The idea that Tennessee is over loaded with talent (the source of the pre-season hype) is confusing potential with players' current performance level. No doubt that Justine and Jillian have talent (i.e. big upsides) but they are, for now, project players who need a lot development. While they are going to make some contributions this season, it likely will be next year before they are consistent impact players.
Franklin is a hard working, undersized post coming off a major knee injury. There are just some physical limits in terms of how much impact she can make game in and game out. Let's call her a very high caliber role players but not a game changer.
When the season started, the LVs only had three proven top flight players, Horston, Jackson, and Key and health issues have taken down Key. Since Key was sick and underperforming this year, people have forgotten what a force she was last season. The team has been missing her presence and our post play has been sketchy in the big games.
Puckett, Darby, Suarez, Striplin are fairly solid role players that can complement stars but they are not overwhelmingly more talented than other role players on top 20 rosters. Walker and Powell are also role players though Powell has potential to be more than that. Whether her potential fully materializes this season is an open question.
So, a LOT rides on Horston and Jackson staying healthy. It is very hard to see how the team could be successful without those two.
On the lack of assists and isolation plays, you take what a team gives you. Florida could not handle Jackson or the 2nd half Jordan or keep the LVs off the boards. Passing the ball around the perimeter for 20 seconds would have only aided Florida.
