2023 Recruiting Thread

[CannonVol80]

Reychel Douglas , NC

While I realize this is a recruiting tape and therefore emphasizes the good, I liked the way this young lady used the outside hand on every drive I saw where she was guarded. So many young players will only go one way, or insist on putting up the shot with the right (or left, depending) hand even on a drive to the opposite side. In my opinion, this is a learned skill, and too many coaches at the high school and AAU level don't take the time to teach it!

Does anyone know if there is any Lady Vol interest?

Jim

 

[CannonVol80]

2023 ASGR Top 50 National Player Rankings Are Now Live: Judea Watkins Starts At No. 1 @Jujubballin | ASGR Basketball.

This ought to make Darth a little happier! Granting that no one has committed yet, our staff now has confirmed offers to two players in the top 10, with Cori Allen at 11! And, three more in the top 30 of this ranking.

Jim

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

This ought to make Darth a little happier! Granting that no one has committed yet, our staff now has confirmed offers to two players in the top 10, with Cori Allen at 11! And, three more in the top 30 of this ranking.

Jim

is there a list for the top 10 offers or the other 23’ offers in general ? This is exciting

 

[lfvol]

This ought to make Darth a little happier! Granting that no one has committed yet, our staff now has confirmed offers to two players in the top 10, with Cori Allen at 11! And, three more in the top 30 of this ranking.

Jim

It is good news for 23. I never understand not offering more top kids and it’s a concern in the 22 class. It’s easy to stop communicating if you sour on the kid. Some won’t seriously listen until they have an offer. There is nothing to lose.

 

[Darth_Vol]

This ought to make Darth a little happier! Granting that no one has committed yet, our staff now has confirmed offers to two players in the top 10, with Cori Allen at 11! And, three more in the top 30 of this ranking.

I mean our staff had offers to top 10 players in the 21 class, including the sister of a current player. They supposedly had a good chance to land Saniya Rivers and/or Key at one point. She has offers to the top 10 of the 22 class. Is anyone really confident Kellie will beat out Geno or Dawn Staley for a player? Until she does, "offers" really don't mean a whole lot...

 

[CannonVol80]

I mean our staff had offers to top 10 players in the 21 class, including the sister of a current player. They supposedly had a good chance to land Saniya Rivers and/or Key at one point. She has offers to the top 10 of the 22 class. Is anyone really confident Kellie will beat out Geno or Dawn Staley for a player? Until she does, "offers" really don't mean a whole lot...

I agree that "offers" don't really count for a lot, but I seem to recall you complaining that the staff wasn't even offering the top 10-20 in the rankings. If I am wrong, then I will agree that it doesn't make you happy!

Jim

 

[Darth_Vol]

I agree that "offers" don't really count for a lot, but I seem to recall you complaining that the staff wasn't even offering the top 10-20 in the rankings. If I am wrong, then I will agree that it doesn't make you happy!

Nope, wasn't me. Kellie knows what players she needs to get back to Final Fours, she just can't land any of them. Maybe there isn't enough in the recruiting budget after Fulmer just had to extend the football coach...

 

[Coach Jumper]

pathetic

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I mean our staff had offers to top 10 players in the 21 class, including the sister of a current player. They supposedly had a good chance to land Saniya Rivers and/or Key at one point. She has offers to the top 10 of the 22 class. Is anyone really confident Kellie will beat out Geno or Dawn Staley for a player? Until she does, "offers" really don't mean a whole lot...

If you don't offer, you will to sign them.

 

[Rickster]

While she hasn't landed that universally appointed superstar yet, I'm giving her a lot of credit for building a strong core. She is upgrading several positions and inherited some really good players. If the virus has not impacted development, I believe the team wins a lot this year (which will add some positive mojo to recruiting). Ultimately the team has to knockoff someone really good with regularity. I think no one should discount the effect of the last 10 years that has made recruiting more _____________.

 

[Amb3096]

While she hasn't landed that universally appointed superstar yet, I'm giving her a lot of credit for building a strong core. She is upgrading several positions and inherited some really good players. If the virus has not impacted development, I believe the team wins a lot this year (which will add some positive mojo to recruiting). Ultimately the team has to knockoff someone really good with regularity. I think no one should discount the effect of the last 10 years that has made recruiting more _____________.

Texas is a must win OOC, and they need to beat one of SC, MSST, UK, TAMU or Ark. With the short OOC season, they may have a hard time making the tournament if they can't score some marquee wins. Then hopefully that will catch the eyes of the '22 and '23 recruits.

 

[Rickster]

Texas is a must win OOC, and they need to beat one of SC, MSST, UK, TAMU or Ark. With the short OOC season, they may have a hard time making the tournament if they can't score some marquee wins. Then hopefully that will catch the eyes of the '22 and '23 recruits.

JMO but they have to stop losing to the likes of MSU, UK, TAMU, Ark, etc.... and for heavens sake, put some distance between Alabama. They have to compete with the UConns and Stanfords and win their fair share. Thats where they were when they were "THE" program and what I believe it will take to satisfy the vocal part of the fan base.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

Texas is a must win OOC, and they need to beat one of SC, MSST, UK, TAMU or Ark. With the short OOC season, they may have a hard time making the tournament if they can't score some marquee wins. Then hopefully that will catch the eyes of the '22 and '23 recruits.

Think we can beat MSST,TAMU,and even Arkansas......hopefully South Carolina losing 2 senior starters to the draft will make them more vulnerable.
The only way we beat Kentucky is if Rhyne Howard has an off day.

last years results that are now winnable games:
MSST- Lost by 20+ (Rennia had the Flu didnt play)
TAMU-lost by 2 even tho Chennedy Carter poured 35 points on us after a injury
Ark- lost by I think 8 and we had 20+ turnovers....lost 1/2 of "The Splash Sisters" who both had a career night on the Lady Vols

 

[Amb3096]

Think we can beat MSST,TAMU,and even Arkansas......hopefully South Carolina losing 2 senior starters to the draft will make them more vulnerable.
The only way we beat Kentucky is if Rhyne Howard has an off day.

last years results that are now winnable games:
MSST- Lost by 20+ (Rennia had the Flu didnt play)
TAMU-lost by 2 even tho Chennedy Carter poured 35 points on us after a injury
Ark- lost by I think 8 and we had 20+ turnovers....lost 1/2 of "The Splash Sisters" who both had a career night on the Lady Vols

MSST would be a surprise. They bring just about everyone of note back, plus some newcomers that will be immediate impact players. Arkansas loses Tolefree, but replaces her with Slocum. I don't recall Dungee playing well that game...if her, Ramirez and Slocum build chemistry, they'll be tough to deal with.

TAMU...I haven't checked on the waiver status of Pitts and Green, but if both are eligible, they will make up for the loss of Carter. They'll have scorers and strong defenders at all 5 spots, and will have more looks without such a ball dominant player.

UK is the team I think they match up the best against because of their lack of size. Need to see first if Owens improves their rebounding and inside defense.

 

[Rickster]

What I believe is being corrected is player development. In order to compete, players need to get better than they were coming in. That and teamwork. We had talent but it never seemed to gel on the court. Regardless of the cause, we became less and less able to compete. I hope this is turning around. The ideal player for any team is one that is talented and a good fit emotionally.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

MSST would be a surprise. They bring just about everyone of note back, plus some newcomers that will be immediate impact players. Arkansas loses Tolefree, but replaces her with Slocum. I don't recall Dungee playing well that game...if her, Ramirez and Slocum build chemistry, they'll be tough to deal with.

TAMU...I haven't checked on the waiver status of Pitts and Green, but if both are eligible, they will make up for the loss of Carter. They'll have scorers and strong defenders at all 5 spots, and will have more looks without such a ball dominant player.

UK is the team I think they match up the best against because of their lack of size. Need to see first if Owens improves their rebounding and inside defense.

I think it’s also how the team adapts to Nikki McCrays coaching ... Does she keep things very similar ? are the athletes being used similar to last year ? The good thing for the newcomers everybody has to learn Nikki’s system.

Texas A&M i think both Destiny and Green can provide some relief with scoring. While they Nixon they did lose carter who also averaged 3.5 assists AND Shambria Washington who had 5.1 assists per game. Washington basically had a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio and Carter drastically reduced her turnovers herself. Pitts role was to score and her assist to turnover ratio was essentially 1:1. we all saw green but her development will probably depend on how she matured and how she is going to come back from that ACL tear. Kayla wells seemed to take a step back last year but i expect her role will increase unless she defers to green and Pitts. N’dea Jones (i think that’s how you spell it) will be probably be a terror again.


Arkansas’s strength will be its backcourt again and that game will be in Knoxville. We know Slocum is a gamer and Ramirez showed what she could do against us last year. How does Dungee do with two ball dominating guards on the court more so than she has done before ? Height is still a weakness but they have done fine in the past lacking size.

UKs game was close last year and we know what we are going to get Howard it was UTs supporting cast that was terrible (exempt Davis). They got some additions which should help their team.


We have to watch our team but we also have to see how are new players fit into our team. If the grad transfers can contribute and then a freshman can show a spark or two who knows. I do know I am excited to see Horston and Burrell and their growth and hope to see Tamari play mean every game like she did at SC.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

MSST would be a surprise. They bring just about everyone of note back, plus some newcomers that will be immediate impact players. Arkansas loses Tolefree, but replaces her with Slocum. I don't recall Dungee playing well that game...if her, Ramirez and Slocum build chemistry, they'll be tough to deal with.

TAMU...I haven't checked on the waiver status of Pitts and Green, but if both are eligible, they will make up for the loss of Carter. They'll have scorers and strong defenders at all 5 spots, and will have more looks without such a ball dominant player.

UK is the team I think they match up the best against because of their lack of size. Need to see first if Owens improves their rebounding and inside defense.

Ark: It was Tolefree and Ramirez who had really good games against us.
TAMU: Pitt's transfer was approved idk about Green

 

[lfvol]

I mean our staff had offers to top 10 players in the 21 class, including the sister of a current player. They supposedly had a good chance to land Saniya Rivers and/or Key at one point. She has offers to the top 10 of the 22 class. Is anyone really confident Kellie will beat out Geno or Dawn Staley for a player? Until she does, "offers" really don't mean a whole lot...

I don’t think Key was consensus top ten though she was considerably more highly regarded than anyone we got.

Overall, I don’t agree with you that offers don’t mean much. It means you are at least trying somewhat with the kind of player you need. I’ve questioned why we don’t hear of more 2022 offers to top ten players fearing we were just settling for kids at a level that top schools weren’t on. In the thread, it’s suggested by someone we have elite offers but aren’t mentioned. Obviously, you’ve got to get into the top group in order to ultimately land someone and that usually means you have a very talented recruiter. Regardless, the 2023 offers are encouraging to me.

 

[Amb3096]

I don’t think Key was consensus top ten though she was considerably more highly regarded than anyone we got.

Overall, I don’t agree with you that offers don’t mean much. It means you are at least trying somewhat with the kind of player you need. I’ve questioned why we don’t hear of more 2022 offers to top ten players fearing we were just settling for kids at a level that top schools weren’t on. In the thread, it’s suggested by someone we have elite offers but aren’t mentioned. Obviously, you’ve got to get into the top group in order to ultimately land someone and that usually means you have a very talented recruiter. Regardless, the 2023 offers are encouraging to me.

Even in the 2021 class, there were offers to top players. I know Rivers, Feagin, Key, Verhulst, Hall, McPherson and WIggins had offers...and I'm sure Fudd got one as well. Offers are nice and shows Tennessee is aiming high, but...hopefully soon, some of those offers will turn into signings. Kellie has some nice complementary pieces lined up, but is still missing that centerpiece.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Even in the 2021 class, there were offers to top players. I know Rivers, Feagin, Key, Verhulst, Hall, McPherson and WIggins had offers...and I'm sure Fudd got one as well. Offers are nice and shows Tennessee is aiming high, but...hopefully soon, some of those offers will turn into signings. Kellie has some nice complementary pieces lined up, but is still missing that centerpiece.

And i think that may be part of the recruiting pitch to some of those centerpieces.. We need you to get us to the next level

I think Kellie has potential center pieces on the team already i think she needs to sign that player which is still to be determined

 

[Amb3096]

I think Kellie has potential center pieces on the team already i think she needs to sign that player which is still to be determined

She has Rennia this year, and then Jordan Horston for 2 years after this one. She needs to reload. Striplin, Puckett, Wynn are good players in their own right, but they aren't going to be the ones to bring Tennessee back to NC contender status. UConn and SC will each have ten HS AAs on their respective teams next season to only 1 for Tennessee. She needs to close that gap in a hurry.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

She has Rennia this year, and then Jordan Horston for 2 years after this one. She needs to reload. Striplin, Puckett, Wynn are good players in their own right, but they aren't going to be the ones to bring Tennessee back to NC contender status. UConn and SC will each have ten HS AAs on their respective teams next season to only 1 for Tennessee. She needs to close that gap in a hurry.

With all the new transfer rules we all know how that can turn out for those two programs we have already seen it happen to uconn once.

People are worried about a NC we need to get back to the sweet 16 first and move from there i know people want to say that should never be a goal for TN but the reality is while we don’t want that to be a goal let’s get there and reset the bar.

i also think the 22 class has a good shot at getting that player and then everybody can have something else to b*+** about. Plus there are 4 commits and it’s possibly any of them add to the AA list and Pissott will probably move up the rankings if she keeps playing summer ball and if she would go to more events.

 

[Darth_Vol]

Overall, I don’t agree with you that offers don’t mean much. It means you are at least trying somewhat with the kind of player you need

Kellie's recruiting failures with elite prospects haven't been due to a lack of effort, or "offers"...

 

[Coach Jumper]

 

[GameTime]