DefenseBB
Snark is always appreciated!
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The sense on VolNation is that "Tennessee recruits itself" and that any coach coming in will automatically get great recruits. I, myself, am not so convinced of that. Yes, Tenn was a storied program but just 3 and 4 years ago (2015/2016 Classes), Holly had back to back years of poor recruiting. Then she stepped it up with two strong classes in 2017/18.
For all of Holly's deficiencies (too many here to list), I do think her "Lady Vol for Life" that bleeds Orange is a huge selling point she leverages. I am not saying a new coach can't also point to the history and the sport commitment by the school but unless it's another former Lady Vol, the new coach will not have been a part of it's history to speak with any true passion on attaining those results.
Our own future rests on this notion as well, will UConn be able recruit at an elite level due to it's history once Geno/CD retire? Does it depend on having someone with strong ties to program to have it continue?
In Men's programs, due to a longer history of the sport in the NCAA's, having a coach with ties to it's legacy is not nearly as important as having "coaching acumen". Just look at Kentucky and all the coaches that succeeded Rupp/Hall that did not have any KY history-Pitino, Tubby Smith, Calipari. Only NCheat has kept it's program legacy intact since Dean Smith retired with Doherty/Roy Williams.
Are the WCBB programs different due to their shortened history of 36 years? UConn 11, Tenn 8, Baylor 2, ND 2 account for 23 of the 36 titles. I would contend that probably a link is essential. What are my fine colleagues thoughts?
For all of Holly's deficiencies (too many here to list), I do think her "Lady Vol for Life" that bleeds Orange is a huge selling point she leverages. I am not saying a new coach can't also point to the history and the sport commitment by the school but unless it's another former Lady Vol, the new coach will not have been a part of it's history to speak with any true passion on attaining those results.
Our own future rests on this notion as well, will UConn be able recruit at an elite level due to it's history once Geno/CD retire? Does it depend on having someone with strong ties to program to have it continue?
In Men's programs, due to a longer history of the sport in the NCAA's, having a coach with ties to it's legacy is not nearly as important as having "coaching acumen". Just look at Kentucky and all the coaches that succeeded Rupp/Hall that did not have any KY history-Pitino, Tubby Smith, Calipari. Only NCheat has kept it's program legacy intact since Dean Smith retired with Doherty/Roy Williams.
Are the WCBB programs different due to their shortened history of 36 years? UConn 11, Tenn 8, Baylor 2, ND 2 account for 23 of the 36 titles. I would contend that probably a link is essential. What are my fine colleagues thoughts?