For the curious - re RU

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Linked article addresses RU issues over past years.

It is very consistent with what many RU fans have known was the problem over the last few years.

http://www.nj.com/rutgerswomen/index.ssf/2012/01/rutgers_c_vivan_stringer_shake.html

 

[Sonny44]

It has to be about will and not skill for her because she just doesn't get the top recruits.
I have no problem with her coaching style at all. In fact I see her as a lot like Geno, but with much less talent.
I don't like her on game day though, but that's probably just my problem.

 

[Coler]

It has to be about will and not skill for her because she just doesn't get the top recruits.
I have no problem with her coaching style at all. In fact I see her as a lot like Geno, but with much less talent.
I don't like her on game day though, but that's probably just my problem.

We may not get the #1 recruit like UConn does, but we have over the past few years have gotten top ten recruits, and recruits in the top 100. She's a very good recruiter by the way.

 

[UcMiami]

Thanks for posting the article - not much new news, but still a nice read. I think all coaches struggle with identifying the chemistry issues with the players they recruit - it can be easy to be tempted by great talent, and convince yourself that you can deal with other issues.
And when you bring in a big class (5 that year) it generally means you have just graduated most of your starters and upperclass leadership - that makes it even tougher to handle as a coach. Coaches depend a lot on the veterans to be a buffer and a resource for their freshman.
As an aside - I have been really impressed with Sykes for sticking it out - that first year had to be a nightmare and for her personally as I believe the highest ranked of the 5. I don't think Rutgers was the best fit for her, and I am not sure she has ever recovered her confidence, but she made a commitment and has stayed with it.