Game Thread: Lady Vols v UCONN; Thurs. 8PM; on ESPN

[Coach Jumper]

If Justine is unhappy with her situation, she sure hides it well. Should study acting. I'm not sure what JP brings that Tess does not. Tess is shooting about 40% from 3 and has been reliable most of the time. I don't think Justine would have been any more effective against UConn.

And I ask again: what could be dumber than leaving this team bc you want more minutes. We will be suiting up managers next year. Justine will get lots and lots of minutes next year.

Don't read into this Your own assumption. No one said Justine said anything. This is my opinion not justines... so don't go there

 

[glv98]

There could very well be a boatload of minutes available for JP and others next year. Or, CKJH could dip into the portal and pick up another 3 or 4 players. In which case JP could be in the same position as the 2021 class is in this year. Which is on the bench.

If Kellie picks up 3 or 4 players from the portal who would challenge Justine's minutes next year I would dance on the bartop. Not likely to happen. At this point, I'm afraid we are more likely to pick up complimentary pieces who can be worked on and worked in.

 

[glv98]

Don't read into this Your own assumption. No one said Justine said anything. This is my opinion not justines... so don't go there

As usual WTF are you talking about. Oh never mind.

 

[th2421]

Except you don’t need a roster of 5* recruits if you can coach what you got up to compete. That’s what made Bruce Pearl a nice fit when he got here. Coached up lesser talent and won.

Coaching up is definitely part of it, but for the most part in the women's game you need those 5* recruits. Look at the current top 20 and how many Hoopgurlz 5* recruits they have on their rosters:

1. South Carolina: 12
2. Stanford: 8
3. LSU: 4 (though I'm shocked Flau'jae wasn't 5*)
4. UConn: 8
5. Ohio State: 4 (also shocked Cotie McMahon wasn't 5*)
6. Indiana: 3
7. Notre Dame: 7
8. Iowa: 1
9. Utah: 1
10. Virginia Tech: 3
11. Maryland: 3 (surprised Shyanne Sellers wasn't 5*)
12. Oklahoma: 4
13. UCLA: 4
14. Arizona: 4
15. Iowa State: 3
16. Duke: 7 (surprised Shayeann Day-Wilson wasn't 5*)
17. Michigan: 1
18. NC State: 7
19. North Carolina: 4
20. Gonzaga: 0

There's a reason South Carolina is just so dominant this year. Tennessee has 3 active 5* (if Key wasn't out we'd have 4). The only teams with fewer 5* are Iowa, which has surrounded a superstar (Clark) with 4* players, and Utah, which has quite a bit of international talent, and Michigan and Gonzaga (seems like a good mix of finding players who fit well together and coaching up).

It is a little concerning that next season Pissott could be our only 5*, but who knows with players exercising their COVID year and the transfer portal (most of these teams have at least one 5* transfer on their roster).

 

[Majors]

Freshmen don’t always play that much. Some portal players have several years left to play, like Jillian does. There are also junior college and international prospects. Even supportive posters here may be helpful for recruiting. I believe Kellie will explore all the possibilities. Getting the commitment of the #1 rated player for 2027 shows she’s working on recruiting not just now, but for the future.

Define that much. Her recruiting a 2027 is a non-factor at this point if she’s struggling with those that will ultimately determine if CKH is the coach in 2027 ( not likely at this point)

 

[Volfan2012]

Coaching up is definitely part of it, but for the most part in the women's game you need those 5* recruits. Look at the current top 20 and how many Hoopgurlz 5* recruits they have on their rosters:

1. South Carolina: 12
2. Stanford: 8
3. LSU: 4 (though I'm shocked Flau'jae wasn't 5*)
4. UConn: 8
5. Ohio State: 4 (also shocked Cotie McMahon wasn't 5*)
6. Indiana: 3
7. Notre Dame: 7
8. Iowa: 1
9. Utah: 1
10. Virginia Tech: 3
11. Maryland: 3 (surprised Shyanne Sellers wasn't 5*)
12. Oklahoma: 4
13. UCLA: 4
14. Arizona: 4
15. Iowa State: 3
16. Duke: 7 (surprised Shayeann Day-Wilson wasn't 5*)
17. Michigan: 1
18. NC State: 7
19. North Carolina: 4
20. Gonzaga: 0

There's a reason South Carolina is just so dominant this year. Tennessee has 3 active 5* (if Key wasn't out we'd have 4). The only teams with fewer 5* are Iowa, which has surrounded a superstar (Clark) with 4* players, and Utah, which has quite a bit of international talent, and Michigan and Gonzaga (seems like a good mix of finding players who fit well together and coaching up).

It is a little concerning that next season Pissott could be our only 5*, but who knows with players exercising their COVID year and the transfer portal (most of these teams have at least one 5* transfer on their roster).

Good list and would have to say what Utah and Iowa have done is impressive with just one five star player. You look at it and you know where the National championship is going to land. SC, Stanford, and UConn are the big three. Duke has more than I expected Notre Dame can be very good or very bad.

 

[madtownvol]

If Justine is unhappy with her situation, she sure hides it well. Should study acting. I'm not sure what JP brings that Tess does not. Tess is shooting about 40% from 3 and has been reliable most of the time. I don't think Justine would have been any more effective against UConn.

And I ask again: what could be dumber than leaving this team bc you want more minutes. We will be suiting up managers next year. Justine will get lots and lots of minutes next year.

Every year, people speculate that a player (generally an underclassman) who is not getting a lot of playing time is going to transfer. And most don't. I am 100% sure the staff is with Justine everyday letting her know her time will come.

 

[Volfan2012]

Every year, people speculate that a player (generally an underclassman) who is not getting a lot of playing time is going to transfer. And most don't. I am 100% sure the staff is with Justine everyday letting her know her time will come.

She is not transferring 100 percent believe she is totally fine with what is happening with her this season. We fans would like to see her get a few more minutes in home games and I'm sure she wouldn't turn them down. I think she knows that she need physical work in the off season that will be what makes her capable at this level of basketball. If I were to pick out players that might transfer it would be more like a Wynn or Miles as they could be recruited over again out of the portal and I don't see a real situation where that doesn't have to happen for us to be a team moving upwards next season.

 

[th2421]

Coaching up is definitely part of it, but for the most part in the women's game you need those 5* recruits. Look at the current top 20 and how many Hoopgurlz 5* recruits they have on their rosters:

1. South Carolina: 12
2. Stanford: 8
3. LSU: 4 (though I'm shocked Flau'jae wasn't 5*)
4. UConn: 8
5. Ohio State: 4 (also shocked Cotie McMahon wasn't 5*)
6. Indiana: 3
7. Notre Dame: 7
8. Iowa: 1
9. Utah: 1
10. Virginia Tech: 3
11. Maryland: 3 (surprised Shyanne Sellers wasn't 5*)
12. Oklahoma: 4
13. UCLA: 4
14. Arizona: 4
15. Iowa State: 3
16. Duke: 7 (surprised Shayeann Day-Wilson wasn't 5*)
17. Michigan: 1
18. NC State: 7
19. North Carolina: 4
20. Gonzaga: 0

There's a reason South Carolina is just so dominant this year. Tennessee has 3 active 5* (if Key wasn't out we'd have 4). The only teams with fewer 5* are Iowa, which has surrounded a superstar (Clark) with 4* players, and Utah, which has quite a bit of international talent, and Michigan and Gonzaga (seems like a good mix of finding players who fit well together and coaching up).

It is a little concerning that next season Pissott could be our only 5*, but who knows with players exercising their COVID year and the transfer portal (most of these teams have at least one 5* transfer on their roster).

It is interesting to me that teams like Tennessee, Texas (3 5*s), Louisville (3 5*s), and even NC State, that have quite a few 5* players and also hauled in some big transfers haven't met expectations this year. Then again, LSU and Virginia Tech also start several transfers...

 

[Volfan2012]

It is interesting to me that teams like Tennessee, Texas (3 5*s), Louisville (3 5*s), and even NC State, that have quite a few 5* players and also hauled in some big transfers haven't met expectations this year. Then again, LSU and Virginia Tech also start several transfers...

I think just checking the schedules will answer part of that question.

 

[Majors]

Coaching up is definitely part of it, but for the most part in the women's game you need those 5* recruits. Look at the current top 20 and how many Hoopgurlz 5* recruits they have on their rosters:

1. South Carolina: 12
2. Stanford: 8
3. LSU: 4 (though I'm shocked Flau'jae wasn't 5*)
4. UConn: 8
5. Ohio State: 4 (also shocked Cotie McMahon wasn't 5*)
6. Indiana: 3
7. Notre Dame: 7
8. Iowa: 1
9. Utah: 1
10. Virginia Tech: 3
11. Maryland: 3 (surprised Shyanne Sellers wasn't 5*)
12. Oklahoma: 4
13. UCLA: 4
14. Arizona: 4
15. Iowa State: 3
16. Duke: 7 (surprised Shayeann Day-Wilson wasn't 5*)
17. Michigan: 1
18. NC State: 7
19. North Carolina: 4
20. Gonzaga: 0

There's a reason South Carolina is just so dominant this year. Tennessee has 3 active 5* (if Key wasn't out we'd have 4). The only teams with fewer 5* are Iowa, which has surrounded a superstar (Clark) with 4* players, and Utah, which has quite a bit of international talent, and Michigan and Gonzaga (seems like a good mix of finding players who fit well together and coaching up).

It is a little concerning that next season Pissott could be our only 5*, but who knows with players exercising their COVID year and the transfer portal (most of these teams have at least one 5* transfer on their roster).

We have more than enough talent to work with/coach up to compete. New coaches get hired to elevate programs from how they were handed off. And in year four it could be said we are not in a better place in the win column or closer to hanging banners.

CKH/staff lacks the ability to maximize players or they are maxed. Or cannot scheme game plans to hide flaws and still win.

 

[glv98]

I think she knows that she need physical work in the off season that will be what makes her capable at this level of basketball.

There are several who I would like to see do an Aliyah Boston type body transformation this summer. I know we said that last year, but truthfully they didn't seem that physically different this season. Not guaranteed to make them all SECs but it couldn't hurt.

 

[glv98]

It is interesting to me that teams like Tennessee, Texas (3 5*s), Louisville (3 5*s), and even NC State, that have quite a few 5* players and also hauled in some big transfers haven't met expectations this year. Then again, LSU and Virginia Tech also start several transfers...

Blending teams has been kind of a crapshoot this year, with some experiences crappier than others. Hopefully everything related to portal and transferring gets easier and better as they learn how to handle it.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Every year, people speculate that a player (generally an underclassman) who is not getting a lot of playing time is going to transfer. And most don't. I am 100% sure the staff is with Justine everyday letting her know her time will come.

If my boss tells me I'll get my raise after Everybody else gets there's.... I'm looking for a new job


Look, I don't speak for Justine. I'm sure she has her own feelings about where she is and what she does and what playing time she gets. I only know I have not seen enough improvement With the other player in her position to warrant her sitting on the bench as much as she does

 

[PRG]

Coaching up is definitely part of it, but for the most part in the women's game you need those 5* recruits. Look at the current top 20 and how many Hoopgurlz 5* recruits they have on their rosters:

1. South Carolina: 12
2. Stanford: 8
3. LSU: 4 (though I'm shocked Flau'jae wasn't 5*)
4. UConn: 8
5. Ohio State: 4 (also shocked Cotie McMahon wasn't 5*)
6. Indiana: 3
7. Notre Dame: 7
8. Iowa: 1
9. Utah: 1
10. Virginia Tech: 3
11. Maryland: 3 (surprised Shyanne Sellers wasn't 5*)
12. Oklahoma: 4
13. UCLA: 4
14. Arizona: 4
15. Iowa State: 3
16. Duke: 7 (surprised Shayeann Day-Wilson wasn't 5*)
17. Michigan: 1
18. NC State: 7
19. North Carolina: 4
20. Gonzaga: 0

There's a reason South Carolina is just so dominant this year. Tennessee has 3 active 5* (if Key wasn't out we'd have 4). The only teams with fewer 5* are Iowa, which has surrounded a superstar (Clark) with 4* players, and Utah, which has quite a bit of international talent, and Michigan and Gonzaga (seems like a good mix of finding players who fit well together and coaching up).

It is a little concerning that next season Pissott could be our only 5*, but who knows with players exercising their COVID year and the transfer portal (most of these teams have at least one 5* transfer on their roster).

Key maybe consider a 5 star but ranked #47!!!
Most years if your ranking is not top 20…… you are 4 stars ! Just Saying

 

[Majors]

If my boss tells me I'll get my raise after Everybody else gets there's.... I'm looking for a new job


Look, I don't speak for Justine. I'm sure she has her own feelings about where she is and what she does and what playing time she gets. I only know I have not seen enough improvement With the other player in her position to warrant her sitting on the bench as much as she does

From a recruit standpoint…Justine is CKH prize recruit. Players are looking at her and how her freshman year is going/went.

 

[madtownvol]

There are several who I would like to see do an Aliyah Boston type body transformation this summer. I know we said that last year, but truthfully they didn't seem that physically different this season. Not guaranteed to make them all SECs but it couldn't hurt.

Jordan Walker has made a pretty good transformation this season. She is definitely stronger and her knee is obviously improved. It is fair to ask what is going on with Puckett. In terms of build and strength, she had an NCAA body as a freshman but the other aspects of her game do not seem to have changed that much. And as text book as her shot looks, she is shooting less consistently than last season. I think she has a big upside but she needs to work on her game intensely this summer. She seems to have plateaued.

Tess is sort of the reverse, Her all-round game has improved but she could get to a different level with more conditioning work.

Karo needs work on her speed and mobility and explosiveness. there are some genetic limits to how much someone can improve but she has some room to get much better.

 

[Coach Jumper]

From a recruit standpoint…Justine is CKH prize recruit. Players are looking at her and how her freshman year is going/went.

We agree

 

[Coach Jumper]

Jordan Walker has made a pretty good transformation this season. She is definitely stronger and her knee is obviously improved. It is fair to ask what is going on with Puckett. In terms of build and strength, she had an NCAA body as a freshman but the other aspects of her game do not seem to have changed that much. And as text book as her shot looks, she is shooting less consistently than last season. I think she has a big upside but she needs to work on her game intensely this summer. She seems to have plateaued.

Tess is sort of the reverse, Her all-round game has improved but she could get to a different level with more conditioning work.

Karo needs work on her speed and mobility and explosiveness. there are some genetic limits to how much someone can improve but she has some room to get much better.

Regarding Sarah I've watched her shot and most of her shots Are either long or short. If your shots are going left and right it is mechanics if your shots are going Is long and short it is mental. Something has got her mentally Blocked

 

[DarkPhoenix]

YES! The simple truth that no one really wants to here because the loss must be due to some sophisticated coaching tactics or a glaring shortfall in the players. We can say that the LVs could have played better defense (and that is DEFINITELY TRUE about the dismal 1st quarter) but after that the LVs did force a fair number of TOs and empty possessions. But a good to very good team (which Uconn is) will get some open looks and they were $. Conversely, the LVs bricked their wide open shots all night. To make matters worse, they dominated the offensive glass but converted a pretty low % of those chances, If this team could shoot.....

The bottom line is they have better overall talent, that’s why they won. The only way we can win games against teams with better players are to hit a fair amount of 3’s, and Rickea and Jordan need to have big games at the same time.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

If we had athletic players all over we'd be saying they have no basketball skills. Problem is players with both, athleticism and skill, are hard to find and they all want to go to about 5 schools that aren't us.

I’ll take the athletic players and they will figure it out, no excuses

 

[glv98]

Regarding Sarah I've watched her shot and most of her shots Are either long or short. If your shots are going left and right it is mechanics if your shots are going Is long and short it is mental. Something has got her mentally Blocked

Much as it pains me to say it, I think that's right. Sara said of the 3 she hit at Missouri that she knew it was straight, she just didn't know it was hard enough to bank. KJH said a few weeks ago that Sara is hard bc sometimes she needs loving up and sometimes she needs tough love. Lets find what works.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Auriemma has proven over and over that if a player commits to his coaching, they will leave the team as a much better player. I think a couple of current examples are Muhl (IMO one of the best PG in the country) who started out as an out of control foul waiting to happen and Edwards an underachiever that will be an AA before she leaves.

Since u think he’s so great, how much did Evina get better, her numbers were down across the board from her last year here, even though she had more playing time.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

I would say that next year is the turning point for her. It is time to face the music. I said year four was when the big step had to be made. It was not made to this point and I will give them the opportunity to still do it. Going to be totally unacceptable to be a middle of the SEC team next season and the prospects of that happening are huge. Depending on Seniors Jackson and Horston to forgo the WNBA and Key to fully recover is a lot to ask for. Without that happening where do you go? I don't see anyway to get to where we need to be cause the goal is the same for her as it was for Holly and the time is here to do it or find someone who can.

If Rickea and Horston leave we are done.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Were in the second tier of teams meaning we can probably compete with ranked teams 11 through 25. We have proven we can't compete with the top ten. Yes as far as the SEC were still a top team. Nationally the truth is were not. I will wait until the end of the season we may still find a way to get there, but this has not been a success it needed to be thus far. In year four for Coach Harper it had to be better. Every player on the roster is hers and the ones that are not are some of the best players on the team. I am hoping she can figure it out for this team cause we should've been a better team against anyone in the country.

We can compete with anyone if Jordan and Rickea can have big games at the same time.