Game Thread: (11) Lady Vols 67 - (12) Indiana 79

[ocoandasoc]

I really want to hold out hope. These performances, however, aren’t an anomaly for Kellie’s teams. The way they’re losing games this season is the same way her previous teams lost games.

At this point, this team is on track to lose every OOC game on the schedule against ranked teams. (VT, Stanford, UConn, a potential matchup with Texas). And that has major NCAA tournament implications. This team, who was projected to be a 1 seed, isn’t even looking like it’ll host right now.

Holly was given a lot of time to run the program into the ground, and if Kellie continues as HC beyond this season (especially with her HS recruiting track record and who is graduating after this year), this storied program may never recover.

Both Texas and UConn looked good tonight. Both shot well and lit it up from the 3-point line.

 

[Nute Gunray]

What do board members think is the problem of this team?

I think the problem is Kellie, bless her heart,. She has enough talent to be a top 5 team. However, she is not a take charge coach. She relies on her players to solve their problems themselves. Remember last year, the LVs were 18-1 before Green went down with an injury.

 

[Memvol44]

My take on this game is that this time is a completely different beast from last season defensively. They are giving up way too many points per game given their size and length.

Player evals -

Tamari Key has been a non-factor defensively. She's taken a huge step backwards. Where are the blocks?!?

Jackson is a downgrade from Burrell on the defensive end. She played out of control tonight and had a ton of turnovers.

Powell needs to stop calling her own number and pass the ball. There were a number of times where Tennessee had numbers in transition and she drove right into the heart of the defense and got stuffed.

Walker...God bless her, but she needs to go to the bench. She's just not good enough to be playing big minutes for a top 10 team.

Tess is doing what she needs to, and had several beautiful deep makes. They could mask a lot of her deficiencies if the other starters played efficiently. She got beat on defense several times, but that's where Tamari or one of the bigs needed to be able to bail her out.

Franklin and Hollinshead look ok. They're backup players and make some good plays and some bad plays. But they are role players at best.

Miles doesn't bring much to the game. She's fast, but has no offensive game and is not a particularly high IQ player.

Puckett and Suarez looked slow and ineffective when they are on the court, and aren't doing anything on offense or defense so far to warrant extended minutes.

Wynn is a project who needs another 1-2 years of development. She should be last off the bench.

Striplin may need to think about her future.

Coaching eval-

Kellie seems to behave like everything will fix itself with little input from her. She just looks...like a bystander in the 2 losses so far. She's not imparting a sense of urgency and no leadership.

 

[Memvol44]

Wh

Puckett is not a great 3-pt shooter...under 30% last season. So far in limited action, she hasn't presented a strong argument for why she should play more. She just looks really slow out there. Same with Suarez (who statistically is a better 3-pt shooter).

No idea why Pissott didn't get minutes. I mean, she put Wynn in the game and frankly, she can't play basketball at this level

 

[Memvol44]

My take on this game is that this time is a completely different beast from last season defensively. They are giving up way too many points per game given their size and length.

Player evals -

Tamari Key has been a non-factor defensively. She's taken a huge step backwards. Where are the blocks?!?

Jackson is a downgrade from Burrell on the defensive end. She played out of control tonight and had a ton of turnovers.

Powell needs to stop calling her own number and pass the ball. There were a number of times where Tennessee had numbers in transition and she drove right into the heart of the defense and got stuffed.

Walker...God bless her, but she needs to go to the bench. She's just not good enough to be playing big minutes for a top 10 team.

Tess is doing what she needs to, and had several beautiful deep makes. They could mask a lot of her deficiencies if the other starters played efficiently. She got beat on defense several times, but that's where Tamari or one of the bigs needed to be able to bail her out.

Franklin and Hollinshead look ok. They're backup players and make some good plays and some bad plays. But they are role players at best.

Miles doesn't bring much to the game. She's fast, but has no offensive game and is not a particularly high IQ player.

Puckett and Suarez looked slow and ineffective when they are on the court, and aren't doing anything on offense or defense so far to warrant extended minutes.

Wynn is a project who needs another 1-2 years of development. She should be last off the bench.

Striplin may need to think about her future.

Coaching eval-

Kellie seems to behave like everything will fix itself with little input from her. She just looks...like a bystander in the 2 losses so far. She's not imparting a sense of urgency and no leadership.

 

[Memvol44]

Who would have thought Wynn would have more minutes than Puckett!!

Wh

 

[Memvol44]

Wynn is offensively challenged...She has not even hit the rim yet, and yet she was one of the first off the bench.....Yes, I know she is quick for defense, but she can't shoot.

Walker has become an offensive liability as well....Going into the trees for a lay up rarely works...She badly missed the rim from the 3 point line....Not good.

Darby gave it a go and did a decent job.....Good for her.

Key seemed to lose interest at some point, but she gave it the ol' college try...

RJ had her positive moments, but some negative ones too... What else is new.

We have no offensive personality....And not much of a defensive personality...

We have two excellent outside shooters, Puckett and Justine, but they just mostly watch the game from the bench...Their defense can't be worse than what I saw tonight.

UI showed our coaches how to use players that can shoot from the outside, maybe they'll see our outside shooters need to be in the damn game and shoot the damn ball....

My apologies to this board, I really over hyped this team...

They are not very good right now..

 

[orange beard]

Ok just my $.02 and trying to be a voice of reason.

People were super excited about all the transfers and the new kid coming in this season. The experts seemed to think that a bunch of talented new parts would result in a final 4. A few things.

First - no expert on Pissot, but I watched the T-USA games this summer. She was not a starter. Came off the bench. Solid but not spectacular. Against competition her own age. To expect her to be a star this year was unrealistic.

Second - Jackson and Horston both are ball hungry and want to be "the (wo)man". That's gonna take some doing to mesh/gel.

Third, we were without Jordan tonight. That had to have an impact.

Fourth - Jasmine Powell was a great get from Minnesota.

Fifth, we started Jasmine Walker and Tess Darby. Neither would start for any other top 10 team in the country.

Finally, a bunch of new parts. The team should have gelled over the summer. To see them come out and play this way to start the season - you can't teach offense DURING the season. TEACH it. You can tweak and improve and work on things, but the disjointed-ness seems like it will be troublesome all season long.

I never thought THIS team was a top 5, nor even top 10. I figured we would percolate around 15-20. They will improve their chemistry and be better as the season goes along - lots of room for growth. I'm optimistic. But this team has no legit NPOY contender. Probably no legit 1st OR 2nd team AA player on it. It remains to be seen how good Horston and Jackson end up together, but they need to mesh as a team. Don't get me wrong - both are very good, but neither are great.

Just my $.02 obviously...

Nobody was asking Pissot to be a star at this point but she plays hard and can rebound and shoot. More that 4 of those on the court at any point.

 

[Memvol44]

Rikea. She is poison.

That's just uncalled for..

 

[Nute Gunray]

Both Texas and UConn looked good tonight. Both shot well and lit it up from the 3-point line.

The LVs can regain their status as an elite program with a elite coach. Look at the football program, 11-1(possible) in 2 years. The LVs need a coach like the previous coach at Missouri State. Who BTW, succeeded Kellie at MO State. However, too late, she is Virginia's new head coach. Watch out for Virginia!

 

[turbovol]

I don't think we have looked great at any point yet this season. Rebounding and defense were always the things we could rely on even if we did everything else wrong. Now we can't do those either.

We looked discombobulated early on last year against a much easier schedule so hopefully this year will follow a similar progression as Kellie shortens the bench. But the task is a lot more difficult this year with so many new faces. And I can't help but think there is more going on with the whiffing on recruiting and poor play. Several of the players have come back heavier and slower than last year. The only evidence of improvement over the summer has been Key's free throw shooting and maybe Horston's verticle. The girls are playing fewer minutes and getting tired more quickly.

Surprised Pissott didn't get a minute or two just to see if she could shoot us back into the game when no one else was scoring. I doubt she is ready for this sort of game, but she is ready to experience a couple of minutes. Marta and Walker are both getting too many minutes as it is.

Marta is getting "too many minutes"? She got 6 minutes tonight. Walker got 28. That, I too think, is too many. She had 4 assists but was 0-4 from the field, 1-6 from the FT line, 2 TOs, 0 steals.

Darby had an interesting stat line: She played 32 minutes--second most on the team. She was 3-7 from the field--made 3 treys, which was nice, but made no other contributions that show up statistically except for 1 defensive rebound. That was it. She had no free throws, no assists, no steals, no turnovers. So how was her defense? How is her defense? That would be a question I'd ask of her. I don't know. If she's a good defensive player--or pretty good--then the coach could justify playing her for 32 minutes with that stat line. If her defense is questionable or only fair, then maybe she is getting too many minutes. Puckett, in contrast, played only 5 minutes and took no shots--but she had 2 rebounds and 1 assist, and she's a capable shooter.

 

[FrozenLVFan]

Puckett is not a great 3-pt shooter...under 30% last season. So far in limited action, she hasn't presented a strong argument for why she should play more. She just looks really slow out there. Same with Suarez (who statistically is a better 3-pt shooter).

No idea why Pissott didn't get minutes. I mean, she put Wynn in the game and frankly, she can't play basketball at this level.

I thought Pissott was hurt. And Wynn is better suited to a mid-major or DII.

 

[Memvol44]

Marta is getting "too many minutes"? She got 6 minutes tonight. Walker got 28. That, I too think, is too many. She had 4 assists but was 0-4 from the field, 1-6 from the FT line, 2 TOs, 0 steals.

Darby had an interesting stat line: She played 32 minutes--second most on the team. She was 3-7 from the field--made 3 treys, which was nice, but made no other contributions that show up statistically except for 1 defensive rebound. That was it. She had no free throws, no assists, no steals, no turnovers. So how was her defense? How is her defense? That would be a question I'd ask of her. I don't know. If she's a good defensive player--or pretty good--then the coach could justify playing her for 32 minutes with that stat line. If her defense is questionable or only fair, then maybe she is getting too many minutes. Puckett, in contrast, played only 5 minutes and took no shots--but she had 2 rebounds and 1 assist, and she's a capable shooter.

Time to bench a few starters,get those young hungry kids a shot!!! Puckett, Strip, Holling
shead....even Pissott..Send a message Kellie!

 

[FrozenLVFan]

Time to bench a few starters,get those young hungry kids a shot!!! Puckett, Strip, Holling
shead....even Pissott..Send a message Kellie!

And Franklin. She's not a kid, but she plays like she wants to be on the court.

 

[Real Info]

Marta is getting "too many minutes"? She got 6 minutes tonight. Walker got 28. That, I too think, is too many. She had 4 assists but was 0-4 from the field, 1-6 from the FT line, 2 TOs, 0 steals.

Darby had an interesting stat line: She played 32 minutes--second most on the team. She was 3-7 from the field--made 3 treys, which was nice, but made no other contributions that show up statistically except for 1 defensive rebound. That was it. She had no free throws, no assists, no steals, no turnovers. So how was her defense? How is her defense? That would be a question I'd ask of her. I don't know. If she's a good defensive player--or pretty good--then the coach could justify playing her for 32 minutes with that stat line. If her defense is questionable or only fair, then maybe she is getting too many minutes. Puckett, in contrast, played only 5 minutes and took no shots--but she had 2 rebounds and 1 assist, and she's a capable shooter.

If Walker and Darby are getting big time minutes then I’m questioning what is going on. No one can convince me that we can win at a high level with those two playing that much. I’m sorry if I offend anyone, not my intentions. They are just not the type of players who lead you to the Final 4.

 

[RAVOL]

Wynn is offensively challenged...She has not even hit the rim yet, and yet she was one of the first off the bench.....Yes, I know she is quick for defense, but she can't shoot.

Walker has become an offensive liability as well....Going into the trees for a lay up rarely works...She badly missed the rim from the 3 point line....Not good.

Darby gave it a go and did a decent job.....Good for her.

Key seemed to lose interest at some point, but she gave it the ol' college try...

RJ had her positive moments, but some negative ones too... What else is new.

We have no offensive personality....And not much of a defensive personality...

We have two excellent outside shooters, Puckett and Justine, but they just mostly watch the game from the bench...Their defense can't be worse than what I saw tonight.

UI showed our coaches how to use players that can shoot from the outside, maybe they'll see our outside shooters need to be in the damn game and shoot the damn ball....

My apologies to this board, I really over hyped this team...

No apologies needed. There is alot of Ball still to play team will improve tremendously. No doubt Walker needs to come off bench when Jordy returns. You can't in games against really good teams have both your 2 guards so inept at scoring which was the case. I believe there will be some sprited practices coming up and I hope Coach challenges Jackson to be better defensively. She was scored on around the basket way to easy for someone as athletic as she is. Horston Defense and Rebounding and ability to get to rim was missed greatly tonight. In CHRIST Alone

 

[Volfan1000]

Key was not a factor on either end of the court tonight and Harper said in her post game presser that she was looking forward to getting back to practice tomorrow.

 

[lvocd]

Has anyone been making any mental comparisons in the past week as you've watched games how all the other D1 coaches who are trying to get 16 players -- 6 of whom are brand-new to their program and culture -- to play together like a well-oiled machine are faring?

 

[Fatoldman]

Has anyone been making any mental comparisons in the past week as you've watched games how all the other D1 coaches who are trying to get 16 players -- 6 of whom are brand-new to their program and culture -- to play together like a well-oiled machine are faring?

We have lost tw very good teams. "Teams" is the key word. We may yet make it the Final 4. But we have a long way to go. I am just not sold on Jackson. Very talented offensively. Blackwell from Missouri was also talented last year, but they were a better team without her. Can Jackson make this team better or is she just a talented scorer who scores a lot of points.

 

[BreatheUT]

Has TK's footwork improved at all in her time here?

 

[plumbervol]

Guards are undersized and I wish we had a little more quickness. With Horston out her quickness and length is missed on defense. She also is forced to handle the ball when we are pressured. Our post and pf position is just not physical enough on offense or defense. Again Horston was getting beat to death rebounding and playing lock down under the basket. Horston can create her own shot and I think Rickea has that type of game. I guess what I am saying is Horston covers up a lot of problems when she is on the court. We are not a Final Four team.

 

[Ambervball01]

Just my take so far:
Rickea and JP came from teams where they kind of had to be “the person”. They are coming to a team where there are more options and they need to realize that they don’t have to do and be everything for the team.
TK - LACK OF EFFORT. When you get a girl that you got 5 inches on outrebound you, that’s just a lack of effort. So far, she looks like freshman TK and until someone gives her a swift kick in the butt, she will continue to play that way. Jordan walker - not sure what she brings to the table other than ball handling now that JP is here.
Jasmine franklin - love her energy and urgency on the court! Just needs to stay out of foul trouble.
Jordan Horston - see number 1. Once she realizes she has help in Rickea and JP and they learn to play together…lookout!

overall the team is lacking in rebounding efforts and seem extremely slow on the court like they’re tired or something. These teams that have less subs are in way better shape. No intensity or excitement. In my opinion, Justine, and Puckett should be given some/more opportunities. I’m not saying one way or another that this team is done or not, but if they don’t fix some of the things listed above, it won’t start trending in the right direction. Again, just my opinion

 

[Chitownvol1129]

Just my take so far:
Rickea and JP came from teams where they kind of had to be “the person”. They are coming to a team where there are more options and they need to realize that they don’t have to do and be everything for the team.
TK - LACK OF EFFORT. When you get a girl that you got 5 inches on outrebound you, that’s just a lack of effort. So far, she looks like freshman TK and until someone gives her a swift kick in the butt, she will continue to play that way. Jordan walker - not sure what she brings to the table other than ball handling now that JP is here.
Jasmine franklin - love her energy and urgency on the court! Just needs to stay out of foul trouble.
Jordan Horston - see number 1. Once she realizes she has help in Rickea and JP and they learn to play together…lookout!

overall the team is lacking in rebounding efforts and seem extremely slow on the court like they’re tired or something. These teams that have less subs are in way better shape. No intensity or excitement. In my opinion, Justine, and Puckett should be given some/more opportunities. I’m not saying one way or another that this team is done or not, but if they don’t fix some of the things listed above, it won’t start trending in the right direction. Again, just my opinion

Maybe if Darby and Key had a coach that didn't think they are suited for a full court game, or that Key should set screen at the top of the key, and actually got post touches, you might see results. The kick in the butt isn't deserves for Key, it should be to Harper, out the door, down Alcoa Highway, straight to the airport. And, on the next plane that'll take her and her useless husband, who can't recruit, or coach, or do anything, away, like anybody want him, on the next plane to the mid majors, where she definitely belongs.

 

[creekdipper]

Kara was unhappy with the UT administration's lack of adverse response/opposition to TN Legislature's actions in regards to diversity and LGBTQ policies. I suspect her views on reproductive rights don't match up, either.

I know a lot of folks on this board don't think these things are an issue when recruiting coaches or players. But they are wrong IMHO.

So you have posters here who are still griping about the Lady Vols being too woke and posters (sometimes the same ones) griping that the university isn't woke enough.

 

[VOLPAT]

We have lost tw very good teams. "Teams" is the key word. We may yet make it the Final 4. But we have a long way to go. I am just not sold on Jackson. Very talented offensively. Blackwell from Missouri was also talented last year, but they were a better team without her. Can Jackson make this team better or is she just a talented scorer who scores a lot of points.

She doesn’t play that way.