Maybe hate in some cases. I think for most, it is an irrational belief that the LVs should magically return to the level of CPS's glory days, which actually ended in 2008 when CP3 and her cohort graduated. That was our last NC and FF. CPS did not recruit well for that transition bringing in an all freshman replacement group in 2008 (compounded by the tragic injury to Vicki Baugh). Out of that group. only Glory Johnson proved to be close to a blue chipper. Of course, CPS illness kicked in during those final years but her recruiting for 2009 all happened prior to her decline. Of course, that team had the notorious first round loss to Ball St. in the NCAAS. The "baby vols" went to to have some success, winning a few SEC titles but never got past the elite 8, even when the path was greased by Louisville upsetting Baylor.
Holly maintained that level of play for her first 3 seasons and then things started to slip. So, Kellie inherited a team that had not been a real contender for over a decade and that had just about gone off the rails in Holly's last two seasons. So, why did Kellie just not come in and win an NC in her first year?
The LV brand just is not the magic force that many on this board want to believe. Legacy effects don't mean that much to new recruits who want to be in the spotlight now and of course better NIL deals. Over the last three seasons, Kellie has done exceptionally well in the transfer portal. It is unfortunate the Pissott did not work out because she was a top 10 recruit and had she lived up to the bulling would have been the missing piece.
Kellie has been at the helm in a very tumultuous period. First, she was hired in the Spring and had no chance to recruit (other than keeping Jordan Horston in the fold, which was a big deal). then came the Covid restrictions. Now, some carping critics say that everyone faced the same restrictions but that overlooks that Kellie was a new coach who had no history of relationships to fall back on. She could not even build relationships. Honestly, it is unreasonable to expect that she would be killing HS recruiting from the start (except for the misplaced faith in the the magic draw of the LV brand".) Next season, we have Boyd (who may turn out to be very good) and Cooper plus whoever else arrives via the portal (I am betting Kellie kills it again).
But first, it is time to beat Bama...
