ESPN's Top 25 For Next Year

[Alydar]

Yet she still won National FRESHMAN of the year. All while injured. After a year off to recuperate and mature, I think it's pretty safe to say her game won't be the same as it was her FRESHMAN year.

DeShields could well have an AA season at Tenn but more and more she's looking injury-prone. She is wearing a boot for a bad ankle and suffering from shin splints after being pronounced 100% ready to go by her coaches. She's less healthy now than before sitting out a year.

And what makes you think she is any more mature now than she was 15 months ago?

Bottom line: Tenn fans expect 3 underclassmen who have zero experience playing together to lead them to the FF while UConn fans has 3 uber-talented freshman players coming in that are not being counted on at all to provide leadership on the court because they have 4 starters returning, led by 2 AA seniors and a virtual AA red-shirt junior. Or look at a team like Baylor, whose 5 leading scorers last consisted of a freshman and 4 sophomores. Or S Carolina, where the 2 lost starters played less and scored less than their subs.

Tenn is likely going to get another one seed. They will easily out-talent all but 2 opponents this year, the Gamecocks & the Irish. But will they have the team to get to the FF? Maybe but not as likely as their fan base thinks. It's fine to be hopeful but realistically Tenn needs a lot to go right for them.

 

[stwainfan]

Actually this Tennessee team has played three games.

 

[Alydar]

Actually this Tennessee team has played three games.

They had 3 scrimmages against teams that aren't even as good as their exhibition opponents in November. And DeShields didn't even play.

 

[stwainfan]

They had 3 scrimmages against teams that aren't even as good as their exhibition opponents in November. And DeShields didn't even play.

yes but they do have a little experience of playing. I think that will help the team.

 

[Alydar]

yes but they do have a little experience of playing. I think that will help the team.

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

 

[AnotherVolFan]

DeShields could well have an AA season at Tenn but more and more she's looking injury-prone. She is wearing a boot for a bad ankle and suffering from shin splints after being pronounced 100% ready to go by her coaches. She's less healthy now than before sitting out a year.
Are you 100% she's less healthy than she was before??? I would love to know where you got that information from.

And what makes you think she is any more mature now than she was 15 months ago

Common sense maybe. Diamond is not only talented but a very smart basketball player, wouldn't you expect any player from a UCONN team to have matured after sitting out 15 months????!

Bottom line: Tenn fans expect 3 underclassmen who have zero experience playing together to lead them to the FF while UConn fans has 3 uber-talented freshman players coming in that are not being counted on at all to provide leadership on the court because they have 4 starters returning, led by 2 AA seniors and a virtual AA red-shirt junior. Or look at a team like Baylor, whose 5 leading scorers last consisted of a freshman and 4 sophomores. Or S Carolina, where the 2 lost starters played less and scored less than their subs.

I don't see your point. Tea and Diamond has played together countless times before. Not to mention Diamond and Mercedes have played together for idk how many years playing for USA basketball. Not all LadyVol fans are counting on just these 3 to lead us to a FF, yes they will be instrumental in getting us there but we all know it takes a team effort. I personally think Jasmine Jones will be a much improved player for us, as well as Jamie Nared, as well as Bashaara, as well as Reynold, as well as Carter.....yes we have lofty expectations for Russell, Diamond, and Tea....who wouldnt?! #1 and #2 recruit for the 2013 class and a talented PG in Cooper.....I'm just ready for the season to start already.

Tenn is likely going to get another one seed. They will easily out-talent all but 2 opponents this year, the Gamecocks & the Irish. But will they have the team to get to the FF? Maybe but not as likely as their fan base thinks. It's fine to be hopeful but realistically Tenn needs a lot to go right for them.

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

 

[uconnell]

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

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

Realistically, I think you have to realistic . If it happens it's icing on the cake.

 

[Alydar]

A) wouldn't you expect any player from a UCONN team to have matured after sitting out 15 months????!

B) Tea and Diamond has played together countless times before. Not to mention Diamond and Mercedes have played together for idk how many years playing for USA basketball.

C) I personally think Jasmine Jones will be a much improved player for us

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

A) No, maturity doesn't simply come with aging. I'm a perfect example of that.

B) The 3 UConn freshmen have also played a lot together in USA ball, but USA teams are largely run like all-star teams, with a lot of individual play and little team play. The UConn freshmen will need to work very very hard to learn how to play in the CT system. I remember reading last year how Dunbar was going to be a force from behind the arc. Prior to that Russell was going to lead the LV's to the FF as a freshman HSPOY. Before them it was Massengale who was going to be the freshman point guard leader and before her it was Simmons who was going to shoot the LV's into the FF as a freshman. No offense but when are LV fans going to stop with the irrational exuberance over new players?

C) Jasmine is a very good defensive player, a great athlete and plays with great energy but has hands of stone with the ball and hasn't shown any ability to put the ball into the hoop. She's a smaller version of Glory Johnson. If Tenn could put Nia Moore's offensive skills in Jones' body they'd have an AA candidate.

D) Is it realistic to expect a season without injuries? It's OK to hope for it but for a team to make the FF they need to be ready to overcome inevitable injuries.

And while I expect that many of Tenn's bench players from last year will improve, players on other teams who started last year and were better than those Tenn players will also improve.

 

[triaddukefan]

We'll still finish ahead of Duke this year..

Im not convinced, but we will see.

 

[connboy77]

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

Even if Tennessee is 100% healthy next year there isn't any guarantee that they will make the final four. Tennessee would still have to beat out UCONN, USC, Baylor, ND, and possibly some other dark horse team. The games still need to be played so nothing is guaranteed.

 

[meyers7]

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

That usually helps teams quite a bit. One reason the NCAA only allows them once every 4 years.

 

[AnotherVolFan]

A) No, maturity doesn't simply come with aging. I'm a perfect example of that.

B) The 3 UConn freshmen have also played a lot together in USA ball, but USA teams are largely run like all-star teams, with a lot of individual play and little team play. The UConn freshmen will need to work very very hard to learn how to play in the CT system. I remember reading last year how Dunbar was going to be a force from behind the arc. Prior to that Russell was going to lead the LV's to the FF as a freshman HSPOY. Before them it was Massengale who was going to be the freshman point guard leader and before her it was Simmons who was going to shoot the LV's into the FF as a freshman. No offense but when are LV fans going to stop with the irrational exuberance over new players?

C) Jasmine is a very good defensive player, a great athlete and plays with great energy but has hands of stone with the ball and hasn't shown any ability to put the ball into the hoop. She's a smaller version of Glory Johnson. If Tenn could put Nia Moore's offensive skills in Jones' body they'd have an AA candidate.

D) Is it realistic to expect a season without injuries? It's OK to hope for it but for a team to make the FF they need to be ready to overcome inevitable injuries.

And while I expect that many of Tenn's bench players from last year will improve, players on other teams who started last year and were better than those Tenn players will also improve.

A. Oh ok, well I expect Diamond to have matured, it's perfectly okay if you disagree due to your personal experience....understandable

B. No offense taken because I can't speak for every LadyVol fan. Some fans get excited to see new additions to their team, and I don't see why it's problematic that Tenn fans are. I for one never thought the aforementioned players to lead us to a FF coming in as Freshman. Mercedes was a post player, who would need time to develop, Ariel helped us in the PG position but I expected the "BabyVol" class to lead us to a FF, not Ariel, and Simmons was never an option in my mind to lead us to a FF.

C. I agree with your assessment of Jones if this was her sophomore or freshman year. During her sophomore year she almost helped UT come back against Maryland in the 2nd half by herself. Before she got injured and had to redshirt her junior year she was playing superb, putting the ball in the basket and limiting her turnovers. No one got to see the improved Jasmine Jones because she got injured so early in the season, so I get the comparison of "hands of stone" and her offensive inability, however I don't think that will be the case this year.

D. Ummm yes it is realistic , it's been done before by SEVERAL teams in the NCAA, so why can't Tenn have a season without injuries. We've had some bad luck over the years with injuries to key players at inopportune times but it creates good energy to think and hope for a healthy season....in my eyes.

Also no where did I say no one else will improve, I expect everyone to come back hungry after every offseason.

 

[AnotherVolFan]

Even if Tennessee is 100% healthy next year there isn't any guarantee that they will make the final four. Tennessee would still have to beat out UCONN, USC, Baylor, ND, and possibly some other dark horse team. The games still need to be played so nothing is guaranteed.

You're right.

 

[stwainfan]

Since Russell wasn't fully healthy her freshman year. I will give her a pass. I think she is already better than her freshman year.

 

[CocoHusky]

Since Russell wasn't fully healthy her freshman year. I will give her a pass. I think she is already better than her freshman year.

Is Holly a better coach?

 

[AnotherVolFan]

Is Holly a better coach?

No one will know until next April.

 

[mtsuraider06]

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.

 

[BlueDevils]

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.

JPM has great record as well, but coach K has to be on my screen if I want to see Duke name associated with Final four.

 

[mtsuraider06]

JPM has great record as well, but coach K has to be on my screen if I want to see Duke name associated with Final four.

JPM has 86 wins over those three years, so she was close.

 

[triaddukefan]

JPM has 86 wins over those three years, so she was close.

so close, yet so far away

 

[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.