Can South Carolina Take Next Step
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VFLfan - Hah! Yeah yeah.... no beatdown intended..... you see EVEN I want to see the Vols return to relevance!
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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.
....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.
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CAN USC (east) take the next step? I think they will definitely be better next year. Cuevas will be better, and both Coates and Wilson are already better than the players they will be replacing. If their recruiting continues to be good (no reason to doubt Staley on that count) I think they will continue to improve. That said, there is still a large gap between the USC of 2014-15 and UCONN. I also disagree with the person who said she has to recruit nationally: There is so much talent in NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, LA and possibly TX that if she just picks up the best in the region she will be in good shape. So I think they will over the next couple of years become an elite team (I count ND as an elite team, despite the last two title games)
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You are right, it was a USC thread….. and I saw a reference or two to Holly, and felt compelled to chime in….. I probably shouldn’t have…. But now that I did, and you offer up good copy on which to comment, I will take the opportunity to do so…..
I really am baffled that you are baffled by my questioning Holly’s abilities…. And you may be right, she may be doing a spectacular job…. Mine is only an opinion…… let me respond first to a couple of things you have said here
You cite her success in bringing “injury riddled team to the Elite 8”…. I do grant you that positionally you were hampered by a shortage in the frontcourt, but in that Elite 8 game vs. Gonzaga…. You were a #2 seed and they were #11. And as for the “injury riddled team”, Tennessee STILL had 6 All Americans suiting up versus only 1 for Gonzaga. And I am assuming you think all should celebrate such a monumental victory. Again opinion, but I just was not impressed.
“I am the type of person who puts alot of blame on the players instead of the coach”. I am the other side of this argument. I blame the coaching staff. I like to cite W Edwards Deming, the guy who lifted up Japanese business companies a generation ago like Sony and Panasonic. He said if there is any problem going on in a company, it is most assuredly management’s fault, because they have 100% control to change it. Much the same on a basketball team. If Ariel doesn’t want to play defense sit her down. If Simmons wants to play one on one hoops, sit her down too. I think a coach should expect excellence….. in fact demand it….. players will not be perfect, but if they are not covering some of the basics of the game, they should not be rewarded with playing time.
“Holly IMO had a good offensive scheme for a good part of the year” Wow…. You must be talking about the last part of the year because I heard her say in December or January that she hadn’t even worked on or focused on offense up to that point in the season. Offense has never been her strong suit, and even most Tenn backers will admit that I think….. LVs have to, for instance, find a way to score more than 48 vs. Maryland.
“We just have players who werent consistent at making shots” … I think this is a byproduct of a well oiled offense. A refined offense will lead to easier shots. And while that is not the whole thing, your shooting percentage will definitely improve if your coaching staff is commited to teaching offense. Tennessee is admittedly heavy on defense coaching, not emphasizing the teachings of offense.
So anyway I think, my opinion only, that coaching in Knoxville must get better. I have gone on here long enough…. So I will not cite examples to buttress my point….. Sorry for stomping on USC thread…. I shall take note in future! I certainly would like the excitement of playing in the tournament again. It would be great…..
I really am baffled that you are baffled by my questioning Holly’s abilities…. And you may be right, she may be doing a spectacular job…. Mine is only an opinion…… let me respond first to a couple of things you have said here
You cite her success in bringing “injury riddled team to the Elite 8”…. I do grant you that positionally you were hampered by a shortage in the frontcourt, but in that Elite 8 game vs. Gonzaga…. You were a #2 seed and they were #11. And as for the “injury riddled team”, Tennessee STILL had 6 All Americans suiting up versus only 1 for Gonzaga. And I am assuming you think all should celebrate such a monumental victory. Again opinion, but I just was not impressed.
“I am the type of person who puts alot of blame on the players instead of the coach”. I am the other side of this argument. I blame the coaching staff. I like to cite W Edwards Deming, the guy who lifted up Japanese business companies a generation ago like Sony and Panasonic. He said if there is any problem going on in a company, it is most assuredly management’s fault, because they have 100% control to change it. Much the same on a basketball team. If Ariel doesn’t want to play defense sit her down. If Simmons wants to play one on one hoops, sit her down too. I think a coach should expect excellence….. in fact demand it….. players will not be perfect, but if they are not covering some of the basics of the game, they should not be rewarded with playing time.
“Holly IMO had a good offensive scheme for a good part of the year” Wow…. You must be talking about the last part of the year because I heard her say in December or January that she hadn’t even worked on or focused on offense up to that point in the season. Offense has never been her strong suit, and even most Tenn backers will admit that I think….. LVs have to, for instance, find a way to score more than 48 vs. Maryland.
“We just have players who werent consistent at making shots” … I think this is a byproduct of a well oiled offense. A refined offense will lead to easier shots. And while that is not the whole thing, your shooting percentage will definitely improve if your coaching staff is commited to teaching offense. Tennessee is admittedly heavy on defense coaching, not emphasizing the teachings of offense.
So anyway I think, my opinion only, that coaching in Knoxville must get better. I have gone on here long enough…. So I will not cite examples to buttress my point….. Sorry for stomping on USC thread…. I shall take note in future! I certainly would like the excitement of playing in the tournament again. It would be great…..
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I agree with a lot of mudcat's comments . This is a very young talented team with young players who will be stronger, better and more assertive next year. On the court, consistent long range shooting to stretch the floor for their bigs will continue to be a problem.
I think that the biggest improvement will have to be Staley herself. I saw inconsistency defensively, inconsistent intensity and an inefficient offense too frequently last season. Can she create a culture of consistent excellence to SC? Can she bring more discipline to the court? Can she get her players to play at a high level from beginning to end? Can she bring more discipline to their offense?
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Yes, CLE802A you are so right.... my bad and I have put my muzzle on with not only commenting about Holly but other big name coaches who I just do not think are up to snuff.....
Good luck this year..... I love watching Tiffany create space for herself, and the USC bigs work around the basket. It looks to be you vs. Tenn again for it all...... if A&M and KY stay quiet..... it looks like you 2 have a year or 2 window before they return again, to previous levels or not.
Good luck this year..... I love watching Tiffany create space for herself, and the USC bigs work around the basket. It looks to be you vs. Tenn again for it all...... if A&M and KY stay quiet..... it looks like you 2 have a year or 2 window before they return again, to previous levels or not.
easttexastrash
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ETT - For my part on ESPN Top 25 thread..... I have you handicapped at #4 ..... I respect your program and think you have a good inside out combination..... much like USC does for that matter..... had you rated high last year as well.....
easttexastrash
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I knew I liked you.
DobbsRover2
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Ah but of course the all-knowing and self-proclaimed top expert on everything WCBB and DevilsDennish has the prescience to know what would happen for games that never happened, because he is the all-wise Cam. No of course Duke men could never have beaten Ky in 2010, because although as he says nothing is too predictable, he absolutely knows that it is true that Duke men were going down, and all of his Dookie followers naturally agree with him. And just like Duke in 2010 could never have beaten KY, we all know that the Louisville could never beat Baylor in 2013 because although there is some unpredictability in WCBB, everyone knew just like the Great Cam that a Cards' win there couldn't happen. Or did you predict such an outcome along with say Dayton's ride this year, being who you are?
Yes Cam it is indeed true as you so wisely point out that nothing is ever predictable, so that when almost all the ESPN experts predict that the FF will be all #1 seed teams, they are indeed very wise. And when Charlie ranks 16 teams preseason that include 11 S16 teams just like the final 16 poll from the year before could produce, that indeed does indeed show his true brilliance, as you have proclaimed. Average results equal brilliance for you when you so say so.
There are many unpredictable things in this world, but the visits of French-dropping pomposities from the Den at this time of year is all too predictable. But two years ago you at least had Creme touting Duke as the #2 team for 2013-14 to strut with. Tough about that Round 2 flame-out that year, but with Duke I guess things are either too predictable or totally unpredictable, depending on how you view them.
CamrnCrz1974
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I see DobbsRover lack of reading comprehension skills has found its way to a second thread. But please feel free to ignore facts, evidence, or basketball knowledge, in order to stand by your proclamations.
Nothing like coming up with your point, then trying to go back and find support. Unfortunately, DobbsRover, it does not work that way. But good try.
And average results most definitely do not equal brilliance. But you fail to grasp the concept of varying degress, instead choosing to use more formulaic grades in academia and applying it to the world of sports predictions.
I have already shredded your argument. So you, being average, most definitely does not equal brilliance.
Nothing like coming up with your point, then trying to go back and find support. Unfortunately, DobbsRover, it does not work that way. But good try.
And average results most definitely do not equal brilliance. But you fail to grasp the concept of varying degress, instead choosing to use more formulaic grades in academia and applying it to the world of sports predictions.
I have already shredded your argument. So you, being average, most definitely does not equal brilliance.
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