mlindsay
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- Nov 19, 2014
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We all are aware of Holly's lack of coaching ability (XandO wise) and player development and how she has surrounded herself with mainly defensive minded coaches (Lockwood and Law, Elzy was brought here to keep the talent from going to Matthew Mitchell and Kentucky as she was an excellent recruiter for him). Part of the reason we aren't as successful as we want to be isn't just a Holly Warlick issue but a generational issue. Today's generation of players are more concerned with the right now than they are tradition so they attend the schools that can showcase them right now. Our biggest issue in getting recruits who truly come to play for the Lady Vols and one of the issues is because (and this is my opinion) our former stars spend more time on social media or espn than they do back in Knoxville. One reason Geno has had tremendous success is not just because he is a great coach but because his former players return home to assist him (practicing/playing against the girls, being there when new recruits come in, "wouldn't be surprised if they are calling and telling them to attend"). There have been many instances where Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Asjah Jones, Diana Taurasi, (you name it) have returned to Storrs in the summer or fall (prior to the season starting) or on recruiting visits to aide him in his attempt to get the talent there and we have to use our prestigious Alumnae to do the same thing. We need the 3 Miques, Shyra Ely, Tyesha Fluker, Candace Parker, Lawson, Glory Johnson, Nicky Anosike, Hornbuckle, Gwen Jackson, Kelly Cain, Bobbit, Michelle Snow (These are the players I grew up watching wasn't born during the early run). We need to have them return home or be there when players come to visit. I know Candace Parker was the reason Simmons came and Catchings/Holdsclaw was the reason for Candace arriving but those players and their presence at the games and in the gym (during their offseasons) would go a long way to fixing the program. Part of the reason Mulky land the 2 post players for the 2015 class wasn't just solely on her ties to the Brown family and her Louisiana Tech days but it was because those girls admired Brittany Griner. Holly must reach out to these young ladies and invite them in (if she hasn't already done so) and let them share stories and work with the current players and future players to show them The Lady Vols Way!