I wasn't going to say anything in this thread about the LadyVols since its about our fellow SEC up and comer USC but since we were dragged into it
....
The comments about Holly and her coaching abilities baffle me. I mean come on the woman got an injury-ridden team to the EE game this year....who else done that with so much firepower on the bench. I am the type of person who puts alot of blame on the players instead of the coach. Holly IMO had a good offensive scheme for a good part of the year...especially after losing Izzy. We just have players who werent consistent at making shots. Our guard game was very pedestrian and Holly knew this, hence why she played inside-out when Harrison was available. Holly's money was on Izzy and Basharra and quite frankly it worked when Izzy was healthy, except the ND game in which she played horrible. Izzy was the catalyst for Holly's offensive scheme and it won her games when Izzy was on the floor.
Guard Play- I saw Jordan Reynolds drive into the paint at will only to miss an 8 ft jumper all throughout the year, or Andraya Carter getting a wide open 3 only to air ball. Ariel was our only 3pt threat and she wasnt exactly automatic from out there. Her defense was very weak which is why guards always have a good game against us, but she was the only one hitting outside shots for us, so she had to be in the game.
Another thing i tend to hear from Vol fans as well is how Holly isnt "tough" enough or sometimes she looks "clueless" on the sideline. I mean what is the woman supposed to do on the sideline?? She argues calls, she has gotten techs, she calls plays, I've seen her live in person at the SEC tournament get in Ariel's rear about not playing defense. She does the same thing I've seen Muffet, Geno, Dawn, Walz all do. Some people act like they've been to Holly's practices, they act like they hear what she says in the huddle all the time, they act like she wants to coddle her players ALL the time yet have probably never been around the team. Holly's just a postive person in general and doesnt have to display any outlandish antics on the sideline to give the notion that she isnt "tough."
But hey everyone is entitled to there own opinion about Holly. I for one think she's done a remarkable job with what she's been dealth throughout her 3 years. Next year hopefully with a healthy roster and superstar type player (which you need IMO if you want to win championships) in DeShields Holly can finally prove alot of critics wrong. Diamond tweeted "How many coaches can take their team to an Elite 8 in just their 3 year of coaching...ill wait?!?!" Holly and the girls know what people say about Holly and i think next year she has a chance to really prove herself. She'll have NC type talent...these past few years I havent been confident in an actual NC, UCONN has had all the right pieces and a "superstar-type" player in Stewart and honestly KML as well. They've played very cohesive team basketball and its quite entertaining and for that I can appreciate UCONN, but next year if Holly is able to pull in Akhator the LadyVols IMO has a legit shot to get back to the FF and challenge UCONN, but then everyone will say "It was Diamond"..."Diamond runs the team" "Diamond got em there" Well of course people...who wouldnt expect Diamomd to be itching to get back on the court and come out like gangbusters?!? Holly will be just as instrumental in the ride to the NC as Diamond.
O.A.N i think USC will most definitley has what it takes to make it a step further next year. An improved and "in the starting line-up" Wilson and Coates will prove to be a tough matchup for anyone in the country. I really wish Dawn would have started the both throughout the season. They'll miss Welch's toughness but Jatarie White may be able to fill that void. That girl was really good in high school if im not mistaken was sickly throughout the year, so an improved White will certainly help.
