Game Thread: #11/12 Lady Vols vs. Memphis, Home, Monday, 6:32PM, SEC+ (stream)

[glv98]

Is it just me or do the fly bys not get the concept players leave and new ones take their place.

Love you Lucy, but WTF? Everyone knows players come and go. But we have exactly one truly elite player and she is leaving. We have zero truly elite player to replace her. Simple math of subtraction, plus last night's preview of life without Rickea does not paint a hopeful picture.

Meanwhile, truly elite young players are the story of the early season in WCBB. We are not in that storyline.

 

[glv98]

Agree with your thoughts on Rikea but wanted to add and yet we persevered. We overcame that adversity. We could have folded when a couple of mistakes put us in overtime but instead we locked in and won by 10. Did it with Rikea on the bench and one of our better shooters unable to find the ocean with the ball.
All teams have weaknesses but this group showed me something last night!

Was good we hung in and persevered, but it's fair to say it was barely and to a far "inferior" opponent. Easy to see against even an average SEC team we'd have gotten destroyed.

You/we have left off mentioning Tess. In our 2 home games, she is 0 for 8 on 3 pointers, 1 of 10 in field goals. She’s getting some rebounds, and doing some other things I guess, but really our dreams of having several players shoot 3s, are just that, dreams. We shot 21.1 % for 3s last night. The only ones I trust to shoot 3s now, are Rickea and Spear.

Didn't mention Tess bc I've had about all the bad news I can take right now.

I suspect coming off the bench has disrupted Tess' shooting rythmn. That's something she's just going to have to adjust to. She did hit a huge 3 at Fla St. And she does play hard, and sometimes gets sneaky steals and rebounds. But yeah, she's not helping us right now tho that's less an issue for the team since Puckett is scoring so well and Jewel is such a legit 3 threat.

 

[Golf freak]

Thank you glv98

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Outside of the obvious season destroying issue of Rickeas right leg, our main problems appear to be the slow development of Wells and spotty post play. As well as a lack of poise in crucial situations, calling you out Sara.

Fortunately Powell is playing well, but we really need Wells to be what we thought we were going to get. She obviously has work to do in the weight room and yes it's early, but she can play better now in decision making and handling the press. Also, like so many,she has to step up her D. I have a sliver of hope left this can happen.

But our PGs are still just too small and that's not going to change.

Jill just has to step up her intensity, period. For the whole game. Strip has been far more uneven than I had hoped, and I fear she may have reached her ceiling. I believe Strip could be a very worthy backup, but is being asked to do far too much as a result of not having Key andJill being inconsistent. They each had 4 turnovers last night, a third of our total. That can't happen.

Key is lost and not coming back this year. Jill and Strip are it, espec wo Rickea. They have to be better, espec Jill. Who I love and still believe in btw.

We can score, even without RJ, and that's the one thing that appears improved this year. Sara's scoring has been awesome and Spear was a great add.

Overall though, let me slide into the seat next to my Sweet 1908 on the Downbound Train. Three games in, things sure look like deja vu all over again right now.

I don’t know if u remember but I said it will be a problem having 3 5’5 guards on our roster after getting Wells, and everyone said it will be fine and she’s elite, I’m not surprised how things are playing out, I’m just disappointed.

 

[Majors]

Was good we hung in and persevered, but it's fair to say it was barely and to a far "inferior" opponent. Easy to see against even an average SEC team we'd have gotten destroyed.


Didn't mention Tess bc I've had about all the bad news I can take right now.

I suspect coming off the bench has disrupted Tess' shooting rythmn. That's something she's just going to have to adjust to. She did hit a huge 3 at Fla St. And she does play hard, and sometimes gets sneaky steals and rebounds. But yeah, she's not helping us right now.

FSU was one of her better career games. She provided much needed off the bench points.

 

[glv98]

I don’t know if u remember but I said it will be a problem having 3 5’5 guards on our roster after getting Wells, and everyone said it will be fine and she’s elite, I’m not surprised how things are playing out, I’m just disappointed.

Yes you said that and you were right. I still think Wells can be a good SEC pg and the size issue will hurt in certain situations but not always.

You also said we just don't have the roster to make a run and right now, you look right about that also.

And while I'm on a roll, you were also depressingly correct that Angel Reese's appalling behavior would help, not hurt her, as far as marketing her brand.

LOL why is it always so soul sucking when you're right?

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Yes you said that and you were right. I still think Wells can be a good SEC pg and the size issue will hurt in certain situations but not always.

You also said we just don't have the roster to make a run and right now, you look right about that also.

And while I'm on a roll, you were also depressingly correct that Angel Reese's appalling behavior would help, not hurt her, as far as marketing her brand.

LOL why is it always so soul sucking when you're right?

I usually wish I was wrong in those situations, but I just give my opinion on what I see. I also said Rickea can have some legendary performances that can carry us to a championship, now that’s what I wanna be right about.

 

[chuckiepoo]

There is a contingent here that only wants you to agree as “nothing is wrong”. Any truthful observations is deemed negativity.

I wouldn’t say here are more total sunshine pumpers than full on negas. But the full spectrum is well represented…

 

[chuckiepoo]

Outside of the obvious season destroying issue of Rickeas right leg, our main problems appear to be the slow development of Wells and spotty post play. As well as a lack of poise in crucial situations, calling you out Sara.

Fortunately Powell is playing well, but we really need Wells to be what we thought we were going to get. She obviously has work to do in the weight room and yes it's early, but she can play better now in decision making and handling the press. Also, like so many,she has to step up her D. I have a sliver of hope left this can happen.

But our PGs are still just too small and that's not going to change.

Jill just has to step up her intensity, period. For the whole game. Strip has been far more uneven than I had hoped, and I fear she may have reached her ceiling. I believe Strip could be a very worthy backup, but is being asked to do far too much as a result of not having Key andJill being inconsistent. They each had 4 turnovers last night, a third of our total. That can't happen.

Key is lost and not coming back this year. Jill and Strip are it, espec wo Rickea. They have to be better, espec Jill. Who I love and still believe in btw.

We can score, even without RJ, and that's the one thing that appears improved this year. Sara's scoring has been awesome and Spear was a great add.

Overall though, let me slide into the seat next to my Sweet 1908 on the Downbound Train. Three games in, things sure look like deja vu all over again right now.

…ugh… pass me koolaid, @WinnerCircle …

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Ok, have about had enough of pointing out mistakes, although not counting the very end of regulation mistake by Sara, if she doesn’t miss that layup before that, there’s probably no overtime.

Btw, no need to exaggerate, our point guards are not 5’5, Wells and Powell are 5’6, and Edie is 5’7.

Call me crazy, but I still have very high hopes for this team this season. True, our best shooter, rebounder, and defender are all one person, Rickea, but finding ways to win games brings Championships, and that’s what we did last night. Everyone had to step up, because Rickea wasn’t there, so it was good for us.

We still have, I think, great potential, and the season is young.

GO LADY VOLS!!!

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I wouldn’t say here are more total sunshine pumpers than full on negas. But the full spectrum is well represented…

I agree this forum is like that. We have the full on Sunshine Pumpers and the always Negas on the fringes and most of the rest of us, as Majors accurately points out, are the realists that post just what we observe, comment's that can be positive or negative. I am in this group and proud of it.

 

[37620VOL]

The only ones I trust to shoot 3s now, are Rickea and Spear.

Puckett?

 

[glv98]

Statistically Sara's our best 3ball shooter at 6-13 for 46%. Jewel next 8-19 42% then Rickea 3-8 37%.

I'm curious, with defense being so lacking, why Wynn is on such a short leash. Her offensive limits are not so harmful now that we have lots of scorers. They seem willing to put her in, but also willing to take her out and not bring her back.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Puckett?

She shot 2 of 6 on 3 pointers last night, but was obviously busy making shots that were not 3s.

 

[37620VOL]

She shot 2 of 6 on 3 pointers last night, but was obviously busy making shots that were not 3s.

That is 33% which is just as good as shooting 50% on 2P shots. She's at 46.2% on 3P shots for the season!

 

[dillyo51]

LOL, Kellie chased Jon off her stool there.

What is John Harper’s role with this team? I see no benefit with him being on staff.

 

[creekdipper]

Love you Lucy, but WTF? Everyone knows players come and go. But we have exactly one truly elite player and she is leaving. We have zero truly elite player to replace her. Simple math of subtraction, plus last night's preview of life without Rickea does not paint a hopeful picture.

Meanwhile, truly elite young players are the story of the early season in WCBB. We are not in that storyline.

We didn't have Rickea before we added Rickea. Same with Jill, Jewel, and others.

A lot of the "impact" players for others teams were transfers no one saw coming. Many things change over the course of a year. For instance, did anyone see Rickea staying for a fifth season exactly one year ago? Did anyone foresee Tamari's blood clot issues?

 

[dillyo51]

I specifically remember saying Alex would be a good option for coach and people jumped down my throat. Fire Kellie. And hire properly. You don’t have much time to fix this. Too many good programs in the SEC. Kellie can’t coach nor recruit and at worst Jon shouldn’t be in the coaching staff.

Agree with the last sentence.

 

[creekdipper]

What is John Harper’s role with this team? I see no benefit with him being on staff.

What are Coach Sam and Coach. Joy's exact roles?

 

[creekdipper]

Sarah, who had a stellar offensive game, is getting a lot of grief for her poor decision at the end of regulation. It might be fair to point out that Tess's foul on the made basket that allowed the free throw to cut the lead to two was also a really poor decision. Without that point, Memphis would have needed a three just to tie on their final possession.

 

[WinnerCircle]

Is it just me or do the fly bys not get the concept players leave and new ones take their place.

The negaVols aren’t having a good morning = in their feelings.

Not one true fan loss sleep last night and the LVs woke up ranked #15 in the country.

They here talking about no elite talent outside of a projected lottery pick in Rickea Jackson when this is a 1 of 1 player.

I’ve seen Jillian Hollingshead dominate LSU so I’m not worried.

I’ve seen Destinee Wells score 30 points in 5 consecutive games so I’m not worried.

I’ve seen Jewel Spear drop 34 on y’all portal fav and through 3 games average 19.0 points a game! Spear is the best shooter on the team take a look at her percentages.

In addition, as the 4th ranked portal transfer she is averaging more points than the top 3!
Elite.
I’m not worried.

Sara Puckett = Buckett. Same player that hit the legendary 3pt game winner against Belmont as a freshman in the NCAA tourney. Led the victory on the road at Virginia Tech as a freshman.
Scored her career high 24 pts last night.
I’m not worried.

This team scored 84 points without a 20 ppg scorer and you folks won’t even mention this but complain about everything.


This level of contradiction speaks volume. These same people discrediting every single player on this roster beyond the 1 of 1, will glorify the #1 ranked portal transfer that is averaging less than double figures on another team. Is that player still elite?

The other one.. the #2 portal transfer that is averaging just over 10pts and about 5rebs.. is that player still elite?

Don’t tell me you are only concerned with TN’s roster because all some of you do is glorify other teams and their roster when they aren’t doing any better than TN.

The negaVols going out sad lol..

 

[Majors]

I agree this forum is like that. We have the full on Sunshine Pumpers and the always Negas on the fringes and most of the rest of us, as Majors accurately points out, are the realists that post just what we observe, comment's that can be positive or negative. I am in this group and proud of it.

We all want the same result. Some just view the direction a challenge of constant setbacks while others view it as no big deal. Again, we all want the same just difference of opinion on how to get there.

 

[Harpethriverkid63]

The negas aren’t having a good morning = in their feelings.

Not one true fan loss sleep last night and the LVs woke up ranked #15 in the country.

They here talking about no elite talent outside of a projected lottery pick in Rickea Jackson when this is a 1 of 1 player.

I’ve seen Jillian Hollingshead dominate LSU so I’m not worried.

I’ve seen Destinee Wells score 30 points in 5 consecutive games so I’m not worried.

I’ve seen Jewel Spear drop 34 on y’all portal fav and through 3 games average 19.0 points a game! Spear is the best shooter on the team take a look at her percentages.

In addition, as the 4th ranked portal transfer she is averaging more points than the top 3!
Elite.
I’m not worried.

Sara Puckett = Buckett. Same player that hit the legendary 3pt game winner against Belmont as a freshman in the NCAA tourney. Led the victory on the road at Virginia Tech as a freshman.
Scored her career high 24 pts last night.
I’m not worried.

This team scored 84 points without a 20 ppg scorer and you folks won’t even mention this but complain about everything.


This level of contradiction speaks volume. These same people discrediting every single player on this roster beyond the 1 of 1, will glorify the #1 ranked portal transfer that is averaging less than double figures on another team. Is that player still elite?

The other one.. the #2 portal transfer that is averaging just over 10pts and about 5rebs.. is that player still elite?

Don’t tell me you are only concerned about TN’s roster because all some of you do is glorify other teams and their roster when they aren’t doing any better than TN.

The negas going out sad lol..

I’m still waiting on that elite talent you keep chirping about to show up. You know, those “ballers” ESPNw mentioned.
Get back to us so called negas when we underachieve again.

 

[madtownvol]

We didn't have Rickea before we added Rickea. Same with Jill, Jewel, and others.

A lot of the "impact" players for others teams were transfers no one saw coming. Many things change over the course of a year. For instance, did anyone see Rickea staying for a fifth season exactly one year ago? Did anyone foresee Tamari's blood clot issues?

And we have Cooper waiting in the wings right now.

 

[LadyVol1908]

Outside of the obvious season destroying issue of Rickeas right leg, our main problems appear to be the slow development of Wells and spotty post play. As well as a lack of poise in crucial situations, calling you out Sara.

Fortunately Powell is playing well, but we really need Wells to be what we thought we were going to get. She obviously has work to do in the weight room and yes it's early, but she can play better now in decision making and handling the press. Also, like so many,she has to step up her D. I have a sliver of hope left this can happen.

But our PGs are still just too small and that's not going to change.

Jill just has to step up her intensity, period. For the whole game. Strip has been far more uneven than I had hoped, and I fear she may have reached her ceiling. I believe Strip could be a very worthy backup, but is being asked to do far too much as a result of not having Key andJill being inconsistent. They each had 4 turnovers last night, a third of our total. That can't happen.

Key is lost and not coming back this year. Jill and Strip are it, espec wo Rickea. They have to be better, espec Jill. Who I love and still believe in btw.

We can score, even without RJ, and that's the one thing that appears improved this year. Sara's scoring has been awesome and Spear was a great add.

Overall though, let me slide into the seat next to my Sweet 1908 on the Downbound Train. Three games in, things sure look like deja vu all over again right now.

welcome aboard! Hopefully we won’t be on this train for too long my friend!