2025 Recruiting

[KnoxLikeUs]

If Wells doesn’t return, CKC will probably look for a senior, best available at PG, SG, and even wing spots in portal who’s quick footed makes 3s at high %, around 40, to go along with two PF and/or Posts.
Seems like CKC likes having 15 scholarship players on the roster.

She actually said the complete opposite in a press conference shortly after landing her 1st High School Recruiting class.
I guess I understand how it’s appealing to assume CKC is looking for a PG in the portal despite her most recent sound bite when she stated Kaniya Boyd is the future. Before that she talked about how Talaysia Cooper can be special, and how her recruits fit the system perfectly. A winning coach with Coach Caldwell resume doesn’t bring in a #1/#2 recruiting class featuring three McDonald’s AAs and five Top 50 recruits to sit for one or two year portal players.
It’s just that her own words were that they have a couple spots to fill through the portal to add players in terms of defense, rebounding, post etc. That’s what she will do. Add post players via the portal and possibly a 3pt specialist.
Nothing suggests she’s looking for a best available guard.

 

[Volfan2012]

She actually said the complete opposite in a press conference shortly after landing her 1st High School Recruiting class.
I guess I understand how it’s appealing to assume CKC is looking for a PG in the portal despite her most recent sound bite when she stated Kaniya Boyd is the future. Before that she talked about how Talaysia Cooper can be special, and how her recruits fit the system perfectly. A winning coach with Coach Caldwell resume doesn’t bring in a #1/#3 recruiting class featuring three McDonald’s AAs and five Top 50 recruits to sit for one or two year portal players.
It’s just that her own words were that they have a couple spots to fill through the portal to add players in terms of defense, rebounding, post etc.
Nothing suggests she’s looking for a best available guard.

I just 100 percent believe that Mia Pauldo will be the point guard and with Boyd and Cooper to back her up that is how we will go. Mia is ready she will be the starter.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

I just 100 percent believe that Mia Pauldo will be the point guard and with Boyd and Cooper to back her up that is how we will go. Mia is ready she will be the starter.

Maybe she starts or is a top reserve off the bench. I think Mia is more skilled than some of the starting PGs right now in the SEC at Top 8 teams in the conference. But that can also be said for Kaniya Boyd and Talaysia Cooper. Both coming off redshirt seasons and Boyd having to rehab so this summer will be her first full offseason to train.
Maybe Jaida Civil, Mya Pauldo, or Deniya Prawl starts at one of the guard or wing positions.
The depth is going to be elite at the 1,2, and 3 spots.
Prawl will give this team a polished 3-level scorer with excellent size. She could’ve stepped on the court in the Kentucky game and matched up with any wing they have Strack or Keys right now. We’re talking about players that have gotten better but it’s still in between what you see at Kentucky and what you saw at North Carolina.
That’s what some fans on this board haven’t fully comprehended these incoming players at Tennessee are elite talents and have beaten players in HS as underclassmen starting right now at ranked P4 schools.

 

[Will83]

She actually said the complete opposite in a press conference shortly after landing her 1st High School Recruiting class.
I guess I understand how it’s appealing to assume CKC is looking for a PG in the portal despite her most recent sound bite when she stated Kaniya Boyd is the future. Before that she talked about how Talaysia Cooper can be special, and how her recruits fit the system perfectly. A winning coach with Coach Caldwell resume doesn’t bring in a #1/#2 recruiting class featuring three McDonald’s AAs and five Top 50 recruits to sit for one or two year portal players.
It’s just that her own words were that they have a couple spots to fill through the portal to add players in terms of defense, rebounding, post etc. That’s what she will do. Add post players via the portal and possibly a 3pt specialist.
Nothing suggests she’s looking for a best available guard.

LVs are losing Jewel and Darby, hands down best 3 point shooters. CKC definitely seems like a smart lady who will jump on the opportunity to address that item in portal vs hoping 1 or 2 of her new recruits will hit around 40% from 3 (that’s a lot to ask from a freshman). Grabbing a senior player with a proven track record of hitting 3s around 40%, who wants to join the LVs from the portal, even if player plays PG or SG, Wing seems like the safest bet for a more successful next season. After all CKC system allows for multiple PGs to play at the same time and of course Kim likes to go ten deep that allows for a few more PGs to play too.

 

[Will83]

She actually said the complete opposite in a press conference shortly after landing her 1st High School Recruiting class.
I guess I understand how it’s appealing to assume CKC is looking for a PG in the portal despite her most recent sound bite when she stated Kaniya Boyd is the future. Before that she talked about how Talaysia Cooper can be special, and how her recruits fit the system perfectly. A winning coach with Coach Caldwell resume doesn’t bring in a #1/#2 recruiting class featuring three McDonald’s AAs and five Top 50 recruits to sit for one or two year portal players.
It’s just that her own words were that they have a couple spots to fill through the portal to add players in terms of defense, rebounding, post etc. That’s what she will do. Add post players via the portal and possibly a 3pt specialist.
Nothing suggests she’s looking for a best available guard.

posted twice, please delete

 

[chuckiepoo]

LVs are losing Jewel and Darby, hands down best 3 point shooters. CKC definitely seems like a smart lady who will jump on the opportunity to address that item in portal vs hoping 1 or 2 of her new recruits will hit around 40% from 3 (that’s a lot to ask from a freshman). Grabbing a senior player with a proven track record of hitting 3s around 40%, who wants to join the LVs from the portal, even if player plays PG or SG, Wing so like the safest bet for a more successful next season. After all CKC system allows for multiple PGs to play at the same time and of course Kim likes to go ten deep that allows for a few more PGs to play too.

You’re quite patient but…

 

[Volfan2012]

LVs are losing Jewel and Darby, hands down best 3 point shooters. CKC definitely seems like a smart lady who will jump on the opportunity to address that item in portal vs hoping 1 or 2 of her new recruits will hit around 40% from 3 (that’s a lot to ask from a freshman). Grabbing a senior player with a proven track record of hitting 3s around 40%, who wants to join the LVs from the portal, even if player plays PG or SG, Wing seems like the safest bet for a more successful next season. After all CKC system allows for multiple PGs to play at the same time and of course Kim likes to go ten deep that allows for a few more PGs to play too.

Agree we could use another three point shooter. The Pauldo twins are 48 and 41 percent from the three in high school so I think they can still go for a high percentage. Don't know how Prawl or Civil shoot them think they are at least better than average. Hurst is really good and is 6'2" if she is going to devote to basketball instead of volleyball. So one more elite sure doesn't hurt.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Agree we could use another three point shooter. The Pauldo twins are 48 and 41 percent from the three in high school so I think they can still go for a high percentage. Don't know how Prawl or Civil shoot them think they are at least better than average. Hurst is really good and is 6'2" if she is going to devote to basketball instead of volleyball. So one more elite sure doesn't hurt.

Coach Caldwell said Prawl is a 3-level scorer who can make an instant impact. She has film all over YouTube from International Games with the Canadian team and Overtime Select. Whatever the 3pt percentage is I’m sure it’ll aligned with the film because she rarely misses attacking the basket, mid-range, or from 3pt range.

 

[Volfan2012]

Coach Caldwell said Prawl is a 3-level scorer who can make an instant impact. She has film all over YouTube from International Games with the Canadian team and Overtime Select. Whatever the 3pt percentage is I’m sure it’ll aligned with the film because she rarely misses attacking the basket, mid-range, or from 3pt range.

Thanks I've seen highlights of her but she was usually doing mostly mid range and layups. Glad to hear she has a great three point shot.

 

[Rooster1]

I just 100 percent believe that Mia Pauldo will be the point guard and with Boyd and Cooper to back her up that is how we will go. Mia is ready she will be the starter.

She may be ready, that is to be determined. Transition to college ball at the top level is always tricky for freshman, and some are ready for sure, but you won’t know until they play.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Were getting four players that can play with anybody that plays their positions. Don't know how Hurst fits in as have to see how things go with her interest in volley ball and basket ball as well. The two sports overlap their seasons so which one will she give priority to.

MIa Pauldo 5-7
Mya Pauldo 5-6
Talaysia Cooper 6-0
Taniya Boyd 5-9
Zee Spearman 6-4
Ruby Whitehead 6-0
Kaiya Wynn 5-10
Alyssa Latham 6-2
Deniya Prawl 6-1
Jaida Civil 6-0
Ace 5-10
Lauren Hurst 6-2


So easy to see where your portal additions need to be 6-3 to 6-5 post players. Hurst fills your three point shooting wing role if she is going to play basketball full time and not come in after volley ball is over. I don't see us going for any guards should be all forward or center. Portal opens March 23rd. Already rumors of some big names entering expect will be something the same as in past seasons. The big names looking for their best NIL deal.

We also need shooters, not just post players.

 

[Volfan2012]

We also need shooters, not just post players.

You don't think there are any shooters in that freshmen class? What about 48 percent from the three on over 275 made threes. Prawl, Civil, and Hurst are shooters. Were replacing a lot of inconsistent shooters these girls are consistent shooters. Watch them when the McDonlads game comes around.
To add were at 12 on the roster next season so we have to take two post players so there is room for only one more player.

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

 

[Volfan2012]

So the to UConn crap was totally wrong. Good player for them to add to their roster.

 

[Volfan2012]

Everybody going to be fighting over those post players that enter the portal. A must for Tennessee and several other SEC ACC Big Ten teams as well.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

You don't think there are any shooters in that freshmen class? What about 48 percent from the three on over 275 made threes. Prawl, Civil, and Hurst are shooters. Were replacing a lot of inconsistent shooters these girls are consistent shooters. Watch them when the McDonlads game comes around.
To add were at 12 on the roster next season so we have to take two post players so there is room for only one more player.

Yes but I still think we need some experienced shooters at this level, u can’t just rely on freshman. I never know how consistent a player will be when they move up a level, I think the coach will get shooters in the portal so I’m not worried.

 

[Volfan2012]

Yes but I still think I need some experienced shooters at this level, u can’t just rely on freshman. I never know how consistent a player will be when they move up a level, I think the coach will get shooters in the portal so I’m not worried.

Depends on how good the freshmen are I would suppose. If you get someone like Blakes, JU JU, Hildago etc your fine. If they are people that need time for adjustment sure. From what I am seeing from Coach Caldwell and video we have at least three freshmen that are going to need very little adjustment to any level of play. Regardless we have three scholarships to give so in 22 days it all begins. We'll get to see who they are and who we go after. I would think we could go for more if any players decide to leave. Right now if everyone returns it appears to me that we are looking at big playing time for the Pauldo twins, Prawl, and Civil. Hurst may see less time.

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

Yes but I still think we need some experienced shooters at this level, u can’t just rely on freshman. I never know how consistent a player will be when they move up a level, I think the coach will get shooters in the portal so I’m not worried.

What about Slaughter out of Mizzou? She may transfer with Pingeton leaving.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Bingo! A shooter is a shooter, doesn’t matter if they’re a senior, junior, 6th/7th year graduate student, or a freshman. It’s astonishing to think the shift now in philosophy of suddenly the assumption we need one or two year portal players as opposed to elite high school talent to play right now since Coach Caldwell has suddenly landed elite high school talent.
This just seems like a disingenuous take to negate the enthusiasm for the influx of young elite talent that will play next season for Tennessee. You land a top recruiting class as a great HC like Caldwell in any sport, it’s part of your plan for both immediate and future success.
CKC is going to showcase her young talent from Day 1.
And I’m excited to see all 5 freshman make their debut.
GBO!

You don't think there are any shooters in that freshmen class? What about 48 percent from the three on over 275 made threes. Prawl, Civil, and Hurst are shooters. Were replacing a lot of inconsistent shooters these girls are consistent shooters. Watch them when the McDonlads game comes around.
To add were at 12 on the roster next season so we have to take two post players so there is room for only one more player.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

What about Slaughter out of Mizzou? She may transfer with Pingeton leaving.

That would be a great pickup, she’s deadly from 3

 

[LV renaissance]

I just 100 percent believe that Mia Pauldo will be the point guard and with Boyd and Cooper to back her up that is how we will go. Mia is ready she will be the starter.

I wouldn't be surprised if Boyd and Mia got the most time at PG. CKC brags more on Boyd than any player, saying that "she is the future of Lady Vol basketball" in a recent Sentinel article. She also said that Boyd practices harder than anyone on the team. Of note, Mya is really great with assists so she might get some time too. I think among those three we will not need to actively pursue a PG in the portal We are in good shape there. There is no need for Cooper to bring the ball up court given who we will have. She fills so many other spots better.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

The comparison you made on another post between Mia Pauldo and Hannah Hidalgo is spot on. Mia is not only a shooter but has an amazing basketball IQ. So does Mya Pauldo. And they’ve never played with another 4 or 5 star recruit other than each other while playing on a Top 10 nationally ranked HS team. That’s unheard of for 5’6 guards. The tallest player on their high school team currently might be 6’1 or 6’2.
Deniya Prawl to me as a true freshman can and will play a similar role at Tennessee as Tessa Johnson at South Carolina. Prawl is taller and bigger. I know DP has the offensive skillset but she’ll have to come in and develop that aggressive mentality to play defense like Tessa which she has the tools to as a Top 10 talent.
Jaida Civil is another Talaysia Cooper. She’s got that “it” factor. Has the frame to play on the SEC level right now. CKC is not about to waste time or scholarships adding multiple players at the guard position through the portal with this level of talent coming in from high school and the returnees.
She will add size, rebounding, and possibly a 3pt point specialist.
I can’t wait to watch the SEC tourney, March Madness, and then get a look at portal additions before the freshmen arrive on campus.
GBO ‘solid’!

From what I am seeing from Coach Caldwell and video we have at least three freshmen that are going to need very little adjustment to any level of play. Regardless we have three scholarships to give so in 22 days it all begins. Right now if everyone returns it appears to me that we are looking at big playing time for the Pauldo twins, Prawl, and Civil. Hurst may see less time.

 

[Rooster1]

So the to UConn crap was totally wrong. Good player for them to add to their roster.

She has a nice game, and can stroke it from three

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

SC up to the #4 ranked class for 2025.

South Carolina jumps into the 2025 girls' recruiting class rankings

The commitment from Agot Makeer gives previously unranked South Carolina the fifth-best recruiting class for the 2025-26 season.

www.espn.com

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

This was too easy DP!
GBO ‘solid’!