Jim Foster doesn’t easily surrender to the temptation to throw tiny tantrums or unleash outsized displays of emotion.
It’s just one of many reasons his University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s basketball teams almost always play with such admirable poise and purpose. Befitting a 68-year-old Hall of Famer, Foster knows a little anger goes a long way, so best to use it wisely rather than widely.
UTC’s Moses Johnson heads for the goal as Florida’s Elif Portakal guards Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at McKenzie Arena.But having watched so many of his supposedly best players disappear both physically and mentally during Monday night’s 72-61 loss to No. 20 Florida inside the Mocs’ own McKenzie Arena, the coach boiled over. At least he steamed a bit.
“We have some people who don’t come to compete right away,” he said.
Of a seeming lack of focus by his team, Foster soon added, “Through the course of a game, you know (at least you should) who’s hurting you (from the other team). Yet every time she’s there it’s a surprise because there’s no communication. That’s a problem.”