Indiana State is the clear favorite. They have five seniors back, four of which are starting. They're definitely loaded.

We didn't buckle down when we needed to get over the hump late in the game.

It's especially rewarding coming from a player you didn't recruit. It's an indirect compliment to our staff. Linda has a natural feel for the game. She has a great demeanor with kids. She's going to be a great coach.

She's still not where she needs to be. At 75 percent, she still helps us. She's been very supportive and positive as a bench player.

We didn't jell right away, and in a lot of ways I was tougher on her than some of the kids that did leave the program. She was called on the carpet in a lot of areas, but she met those challenges head-on.

She's been through it. I admire her perseverance.