Holly's TAMU Presser

[T_Vol376]

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.

Sadly, people don't care that she's in pain and that she's a human being. I am speaking of those who make vile personal comments about her.

 

[teacherdean]

:dance2:

"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.

Madtownvol, I give Holly credit when it is do but she is as inconsistent in her coaching as the team is in its playing. She just does not have the ability to consistently make in game changes and to call timeouts when they are necessary. Holly is just not a top ten coach. Match her against the present best coaches, Genno, the coach at Texas, Florida State, Miss Tight pants at Baylor, Vic at MSU, etc. Holly is not even close to being in their league. It is almost like she teases you but Continuelly leave you hanging. Holly simply does not have the intangibles these coaches have. She talks about the mistakes of the team but never seem to be able to consistently correct them. If she lacks the ability to motivate and demand excellence, she will never ever have a consistent team no matter how many stars they throw at the program.

 

[madtownvol]

:dance2:

Madtownvol, I give Holly credit when it is do but she is as inconsistent in her coaching as the team is in its playing. She just does not have the ability to consistently make in game changes and to call timeouts when they are necessary. Holly is just not a top ten coach. Match her against the present best coaches, Genno, the coach at Texas, Florida State, Miss Tight pants at Baylor, Vic at MSU, etc. Holly is not even close to being in their league. It is almost like she teases you but Continuelly leave you hanging. Holly simply does not have the intangibles these coaches have. She talks about the mistakes of the team but never seem to be able to consistently correct them. If she lacks the ability to motivate and demand excellence, she will never ever have a consistent team no matter how many stars they throw at the program.

I agree that Holly is not in the league with the coaches you mention. Though let also acknowledge that there is Geno and then a 2nd tier of the rest.

But, Holly is the same coach that took a team to an SEC title and the elite 8 after they lost their star player -- Izzy Harrison. Of course, critics say, oh that was not Holly- that was because of the leadership shown by Burdick and Massingale (the same players at the start of the season many argued should not even be on the team!!!!).

But there is an interaction between players and coaches.

I agree with you on the importance of intangibles. Geno is a genius at identifying players who fit his system (and that means also fit with his leadership style). He has some miscues but he is right more often than not. Holly needs a take charge player and that traces back to CPS. Her best teams had a strong willed PG (like Michelle Marciniak or Kelly Jholly or Nicky Anosike-- a PG trapped in a post body) who embodied her outlook. This team does not have a leader and Holly can't compensate for that.

 

[Amb3096]

I agree that Holly is not in the league with the coaches you mention. Though let also acknowledge that there is Geno and then a 2nd tier of the rest.

But, Holly is the same coach that took a team to an SEC title and the elite 8 after they lost their star player -- Izzy Harrison. Of course, critics say, oh that was not Holly- that was because of the leadership shown by Burdick and Massingale (the same players at the start of the season many argued should not even be on the team!!!!).

But there is an interaction between players and coaches.

I agree with you on the importance of intangibles. Geno is a genius at identifying players who fit his system (and that means also fit with his leadership style). He has some miscues but he is right more often than not. Holly needs a take charge player and that traces back to CPS. Her best teams had a strong willed PG (like Michelle Marciniak or Kelly Jholly or Nicky Anosike-- a PG trapped in a post body) who embodied her outlook. This team does not have a leader and Holly can't compensate for that.

All that explains why they can't get past the E8 and more often than not, lose against the elite teams.

When you have a loaded roster like Tennessee has, but lose 5 games to unranked teams, including 5 that probably won't make the NCAAT, then it's because you are lacking as a coach.

 

[maxvolfan]

I think we will be back on top of the SEC with the talent we have coming in and possibly returning but coaching is what's going to separate the good team from the great ones in the NCAAT. We witnessed that last night.

 

[Amb3096]

I think we will be back on top of the SEC with the talent we have coming in and possibly returning but coaching is what's going to separate the good team from the great ones in the NCAAT. We witnessed that last night.

Both SC and MSU will still be in the running for SEC champs next season. A lot of Tennessee's chances depends on whether DD and MR come back. If not, then they will be a 3rd place team most likely.

 

[maxvolfan]

We beat SC and have the talent to beat MSU. If we aren't SEC Champs next year with the guards we have now and coming in and the possibility of getting good DD and MR back then there's a issue. And for 2 years we all know what that issue is.

 

[Amb3096]

We beat SC and have the talent to beat MSU. If we aren't SEC Champs next year with the guards we have now and coming in and the possibility of getting good DD and MR back then there's a issue. And for 2 years we all know what that issue is.

If MR and DD come back, I agree. If not, and Gray/Davis come back for their final year of eligibility, then I think SC will be the favorite with MSU close behind (Dillingham and Richardson will be the two big losses for them).

If the team relies on freshmen, and especially relies on Holly to prep them for the college game, then I see another 2008-2009 type season...but extrapolated to account for the difference in coaching capabilities between Pat and Holly i.e. another 12+ loss season.

 

[maxvolfan]

Off the subject but I wonder what our practice players are like? Do they really push our girls? Are they some kind of off the streets bunch that helps out? How hard do they really go in practice because they look like they don't retain what they learned from practiced in games. I really do hate comparing that team up north to ours but if we wanna play at that level again maybe Holly has to take a trip up there to see what's going on.

 

[HoopDR]

If MR and DD come back, I agree. If not, and Gray/Davis come back for their final year of eligibility, then I think SC will be the favorite with MSU close behind (Dillingham and Richardson will be the two big losses for them).

If the team relies on freshmen, and especially relies on Holly to prep them for the college game, then I see another 2008-2009 type season...but extrapolated to account for the difference in coaching capabilities between Pat and Holly i.e. another 12+ loss season.

As plans are discussed for next year...plan on one or the other. The possibility of having both DD and MR back next year is HIGHLY unlikely. I would lean toward having DD back. Not saying I would prefer her over MR, but that is who I expect to be back.

 

[Amb3096]

As plans are discussed for next year...plan on one or the other. The possibility of having both DD and MR back next year is HIGHLY unlikely. I would lean toward having DD back. Not saying I would prefer her over MR, but that is who I expect to be back.

You think it's more likely that Diamond comes back than MR?

I think Diamond has one foot out the door already, and MR will join her if she continues to put up solid numbers for the rest of the season.

 

[Amb3096]

Off the subject but I wonder what our practice players are like? Do they really push our girls? Are they some kind of off the streets bunch that helps out? How hard do they really go in practice because they look like they don't retain what they learned from practiced in games. I really do hate comparing that team up north to ours but if we wanna play at that level again maybe Holly has to take a trip up there to see what's going on.

I've read that Geno really hammers down execution of plays, and if any of the players slip up, he makes them start all over until they can repeatedly run a play to perfection. I would guess by the time they hit the court for games, their ability to executive gameplan to perfection is already second nature to them.

I've seen some of the videos of the LVs practice, and it really doesn't look intense. The boys they are practicing against don't look that athletic or tall. I also recall that they've been instructed to not play to rough to avoid potential for injuries.

Seriously, if Holly complains day in and day out that they don't run the plays in games that she teaches them in practice, then it means she's probably not doing a very good job teaching them.

 

[maxvolfan]

MR needs to improve her defense.

 

[HoopDR]

You think it's more likely that Diamond comes back than MR?

I think Diamond has one foot out the door already, and MR will join her if she continues to put up solid numbers for the rest of the season.

Yes, I believe DD comes back. I believe the input she gets from the people already in the pro arena around her will be a big influence. I also believe that staying for Tea' is a big pull also. IF DD does go....I could see Tea' moving as well. That said I think DD stays and if she does, MR goes....I could see a couple others join her.

Then you have the other buzz out there that...... some of our 2018 recruits committed to UT because they were lead to believe that DD would not be back.

 

[Amb3096]

Yes, I believe DD comes back. I believe the input she gets from the people already in the pro arena around her will be a big influence. I also believe that staying for Tea' is a big pull also. IF DD does go....I could see Tea' moving as well. That said I think DD stays and if she does, MR goes....I could see a couple others join her.

Then you have the other buzz out there that...... some of our 2018 recruits committed to UT because they were lead to believe that DD would not be back.

Having DD gone from the team would be a recruiting boost not because of any personality defect, but because more minutes will be available...particularly for Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook. If DD comes back and Greene is as good as advertised, neither of those players will be getting big minutes with Diamond and Jaime eating up the majority of playing time on the wing.

I don't think there is any risk of Te'a moving on, no matter what Diamond decides. That would mean she has to sit out another year. If she was going to leave, it would have been at the start of the season. I also can't imagine Diamond deciding to stay just for Te'a, unless their relationship goes beyond friendship.

Diamond is projected to be the #1 pick in a few WNBA mock drafts, so while she could benefit from another year in college to become a better player, a.) she plays for Holly, who will not make her better and b.) she's probably not going to be the #1 pick, so there goes bragging rights and potential endorsements.

MR's future plans is what I'm really curious about. On paper, she has great stats. She's likely to be a poor woman's version of Jessica Davenport, but even Jess was drafted #2. Will be interesting to see what she decides...

 

[HoopDR]

I've read that Geno really hammers down execution of plays, and if any of the players slip up, he makes them start all over until they can repeatedly run a play to perfection. I would guess by the time they hit the court for games, their ability to executive gameplan to perfection is already second nature to them.

I've seen some of the videos of the LVs practice, and it really doesn't look intense. The boys they are practicing against don't look that athletic or tall. I also recall that they've been instructed to not play to rough to avoid potential for injuries.

Seriously, if Holly complains day in and day out that they don't run the plays in games that she teaches them in practice, then it means she's probably not doing a very good job teaching them.

I think you really have to look at terminology here. I see the LVs run SETS not PLAYS. I have never seen them run a PLAY where you know who is taking a shot and where it will come from. When I think of a PLAY I think of executing a "I HAVE to set this screen and you HAVE to make that cut" for it to work.....the LVs don't do that.

I see them running a SET where you are free to make a READ or drive and kick.
What is the killer to me is when they start holding the ball with under 5 to play with a 5 point lead. They hold and then isolate either DD or JN and expect them to create a shot. They can both create a shot but it is usually a forced, bad shot.

 

[HoopDR]

Having DD gone from the team would be a recruiting boost not because of any personality defect, but because more minutes will be available...particularly for Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook. If DD comes back and Greene is as good as advertised, neither of those players will be getting big minutes with Diamond and Jaime eating up the majority of playing time on the wing.

I don't think there is any risk of Te'a moving on, no matter what Diamond decides. That would mean she has to sit out another year. If she was going to leave, it would have been at the start of the season. I also can't imagine Diamond deciding to stay just for Te'a, unless their relationship goes beyond friendship.

Diamond is projected to be the #1 pick in a few WNBA mock drafts, so while she could benefit from another year in college to become a better player, a.) she plays for Holly, who will not make her better and b.) she's probably not going to be the #1 pick, so there goes bragging rights and potential endorsements.

MR's future plans is what I'm really curious about. On paper, she has great stats. She's likely to be a poor woman's version of Jessica Davenport, but even Jess was drafted #2. Will be interesting to see what she decides...

That.

 

[Amb3096]

I think you really have to look at terminology here. I see the LVs run SETS not PLAYS. I have never seen them run a PLAY where you know who is taking a shot and where it will come from. When I think of a PLAY I think of executing a "I HAVE to set this screen and you HAVE to make that cut" for it to work.....the LVs don't do that.

I see them running a SET where you are free to make a READ or drive and kick.
What is the killer to me is when they start holding the ball with under 5 to play with a 5 point lead. They hold and then isolate either DD or JN and expect them to create a shot. They can both create a shot but it is usually a forced, bad shot.

They need to run plays in practice then, because their ability to read and react sucks. Otherwise, the rest of the team would be ready for Diamond's bullet passes.

When UConn plays, it's like they they see the possession 3 steps in advance on both offense and defense. They are so methodical in their adjustments. That's what Tennessee needs, because whatever sets Holly is teaching them translates into "Let me go 1 on 3 and dump the ball to Mercedes who is staring up at the basket trying to get the rebound".

 

[Amb3096]

That.

Interesting. Is this a known fact or your speculation?

 

[HoopDR]

Interesting. Is this a known fact or your speculation?

THAT is all I'm gonna say about THAT.

 

[Teejay5952]

You think it's more likely that Diamond comes back than MR?

I think Diamond has one foot out the door already, and MR will join her if she continues to put up solid numbers for the rest of the season.

Diamond is leaving lol she has a chance to be the #1 pick in the draft I don't think she will pass that up to be coached by holly again.

 

[teacherdean]

I've read that Geno really hammers down execution of plays, and if any of the players slip up, he makes them start all over until they can repeatedly run a play to perfection. I would guess by the time they hit the court for games, their ability to executive gameplan to perfection is already second nature to them.

I've seen some of the videos of the LVs practice, and it really doesn't look intense. The boys they are practicing against don't look that athletic or tall. I also recall that they've been instructed to not play to rough to avoid potential for injuries.

Seriously, if Holly complains day in and day out that they don't run the plays in games that she teaches them in practice, then it means she's probably not doing a very good job teaching them.

We need to face a few realities if we plain to continue to be Lady Vol fans. Holly is not going to get any better unless a miracle happens. She is not tough enough for the women's game of today. She has a difficult time demanding excellence and appears to lack the ability to motivate and develop players skills. She is a very nice person but Mother Theresa never won a basketball championship. Coaches today must be demanding and tough but show love for their players. Look at how Pat, and now Genno's, players talk about them being caring but demanding. Players have to be directed and shown tough love.

Yes, for right now, because of Tennessee's rich women's basketball history, we will sign five stars, however, unless the team starts showing consistencies, that will eventually slow down and maybe dry up. Fans will tire of the same old thing and next year's hope, and start to find better ways to spend their time. There are More women basketball teams that are upstepping their game. At one time only the Tennessees got the top players, however, the Florida States, the Kansas States and the Miamis, are starting to draw top players into their programs. There are more good coaches, like the coaches at North Carolina State, Mississippi State and Texas, that are coming into the Women's game. Right now Genno is the standard, we need to copy what he has or come up with something better. The big question is, "Is Holly the one to create a program on par with Genno?" Right now the answer is a resounding NO.

 

[mcannon1]

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.

She is getting over half a million dollars a year to coach the team. I don't think she's suffering all that much. The poor job she's done has still made her a multi-millionaire.

She's a rich woman not poor woman.