schools.

Tough for us to complain too much about Colorado getting transfers because we have taken away so much of their home grown talent.

[81alum]

Tough for us to complain too much about Colorado getting transfers because we have taken away so much of their home grown talent.

Entirely different issues.  Recruiting nationally is one thing, but carpetbagger players who flit from from school to school--and the coaches who welcome them--are different. 

For example, Colorado has players from California on its roster.  Vonleh originally is from Oregon, Gerber is from Arizona.  So Colorado has not been averse to "poaching" in the backyards of other Pac 12 schools any less than we have.  And I'm ok with that--give student athletes the choice as to where they wish to commit, based on their evaluation of the academic and basketball opportunities.  And require the schools to give the students a 4 year scholarship commitment, as the Pac 12 does.

But I do think it is better for the programs and better for the academic well being of the student-athletes that they should learn how to keep their commitments, and that some decisions they make--even as young people--carry responsibilities and consequences.  I prefer programs who encourage that kind of 4 year stability and commitment.

[81alum]

Tough for us to complain too much about Colorado getting transfers because we have taken away so much of their home grown talent.

Entirely different issues.  Recruiting nationally is one thing, but carpetbagger players who flit from from school to school--and the coaches who welcome them--are different. 

For example, Colorado has players from California on its roster.  Vonleh originally is from Oregon, Gerber is from Arizona.  So Colorado has not been averse to "poaching" in the backyards of other Pac 12 schools any less than we have.  And I'm ok with that--give student athletes the choice as to where they wish to commit, based on their evaluation of the academic and basketball opportunities.  And require the schools to give the students a 4 year scholarship commitment, as the Pac 12 does.

But I do think it is better for the programs and better for the academic well being of the student-athletes that they should learn how to keep their commitments, and that some decisions they make--even as young people--carry responsibilities and consequences.  I prefer programs who encourage that kind of 4 year stability and commitment.

[qwerty49]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I generally don’t care for Vegas but those of you who are there should definitely check out Area 15. Specifically, the Omega Mart experience there. You enter what looks like a glorified 7-11. Let’s just say there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Do check it out!

[qwerty49]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I generally don’t care for Vegas but those of you who are there should definitely check out Area 15. Specifically, the Omega Mart experience there. You enter what looks like a glorified 7-11. Let’s just say there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Do check it out!

[mbdude]

Good for WSU.  They played a great game.  Clearly, that loss will cost UT a #1 seed in the NCAA.  If they had made the final in this tourney they might have held on to that #1 seed.

Now, because they won't be playing a top 5 ranked opponent in the finals, if Stanford loses in the semi-final or final they could lose their #1 seed in the NCAA tourney.

Maryland takes Utah's spot in latest bracketology

[mbdude]

Good for WSU.  They played a great game.  Clearly, that loss will cost UT a #1 seed in the NCAA.  If they had made the final in this tourney they might have held on to that #1 seed.

Now, because they won't be playing a top 5 ranked opponent in the finals, if Stanford loses in the semi-final or final they could lose their #1 seed in the NCAA tourney.

Maryland takes Utah's spot in latest bracketology

[Card10Fan]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

[Card10Fan]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

[qwerty49]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I generally don’t care for Vegas but those of you who are there should definitely check out Area 15. Specifically, the Omega Mart experience there. You enter what looks like a glorified 7-11. Let’s just say there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Do check it out!

[qwerty49]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I generally don’t care for Vegas but those of you who are there should definitely check out Area 15. Specifically, the Omega Mart experience there. You enter what looks like a glorified 7-11. Let’s just say there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Do check it out!

[cardcrimson]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large  following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

My industry has a very large annual trade show, with the rotation of Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, and Vegas. Vegas is far and away the most convenient; great transportation, lots of hotels near the convention center, reasonable prices. Chicago and Atlanta are awful places for large shows, especially as it's typically the last week of January or the first week of February.

One thing I miss about Vegas today, is the sound of coins hitting the slot machine trays. Just doesn't feel like Vegas, and I don't really gamble. . ..

[cardcrimson]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large  following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

My industry has a very large annual trade show, with the rotation of Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, and Vegas. Vegas is far and away the most convenient; great transportation, lots of hotels near the convention center, reasonable prices. Chicago and Atlanta are awful places for large shows, especially as it's typically the last week of January or the first week of February.

One thing I miss about Vegas today, is the sound of coins hitting the slot machine trays. Just doesn't feel like Vegas, and I don't really gamble. . ..

[2006alum]

I think some transfers are more understandable/sympathetic than others. Pili and Miller, for example, left schools that got different coaches than the ones who recruited them. And I don't think it's crazy to seek a chance of scenery if things don't work out the first time (for instance Pili never really seemed to find her groove at U$C despite being a top recruit in her class). Brooke Smith fell in that camp for us. 

But I generally agree that a transfer should be the exception and not the rule. That said, it's a brave new world, so might as well get used to it...

[2006alum]

I think some transfers are more understandable/sympathetic than others. Pili and Miller, for example, left schools that got different coaches than the ones who recruited them. And I don't think it's crazy to seek a chance of scenery if things don't work out the first time (for instance Pili never really seemed to find her groove at U$C despite being a top recruit in her class). Brooke Smith fell in that camp for us. 

But I generally agree that a transfer should be the exception and not the rule. That said, it's a brave new world, so might as well get used to it...

[CompSci87]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large  following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

One data point: I was thinking of traveling this year, but skipped it partly because gambling and glitz leave me cold, so I wasn't interested in being in Vegas.

[CompSci87]

All good points on your part, but re good crowd, I'm pretty sure there were better crowds in both Seattle and San Jose. As for things to do, agree re San Jose. But not re Seattle. There's far more to do there for me than in Vegas. It's a matter of taste.

I’m all for Vegas. Easy location for teams and fans to get to. Abundance of hotels and arenas. Weather is typically decent. There are entertainment options.  

How many fans actually travel to these events? I don’t know that I’d say Stanford ever has a large  following. Which fan bases travel the best and which travel the worst in everyone’s opinion?

One data point: I was thinking of traveling this year, but skipped it partly because gambling and glitz leave me cold, so I wasn't interested in being in Vegas.

[BobK]

My experience Oregon and Oregon State travel best. USC worse

[BobK]

My experience Oregon and Oregon State travel best. USC worse

[WBB fan]

WSU beating Colorado has saved me having to choose between two of my least favorite teams in the final. They aren't Stanford, but I can feel good cheering for them. What a scrappy team. Amazing tournament, with no top 4 seed in the final

[WBB fan]

WSU beating Colorado has saved me having to choose between two of my least favorite teams in the final. They aren't Stanford, but I can feel good cheering for them. What a scrappy team. Amazing tournament, with no top 4 seed in the final

[WBB fan]

Back to Vegas vs other locales. As I said, I'm not a fan of Vegas. Just reinforced tonight. Dinner as one of the highest rate restaurants in town, not giving you the name. So-so meal for $250 per person, before tax and tip. Service also so-so, and the total confusion figuring out the bill which for 9 people was more than $4000 including overpriced wine. Do I want to come back to this city? No. But will if forced to because the tournament is here. Unhappy all the way. And BTW, for someone of my tastes, there is far more to do in Seattle and even San Jose. Yep, even San Jose. Sorry Vegas fans, I'm not with you

[WBB fan]

Back to Vegas vs other locales. As I said, I'm not a fan of Vegas. Just reinforced tonight. Dinner as one of the highest rate restaurants in town, not giving you the name. So-so meal for $250 per person, before tax and tip. Service also so-so, and the total confusion figuring out the bill which for 9 people was more than $4000 including overpriced wine. Do I want to come back to this city? No. But will if forced to because the tournament is here. Unhappy all the way. And BTW, for someone of my tastes, there is far more to do in Seattle and even San Jose. Yep, even San Jose. Sorry Vegas fans, I'm not with you

[oldalum]

WSU up by 4 over UCLA with 37 seconds left -- Go Cougs!

[oldalum]

WSU up by 4 over UCLA with 37 seconds left -- Go Cougs!