Reader G.H. writes, “Thanks for analysis of Pittsburgh.”
Reader G.U. asks, “What’s the status on McGraw?”
John: I wish I knew. In this modern age of phony-secrecy, the U of M releases no info on the health of student athletes. I was hoping to see McGraw in action vs Georgie Tech, but she wasn’t. I think I saw her standing on the sidelines in a hoody and a knee brace, so you can draw your own conclusions from that.
I am skeptical that she will be in the lineup tomorrow vs Pittsburgh. I think we are stronger with a 100% McGraw at libero and Kilkelly at D.S., but Kilkelly at libero and Wenaas backfilling at D.S. has been decent.
Reader T.R. writes, “Good reviews as usual coach. Gophers and ncaa tourney most fun to watch and best sports action going by far. Related to the 6-2, I see the gophers main restriction is that their hitters are mainly that—hitters— just great power hitters especially with perfect sets (natl champs if Swenson was still setting) but are not great overall players that can win it all, with required defense, quickness, etc. 6-2 good if versatile hitters can slam most any set. But calm confidence in toughest spots gives the gophers a shot against any team. Have you applied yet for strib vb reporter job?
John: I am committed to retirement, and the Strib has Rachael Blount. Ms Blount apparently gets assigned to write about Gopher V-Ball because it’s a “chick-sport,” more than due to her knowledge of V-ball. I’m sure Ms Blount is a capable reporter, but her 3/22 story about the Gopher’s loss to Wisconsin the previous evening was shorter but almost word-for-word the same as a longer account on the Gopher website, except that Blount (probably good enough at math to recognize that 6-2 is more than 6) described the Gopher system vs the Badgers as a “4-2.” A “4-2,” of course, is the system we play at Geezer volleyball and is common to pick-up games at the Y.