2025 Recruiting

[VolBall09]

That is how it is right now, but almost all the people scouting her think she has a very high ceiling for basketball if she devotes to it full time. I love her three point stroke and she is a much quicker player than Darby or Puckett.

Yes I’ve been checking some clips of her this week. Another thing I notice is she is a very quality defender for her height. She can guard on the perimeter, handle the ball and has great lateral quickness. Something volleyball likely really helped her with. There is a lot of really quick side to side movement in volleyball.

Just really think she would suit this system very well and have a lot of opportunities for growth at Tennessee I don’t see her getting at Clemson or NC State.

Wes Moore is a great coach but he isn’t much in the way of player development. Or Alyssa Cunane would be tearing up the WNBA. He’s an Xs and Os schemer who could best you with kids he picked up at the park on the bus ride over.

Poppie is a good coach as well but he isn’t a Kim Caldwell. I can tell you that. Clemson will never be a big name in women’s basketball, it’s just not going to happen. Especially having to compete for in state talent with Dawn.

 

[ttharp]

NIL factors to a certain extent. Coach Kellie Harper had the same opportunities. She didn't play a fun style of basketball plain and simple so therefore she couldn't close on high school recruits.

There's just certain groups of people on here trying to discredit the recruiting success that Coach Kim and company is having and it seems like you are one of them.

The Twins already got money lol, Deniya Prawl doesn't care about all that...ask the insiders about that! They will tell that this is FACTS!

Yes to this.

I don’t think NIL played as big a factor as some say. IF it did though, it was only one of many factors. IF the last staff didn’t have the NIL funds to match other schools, they most definitely had the recruiting budget to make these visits more appealing to todays generation of players.

IF they were at a disadvantage with NIL, they could’ve made up for it in other ways. They could’ve gotten more CREATIVE with their recruiting visits. An example being bringing out Lambos and letting the kids wear the LV jersey on their visit.

It also helps to WIN games that matter.

You don’t have to be a personality expert to notice KJH wasn’t big on the flashy/showy aspects of the current WCBB landscape. You kinda have to be - or at least have people on your staff with that vibe.

 

[glv98]

NIL factors to a certain extent. Coach Kellie Harper had the same opportunities. She didn't play a fun style of basketball plain and simple so therefore she couldn't close on high school recruits.

There's just certain groups of people on here trying to discredit the recruiting success that Coach Kim and company is having and it seems like you are one of them.

The Twins already got money lol, Deniya Prawl doesn't care about all that...ask the insiders about that! They will tell that this is FACTS!

We'll have to agree to disagree. I still say we don't know. The few players I've known made we aware how far away our imagined universe is from their real one.

Also, I think I have a higher opinion of CKC than you do. I'd never imagine wondering about the role of NIL in current recruiting would be a slight to her. I think she's alot tougher, less fragile, and open to questions than you do.

100 percent want her and that means either volley ball or basketball just don't think both works.

They barely or almost never let you duel sport in high school anymore, though I know some do. My daughter was told freshman yr choose volleyball or softball. Fall softball, after a summer traveling, was a must.

 

[Volfan2012]

Yes I’ve been checking some clips of her this week. Another thing I notice is she is a very quality defender for her height. She can guard on the perimeter, handle the ball and has great lateral quickness. Something volleyball likely really helped her with. There is a lot of really quick side to side movement in volleyball.

Just really think she would suit this system very well and have a lot of opportunities for growth at Tennessee I don’t see her getting at Clemson or NC State.

Wes Moore is a great coach but he isn’t much in the way of player development. Or Alyssa Cunane would be tearing up the WNBA. He’s an Xs and Os schemer who could best you with kids he picked up at the park on the bus ride over.

Poppie is a good coach as well but he isn’t a Kim Caldwell. I can tell you that. Clemson will never be a big name in women’s basketball, it’s just not going to happen. Especially having to compete for in state talent with Dawn.

Clemson would be my last choice of the three. NC State develops players really well they get better there. Tennessee is going to be the place to get maximum development as well as if you have the talent WNBA ready style. At Tennessee you can get a double double in the first half of the game. You can average double figures in both points and rebounds and play 20 minutes. I think anyone with speed and likes an offense that attacks quickly will be looking at Tennessee.

 

[glv98]

Yes to this.

I don’t think NIL played as big a factor as some say. IF it did though, it was only one of many factors. IF the last staff didn’t have the NIL funds to match other schools, they most definitely had the recruiting budget to make these visits more appealing to todays generation of players.

IF they were at a disadvantage with NIL, they could’ve made up for it in other ways. They could’ve gotten more CREATIVE with their recruiting visits. An example being bringing out Lambos and letting the kids wear the LV jersey on their visit.

It also helps to WIN games that matter.

You don’t have to be a personality expert to notice KJH wasn’t big on the flashy/showy aspects of the current WCBB landscape. You kinda have to be - or at least have people on your staff with that vibe.

Yes to this.

But it still doesn't explain how they recruited so well out of the portal though. That's a mystery to me.

 

[VolBall09]

Yes to this.

I don’t think NIL played as big a factor as some say. IF it did though, it was only one of many factors. IF the last staff didn’t have the NIL funds to match other schools, they most definitely had the recruiting budget to make these visits more appealing to todays generation of players.

IF they were at a disadvantage with NIL, they could’ve made up for it in other ways. They could’ve gotten more CREATIVE with their recruiting visits. An example being bringing out Lambos and letting the kids wear the LV jersey on their visit.

It also helps to WIN games that matter.

You don’t have to be a personality expert to notice KJH wasn’t big on the flashy/showy aspects of the current WCBB landscape. You kinda have to be - or at least have people on your staff with that vibe.

And we didn’t even have to pay for the Lambos. The coaches have done a great job networking in the community. They were loaned to us by a local doctor and realtor who Gabe plays pickup with I believe.

Thats how you get stuff done. It seems silly, but to a 17yo that sh!t is crazy. Gave them the coolest social media pics they’ve ever taken in their lives lmao

 

[ttharp]

And we didn’t even have to pay for the Lambos. The coaches have done a great job networking in the community. They were loaned to us by a local doctor and realtor who Gabe plays pickup with I believe.

Thats how you get stuff done. It seems silly, but to a 17yo that sh!t is crazy. Gave them the coolest social media pics they’ve ever taken in their lives lmao

Wow- Gabe is HIM!

Those pics are super cool and ones the recruits didn’t have to pay for. A free Lambo photo shoot. The visit/experience of a lifetime. So glad 2 of 3 said yes to TN!

 

[VolBall09]

Yes to this.

But it still doesn't explain how they recruited so well out of the portal though. That's a mystery to me.

Totally different. A lot of kids in the portal are leaving a bad situation. I do think Kellie felt like a soft spot to land for those players.

Outside of Jackson I would debate how good our portal recruiting was though. She was really the only major get. We picked up several other serviceable players, but no other stars really.

Several came with a lot of hype but couldn’t deliver, mostly due to injury issues. Franklin, Powell, Walker, Green and Wells were all limited for that reason.

Powell was never disclosed until her career ended but she was apparently playing through a lot of pain which makes her play make more sense.

Seems like that staff was willing to take a chance in that department and support their rehab, maybe due to Kellie’s own experiences. Commendable, but not the best idea in reality.

 

[Volfan2012]

Totally different. A lot of kids in the portal are leaving a bad situation. I do think Kellie felt like a soft spot to land for those players.

Outside of Jackson I would debate how good our portal recruiting was though. She was really the only major get. We picked up several other serviceable players, but no other stars really.

Several came with a lot of hype but couldn’t deliver, mostly due to injury issues. Franklin, Powell, Walker, Green and Wells were all limited for that reason.

Powell was never disclosed until her career ended but she was apparently playing through a lot of pain which makes her play make more sense.

Seems like that staff was willing to take a chance in that department and support their rehab, maybe due to Kellie’s own experiences. Commendable, but not the best idea in reality.

Jill has been the one that has been hard to understand. She was a highly rated player suffered an injury at Georgia transferred her and has not been able to play at the level expected. Still time I guess and we certainly going to need her in the post when we get to SEC play.

 

[glv98]

Totally different. A lot of kids in the portal are leaving a bad situation. I do think Kellie felt like a soft spot to land for those players.

Outside of Jackson I would debate how good our portal recruiting was though. She was really the only major get. We picked up several other serviceable players, but no other stars really.

Several came with a lot of hype but couldn’t deliver, mostly due to injury issues. Franklin, Powell, Walker, Green and Wells were all limited for that reason.

Powell was never disclosed until her career ended but she was apparently playing through a lot of pain which makes her play make more sense.

Seems like that staff was willing to take a chance in that department and support their rehab, maybe due to Kellie’s own experiences. Commendable, but not the best idea in reality.

You got it right in the first sentence. When Rickea was asked the difference in her first and second recruitment she said the first time you're just chasing final fours and championships. (That was before $$$). The second time she said your looking for a home, esp if your experience has been bad.

 

[VolBall09]

Jill has been the one that has been hard to understand. She was a highly rated player suffered an injury at Georgia transferred her and has not been able to play at the level expected. Still time I guess and we certainly going to need her in the post when we get to SEC play.

Yep she’s a big question mark. I love me some Jill she has moments of brilliance and then moments where she looks like she just started playing basketball yesterday.

Tough to play for 3 coaches in your career so I appreciate her sticking it out at UT.

I think a lot of her issue is confidence. She has all the tools but SHE has to believe that.

I do think she was hampered with her knees/shoulders most of last season which slowed her development. Hopefully she’s healthier now and can make some progress this season.

 

[glv98]

Jill has been the one that has been hard to understand. She was a highly rated player suffered an injury at Georgia transferred her and has not been able to play at the level expected. Still time I guess and we certainly going to need her in the post when we get to SEC play.

And Jewel. Thought she'd be more consistent. Still time for both.

 

[glv98]

Tough to play for 3 coaches in your career so I appreciate her sticking it out at UT.

Reminds me that Rickea played for 4 coaches in college and now will have 2 in 2 yrs of the W. 6 coaches in 7 years. Could write a book about adapting to new systems.

I remember Jill saying last year, in that totally childlike way of hers, that being an LV was 'magical'. I just hope she leaves still feeling that way whatever happens for her on the court this year. But we really, really need her!

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Jill has been the one that has been hard to understand. She was a highly rated player suffered an injury at Georgia transferred her and has not been able to play at the level expected. Still time I guess and we certainly going to need her in the post when we get to SEC play.

Yes I was expecting a lot more from her in this type of offense. Thought she could play facing the basket more and show those supposed highly rated skills. If she has injuries its not being reported. Still seems hesitant and slow to me which is not going to work in this style of play.

 

[Volfan2012]

And Jewel. Thought she'd be more consistent. Still time for both.

MTSU was making a concerted effort to take the ball out of Jewell's hands in the last game. Everytime she touched the ball they were running two players at her. I will be interested in how Liberty plays her today. Good thing we have enough shooters although to this point they have inconsistent to make teams play more straight up in the defense. Just got to hit the open shots not making enough of them. When we do we'll win big.

 

[glv98]

Yes I was expecting a lot more from her in this type of offense. Thought she could play facing the basket more and show those supposed highly rated skills. If she has injuries its not being reported. Still seems hesitant and slow to me which is not going to work in this style of play.

Hesitent is exactly the word I'd use. You can see the wheels turning. Nothing seems instictual, seems like overthinking. Definitely can't do that as fast as this train moves.

 

[glv98]

MTSU was making a concerted effort to take the ball out of Jewell's hands in the last game. Everytime she touched the ball they were running two players at her

Yes that happened last year, esp while Rickea was out. Jewel has to be able to make the play thru this. I still think she's our best hope for consistent 3 pt shooting.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Totally different. A lot of kids in the portal are leaving a bad situation. I do think Kellie felt like a soft spot to land for those players.

Outside of Jackson I would debate how good our portal recruiting was though. She was really the only major get. We picked up several other serviceable players, but no other stars really.

Several came with a lot of hype but couldn’t deliver, mostly due to injury issues. Franklin, Powell, Walker, Green and Wells were all limited for that reason.

Tennessee is such an attractive destination that’s a big reason for the consistent portal success NIL or not.

I agree too Rickea Jackson was a big-time signing. On the other hand, gotta admit Alexus Dye, Keyen Green, and Jewel Spear were really good additions.

Jordan Walker was a good leader.

Keyen Green and Alexus Dye during their years at Tennessee played outstanding basketball.

Coach Caldwell transfer class is not only the best for Tennessee but one of the best we’ve seen yet in the SEC.

If Alyssa Latham and Lazaria Spearman can continue to trend upwards as they learn a new system and give this team the type of production that Green and Dye provided in the post then as Coach Caldwell, Coach Tubner, and Coach Lazo know this season we compete for titles.

You don’t have to be a tradition post player to play at a high level in the SEC.

GBO!

 

[VolBall09]

Tennessee is such an attractive destination that’s a big reason for the consistent portal success.

I think Rickea Jackson was big-time signing. On the other hand, gotta admit Alexus Dye, Keyen Green, and Jewel Spear were really good additions.

Jordan Walker was a good leader.

Keyen Green and Alexus Dye during their years at Tennessee played outstanding basketball.

Coach Caldwell transfer class is not only the best for Tennessee but one of the best we’ve seen yet in the SEC.

If Alyssa Latham and Lazaria Spearman can continue trend upwards and give this team the type of success that Green and Dye had then as Coach Caldwell, Coach Tubner, and Coach Lazo know this season we compete for titles.

You don’t have to be a tradition post player to play at a high level in the SEC.

GBO!

Dye was indeed a great player. I love Jewels game as well. She just hasn’t had the same success in the SEC as she had in the ACC. The physicality and level of defense you have to play is just different.

 

[ttharp]

You got it right in the first sentence. When Rickea was asked the difference in her first and second recruitment she said the first time you're just chasing final fours and championships. (That was before $$$). The second time she said your looking for a home, esp if your experience has been bad.

Rickea did say she was looking for a home/healthy culture, but she definitely prioritized winning in her portal recruitment. It was no secret RJ was the missing piece to a roster that on paper was already solid. And the chance to team up with Jordy with hopes of bringing TN back was part of pitch.

She chose TN over Texas and LSU. Had she gone elsewhere she would have a ring.

 

[glv98]

You don’t have to be a tradition post player to play at a high level in the SEC.

We're going to get such a good read on that this year, with traditional posts like Beers and Cody going against this system. I'm more interested in what the posts that can move like Strack, etc do against it. I'll bet the answer falls somewhere in between. Could possibly win without height but it sure would be good to have around.

 

[glv98]

Rickea did say she was looking for a home/healthy culture, but she definitely prioritized winning in her portal recruitment. It was no secret RJ was the missing piece to a roster that on paper was already solid. And the chance to team up with Jordy with hopes of bringing TN back was part of pitch.

She chose TN over Texas and LSU. Had she gone elsewhere she would have a ring.

Also, if Vic had stayed at Miss St she would have had a really good chance at a ring. That's one reason I really hope she eventually gets one in the W. She's had alot of near misses and bad breaks.

Def think a big part of coming here was also how good that team looked on paper.

 

[VolBall09]

delete to keep thread on track

 

[VolBall09]

Let’s move this discussion to the Lady Vol thread maybe?

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

We're going to get such a good read on that this year, with traditional posts like Beers and Cody going against this system. I'm more interested in what the posts that can move like Strack, etc do against it. I'll bet the answer falls somewhere in between. Could possibly win without height but it sure would be good to have around.

That’s the thing, Tennessee doesn’t lack height. 6’5, 6’4, 6’2, and 6’2 is not a lack of height.
Spearman has started against Strack due to the VT post injury in the ACC.
Spearman and Hollingshead are the same height or taller than Beers.
Dye played at 6’0. Green played at 5’11. Morrow plays at 6’0.
All in the SEC.
Did you see what Alyssa Latham as a freshman did last season against Cody and Baker when Syracuse visited Alabama?
This is about the new LV post players learning how to play-in and transition to a new system not a lack of height or size.