LV basketball program disbanded after disappointing loss!

[madtownvol]

Hey, if we are going to push panic buttons after a disappointing loss on the road, then let’s go all the way.

In hindsight, this loss and its dramatic reversal of fortune, is not all that complicated to explain.

I got a little worried when the LVs jumped out to a big lead but were playing sloppy with too many turnovers and scoring with lots of uncontested rebounds. ND slept walked the first quarter but it was inevitable that they would start playing better for the home crowd.

The LVs did not adjust very well when ND upped their intensity. When LV's points stopped coming easy, they started forcing and the failing is on the staff and the players.

The bigger concern is that ND exposed some weaknesses that are not likely to go away. The big adjustment the ND made was a sagging double team on our post—mostly Mercedes but also Green. When they did get the ball, they were swarmed and ND did a great job in not giving them space or opportunities to pass the ball back out. (Passing out of double teams needs to become an emphasis and that means that other players have to help out by being mobile rather than watching the horror show unfold).

If MR could step out and hit jumpers consistently from the 12 to 15 ft. range that could go a long way to negate this collapsing defense strategy and open up some driving lanes. By trying to force the ball into the post at all costs, the LVs played into ND’s hands (regardless of what Rebecca Lobo and Kara were saying about finding Mercedes).

Annie’s unwillingness to take a jump shot also played to ND's strategy. as they desperately wanted the LVs to force the ball into the paint to their awaiting defense set. Shannon Bobbitt (who is often compared to Annie) was successful because she could knock down 3s as well as drive the paint. As her game develops, Annie will have to add a jump shot threat.

Jamie did not have a good game and the team really needed her in the 4th quarter to be a steadying force. She also got caught in the trap of taking everything into the paint and ND' double teams.

Unfortunately, the LVs were not hitting the outside shots they took in the 4th quarter and in the end, they just melted down under the pressure.

And the LVs made their situation worse in 3 or 4 key situations where a player actually had a decent shot available in the paint but tried to make “one more” pass. You can be a little too unselfish or hesitant to seize the moment. Getting the up to the rim (with a least a chance to score or get the offensive board) is much better than creating a TO with forced pass

When ND got the lead, the LVs did not know what to do under those challenging circumstances (and that is the big blemish on Holly and staff).

However, coaches can’t waive a magic wand and suddenly change players orientations in the thick of the battle.

As with Texas A&M the question is what do they learn from this loss and what improvements they make. In the grand scheme, the next conference game against MSU is more crucial than ND.

 

[GetEmVols]

Hey, if we are going to push panic buttons after a disappointing loss on the road, then let’s go all the way.

In hindsight, this loss and its dramatic reversal of fortune, is not all that complicated to explain.

I got a little worried when the LVs jumped out to a big lead but were playing sloppy with too many turnovers and scoring with lots of uncontested rebounds. ND slept walked the first quarter but it was inevitable that they would start playing better for the home crowd.

The LVs did not adjust very well when ND upped their intensity. When LV's points stopped coming easy, they started forcing and the failing is on the staff and the players.

The bigger concern is that ND exposed some weaknesses that are not likely to go away. The big adjustment the ND made was a sagging double team on our post—mostly Mercedes but also Green. When they did get the ball, they were swarmed and ND did a great job in not giving them space or opportunities to pass the ball back out. (Passing out of double teams needs to become an emphasis and that means that other players have to help out by being mobile rather than watching the horror show unfold).

If MR could step out and hit jumpers consistently from the 12 to 15 ft. range that could go a long way to negate this collapsing defense strategy and open up some driving lanes. By trying to force the ball into the post at all costs, the LVs played into ND’s hands (regardless of what Rebecca Lobo and Kara were saying about finding Mercedes).

Annie’s unwillingness to take a jump shot also played to ND's strategy. as they desperately wanted the LVs to force the ball into the paint to their awaiting defense set. Shannon Bobbitt (who is often compared to Annie) was successful because she could knock down 3s as well as drive the paint. As her game develops, Annie will have to add a jump shot threat.

Jamie did not have a good game and the team really needed her in the 4th quarter to be a steadying force. She also got caught in the trap of taking everything into the paint and ND' double teams.

Unfortunately, the LVs were not hitting the outside shots they took in the 4th quarter and in the end, they just melted down under the pressure.

And the LVs made their situation worse in 3 or 4 key situations where a player actually had a decent shot available in the paint but tried to make “one more” pass. You can be a little too unselfish or hesitant to seize the moment. Getting the up to the rim (with a least a chance to score or get the offensive board) is much better than creating a TO with forced pass

When ND got the lead, the LVs did not know what to do under those challenging circumstances (and that is the big blemish on Holly and staff).

However, coaches can’t waive a magic wand and suddenly change players orientations in the thick of the battle.

As with Texas A&M the question is what do they learn from this loss and what improvements they make. In the grand scheme, the next conference game against MSU is more crucial than ND.

LVs didn't know what to do WAY before they lost the lead. Once ND made the small adjustment on the inside, Holly was never able to make adjustments. She said so her self at half time that she didn't know what was going on when it was clear as day.

 

[leejoek]

LVs didn't know what to do WAY before they lost the lead. Once ND made the small adjustment on the inside, Holly was never able to make adjustments. She said so her self at half time that she didn't know what was going on when it was clear as day.

At the half, Holly was saying that LADY VOLS were not throwing the ball to Russell. But that was not what ex-Georgia Cooach Andy Landers said.

We MUST stop the over-passing and the fear of shooting the ball.

 

[creekdipper]

It's not the program that needs disbanding.

 

[allenfan1]

Hey, if we are going to push panic buttons after a disappointing loss on the road, then let’s go all the way.

In hindsight, this loss and its dramatic reversal of fortune, is not all that complicated to explain.

I got a little worried when the LVs jumped out to a big lead but were playing sloppy with too many turnovers and scoring with lots of uncontested rebounds. ND slept walked the first quarter but it was inevitable that they would start playing better for the home crowd.

The LVs did not adjust very well when ND upped their intensity. When LV's points stopped coming easy, they started forcing and the failing is on the staff and the players.

The bigger concern is that ND exposed some weaknesses that are not likely to go away. The big adjustment the ND made was a sagging double team on our post—mostly Mercedes but also Green. When they did get the ball, they were swarmed and ND did a great job in not giving them space or opportunities to pass the ball back out. (Passing out of double teams needs to become an emphasis and that means that other players have to help out by being mobile rather than watching the horror show unfold).

If MR could step out and hit jumpers consistently from the 12 to 15 ft. range that could go a long way to negate this collapsing defense strategy and open up some driving lanes. By trying to force the ball into the post at all costs, the LVs played into ND’s hands (regardless of what Rebecca Lobo and Kara were saying about finding Mercedes).

Annie’s unwillingness to take a jump shot also played to ND's strategy. as they desperately wanted the LVs to force the ball into the paint to their awaiting defense set. Shannon Bobbitt (who is often compared to Annie) was successful because she could knock down 3s as well as drive the paint. As her game develops, Annie will have to add a jump shot threat.

Jamie did not have a good game and the team really needed her in the 4th quarter to be a steadying force. She also got caught in the trap of taking everything into the paint and ND' double teams.

Unfortunately, the LVs were not hitting the outside shots they took in the 4th quarter and in the end, they just melted down under the pressure.

And the LVs made their situation worse in 3 or 4 key situations where a player actually had a decent shot available in the paint but tried to make “one more” pass. You can be a little too unselfish or hesitant to seize the moment. Getting the up to the rim (with a least a chance to score or get the offensive board) is much better than creating a TO with forced pass

When ND got the lead, the LVs did not know what to do under those challenging circumstances (and that is the big blemish on Holly and staff).

However, coaches can’t waive a magic wand and suddenly change players orientations in the thick of the battle.

As with Texas A&M the question is what do they learn from this loss and what improvements they make. In the grand scheme, the next conference game against MSU is more crucial than ND.

The only wand that needs to be waved is the one to make that woman masquerading as a coach disappear

 

[dillyo51]

Think about this, ND scored more points in the 4th quarter, 34, than the LVs scored the entire 2nd half, 31. Let that sink in.

 

[ladyvosl23]

Holly did not say that she said they were being passive and not moving or cutting please read and andy couldnt beat holly his damn self.

 

[Volfan2012]

it was a great coaching move to sag the zone around Russell. This made us either have to take a jump shot or try to drive and with Russell in the post still along with three defenders the drive was almost eliminated. When teams do that the best counter move JMO is to pull Russell out of the post to around the free throw line to make space for drivers. Feed the ball to Russell and move left or right off her pass on cuts to the basket. If they decide not to come out and guard her rather have her taking a 12 to 15 footer and freeing up the lane than being in there and making the perimeter shot our only alternative.

 

[IPleadInsanity]

THE program was tier1, top 5 every year, perennial SEC Champion . THAT program was disbanded when Holly was crowned coach. Now we are a top 30 program and struggling to stay there. Just take ND off the schedule, Holly could not beat her with the college all star team.

 

[travis929]

THE program was tier1, top 5 every year, perennial SEC Champion . THAT program was disbanded when Holly was crowned coach. Now we are a top 30 program and struggling to stay there. Just take ND off the schedule, Holly could not beat her with the college all star team.

Holly beat her last year so...

We are a top 10 team this year and were #5 in the NCAA Selection Committee's top 16 release last night. A loss to the team just below us in those rankings, on the road, doesn't really hurt that (though a win would've helped). A win over Miss. State on Sunday would be big and is totally doable.

 

[Volfan2012]

Were a top ten team this season we have wins over two top ten teams and a third over a top 20 team. Were capable of playing with Notre Dame on any given day and would win as many as we lose. No way we would play that badly if we played them more than once. No way Notre Dame plays as badly as they did against Louisville again.
I wish we had them again in Knoxville but we don't not afraid to play them we can beat them if we play like were capable.

 

[teacherdean]

Hey, if we are going to push panic buttons after a disappointing loss on the road, then let’s go all the way.

In hindsight, this loss and its dramatic reversal of fortune, is not all that complicated to explain.

I got a little worried when the LVs jumped out to a big lead but were playing sloppy with too many turnovers and scoring with lots of uncontested rebounds. ND slept walked the first quarter but it was inevitable that they would start playing better for the home crowd.

The LVs did not adjust very well when ND upped their intensity. When LV's points stopped coming easy, they started forcing and the failing is on the staff and the players.

The bigger concern is that ND exposed some weaknesses that are not likely to go away. The big adjustment the ND made was a sagging double team on our post—mostly Mercedes but also Green. When they did get the ball, they were swarmed and ND did a great job in not giving them space or opportunities to pass the ball back out. (Passing out of double teams needs to become an emphasis and that means that other players have to help out by being mobile rather than watching the horror show unfold).

If MR could step out and hit jumpers consistently from the 12 to 15 ft. range that could go a long way to negate this collapsing defense strategy and open up some driving lanes. By trying to force the ball into the post at all costs, the LVs played into ND’s hands (regardless of what Rebecca Lobo and Kara were saying about finding Mercedes).

Annie’s unwillingness to take a jump shot also played to ND's strategy. as they desperately wanted the LVs to force the ball into the paint to their awaiting defense set. Shannon Bobbitt (who is often compared to Annie) was successful because she could knock down 3s as well as drive the paint. As her game develops, Annie will have to add a jump shot threat.

Jamie did not have a good game and the team really needed her in the 4th quarter to be a steadying force. She also got caught in the trap of taking everything into the paint and ND' double teams.

Unfortunately, the LVs were not hitting the outside shots they took in the 4th quarter and in the end, they just melted down under the pressure.

And the LVs made their situation worse in 3 or 4 key situations where a player actually had a decent shot available in the paint but tried to make “one more” pass. You can be a little too unselfish or hesitant to seize the moment. Getting the up to the rim (with a least a chance to score or get the offensive board) is much better than creating a TO with forced pass

When ND got the lead, the LVs did not know what to do under those challenging circumstances (and that is the big blemish on Holly and staff).

However, coaches can’t waive a magic wand and suddenly change players orientations in the thick of the battle.

As with Texas A&M the question is what do they learn from this loss and what improvements they make. In the grand scheme, the next conference game against MSU is more crucial than ND.

I think you hit the nail square on the head, it is the inability to adjust. As in the A&M game when things go South, we do not seem to have the ability to adjust to adverse situations. Did you see the look on ND’s couches faces when she called the first time out? Usually Muffet is not intense but she was last night. I think Holly is way too timid with her players. It is okey to be nice as a coach but sometimes you have to dress your players down.

In reality players usually adopt their coach’s attitude. Many have posted on this site that some players do their own thing and ignore Holly’s game plan. If that is the case Holly has players that do not respect her and she has the inability to earn their respect. In such a dysfunctional situation, her chances of making it to the final four is virtually impossible. That being said I don’t think it is time for fans to give up.

 

[Ladyvol777]

THE program was tier1, top 5 every year, perennial SEC Champion . THAT program was disbanded when Holly was crowned coach. Now we are a top 30 program and struggling to stay there. Just take ND off the schedule, Holly could not beat her with the college all star team.

She beat them last year, I was at the game.

 

[blackv]

Tn. will be a #5 seed NCAA. #4 SEC.

 

[madtownvol]

I think you hit the nail square on the head, it is the inability to adjust. As in the A&M game when things go South, we do not seem to have the ability to adjust to adverse situations. Did you see the look on ND’s couches faces when she called the first time out? Usually Muffet is not intense but she was last night. I think Holly is way too timid with her players. It is okey to be nice as a coach but sometimes you have to dress your players down.

In reality players usually adopt their coach’s attitude. Many have posted on this site that some players do their own thing and ignore Holly’s game plan. If that is the case Holly has players that do not respect her and she has the inability to earn their respect. In such a dysfunctional situation, her chances of making it to the final four is virtually impossible. That being said I don’t think it is time for fans to give up.

Honestly, I don't think it is that the players don't respect Holly or that she does not get in their faces.

Going back to CPS, the LVs have run a high-low set offense. The idea is get the ball to the post and when the double team comes, kick out to an open player for a shot, repost, or drive to the lane. Pretty simple right? Exactly, so it is easy to defend, particularly if players are stagnant. Holly can be faulted for not adapting that approach which has been problematic for a long time.

Not surprisingly, she wants the LVs to play fast and in transition and that works better but against good teams, you are going to have a decent half court offense. Once ND starting hitting some shots and taking away transition points, the LVs become very ineffective.

The environment and situation clearly rattled them (they became the hunted and not the hunter). I wonder why the LVs did not start going into their press defense mode when the ND started to make runs. They needed something to change the momentum.

 

[sccshortstop]

Holly beat her last year so...

We are a top 10 team this year and were #5 in the NCAA Selection Committee's top 16 release last night. A loss to the team just below us in those rankings, on the road, doesn't really hurt that (though a win would've helped). A win over Miss. State on Sunday would be big and is totally doable.

Yes doeable but if the Charles Manson Helter Skelter it could be as bad as ND. I will bet we don't jump out to a 23 point lead on MS>:thud:

 

[Ladyvol777]

Tn. will be a #5 seed NCAA. #4 SEC.

Mississippi State 5-0 - 19-0
Missouri 4-1 1 16-2
Tennessee 4-1 1 16-2
Georgia 4-1 1 16-2
South Carolina 4-2 1.5 15-3
Texas A&M 4-2 1.5 15-5
LSU 4-2 1.5 12-5
Alabama 3-3 2.5 13-6
Arkansas 2-4 3.5 11-8
Ole Miss 1-4 4 11-7
Kentucky 1-4 4 9-10
Auburn 1-5 4.5 10-8
Florida 1-5 4.5 9-10
Vanderbilt 1-5 4.5 5-15
Tennessee has 1 SEC lost and you say a # 4 in the SEC

 

[teacherdean]

Honestly, I don't think it is that the players don't respect Holly or that she does not get in their faces.

Going back to CPS, the LVs have run a high-low set offense. The idea is get the ball to the post and when the double team comes, kick out to an open player for a shot, repost, or drive to the lane. Pretty simple right? Exactly, so it is easy to defend, particularly if players are stagnant. Holly can be faulted for not adapting that approach which has been problematic for a long time.

Not surprisingly, she wants the LVs to play fast and in transition and that works better but against good teams, you are going to have a decent half court offense. Once ND starting hitting some shots and taking away transition points, the LVs become very ineffective.

The environment and situation clearly rattled them (they became the hunted and not the hunter). I wonder why the LVs did not start going into their press defense mode when the ND started to make runs. They needed something to change the momentum.

I coached for 21 years and never had a problem with players following my game plans. If they failed to follow my game plan, they would have found themselves on the bench. If players ignore you and intentionally go out on their own, as suggested by several posters on this site, there has to be a respect issue or they have lost confidence in your game plan. I am not saying that is the issue because none of us really know why the wheels occasionally fall off. It could be coaching, loss of confidence or a litany of several things.

 

[bballnut90]

Think about this, ND scored more points in the 4th quarter, 34, than the LVs scored the entire 2nd half, 31. Let that sink in.

On the flip side of that, Tennessee scored as many points in the first quarter as Notre Dame did the first half.

 

[MsSportsGuy]

Didn't watch the game until today and waiting to read the commentary before inserting my thoughts.

This was a pretty ugly loss and the LVs just collapsed. However, ND played extremely well once they adjusted and McGraw's team worked a plan to perfection. There were way, way too many turnovers and it's been a problem all season. The LVs were able to outscore some lesser opponents but not so much when the competition is stronger. This was a hostile environment and even though ND has a very short bench they are still an excellent team.

The youth showed tonight and even Nared didn't play well. This was an epic collapse but the season isn't over. Holly and company need to figure out what's plaguing this team now and fix it before the rest of the SEC contests.