If Ben McCollum & Curt Cignetti can’t convince AD’s that it’s a smart idea to give super successful D2/D3 coaches a shot idk what ever will.
Real time proof that coaching and culture matters, even in the NIL era. Sure, hire a famous pro to recruit. How’s that worked out?
Hard coaching without relationship produces resentment. Relationship without hard coaching produces entitlement. The sweet spot is a player who knows you love them and knows you will not lower the bar for them.
Historically bad WBB programs that fire a Coach after 2-3 years only reset the program to ground zero.
You have to allow 4-5 years to establish recruiting connections to the new program, gradually be able to bring in the players to fit your style (knowing you'll lose half of them to bigger programs in the portal), take modest steps forward in wins and be able to show recruits there is consistency & growth.
ADs & fan bases need to be appreciative of growth, 50% of all games end with someone losing. It takes times & leadership.
You've probably heard Texas head coach Vic Schaefer's epic postgame press conference after the Longhorns lost to Vanderbilt.
What you may not have heard was our own Andrew Haubner's follow up question on if Schaefer has coached or allowed the lack of heart to happen...
WATCH:
My ten observations from spending 13 hours in the gym today:
1. For the love of God-please stop dribbling the basketball without a purpose-nothing drives me more crazy-you turn the ball over and it makes you a target for traps.
2. Mad respect for coaches who are honest with their players about their college potential.
3. There are a lot of players on the court who lack fundamental basketball IQ but are considered top players on their team because they take a lot of shots. The people who know, know.
4. You can tell which players watch womens basketball and it shows.
5. You can tell which coaches prepare for their opponents and it shows.
6. "No stat all stars" are my favorite players-they play tough defense, take charges, scramble for loose balls, force opponents into bad shots and make smart, unselfish plays that elevate the performance of their teammates. These are unsung heroes.
7. Referees are human. They make mistakes like we all do.
8. Team chemistry is evident. You can tell who plays with a team mentality and who plays selfish ball.
9. I would rather see a team with a .500 record but are playing high level competition-you will reap the benefits in the post season.
10. Blessed to have met so many players, coaches, families, and parents who make 13 hours in the gym worth it.
Extra grateful during this Thanksgiving season! Blessed to have committed to continue my athletic and academic career @HUWBB. Thankful for @darby_3 and the coaching staff for the opportunity. Go Foresters!🌲🪓
Unfortunately injuries are a part of the season. The really good teams don’t complain about them or use them as excuses as to why they can’t be successful. Seasons are a down determined by how you handle adversity. I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond this weekend. #LsUp
I would like to announce that I have decided to continue my education and have committed to play for @CoachMooreSTL at Lewis and Clark Community College. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to play with a great group of women and CANT WAIT for next season! Let’s go LC!!
After an amazing visit, I am grateful for the offer to continue my academic and athletic career at @HUWBB. Thankful for @darby_3 and her coaching staff for the opportunity!🌲🪓
I want to give a BIG thank you @CoachMooreSTL for putting on the 4 week fall league at Louis and Clark community college! I had the opportunity to play against some of the best girls in the state! I was also given the opportunity to play with his sophomore girls team! Let’s go LC
After a wonderful visit and conversation with @CoachMooreSTL I am blessed to receive an offer to continue my basketball career at Louis and Clark Community College! I wanna give a HUGE thank you to Coach Moore, all the staff and players for such a warm welcome. Let’s go LC!!!!