ESPN's Top 25 For Next Year

[stwainfan]

Is Holly a better coach?

My comment was more about her health. She is moving much better. From what she has done in WUG and Italy games. She is playing better.

 

[USFMB]

What will help are the extra summer practices the NCAA allows for team's making overseas trips.

No doubt.

In the case of USF, for example, both the Men's and Women's BB teams just played four games in Spain. The trip will benefit both teams greatly as they were able to have some new players compete, against fairly tough competition, who are expected to make an immediate impact at key positions.

On the women's side, Kitija Laksa , a 3-point specialist, from Latvia gained invaluably from the team playing experience and made the most out of it.

A snippet from the story on the final game is indicative of our high hope for her:

August 18, 2015: USF Women's Basketball 91, CB SANT ADRIA 43

Held at the gymnasium called Pavello Esportiu Municipal in Sant Julia de Vilatorta, Spain which is just over an hour outside of Barcelona.

Freshman Kitija Laksa continued to impress in the final game of USF's Spain trip, shooting a perfect 4-4 from beyond three-point range en route to her second 20 point game as the Bulls drove past CB SANT ADRIA, 91-43 Tuesday.

Laksa joined senior guard Courtney Williams at the top of the scoring column as the duo each dropped 20 points, including a combined 25 points during the Bulls' 30-3 run late in the first quarter and into the second.

Rest of story here.

http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=210256195

 

[Alydar]

For someone who isn't a good coach, Holly's records are:

2013: 27-8, SEC RS Championship, Elite 8
2014: 29-6, SEC Tourney Championship, Sweet 16
2015: 30-6, SEC Co-RS Championship, Elite 8
Total: 86-20

While I think Holly is a fine coach even though she has yet to prove herself as a top recruiter which is a large factor in getting to the FF. And as far as the other coaches you mentioned, Geno, Muffit, Jeff, and Dawn took over weak programs and built them from scratch while Holly took over the second most successful program in the country. And as far as her admittedly excellent won-loss record, I think she has been a victim of over-stated expectations. Her first year Tenn was picked to finish 20th or so due to both Pat's retirement and the graduation of a bunch of seniors. Tenn ended the year ranked 10th. The next 2 years Tenn was picked to make the FF and lost both years in the regionals. So in the eyes of some she has underperformed. It's the nature of the game. JPM lost both her starting guards in a season but it didn't stop people from blaming her coaching for Duke's underperformance.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Realistically all we need is a 100% healthy season and we will be in the FF!

Last year's UT team never would have made it to the Elite 8 had Gonzaga not cooperated and put on one of the greatest chokes I've ever seen. Leading by 17 points (57-40) with about 6 1/2 minutes left in the game, the Zags were absolutely clueless when they knew the press was coming, turned the ball over 5 times in 4 minutes (all but one was an unforced turnover, not a steal), missed all sorts of easy shots, and literally handed the game to Tennessee. On a platter. In Spokane, no less. Gonzaga's collapse was epic and self-inflicted.

Whether that team, adding Russell and DeShields, can possibly make it to the FF will depend on how well the new kids and Holly perform, and more importantly, getting a favorable bracket draw, meaning NO UConn, SC, ND, Baylor, FSU. Rocky Top won't survive such a rocky road.

 

[meyers7]

For someone who isn't a good coach, Holly's records are:

2013: 27-8, SEC RS Championship, Elite 8
2014: 29-6, SEC Tourney Championship, Sweet 16
2015: 30-6, SEC Co-RS Championship, Elite 8
Total: 86-20

She has improved each season in number of wins, while decreasing her loss total and dealing with season ending injuries to players expected to contribute.

To my knowledge, no one in the country has won more than Holly in those three years, other than Geno (113), Muffett (108), Kim (99), Tara (92), Jeff (89), Brenda (88) and Dawn (88).

Other than Geno, Muffett, & Kim, the others have been fairly even over the three year period.

Is Holly one of the best coaches in the game? I don't know, because I haven't seen what she can do with a full roster. Does she have some WTF loses? Absolutely! However, if you put her records up without listing her name, most people would agree that she has had a great three year stretch that a lot of coaches would love to have.

I agree I think she's AWESOME. I have absolutely no problem with her coaching TN. I think you guys should keep around for as long as possible.

I give her.....

 

[BroadwayVa]

1. Uconn
2. Baylor
3. Notre Dame
4. South Carolina
5. Stanford (yes Stanford)
6. Oregon st
7. Tenn
8. Duke
9. Ohio st
10. Maryland

You have EXTREMELY high expectations for Russell. Elizabeth Williams was one of the best ACC post defenders last season and she wasn't even a "game changer" and I'm not quite sure Russell is better than a collegiate Liz and she isn't exactly getting better coaching. I do agree with DD though. Ps. If you respond I'm not interested in hearing about Russel injury past and how she's now 100% blah blah I'm VERY familiar. I wish your team luck this year though.

For all the hype Liz Williams received Kiah Stokes ate her lunch. Liz went way ahead of Kiah in the Draft---how is she doing??
If DeShields lives up to the hype, and she did at UNC, she with a decent supporting cast could be a game changer for Tn. My knock on DeShields was she seemed to take time off during the game while in the game and appeared to be a spectator at times.--I know she was having leg troubles--I would expect the Coach to know when and how to sub for her--so I put the onus on Deshields. But her potential is high.

 

[triaddukefan]

For all the hype Liz Williams received Kiah Stokes ate her lunch. Liz went way ahead of Kiah in the Draft---how is she doing??
If DeShields lives up to the hype, and she did at UNC, she with a decent supporting cast could be a game changer for Tn. My knock on DeShields was she seemed to take time off during the game while in the game and appeared to be a spectator at times.--I know she was having leg troubles--I would expect the Coach to know when and how to sub for her--so I put the onus on Deshields. But her potential is high.

never mind what i was gonna write.... but anyway

Lemme log off before i get a mod edit to this post.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Should a Blue Devil fan really be asking UConn to bring more to the table than they have the last many times they hooked up with UConn? Sure, maybe not likely that they would play again next year unless they collide in a first or second round Tournament game, but the margin in 7 games over the last 6 years is 29.0, and the Devils have given UConn about as much of a game as a quintet of a 99% stoned Grateful Dead fans after a concert.

The Blue Devils players probably saw too many buses this year for the well-being of their backs, but the vehicle below is one they really need to avoid.

NOW you've gone too far, Dobbs. Impugning deadheads by associating them, however tangentially, with Dook wcbb is simply scurrilous.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Mine would be:
1. UCONN-Should be about 4 steps ahead of anyone else in the country.

2. Baylor-Should have their deepest team ever, Jones could be a difference maker on the perimeter. Lots of young talent on this roster.

3. Notre Dame-Turner should evolve into a dominant force this year and Allen will establish herself as one of the top point guards. Most importantly, they have Muffett back on the sideline. I still think it will be UCONN-Notre Dame showdown for the 3rd year in a row.

4. South Carolina-A'ja Wilson will take on a bigger role this year. Between her, Coates and the talented transfer, they'll be more than able to make up for what is lost by Ibiam and Welch.

5. Florida State-They were very very good, and they'll be even better this year. Tons of talent returning led by Romero and Bulgak. Should have their best shot for a Final Four during the Semrau era.

6. Tennessee-They nearly made the Final Four a year ago and should be better if Russell/DeShields are healthy. They have a strong core of players and finally have super star caliber leaders that can get them over the hump. Will it happen? We'll see.

7. Oregon State-Everybody back from a really solid team last year. They won the Pac-12 and have a balanced starting 5.

8. Maryland-Losing Brown is a big blow, but they have 2 other outstanding sophomores in Walker-Kimbrough and Jones. They will not be as good as they were this year, but they'll still be a Big Ten favorite.

9. Ohio State-Can't wait to see year 2 of the Kelsey Mitchell show. She is outstanding and should have more help this year. I think they are two years away from being a true top dog, but they are on the rise and a dark horse Final Four team.

10. Duke-They'll be a year older and have some good players coming in, but I think they are still a year away from making any real noise when they bring in another solid class and Lexie Brown.

I like this top 10 but I'm not sure FSU and Duke will be that good. Duke always underachieve and FSU won't be sneaking up on anyone this season. I like Louisville but they may be one year away.

 

[Orangutan]

I like this top 10 but I'm not sure FSU and Duke will be that good. Duke always underachieve and FSU won't be sneaking up on anyone this season. I like Louisville but they may be one year away.

FSU finished #6 in Sagarin last year and Duke finished #10. FSU isn't losing much and Duke loses Williams but gains ball-handling guards, which they sorely lacked last year. I'd throw Tennessee ahead of Florida State, probably, but 5th or 6th sounds right to me.

 

[BroadwayVa]

never mind what i was gonna write.... but anyway

Lemme log off before i get a mod edit to this post.

Thinking before posting is an excellent idea. A virtue few have--especially me. I'm a Kiah Stokes and Uconn fan--if you want lots of lvoe for Liz and Duke--I suggest a Duke board. I do understand you don't see Liz as I did--that's the object of opinions--float them maybe some will agree and some won't --I guess you won't!!
I honestly respect your level of control not to call me all those name you desire to do. Please notice I do not jab at your coach--, much.