Speculations for Next Year

[JoeDallas]

I enjoyed those tapes of Tina. Man, I knew she was great, but it was good to be reminded.

 

[BabHorn]

I know she wants a head coaching job at some point, but, dang, I really want her to hang around for a few more years.

 

[GameOfHorns]

I know she wants a head coaching job at some point, but, dang, I really want her to hang around for a few more years.

I hope she hangs around too. Seem to recall reading/hearing that she had to be convinced to become an assistant, so I’m hopeful this might mean she’ll stick around a good while before the head coaching bug bites too hard.

 

[Moooooo]

I just love Jatarie. So glad Coach A convinced her to transfer to Texas. Not sure where we'd have been this past season without her.

 

[Moooooo]

Will add this here:

 

[flash34]

In an ESPNW article yesterday, the writer made the case that UCONN has never looked so vulnerable as now. And the reason is the AAC in which they have gone 101-0 most recently. And most were blowouts, leaving them unprepared for close games. I believe that is correct and hope it continues. Don’t see a change in conference as that is determined by football. With their football team struggling, there is no sentiment for moving to a tougher conference. There appears to be a handful or more of teams that can compete and win against them now in the tournament. I see the Horns as one of those. With one more outstanding recruiting class in 2019, the Horns might be a favorite.

 

[DFW_Horn]

In an ESPNW article yesterday, the writer made the case that UCONN has never looked so vulnerable as now. And the reason is the AAC in which they have gone 101-0 most recently. And most were blowouts, leaving them unprepared for close games. I believe that is correct and hope it continues. Don’t see a change in conference as that is determined by football. With their football team struggling, there is no sentiment for moving to a tougher conference. There appears to be a handful or more of teams that can compete and win against them now in the tournament. I see the Horns as one of those. With one more outstanding recruiting class in 2019, the Horns might be a favorite.

UCONN was trying very hard to get into the Big12 when the conference was contemplating expansion in 2016. Winning football games on the field wouldn’t have mattered as much because they would’ve been winning at the bank. Their travel budget wouldn’t have been a concern because they already play quite a few games in the south - definite advantage for UCONN trading games against Tulsa and SMU for OU and Texas.

 

[Moooooo]

To some extent, I think a weak AAC is affecting UConn. The Big 12 was also very weak this season; I think it had an effect on Baylor and Texas, too, come NCA tourney play (at the Sweet 16 round).

But, what's really affecting UConn is personnel in the system they run. They haven't had a player close to Breanna Stewart at the Center position the last couple of season who creates huge mismatches like she did; she was the main reason for their 4 consecutive national championships.

So, getting to the Final Four the last two seasons is still a huge accomplishment for them in my book. Maybe folks don't want to acknowledge, but the last two seasons were kind of "rebuilding" years as they've had to adjust their offense with no Stewart.

 

[BabHorn]

not UT related. I was just reading the Boneyard about UConn fans' projections for next year's starting lineup and found only one mention at all about Lexi Gordon. I had kinda forgotten she had signed with UConn, she played so little this season although she did get into 25 games.

 

[BabHorn]

Don't see a problem with Sedona and Audrey continuing to wear their HS numbers if they want although Charlie and Joanne both wore #14, which is currently being worn by Mide.

Our incoming frosh and their HS#s.
#23—Sedona Prince
#31—Audrey Warren
#14—Charlie Collier
#14—Joanne Allen-Taylor

 

[Hornzupp]

Unfortunately, I think we take 3 steps back. We're not a UCONN where we just reload. Losing our Seniors is huge for us. Sure wish our freshman got more playing time this year.
I hope the incoming freshman are all of that and a bag of chips but the 2017 freshman class was supposed to be all that and a bag of chips and they warmed the bench 95% of the time. So I don't know.
My number one question is who is going to LEAD the team? Higgs? Sug? Joyner?

Leadership is sorely lacking on the returning squad. It won't be anybody's team and that will show all season long. Alecia is not equipped to handle the way Aston coaches. Nobody is. She kills players. We better hope Joyner comes back like she wants to be an All American, otherwise, we'll suck and suck really bad. Freshman good enough to start? Starting isn't that big of a deal. Gotta have 5 players out there. But will they have any impact? That's what's missing with returning squad. Texas was not an elite team this year. You think Texas could've beaten Miss State to get to the Final Four? Not in a million years. Aston left the team high and dry during that UCLA game - just as she does in most big games. So - if the team can somehow rise up so that they don't NEED a coach, we have a chance. Otherwise, we should probably prepare for a lot of turbulence.

 

[Moooooo]

Leadership is sorely lacking on the returning squad. It won't be anybody's team and that will show all season long. Alecia is not equipped to handle the way Aston coaches. Nobody is. She kills players. We better hope Joyner comes back like she wants to be an All American, otherwise, we'll suck and suck really bad. Freshman good enough to start? Starting isn't that big of a deal. Gotta have 5 players out there. But will they have any impact? That's what's missing with returning squad. Texas was not an elite team this year. You think Texas could've beaten Miss State to get to the Final Four? Not in a million years. Aston left the team high and dry during that UCLA game - just as she does in most big games. So - if the team can somehow rise up so that they don't NEED a coach, we have a chance. Otherwise, we should probably prepare for a lot of turbulence.

You are a piece of work. You might as well go find another program to root for as you obviously don't like ours. Or, you are simply a band-wagon fan who can't handle things when there are challenges.

I guess we can always forfeit every game and not even play . . .

 

[Moooooo]

ESPN early Top 25:

http://www.espn.com/womens-college-...ketball-way-too-early-top-25-rankings-2018-19

 

[overseasbbfan1]

You might as well go find another program to root for...

I'm guessing he won't have to look very far .

Man, those 'big' games...must be referring to the almost thirty top 25 teams and ten top 10 squads we've taken down during our run of four consecutive Sweet 16's and Elite 8 appearance. And that turbulence...five consecutive top recruiting classes and 10 McD's AA's.....pretty turbulent indeed. Well, for other programs anyway.

 

[flash34]

Regarding leadership......admittedly, Brooke and Ariel had it from the get-go. They have the “it factor”. I really don’t know where it will come from next year. Sometimes players let natural leaders lead.....and observe.....and learn. Hope that is the case and Sutton or White or Higgs or ?? step up next year. Perhaps Collier later in the year.... as I see some leadership skills with her. In corporate world, I was in on decisions to promote employees that others didn’t see as management material. When given the opportunity, most stepped up and did wonderful. I trust something similar happens this fall. The role models were there. The opportunity is now.

 

[DFW_Horn]

With an extra scholarship opening up, anyone speculating on what the coaching staff does? Grad transfers rarely seem to have the impact most hope for - Loryn Goodwin is an exception who comes to mind - but my knowledge is largely based on the men’s game.

 

[LutherIsMyDog]

 

[BabHorn]

Hopefully, they will use it to get another impact frosh in the 2019 class. We are going to need some big wings and at least one post.

 

[Moooooo]

With an extra scholarship opening up, anyone speculating on what the coaching staff does? Grad transfers rarely seem to have the impact most hope for - Loryn Goodwin is an exception who comes to mind - but my knowledge is largely based on the men’s game.

Even before Rellah's transfer announcement, I was hoping for surprise late addition NOW at the small forward position; someone around 6'0 tall or so who can hit the three point shot. I still want that.

Rellah had a unique skill set. She had great size, strength, hands, and long range shooting ability. I don't expect us to be able to replace her for this coming season.

Still, a Euro or JUCO who can help spread the court would be ideal.

That open scholarship can also be used towards a transfer who would have to sit a year. Or, of course, be saved for the 2019 class.

 

[kurupt]

Even before Rellah's transfer announcement, I was hoping for surprise late addition NOW at the small forward position; someone around 6'0 tall or so who can hit the three point shot. I still want that.

Rellah had a unique skill set. She had great size, strength, hands, and long range shooting ability. I don't expect us to be able to replace her for this coming season.

Still, a Euro or JUCO who can help spread the court would be ideal.

That open scholarship can also be used towards a transfer who would have to sit a year. Or, of course, be saved for the 2019 class.

I think that Coach Aston will use it for the 2019 class.

 

[BBV_Horn]

The "don't sleep on Jordan Hosey" comment? On point..wanna add Destiny, Chas, LaShann and Jada (6') to that mix as well...Sug can be as good as Brooke or better..not confident Khaleann will be back, but if she can stay healthy for more than a month, don't sleep on her, either...we will be fine...will still need to develop players and recruit more...Too bad about Rellah, she coulda been a force, but, c'est la vie...but I see exciting times ahead!!

 

[kurupt]

The "don't sleep on Jordan Hosey" comment? On point..wanna add Destiny, Chas, LaShann and Jada (6') to that mix as well...Sug can be as good as Brooke or better..not confident Khaleann will be back, but if she can stay healthy for more than a month, don't sleep on her, either...we will be fine...will still need to develop players and recruit more...Too bad about Rellah, she coulda been a force, but, c'est la vie...but I see exciting times ahead!!

I agree. If the roster doesn’t change I think the team will be fine. It may not be as good as this years team but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Keep in mind, their are several other teams that have to replace quality players from this year.

 

[Moooooo]

With Khaleann announcing that she won't return her final season of eligibility, we have another open slot for the upcoming season. Really hope we get a surprise addition. Spring signing period started Wednesday, April 11.

 

[Moooooo]

 

[DFW_Horn]

Nice to see a few of the Horns out at the Spring FB game. Hopefully they connected with a few fans that will get their butts into seats next season.

 

[Hornzupp]

You are a piece of work. You might as well go find another program to root for as you obviously don't like ours. Or, you are simply a band-wagon fan who can't handle things when there are challenges.

I guess we can always forfeit every game and not even play . . .

Comedy again. I actually like "our program" a lot. I just don't look at it through burnt orange-rose colored glasses. I see what's good about Texas and I can be objective about what needs work. If you and other "bandwagoners" cannot have any objectivity about the team you claim to love - how is that my problem? In fact, I think it's pretty hypocritical of folks to act like they never make negative comments about the teams they love. THAT behavior is truly a piece of work. Our team is good - but they need work. Our coach is good at some stuff -- but she needs to improve. Where's the dishonor in those realities? The fact that ya'll are acting like you're not making similar comments -- at home or somewhere outside of this "holier than thou" board -- is pretty funny and hypocritical at the same time.

 

[Hornzupp]

I'm guessing he won't have to look very far .

Man, those 'big' games...must be referring to the almost thirty top 25 teams and ten top 10 squads we've taken down during our run of four consecutive Sweet 16's and Elite 8 appearance. And that turbulence...five consecutive top recruiting classes and 10 McD's AA's.....pretty turbulent indeed. Well, for other programs anyway.

So, Sweet 16 is your goal? Getting eliminated in the first game of the Sweet 16 is okay for a team with 10 McD's AAs? Teams with 2-3 AAs made it to the Final Four. What's wrong with this picture? The point is - Texas is SUPPOSED to get to the Sweet 16. Are you kidding me? We're going to keep harping on trips to the S16 when your rosters STACKED. Does anyone not see the fallacy in this thinking. When will our fans realize that getting to the Final Four IS the standard - well, it is for truly elite teams. You think UCONN would've said, "Well, good year - we got to the Sweet 16"? Sounds like some of us need to raise expectations.

 

[overseasbbfan1]

You take positives and attempt to turn them into negatives, and don't like it when you're called on it. No team is 'supposed' to make the the Sweet 16, though all teams would certainly like to. The notion that reaching certain milestones is a given for programs with talented rosters, or recruits, is silly. As was posted elsewhere, only 6 out of 350 Div I teams have made four consecutive Sweet 16's. That tells you how difficult it is to maintain that level of success for even a four-year span. And of those six teams, none have come as far as quickly as the Horns. The year before that run started we underwent a coaching change and suffered through the worst season in program history. And that happened just five years after another transition, which was the consequence of the program failing to make the NCAA field for two consecutive seasons. Almost everyone expected the Horn's return to elite status, both in terms of results and recruiting, to be a gradual, if not long process. Yet it happened almost overnight. And if you look at the list of perennial top teams that failed to match that level of success, you should readily understand just how impressive the past four years have been. Of course fans would like to to see the Horns return to the FF, no different than fans of any other team. And few doubt it's going to happen. But attempting to cast our recent success as a negative, or imply we've underachieved, is ridiculous.

 

[Run Pincher]

I get sick of hearing the X number of McDonalds AA too. I think it's obvious some of our recruits should have never been McDonald's AA. Texas recruits are over ranked in general. It's not the coaching staff's fault their recruits get over ranked.

The other thing people tend to ignore is just where the recruits rank even among the MCD AA's. Is a class with the 4 worst players on the MCD AA team better than the team with the 2 best? I'll take 2 true difference makers before the 4 just good players any day. I think our classes have been more of the just good players variety, while Baylor and others may have fewer, but true difference makers.

 

[kurupt]

You take positives and attempt to turn them into negatives, and don't like it when you're called on it. No team is 'supposed' to make the the Sweet 16, though all teams would certainly like to. The notion that reaching certain milestones is a given for programs with talented rosters, or recruits, is silly. As was posted elsewhere, only 6 out of 350 Div I teams have made four consecutive Sweet 16's. That tells you how difficult it is to maintain that level of success for even a four-year span. And of those six teams, none have come as far as quickly as the Horns. The year before that run started we underwent a coaching change and suffered through the worst season in program history. And that happened just five years after another transition, which was the consequence of the program failing to make the NCAA field for two consecutive seasons. Almost everyone expected the Horn's return to elite status, both in terms of results and recruiting, to be a gradual, if not long process. Yet it happened almost overnight. And if you look at the list of perennial top teams that failed to match that level of success, you should readily understand just how impressive the past four years have been. Of course fans would like to to see the Horns return to the FF, no different than fans of any other team. And few doubt it's going to happen. But attempting to cast our recent success as a negative, or imply we've underachieved, is ridiculous.

Couldn’t have said it any better.