she's been to TN twice....and is still in high contact with program. all recruits are waiting on official announcement and have been advised that a decision will be made in the near future. if pat leaves it will be a sad day in TN. however, keep in mind there will be a lot of excitement and support surrounding the next chapter and SOME, not all, girls will want to be a part of the next new chapter in the most popular program in the country. and please don't take that as a slight at UCONN, i am simply talking attendance and fan support.
it is not all doom and gloom. we got to the elite 8 without a head coach actually coaching...pretty darn good. AND i might add that we finished strong and actually played baylor better than ND.
I hope you won't take this as bullying.
I won't argue the popularity statement you made. There is no doubt that Tennessee has great support from their fans. Attendance is great, although I'd be interested to see how it is next year after the "farewell" tour that was a great tribute to Summitt this year. They had a nice bump this season, but had been trending downward prior to that.
Certainly Tennessee is still in the mix for Russell. But the coaching uncertainty will have a big impact on her decision. If Pat steps down and they hire a new head coach, I would think that other options like Louisville would be more attractive. I guess we will find out soon enough.
In regards to this year, getting to the elite 8 with the talent of Stricklen, Johnson and Baugh along with Massingale and Simmons is nothing surprising, coaching situation or not. and ND had shot it's load against UConn 2 nights earlier and playing closer is nothing to brag about when you lose by 19.
Next year? You lose an incredible amount of production and return some players that have never had to be the go to players. From Volprime on The SUmmitt
Simmons - 25 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 37.5% fg, 31.1% 3's.
Massingale - 28.4 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.9 apg, 38.7% fg, 33.3% 3's.
Harrison - 8.4 mpg, 3.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, .1 apg, 36.7% fg, 0% 3's.
Burdick - 13.5 mpg, 4.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, .9 apg, 46.3% fg, 33.3% 3's.
Spani - 20.8 mpg, 6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 37.2% fg, 40.0% 3's.
Returning bench
Williams - 11.3 mpg, 2.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 41.3% fg, 0% 3's.
That's 35.8 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 9.8 apg coming back.
I'd love to hear how this team, with the addition of 1 very good recruit and 2 good ones and maybe 2 JC players will make up for who they lost. I just don't see it.
