Recipe for Disaster

[msf22b]

An Associated Press story, picked up by ESPN notes Pat's appearance at UTenn's first practice and the following surprising, almost shocking line.

"Warlick said she expects to have Summitt at every practice."

 

[meyers7]

An Associated Press story, picked up by ESPN notes Pat's appearance at UTenn's first practice and the following surprising, almost shocking line.

"Warlick said she expects to have Summitt at every practice."

That could be rather annoying for a head coach.

 

[sarals24]

I wonder if Holly expects it, as in demands it, or she "expects" it, as if it's inevitable.

 

[ThisJustIn]

I guess there's no way it could be a good thing, huh, what with their friendship and Pat's experience....

 

[msf22b]

Justin, I just think it reminds me too much of last year's controversies.

 

[meyers7]

I guess there's no way it could be a good thing, huh, what with their friendship and Pat's experience....

I can't see how.

 

[alexrgct]

I guess there's no way it could be a good thing, huh, what with their friendship and Pat's experience....

No, there's very little way it's a good thing. It would have been like Jack Welch retiring as CEO of GE but still showing up for all of Jeff Immelt's meetings. At best it's something of a distraction, and at worst, it can really inhibit the successor's ability to lead.

 

[JS]

Could be just a kindness if her condition is such and/or their agreement is such that she won't participate at all.

If it develops that she can't help herself and starts trying to get involved, they could review this decision.

 

[alexrgct]

Could be just a kindness if her condition is such and/or their agreement is such that she won't participate at all.

If it develops that she can't help herself and starts trying to get involved, they could review this decision.

I think it would be both kind and useful to have her around the program and even show up from time to time for a practice. These kids were recruited by Pat, came to Tennessee either specifically to play for her or for the program she built, and I'm sure would like to see her. It's the "every practice" element of it that I think is a very bad idea.

 

[sarals24]

I remember reading in John Feinstein's book "A March to Madness" that Dean Smith still kept his office at UNC after he retired and would show up for some practices. But he let Bill Guthridge have control, which I think is the right way to do it.

I'm sure UT fans will spin this as nothing but positive, but I think it's a terrible idea.

 

[Man-Man]

It's probably therapeutic for her to continue being in a familiar environment. I also heard about a cure that is going into the human testing phase that is supposed to stop the degenerating process for the disease. I guess when and if it makes it to markets it may be a few years but maybe a possible return could come. That would be crazy right?

 

[UcMiami]

If I remember correctly, Pat is very restricted in how she can interact with players per NCAA rules. She can only be an observer during practices so I am not sure how much of a distraction she would be. But ... certainly wouldn't be my choice to have her hanging around the floor - a seat in the last row of the arena would be just fine.

 

[UConnChapette]

I am confused. I was under the impression that full practices couldn't start until Saturday, October 13 which follows First Night. Is this not so?

 

[Icebear]

I am confused. I was under the impression that full practices couldn't start until Saturday, October 13 which follows First Night. Is this not so?

About days before a team's first game but it is more complicated than that. It changedawhile ago to the following;
"The big change in practices schedule this year is that instead of having a specific date when practices start (usually October 15th) the new practice rules state that a team may have 30 practices in the 40 days prior to their first game of the season. So for example the Bobcat Men’s first game this year is November 12 (not counting exhibition games) this means they could hold their first practice on October 2 almost two weeks before when they did last year. Now I think it will require a few more days off of practice between the start of practice and the first game but I think athletes and coaches will welcome this change. This stagger the start of practices for all programs, so we will not have the big Mid-night madness events like there have been in the past."

 

[UConnChapette]

30 days before a team's first game. Changed a couple of years ago.

Thanks. I figured UTenn wouldn't blatantly ignore such an obvious rule. Also explains the pic of the UConn seniors at their final preseason work out. I was confused. Now I am not. Appreciate it!

 

[Wonkster]

An Associated Press story, picked up by ESPN notes Pat's appearance at UTenn's first practice and the following surprising, almost shocking line.

"Warlick said she expects to have Summitt at every practice."

The Schmidt will really hit the fan when Summitt shows up at practice accompanied by Kelley Hardwick.

 

[Vowelguy]

The transition already took place last year. Plus I'm not sure what PHS is allowed to do at practices. (Observe, but not coach?)
Much ado about little, IMHO.

 

[VAMike23]

The transition already took place last year. Plus I'm not sure what PHS is allowed to do at practices. (Observe, but not coach?)
Much ado about little, IMHO.

Exactly.

 

[Kibitzer]

Holly's comment was surely a sop to the LadyVols fan base, which understandably reveres Pat.

Several months ago I expressed my opinion of this situation by stating my view that Holly has the worst coaching job in America. Difficult enough to not only succeed a legend (and have to endure constant unfavorable comparisons to her illustrious predecessor) but -- worse yet -- have Pat hovering over the premises and reminding the worshipful fans of past glories even as the current team may be experiencing understandable difficulties.

For Holly, it's a lose-lose situation unless she can miraculously hang a 9th NC on the wall.

 

[Vowelguy]

Several months ago I expressed my opinion of this situation by stating my view that Holly has the worst coaching job in America. .

She's got a 4-yr, $485,000/year contract. Poor her. 95% of the WCBB coaches in the country would kill for that.

 

[doggydaddy]

She's got a 4-yr, $485,000/year contract. Poor her. 95% of the WCBB coaches in the country would kill for that.

I'm pretty sure Kib wasn't talking about money.

Following a legend is difficult enough. Having that legend still part of the program is even worse.

Good for the fans and players (maybe). Not so good for Warlick. How many cuts to Pat Summitt will we see during Tennessee games if she is anywhere in the arena, let alone behind the bench. TV won't be able to help themselves. Especially after any bad play by TN or a run by the opponent.

UConn men have the same issue. Calhoun has been at practices but in contrast to Summitt, will not attend most games. And would bet he is in a skybox when he is there.

No, I wouldn't envy Warlick this year. I'm sure it will ease up as years go by.

 

[Phil]

Thanks. I figured UTenn wouldn't blatantly ignore such an obvious rule. Also explains the pic of the UConn seniors at their final preseason work out. I was confused. Now I am not. Appreciate it!

Yes, I sort of knew about the new rule, but had forgotten, and it does explain both.

 

[alexrgct]

The transition already took place last year. Plus I'm not sure what PHS is allowed to do at practices. (Observe, but not coach?)
Much ado about little, IMHO.

Last year, the team severely underperformed, lost a lot of games they should have won, and, although they made the Elite Eight, they did so with no hope of advancing beyond that point and partially on the strength of a weak bracket.

This year, the team is significantly less talented and experienced, so I understood the mantra to be that the difference would be that Holly Warlick would have clear and complete command of the ship. If the transition happened last year, that mantra seems implausible.

If Pat can't do much, what is the point of showing up for every practice? Would you like the person who used to do your job kind of hanging around the office all the time, especially if you were responsible for the performance of others? It's the "every practice" part of it that doesn't sound kosher to me and is unlikely to lend credibility as a competent leader in her own right.

 

[UConnCat]

I'm pretty sure Kib wasn't talking about money.

Following a legend is difficult enough. Having that legend still part of the program is even worse.

Good for the fans and players (maybe). Not so good for Warlick. How many cuts to Pat Summitt will we see during Tennessee games if she is anywhere in the arena, let alone behind the bench. TV won't be able to help themselves. Especially after any bad play by TN or a run by the opponent.

It was reported at the time of Pat's retirement that she would sit behind the bench during home games. This made me cringe a bit for exactly the reason you mention: how many times will the TV cameras cut away to Pat during games. It could create the outward impression that the team is not entirely Holly's and I'm sure deep down is something Holly would prefer not happen. I'm hoping Pat will re-think that and not create the visual of looking over Holly's shoulder. As far as showing up at practices, it seems that would be very therapeutic for Pat and a good thing.

 

[jennyo70]

Well, it is bound to" ease up, as years go by" especially since the affadavit that was recently filed in the Jennings case that has been all over the news indicated the Emeritus Coach position was just for one year.

I'm pretty sure Kib wasn't talking about money.

Following a legend is difficult enough. Having that legend still part of the program is even worse.

Good for the fans and players (maybe). Not so good for Warlick. How many cuts to Pat Summitt will we see during Tennessee games if she is anywhere in the arena, let alone behind the bench. TV won't be able to help themselves. Especially after any bad play by TN or a run by the opponent.

UConn men have the same issue. Calhoun has been at practices but in contrast to Summitt, will not attend most games. And would bet he is in a skybox when he is there.

No, I wouldn't envy Warlick this year. I'm sure it will ease up as years go by.