2023 Recruiting

[Peas29]

If we win at the rate I expect us to this season and are an exciting team, we’ll get some players with a year or two under their belts already who want something different. We also still have two more years of:

Marta
Tess
Sara
Karo
BK
Kaiya
Jill

3 more of Justine/Edie and one more of Powell. This alone is Elite 8/Final 4 material factoring development and coaching imo.

Adding 2-3 elite players from the portal who have 2-3 more playing years I’m sure will be the goal and winning makes that easier. We will be fine y’all lol.

I’m sorry but that is not an elite 8/Final 4 team. Will most definitely need to have a great portal recruitment after this season. I believe we will, strong post and playmakers will be needed after next season.

 

[TheMississippiVol]

If we win at the rate I expect us to this season and are an exciting team, we’ll get some players with a year or two under their belts already who want something different. We also still have two more years of:

Marta
Tess
Sara
Karo
BK
Kaiya
Jill

3 more of Justine/Edie and one more of Powell. This alone is Elite 8/Final 4 material factoring development and coaching imo.

Adding 2-3 elite players from the portal who have 2-3 more playing years I’m sure will be the goal and winning makes that easier. We will be fine y’all lol.

Great core to build around for the future. Definitely will enter next season as a Top 10 team in the country with a few more additions.
Rocky Top is the move️

 

[Volfan2012]

ADR is still following Tennessee Assistant Joy and over half of the Tennessee institutions on campus. I know that doesn't mean anything, but she is still being followed by Joy and a lot of different Tennessee fans and players and she is following a lot of them as well.

 

[NeedOrange]

You have them come to campus to discover if they ae a fit or not. Duh. Interaction with the player is where you find this out and not by just sitting in the bleachers at an AAU event. Come on. You're smarter than that.

You can see many things before a visit. Is the POI supporting her teammates? Is she happy when her teammates do well? What is her demeanor on the bench; is she cheering and vocally encouraging the other players? What is her body language when she isn't playing well? What are her grades? Does she strive to be the best she can be in all her activities. Is she coachable?

 

[Volfan2012]

I’m sorry but that is not an elite 8/Final 4 team. Will most definitely need to have a great portal recruitment after this season. I believe we will, strong post and playmakers will be needed after next season.

Need an elite center and a player similar to Jackson of Horston and I think we'd be a elite 8 team. If you could put two players on the court like that with Hollingshead, Pissott, and Powell you would at least seem to have a starting five that would be in that category. With the roster coming back you would have to hope that somehow Wynn becomes elite and that players like Suarez and Striplin take tremendous strides from where they are now.

 

[LadyOrange]

The portal grab was super impressive and IMO barring major injuries UT on paper is without debate a top 4 team heading into this season. Having said that, 0 recruits on ANY cycle is concerning. If Pat or Holly had 0 recruits in a recruiting cycle this board would be going ballistic. Kellie isn't exempt to that because of the portal, but it certainly helps her case. How much? Time will tell. But as of today not one person can honestly tell me not having 1 recruit isn't alarming. How is this even a legitimate debate?

It’s a legitimate debate because multiple variables are at play. Recruiting is so much more complex than it was when Pat coached. Even when Holly coached. That’s how much it’s changed. Also, more schools have top-notch programs than they did in previous years, so more competition for players. It hasn’t helped our program that so much of our fan base went after Holly, a true LVFL, with fangs out, that disgruntled players who went to the portal trashed our program, that coaches at other schools still try to scare parents into thinking their daughters will be pressured to be lesbians if they come to our program, that our coaches always play by the rules ( a good thing, but makes it harder to compete), that our program is transparent that it is about more than basketball, that Kellie asked not to be compared to Pat, yet…., that this generation of players did not grow up with the Lady Vols dynasty, that some players want to stay in their home states to play, that players’ high school coaches are offered financial incentives to get their players to schools, etc., etc.,

 

[Ladyvolfan45]

ADR is still following Tennessee Assistant Joy and over half of the Tennessee institutions on campus. I know that doesn't mean anything, but she is still being followed by Joy and a lot of different Tennessee fans and players and she is following a lot of them as well.

I mean Joy, Williams and half the players are still following Velez. TN's coaches have probably more respect for Velez as she seemed upfront with them (even despite committing to LSU). It seems clear that there is some bad blood and undertone with ADR's recruitment, lots of misleading going around.

I would be shocked if she doesn't commit to LSU Tuesday but will hope that 1% chance of TN being the hat on the table she decides to choose.


I tend not to look at all of that though. Coaches and players still follow recruits even if they commit to other schools all the time. They build relationships with these kids, plus you just never know down the road if they want to come to your program via the portal. Its best to not be petty even if they don't choose you at that time

 

[Volfan2012]

It’s a legitimate debate because multiple variables are at play. Recruiting is so much more complex than it was when Pat coached. Even when Holly coached. That’s how much it’s changed. Also, more schools have top-notch programs than they did in previous years, so more competition for players. It hasn’t helped our program that so much of our fan base went after Holly, a true LVFL, with fangs out, that disgruntled players who went to the portal trashed our program, that coaches at other schools still try to scare parents into thinking their daughters will be pressured to be lesbians if they come to our program, that our coaches always play by the rules ( a good thing, but makes it harder to compete), that our program is transparent that it is about more than basketball, that Kellie asked not to be compared to Pat, yet…., that this generation of players did not grow up with the Lady Vols dynasty, that some players want to stay in their home states to play, that players’ high school coaches are offered financial incentives to get their players to schools, etc., etc.,

Exactly but a lot of posters won't understand this as they are still in the group thinking that Tennessee should be automatic for almost any player. The effort this staff has put into recruiting is enormous to bad it hasn't reaped any high school awards this season, but still the portal and still another bunch of high schoolers next year. I care about getting high schoolers, but will be happy if this staff can keep the roster where it is this season no matter where they come from.

 

[Volfan2012]

I mean Joy, Williams and half the players are still following Velez. TN's coaches have probably more respect for Velez as she seemed upfront with them (even despite committing to LSU). It seems clear that there is some bad blood and undertone with ADR's recruitment, lots of misleading going around.

I would be shocked if she doesn't commit to LSU Tuesday but will hope that 1% chance of TN being the hat on the table she decides to choose.


I tend not to look at all of that though. Coaches and players still follow recruits even if they commit to other schools all the time. They build relationships with these kids, plus you just never know down the road if they want to come to your program via the portal. Its best to not be petty even if they don't choose you at that time

Just a little surprised LSU has won both Velez and probably Del Rosario after the cold shoulder she gave Griner in that media interview. I guess other things matter more and evidently LSU has what Velez needed and we'll see about ADR.

 

[Ladyvolfan45]

Just a little surprised LSU has won both Velez and probably Del Rosario after the cold shoulder she gave Griner in that media interview. I guess other things matter more and evidently LSU has what Velez needed and we'll see about ADR.

Me too although I could only assume it’s been asked or brought up. No doubt other coaches will attempt to use it in recruiting

One of LSUs commits Janae Kent’s mom said they brought that up and she said they were able to get much more of an explanation on that stuff than what is stated publicly. Not sure what is possibly said to defend that but it seems evident some aren’t bothered by all that

 

[dapeak]

I’m sorry but that is not an elite 8/Final 4 team. Will most definitely need to have a great portal recruitment after this season. I believe we will, strong post and playmakers will be needed after next season.

We will certainly need recruitment but every center doesn’t have to be TK or Kelley Cain.. I’m sure we’ll hit the portal but Jill/Karo/Sara/Marta all have experience down low but to mention I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see 6’4 Justine taught to also play down low. I think we underestimate the players we currently have because they don’t look as explosive as Jordy/Rickea. Kaiya has just as much explosiveness to her game and she’ll be a junior.. y’all gotta know they’re being developed to take the reigns.

 

[dapeak]

I mean Joy, Williams and half the players are still following Velez. TN's coaches have probably more respect for Velez as she seemed upfront with them (even despite committing to LSU). It seems clear that there is some bad blood and undertone with ADR's recruitment, lots of misleading going around.

I would be shocked if she doesn't commit to LSU Tuesday but will hope that 1% chance of TN being the hat on the table she decides to choose.


I tend not to look at all of that though. Coaches and players still follow recruits even if they commit to other schools all the time. They build relationships with these kids, plus you just never know down the road if they want to come to your program via the portal. Its best to not be petty even if they don't choose you at that time

When TK commented on ADR’s IG that she looks better in orange, I felt we still had a chance and actually feel we still do to an extent. I hope beyond hope she chooses us.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Truth of the matter is there's not the same NIL money on the women's side at UT as there is on the men's side. It killed us in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Tennessee laws are not as favorable to NIL either as in some states - Louisiana, for example. In Tennessee, a coach cannot contribute to a collective and cannot seek donations from corporations or donors; this is legal in Louisiana, and they have those funds available a plenty (a female gymnast has $2 million in NIL money).

Lady Vol supporters need to join the BoostHer Club, which is the collective for female sports at UT. There are opportunities for monthly membership and one-time donations, or corporate sponsorships. Sprye Sports is the collective for men's side. There's a stark difference in the financial picture between the two collectives.

Many people don't like NIL. I'm one of them. I want student-athletes to have these opportunities, but there is no regulation by the NCAA - it's created a very unbalanced recruiting landscape. That needs to be addressed immediately, but it seems like it won't be and $$$ will rule.

nm

 

[Coach Jumper]

nm

Re NIL for students,,,I am on both side of the fence....The status of being a CWBB player, representing your chosen school should be worth the commitment by itself,,,on the other hand,,don't I go to work for money and isn't that my incentive to perform


PS I am posting a NIL thread so we can move this topic

 

[Volfan2012]

Me too although I could only assume it’s been asked or brought up. No doubt other coaches will attempt to use it in recruiting

One of LSUs commits Janae Kent’s mom said they brought that up and she said they were able to get much more of an explanation on that stuff than what is stated publicly. Not sure what is possibly said to defend that but it seems evident some aren’t bothered by all that

Must be really good at explaining cause I know what I saw and it didn't have to go down that way.

 

[Orange Maniac]

You can see many things before a visit. Is the POI supporting her teammates? Is she happy when her teammates do well? What is her demeanor on the bench; is she cheering and vocally encouraging the other players? What is her body language when she isn't playing well? What are her grades? Does she strive to be the best she can be in all her activities. Is she coachable?

Yes. You can see all that but it’s nothing like what you can find out when they’re in your house with your people. That’s all I will say on this matter. Believe what you will.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Me too although I could only assume it’s been asked or brought up. No doubt other coaches will attempt to use it in recruiting

One of LSUs commits Janae Kent’s mom said they brought that up and she said they were able to get much more of an explanation on that stuff than what is stated publicly. Not sure what is possibly said to defend that but it seems evident some aren’t bothered by all that

I'm assuming they didn't ask about Nylyssa, Queen, or Hannah LOL . Or how she wanted peoole to be punched in the face when asked about the rape cases/victims at Baylor. This isn't new when players play for a coach who is 🗑. It is what it is.

She has had a chance to speak up on multiple issues throughout her career and haven't.So these players and parents know what they are getting. They are getting a coach that helped them get some life changing money to come play for her. Good for Kim using her resources to help her team. She still 🗑 though and the fact that the majority of her players have been black and a good amount gay and she has not spoken up on varying issues is another reason my kid would never play there.

BUT she gets recruits ...

 

[Ladyvolfan45]

I'm assuming they didn't ask about Nylyssa, Queen, or Hannah LOL . Or how she wanted peoole to be punched in the face when asked about the rape cases/victims at Baylor. This isn't new when players play for a coach who is 🗑. It is what it is.

She has had a chance to speak up on multiple issues throughout her career and haven't.So these players and parents know what they are getting. They are getting a coach that helped them get some life changing money to come play for her. Good for Kim using her resources to help her team. She still 🗑 though and the fact that the majority of her players have been black and a good amount gay and she has not spoken up on varying issues is another reason my kid would never play there.

BUT she gets recruits ...

Sadly I don’t expect it to change. These families and players are in it for the $$$

But Kim is a master at brain washing and manipulating people. Nothing will change until she retires.

 

[LUVMESUMVOL]

Sadly I don’t expect it to change. These families and players are in it for the $$$

But Kim is a master at brain washing and manipulating people. Nothing will change until she retires.

Then for all the people who think the portal is an automatic for us why can't the best portal players go for the most money and TN come up disappointed even with a good season it can happen just an opinion for all who say we got this with the portal and again I hope we have good results next time but it's not a given and nothing is wrong with that observation from some of the posters who have said the high school recruiting is alarming and the portal isn't automatic just because of the last off season

 

[LadyOrange]

Exactly but a lot of posters won't understand this as they are still in the group thinking that Tennessee should be automatic for almost any player. The effort this staff has put into recruiting is enormous to bad it hasn't reaped any high school awards this season, but still the portal and still another bunch of high schoolers next year. I care about getting high schoolers, but will be happy if this staff can keep the roster where it is this season no matter where they come from.

I have trust in Kellie and the staff, too. You do not build a program back over night. Relationships have to be established when players are young. But you know that.

 

[LUVMESUMVOL]

I have trust in Kellie and the staff, too. You do not build a program back over night. Relationships have to be established when players are young. But you know that.

I'm not being funny I just want to know did Kim have a relationship with Valez more than Kellie

 

[teacherdean]

We need to quit worrying and allow things to play itself out. We still do not know if we will get a 2023 recruit, we still have a chance. It might not be who we as fans want but I trust our coaches. The SEC as a whole is not exactly having a banner year recruiting the 23 class of women high school BB players. Let’s try to enjoy what we do have and hope that KJH has a plan no matter if it includes portal and/or high school players.

 

[Orange007]

TN will gain major steam with NIL money and then the rest will be history. Wait for it. And that's exactly why other programs are trying to do everything they can to stop it with extreme negative recruiting.

 

[LadyOrange]

I'm not being funny I just want to know did Kim have a relationship with Valez more than Kellie

I don’t know. She kind of burst onto the scene as far as I know. Maybe someone else can give some insight.

 

[LUVMESUMVOL]

TN will gain major steam with NIL money and then the rest will be history. Wait for it. And that's exactly why other programs are trying to do everything they can to stop it with extreme negative recruiting.

If they can catch up with NIL figures that would be the game changer