Well, maybe Lovato isn’t leaving. Maybe she is stepping into Johnnie’s position and the coaching staff is now complete. Don’t really think so but this silence is maddening.
You know, we don't know what goes on a daily basis. i always hate to see players and coaches move on to something else, but it's not always a bad thing for either party. We just need to trust in who we have to give their best at all times.
I've even wondered if maybe she's moving into some type of administrative role. Oh well, I guess we'll know soon enough.
Just found this podcast with Coach McEntire. Haven’t gotten to listen to the (mc)entire interview as I’m headed out the door but it’s nice to have an opportunity to hear her speak.
Thanks for posting - found this yesterday but forgot to post. The same podcast has an episode with Blair Schaefer.
Excellent podcast and gives some insight into Calamity’s experience. She definitely wants to learn and is willing to grind!
Curiously, Nneka's Twitter and Instagram accounts no longer list UNLV at all. I wouldn't expect Vic to name her associate head coach, a coaching staff doesn't necessarily have to have an associate head coach.
It would be a great hire imo. Nneka has some serious connections in Texas. From high school and AAU coaches and is loved by many across the country. Would be a great recruiter and knows how to coach post players. Also a Texas ex so it makes it that much better. I think it would be best to assemble a young staff who will stay with you for a while instead of going after an already elite coach who may leave for a HC job after one or two seasons.
I hope this is true. She was the first person I mentioned when we learned of Johnnie's departure for Auburn. She's a perfect fit IMO. I like Vic's idea of hiring young, outstanding female coaches. It gives them opportunities to prepare for bigger things later, while also creating longer staff tenure.
Here's an interview between Nneka and Nancy Walling from a year ago. Even though she is a young coach, Nneka has a special ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically. She has a charasimatic personality. I can see why she could be a future star in the coaching world.
Nneka returning was one reason I had hoped Johnnie Harris would be around another year. It was only a matter of time before Johnnie left but I wasn’t sure if Nneka’s one year at UNLV would get her serious consideration after 2 years at UCSB. Nneka quickly became a favorite after I started getting back into Texas WBB post-GG.
Now having seen but this one video of NE, I think she would be an outstanding coach at Texas. If not Texas.....it’s just a matter of time until she gets a P5 coaching job and is successful. She is all the adjectives ya’ll have described. She seems like a perfect fit. Hope it happens.
Wow was Nneka impressive in that interview! She sold me that she would be a Great get for Vic and the University! What a salesperson she is.
Kristen Grant played at aggy when Vic was there and was video coordinator there from 2015-2018. Has been the Director of Media for SMU WBB for the past 3 years.
I think it's a solid hire for Baylor. I hope she is able to keep Baylor in national contention. It's good for the Big 12 and will only help Texas. Wierd that she left 2 weeks before the wnba season begins. I assume she will hire her own staff so I hope Vic goes after Bill Brock even though he doesn't seem to hire male coaches. No doubt he can develop post players so I hope Vic takes a go if they don't follow Mulkey to LSU.
Wonder what this means for Brock and Messer? The early reactions about the hire are mixed on the BU board.
Yeah not too many are excited about this hire from the Baylor side. If he doesn't follow Mulkey I hope he gives Texas a look as we need an associate head coach and a coach who works with post players
I think it’s a solid hire if she retains Sytia. She has no Texas ties so she needs a solid staff. Guess she could bring in some ex-WNBA players to help.
As long as Baylor didn't hire an elite recriuter like Jeff Walz or Adia Barnes, I'm fine with this hire.
What's the pulse of the board? Of the two, who prefers Brock over Nneka? For me, I'll sacrifice Brock's experience for Nneka's Texas ties and youthful energy.
