Coach Kellie Harper

[spojo13]

I am certain Kellie could coach the good qualities right out of her.. I mean she’s done that with multiple conference’s best players this year. If Spears showed up yesterday we would have won, but she didn’t. We can look at her three years of phenomenal work at Wake and say ”ok what’s different this year than those three?”

I mentioned in another thread that it seems to take our transfers a bit to adjust to Kellie’s system. Unfortunately, Jewel had some amazing games like Ole Miss and the SEC tourney and then a few where she kinda faded into the background. I think that is a microcosm of the last few years though. We’re just very inconsistent, even from quarter to quarter in a game.

 

[knoxvol52]

his teams leading scorer went out with an ACL injury in the ACC tournament….

Doesn't matter they still lost but I say the same thing when individuals say well Rickea was injured.

Injuries are part of the game, next player up.

 

[madtownvol]

Do you think it’s also some system adjustments that cover for a team’s lack of speed and athleticism too? I wouldn’t say Clark is a great defensive player though she is transcendental on the offensive side,, yet the team seems to hold decent teams to at least less than what they are scoring. Indiana is another team that I think the system they run seems to help them cover for shortcomings.

To some extent yes. But I also believe that offense and defense are connected. Last night, when Iowa was not making shots, they looked ragged and vulnerable defensively because WV could get the ball into the open court and exploit their vulnerabilities. Indiana has the same issue.

The LVs can look really good defensively but they have are in big trouble when they get caught in transition. Their TO over propensity compounds matters.

This team has long relied on TK to compensate for their lack of good perimeter defending but better guards can maneuver around her or shoot over her (as per the NCST game).

It really looks like players have been coached to force players into the middle where they presumably will confront TK. I can't understand why our defenders give up the baseline so easily and regularly game after game. It is just not a lack of lateral quickness but their body position. Their stance, here go this way!! Are the players missing switching assignments? Are the coaches over confident in TK and JH's ability to protect the rim?

Something needs to change there.

Kellie has gotten better at making adjustments but she seems to still be a little slow. The defense needed to adapt in the 2nd quarter not the 3rd.

Again, I am not blind Kellie defender. She has weaknesses, in game adjustments being one of them. But she has shown a lot of improvement this season. She is no longer the coach 'who does not like change' and adapted in the fly much more effectively this season.

But half court sets and transition defense are weaknesses that Kellie has to better address next season or that will likely be it for her.

 

[ShortyMac10]

Well if the lady Vols had won more games they would have been at home with a crowd backing them.

Coach kinda hinted at that after the game as well..well said if if 2 balls bounce our way in November and then we’d be hosting

 

[Volstylexx]

Doesn't matter they still lost but I say the same thing when individuals say well Rickea was injured.

Injuries are part of the game, next player up.

They stepped up. They lost by 3 points to a very good Baylor team. We are lucky that we lost Rickea at the beginning of the season and not the end, or we’d likely been out of the tournament all together.

 

[spojo13]

To some extent yes. But I also believe that offense and defense are connected. Last night, when Iowa was not making shots, they looked ragged and vulnerable defensively because WV could get the ball into the open court and exploit their vulnerabilities. Indiana has the same issue.

The LVs can look really good defensively but they have are in big trouble when they get caught in transition. Their TO over propensity compounds matters.

This team has long relied on TK to compensate for their lack of good perimeter defending but better guards can maneuver around her or shoot over her (as per the NCST game).

It really looks like players have been coached to force players into the middle where they presumably will confront TK. I can't understand why our defenders give up the baseline so easily and regularly game after game. It is just not a lack of lateral quickness but their body position. Their stance, here go this way!! Are the players missing switching assignments? Are the coaches over confident in TK and JH's ability to protect the rim?

Something needs to change there.

Kellie has gotten better at making adjustments but she seems to still be a little slow. The defense needed to adapt in the 2nd quarter not the 3rd.

Again, I am not blind Kellie defender. She has weaknesses, in game adjustments being one of them. But she has shown a lot of improvement this season. She is no longer the coach 'who does not like change' and adapted in the fly much more effectively this season.

But half court sets and transition defense are weaknesses that Kellie has to better address next season or that will likely be it for her.

All good points. Also, I do think you are on to something with maybe being overconfident in TK and JH. TK is a force defensively when she is in the game. Unfortunately for various reasons(foul trouble, health, pace of game,) her time on the court can be limited. I don’t think JH is anywhere near the defensive stopper that TK is, so the defense that is designed to go into TK is going to naturally struggle.

I also agree that maybe Kellie is just a little too slow to adjust. When she does adjust, it makes an impact, but if it takes too long, the hole may be too large to come back from.

 

[Volstylexx]

I mentioned in another thread that it seems to take our transfers a bit to adjust to Kellie’s system. Unfortunately, Jewel had some amazing games like Ole Miss and the SEC tourney and then a few where she kinda faded into the background. I think that is a microcosm of the last few years though. We’re just very inconsistent, even from quarter to quarter in a game.

If that’s true, ( it’s logical,) shouldn’t Kellie be recruiting high school talent and developing them versus hitting the transfer portal ?

 

[madtownvol]

If that’s true, ( it’s logical,) shouldn’t Kellie be recruiting high school talent and developing them versus hitting the transfer portal ?

Yes, because true freshman players never have problems adjusting to the college game.....

 

[spojo13]

If that’s true, ( it’s logical,) shouldn’t Kellie be recruiting high school talent and developing them versus hitting the transfer portal ?

You’ll get no argument from me on that point. I’ve always been skeptical that getting portal players alone would be sustainable. I know that it is a new world, but you have to have some kids like Puckett or Wynn who have had time in your system. I don’t even think the Mulkey method is going to be sustainable long term.

 

[Volstylexx]

Yes, because true freshman players never have problems adjusting to the college game.....

Don’t be irrational, madtown. Do the math. If the statement is “it takes time for players to adjust in Kellie’s system” which outcome is going to be more impactful for the program:

1. Recruiting the majority of your players from the portal who only have one or two years max eligibility left

2. Recruiting high school talent that you have for four years

 

[lvocd]

Personally, I'd like to see Kellie get next year -- IF she hasn't already filled the schedule for next season similarly to how it was filled this season.

A hard lesson was taught this past season, scheduling-wise, and if the staff makes the adjustment to start slow and easy in hopes of building momentum instead of risking another early crash and burn situation, this time next season could be a happier time for the program.

Ideally, to me, she'd also have her first season of fully healthy players from start to finish. I'd sooooo love to see how much difference that could make as well. Of course, regardless of scheduling, a big improvement may not be possible unless both Key and Spear return, if Destinee Wells is 100% ... AND we have good luck with the portal.

I'd just really love her to get one more chance, but this time without so many cards stacked against her from the start.

If that makes me stupid to some here, I really don't care. I just know there won't be anyone on the planet who will love the program more than Kellie, and I'd like to give her one more shot.

Love you, Kellie!

 

[VolFuture]

Don’t be irrational, madtown. Do the math. If the statement is “it takes time for players to adjust in Kellie’s system” which outcome is going to be more impactful for the program:

1. Recruiting the majority of your players from the portal who only have one or two years max eligibility left

2. Recruiting high school talent that you have for four years

Well that’s what gives me hope. We now have transfers who are/have been in system for a year or two now. I think we can be dangerous next year

 

[S.C. OrangeMan]

I am a little torn on this question. As I have written earlier, I think Kellie has done a good job this season. She has kept the team together and believing after the tough stretch without RJ. Has had to adapt to the loss of Wells and has done really well in managing Key's slow progression back. The LVs showed a lot of spirit yesterday and ended SC's long streak of double digit home wins.

On the whole, I think it is a little early to ask this question. The $ portion of the season is now. Can they make a run to the semi or final of the SEC and at least get to the S16.

At the beginning of the season, I thought the baseline for Kellie was at least staying steady state - top 3 in conference and a S16. The LVs missed the first mark but if they can make a deep run into the SEC and get back too the S16, she is back. It is not a matter of polliing results, that is just what will happen. In fact, a third straight trip to the S16 will keep her in. No AD would fire a a coach with 3 straight S16 appearances unless a Becky Hammon type coach waiting in the wings.

If the LVs miss the S16, then it becomes a very different conversation but i bet Kellie gets one more season with a very short leash.

I think Kelly should get at least one more season, no matter what.

If she goes, the best available replacement is Gail Gastencoers. (sp)

Really good coach, fiber HC St Dune and Texas, now an assistant at Kentucky.

 

[Volstylexx]

Personally, I'd like to see Kellie get next year -- IF she hasn't already filled the schedule for next season similarly to how it was filled this season.

A hard lesson was taught this past season, scheduling-wise, and if the staff makes the adjustment to start slow and easy in hopes of building momentum instead of risking another early crash and burn situation, this time next season could be a happier time for the program.

Ideally, to me, she'd also have her first season of fully healthy players from start to finish. I'd sooooo love to see how much difference that could make as well. Of course, regardless of scheduling, a big improvement may not be possible unless both Key and Spear return, if Destinee Wells is 100% ... AND we have good luck with the portal.

I'd just really love her to get one more chance, but this time without so many cards stacked against her from the start.

If that makes me stupid to some here, I really don't care. I just know there won't be anyone on the planet who will love the program more than Kellie, and I'd like to give her one more shot.

Love you, Kellie!

You're not stupid. It's your opinion and you're entitled to it. Embracing different perspectives enriches our understanding and is a hallmark of respect and open-mindedness. It's something we should each strive to do more of. There are few true NEGA Vols in here. Most love their team just as much as the next.

 

[madtownvol]

Don’t be irrational, madtown. Do the math. If the statement is “it takes time for players to adjust in Kellie’s system” which outcome is going to be more impactful for the program:

1. Recruiting the majority of your players from the portal who only have one or two years max eligibility left

2. Recruiting high school talent that you have for four years

Yes math, a freshman transferring in as a sophomore would have 3 years. Two years is an eternity in a world with a transfer portal.

I will say this. If Kellie continues to rely on the transfer portal (and she certainly is for the 24-25 season0, then she needs to find a way to more quickly integrate new players, even if it means changing her system.

Jewel situation is a little different because she came here to become a different kind of player-- more than a 3pt sharp shooting so she took on a whole lot more responsibilities.

 

[FormerLadyVolFan]

LOL! Gail Goestenkors is the perfect example of why there are no 'home run hires'.
She wins a natty at Duke and Texas throws mega money at her and she flops miserably there and gets fired.

I think Kelly should get at least one more season, no matter what.

If she goes, the best available replacement is Gail Gastencoers. (sp)

Really good coach, fiber HC St Dune and Texas, now an assistant at Kentucky.

 

[FormerLadyVolFan]

...except there's no guarantee that freshmen stay four years. The good ones will leave in a heartbeat for more money.

Don’t be irrational, madtown. Do the math. If the statement is “it takes time for players to adjust in Kellie’s system” which outcome is going to be more impactful for the program:

1. Recruiting the majority of your players from the portal who only have one or two years max eligibility left

2. Recruiting high school talent that you have for four years

 

[PineyBluff Vol]

Yes, because true freshman players never have problems adjusting to the college game.....

Or is it, Kellie has a poor record recruiting freshman players, that can play?

 

[OrngeJuiceJones]

Yet Kellie has been more successful at UT in her first 5 seasons than he was in his first 5 at VT. Looks like a better hire to me.

He and no players work with at VT for years. Was a horrendous program with no money and no support and terrible facilities. UT had infinitely more. It ain't even close.

 

[VolFuture]

Yes math, a freshman transferring in as a sophomore would have 3 years. Two years is an eternity in a world with a transfer portal.

I will say this. If Kellie continues to rely on the transfer portal (and she certainly is for the 24-25 season0, then she needs to find a way to more quickly integrate new players, even if it means changing her system.

Jewel situation is a little different because she came here to become a different kind of player-- more than a 3pt sharp shooting so she took on a whole lot more responsibilities.

I don’t think we have to rely on it

 

[Majors]

You guys would have fired him after taking FIVE seasons to get to the NCAA tournament at Virginia Tech, which coincidentally, happened at the same time that he signed Elizabeth Kitley. It will be interesting to see how good a coach he is without her. Other than making the Final four last year, his teams at Virginia Tech and James Madison never advanced past the second round, including this season.

Kellie has 4 20-win seasons in five years at Tennessee and made the Sweet Sixteen twice at Tennessee and once at Missouri State and made the NCAA tournament all 4 seasons at Tennessee.

Went to the final four while he was rebuilding, beat us twice out of three times in that timeframe and somehow we are trying to draw parallels to our current coach. Awesome

 

[Majors]

Yet Kellie has been more successful at UT in her first 5 seasons than he was in his first 5 at VT. Looks like a better hire to me.

Except losing twice to him

 

[spojo13]

Yes math, a freshman transferring in as a sophomore would have 3 years. Two years is an eternity in a world with a transfer portal.

I will say this. If Kellie continues to rely on the transfer portal (and she certainly is for the 24-25 season0, then she needs to find a way to more quickly integrate new players, even if it means changing her system.

Jewel situation is a little different because she came here to become a different kind of player-- more than a 3pt sharp shooting so she took on a whole lot more responsibilities.

I think ideally you need a mix of both high school that can be developed and transfers that can make an Immediate impact, but with where things are currently at with our roster, she has to depend on the transfers. She has reached the point where there has to be improvement, and she is going to have to make it happen with transfers.

MAD, you got to my next point about her having to integrate them next year much, much quicker than she has in the past. If that doesn’t change, I hate to say it, but I think her time may ultimately come to a close on Rocky Top.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

I am certain Kellie could coach the good qualities right out of her.. I mean she’s done that with multiple conference’s best players this year. If Spears showed up yesterday we would have won, but she didn’t. We can look at her three years of phenomenal work at Wake and say ”ok what’s different this year than those three?”

I doubt it, like Coach Yo said, that’s something u can’t teach u are born with that, show me when we have a player like that and Kelly coaches it out of her.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Don’t be irrational, madtown. Do the math. If the statement is “it takes time for players to adjust in Kellie’s system” which outcome is going to be more impactful for the program:

1. Recruiting the majority of your players from the portal who only have one or two years max eligibility left

2. Recruiting high school talent that you have for four years

You don’t have anyone for 4 years with the portal anymore, try your best to win as soon as possible.