2025 Recruiting

[Hexad Vol]

I think almost every successful coach recruits players that fit how they want their team to play, and almost every successful coach has enough flexibility in their "system" to adjust to the players they have. There were certainly top rated players over the years that Pat chose to not recruit and the same is true of Dawn.

 

[glv98]

BINGO! This.

We’re currently in on the #8 recruit. (Grace Knox)

We recently got a visit from a top 10 2026 recruit. (Brihanna Crittendon)

#1 recruit Aliyah Chavez spoke highly of the staff before narrowing her list.

Each of these players would fit well in the system. So would others who aren’t in the top 10, like Jaida Hurst.

Don’t understand why it’s hard for some get this.

Currently in on, got a visit, spoke highly of, ain't it. Previous staff did all that a heartbreaking amount of the time. Someone, somewhere, must SIGN a truly elite, game changing, top 15 type player to the LVs to break the logjam. Don't know why that's hard to get.

 

[glv98]

There were certainly top rated players over the years that Pat chose to not recruit and the same is true of Dawn.

Right. But we are no longer in Pat or Dawn territory. Broken record, we just have to start by signing one top recruit. Obviously it wouldn't be anyone that's a bad fit culturally or style wise. Bottom line, we gotta get that first olive out the jar.

 

[Dadof2Vols]

Bring back CKJH…

 

[POLOinDC]

I call it like I see it and I don't care how they fit in any system, turning down #3 for #77 for any reason is neither logical nor intelligent. Sounds good on a motivational poster, but failure to get more #3s and continuing to fill the roster with #77s (or 30s and below) is exactly why we have a new coach.

I'm still not convinced recruiting to a strict "system" instead of recruiting top elite players and building a system around them, like Dawn Staley does, is a winning proposition. But that's JMO and I hope I'm wrong.

If you go back and listen to the presser again, she did say she was just throwing out numbers as far as the rankings. I wouldn't put to much stock in that statement.....

 

[Hooper22]

Not sure we've seen Kim can pull elite talent. If she gets Knox or Prawl, then yeah.

So you don’t think the twins are elite talent? Especially when Mia has been a top 10/15 ranked player consistently? An interesting take to not think she’s one of the elites.

 

[mcannon1]

At Etiwanda High in California.


Grace Knox

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

So you don’t think the twins are elite talent? Especially when Mia has been a top 10/15 ranked player consistently? An interesting take to not think she’s one of the elites.

It’s clearly intentional that a few of the posters are repeatedly using message board posts to discredit the Pauldo twins. This really is about height which is a sad excuse in WCBB to overly critique these players.
I am willing to go out on a limb and say firmly that would not be the case had either of them committed to another SEC or D1 school.
At that moment, according to the “few” they would be “sure” that particular twin or twins were elite.
The resume of the Pauldo twins speak for itself. Their High School is nationally ranked. They are the only Top 50 prospects at their school. Their school beat three different Top 20 5-star guard teams head to head.
The Pauldo twins are back to back state champions.
These recruiting service rankings have certain people making false claims believing their opinion is justified by a number.
Even then.. how is Mia at #13, Talaysia at #18, and Ruby at #15 not elite?
Lazaria at #30 in the same 2022 class as Coop and Ruby was just 7 spots below Cotie McMahon #23 and 4 spots below Flau’jae Johnson #26. All players that are committed, signed via the portal, or recruited to stay at TN (Coop) by CKC since April. These players have yet to play a game in a Tennessee uniform. Across sports we’ve seen how the portal has change careers for student athletes.
Truth is that while the Pauldo twins are highly ranked, it’s their resume that makes them elite right now in High School not the rankings.

 

[glv98]

So you don’t think the twins are elite talent? Especially when Mia has been a top 10/15 ranked player consistently? An interesting take to not think she’s one of the elites.

It just my opinion and I haven't wanted to say this but since you asked directly, no, I don't think Mia's the game changing first olive out of the jar. Close, and a good accomplishment on paper for the new staff, but not quite.

Height is certainly part of it. Someone's going to roll out Shannon Bobbitt once again and yes once in a while a waterbug guard is it. But a bigger part of the hesitation for me is the offer list. I go by two things, ratings and offers. If Dawn, Geno, and all the rest pass on a player, it's for a legit reason. Texas Tech ain't it. We need a player to chose us over tippy top programs. May take a year or so of watching Kim's progress to accomplish.

Again, it's opinion, I sincerely hope I'm wrong and I think she'll be a player with energy we enjoy. I credit the new staff for the get. But I just don't think she's the player that's going to make other top players sit up and take notice. It's a step closer though

 

[ReignSupreme]

It just my opinion and I haven't wanted to say this directly but since you asked, no, I don't think Mia's the game changing first olive out of the jar. Close, and a good accomplishment on paper for the new staff, but not quite.

Height is part of it. Someone's going to roll out Shannon Bobbitt once again and yes once in a while a waterbug guard is it. But a bigger part of the hesitation for me is the offer list. I go by two things, ratings and offers. If Dawn, Geno, and all the rest pass on a player, it's for a legit reason. Texas Tech ain't it. We need a player to chose us over tippy top programs. May take a year or so of watching Kim's progress to accomplish.

Again, it's opinion, I sincerely hope I'm wrong and I think she'll be a player with energy we enjoy. I credit the new staff for the get. But I just don't think she's the player that's going to make other top players sit up and take notice. It's a step closer though

They will see why none of those coaches went after these girls the moment they don't get what they want.

 

[glv98]

They will see why none of those coaches went after these girls the moment they don't get what they want.

The package deal is likely a part of the elite programs' hesitancy. You better be generational to be 5'5" and demand two schollies.

 

[ReignSupreme]

The package deal is likely a part of the elite programs' hesitancy. You better be generational to be 5'5" and demand two schollies.

And their father also isn't the easiest to deal with.

 

[glv98]

And their father also isn't the easiest to deal with.

Can team up w Nyla's Uncle.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Facts are facts. None of the posts aimed at the Pauldo twins not being elite in High School are stating any factual evidence.

They are elite on the High School level. Two state championships on a nationally ranked team. The only Top 50 prospects at their school. Three wins over Top 20 5-star guards.

Geno has a commit currently ranked in the 60s, do you really think that player is better than Mia or Mya cause they are recruited by UCONN? Be forreal.

Dawn recently signed a player from JUCO and the #28 player in the 2024 class.

This logic that elite programs passed on these players is really funny. They told you in their series their plans. They weren’t just being recruited by schools they were intentional about which schools they considered and did not.

 

[Will83]

The package deal is likely a part of the elite programs' hesitancy. You better be generational to be 5'5" and demand two schollies.

Yep, this part had to play a part with who did or didn’t offer. Time will tell but can’t see both starting or playing big minutes on floor together and TN being an elite8 F4 type team. Mia will be a starter at some point but if she’s our number 1 or 2 option offensively then TN will be in terrible. Not to mention her height becomes problematic on defensive. Mia needs elite higher ranked players to join to allow TN to compete in future with SCar, LSU, and TX in SEC. Go look at those rosters and see if a top 10-15 ranked player doesn’t have higher ranked teammates.
Good news 2025 recruiting class isn’t over yet, so let’s see what happens!

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

The length the “few” are going to speaks volume. Facts are facts. Provide factual information and not all these hypothetical scenarios.

Two state championships on a nationally ranked team. The only top 50 prospects at their school. Victories over three Top 20 5-star guards. Projected HS All-American.

Elite.

 

[Will83]

Geno has a commit currently ranked in the 60s, do you really think that player is better than Mia or Mya cause they are recruited by UCONN? Be forreal.

Dawn recently signed a player from JUCO and the #28 player in the 2024 class.

Don’t think these are players that will lead these teams - TN has commits ranked lower. Question is are TNs top ranked commits on same level and do we have similar quantity as top teams in the country or at very least SEC… Mia is good but she isn’t going to carry the team, she needs help from higher ranked players just like other elite teams.

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

Dumpster Fire of epic proportions.

Don’t think these are players that will lead these teams - TN has commits ranked lower. Question is are TNs top ranked commits on same level and do we have similar quantity as top teams in the country or at very least SEC… Mia is good but she isn’t going to carry the team, she needs help from higher ranked players just like other elite teams.

That's your opinion. Doesn't make it a fact. She may, in fact, carry the team.

I don't understand this downplaying of the recruits TN has on board. Based solely on their height. It's a little ridiculous.

 

[glv98]

Geno has a commit currently ranked in the 60s, do you really think that player is better than Mia or Mya cause they are recruited by UCONN? Be forreal.

Dawn recently signed a player from JUCO and the #28 player in the 2024 class.

Don’t think these are players that will lead these teams - TN has commits ranked lower. Question is are TNs top ranked commits on same level and do we have similar quantity as top teams in the country or at very least SEC… Mia is good but she isn’t going to carry the team, she needs help from higher ranked players just like other elite teams.

The fact Geno and Dawn offered these lower ranked players and NOT Mia, much higher ranked on paper, is revealing. And of course with their loaded rosters these programs can afford a feel good recruit or two.

But I have no intention of "aiming" at the player or the recruitment achievement which is why I said nothing until directly asked if I considered her elite, as in a game changer. Hope I'm wrong, but I don't.

Five years later, the song remains the same. The LVs must sign a top player that will make the other top players notice and make the top programs jealous. So far, except Rickea, that hasn't happened.

 

[glv98]

That's your opinion. Doesn't make it a fact. She may, in fact, carry the team.

I don't understand this downplaying of the recruits TN has on board. Based solely on their height. It's a little ridiculous.

Read a little closer maybe? It's an opinion board and I was asked my opinion of the recruit. And I said it was only partly on height. My biggest hesitation is who else offered her, or didn't offer her. And said multiple times I could be and hope I am wrong.

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

Read a little closer maybe? It's an opinion board and I was asked my opinion of the recruit. And I said it was only partly on height. My biggest hesitation is who else offered her, or didn't offer her. And said multiple times I could be and hope I am wrong.

And, it's my opinion that your opinion is ridiculous.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

You do not know what they will do in college. Again, the resume from high school is elite. You are giving hypothetical scenarios and your opinion.

I base my opinions off of facts.. which speaks for itself they are elite in High School.

What’s with the frequent moving the “goalpost?”

Tennessee starts to get multiple Top 20 commits (retain Coop, signed Ruby, verbal commit from Mia) and suddenly they aren’t truly “elite”.
This is propaganda to the extreme.

Based on this sort of thinking, players like Aneesah Morrow aren’t capable of leading LSU. Do you know what her ranking was out of HS?

 

[Will83]

Two state championships on a nationally ranked team. The only top 50 prospects at their school. Victories over three Top 20 5-star guards. Projected HS All-American.

TN has had players came from these types of high schools teams in the past that don’t become elite in college. Jazmine Massengill and I’m sure others can name a few. Again, not knocking Mia but Kim will need higher ranked players to commit to compete so let’s see what she can do and if Mia becomes elite or a role player like Jazmine…

 

[glv98]

And, it's my opinion that your opinion is ridiculous.

And you're absolutely entitled to that opinion. That's why we're both on a sports fan forum where fans exchange opinions. I'll never understand why some find that remarkable.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

The fact Geno and Dawn offered these lower ranked players and NOT Mia, much higher ranked on paper, is revealing. And of course with their loaded rosters these programs can afford a feel good recruit or two.

But I have no intention of "aiming" at the player or the recruitment achievement which is why I said nothing until directly asked if I considered her elite, as in a game changer. Hope I'm wrong, but I don't.

Five years later, the song remains the same. The LVs must sign a top player that will make the other top players notice and make the top programs jealous. So far, except Rickea, that hasn't happened.

You’ve said everything I wanted to say.