There's been some great posts on this thread including Wbb posting Margo (she even has orange walls in home!). I didn't want to hit reply to the various good comments to have my Logo appear like a rash on this thread...
Becky Hammon, despite having the support of Popovich, I just don't see ever getting a head job in the NBA-too much macho-ism with the players and even very good men's coaches get thrown under the bus, never mind adding in sexism.
She does have to prove that not only can she handle a high profile program, she must and thrive and develop players. I also think she will need to coach a few USA teams. So to address the UT thing, while Tenn has the money Hammon wants, I am not convinced Philip Fulmer will:
1. Let Holly go if she gets 24+wins, makes it to the second round and still has strong recruits coming in. She has 1 more year at $625-650K coming to her and they can't afford to buy her out. It just doesn't happen in Women's sports. My guess is the chances of her getting fired with a year left as 15%.
2. If after next year, they do decide to not renew (my guess is 75%) or Holly decides it's time to step down (most graceful way), I am not convinced that they will pick outside the program. Pat Summit legacy weighs too much on this program to eschew any Lady Vol.
All told, I put Hammon's chance at getting UT at 25% if Holly is gone next year.
Yesterday was the first chance I got to see MSU this year even though I have been intently following all their games. They look good, but after seeing them, I am less worried than I was as their defensive pressure is not as strong as it was last year and the only person with size is McCowan who we can double down on with Pheesa, Z and Gabby. Kia can lock down Vivians. While Morgan William and Crystal Dangerfield will do battle that leaves Shaeffer and Johnson as the other two starters that KLS and Pheesa/Gabby guard. That's a huge mismatch for us. It's nice his daughter starts and shoots 39% from 3 point land (good but not great) but she will get killed guarding Kia or KLS.
Honestly, after the Texas game, I am convinced the teams with the best guard play that are well coached will give us the hardest time (yes MSU is included in this). I am curious on Tex-BU this Thursday with my view Texas has the deeper bench and much better guard play that they should win. At best, I think BU splits with them.
MSU will do well the rest of the way and the match-up with a healthy Wilson with Tyesha Harris will be interesting to watch.
Thoughts?
