I mostly agree with Hand Of God. Byrne gave Blair everything he needed to build a good program. He built it from nothing to a top 15 or so program. As HofG pointed out, GB broke through 3 of 17 years to E8 and won one NC.
Most years we have under achieved our seeding in the NCAA tournament.
There are very few consistent wbb teams.....in recent history, UConn, bu, Stanford and S, Carolina have been consistent. They all recruit the top talent and are well coached. We have had a few top players in Adams amd Carter, and a number of very good players. t.u. is back now under Vic. bu will continue to be be very good with Mulkey. So, getting the best talent in Texas will be tough.
Of the 4 consistent teams I listed above, 3 have women head coaches. Seems to be the trend. Now 7 of 14 SEC teams have black women head coaches. That did not work well at TAMU with Peggy Gillom....just not the right choice.
Seems most of the top teams running more motion type offense with dribble drives and kicks for 3 point shots..
Seems like the best teams have a lot of quickness and players who can run the floor and jump out of the gym, even at 6'1'" or 6'2".
I like to see teams use their athletic ability to run their offense based on what the coaches taught them in practice rather than having to look around and wait for the coach to bark out what to do from the sideline,,,,which slows them down, causes hesitation and confusion.
Sure during time outs and on in bounds plays, some further coaching and adjustments is needed.
Certainly during half time.
Bottom line is the administration has to decide what level of success is desired and required at a University like Texas A&M considering the support given our various programs. It has been proven that coaching makes a difference, and there are numerous examples of this.
When a coach has won a NC and this year, the SEC championship, there is a strong case that the program is sound. If your standard of success is more national and the NCAA tournament, then our program is far from elite.
You only have to look at the mbb program in Austin to see the national view. You lose to ACC in the NCAA on top of previous lack of success in the NCAA and a change is made. Smart is a good coach and will likely do well at Marquette. Guess it boils down to perspective and expectations.