2018 Recruiting Class

[mlindsay]

Will Mulkey guarantee that the football players won't attack them on campus? ��

She'll try her best but hang them out to dry like she did to Griner when Griner decided to come out about her sexuality.

 

[gule]

griner needed to be hung out, she was a total head case. And still is.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Baylor is also a Baptist University and is said to be very religion based and Williams has spoke a lot about wanting to attend a university that is very big on faith. They signed 3 guards last year (not that that says anything because Kim will run a player away in a heartbeat.)

Coach Reeves is a very spiritual woman herself (she has been taking the freshman to church with her on Sundays) which could help us with Williams if they were to attend a service during her visit.

This s a very good point! I never thought about that and she is continually posting some of the team going to church together. If Annie show gets in on that and tells her look here is how we roll that is awesome. I also see Rennia has gone with them as well. I love the fact they are together. All the freshman (minus westbrook who hasnt arrived yet). I know the westbrooks are a family oriented group so honestly I think if that's what any player is looking for on their recruiting visit they will sense it with the group that remains. We just have to get some of the talent to UT to visit.

 

[mlindsay]

Are you saying DeCosta would not come if we took a local player at her position?? Crawford is a three star ??? Surely she is not afraid of that competition!

Your explanation is very good . I guess I am stuck in 2016 debacle? I just keep seeing top programs taking Three Star recruits and we don't get many!
You need roll players and all of the local gals all must want to start somewhere else? Just saying

Explanation accepted..... just hope we can get some more players ????

No I was saying a lot of the far less talented or local players are getting conditional offers in a sense (we'll offer you on a condition that we don't land such and such)

Therefore when the players we have as priority chooses us the other players who are lower ranked are forced to go elsewhere in a sense.

DeCosta imo is a priority of ours (as she should) I think Crawford was offered or at least interest was shown but it wasn't at the same interest as DeCosta if that makes sense.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Are you saying DeCosta would not come if we took a local player at her position?? Crawford is a three star ??? Surely she is not afraid of that competition!

Your explanation is very good . I guess I am stuck in 2016 debacle? I just keep seeing top programs taking Three Star recruits and we don't get many!
You need roll players and all of the local gals all must want to start somewhere else? Just saying

Explanation accepted..... just hope we can get some more players ????

That would be Gabbie Crawford AND Rennia Davis at that position. Rennia is going to play the 3/4 (and she could play the 2 if need be in a pinch or if they want to go big) Not just Crawford. While you can't look to far ahead because you have to fill out the roster for the following year you also have to look at players like Sam Bruenelle and the young lady from Canada who may be in the mix for recruiting who essentially play those same spots. A log jam at that position may not work out well.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

I don't think a player rated in the 50's is a good example to use.

Why is that ? The poster was referencing getting top players out of state. Collins is a top player out of state so she fits the criteria perfectly and living in VA she is a top player in VA. Her game has transformed and with Honesty-Scott Grayson transferring from PAUL VI I think she will have to improve her leadership and take over games more (tjey also lost the post who signed with Notre Dame).

 

[mlindsay]

I don't think a player rated in the 50's is a good example to use.

She is ranked in the 50's on Hoop Gurlz based on her High School season and because she has taken a back seat to other players on her team for the greater good of the team (unselfish which is what Holly is looking for) kind of like KK who was once ranked in the top 25 before falling to like 70 something (she also had an injury also)

She (MiMi Collins) was on a team last year that included 4 or 5 D1 level commits (or future commits) Makayla Vaughn went to Notre Dame and another is ranked in the top 20 for 2018 (Honesty Scott-Grayson) and MiMi (who was also ranked in the top 25 before her Junior Season).

Vaughn has since left and Scott-Grayson is transferring schools which will open up things for MiMi who will be a senior and wont have to share touches with Vaughn.

Stop relying on one recruiting service (ESPN Hoop Gurlz) and look at all the services (or get out to a few tournaments to see for yourself). I try to visit many that's in my area when I hear that a player UT may be interested in is playing.

 

[mlindsay]

Why is that ? The poster was referencing getting top players out of state. Collins is a top player out of state so she fits the criteria perfectly and living in VA she is a top player in VA. Her game has transformed and with Honesty-Scott Grayson transferring from PAUL VI I think she will have to improve her leadership and take over games more (tjey also lost the post who signed with Notre Dame).

Dag you beat me to it lol

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

She is ranked in the 50's on Hoop Gurlz based on her High School season and because she has taken a back seat to other players on her team for the greater good of the team (unselfish which is what Holly is looking for) kind of like KK who was once ranked in the top 25 before falling to like 70 something (she also had an injury also)

She (MiMi Collins) was on a team last year that included 4 or 5 D1 level commits (or future commits) Makayla Vaughn went to Notre Dame and another is ranked in the top 20 for 2018 (Honesty Scott-Grayson) and MiMi (who was also ranked in the top 25 before her Junior Season).

Vaughn has since left and Scott-Grayson is transferring schools which will open up things for MiMi who will be a senior and wont have to share touches with Vaughn.

Stop relying on one recruiting service (ESPN Hoop Gurlz) and look at all the services (or get out to a few tournaments to see for yourself). I try to visit many that's in my area when I hear that a player UT may be interested in is playing.

And believe me she is the truth! I've seen it when she wants to take over she is taking players off the dribble, post moves, hitting jumpers.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Dag you beat me to it lol

Welllll I didn't wanna say anything butttt 😆 Your explanation was better written though :-/
I think you will see Grayson's numbers go up as well because Ashley O. was getting a lot of permiter touches and scoring the ball at will.

Also people who are worried about Gabby Crawford need to remember you have Lanetta Williams (6-3 forward) coming thru in 19' from TN. So recruiting is just not for the now but for the future as well.

 

[Volfan2012]

Keep thinking and believing and hopeing and dreaming. Maybe that will work for us ? I am more pessimistic since we cannot win the battle for players in state....... what makes anyone think we can get the top players out of other states ??🤔

I have said in the past Holly is a step slow in recruiting. Believing is all I have as you really don't know if Holly will get anybody else. If we don't then she goes and grabs a 3 star or two just to fill out the class. Not getting some of these Tennessee players hurts us badly if all the top players go elsewhere. Crawford was probably as good as any of them anyway.

 

[mlindsay]

Welllll I didn't wanna say anything butttt 😆 Your explanation was better written though :-/
I think you will see Grayson's numbers go up as well because Ashley O. was getting a lot of permiter touches and scoring the ball at will.

Also people who are worried about Gabby Crawford need to remember you have Lanetta Williams (6-3 forward) coming thru in 19' from TN. So recruiting is just not for the now but for the future as well.

Ashley O was the other player I forgot to mention! But yes Collins is the truth! I have saw her (and Paul VI) play a lot and she is definitely higher than that 56 ranking that Hoop Gurlz has given her. Also as you have stated her numbers (along with Grayson) will certainly improve since they will both be focal points in their teams offenses.

With Grayson going the Riverdale Baptist, I wonder if that pushes her more toward Maryland (as Freese has had a great relationship with the Bowie school). I think they have a new coach this year and I don't know how well that person and Freese relationship may be.

 

[mlindsay]

I have said in the past Holly is a step slow in recruiting. Believing is all I have as you really don't know if Holly will get anybody else. If we don't then she goes and grabs a 3 star or two just to fill out the class. Not getting some of these Tennessee players hurts us badly if all the top players go elsewhere. Crawford was probably as good as any of them anyway.

I don't think she is a step slow, I think she takes the Pat approach and is all about integrity, she isn't going to say or promise anything that she can't deliver and a lot of other coaches at other programs promises these players (and their parents and AAU coaches) things that get them to sign only to go back on their word.

Things like playing time, Jobs, $$, scholarships for their siblings who aren't very good, homes, cars, you name it, it happens. I have coached on the AAU circuit off and on for 15 years. You'd be amazed at what you can request and be given (or what they will offer you) if a school wants a kid that you have and they know that the child's parents have trusted you with making the decision for them and their child.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Ashley O was the other player I forgot to mention! But yes Collins is the truth! I have saw her (and Paul VI) play a lot and she is definitely higher than that 56 ranking that Hoop Gurlz has given her. Also as you have stated her numbers (along with Grayson) will certainly improve since they will both be focal points in their teams offenses.

With Grayson going the Riverdale Baptist, I wonder if that pushes her more toward Maryland (as Freese has had a great relationship with the Bowie school). I think they have a new coach this year and I don't know how well that person and Freese relationship may be.

Good question about the new relationship... I but I don't live far and have seen PaulVI play because I like their ball movement. MD is always at their games and probably still reaching out to Amira as she is only a commit and hasn't signed ... smh. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Grayson goes there because Brenda has been in on her for awhile. I think someone posted that Geno has backed off recruiting her. If this is true maybe she has expressed her interest in other places or maybe he is in on someone like Jordan Nixon who is from NY... anyways glad we got Collins. She is a VERY MUCH team player and her family is really nice! But I want to see how average like 20 pts and 10 rebounds !

 

[PRG]

Good question about the new relationship... I but I don't live far and have seen PaulVI play because I like their ball movement. MD is always at their games and probably still reaching out to Amira as she is only a commit and hasn't signed ... smh. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Grayson goes there because Brenda has been in on her for awhile. I think someone posted that Geno has backed off recruiting her. If this is true maybe she has expressed her interest in other places or maybe he is in on someone like Jordan Nixon who is from NY... anyways glad we got Collins. She is a VERY MUCH team player and her family is really nice! But I want to see how average like 20 pts and 10 rebounds !

We need another PG and Williams should be priority. However, waiting on her and DeCosta to commit! With Honesty maybe to Maryland.... Here we go again with only Jasmine and MiMi !

Just wish we had gotten another Tennessee girl or somebody else !!! Just. saying 🙏

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

We need another PG and Williams should be priority. However, waiting on her and DeCosta to commit! With Honesty maybe to Maryland.... Here we go again with only Jasmine and MiMi !

Just wish we had gotten another Tennessee girl or somebody else !!! Just. saying 🙏

Patience young grasshopper !!! We may have some commits right around the corner. 2016 left a bad taste in all of our mouths but I think the coaching staff has learned from past experiences and with Reaves connections to Jucos I think we hopefully would be in better position to get help where needed. Don't forget Jordan Nixon is still on the board and she is a true point guard as well. I'm hoping with all these guards that can pass we go Golden State Warrior style and pass up a good shot for a great one ! LOL! I was watching clips of Annie Hayes and her court vision is also really good so with her and westbrook then Massengill coming in 18 we will have some lead guards that can take control of a game.

 

[Volfan2012]

I don't think she is a step slow, I think she takes the Pat approach and is all about integrity, she isn't going to say or promise anything that she can't deliver and a lot of other coaches at other programs promises these players (and their parents and AAU coaches) things that get them to sign only to go back on their word.

Things like playing time, Jobs, $$, scholarships for their siblings who aren't very good, homes, cars, you name it, it happens. I have coached on the AAU circuit off and on for 15 years. You'd be amazed at what you can request and be given (or what they will offer you) if a school wants a kid that you have and they know that the child's parents have trusted you with making the decision for them and their child.

She was more than a step slow on Crawford the first offer she received was from Alabama followed by Miss St, Ole Miss then Miami. All we said to her is come up for a visit. This is the similar story with most of the other top Tennessee players. Evidently like I said before we must have some prospects close to committing that we wanted more. If that turns out to be true then I rescind that she was slow. If it turns out to be false why she not offering these top Tennessee players.
I know we want the highest ranked players we can get regardless of where they are from. If the interest is very high I can see ignoring these Tennessee players if not then we need to get a couple of them.
Right now I don't see many players that are down to two or three teams and were one of those teams. Most are still at five to seven hopefully that is just a mirage and they are really leaning our way.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

She was more than a step slow on Crawford the first offer she received was from Alabama followed by Miss St, Ole Miss then Miami. All we said to her is come up for a visit. This is the similar story with most of the other top Tennessee players. Evidently like I said before we must have some prospects close to committing that we wanted more. If that turns out to be true then I rescind that she was slow. If it turns out to be false why she not offering these top Tennessee players.
I know we want the highest ranked players we can get regardless of where they are from. If the interest is very high I can see ignoring these Tennessee players if not then we need to get a couple of them.
Right now I don't see many players that are down to two or three teams and were one of those teams. Most are still at five to seven hopefully that is just a mirage and they are really leaning our way.

They are allotted 5 official visits. So why not go on other people's dimes? Free travel, free food, you're treated like royalty. Jazmine Massengill and Amira Collins both narrowed there schools down to top 3/4 and made the deicision to go with UT. Aquira and Christyn both said they were planning to make visits over the summer but since they made the USA teams would have to wait til fall to make decisions. Both of them have top 5 schools. Plus we don't know about any junior college player who may be in the fold for us either

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Highlights of Christyn Williams and Aquira DeCosta playing in the 3x3 World Championship Tounrney... they can ball !

Happy viewing !

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JdjyyaveJM0

 

[mlindsay]

Good question about the new relationship... I but I don't live far and have seen PaulVI play because I like their ball movement. MD is always at their games and probably still reaching out to Amira as she is only a commit and hasn't signed ... smh. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Grayson goes there because Brenda has been in on her for awhile. I think someone posted that Geno has backed off recruiting her. If this is true maybe she has expressed her interest in other places or maybe he is in on someone like Jordan Nixon who is from NY... anyways glad we got Collins. She is a VERY MUCH team player and her family is really nice! But I want to see how average like 20 pts and 10 rebounds !

Trust me I know the snake (what I call Freese) is still trying to get Collins to change her mind, she did the same with Candace Parker, that's how she operates. I am from DC, began my AAU coaching in VA with Beltway House of Hoops and then the Cardinal Organization and I am familiar with Paul VI and have gone to several of their games also.

That is also my hope for her this year as well (MiMi) is that she averages 20, 10, and 2 (Blocks) a game!

With Grayson I think Geno backed off because he doesn't like the waiting game, if you notice most of the players he get decide really early (which is why I am surprise Walker still went there but then again she was arguably the top Prospect this year) and with his arrogance and the list of schools Grayson is deciding on her probably feels he shouldn't have to wait this long when he already have verbals from Collier and he picked up 3 guards last year and Williams (who's the number #1 Prospect arguably this year has him in her final 5).

 

[armchair]

Patience young grasshopper !!! We may have some commits right around the corner. 2016 left a bad taste in all of our mouths but I think the coaching staff has learned from past experiences and with Reaves connections to Jucos I think we hopefully would be in better position to get help where needed. Don't forget Jordan Nixon is still on the board and she is a true point guard as well. I'm hoping with all these guards that can pass we go Golden State Warrior style and pass up a good shot for a great one ! LOL! I was watching clips of Annie Hayes and her court vision is also really good so with her and westbrook then Massengill coming in 18 we will have some lead guards that can take control of a game.

jucos. They are very hit or miss and always take time to adjust to Div. 1, and as jucos they usually don't have much time. You get jucos when you've struck out in previous years getting who you need.

 

[mlindsay]

She was more than a step slow on Crawford the first offer she received was from Alabama followed by Miss St, Ole Miss then Miami. All we said to her is come up for a visit. This is the similar story with most of the other top Tennessee players. Evidently like I said before we must have some prospects close to committing that we wanted more. If that turns out to be true then I rescind that she was slow. If it turns out to be false why she not offering these top Tennessee players.
I know we want the highest ranked players we can get regardless of where they are from. If the interest is very high I can see ignoring these Tennessee players if not then we need to get a couple of them.
Right now I don't see many players that are down to two or three teams and were one of those teams. Most are still at five to seven hopefully that is just a mirage and they are really leaning our way.

What's wrong with asking a player to make an unofficial visit to see if they really have interest? Massengil made unofficial visits before going on an official one and several other local prospects (the Hayes family did so as well). I don't see how that is too much to ask a player to show you they want to be apart of your program before you give them everything?

There is a 3 star from Georgia who is 6'4" that has interest in us and I believe we still have interest in name Jessica Carter she is a 5 player. We already have Davis at the 3. Crawford would've been a great choice but you don't sign Tim Tebow when you're still in the running for Tom Brady!

 

[mlindsay]

jucos. They are very hit or miss and always take time to adjust to Div. 1, and as jucos they usually don't have much time. You get jucos when you've struck out in previous years getting who you need.

The last few juco's we've brought in have been great! (You forgot about Shannon Bobbit and Alberta Auguste already).

Green will keep the trend of JUCO's going! I like our track record there. Especially with Reeves as coach because she has a great record of getting JUCO's!

 

[FrozenLVFan]

What's wrong with asking a player to make an unofficial visit to see if they really have interest? Massengil made unofficial visits before going on an official one and several other local prospects (the Hayes family did so as well). I don't see how that is too much to ask a player to show you they want to be apart of your program before you give them everything?

That's OK if they're "local," but players have to pay travel expenses for unofficial visits so it can be a burden if they need airfare. Also, if other schools are offering official visits, an offer of an unofficial visit may not be attractive.

 

[mike099]

Highlights of Christyn Williams and Aquira DeCosta playing in the 3x3 World Championship Tounrney... they can ball !

Happy viewing !

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JdjyyaveJM0

Thanks for the link. Williams is a lefty, but she goes to the basket really well right and left.

DeCosta is impressive. She has a great fade away shot and and looks really aggressive.

If one team gets both of these, jackpot!!