Here is Nikki Caldwell, the head women’s basketball coach at LSU.  The Phoenix women will attempt to make her cry on Sunday.

Geeze, Nick...that's not nice.  Well...neither is sports.

Now, it's not personal.  I have nothing against Nikki Caldwell.  I don't know Nikki Caldwell.  She's merely the target of my competitive ire as the face of the LSU women's basketball program.

A lot is being made of the snub job (once again) by the selection committee as it pertains to UWGB.  I agree that I’m not sure what they must do to generate more respect come tournament time…and I’m not even talking about a nod based on past program success. I’m just talking this year.  A top 20 ranked team with a RPI of 21 nationally, riding a 24-game winning streak has to play at LSU (an “others receiving votes” team with a RPI of 34) in the opening round. 

Hmm.

So yeah, perhaps unfair…perhaps unjust…perhaps a legitimate cry of “FOUL!”  But I am not a fan of the victim status.  One of the most rewarding aspects of sports is that the game itself is the great equalizer.  Contests are not won nor lost through talk, speculation, and paper analysis.  

Nothing can be done to change that seed.  All that can be controlled is our reaction to it.  I’m proud of the entire coaching staff and the players who have chosen to grin and move forward.  Now, they must win...and that’s even tougher a task than turning the other cheek.

Go get ‘em Phoenix.  And, Nikki, I’m sorry.  I know you didn’t make the bracket.  You’re just doing your best to coach your best to achieve the best.  It’s not personal.  I’m just a fan of our GB women.