2021-2022 Season

[brnkj]

I like Vic and that's no secret... and I understand, empathize, and agree with his frustration. But I don't think we can look for just a whole helluva lot of consistent improvement in attendance until we get over the hump against Baylor and win a conference championship. There may be an opportunity ahead for us at the Big 12 tournament to do just that. If that opportunity presents itself I'd sure love for us to seize it.

 

[Moooooo]

Good points but I’d bet that the low attendance is something other coaches mention to recruits. Why go to Texas and play on a good team where fans and students don’t care enough to show when you can play for [fill in SC, Tennessee, UCONN, etc] in front of 7-9K every game?

Let's be real. We aren't really recruiting against South Carolina and UConn these days. What we do have starting next season is a brand new arena and practice facility with all the amenities; only a few players ever get the "brand new" experience. That has to be one of the recruiting selling points until they figure out a way to improve home attendance; I do think that will come when we join the SEC and regularly bring in opponents like USC, A&M, LSU, Tennessee, etc.

Look how great ISU's attendance has been for so many seasons; but, that doesn't bring in the elite recruits consistently. Not even Stanford has ever drawn all that great at home. There are only a handful of women's programs who are the whole package (USC, UConn, Louisville, maybe a couple more) these days.

 

[kurupt]

I certainly hope the approach to getting cheeks in seats isn't to just rely on the Moody Center. As one of the 16,000 that was in the FEC when Arkansas ended our 183 game SWC win streak, I can tell you Jody and her crew worked their tails off to get people to attend. Retirement and Assisted Living Centers were bussed in. For weekday games, school busses of children came. This approach of build it and they will come and we'll send out a few emails to those that have already bought tickets isn't cutting it. I'm encouraged by some recent hires CDC made. Those people are responsible for the record student attendance at the 2nd and regional rounds of volleyball playoffs at Gregory. A little discouraged with the efforts, or lack thereof, that went into women's basketball this year. Omicron was raging for most of the season so I guess give it a pass. They have to go to work next year.

And also Vic wants to talk about no excuses...fine. Then there are no excuses for not having a P5 team on the nonconference home schedule. "No one wants to play me" is an excuse too. Figure it out.

Agreed. We talked about this early in the year. CDC and the entire Wbb administration have done a horrible job with trying to encourage the students/people to come to the games.

I don't think Beard is anywhere near the coach Vic is. And his teams are not very exciting to watch at all, at least not offensively. But he did an excellent job of promoting, encouraging, and incentivizing people to come to games, especially the students.

When you have a hard to watch men's team selling out games with students and fans engaged like they've been this year, there's no reason why some of that shouldn't seep into the women's team.

 

[Moooooo]

There's really no reason to compare attendance in men's and women's basketball. Even women's programs like UConn, Tennessee, and Louisville are never going to average what their men's teams average; South Carolina might be the exception since their men's team sucks. There is, and always will be, a higher interest (globally) in men's hoops than women's hoops.

 

[kurupt]

There's really no reason to compare attendance in men's and women's basketball. Even women's programs like UConn, Tennessee, and Louisville are never going to average what their men's teams average; South Carolina might be the exception since their men's team sucks. There is, and always will be, a higher interest (globally) in men's hoops than women's hoops.

Agreed. Which is why I also stated that SOME of that should seep into the women's team in terms of students. But that still doesn't change the fact the entire Wbb administration did a horrible job of promoting.

But Coach Aston was also frustrated with attendance when she had a couple good teams when she was here. So I don't no what the sure answer is. This might also be a sticking point if/when Vic leaves for a&m.

 

[FarawayFan]

Since I now live in another state, I love having LHN, being able to watch all the home games. I am sure there are folks in Austin who don't want to fight the traffic, etc. and watch from home. Moving to the SEC will most likely change this.

 

[longhorn47]

There are >40,000 undergraduate students enrolled. It's a disgrace that more of them don't show up to support this terrific team.

 

[brnkj]

Agreed. Which is why I also stated that SOME of that should seep into the women's team in terms of students. But that still doesn't change the fact the the entire Wbb administration did a horrible job of promoting.

But Coach Aston was also frustrated with attendance when she had a couple good teams when she was here. So I don't no what the sure answer is. This might also be a sticking point if/when Vic leaves for a&m.

Although it's certainly a possibility, I don't think Vic leaves for A&M. I'd be disappointed but my attitude towards that is the same as it is with the players... if he leaves he leaves. That's out of our control. There are a lot of good coaches out there that just need to be hired into the right situation. The question would be whether or not CDC and the administration would hire the best applicant available again.

 

[DFW_Horn]

Let's be real. We aren't really recruiting against South Carolina and UConn these days.

I'd venture to speculate that Rori and Aaliyah probably had offers from almost all of the perennial Top 10 powers as well as several of our Top 2023 targets (Cunningham, Hidalgo, Booker).

 

[flash34]

Until Schaefer gets multiple years of top rated recruits, I can’t make a case that Horns are going head to head with SC, UCONN, Stanford, etc. The rankings have lots of bad players rated high but Schaefer appears to now be focusing on those 25-75 ranked players that fit his criteria. I’m ok with that now. To win a Natty, he’ll have to bring in a Cunningham or similar every other year at least. I’m not sure how much a player we are for Cunningham, Booker, etc. We’ll see in this next recruiting cycle.

 

[BALL IS LIFE]

Although it's certainly a possibility, I don't think Vic leaves for A&M. I'd be disappointed but my attitude towards that is the same as it is with the players... if he leaves he leaves. That's out of our control. There are a lot of good coaches out there that just need to be hired into the right situation. The question would be whether or not CDC and the administration would hire the best applicant available again.

I've been hearing that he's gone for about 2 weeks now. Was told he's frustrated with lack of support. I originally blew off the information as AAU gossip (which there is plenty of) because that had not been mentioned by him before, but that interview yesterday has me concerned. I've also been told UT is already getting their ducks in a row just in case. Hopefully there is nothing to it. Please don't poop on the messenger. LOL

 

[Moooooo]

I've been hearing that he's gone for about 2 weeks now. Was told he's frustrated with lack of support. I originally blew off the information as AAU gossip (which there is plenty of) because that had not been mentioned by him before, but that interview yesterday has me concerned. I've also been told UT is already getting their ducks in a row just in case. Hopefully there is nothing to it. Please don't poop on the messenger. LOL

As Mulkey taught us, "never say never".

I would hope Del Conte was smart enough to include some kind of buyout clause regarding A&M as he had to know Gary Blair was set to retire sooner rather than later.

If this does come to pass, we should be able to relate as Texas alum Chris Beard left Texas Tech to come coach at his alma mater.

 

[TempestHorn]

I've been hearing that he's gone for about 2 weeks now. Was told he's frustrated with lack of support. I originally blew off the information as AAU gossip (which there is plenty of) because that had not been mentioned by him before, but that interview yesterday has me concerned. I've also been told UT is already getting their ducks in a row just in case. Hopefully there is nothing to it. Please don't poop on the messenger. LOL

You have to be incredibly naïve to not think it's a possibility. We are not Tech fans, clueless to the lure of returning to your alma mater to coach. The swipe at the administration in yesterday's call about not having in person media availability while the men are getting to do so is a major red flag that the relationship is fractured. Wasn't a fractured relationship with the AD a major reason Kim left Baylor?

 

[brnkj]

I've been hearing that he's gone for about 2 weeks now. Was told he's frustrated with lack of support. I originally blew off the information as AAU gossip (which there is plenty of) because that had not been mentioned by him before, but that interview yesterday has me concerned. I've also been told UT is already getting their ducks in a row just in case. Hopefully there is nothing to it. Please don't poop on the messenger. LOL

Interesting information and, if it's true, let's hope that all of it is true ( i.e. UT getting their ducks in a row). The good thing is that March is just a few days away, so we'll all know one way or another sooner than later.

 

[BALL IS LIFE]

Interesting information and, if it's true, let's hope that all of it is true ( i.e. UT getting their ducks in a row). The good thing is that March is just a few days away, so we'll all know one way or another sooner than later.

The rumor mill always picks up close to March.

 

[Moooooo]

It's been a while since I read the A&M message boards, but most were under the assumption that Kelly Bond would end up being promoted to Head Coach. Some think Coach Yolette at Ole Miss would be a candidate since A&M's new AD was the one who hired Yo at Ole Miss.

When your coach announces their retirement/resignation during the season, it has to be a lot different than when they do so at the conclusion of the season. And, by that, I mean, the AD has a lot more time to vet candidates; not sure if they would have been conducting interviews during the season. There's always a chance they already have a deal in place with someone.

 

[Dennis Grady]

My nephew is involved in the program and he mentioned that Vic seems more agitated than usual and that something about his demeanor has changed over the last several weeks. Only speculating, but I’m wondering if the pressure of being a head coach at Texas is too much. I can only assume that he can have what he has with Texas at A&M with far less pressure I hope all of this is nothing but gossip and speculation.

 

[brnkj]

The rumor mill always picks up close to March.

That's true.

 

[HornView]

I only know I’d really hate to see Vic leave this soon. I’m not sure there’s an (available) coach out there I’d have as much faith in rebuilding a program as quick as I think Vic can. He has a stellar resume going way back.
I’m nauseous just thinking about it…

 

[kurupt]

I've been hearing that he's gone for about 2 weeks now. Was told he's frustrated with lack of support. I originally blew off the information as AAU gossip (which there is plenty of) because that had not been mentioned by him before, but that interview yesterday has me concerned. I've also been told UT is already getting their ducks in a row just in case. Hopefully there is nothing to it. Please don't poop on the messenger. LOL

Which is why I've been very hesitant with getting too involved with this years team emotionally. When Blair retired and Vic was asked the question on whether or not he would take the job, and he didn't give a simple no to the question I already knew what time it was. Like I said, things like attendance and the media things are always used to rationalize and justify leaving.

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

he can have what he has with Texas at A&M with far less pressure

I disagree. The pressure at aggy would be no less than what he experiences here.

It is the incompetence of Plonsky that aggy would easily be able to improve upon.

 

[Dennis Grady]

Which is why I've been very hesitant with getting too involved with this years team emotionally. When Blair retired and Vic was asked the question on whether or not he would take the job, and he didn't give a simple no to the question I already knew what time it was. Like I said, things like attendance and the media things are always used to rationalize and justify leaving.

Agreed. Mulkey wrote the script for other high profile coaches to use…just plug in said state/university and there you go, i.e. home was calling, etc.

 

[kurupt]

Although it's certainly a possibility, I don't think Vic leaves for A&M. I'd be disappointed but my attitude towards that is the same as it is with the players... if he leaves he leaves. That's out of our control. There are a lot of good coaches out there that just need to be hired into the right situation. The question would be whether or not CDC and the administration would hire the best applicant available again.

That would be my thoughts as well. With the transfer portal the way that it is, with a coaching change you could either build quickly or be decimated with transfers. I would hope that they would go after the best available again. But it wouldn't surprise me that if it does happen they go get someone like Nell Fortner.

 

[kurupt]

I disagree. The pressure at aggy would be no less than what he experiences here.

It is the incompetence of Plonsky that aggy would easily be able to improve upon.

It's the incompetence of everyone in the Wbb administration including Vic. UT always talks a big game when it comes to the athletic department and it's commitment to excellence especially on the women's side. But their actions don't match up with their words. It's long been time to get rid of Plonsky but I think UT knows, that she knows where all the bodies are buried.

 

[Moooooo]

My nephew is involved in the program and he mentioned that Vic seems more agitated than usual and that something about his demeanor has changed over the last several weeks. Only speculating, but I’m wondering if the pressure of being a head coach at Texas is too much. I can only assume that he can have what he has with Texas at A&M with far less pressure I hope all of this is nothing but gossip and speculation.

I'm not sure what pressure there actually is. He inherited a program that was on the decline; so, living up to the accomplishments of his predecessor(s) shouldn't provide him too much anxiety, especially since he got Texas to its first Elite 8 since 2016 in his first season on the job. Prior to that, our last Elite 8 was in 2003 on our way to our last Final Four.

At A&M, he would be facing the pressure of following the legend of Gary Blair, and his national title.

 

[brnkj]

Someone please explain to me what is meant by "in person media" that the men are getting and our women are not.

 

[kurupt]

Someone please explain to me what is meant by "in person media" that the men are getting and our women are not.

I think it's the fact that the men are having the weekly media availability in person with reporters there like usual. And Vic is having to do his via zoom as you can tell in the video. Stuff like that are the kinds of things that I agree with him on. Anything you're allowing the men to do should also be allowed for the women.

 

[Moooooo]

Speaking of differences between the men's and women's hoops teams at Texas, I see like a huge number of staff members sitting on Beard's bench during the games all wearing the same identical Longhorns gear; there has to be like 15-20 of them.

On Vic's bench, I see Blair sitting closest to him (which I find odd as she is not technically an assistant coach), while Calamity and April are further down on the bench sprinkled among the players; can't recall where Dionnnah sits. Also, I see S&C Zack Zillner like in the second row. And, while there's probably a few other staff members there near the bench, it doesn't seem to be close to the quantity of that men's program; perhaps that's the norm around the country.

I'll have to admit i don't know the seating "order" of the assistant coaches at other wbb programs; I would have thought you'd want your assistant coaches closer to the head coach so you could have in-game discussions about needed adjustments and substitutions. Perhaps there is some strategy behind this.

During Karen's time at Texas, it seemed like we could always tell which players (on the bench) would be first to sub in based on how close to the scorer's table they were sitting; if you were at the far end of the bench, you were last in line to come into the game. I have not figured out if there's a pattern on Vic's bench (seating order); I have a hard time identifying all the players on the bench game in and game out.

 

[hoopsalot]

Re: Fan Support. Vic is not a patient man. He says so himself. Sometimes that seems to serve him as in “We’re not waiting to win." When it comes to bringing back the crowds, I think some patience might be called for. Texas fans have had their hopes dashed a lot during the fifteen years since Coach Conradt retired saying "Losing is not acceptable." And during the Aston years, sometimes the games were painful even when the team won. It is going to take more than a few good games to get a lot of people excited enough to get up off the sofa. And during that same time, the city has changed a lot. Some combination of winning and marketing techniques to bring back more of the faithful to the arena and bring in new fans, including younger fans, will be required. Work, creativity, and patience Vic. This is only year two and fans were not allowed during year one. People got used to watching from home. Work with your school. Why complain to the media? Surely Vic knew when he took the Texas job that the A&M job would be open soon. I will be more than disappointed if he bails this quickly.

 

[loyallonghorn]

Speaking of differences between the men's and women's hoops teams at Texas, I see like a huge number of staff members sitting on Beard's bench during the games all wearing the same identical Longhorns gear; there has to be like 15-20 of them.

On Vic's bench, I see Blair sitting closest to him (which I find odd as she is not technically an assistant coach), while Calamity and April are further down on the bench sprinkled among the players; can't recall where Dionnnah sits. Also, I see S&C Zack Zillner like in the second row. And, while there's probably a few other staff members there near the bench, it doesn't seem to be close to the quantity of that men's program; perhaps that's the norm around the country.

I'll have to admit i don't know the seating "order" of the assistant coaches at other wbb programs; I would have thought you'd want your assistant coaches closer to the head coach so you could have in-game discussions about needed adjustments and substitutions. Perhaps there is some strategy behind this.

During Karen's time at Texas, it seemed like we could always tell which players (on the bench) would be first to sub in based on how close to the scorer's table they were sitting; if you were at the far end of the bench, you were last in line to come into the game. I have not figured out if there's a pattern on Vic's bench (seating order); I have a hard time identifying all the players on the bench game in and game out.

I love that Blair's there next to Vic. On a few occasions Vic will really get into it with an official and only Blair has the position and wherewithal to pull her father back and I've seen her get in between her father and the official to push Vic back.

From my observation, there's an assigned group seating arrangement, point guards/guards/forwards/posts. And lastly, players who aren't playing or are injured are at the end of the bench.

Vic wants the point guards nearest to him. Then the guards. Further down are the post players. He has the assistant coach responsible for the specific position groups seated with the position players.

I love this set up as it permits the position coaches to coach the group as the game progresses.