Home US SportsNCAAW Why some Tennessee Lady Vols fans see sadness in March Madness | Adams

Why some Tennessee Lady Vols fans see sadness in March Madness | Adams

by

March Madness is upon us. And some Tennessee Lady Vols fans aren’t happy about it.

Tom writes: More sadness. Tennessee women’s basketball using close calls as a type of victory (after a 75-60 loss to LSU).

I was pulling for Holly Warlick and Kellie Harper since they both played for Pat Summitt. But neither were/are capable coaches IMO. In fact, I think Harper is a downgrade from Warlick.

There are plenty of highly qualified coaches outside the program that surely would be interested.

Your move, Danny White.

My response: White made his move after last season when he gave Harper a contract extension through 2028. So, I would be surprised if he fired her after this season – no matter how the Lady Vols finish.

But you are right in your coaching comparison. Warlick had a higher winning percentage and took the program further in the NCAA Tournament in her first four seasons than Harper did. Warlick was fired after seven seasons, even though she made the tournament every year.

Nonetheless, the program was headed in the wrong direction. You could say the same for this season, Harper’s fifth.

But Harper did win 25 games each of the two previous seasons. And the NCAA Tournament still offers hope.

Mike writes: I am disappointed that the Lady Vols may not make the NCAA tournament this year. They have 11 losses going into the SEC tournament, where they likely at some point will suffer loss number twelve.  Twelve losses and no wins over high quality teams is not an impressive record.

I find it shocking that Kellie has signed so few high school players the past couple of years. And I think it is absurd for Kellie’s husband to be on the payroll at UT.  It is fraudulent for UT to claim that he reports to someone other than Kellie and that there is no nepotism involved.

Until Tennessee starts going after the very best coach possible, we will continue to see a decline in the program that for years was by far the best program in the country.

My response: Despite double-figure losses, the Lady Vols should make the tournament due to strength of schedule. And their early season victory over Oklahoma was a good one.

Kellie and her husband, Jon, were a package deal. They have been coaching together since they were assistant coaches at Chattanooga. Tennessee obviously didn’t have a problem with that.

UT had a chance to hire Louisville coach Jeff Walz when it picked Harper. But it wasn’t interested in a coach who has taken his program as far as the Elite Eight six times and twice has reached the national championship game.

Richard writes: I have read your articles about the Lady Vols, and at first I didn’t agree with your statement that UT doesn’t want the basketball program to succeed after Pat Summitt retired. But watching the Tennessee loss to LSU, it’s obvious that Kellie Harper is not going to have a team that is above average.

The Lady Vols have a 6-foot-6 center that can’t jump more than an inch, and guards that can’t be depended on for any offense or defense when the game is on the line.

Danny White is always talking about teams that contend for championships, but the Lady Vols don’t have what it takes in either players or coaches.

My response: I believe Tennessee would be fine with a championship women’s basketball program. But I question whether it would take the necessary steps to assure such success.

You want a national championship? Pay what it takes to hire a championship coach.

LSU did that with Kim Mulkey and won a national title in her second season (2022-23).

Keith writes: My question to you, “Is expectation for a championship for the Tennessee Lady Vols in the next three years realistic?”

Our previous coach did not accomplish this in seven years. With Texas entering play next season, that would imply to me we move to fourth place at best.

The current roster will be 50% gone and those remaining are questionable about playing at the SEC level. No freshmen on the roster. It looks bleak,

I am not a UT graduate but do financially support the women’s program.

My response: A championship in the next three years isn’t realistic. And you’re right about the impact of Texas joining the SEC.

South Carolina, LSU and Texas should continue to have elite programs. Tennessee’s best chance for success: lure top-flight transfers with lucrative NIL deals.

Geoff writes: The NCAA has not filed one allegation against UT, but the UT powers that be, have filed a lawsuit, got politicians screaming foul play, and the boss has written a scathing email.

As Old Will Shakespeare wrote: “Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.”

ADAMS: Lady Vols basketball’s fourth-quarter fade again sabotages good defense

My response: Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman knew where this was headed and went on the offensive. Her strategy has worked beautifully.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why some Tennessee Lady Vols fans see sadness in March Madness



Source link

You may also like

Leave a Comment