I think as a program we are moving in the right direction, but we are not there yet. UConn, along with Baylor, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and Oregon are at another level compared to us, and it may be some time before we get there. This is not a criticism, its just a fact. Tennessee is no longer apart of the national conversation as far as the national title is concerned, and yes it pains me to no end. So what will get us back to the top? 1. The first step has already taken place, a new coach, go Coach Harper. 2. I don't want to get bogged down into why players left the program, whether they got mad, felt abandoned, got in trouble, lost playing time, or what ever the reason, and some reasons are true, the fact of the matter is perspective recruits only hear in their heads that top players and players they know are leaving Tennessee. This has to stop, if we are going to win the recruiting battle nationally. 3. We have to start landing more of the nation's premier high school players. Landing one is good, but its not enough, you have to have an abundance. I know we had 7 HS all-Americans on one team and look what happen, don't get me started. But seriously, how many championship teams have a big 3, remember the 3 Mique's? 4. We have to do a better job at player development. Players must show a marked improvement in their game, and in their physical levels from year to year. 5. We must make major strides in our strength and conditioning as a program. This not a criticism, this an area unlike talent, we can have a year in - year out advantage over other teams. UConn's style of play exposes team in this area relentlessly, before you know it your down by 20 and tired to no end. These are but some of the changes I we need to make, and If we can fill these gaps, not only will be back, but the whole basketball world will once stop again and take notice, why, UConn and Tennessee are playing and its for all the money.
