I haven't read this post beyond this comment and I feel certain that my comments are redundant. As a Tennessee fan you just endured a season where this forum was filled with threads and posts lamenting the egregious number of turnovers that plagued last years team. After going through a season like that it's amazing that any fan would undervalue the point position to the extent they believe that any guard can do it. The qualifications that set the point position apart are far more than dribbling and passing. A good point is highly intelligent, with a high BBIQ to see plays and options before they happen. They have strong leadership skills and the respect of the team. They have intimate knowledge of each player's on court tendencies knowing when where and how each player needs to receive the ball. They must in a moment recognize defensive shifts, understand the impact on the game plan, and get the entire team to adjust accordingly. And they typically are tasked with shutting down the other teams offense by containing the opposite number point. You don't win championships without a great point.
I don’t think “any guard could do it.” Yes, a point guard needs a "high BBIQ;" and while being "highly intelligent" could only help, it is simply not a prerequisite. She should have good instincts, and other qualities.
The reality is, however, she needs good teammates, and good coaching.
The point guard often makes One Pass, and doesn't receive the ball back in a given possession. And, point guards will rarely see anything "before they happen," and especially in the college (or lower) levels. To the contrary, she looks to her coach and initiates a play. She "sets" the offense, makes a pass, and then breaks to one spot or the other, often with the assignment of “cutting off the ball,” or being the first back on defense. Of course, hitting shots, and the ability to drive and execute, either by shooting or finding open teammates is very helpful. So, yes, a very important component to good offense. So, it is certainly not a simple position; but, not THE primary prerequisite to winning championships.
John Stockton was "statistically" The Greatest point guard in basketball history. By far! There's simply no close comparison. How many Championships? To emphasize, I think Stockton was not only one if the greatest point guards, but one of the greatest players, period. He is considered one of the “50 greatest-ever.” That’s huge. His numbers are insane! So (OMO), it would be unfair to suggest that Utah didn’t win any championships – because – Stockton was the point guard; it would be just as unfair to suggest that Stockton was THE reason for any titles, if, for instance, the Jazz had acquired Larry Bird. With (a healthy) Bird (or one of a few special others of that era), Utah wins multiple championships.
CoachJumper, I don’t believe you’re intentionally shunning potential transfers, or signings, but should we continually, publicly insist that we need a "backup” point guard? Absent a very pleasant in-house surprise, I agree that Jordan Horston will be our primary point guard. I also expect others will see time at that position - namely, Salary. And possibly even Marta; I’m thinking here of how Coach Kellie utilized Franklin during Missouri State’s late-season, Sweet Sixteen run.
Our head coach played in Three National Title Games. I’m sure she’s addressing the situation. But, our biggest concern for the upcoming season is overall offensive efficiency and proficiency, of which better point guard performance will help.
And, that better offense could very well have Jordan in motion. A lot.