We knew this could be a very rough season for the Lady Tigers. I think Van has done a better job this season than even last season. A great measuring stick is comparing our team to the development of Pat Summit's Tennessee team. Very similiar challenges, although no one in the nation is as young and inexperienced as LSU was going into 08-09. LSU outperformed Tennessee in SEC play and finished tied for 2nd and a 3 seed in conference play, ahead of both UT and Florida. LSU Lady Tigers have themselves a fantastic basketball coach. Hats off. PS - Watch out next season. It won't be pretty for our opponents. Seriously.
Very good thread. LSU and UT both lost all 5 starters. LSU outrecruited the Lady Vols and have put together a core that will rock the SEC for years to come. Van's in the Hall of Fame for a reason. The most important thing he did was got a few Juco kids so he could break up the gap of having 8 seniors every 4 years.
I'm even more impressed with his coaching after this season. We looked like it was going to be a struggle at the beginning but he got them playing well.
My guess is 1 more year and then hand the reigns off to someone where they would get a seasoned veteran top 5 team.
I always liked coach Van here in Houston, I thought he'd do well at LSU. For his successor, this name came up before, but she had not proven herself yet. Seems she is proving to be the good coach that many thought she'd be. I'd be happy to see her in Baton Rouge. Houston Comets stopped winning championships when she moved on. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/6296667.html I like her attitude, I always have!
