I like many other poster are growing increasingly tired of the product I am seeing put on the floor game in and game out.
It is hard to find out what truly is the issue but there is certainly issues troubling this team. I am in no way going to make this a trash Holly post. As a person who has coached Rec ball, at the AAU level and been an assistant at the High School level I am very aware of what it takes to build and maintain a successful program. Of course I haven't done it at the Collegiate Level, but basketball is basketball.
Over the years it seems as though some of the UT players and coaches feel entitled. It seems as though they feel like things are suppose to be given to them because they are playing on and for this storied program.
The Lady Vols program has always had standards and to allow those standards to decimate is troubling on all parties involved.
It is not too late to right the ship for all involved but simply waiting until next year (when the #1 recruiting class arrives) isn't going to cut it.
A return to glory (our tradition) needs to happen now.
I am offering some solutions;
1. Play those who show that they are willing to leave it all on the floor.
There are too many times where players are rewarded playing time simply because (we have a short bench) but to send a message you play who's going to give you what you are asking for as a coach. I don't care if it is one of your stars, if they aren't playing like you demand of them they sit. (Geno does it all the time and doesn't care if him sending a message causes him a lost he knows what is best for his team moving forward)
If I can get more out of Nunn or Harris than I can get out of Russell (rebounding and defensively) then they are going to cut into her (Russell) minutes and the same goes for other players. No one should feel that they are entitled anything, they should know that they always have to work hard or they will sit.
2. Take the name off the Jersey's
They need to understand who they are playing for and who they represent. Yes they are representing their families name but for four years they are part of the Lady Vols family and that should be their priority.
3. Decide on how you want them to play
Holly contradicts herself because one minute she says she wants them to get Russell her touches and everything goes through her and then she says she needs Reynolds to push the ball and she wants them to attack.
If we are attacking then Russell isn't getting her touches. Which is why I would like to see Russell and Nunn play about the same amount of minutes to see who provides us with the best chance at that 5 spot.
The reason stated is she (Nunn) doesn't have to touch the ball or have the offense go through her to be successful. She is aggressive on the offensive glass which is where she gets her points. Playing Russell less and rewarding Nunn more would hopefully send a message to Russell that she needs to dominate or sit.
Any other suggestions?
