Holly's press conference

[DEpup]

Every time I read about the challenges and environment at Tenn, I just think what was Horston and her family thinking? Appears so illogical.

 

[EricSD]

End of the article says it: "The program deserves better. So do the fans. " I'd like to see a relevant Tennessee again. There has been enough hair shirt and ashes to satisfy me.

Not me. Tennessee can go the way of Louisiana Tech or ODU and I'd not feel the least bit sorry for any of them. I'm actually rooting for them to turn it around a bit and make the NCAA's. I don't want Holly fahred.

 

[EricSD]

John Adams has been covering the Vols for a long time, so if he's come to this conclusion, it could carry some impact.

He does write about whether (or not) the Vols will have the money to go after a name coach. (Probably not). That is actually where most of us came down in the thread about who could be the next coach of the Lady Vols. It probably won't be a name coach. In most instances, those coaches have built their programs and have nothing to gain by trying to right the ship.

However, a very successful coach at a mid-major or non P-5 school could be affordable and bring her/his passion, philosophy and process to the position.

Katie Meier, but I'd be rooting HARD for them to get Nikki Fargas.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Some here will not be satisfied until they see a bonfire with salt and acid poured over the remains.

Why, that just calls for a song @JordyG

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Not me. Tennessee can go the way of Louisiana Tech or ODU and I'd not feel the least bit sorry for any of them. I'm actually rooting for them to turn it around a bit and make the NCAA's. I don't want Holly fahred.

Hardcore @EricLA and come game time next year I suspect all my venom shall be restored; but I would wish better for the dunderheaded kids who keep showing up there!

 

[Dillon77]

Katie Meier, but I'd be rooting HARD for them to get Nikki Fargas.

I think there are very few things -- maybe one -- that would make Katie Meier leave the U and Tennessee isn't one of them. She's been there 14 years, is in the school' Hall of Fame and is responsible for the largest gift made in women's basketball history at the school. And the fund is now named for her.
Miami Hurricanes announce pledge for largest gift in women's basketball program history

I think the only position that might tempt her to leave is Durham, NC, where she -- as a Duke alumni, could revitalize a sliding Duke Blue Devil program.

 

[EricSD]

Hardcore @EricLA and come game time next year I suspect all my venom shall be restored; but I would wish better for the dunderheaded kids who keep showing up there!

Nothing personal against the kids who choose to go there. Holly has sold them on a family atmosphere meshed with the history and aura of the Tennessee program. She's been very successful. She took over the program in 2012. Top recruits include:

Mercedes Russell, Janah Tucker (I believe they verbaled during Pat's tenure but stayed on for Holly)
Diamond Deshields (Margo went bananas on her video when she found out about that)
Jaime Nared
T'ea Cooper
Evina Westbrook, Rennia Davis, Anastasia Hayes
Zay Green, Jaz Massengill
Jordan Horston

It's a veritable "who's who" of top players who continue to gravitate to Tennessee. Even tho she struck out in 2016, it's been gangbusters since then. And some of the players were not ranked high on HG, but were high on other services and were AA's (Kuskituah and Collins come to mind). I think you can count on one hand the programs who have recruited better than Tennessee since Holly took over, and aside from Parker, I'd argue that Holly has recruited better than Pat's last 4-6 years.

So whatever she's selling, these kids are buying. But at some point you would think they would look at the lack of results at the college level, and even more selfishly, how these players are developed for the WNBA. Russell was a former #1 recruit, was cut from her WNBA team, and signed at the last minute by Seattle.

Jaime Nared was signed by the Aces, barely made the roster, and was dead last in scoring and minutes per game. With the plethora of talent coming out this year (I think there are at least 10-15 players who can have solid pro careers), I would not be surprised to see her cut next year.

Those are 2 kids who were developed completely by Holly's coaching team. There are many good to excellent coaches out there who I think could have had both better prepared and more developed for the pro game.

My last point has to do with my "recruiting the right kids". Most Tenn fans will tell you that Deshields was a chemistry problem. Cooper was even worse and she transferred out. Hayes was dismissed from the team. That's 3 problem kids in 6 years. I'm not saying they are bad people, just not right for Tennessee, and it caused problems.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Some casseroles are just no good. Remember school lunches? Effort maybe, good no.

You got casseroles! Went to private school I guess.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Nothing personal against the kids who choose to go there. Holly has sold them on a family atmosphere meshed with the history and aura of the Tennessee program. She's been very successful. She took over the program in 2012. Top recruits include:

Mercedes Russell, Janah Tucker (I believe they verbaled during Pat's tenure but stayed on for Holly)
Diamond Deshields (Margo went bananas on her video when she found out about that)
Jaime Nared
T'ea Cooper
Evina Westbrook, Rennia Davis, Anastasia Hayes
Zay Green, Jaz Massengill
Jordan Horston

It's a veritable "who's who" of top players who continue to gravitate to Tennessee. Even tho she struck out in 2016, it's been gangbusters since then. And some of the players were not ranked high on HG, but were high on other services and were AA's (Kuskituah and Collins come to mind). I think you can count on one hand the programs who have recruited better than Tennessee since Holly took over, and aside from Parker, I'd argue that Holly has recruited better than Pat's last 4-6 years.

So whatever she's selling, these kids are buying. But at some point you would think they would look at the lack of results at the college level, and even more selfishly, how these players are developed for the WNBA. Russell was a former #1 recruit, was cut from her WNBA team, and signed at the last minute by Seattle.

Jaime Nared was signed by the Aces, barely made the roster, and was dead last in scoring and minutes per game. With the plethora of talent coming out this year (I think there are at least 10-15 players who can have solid pro careers), I would not be surprised to see her cut next year.

Those are 2 kids who were developed completely by Holly's coaching team. There are many good to excellent coaches out there who I think could have had both better prepared and more developed for the pro game.

My last point has to do with my "recruiting the right kids". Most Tenn fans will tell you that Deshields was a chemistry problem. Cooper was even worse and she transferred out. Hayes was dismissed from the team. That's 3 problem kids in 6 years. I'm not saying they are bad people, just not right for Tennessee, and it caused problems.

Russell sits all but unused at the end of Seattle's bench; or sat. Mercedes Russell WNBA Stats | Basketball-Reference.com Doubt she comes out of camp this year.

I did call the players who by apple buy over statistics "dunderheads" and there is the whole survival of the species appeal to your argument favoring Holly's unending longevity as Tenn coach.

 

[Bama fan]

You got casseroles! Went to private school I guess.

I would not say private. Catholic schools for 12 years. Bunch of stuff thrown together and cooked. Casserole or not? You tell me. If you get it wrong the nuns will whack you!

 

[Triad]

I used to "hate" TN, then I used to dislike TN and now I just feel sorry for TN
Those high school AA's that go there to be under coached and under perform probably deserve it as it's not a secret that TN does not have a real offense and no real understanding of defense.

True, Sad and not so true. Under coached: True. No real offense or defense, SAD. The kids deserve it: Not true. I have no knowledge of what any UT kid went there for. I ASSUME they went hearing and seduced into the past glory of the Vols or another great sales pitch. It is widely assumed Holly is very good recruiter.
Each kid that goes to Uconn, ND, Ms St, Louisville, OR U Tenn deserve the best training and education available. Be it basketball or academics. They should get the best (available at that school) instructions, facilities, coaches, Profs/Instructors they are due that.
The kids put in extraordinary hours of practices, weight rooms, conditioning before going to classes. Geno often throws around these kids get 50,000 each year in education, etc. I won't make a guess of how many hours in getting ready for the game and games are given or classroom study time'; it must be exceptional. How much is that time worth?? The entertain ment we get each year is worth millions. Take the highest rated TV show 2 times a week must have a budget of 20 to 60 million. These kids are certainly worth near that. And SO ARE HOLLY's kids. Don't berate them for the failure of UT to protect them or Holly to teach them.

 

[biobioprof]

Which is the conclusion that many on the LV board have come to. A passionate and successful coach from a mid major.

How many LV boards are out there? I’m wondering if I should be checking out somewhere more interesting/less delusional than Volnation. I thought the SBN site was better before all the WBB regulars left, but that was several years ago.

Not willing to spend money to get oast a paywall, though.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Don't berate them for the failure of UT to protect them or Holly to teach them.

I don't see berating, but maybe it is semantics, because after what 7 or 8 years of Holly and certainly for all those who signed up for the last few years, the slightest attention to her record would have advised them to stay away, but they took no heed. Not them. Not their AAU coaches. Not their parents.

 

[msf22b]

I'd actually like a new coach to come in and turn the program around.
albeit with the same players.
Demonstrate how misguided their loyalty to Holly and Pat's memory was.
It would be great...er..useful to have another important woman's franchise.
I've been pushing Becky Hammon, a personal fav.

 

[Triad]

I would not say private. Catholic schools for 12 years. Bunch of stuff thrown together and cooked. Casserole or not? You tell me. If you get it wrong the nuns will whack you!

I went to Catholic Schools too, a long time ago. If we got it wrong it was do it over, and over, rote. Father Taylor was the boogie man. Get called into his office then he and the boys talked basketball or baseball, never saw a girl get called into his sanctuary. Only once did I see any one struck by a Nun a boy who truly deserved it. He was struck once on the palm of his hand. A relative, in a school in Eastern Ct, was Mother Superior: all she had to do was look over her glasses and the school trembled; never raised a stick or hand.

 

[EricSD]

I'd actually like a new coach to come in and turn the program around. albeit with the same players. Demonstrate how misguided their loyalty to Holly and Pat's memory was. It would be great...er..useful to have another important woman's franchise. I've been pushing Becky Hammon, a personal fav.

Just say no...!

 

[DefenseBB]

Holly Warlick press conferences, like my posts AFTER her press conferences...Rinse,Wash, Repeat...nothing else new to say.

 

[southofnorth]

I’ll admit I don’t watch Tennessee much because the last two years have been appalling to say the least. That said, I’ve seen/heard nothing to indicate Holly Warlick is deserving of much praise. She seems like a great person, but as a coach she seems less than stellar. Her constant talk of “they need to dig deep” and “they know what they need to do now they just have to do it” make me question her (and every other coach that spouts comments like these ad nauseam) abilities. Talk about how the offense is stalling because there are a couple players hogging the ball and thinking they need to do it all themselves. Talk about how there’s a lack of ANY intensity on the defensive end. Talk about what you’re going to do to get your players motivated. YOU are the coach Holly. That means YOU are responsible for demanding the most of your team. If they aren’t willing to give you what you’re asking for, there are plenty of seats next to you on the bench during the games. I’m baffled by coaches that can’t say something meaningful and always blame everything on “lack of heart/soul/grit/etc.” Talk X’s and O’s or admit you don’t know. I understand that effort is hugely important in sports, but even giving 100% of your effort doesn’t mean a thing if players aren’t playing team ball in a team sport.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

She seems like a great person,

Stubborn to a fault and choosing to ignore what she has done to the legacy PHS left. A great person doesn't do that.

 

[DefenseBB]

Stubborn to a fault and choosing to ignore what she has done to the legacy PHS left. A great person doesn't do that.

But a completely ignorant, un-self aware person does do that! Voila-“Holly”

 

[Bama fan]

I went to Catholic Schools too, a long time ago. If we got it wrong it was do it over, and over, rote. Father Taylor was the boogie man. Get called into his office then he and the boys talked basketball or baseball, never saw a girl get called into his sanctuary. Only once did I see any one struck by a Nun a boy who truly deserved it. He was struck once on the palm of his hand. A relative, in a school in Eastern Ct, was Mother Superior: all she had to do was look over her glasses and the school trembled; never raised a stick or hand.

We got whacked on the hands with a ruler in grade school in the late 50s. If you were actually bad the principal , a nun, would paddle you. Nothing brutal, but it was always in the back of your mind. I never got the paddle, but I probably should have. The cafeteria nun would look in your milk carton to see if you tried to dump your veggies. There was a line to return your tray and silverware and dump your garbage. If she found food in the milk carton, she would hold up the line and force you to eat it right out of the carton, Cold ,milky , disgusting veggies! Then she would tell everyone about the starving children who would be glad to have them. Then off to detention after school. So much for the good old days!

 

[Triad]

I don't see berating, but maybe it is semantics, because after what 7 or 8 years of Holly and certainly for all those who signed up for the last few years, the slightest attention to her record would have advised them to stay away, but they took no heed. Not them. Not their AAU coaches. Not their parents.

Maybe Berate was too strong a word. However, as once was said: don't victimize the victims. In this case it is the Student (please note, not adult but Student) Athletes that are under UT and Hollys care/tutelage MAY be the victims in all this. Certainly, they are the victims if you can blame them in anyway for being seduced into going to play for Holly. They ARE KIDS when they are Signing LOI's. You don't have a great grasp on what parents to day can and cannot do with their children. You can't lock them in their rooms, tie them up, make them go to a school they don't choose. HS and AAU coaches have some leverage that is true. But be sure the kids will go where they will go. You are correct many people COULD have and maybe DID advise them and showed them the folly of following Holly. In the final word they will go where they are seduced (for what ever reason) by some thing as silly as a Jersey with their name on it.. Or their favorite friend decided to go (friends have more sway than ten parents).

 

[Triad]

We got whacked on the hands with a ruler in grade school in the late 50s. If you were actually bad the principal , a nun, would paddle you. Nothing brutal, but it was always in the back of your mind. I never got the paddle, but I probably should have. The cafeteria nun would look in your milk carton to see if you tried to dump your veggies. There was a line to return your tray and silverware and dump your garbage. If she found food in the milk carton, she would hold up the line and force you to eat it right out of the carton, Cold ,milky , disgusting veggies! Then she would tell everyone about the starving children who would be glad to have them. Then off to detention after school. So much for the good old days!

I too heard the lectures of the starving children (in this case) in China. I too spent detention time. Spent one summer month 4 hours a day making up for having an impacted tooth and missing school for a week. It all built character and I am a better person for , I was told. Luckily, we brown bagged it. Amen, Amen G.O.D.'s

 

[southofnorth]

Stubborn to a fault and choosing to ignore what she has done to the legacy PHS left. A great person doesn't do that.

I meant more outside of the basketball world. I’ve only heard pleasant things about her as a person. I do agree with you that she is determined to push any and all blame off on anyone but herself.

 

[MilfordHusky]

That's a very painful presser to watch. I feel for Holly, but she is the head coach and it's her responsibility to instruct and motivate her players. She is failing at both. She also accepts no responsibility herself. She talks about effort, defense, and rebounding. Those were Pat's staples. Through the 1980s and 1990s, those things worked. They are not enough this millennium. Beyond that, Holly does not have the force of Pat's personality. When was the last time that Holly broke a clipboard? I don't see Holly having any success in her current position, as her limitations are glaring.

We play them next year? I like our chances.

 

[Bama fan]

I too heard the lectures of the starving children (in this case) in China. I too spent detention time. Spent one summer month 4 hours a day making up for having an impacted tooth and missing school for a week. It all built character and I am a better person for , I was told. Luckily, we brown bagged it. Amen, Amen G.O.D.'s

I brown bagged it nearly all the time, too. The cafeteria woman, Sister Flavian, was possessed! I spent far more detention time during my high school years than the grade school years. We had Saturday detention. Cleaned the school yards, emptied trash, and helped with lawn maintenance. Cheap labor!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

We got whacked on the hands with a ruler in grade school in the late 50s. If you were actually bad the principal , a nun, would paddle you. Nothing brutal, but it was always in the back of your mind. I never got the paddle, but I probably should have. The cafeteria nun would look in your milk carton to see if you tried to dump your veggies. There was a line to return your tray and silverware and dump your garbage. If she found food in the milk carton, she would hold up the line and force you to eat it right out of the carton, Cold ,milky , disgusting veggies! Then she would tell everyone about the starving children who would be glad to have them. Then off to detention after school. So much for the good old days!

No nuns for me, but in public school my 5th grade teacher had a huge jar filled with whitish gray paste and if you lipped off or used foul language you got to eat a generous dollop of this muck! e rapidly became a very decorous bunch of ruffians.

 

[msf22b]

But a completely ignorant, un-self aware person does do that! Voila-“Holly”

One of the recent refrains
is that she's no disciple of Einstein
rather an air-head of limited ablity

 

[vtcwbuff]

I would not say private. Catholic schools for 12 years. Bunch of stuff thrown together and cooked. Casserole or not? You tell me. If you get it wrong the nuns will whack you!

All my grandkids go to Catholic schools. Every one says the cafeteria food sucks - including casseroles. However, everyone of them is getting a great education.

 

[Bayareahusky]

Isn't it amazing that Lady Vol Nation is quick to point out their proud history, anoint themselves the incubator of WCBB.... claim that it was their program which lit the fire to spring WCBB into the mainstream popularity....

Yet its present coach says nothing at press conferences except "well we just didn't hustle tonight the other team just wanted it more" .... and does not have a clue on how to coach the talented players she gets to go to Knoxville.... LVs are once proud program but Holly has successfully in 7 yrs as HC and another one as Acting HC.... embarrassed the school and the sport by the way.... immeasurably