Originally Posted by
jdelta02
Coach McCray Penson (2020 Conf USA Coach Of The Year and 24-6 her final season at at Old Dominion/ Won National Championship, 2 Final Fours appearances, 4 SEC Regular Season Championships, 3 SEC Tourney Championships. as an assistant coach at South Carolina)
That said, she had a really tough, underwhelming start to her first season as head coach at Miss. State. Even appeared to lose control of the team to an extent, underachieved and frustration set in, some players showed signs of giving up. Appeared some of her players were unable to successfully execute the level of effort and play that she needed out of them despite everything that she and the staff taught and tried. Still, in my opinion she has potential to bounce back in season 2, and surprise a lot of people.
Huge keys for this upcoming season are maintaining control of the locker room, the team's adjustments (including approach to the game), and overall team toughness (physical and mental), especially with the post players.
Again...the coaching staff must gain and maintain control of the locker room. I already sense 2 different camps....Rickea Jackson and her group (Rickea, Jessika, Myah, few others), and newcomers as a different camp (Hayes sisters, other newcomers, and some returnees). Coaching staff needs to get a handle on this...bring this team to 1 unified camp, 1 unified team. Rickea Jackson will need to be more inclusive to these new players, and not try to step on Coach McCray Penson's toes, her authority as head coach. Also, she will need to be accepting of the Hayes sisters, and Anastasia Hayes as another great talent to the lineup...work together to help them be successful. Additionally...equal opportunity for all the players regarding playing time, starting positions, and play as a well tuned unit/team.
I pulled hard for Coach Johnnie Harris to get the job, but have supported this current coach ever since she was announced....and still support. The bashers have their right to criticize, but why not instead show much more support for your women's basketball coach and the program? Also, the women's basketball program showed much public support. for the baseball team during their national championship run and afterwards...and appeared very excited, proud.These aren't bad people, the boogeyman. Just give them a chance. Best to pull back together as a unified fanbase.