Reality check time

[madtownvol]

I am always very hesitant to visit this site after a loss because the drive-by-posters and negavols come out in droves. And many others get caught in the wild mood swings between jubilation in believing that the LVs have "turned the corner" to greatness (We WILL BE SOUTH CAROLINA!) and and we should bench all the players and maybe rethink our coaching situation (post-loss). [Disclaimer: I am stating the extreme ends of these poles for illustrative effect].

Here is what I believe is a realistic assessment:

The LVs are ranked 23rd (for now) and that is pretty good assessment of their national standing. They are a slightly above average team and when they play the #1 or #3, they expectedly get dominated after some extended of period of putting up a “good fight.”

Why are the LVs a middling team?

Inexperienced players in crucial roles.

Freshman transition to the college game at different rates. We saw that USC freshman are ahead of the curve on Key and Jordan.
In comparison to Key, Boston is more “D1 ready” in terms of functional strength and post moves. Tamari is a GREAT weak-side defender and shot blocker. If the LVs had a better upper class post player so that TK could be role player with defensive responsibilities, we would all be singing her praises. Right now, however, Key is being asked to do more than she is prepared for. I see some signs of development and if she closes the gap by March…..

Jordan is struggling for different reasons. I think she is playing a little rushed. Last night, she had several plays where she made a great move to get an easy lay-up but could not finish or, once again forced passes when easier options were available.

While critics are saying “bench her” because of TO, well, one of the toughest transitions that freshman have to make is playing defense with intensity and Jordan is way ahead of the curve on that dimension—like Key her defensive game is ahead of the offensive game. When Jordan goes out, the defensive quality as a unit drops.

Another reason, you can’t drop Jordan is next;

A shortage of top-level D1 caliber players.

I know a controversial statement and I am not disparaging the human worth of any LV but sports exposes shortcomings with brutal honesty.

After the LSU and Bama games, there were posters basically saying “take that you Lou doubters, she is the glue, She IS this and she is that.”

Yes, Lou can hold her own against teams that are unranked and fighting for an NCAA tourney bid (i.e., teams that are just a notch below the LVs at this stage). But, she lacks the necessary physical tools to hold up well against USC, Uconn, Stanford, Oregon and Baylor level opponents. On those teams, she would NOT be a starter and, at the very best, would be a role player (and in all honesty she probably does not make those rosters). I like her as a player: great hustle, smart and lots of other positive attributes but she is the caliber of player you would expect to find playing for a mid-level, mid-major conference team, not one with serious Final four aspirations

Rae has more overall ability but her game, at its current state, would not see much floor time for these top 10 clubs either.

Harris, KK, McCoy same story as Lou.

The LVs have one player who would start on just about any team – Rennia Davis. They have one player for whom coaches would accept the growing pains to build for the future – Jordan and one player who would be an impact on any top team (though maybe not a starter) – Zaay Green. And one, who would be a solid role player as a back-up PG Jazz.

So, missing Zaay due to injury, the LVs line-up with 3 players who more or less have the talent/skill set to play in some role at a top-tier D1 level and a group of roles players with varying degrees of upside.

For this group to compete, they have to play outstanding, cohesive defense. Against elite teams, they currently seem to be able to hold that level for about ½ game. Turnovers make that task even more challenging.

But the LVs are an offensively challenged team. To be competitive in the top ten, the LVs need 20+ points from Rennia, plus good production from Jordan and a spark from Rae and Jazz (as the team stands right now). Lou is not consistent with her shot and our posts struggle against top teams to score. Zaay is not available to provide that 3 option which would unbalance defenses. As good as Rennia is, quality teams can take her out of the offense, given the lack of scoring threats around here. Per last night’s game, her stat line looked pretty good at the end but, when the game was really being decided in the first half, USC shut Rennia down.

I don’t mean this comment as diatribe against the team. I predict they will look MUCH different in March than they do now. I think Jordan will settle down. [With this collection of players, Kellie simply cannot bench Jordan. She has to give her experience and hope that the kinks can be worked out by March.]

Rae will get a little more consistent and we have to believe that Jazz’s offensive game will continue to gain momentum and that we will see some improvement in the other LVs.

Currently, the critics are acting like the LVs are somehow underachieving and pointing fingers at who is to blame. But when you break it down player-by-player, the LVs actually will need to overachieve to make the Sweet 16. And Kellie and her staff are in a tough position because anything less than a Sweet 16 finish will be seen as a disappointment. That is the Catch-22 she has to resolve through “the process." I am betting she does.

 

[xtpsrh08123]

bump

 

[lvocd]

POST OF THE YEAR!

 

[creekdipper]

Yep.

Outstanding assessment.

Thanks, madtown.

 

[Chippo]

I ditto Creekdipper' s post, madtown

 

[Momto2]

Thanks for the comprehensive analysis. And thanks, too, for the hopeful ending.

 

[glv98]

I think there's a gap between Lou and Harris, KK, McCoy. Lou has her limitations, mostly due to lack of mobility, but she doesn't usually hurt us like the other three do. She's actually capable of contributing in several areas.

We're clearly not "elite" as we saw Sunday. No question over-reliance on freshman has hurt our consistency. But I've seen enough flashes of a really solid team to give me hope that a decent season ending run could develop. I don't think we're that far away from being that dangerous team no one wants to play in the tourney.

Unfortunately, it all hinges on some pretty significant development and improvement happening pretty quickly and that has not exactly been our strong suit the last few years. It worries me that the old bugaboos are still around, sloppy ball handling and inconsistent offense.

It worries me that we have yet another very high profile recruit struggling mightily. All this is way too familar. A big part of Jordans struggle could be lifted if we'd only stop having her handle the ball so much. Jaz is over 3x more efficient with the ball. Why is this hard? It's the ONE area in which we do have a good alternative. I want JH to play thru this, just not with the ball in her hands.

Will be interesting to see if KJH can get it done. By it I mean a top 6 SEC finish and at least one win in each tourney. Anything else would be a bonus. I've never expected Sweet 16, especially after Zaay went out. I'd sure take it though!

 

[mike099]

Great post. I think we all needed that. The prior coach had many years to right the ship. This will take years to get to a consistent top 10 level, but I have confidence the players and staff will work hard.

 

[TN1111]

I think there's a gap between Lou and Harris, KK, McCoy. Lou has her limitations, mostly due to lack of mobility, but she doesn't usually hurt us like the other three do. She's actually capable of contributing in several areas.

We're clearly not "elite" as we saw Sunday. No question over-reliance on freshman has hurt our consistency. But I've seen enough flashes of a really solid team to give me hope that a decent season ending run could develop. I don't think we're that far away from being that dangerous team no one wants to play in the tourney.

Unfortunately, it all hinges on some pretty significant development and improvement happening pretty quickly and that has not exactly been our strong suit the last few years. It worries me that the old bugaboos are still around, sloppy ball handling and inconsistent offense.

It worries me that we have yet another very high profile recruit struggling mightily. All this is way too familar. A big part of Jordans struggle could be lifted if we'd only stop having her handle the ball so much. Jaz is over 3x more efficient with the ball. Why is this hard? It's the ONE area in which we do have a good alternative. I want JH to play thru this, just not with the ball in her hands.

Will be interesting to see if KJH can get it done. By it I mean a top 6 SEC finish and at least one win in each tourney. Anything else would be a bonus. I've never expected Sweet 16, especially after Zaay went out.

To me there’s something missing in our system. I’m no coach but I just don’t see the attention to detail -crisp passing, focus on not over dribbling, innovative half court plays that get players open looks.

I don’t think it’s as simple as blaming it on coaching, talent or youth although those things obviously contribute.

Would getting an offensive specialist (who ever that might be) on the staff help? I have no idea. It kind of reminds me of the LSU football team which decided to totally change their offensive philosophy and with the same players totally looked unstoppable with the changes brought in by Joe Brady.

I’m for whatever works - I know at one point even Pat Summitt was researching more of a motion offense.

 

[Tnphil]

To me there’s something missing in our system. I’m no coach but I just don’t see the attention to detail -crisp passing, focus on not over dribbling, innovative half court plays that get players open looks.

I don’t think it’s as simple as blaming it on coaching, talent or youth although those things obviously contribute.

Would getting an offensive specialist (who ever that might be) on the staff help? I have no idea. It kind of reminds me of the LSU football team which decided to totally change their offensive philosophy and with the same players totally looked unstoppable with the changes brought in by Joe Brady.

I’m for whatever works - I know at one point even Pat Summitt was researching more of a motion offense.

Good post. When I watch our offense there just seems to be no flow to it...It's like we hope to make a pass...hope to make a shot...hope to get a rebound if missed...hope to not turn it over. Almost looks like uncontrolled chaos IMO and it's just not this year, it goes back several years.

 

[glv98]

To me there’s something missing in our system. I’m no coach but I just don’t see the attention to detail -crisp passing, focus on not over dribbling, innovative half court plays that get players open looks.

I don’t think it’s as simple as blaming it on coaching, talent or youth although those things obviously contribute.

Would getting an offensive specialist (who ever that might be) on the staff help? I have no idea. It kind of reminds me of the LSU football team which decided to totally change their offensive philosophy and with the same players totally looked unstoppable with the changes brought in by Joe Brady.

I’m for whatever works - I know at one point even Pat Summitt was researching more of a motion offense.

Such an interesting and vexing question. I loved that the great Pat Summitt publically sought help. Such a lesson in humility. Unfortunately, it never helped her offense much and she continued to depend on her classic offensive philosophy of putbacks, points off turnovers caused by extreme pressure D, and whenever possible, having the best one-on-one player in history. By the end of her career, chronic bad O was becoming a problem.

Sometimes I wondered if Holly hung on to that approach just because it was Pat's tradition. You may have noticed there are some hard core Pat Disciples still around the program who are loath to change anything. As obvious and damaging as the problem became, I never remember a new "system" being implemented. At the same time, players were being underdeveloped so no "system" had much of a chance.

I guess I had hoped KJH would do a more dramatic offensive make-over but given current player limitations that's probably not realistic. Hopefully she has something involving alot of movement and flow in mind and just needs more time and personnel. I probably start getting a little impatient if we don't see real improvement next season.

 

[creekdipper]

I'm sure that every coach around the world would love to have an offense that runs like the well-oiled machine we saw in Oregon's offense tonight.

There are enough clinics, videos, books , etc. that teach the fundamentals of motion offense. It's not like it's a secret. All one needs to do is watch the film and break down what an efficient team looks like.

Executing the principles is a different matter.

 

[Tnphil]

I'm sure that every coach around the world would love to have an offense that runs like the well-oiled machine we saw in Oregon's offense tonight.

There are enough clinics, videos, books , etc. that teach the fundamentals of motion offense. It's not like it's a secret. All one needs to do is watch the film and break down what an efficient team looks like.

Executing the principles is a different matter.

Oregon is one of the more athletic teams I've seen in a longtime. And yes, they have one well oiled offense.

 

[KellywillwinNC]

when does tennessee get back to another final four, if ever?? many teams have been out recruiting tennessee for awhile now, which used to be unheard of.

 

[KellywillwinNC]

many of you need your own reality check..if tennessee hasnt learned how to correct its mistakes by now, it wont magically learn by ncaa tourny time..

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

when does tennessee get back to another final four, if ever?? many teams have been out recruiting tennessee for awhile now, which used to be unheard of.

We don’t know all we know is we have 8 national championships and the LV name is still well and alive.

How many national titles does your team have and don’t you dare say 11 because you are not a Husky fan

Also last time TN was out recruited like this they got a #1 class, then two top ten classes in a row. So I feel pretty optimistic that with time this staff can sell this school and team.

PS it was not unheard of for TN to get out recruited because it was Pat Summitt’s dad that told her she can’t take a mule to the Kentucky Derby so she went to work on recruiting! She also brought in Mickie DeMoss for recruiting purposes to help increase her recruiting.

Just a little fun TN trivia for you

 

[teacherdean]

I am always very hesitant to visit this site after a loss because the drive-by-posters and negavols come out in droves. And many others get caught in the wild mood swings between jubilation in believing that the LVs have "turned the corner" to greatness (We WILL BE SOUTH CAROLINA!) and and we should bench all the players and maybe rethink our coaching situation (post-loss). [Disclaimer: I am stating the extreme ends of these poles for illustrative effect].

Here is what I believe is a realistic assessment:

The LVs are ranked 23rd (for now) and that is pretty good assessment of their national standing. They are a slightly above average team and when they play the #1 or #3, they expectedly get dominated after some extended of period of putting up a “good fight.”

Why are the LVs a middling team?

Inexperienced players in crucial roles.

Freshman transition to the college game at different rates. We saw that USC freshman are ahead of the curve on Key and Jordan.
In comparison to Key, Boston is more “D1 ready” in terms of functional strength and post moves. Tamari is a GREAT weak-side defender and shot blocker. If the LVs had a better upper class post player so that TK could be role player with defensive responsibilities, we would all be singing her praises. Right now, however, Key is being asked to do more than she is prepared for. I see some signs of development and if she closes the gap by March…..

Jordan is struggling for different reasons. I think she is playing a little rushed. Last night, she had several plays where she made a great move to get an easy lay-up but could not finish or, once again forced passes when easier options were available.

While critics are saying “bench her” because of TO, well, one of the toughest transitions that freshman have to make is playing defense with intensity and Jordan is way ahead of the curve on that dimension—like Key her defensive game is ahead of the offensive game. When Jordan goes out, the defensive quality as a unit drops.

Another reason, you can’t drop Jordan is next;

A shortage of top-level D1 caliber players.

I know a controversial statement and I am not disparaging the human worth of any LV but sports exposes shortcomings with brutal honesty.

After the LSU and Bama games, there were posters basically saying “take that you Lou doubters, she is the glue, She IS this and she is that.”

Yes, Lou can hold her own against teams that are unranked and fighting to get into the NCAA (i.e., teams that are just a notch below the LVs at this stage). But, she lacks the necessary physical tools to hold up well against USC, Uconn, Stanford, Oregon and Baylor level opponents. On those teams, she would NOT be a starter and, at the very best, would be a role player (and in all honesty she probably does not those rosters). I like her as a player: great hustle, smart and lots of other positive attributes but she is the caliber of player you would expect to find playing for a mid-level, mid-major conference team, not one with serious Final four aspirations

Rae has more overall ability but her game, at its current state, would not see much floor time for these top 10 clubs either.

Harris, KK, McCoy same story as Lou.

The LVs have one player who would start on just about any team – Rennia Davis. They have one player for whom coaches would accept the growing pains to build for the future – Jordan and one player who would be an impact on any top team (though maybe not a starter) – Zaay Green. And one, who would be a solid role player as a back-up PG Jazz.

So, missing Zaay due to injury, the LVs line-up with 3 players who more or less have the talent/skill set to play in some role at a top-tier D1 level and a group of roles players with varying degrees of upside.

For this group to compete, they have to play outstanding, cohesive defense. Against elite teams, they currently seem to be able to hold that level for about ½ game. Turnovers make that task even more challenging.

But the LVs are an offensively challenged team. To be competitive in the top ten, the LVs need 20+ points from Rennia, plus good production from Jordan and a spark from Rae and Jazz (as the team stands right now). Lou is not consistent with her shot and our posts struggle against top teams to score. Zaay is not available to provide that 3 option which would unbalance defenses. As good as Rennia is, quality teams can take her out of the offense, given the lack of scoring threats around here. Per last night’s game, her stat line looked pretty good at the endbut, when the game was really decided in the first half, USC shut Rennia down.

I don’t mean this comment as diatribe against the team. I predict they will look MUCH different in March than they do now. I think Jordan will settle down. [With this collection of players, Kellie simply cannot bench Jordan. She has to give her experience and hope that this kinks can be worked out by March.]

Rae will get a little more consistent and we have to believe that Jazz’s offensive game will continue to gain momentum and that we will see some improvement in the other LVs.

Currently, the critics are acting like the LVs are somehow underachieving and pointing fingers at who is to blame. But when you break it down player-by-player, the LVs actually will need to overachieve to make the Sweet 16. And Kellie and her staff are in a tough position because anything less than a Sweet 16 finish will be seen as a disappointment. That is the Catch-22 she has to resolve through “the process." I am betting she does.

I fully agree with you. You make a lot of sense. I think it is a mistake to expect the LV to be a top 10 team and that KJH will cure all the ills of the LVs in less than one year. This is a work in progress and if you expect more, you are gravely mistaken. This would be a very much different team if Westbrook, the other player who went to Maryland and Green were on the floor. Number one you would have three experienced players. Now those who disliked Westbrook for one reason or another, have no idea how she would have turned out with the group we have now. KJH has no choice but to play with the hand which she was given. I believe as you do, this team will improve. KJH proved at Mo. State that you do not need a bunch of D1 players to give top 15 teams a run for their money. This team is far more talented than Mo. State. The difference between this team and Mo. State is they believe they can and they are like ants at a picnic. They are all over you from start to finish. They are aggressive and don’t back down from anyone. KJH did not get Mo. State to immediately buy in. This team simply does not exhibit that character. It is difficult to come in as a new coach and expect a team to automatically change into what you want them to be, it is a process. Take a look at the USC game, even KK showed more aggression. They team must learn to be more aggressive while staying in control. We are looking at a team that really does not have an identity, they are in the learning stage. Things will get better but we must be smart and realistic with our expectations.

 

[GameTime]

many of you need your own reality check..if tennessee hasnt learned how to correct its mistakes by now, it wont magically learn by ncaa tourny time..

Why are you here? Don't say it's because you like to talk basketball....All you do is tell us how bad off we are...

 

[Nute Gunray]

I am always very hesitant to visit this site after a loss because the drive-by-posters and negavols come out in droves. And many others get caught in the wild mood swings between jubilation in believing that the LVs have "turned the corner" to greatness (We WILL BE SOUTH CAROLINA!) and and we should bench all the players and maybe rethink our coaching situation (post-loss). [Disclaimer: I am stating the extreme ends of these poles for illustrative effect].

Here is what I believe is a realistic assessment:

The LVs are ranked 23rd (for now) and that is pretty good assessment of their national standing. They are a slightly above average team and when they play the #1 or #3, they expectedly get dominated after some extended of period of putting up a “good fight.”

Why are the LVs a middling team?

Inexperienced players in crucial roles.

Freshman transition to the college game at different rates. We saw that USC freshman are ahead of the curve on Key and Jordan.
In comparison to Key, Boston is more “D1 ready” in terms of functional strength and post moves. Tamari is a GREAT weak-side defender and shot blocker. If the LVs had a better upper class post player so that TK could be role player with defensive responsibilities, we would all be singing her praises. Right now, however, Key is being asked to do more than she is prepared for. I see some signs of development and if she closes the gap by March…..

Jordan is struggling for different reasons. I think she is playing a little rushed. Last night, she had several plays where she made a great move to get an easy lay-up but could not finish or, once again forced passes when easier options were available.

While critics are saying “bench her” because of TO, well, one of the toughest transitions that freshman have to make is playing defense with intensity and Jordan is way ahead of the curve on that dimension—like Key her defensive game is ahead of the offensive game. When Jordan goes out, the defensive quality as a unit drops.

Another reason, you can’t drop Jordan is next;

A shortage of top-level D1 caliber players.

I know a controversial statement and I am not disparaging the human worth of any LV but sports exposes shortcomings with brutal honesty.

After the LSU and Bama games, there were posters basically saying “take that you Lou doubters, she is the glue, She IS this and she is that.”

Yes, Lou can hold her own against teams that are unranked and fighting to get into the NCAA (i.e., teams that are just a notch below the LVs at this stage). But, she lacks the necessary physical tools to hold up well against USC, Uconn, Stanford, Oregon and Baylor level opponents. On those teams, she would NOT be a starter and, at the very best, would be a role player (and in all honesty she probably does not make those rosters). I like her as a player: great hustle, smart and lots of other positive attributes but she is the caliber of player you would expect to find playing for a mid-level, mid-major conference team, not one with serious Final four aspirations

Rae has more overall ability but her game, at its current state, would not see much floor time for these top 10 clubs either.

Harris, KK, McCoy same story as Lou.

The LVs have one player who would start on just about any team – Rennia Davis. They have one player for whom coaches would accept the growing pains to build for the future – Jordan and one player who would be an impact on any top team (though maybe not a starter) – Zaay Green. And one, who would be a solid role player as a back-up PG Jazz.

So, missing Zaay due to injury, the LVs line-up with 3 players who more or less have the talent/skill set to play in some role at a top-tier D1 level and a group of roles players with varying degrees of upside.

For this group to compete, they have to play outstanding, cohesive defense. Against elite teams, they currently seem to be able to hold that level for about ½ game. Turnovers make that task even more challenging.

But the LVs are an offensively challenged team. To be competitive in the top ten, the LVs need 20+ points from Rennia, plus good production from Jordan and a spark from Rae and Jazz (as the team stands right now). Lou is not consistent with her shot and our posts struggle against top teams to score. Zaay is not available to provide that 3 option which would unbalance defenses. As good as Rennia is, quality teams can take her out of the offense, given the lack of scoring threats around here. Per last night’s game, her stat line looked pretty good at the endbut, when the game was really decided in the first half, USC shut Rennia down.

I don’t mean this comment as diatribe against the team. I predict they will look MUCH different in March than they do now. I think Jordan will settle down. [With this collection of players, Kellie simply cannot bench Jordan. She has to give her experience and hope that this kinks can be worked out by March.]

Rae will get a little more consistent and we have to believe that Jazz’s offensive game will continue to gain momentum and that we will see some improvement in the other LVs.

Currently, the critics are acting like the LVs are somehow underachieving and pointing fingers at who is to blame. But when you break it down player-by-player, the LVs actually will need to overachieve to make the Sweet 16. And Kellie and her staff are in a tough position because anything less than a Sweet 16 finish will be seen as a disappointment. That is the Catch-22 she has to resolve through “the process." I am betting she does.

Madtownvol, I am one of the posters who wish Coach Kellie would bench Horston. I respect your comments as always because of your perceptiveness and comprehensive discernment. I made my comments because I believe Jordan is getting hurt emotionally knowing she is the largest contributor to the LV's worst problem. That is why she should be benched until she can minimize her turnovers. I know Coach Kellie does not have many options to replace Jordan in the starting lineup but she needs to exercise those limited options.

 

[GameTime]

(Good call Nute)

I'd put Horston on the bench and take some pressure off of her ....She can be first relief for either Burrell or Massengill....

At this point in her career at UT, Jordan is an athlete trying to play basketball, not a basketball player that is also an athlete...Big difference...She has developing basketball skills, but loaded with athletic skills...(I changed skill level...You guys were right, my error)

Burrell is worth a try....

 

[madtownvol]

Madtownvol, I am one of the posters who wish Coach Kellie would bench Horston. I respect your comments as always because of your perceptiveness and comprehensive discernment. I made my comments because I believe Jordan is getting hurt emotionally knowing she is the largest contributor to the LV's worst problem. That is why she should be benched until she can minimize her turnovers. I know Coach Kellie does not have many options to replace Jordan in the starting lineup but she needs to exercise those limited options.

I appreciate your concern. I don't anything about Jordan but I am guessing (hoping) that she is a competitor who wants to get better and face a challenge. She is going through a trial by fire and I don't think the staff would be doing it, if they did not believe she will come out of it better and stronger. And not having any real alternatives, with Zaay out, makes it all a moot issue in some way.

I agree with GLV98 that the easy middle-ground solution is that play Jazz for a much longer stretch at PG and let Jordan work off the ball.
Kellie has been subbing Jazz 1) she has been running the offense fairly well; 2) and is not in foul trouble.

Kellie has altered her sub scheme to shorten the bench but she seems to be a little more stubborn when it comes to letting go of the idea of Jordan as PG.

 

[madtownvol]

(Good call Nute)

I'd put Horston on the bench and take some pressure off of her ....She can be first relief for either Burrell or Massengill....

At this point in her career at UT, Jordan is an athlete trying to play basketball, not a basketball player that is also an athlete...Big difference...She has limited basketball skills, but loaded with athletic skills...

Burrell is worth a try....

Great picture!

I disagree that Jordan lacks basketball skills. She has hit some amazing passes this season with great touch and vision; she has a nice array of jumpers, floaters, and a killer Euro-step. And her ball handling skills are pretty good (though she needs to tighten up her dribble a bit when facing smaller, pesky guards).

All of her problems are decision making and being surprisingly inconsistent at finishing the shots at the rim she creates with her ball skills. I am not why she is missing these shots but I think in some cases, she rushing a bit. That seems like a very fixable problem via practice time. The decision making will take a little more time and experience to rectify.

 

[Nute Gunray]

(Good call Nute)

I'd put Horston on the bench and take some pressure off of her ....She can be first relief for either Burrell or Massengill....

At this point in her career at UT, Jordan is an athlete trying to play basketball, not a basketball player that is also an athlete...Big difference...She has limited basketball skills, but loaded with athletic skills...

Burrell is worth a try....

Jordan would be "Michael" Jordan, if her basketball skills were equal to her athletic skills. I think she has good basketball skills that need to be refined a touch.

 

[TVOL71]

One issue that has to be addressed is turnovers. I believe these players are good enough that they should not be turning the ball over more than 20 times a game even against top teams. Kelly needs to something to fix this, make them carry a ball around campus or run laps or something. They can do better there. That may not be enough to beat some of the top teams yet, but will result in closer games instead of blow-outs, and better prepare them for next year. GBO.

 

[GameTime]

Guys let me give you an example of what I'm trying to say about athletes and ball players......

I've played golf with guys that were great athletes, but not great golfers....A great golfer knows the proper way to play a sand shot, proper putting techniques, etc....

Often a great athlete that plays golf will try and over power the sand shot, and has little feel for a lag putt, or whatever.....He will try and kill it off the tee and often will lose the ball to the right because he left the face of the club open, etc, etc..

Our Ms Horston is leaving the face of her club open and is slicing into the next fairway...Soon she is beating the hell out of the ball trying to get back on the right fairway....She's a mental mess...The excessive turnovers appear to be from confusion of what to do at the given moment..

As Tom Hanks said in League of their Own, "I don't have ball players, I've got girls".. Horston is still a girl, she will become a good/great ball player, but not likely this season.