Game Thread: (19/12) Lady Vols vs. Georgia College (EXH)

Tbh I felt like our freshmen played better against a DII opponent then South Carolina’s freshmen did against a DIII opponent

I didn’t. Benedict is far and away better than Georgia College no matter what division they’re in atleast Benedict had some type of athleticism and defense. That GC team was terrible on both sides of the ball! I’m not saying the Tennessee freshman wasn’t good I just didn’t think they played better than SC’s, especially Johnson and Rivers.
 
I didn’t. Benedict is far and away better than Georgia College no matter what division they’re in atleast Benedict had some type of athleticism and defense. That GC team was terrible on both sides of the ball! I’m not saying the Tennessee freshman wasn’t good I just didn’t think they played better than SC’s, especially Johnson and Rivers.
They were both horrible teams the only glaring difference was the division🤷‍♀️
 
That was the same complaint about Mercedes Russell as well. More of this has to do with body type rather than "toughness" and competitiveness. Let's take the Glory Johnson comparison. She was listed at 6'2 but that was a very generous listing (she was not much over 6'). But Glory was probably the most athletically gifted player in the history of the LV program. Had she wanted to concentrate on track and field (where she had a been a high school star), GJ would have been an all-american sprinter, hurdler, and long jumper. Glory was walking bundle of supercharged fast twitch fibers. So, take her lower center of gravity and more explosivess, it was just a lot easier and more natural for Glory to chase after loose balls, dive on the flood etc. than Tamari who is more of a lumberer. [Side note: Let''s not forget, fans complained mightily about Glory for not being a better shooter, a better post-up player, and more consistent during her LV days-- fans seem to always appreciate players after they're gone. After Tamari graduates, I am sure the lament will be "if we only had a shot blocker like Tamari, she was so great!!!!!]

So, TK is a classic post-up, guard the paint type player who excels at blocking shots but she is not going to win many scrambles on the floor (that is a long way down when you are 6'6 maybe going on 6'7). Since her freshman debut, however, I have been saying that TK needs to improve her lower body strength so she can hold up her post position better and get a little more explosiveness into her vertical game and I hope she has done some work toward that end.
I agree with you and think you make a good point. FWIW, I would take 20 TKs before I took 1 Mercedes Russell. Whenever I get a little frustrated with Tamari, I remember it could be Mercedes Russell and that instantly makes things better. The only thing I would add is that I'm not necessarily equating toughness to diving on the floor. You're correct that the 6'6 players probably aren't going to be the ones scrambling on the floor. I'm talking more about the pursuit of the ball (particularly from a rebounding perspective). Tamari's rebounding numbers, for her size, are just flat out not good. If you don't get a touch from the guards, go get the rebound. If you get boxed out one possession, make it a point to not get boxed out the next. The second the ball goes up, run to the rim and fight for possession. I don't think this has anything to do with height, has more to do with a will to win. Boston from SC would fall under the same category as Key in terms body type. She doesn't have any issues pursuing the ball and fighting for rebounds. At some point you gotta roll up your sleeves and fight, regardless of your size. Again, I like Tamari and think she's a good basketball player and teammate, I just think that is the missing piece for her becoming one of the nation's elite post players.
 
A lot to like about last nights exhibition game, but the highway to the top has a few pot holes that need to be fixed quickly.....

The team started off as good as any team can start off...Shot after shot fell and the defense was stifling...The LVs looked magnificent, but as suddenly as it began, it stopped....

In no particular order, the cohesion of the five on the court unraveled, at least for a time...Against a stronger opponent we may have fallen, our offensive play became discombobulated....

Horston dribbles down the middle of the court and then just seems to forget what her first rule is; protect the ball...It was as if she did not know what her next move was, so she just lost it to the team in green...Perplexing.

Too many shots were taken, by numerous players, within 5 feet of the goal, and neither net, backboard, nor iron is even touched...Not acceptable against any foe.

Due to the quality of the opponent these gaffs were not fatal score wise, but they are warnings to Coach Kellie, there is lots of work to be done....

I was very pleased to see Tess make her shots, especially the big bomb out where the demon lives.....

I was also pleased to see BK. Miles handle the ball as well as she did...She will prove to be a huge asset to the team this season...

Sara Puckett looked relieved to hit the big 3 ball...Last night's game, I'm sure, was not the vision she had dreamed of...

A lot of the "way too many" missed free throws, hit the front of the rim...That is often the sign of tired legs....I trust that was an anomaly, instead of a vision of our future limitations.
 
You’re right, but that isn’t a conclusion isn’t from an exhibition game. It’s a conclusion after watching her for her entire career. Don’t get me wrong, she will help us. I’ve seen a lot of people post about how this will be an all American year for her. I just never see her being at that level. She’s not necessarily relentless. She doesn’t pursue the ball on rebounds. If she had the attitude of Glory Johsnon/Graves, I could definitely see her being an all American. She just seems to be missing that it factor in terms of toughness/pursuit/competitiveness. I think she’s a good basketball player, but my point is you can’t be a top post player in the country without that toughness factor.

As everyone knows i`m a Key fan but right now she needs a lot of work on the offensive end in my opinion. I think she would benefit from having a post player coach or someone that can teach her and i`m sure there are some good ones.
 
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I didn’t. Benedict is far and away better than Georgia College no matter what division they’re in atleast Benedict had some type of athleticism and defense. That GC team was terrible on both sides of the ball! I’m not saying the Tennessee freshman wasn’t good I just didn’t think they played better than SC’s, especially Johnson and Rivers.

Yes, we know you LOVE SC😂 WE. GET. IT!

Question, I heard you sell a lot of season tickets but does Dawn buy a chunk of them? I heard she does it to fill the seats of course and give that home court advantage i mean she can do it (she has the means and probably writes it off on taxes). I just wondered if that's what she meant by catch us if you can with the fans? Is this true or common knowledge? This is NOT shady but a legit question. I sorta of admire her if she does.
 
As everyone knows i`m a Key fan but right now she needs a lot of work on the offensive end in my opinion. I think she would benefit from having a post player coach or someone that can teach her and i`m sure there are some good ones.

I think she is good Kellie addressed the need to get her the ball more. At the end of last year we saw Key hit jumpers from the top of the Key. I actually saw her do a spin move last night which was nice.

I have seen it on here before and some people say she is ok not demanding the ball. Coach Joy is holding post players responsible so i think you will see a different player.

Also, you are from the area does she go and work out with any trainers the other LVs do so was wondering does she take the time to do the same? It has made a difference in some of the Lady Vols games already.

just curious being from the area if you heads anything. Thanks.
 
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I don't think this has anything to do with height, has more to do with a will to win. Boston from SC would fall under the same category as Key in terms body type.

I completely disagree that TK and Boston have similar body types. Boston is way more athletically-built than Tamari, with stronger, more compact, limbs. TK is elongated all over in a way that, frankly, naturally affects both her movements and strength. Aliyah is built more along the lines of a larger Anosike.
 
Key actually physically looks better and a bit more imposing. She got 5 boards in 13 minutes… and blocked 3 shots.. she’ll more than likely be playing 25+ and not be missing as many free throws hopefully.. it’s not out of the realm of possibly that she averages a near double double with 4+ BPG average
 
I agree with you and think you make a good point. FWIW, I would take 20 TKs before I took 1 Mercedes Russell. Whenever I get a little frustrated with Tamari, I remember it could be Mercedes Russell and that instantly makes things better. The only thing I would add is that I'm not necessarily equating toughness to diving on the floor. You're correct that the 6'6 players probably aren't going to be the ones scrambling on the floor. I'm talking more about the pursuit of the ball (particularly from a rebounding perspective). Tamari's rebounding numbers, for her size, are just flat out not good. If you don't get a touch from the guards, go get the rebound. If you get boxed out one possession, make it a point to not get boxed out the next. The second the ball goes up, run to the rim and fight for possession. I don't think this has anything to do with height, has more to do with a will to win. Boston from SC would fall under the same category as Key in terms body type. She doesn't have any issues pursuing the ball and fighting for rebounds. At some point you gotta roll up your sleeves and fight, regardless of your size. Again, I like Tamari and think she's a good basketball player and teammate, I just think that is the missing piece for her becoming one of the nation's elite post players.

Tamari’s body is nothing like Bostons.
 
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I agree with you and think you make a good point. FWIW, I would take 20 TKs before I took 1 Mercedes Russell. Whenever I get a little frustrated with Tamari, I remember it could be Mercedes Russell and that instantly makes things better. The only thing I would add is that I'm not necessarily equating toughness to diving on the floor. You're correct that the 6'6 players probably aren't going to be the ones scrambling on the floor. I'm talking more about the pursuit of the ball (particularly from a rebounding perspective). Tamari's rebounding numbers, for her size, are just flat out not good. If you don't get a touch from the guards, go get the rebound. If you get boxed out one possession, make it a point to not get boxed out the next. The second the ball goes up, run to the rim and fight for possession. I don't think this has anything to do with height, has more to do with a will to win. Boston from SC would fall under the same category as Key in terms body type. She doesn't have any issues pursuing the ball and fighting for rebounds. At some point you gotta roll up your sleeves and fight, regardless of your size. Again, I like Tamari and think she's a good basketball player and teammate, I just think that is the missing piece for her becoming one of the nation's elite post players.
I agree, TK has the measurables she just needs to add more fire. She has the athleticism to dominate.
 
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I think she is good Kellie addressed the need to get her the ball more. At the end of last year we saw Key hit jumpers from the top of the Key. I actually saw her do a spin move last night which was nice.

I have seen it on here before and some people say she is ok not demanding the ball. Coach Joy is holding post players responsible so i think you will see a different player.

Also, you are from the area does she go and work out with any trainers the other LVs do so was wondering does she take the time to do the same? It has made a difference in some of the Lady Vols games already.

just curious being from the area if you heads anything. Thanks.

PS stop coming in here stirring the pot 😂 shady shady shady 😂😂😂


Hey what`s up VoLfan: thanks for the response As Key work outs the word it was pretty much on strength and conditioning. You made a lot of good point`s, My only concerned with her is when she get`s the ball in the low post she tends to turn almost right all the time. I would like to see her use a left and right turnaround jump shot more. I have seen her use it but very little. And yes she needs to demand the ball more.
 
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