Lady Vol Practice Begins today.

[volman128]

Yea, lack of talent wasn't the problem, but the problem was a couple of poisonous players with bad attitudes. A coach can't fix entitled prima donnas, she can only get rid of them. Done.

I'm intrigued by your comment. Because Holly hasn't gotten rid of anyone. Diamond left on her own, mostly because she didn't want to be in school any longer than she needed to be -- can't say I blame her. And Diamond never had a bad attitude. She was just way more competitive than basically all of her teammates and it frustrated her.

And Holly strongly advocated for Te'a to be allowed to stay in school.

The only bad attitude that Holly actually "got rid of" was Kyra Elzy. Are you talking about her?

In the end, poisonous attitudes weren't and aren't the problem. Lack of progressive coaching style is. Bad attitude doesn't cause us to lack basic fundamentals like boxing out and standing around like statues on offense.

 

[mikey2smart]

I'm intrigued by your comment. Because Holly hasn't gotten rid of anyone. Diamond left on her own, mostly because she didn't want to be in school any longer than she needed to be -- can't say I blame her. And Diamond never had a bad attitude. She was just way more competitive than basically all of her teammates and it frustrated her.

And Holly strongly advocated for Te'a to be allowed to stay in school.

The only bad attitude that Holly actually "got rid of" was Kyra Elzy. Are you talking about her?

In the end, poisonous attitudes weren't and aren't the problem. Lack of progressive coaching style is. Bad attitude doesn't cause us to lack basic fundamentals like boxing out and standing around like statues on offense.

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! Too often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

 

[mlindsay]

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! To often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

Amen!

 

[Volfan2012]

Were with Holly this season. After you get more information about some of the things that were going on must have been difficult to coach the team. I know she probably should have made some moves to get the team back on the right track but sometimes you think things will work themselves out.
I am hoping this season will be a lot like the first three with players giving effort and making plays and looking like they want to win.

 

[T_Vol376]

And Diamond never had a bad attitude. She was just way more competitive than basically all of her teammates and it frustrated her.

DD is talented but she was poison to the team chemistry. Fact.

 

[lvfan35yr]

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! Too often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

well put so thank you.you cant coach effort which they had against top teams which beat but you never knew what team going show up.

 

[Nuyoika]

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! Too often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

If she gets 27, 29, or 30 wins every year til the end of time but doesn't reach a FF people won't be happy. Fans just want to be invited back to the party. The problem (if you believe there is one) is multi-faceted. I find it hard to believe that anyone would truly think a program that has had great long term success would be derailed solely by one player.

If that is the case then what is your program really built on? Tennessee is more than one player, more than one season, more than a change in coaching. You cannot over simplify a legacy as people keep attempting to do. Your mention of her wins prior to DD is irrelevant as you say because you win and lose as a team! So who cares who was on the team and who wasn't right? Everyone on the team gets a ring when you win a natty, not just the leading scorer.

Ultimately, since she cashes the biggest check so she will get the bulk of the blame, that is just part of the job. When you take a leadership position it comes with expectations and no matter who you are you aren't going to meet eveyones. Same for DD, because she was highly ranked and even though she lead the team in most categories, was their best player by avg vs ranked opponents, and nearly knocked herself unconscious a few times hustling for loose balls she didn't elevate Tennessee to where people wanted them to be before she decided to leave, so she is now considered an addition by subtraction for some fans.

I can guarantee if Holly gets her team to the FF and stops losing to Alabama people will lay off. Luckily ya'll have a good 12 more years to see if she can do it. Under all the muck there actually have been micro-improvements but you have to be paying real close attention to see them.

 

[lvfan35yr]

DD is talented but she was poison to the team chemistry. Fact.

yes we waste time wth her.she was best player in country but we had bests player before--look gordon,holdsclaw.parker.the difference was they won wth help of other players on team but they were go to players.they made big shots.the best palyers on team make teammates better n i did not see her do that.1 more thing '97 when we had 10 losses wth holdclaw on team she was frustrated just go llook hbo doc.they won title wth jolly n 2 best posts we every had my opinion wth tiff johnson n 1my all time favs big pashen thompson!!

 

[Nuyoika]

yes we waste time wth her.she was best player in country but we had bests player before--look gordon,holdsclaw.parker.the difference was they won wth help of other players on team but they were go to players.they made big shots.the best palyers on team make teammates better n i did not see her do that.1 more thing '97 when we had 10 losses wth holdclaw on team she was frustrated just go llook hbo doc.they won title wth jolly n 2 best posts we every had my opinion wth tiff johnson n 1my all time favs big pashen thompson!!

This is well before my time as a WCBB fan. Could you elaborate? Are you saying the '97 and '17 teams were similar? I saw a Tennessee team the last two years with 3 very good players but not a very good team (consistently) and maybe that was due to injury or strategy but they only really had 3 they could rely on and when 1 or more of them were off they very rarely had someone to step up.

As Tennessee proved it can be hard to win with just 3 players even if they all average 15 or more a game (BTW they were the only team in the Nation that had that kind of Big 3). My question always was if Nared, DeShields, and Russell are averaging 15 a game and they still have 10 plus losses what the heck is everyone else doing? Like Mikey said BB is a team sport.

 

[Coach Jumper]

If she gets 27, 29, or 30 wins every year til the end of time but doesn't reach a FF people won't be happy. Fans just want to be invited back to the party. The problem (if you believe there is one) is multi-faceted. I find it hard to believe that anyone would truly think a program that has had great long term success would be derailed solely by one player.

If that is the case then what is your program really built on? Tennessee is more than one player, more than one season, more than a change in coaching. You cannot over simplify a legacy as people keep attempting to do. Your mention of her wins prior to DD is irrelevant as you say because you win and lose as a team! So who cares who was on the team and who wasn't right? Everyone on the team gets a ring when you win a natty, not just the leading scorer.

Ultimately, since she cashes the biggest check so she will get the bulk of the blame, that is just part of the job. When you take a leadership position it comes with expectations and no matter who you are you aren't going to meet eveyones. Same for DD, because she was highly ranked and even though she lead the team in most categories, was their best player by avg vs ranked opponents, and nearly knocked herself unconscious a few times hustling for loose balls she didn't elevate Tennessee to where people wanted them to be before she decided to leave, so she is now considered an addition by subtraction for some fans.

I can guarantee if Holly gets her team to the FF and stops losing to Alabama people will lay off. Bingo! Luckily ya'll have a good 12 more years to see if she can do it. Under all the muck there actually have been micro-improvements but you have to be paying real close attention to see them.

I agree,,It's not totally about wins and losses...It is however, about; Has the team grown/peaked in the right direction at the end of the season? This is answered in both the SEC and the NCAA tourneys.

Holly Warlick (2012–present)
2012–13 Tennessee 27–8 14–2 1st NCAA Elite Eight
2013–14 Tennessee 29–6 13–3 T-2nd NCAA Sweet Sixteen
2014–15 Tennessee 30–6 15–1 T-1st NCAA Elite Eight
2015–16 Tennessee 22–14 8–8 T-7th NCAA Elite Eight
2016–17 Tennessee 20–12 10–6 5th NCAA Round of 32

I am a longtime (lifetime) Lady Vol backer. As such I know that the season record matters little in the NCAA tourney. ((you could be 25 and Zero going into the post-season and lose in game one to a 64 seed....Do you think people will say "wow they ended the season 25-1 and people would call that a success, but if they know the whole scenario, the loss to the lowest seed in game one would be what was remembered. . . Years later, though, all people see is that 25-1 and call it a great season, but since they lost to a #64 team,,,Was it?

Proof: I have read many posts that call the
1996–97 Tennessee 29–10 8–4 5th NCAA Champions, was Coach Summit's greatest job as a coach...Not the 39-0 team which followed that team

Yes, your record dictates where and when you play, but all teams go with a 0 win/loss once the 64 are revealed. From that point whether your are 20-10 or 30-0,, Your record to that point has no impact on how far you have to go, all teams have to win seven straight games (Round of 64-32-16-8-4-2-1) to get to the end.

In the NCAA tourney, Tennessee is not Cinderella, it is one of the step-sisters.

 

[T.J.]

Coach Holly Warlick has proven that she is a subpar coach getting paid way too much money. Just my opinion we all have one. With that said. I'm fanning the flames...

This is the season that CHW will have to answer for her failures..

She'll be standing the entire season on the sidelines sweating bullets & stomping her feet.

She dare not sit.

Because her seat on the bench will be so HOT that flames will be cracklin'! Burn baby burn. Too hot to handle. Caliente habanero!:devilsmoke:

It is do or die time for Holly.

Holly fans...Cross your fingers.

I am sure we all are hoping for the best and a fun season.

GOLadyVols!

 

[NoBackBoard]

Under all the muck there actually have been micro-improvements but you have to be paying real close attention to see them.

What improvements are you referencing?

 

[armchair]

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! Too often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

that we appreciate? Warlick? Er......

 

[mike099]

I was thinking about the starting lineup and although the Freshmen will need to gain confidence, so will Dunbar and MeMe. I would put these two in the starting lineup and see how they do.

 

[mikey2smart]

I find it hard to believe that anyone would truly think a program that has had great long term success would be derailed solely by one player.

I am in no way saying all the blame is on DD. However, one bad apple spoils a bunch. Ive seen it first hand. But nevermind that... my only concern is that if your best player is your most inconsistent one, you'll have situations like last year.

I agree that post season is where you can make a name for yourself, but to dismiss the entire body of work is ridiculous over the course of the season. With that being said, we have her and we ALL as fans should want to see her succeed and wish her well because it inturn supports the team! I hate to bring politics into the mix but I attribute it to wanting the President to fail because of the party he aligns himself with is like wanting us as a nation to fail. Do we really want that just to be able to say I told you so?! Btw, I did not vote for our current President just want to show where I stand on things.

 

[lvfan35yr]

This is well before my time as a WCBB fan. Could you elaborate? Are you saying the '97 and '17 teams were similar? I saw a Tennessee team the last two years with 3 very good players but not a very good team (consistently) and maybe that was due to injury or strategy but they only really had 3 they could rely on and when 1 or more of them were off they very rarely had someone to step up.

As Tennessee proved it can be hard to win with just 3 players even if they all average 15 or more a game (BTW they were the only team in the Nation that had that kind of Big 3). My question always was if Nared, DeShields, and Russell are averaging 15 a game and they still have 10 plus losses what the heck is everyone else doing? Like Mikey said BB is a team sport.

ok it was when we won the national championship in 1997 n we had most losses ever at 10.they cmae together in tournament wth chamique holdsclaw who has scored more points in lady vol history at over 3000 points.we also had role players and great posts.if want watch the entire games are on youtube.we played old dominon in title game but the best 1 to watch.we beat undeafeted unconn at time in regional final.watch how are posts n jolly played.kyra elzy was freashman on team also n it was 1997.

 

[lvfan35yr]

also the 1996 final four when we beat uconn n semi's look posts take care business.the championship game against georgia how we dominated the boards.the entire games on youtube.

 

[Volfan2012]

There is certainly a way we can play this season only starting one freshman. Depends on how much Jackson has improved and if she is ready to make a difference as a junior. She could play the two guard, Nared the three, Green the four, and Russell the five, leaving the point guard to Westbrooks and Hayes. This would allow Davis and KK to play backup minutes plus we also have senior Dunbar and sophomore Harris.
I am confident in Nared and Russell. The final verdict on how this team plays this season will be who can play in the other three positions at a consistent and productive level.
I have a lot of confidence that Green and Westbrooks will be able to give us what we need when they play. Hayes is a solid ball handler don't know how her scoring will be affected when she goes up against larger taller players than she was used to in High School.
My thought is that Davis and KK may need some time to get accustomed to SEC and college play.
Dunbar, Jackson, and Harris are an unknown quantity not knowing if these players have developed enough to make any difference this season. If they have that will be an enormous boost to a successful season.

 

[Hoya Saxa]

Depends on how much Jackson has improved and if she is ready to make a difference as a junior. She could play the two guard, Nared the three, Green the four, and Russell the five, leaving the point guard to Westbrooks and Hayes.

I don't understand this insistence on labeling players one through five as if this is a rule for WBCC. This is not 1985! Many teams do not have a traditional 5 (back to the basket center) and do quite well. Teams do not need a traditional 2 (shooting guard) if their wings/small forwards are good 3-point shooters. Teams can also do without a traditional 1 (point guard) if the players on the floor are good ball handlers and everyone is a proficient passer. The idea that every team must field five players that fit the traditional mold of one through five is dated. For success, a teams needs players that can handle the ball, pass, score inside and out, and defend inside and out.

 

[gule]

Duh! Thanks for the info, Genius.




lol

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

I don't understand this insistence on labeling players one through five as if this is a rule for WBCC. This is not 1985! Many teams do not have a traditional 5 (back to the basket center) and do quite well. Teams do not need a traditional 2 (shooting guard) if their wings/small forwards are good 3-point shooters. Teams can also do without a traditional 1 (point guard) if the players on the floor are good ball handlers and everyone is a proficient passer. The idea that every team must field five players that fit the traditional mold of one through five is dated. For success, a teams needs players that can handle the ball, pass, score inside and out, and defend inside and out.

I agree with you on all the fronts but having a point guard... I think that’s what cost UCONN their title last year. Not having that point guard leader too keep everyone composed and being a coach on the floor. While MSU’s point guard got her team into he flow both offensively and defensively. USC got Harris which made a world of difference for them even as a freshman. I think you will see with UT that even though both Westbrook and Hayes can play off the ball both are scoring types of pg.

 

[Hoya Saxa]

I agree with you on all the fronts but having a point guard... I think that’s what cost UCONN their title last year. Not having that point guard leader too keep everyone composed and being a coach on the floor. While MSU’s point guard got her team into he flow both offensively and defensively. USC got Harris which made a world of difference for them even as a freshman. I think you will see with UT that even though both Westbrook and Hayes can play off the ball both are scoring types of pg.

UCONN lost last year because the team had no height and no depth. It's tough to defend a 6'7" post player with a 5'11" small forward. After the starting five, no one on the bench had earned the confidence of the coach or the starters.

I see no reason why Hayes and Westbrook cannot play at the same time. On a lot of recruiting threads people will say "Why would player abc go to school xyz? That school already has three players at her position." There is no reason why three similar players cannot play at the same time, especially if they are among the top five players on the team. I could see three quality players who would be classified as a "3" (wing/small forward) being on the court together. They would probably create some matchup nightmares for their opponents.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

UCONN lost last year because the team had no height and no depth. It's tough to defend a 6'7" post player with a 5'11" small forward. After the starting five, no one on the bench had earned the confidence of the coach or the starters.

I see no reason why Hayes and Westbrook cannot play at the same time. On a lot of recruiting threads people will say "Why would player abc go to school xyz? That school already has three players at her position." There is no reason why three similar players cannot play at the same time, especially if they are among the top five players on the team. I could see three quality players who would be classified as a "3" (wing/small forward) being on the court together. They would probably create some matchup nightmares for their opponents.

Gabby Williams had 21 pts and 8 rebounds to McCowans 10pts 8 rebounds! They played really good team defense but at the end of the game it was their “pg” that had a blown defensive assignment and turned the ball over.

I agree Westbrook and Hayes can play on the floor at the same time. People don’t realize what having all state track speed and how that puts her on another level. She was all state and only practiced a couple of times during the year. That tells you how far above athletically she is compared to her peers who trained on the regular. Hayes didn’t train as much because she had all American game commitments and also was injured after the Jordan brand classic.

 

[lvfan35yr]

Duh! Thanks for the info, Genius.




lol

yeah when they put starting roster's on tv they have center(5)pf(4)sf(3)so on.thats what we lacked last yr a true 4 .nared did good but she more small forward so wth green back should make nared lot better cause she at her natural 3.yes 2 points can play together just like 2 centers so i add another duh wth you

 

[Volinflan]

The basic understanding that negative people on this forum fail to realize is you win and lose as a team! Too often we have people trying to play roles they aren't built to play. Like fans trying to play coach! Getting advice from some of you is like going to a Dentist to fix a problem with your heart... unqualified to say the least!! If you are expecting Holly to be Pat she will fail you every time. Looking at her years prior to DD she guided this team to 27, 29, and 30 wins finishing first or second in the SEC. Those don't sound like numbers of a coach who is unqualified for the job. I'll say this and then I'm done... if you focus on what you don't have you'll never truly appreciate what you do until you no longer have it!

Just ask all the footballl fans that wanted to get rid of Fulmer. We ain't seen the backside of a ranking in years.