Van is the man, even if the team loses in the 1st round of the dance. Four WNBA titles, a gold medal and several solid seasons at Ole Miss say so. I'd say someone in the Hall of Fame has nothing to prove.
there's a big difference. I understand the "what have you done for me lately" argument, and it is true. But it's not like Van has been coaching and losing like Knight. He wasn't in the college game for the past 10 years. I do understand your point, though...
I'm surprised with the posts not ready to anoint Coach Chancellor as a great coach for LSU. Do you not realize what just happen to our Lady Tiger's program last night? If you are a High School recruit that wants to play in the WNBA and are trying to decide what school/coach can best prepare you for your ultimate goal then LSU is now at the top of your list. Coach Chancellor just went into Knoxville and delivered a huge beat down on the home court of the defending national champs. The Lady Tiger Program just took another big step in becoming a consistent Championship Program. Great hire Skip!
Sure it was a great win. He's probably going to be a great coach, but does this really constitute a "progression" with the program? In case you hadn't noticed, the programs been near the top for the past 4+ years. I'm only saying that Van Cancellor hasn't done anything yet that tells me he has this team in a better place than it was before Pokey left. I'm thrilled with the team's performance, but so far I'd consider it keeping the team at the level it has been (which is pretty damn good)
I'm looking at it from a different place from where you are. I lived in Houston for 30 years up until 2 years ago. I'm very familiar with VC's system and how he coaches. I may not be as familiar with Pokey and Sue and what they built at LSU as you are. I do know they have not been able to win a National Championship with great talent. Now LSU has a great coach who can bring the program up another level and win a National Championship. I'm not degrading anything that has been accomplished up to this point. We are very fortunate to have Van Chancellor as our coach. What other college coach has coached 4 Championship teams of the best women basketball players at the pro level? It's advantage LSU right now and his players know it and are playing like it. If you want to rain on my post go ahead, I'm excited that we may now get a Women's Basketball National Championship. Last nights win will bring the confidence to this team that is needed to win it all this year.
I'll drizzle on your post. :yelwink2: Granted, Sue/Pokey didn't win any NCs but 3 FFs in a row is a remarkable achievement considering the last 4 or 5 years have had absolutely incredible competition at the top from UConn, Tennessee, Rutgers, Duke, NC and others. If Van doesn't get there, it doesn't mean he's a better or worse coach. There are just too many great womens' programs out there right now.
