MSTSatchmo Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 Apparently, State is without a coach now. That’s some odd timing right before the season. Heath issues is the reason. I hope she is okay, but she took that program from the top to the bottom quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebmus Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 Hugh Freeze is a women's basketball coach! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pancho Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 I agree, this is both bad and weird timing and the little info given as to why is perplexing. It was already kinda a mess and this probably makes it worse and only time will tell if this actually improves things there any faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldogs4 Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 The “on the court” basketball program is in deep trouble these days. However that is a discussion for a different day. Regarding the coach, it is my understanding that she is a cancer survivor from some years back. I hope and pray that she has not had a recurrence of it now. Whatever it is , it is of a very serious nature for her to step down permanently as the HC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg83 Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 B4, I had the same thoughts regarding her previous battle with cancer. Really hope it’s not that and wish the best for her. She has a young son that’s only around 5 if I’m not mistaken. The program is in a really difficult spot in general. I was very critical of Nikki last season, and I do feel bad about that now, but it doesn’t change the fact that the program is on a downward trajectory for a variety of reasons. The new coach will have a full on rebuild, when two years ago I would’ve told you that State would be making additional Final Four runs right about now. I don’t know enough about women’s basketball coaching circles to provide too much insight, but if Matthew Mitchell isn’t the first phone call Cohen makes then he’s made a mistake. He stepped down at Kentucky last year to spend more time with family, but keep in mind a lot of his family is based in Mississippi. It’s possible Matthew genuinely wants to be done with coaching, and if so I respect that. But you’ve got to make him say no, possibly multiple times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldogs4 Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 He is relatively young and he is a very good coach. I agree. I would call him first. I know he had some medical issues as well and I hope he is better now. IMO, he would be by far the best person we can get, if like you said, he wants to coach again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pancho Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 Mitchell has health issues as well and his wife makes more than he did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasbeen67 Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 Unfortunately, the program may not reach the heights it did under Shaffer again no matter who the coach is. It was kind of a perfect storm of the right coach and right players at the right time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg83 Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 (edited) 12 hours ago, hasbeen67 said: Unfortunately, the program may not reach the heights it did under Shaffer again no matter who the coach is. It was kind of a perfect storm of the right coach and right players at the right time. Oh yeah that seems unlikely. I can’t see them getting back to being a perennial SEC and national title contender like they had become under Vic. But I think with the right hire they can be consistently good and occasionally great. That’s essentially what Mitchell was at Kentucky. Only won the SEC once and never made it past the Elite 8, but you could pretty much bank on him finishing in the Top 4-5 of the league every year. If State’s next coach does that (and heck it may be Mitchell) then it’s a great hire. Edited October 14, 2021 by Dawg83 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.