Let Them Play

[mlindsay]

Holly has been the problem and I am tired of people defending her. As shown in the first half of last nights game this team plays better when they are allowed to get the rebound get it to a guard and run the floor (transitional basketball) than when they have to get it, give it to a guard and wait for Russell or Graves to get up the floor to force the ball inside. In the first half we were clicking and had an 11 point lead which looked like it would be a blowout only for Holly to want Graves and Russell to get more touches when Diamond was basically unstoppable. Diamond tried to do as Holly ask (not shoot and get the ball inside) which lead to several turnovers and her being put on the bench for a long period of time, the moment Diamond was sent to the bench the team no longer had anything offensively. As I stated before we will go as far as Diamond takes us (not Holly) Diamond is the superstar and any other coach would see that and accept that stars input/allow them to play. She has shown she is a team player and the ladies have shown that they play better when Diamond is out there performing. Holly needs to get a grip, we should not be ranked and at the rate we are going will probably not make the tournament and will lucky to reach the WNIT. Share your Thoughts of Agreements or Disagreements. I just want to make sure that I am not the only one.

 

[Hoya Saxa]

...Diamond was basically unstoppable... She has shown she is a team player.

Diamond was 6/16 (38%) against a cupcake team that has no talent. As for being a team player, she had 1 assist and 7 turnovers. I think she is the problem, not the solution. That being said, I also believe that she is one of the most talented and athletic players in the country. I just do not think she buys into the concept of "team."

 

[orangeluvr]

CHW put a completely different line up on the floor to start the 2nd 1/2. We lost the lead and never regained it. :question:

 

[Rickster]

Holly has been the problem and I am tired of people defending her. Share your Thoughts of Agreements or Disagreements. I just want to make sure that I am not the only one.

I really don't care what you are "tired" of. People can have their own opinion and it is not necessary that they agree with you. Why don't you venting to things like game play and coaching and leave the opinion of other fans out of it. I mean, its not like you are someone important enough to matter….

 

[Voldon18]

You are totally correct, mlindsay! Diamond is not the problem with this team, coaching is. Holly admittedly (every time she says, "I have no answers") is in way over her head. I'll take DD any day over the incompetence of CHW. DD has little talent around her (sorry to those who think this is a team of superior talent = Not!) and is pressing. Diamond would eat alive each player on this team one-on-one. Her turnovers are mainly due to Holly's carping about getting the ball into post players who can't or won't get in the proper position and won't or can't fight for the ball.

Don't throw the baby (DD in this case) out with the bath water (Holly, her assistants and misguided collection of talent).

Diamond, please play on and strive for excellence in the face of a disasterous decline in our once glorious program. Hopefully, help will be on the way before you graduate, transfer or leap to foreign / WNBA ball. This fan appreciates your rare talent.

 

[armchair]

CHW put a completely different line up on the floor to start the 2nd 1/2. We lost the lead and never regained it. :question:

Why would she do that?

I'm no fan of Warlick, obviously, but the players are certainly a big part of the problem. I don't think Warlick has told the team not to play transition basketball--that has not happened. And there is no doubt that we need to run whenever possible as we are one of the worst half-court offenses in America--especially against a zone.

Again, sloppy basketball--24 turnovers. Inexcusable. DeShields with 7--the second time in three games our supposed best player has had a horrible game, with poor shooting and lots of TOs. No wonder we lose. On the one hand you want to let her play and create--but that only works if are playing well. And she's not playing well. Nobody is.

I thought our guards would be a strength this year. They are a weakness. Almost every game you look at the stats and our guards are 1-4, 2-6, 1-7. It's pathetic. Cooper is utterly useless against a zone--she cannot make an outside shot.

And Nared? Good size and athleticism--but she is giving us nothing offensively. She is another player that can't shoot and doesn't seem to have an offensive identity.

Warlick simply cannot tolerate turnovers anymore. It's hard to know what to say about this group as they are bad in so many ways.

 

[mlindsay]

Diamond was 6/16 (38%) against a cupcake team that has no talent. As for being a team player, she had 1 assist and 7 turnovers. I think she is the problem, not the solution. That being said, I also believe that she is one of the most talented and athletic players in the country. I just do not think she buys into the concept of "team."

1.)Our starting PG (Carter) had 0 assist and 2 TO's
2.) Our backup PG (Cooper) had 0 assist and 2 TO's

Now Factor in Diamonds 3 Steals (which would essentially negate her 3 TO's) and her 1 offensive rebound (which would essentially do the same) she would have the same amount of TO's (4) as our two PG's and 1 more assist than them. Neither of our PG's had any steals and neither of them would realistically shoot the ball. So yes diamond takes some blame but we were clicking and she was leading the team with 11 at the half and then it was emphasized by Holly that she needed to shoot less and get Graves and Russell involved and that's when the turnovers came. When your coach is demanding you to get it to post players who don't even have great position on the box and you have to get it there anyway you're going to force some things. Part of me are starting to wish she would've stayed at UNC because many of you are failing to see who the real problem is. Take away her 11 points in the first half and we are Tied at the half with Arkansas and we saw how Jimmy Dykes made adjustments and Holly's only adjustment was for Diamond to shoot less and pass more. Without her on this team we probably only have 3 wins this season (UCA, Stetson, and ETSU) how would yall be reacting then?

 

[armchair]

How many times in the last couple of years have we played well early in games--the first quarter or the first half--and then, inexplicably, we start to fall apart. We make bad passes, commit turnovers, lose our intensity on defense, miss shots, the lead disappears, the momentum disappears. It happens over and over again.

We seem to have very little chemistry has a team--or maybe it's simply that you can't have chemistry if you shoot as badly as we do.

Russell needs to have more than 5 shots against a mediocre team like Arkansas. I'm sure Warlick noticed that stat and in that sense I would agree with her. I do think our coaches are clueless when it comes to offensive basketball, and the players are clueless too. It's appears to be mutual ineptitude.

 

[arkyvol]

I'm no bball coach, but I can't see the point in passing up a half dozen open looks and jacking up a desperation shot as the shot clock winds down.

 

[mlindsay]

I really don't care what you are "tired" of. People can have their own opinion and it is not necessary that they agree with you. Why don't you venting to things like game play and coaching and leave the opinion of other fans out of it. I mean, its not like you are someone important enough to matter….

You don't know who I am, you're hiding behind a keyboard with your love for Holly just like I'm hiding behind mine with my disdain for her and how she is destroying a storied program and the legacy of the best Women's Basketball coach ever. If she loved the Lady Vols and Coach Summit she would do us all a favor and step down (if not right now at the end of this season) and allow us to get someone in here that will take the program back to where it once was. We demand excellence here and not mediocrity!

 

[Hoya Saxa]

Hopefully, help will be on the way before you graduate, transfer or leap to foreign / WNBA ball.

Not next year. Not a single member of the class of 2016 wants to be Diamond's teammate.

 

[mlindsay]

You are totally correct, mlindsay! Diamond is not the problem with this team, coaching is. Holly admittedly (every time she says, "I have no answers") is in way over her head. I'll take DD any day over the incompetence of CHW. DD has little talent around her (sorry to those who think this is a team of superior talent = Not!) and is pressing. Diamond would eat alive each player on this team one-on-one. Her turnovers are mainly due to Holly's carping about getting the ball into post players who can't or won't get in the proper position and won't or can't fight for the ball.

Don't throw the baby (DD in this case) out with the bath water (Holly, her assistants and misguided collection of talent).

Diamond, please play on and strive for excellence in the face of a disasterous decline in our once glorious program. Hopefully, help will be on the way before you graduate, transfer or leap to foreign / WNBA ball. This fan appreciates your rare talent.

Well said! My point exactly! And If we not careful, foreign land could be this off-season if Holly remains. We see how Rutgers lost all of their talent and Epiphany Prince was suppose to be the savior but decided (for "family" reason) to forgo her last year and play overseas (to get ready for the WNBA). We could be looking at the same thing (Rutgers hasn't been the same since) We are already losing Graves and Moore (and have no recruits coming in) if you lose Diamond as well (I also think if Diamond goes Te'a will transfer) and there is a chance that Jasmine Jones may never play again, then what's next? (Remember there are no 2016 recruits or JUCO commits yet)

We would have a team that looks like this;

Starters
PG-Carter (RS-SR)
SG-Middleton (JR)
SF-Reynolds (SR)
PF-Nared (JR)
C-Russell (RS-JR)

Bench
PG-Walk-on from campus who barely played in HS
SG-Jackson (Soph)
SF-Dunbar (JR)
PF-Walk on from Volleyball team that can't play
C-Walk on from Volleyball

I know this is reaching but it could very well be a possibly and we would be saying oh the 2017 recruits but they would come here (if we land any top ones) with a lot of pressure on them and have to perform immediately as freshman because they would only have a team of Nared, Jackson, Middleton, Dunbar, and Russell (who is no guarantee to stick around because she would be old enough to declare for the draft after next year because of her age).

 

[mlindsay]

Not next year. Not a single member of the class of 2016 wants to be Diamond's teammate.

Is it that or not a single AAU coach is trusting their players who they have worked with and developed over the years to this coaching staff. If its not wanting to play with Diamond then they don't want to play basketball imo. Jordan, Kobe, Diamond, Taurasi, all have the same mindset and desire to never lose and are passionate about the game and when you have a coach that is inept at coaching you you have to do your thing.

 

[Rickster]

You don't know who I am, you're hiding behind a keyboard with your love for Holly just like I'm hiding behind mine with my disdain for her and how she is destroying a storied program and the legacy of the best Women's Basketball coach ever. If she loved the Lady Vols and Coach Summit she would do us all a favor and step down (if not right now at the end of this season) and allow us to get someone in here that will take the program back to where it once was. We demand excellence here and not mediocrity!

I read your posts and they define you in this world so don't say I don't know who you are….you tell us every posting who you are. I'm not a Holly lover or hater. I don't like her and I don't dislike her. I want her to succeed because that will mean the team is winning and relevant. I don't appreciate derogatory remarks made against her and the players because I believe it gives ammunition to those who would do our program harm. If you are one of those who would do the LV's harm, you are doing a fine job along with your buds.

I personally believe that there is no single root cause for this teams demise and there there is enough blame to go around.

I believe in giving people a chance in life just like Pat did with Holly. Sometimes these chances don't work out and sometimes they do but not flawlessly. I am just as disappointed as everyone else but just because I don't bash the coaches and try to stay above all that drivel does not make me the enemy. The lack of maturity of some posters who are venting on who they perceive as the "love holly" crowd is just grade school BS. All this because they don't publicly agree with a draconian solution….seriously?

When people get fired, innocent people are also hurt so firing someone should be done only after everything is taken into consideration. Maybe the fact that Holly has not been let go indicates there are other factors involved….maybe not but the point is that no one on this board knows for sure….they just feed off of speculation and throw gas on the fire.

My opinion, just like yours, is worthless and just dust in the wind when it comes to influencing the AD to make a decision or two about the team. He gets paid to make that decision and will do so when it is time and trying to use reverse psychology as I sometimes read in this forum will not make that happen any faster. That really only works with adolescents and people who never really matured.

 

[teacherdean]

Holly has been the problem and I am tired of people defending her. As shown in the first half of last nights game this team plays better when they are allowed to get the rebound get it to a guard and run the floor (transitional basketball) than when they have to get it, give it to a guard and wait for Russell or Graves to get up the floor to force the ball inside. In the first half we were clicking and had an 11 point lead which looked like it would be a blowout only for Holly to want Graves and Russell to get more touches when Diamond was basically unstoppable. Diamond tried to do as Holly ask (not shoot and get the ball inside) which lead to several turnovers and her being put on the bench for a long period of time, the moment Diamond was sent to the bench the team no longer had anything offensively. As I stated before we will go as far as Diamond takes us (not Holly) Diamond is the superstar and any other coach would see that and accept that stars input/allow them to play. She has shown she is a team player and the ladies have shown that they play better when Diamond is out there performing. Holly needs to get a grip, we should not be ranked and at the rate we are going will probably not make the tournament and will lucky to reach the WNIT. Share your Thoughts of Agreements or Disagreements. I just want to make sure that I am not the only one.

Can you say Holly Dooley?:crazy:

 

[volnationnj]

As Sandvol has stated repeatedly, "Holly isn't going anywhere" The AD gave Holly a contract extension. It would reflect very poorly on his judgement if he turned around and fired her after extending her contract. That won't happen in the short term. Sorry, Holly will be the coach at least into next year, if not longer, IMHO.

 

[Amb3096]

CHW put a completely different line up on the floor to start the 2nd 1/2. We lost the lead and never regained it. :question:

She went with the starters, right? Andraya, Diamond, Jaime, Bashaara and Mercedes.

 

[PRG]

The team was taught a double screen on out of bounds plays to get the ball to DD. first and then the second guard. (Even Tea ) scored on this play! We have YET to screen/Pick the zone defenses? (during regular play) I was taught this basketball principle in the 7th grade. DD is best from the foul line and in the paint with jump shots. Why don't we help her get there and watch her be successful. Throwing the ball around and everyone standing and watching is not an offense scheme or play. Trying to get the ball to Russell. And if I ever threw her the ball inside and she threw it into the back court. She may never see the ball again unless she gets my rebound.

 

[teacherdean]

I read your posts and they define you in this world so don't say I don't know who you are….you tell us every posting who you are. I'm not a Holly lover or hater. I don't like her and I don't dislike her. I want her to succeed because that will mean the team is winning and relevant. I don't appreciate derogatory remarks made against her and the players because I believe it gives ammunition to those who would do our program harm. If you are one of those who would do the LV's harm, you are doing a fine job along with your buds.

I personally believe that there is no single root cause for this teams demise and there there is enough blame to go around.

I believe in giving people a chance in life just like Pat did with Holly. Sometimes these chances don't work out and sometimes they do but not flawlessly. I am just as disappointed as everyone else but just because I don't bash the coaches and try to stay above all that drivel does not make me the enemy. The lack of maturity of some posters who are venting on who they perceive as the "love holly" crowd is just grade school BS. All this because they don't publicly agree with a draconian solution….seriously?

When people get fired, innocent people are also hurt so firing someone should be done only after everything is taken into consideration. Maybe the fact that Holly has not been let go indicates there are other factors involved….maybe not but the point is that no one on this board knows for sure….they just feed off of speculation and throw gas on the fire.

My opinion, just like yours, is worthless and just dust in the wind when it comes to influencing the AD to make a decision or two about the team. He gets paid to make that decision and will do so when it is time and trying to use reverse psychology as I sometimes read in this forum will not make that happen any faster. That really only works with adolescents and people who never really matured.

This is not a post to say that your post is wrong, however, Holly is the head coach and responsibility for success falls upon the head coach. This is the nature of the beast. In sports it is rare that players receive the blame for the failure of a team. In sports if you have seven five stars and you fail to win your job is jeopardy. And Lord help you if you failed to recruit a single player. Can you imagine what would happen to Rick Barnes if this happen to him?

Yes, fan reactions can have a negative effect upon recruitment, however, the HC's body of work is also an issue. In fact it is a huge issue along with the HC's perceived demeanor. Also affecting this program is a couple of articles that view the LV's as a come and gone program.

As to letting Holly go or stay, unfortunately, historical coaches of women's programs are allowed to stay even if the program is headed South. I am not saying that is the case with Holly, because fans do not have a clue. However, it does not matter if fans hate or love Holly, her team is in dire need for improvement.

 

[gule]

Holly needs to bring in Bobby knight or his son for the rest of the season to toughen up the team. imho

 

[Volfan2012]

I think Diamond is an athletic player but you can't be a great player shooting 6 of 16 and turning the ball over 7 times with one assist. That type of performance usually finds you the bench.
A total enigma to me that we have 8 McDonald's All Americans and none of them can shoot 40 percent from the field. It is really hard to believe when I see these three stars players from Va. Tech and Arkansas shooting better than these hyped players.

 

[volfanIND]

Holly needs to bring in Bobby knight or his son for the rest of the season to toughen up the team. imho

Holly needs to quit this I'm your friend bulls#$@
Holly has passion, but she doesn't have the fire. I've been on the fence this season with my thoughts on the leadership for this team. I'm not on the fence anymore.

1. All the successful coach's don't have a problem in getting in a players butt in the middle of the game. CHEW THEM OUT! Sit them on the bench and get in their face. Wake them up!

2. Holly's philosophy isn't working. I love the idea of getting the ball inside, but this has created an environment where players are afraid to shoot unless your name is Diamond, Russell, or Graves.

3. She is not utilizing her player personal. It DOES make sense to get the ball to your 6'6 post player. But it doesn't make sense when they are triple teaming her every time. I was very proud of Russell last night in the 2nd half when ARK tripled her, she made good decisions to pass it out to a WIDE OPEN PLAYER, who does what? Dribbles!

4. We did good in the 2nd quarter with our press and transition scoring. This is ALL WE HAVE. When the press isn't working, we don't have anything else. Why did we allow Jackson to score 25 points? In the 3rd quarter she caught the ball at the top of the key STOOD THEIR FOR 5 SECONDS (she was going to shoot it, and I don't know why she didn't) and still nobody picked her up??? She single handily beat us, and we couldn't even guard her.

As a coach you have to get on your players when they are not doing good. And I don't mean throwing chairs, but Pat/Geno are able to do it just fine.

Jimmy Dykes out coached Holly last night. At half time, he made the right adjustments (which means, changing your original plan) to win. Holly stuck with the same ole crap that ISN"T WORKING. What's the definition of insanity?

Again, I agree with get the ball to your 6'6 girl. But their needs to be more when this isn't working.
Players are afraid to shoot, players are over-passing to the post, players are NOT COMFORTABLE and their is no flow. This isn't a player problem, this is a coaching problem. The players are doing what they are told to do, it's just not working with our player personal. Where are the adjustments Holly?????? This is your mess, FIX IT!

 

[gule]

She may not be posting on Twitter right now but her picture speaks loud!

https://twitter.com/KDXIII_

 

[brassie]

"Diamond, Taurasi, all have the same mindset . . "

Not hardly. Taurasi was the consummate team player. She is the all time assist leader at UConn. IMO she was the best passer to ever play at UConn. All that while playing mostly as a "superstar" shooting guard.

I don't see that in Deshields. I've only seen her play a couple of times but from what I could see and from what I read here (and from what I read about her at NC) with DD it's all about her winning, not the team.

 

[volfanIND]

Diamond could be like Tuarasi if Holly had a clue to run an offense.