Holly's TAMU Presser

[T.J.]

Maybe you should take someone's point of view who's been there before? Rather than jumping off the cliff, and crucifying someone.

"(On how hard it is to win in Thompson-Boling Arena)
“When we got off that bus, 12 different management people came and said ‘Hey, good luck coach.’ They were spread out all over. This is not done at every venue, but it’s done here. They know how to run a building, and they know how to do it with hospitality and give those folks credit. The basketball game was special, but I tell you, I read your articles this morning. The one on Jordan Reynolds was outstanding. I didn’t quite agree with the other one. Do you know how hard it’s been to replace John Wooden? It hadn’t been done. Holly is doing one heck of a job. If I had made, since my national championship, three Elite Eights and one Sweet Sixteen, they would have built a statue for me and my money would have been sky high. It’s time you all get off your wagon and realize you’re in a different era right now. Holly is doing as good as what she can with two kids that are out for the year and limited. I’ve got to do a better job. I’m bringing in the No. 9 recruiting class; you all are bringing in the No. 1. I’m telling you right now, let’s just go to Connecticut in about seven years when Geno hangs it up and meets me on the golf course. When Shea Ralph takes over, you want to talk about something that’s going to be hard? When you replace a legend, that’s the hardest job in America.” - Gary Blair

Not buying it. Excuses is a guarantee failure. Holly is counting on her peers to save her.

That's a very nice story coach Blair gave for Holly but it doesn't take away the facts that she does not know how to coach. As an opposing coach I would had said the same exact thing.

You don't think coach Blair wants to be top dog in the SEC? Yeah, just a bump in the road for Holly she'll get better in due time. She's following a Legend for crying out loud. :crazy:

 

[savannahfan]

There is a serious disconnect between Warlick and the players, or some of the players. It was obvious last year--with DeShields--and we've seen it this year, too: a lack of consistent effort and motivation, game to game. Warlick does not have the personality and communications and leadership skills that you need in a head coach, and while certain players and teams can go on and play hard and well anyway, others can't and don't. In Harrison and Burdick we had two good leaders. We don't seem to have anyone on this team. Reynolds should be a leader, but she just doesn't have the eye of the tiger. Reynolds, when she was a soph, as some games when she was really good. The last couple of years, she hasn't had hardly any--she doesn't play badly, she just doesn't go after it like she could, and she's not a leader. Neither is DeShields, who has worked a lot harder this year and been better in most respects, but I think will always be handicapped by her seemingly moody personality.

Holly certainly does not know how to reach this group--that's been evident for two years. I don't even watch her post-game media sessions anymore--they are embarrassing and rather pathetic. She occasionally makes a germane point but too often stammers and scratches her head and makes clear that she has no answers.

Have found it hard to watch Holly teams. I have wondered why over the years she never had the offer or at least didn't move up to head coach somewhere. Makes no difference now. I think a lot trouble for the teams over the last couple years can be traced to Deshields, will be glad to see her go. I don't really know why I feel this way, but she reminds me of the "Hurd" problem in the football program. Always wondered what was really behind her transfer.

 

[savannahfan]

Well, then, in your opinion, what should fans do?

They seem to be doing it. Attendances falling off, TV coverage falling off and don't see student involvement when the ladies are on TV (and I can see them) as good as in the past.

 

[savannahfan]

Write or email the chancellor and the new AD and tell them how you feel and what you think should be done.

Don't you think they know? Surely the can see what's happening. Maybe the outgoing Adm. is just going wait for new people to make changes as they wish. For sure changes are coming. I hope.....

 

[savannahfan]

Not buying it. Excuses is a guarantee failure. Holly is counting on her peers to save her.

That's a very nice story coach Blair gave for Holly but it doesn't take away the facts that she does not know how to coach. As an opposing coach I would had said the same exact thing.

You don't think coach Blair wants to be top dog in the SEC? Yeah, just a bump in the road for Holly she'll get better in due time. She's following a Legend for crying out loud. :crazy:

Have you ever heard a couch "bad mouth" another coach's job performance? They normally stand together. (thicker than blood) Could it be they are thinking " at some point, it could be me in her place" .

 

[LA Vol]

Ok but what do you mean by withdrawing financial support? How does one do that?

A significant decrease in donor contributions, legacy endowments and season ticket sales will get noticed. Letters and emails from the general public are largely ignored; if you're a donor, you'll get a polite form letter to pacify you and encourage your continued support. Student interns handle this correspondence. Those with decision-making authority don't see it.

The problem is, stopping donations, canceling season tickets and not going to games hurts the program and further tarnishes the LVs brand. UT fans are loyal and want to support the LVs-- and that supports the status quo.

 

[lvocd]

I would like, for one time, to see Holly take FULL responsibility for a loss instead of always blaming the players.

Even if she truly doesn't believe she shares any of the blame for a terrible game, and even if she and everyone else in the world of women's basketball could see with their own eyes and know with 100% certainty that it was absolutely solely the players' fault, she should STILL accept full responsibility.

Just once I'd love to see that. I've seen other coaches do that in the past, and it made me respect the heck out of them. It might make a difference with the players.

 

[tnvols72]

UT will screw up the next hire and they will go the cheap route , like they do in football.
Either way Holly needs to go.

 

[lvocd]

Letters and emails from the general public are largely ignored; if you're a donor, you'll get a polite form letter to pacify you and encourage your continued support. Student interns handle this correspondence. Those with decision-making authority don't see it.

If true, that's a real shame.

 

[LA Vol]

If true, that's a real shame.

It's that way at every university-- and every corporation, for that matter. Athletic departments are a bottom-line business.

 

[volmania8]

Maybe you should take someone's point of view who's been there before? Rather than jumping off the cliff, and crucifying someone.

"(On how hard it is to win in Thompson-Boling Arena)
“When we got off that bus, 12 different management people came and said ‘Hey, good luck coach.’ They were spread out all over. This is not done at every venue, but it’s done here. They know how to run a building, and they know how to do it with hospitality and give those folks credit. The basketball game was special, but I tell you, I read your articles this morning. The one on Jordan Reynolds was outstanding. I didn’t quite agree with the other one. Do you know how hard it’s been to replace John Wooden? It hadn’t been done. Holly is doing one heck of a job. If I had made, since my national championship, three Elite Eights and one Sweet Sixteen, they would have built a statue for me and my money would have been sky high. It’s time you all get off your wagon and realize you’re in a different era right now. Holly is doing as good as what she can with two kids that are out for the year and limited. I’ve got to do a better job. I’m bringing in the No. 9 recruiting class; you all are bringing in the No. 1. I’m telling you right now, let’s just go to Connecticut in about seven years when Geno hangs it up and meets me on the golf course. When Shea Ralph takes over, you want to talk about something that’s going to be hard? When you replace a legend, that’s the hardest job in America.” - Gary Blair

If I were a coach in the SEC I would be hoping she kept her job too. I mean with her coaching, you have a darn good chance of winning a game that you used to have no chance of winning.

 

[lvocd]

If I were a coach in the SEC I would be hoping she kept her job too. I mean with her coaching, you have a darn good chance of winning a game that you used to have no chance of winning.

Ouch.

 

[teacherdean]

Transcription of an exchange in the Presser.

@ 1:30 Reporter- Diamond missed most of the 2nd quarter and she came back in the 3rd and I don't think she took a shot. Was it just to concentrate on defense, on Williams or just the way the game was going or how did that work out?

Coach Holly Warlick -
I...I don't have no idea how many shots the 2nd (pause) the 3rd and 4th quarter.

Reporter-
inaudible

Coach Holly Warlick -

I..I have no idea.
I thought we were very effective going inside..uhm (glancing down reading something on the table with a slight giggle and a shake of her head)..

You just can't give up 15 offensive boards and down the stretch they just just they got the loose balls....
the last shot at the end we gave up I think two offensive rebounds so I...I..I..don't have no idea how many
I do know this
we quick shot the basketball the 4th quarter
we shou
we should of gone inside
we should of penetrated and gone inside
and uh
so.... (long pause while looking down at the table)
Diamond got 12 looks at (shrugs her shoulder)

You have to see it to believe it! Y'all got all of that? That is The Tennessee Lady Volunteer coach answering a question about Diamond Deshields and she evades it by talking gibberish!!!!

University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site - Video

My opinion. I hope Holly realizes that she is in over her head and just quit. She obviously does not know what she is doing. Her reply to the reporter tells the whole the story! She is incompetent!!!!!!!!

If you know what the problems are, you call a timeout and address them. You tell Russell to stop standing around like a 6' 6" sunflower with her mouth wide open. You drawn up a plan and tell the players to slow down. Who is coaching this team? It is like Holly is out of touch with reality. She sounds so stupid when she says incompetent crap. I don't know if she is even a DIV coach. (Yes I know there no such thing as a DIV coach)Holly has to be the most frustrating coaches in DI basket ball.

 

[madtownvol]

If you know what the problems are, you call a timeout and address them. You tell Russell to stop standing around like a 6' 6" sunflower with her mouth wide open. You drawn up a plan and tell the players to slow down. Who is coaching this team? It is like Holly is out of touch with reality. She sounds so stupid when she says incompetent crap. I don't know if she is even a DIV coach. (Yes I know there no such thing as a DIV coach)Holly has to be the most frustrating coaches in DI basket ball.

"I am not buying fatigue--suck it up" (Holly Warlick)

Come on TD, you yourself said she had a good presser after the Mizzou win. The highlighted quote was not her best section of the interview but overall she handled the questions well. I agree with her that in the 4th quarter, A&M seemed to want it more.

After losses, you can tell that Holly is deeply frustrated and trying to parse her words. I am not blaming the players but I am sure SHE feels like the players are not following game plans and not giving the needed effort. And I respect that she keeps those thoughts more or less in house with the team.

Realistically, you think she did not encourage more activity from Russell, like when she pulled her in the first quarter for Nunn or encouraged the team to be patient on offense (and not turn the ball over)?

These kinds of losses go on the coach but I don't for one minute believe that Holly is sitting on the sidelines thinking everything is hunky dory when the team is throwing away a 4th quarter lead.

The problems with this team lie in its preparation and something in the mix of the players. If this team had, a consistent outside shooter of the caliber of a Zolman or a Bjorkland (and who was not a complete liability on the defensive side), they would have several more wins on their record.

Alexa and Dunbar were supposed to be that kind of zone busting player but that has not panned out. Alexa did come through with a pair of big threes in this game but turned ice cold when the game got tight again.

The overall lethargy of this team is another X factor. Diamond is the only player who consistently plays with a sense of urgency (and that has only kicked in over the 7 to 8 games). We can chalk that up to Holly's failure to motivate players but I can understand her frustration that this team so often does not seem to want the ball as badly as their opponents.

 

[chuck0303]

There is a serious disconnect between Warlick and the players, or some of the players. It was obvious last year--with DeShields--and we've seen it this year, too: a lack of consistent effort and motivation, game to game. Warlick does not have the personality and communications and leadership skills that you need in a head coach, and while certain players and teams can go on and play hard and well anyway, others can't and don't. In Harrison and Burdick we had two good leaders. We don't seem to have anyone on this team. Reynolds should be a leader, but she just doesn't have the eye of the tiger. Reynolds, when she was a soph, as some games when she was really good. The last couple of years, she hasn't had hardly any--she doesn't play badly, she just doesn't go after it like she could, and she's not a leader. Neither is DeShields, who has worked a lot harder this year and been better in most respects, but I think will always be handicapped by her seemingly moody personality.

Holly certainly does not know how to reach this group--that's been evident for two years. I don't even watch her post-game media sessions anymore--they are embarrassing and rather pathetic. She occasionally makes a germane point but too often stammers and scratches her head and makes clear that she has no answers.

All of this is just a continuing repeat from game-to-game and season-to-season. Fire Holly and hire a coach that knows what the hell they're doing!

 

[CAVPUT]

I admit to not being a fan of Holly. I'm also certain she's over her head and suspect her time as head coach is nearing an end, but it's clear she dearly loves this school and program. She hurting more than anyone I imagine. To follow Pat and knowing her legacy will be in allowing the LV program to slip to these levels has to be killing her. Nothing is going to change until the new AD is hired and I suspect she will be given the opportunity to make a run with this top class she's assembled so maybe fans need to give her a bit of a break and try to understand where she is and what she's trying to cope with? She admits to not having the answers, but for now, there's nothing anyone can do except the kids in the bench. Give the poor woman a break. Anyone can see the pain she's in. At the end of the day, it's just a game.

 

[madtownvol]

I admit to not being a fan of Holly. I'm also certain she's over her head and suspect her time as head coach is nearing an end, but it's clear she dearly loves this school and program. She hurting more than anyone I imagine. To follow Pat and knowing her legacy will be in allowing the LV program to slip to these levels has to be killing her. Nothing is going to change until the new AD is hired and I suspect she will be given the opportunity to make a run with this top class she's assembled so maybe fans need to give her a bit of a break and try to understand where she is and what she's trying to cope with? She admits to not having the answers, but for now, there's nothing anyone can do except the kids in the bench. Give the poor woman a break. Anyone can see the pain she's in. At the end of the day, it's just a game.

If I could like this post 100 times, I would. :yes:

 

[kell7517]

I admit to not being a fan of Holly. I'm also certain she's over her head and suspect her time as head coach is nearing an end, but it's clear she dearly loves this school and program. She hurting more than anyone I imagine. To follow Pat and knowing her legacy will be in allowing the LV program to slip to these levels has to be killing her. Nothing is going to change until the new AD is hired and I suspect she will be given the opportunity to make a run with this top class she's assembled so maybe fans need to give her a bit of a break and try to understand where she is and what she's trying to cope with? She admits to not having the answers, but for now, there's nothing anyone can do except the kids in the bench. Give the poor woman a break. Anyone can see the pain she's in. At the end of the day, it's just a game.

At the end of the day, it's her JOB!! The kids it's a game, that they get a free education for..

 

[vol1981]

"I don't have no idea." Did she really use those words? I was not allowed to use double negatives in class in rural East Tennessee way back in the 1950's and 60's. Good grief!
She may be the least educated (in many areas).

 

[VOLINVONORE]

6 of those offensive boards came at the end of the game.
3 on the last two possessions. By that time the girls had played their hearts out the whole game. They were noticeably reeling and had the appearance of a team that was "playing through a destiny they had experienced several times before"... No confidence, no movement, all jump-shots, no taking it to the hoop during the AM run/first 5-6 possessions....all jumpers.

some say blame the players.
I say, a blowout is a players' win or loss... all games within one score, is on Me.

They hit only one (1) field goal in the last 8 minutes of the game. Many were open shots and lay ups. The players have to take some responsibility for their actions. Why can they shoot 60% in one half and 25% in another? Why can they box out and rebound in some games and not in others? Why do they have 24 turnovers in some games and 8 in another. They must have been coached or they would not do it sometimes nd not at other times. I have seen hem practice lY UP JET THEY BARELY HIT HALF OF THEM DURING THE GAME. There is an old saying" you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. With the limited number of players this year, you have to play what you have. You can not sit one, two, or three down and still have a chance to win. At least, they play some games very well, usually when they are playing the better teams.. Leadership on the floor for this team is sorely missing. You can not teach leadership. You either have or you don't. I wonder if they have a shrink on the staff who can help find out why these players do not respond to the coaches.

Next year, the team should be at full strength and hopefully, the new players will be more athletic, better shooters,better rebounders and know how to not throw the ball to the other team. I think Holly is here for at least three more years and with the players coming in this year and those who are committed and expected to this to sign this November, things for the 2018-19 team should be much brighter.

 

[T.J.]

A significant decrease in donor contributions, legacy endowments and season ticket sales will get noticed. Letters and emails from the general public are largely ignored; if you're a donor, you'll get a polite form letter to pacify you and encourage your continued support. Student interns handle this correspondence. Those with decision-making authority don't see it.

The problem is, stopping donations, canceling season tickets and not going to games hurts the program and further tarnishes the LVs brand. UT fans are loyal and want to support the LVs-- and that supports the status quo.

Thanks for sharing that. It's good to know about the process.

 

[T.J.]

If I were a coach in the SEC I would be hoping she kept her job too. I mean with her coaching, you have a darn good chance of winning a game that you used to have no chance of winning.

Exactly and thank you very much.

 

[T.J.]

If you know what the problems are, you call a timeout and address them. You tell Russell to stop standing around like a 6' 6" sunflower with her mouth wide open. You drawn up a plan and tell the players to slow down. Who is coaching this team? It is like Holly is out of touch with reality. She sounds so stupid when she says incompetent crap. I don't know if she is even a DIV coach. (Yes I know there no such thing as a DIV coach)Holly has to be the most frustrating coaches in DI basket ball.

You got no argument with me. :good!:

 

[T.J.]

"I don't have no idea." Did she really use those words? I was not allowed to use double negatives in class in rural East Tennessee way back in the 1950's and 60's. Good grief!
She may be the least educated (in many areas).

Go & watch the presser

You'll see....:lolabove:

 

[Coach Jumper]

They hit only one (1) field goal in the last 8 minutes of the game. Many were open shots and lay ups. The players have to take some responsibility for their actions. Why can they shoot 60% in one half and 25% in another? Why can they box out and rebound in some games and not in others? Why do they have 24 turnovers in some games and 8 in another. They must have been coached or they would not do it sometimes nd not at other times. I have seen hem practice lY UP JET THEY BARELY HIT HALF OF THEM DURING THE GAME. There is an old saying" you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. With the limited number of players this year, you have to play what you have. You can not sit one, two, or three down and still have a chance to win. At least, they play some games very well, usually when they are playing the better teams.. Leadership on the floor for this team is sorely missing. You can not teach leadership. You either have or you don't. I wonder if they have a shrink on the staff who can help find out why these players do not respond to the coaches.

Next year, the team should be at full strength and hopefully, the new players will be more athletic, better shooters,better rebounders and know how to not throw the ball to the other team. I think Holly is here for at least three more years and with the players coming in this year and those who are committed and expected to this to sign this November, things for the 2018-19 team should be much brighter.

6 jumpshots, one drive to open the q4.

If the jumpers aren't falling you take it to the hoop for a moment. Shot selection isn't always where the shot was taken from, it is often what the circumstance calle for.

Having "jumperthons" to open quarters has been a fault of ours for a while now.

DRIVE the dang ball!
Thats rarely a bad shot selection.