Game Thread Lady Vols versus USA scrimmage, Nov 5, 6PM, Food City/Thompson Boling Arena

[madtownvol]

All the Lady Vols will get minutes in this game. In addition to letting all our players see how a professional plays, this game is a scrapbook moment for them all. Hope they have some success, get some pictures with the the USTeam and no injuries!!

100% plus this game could also be a kind of national team audition for Rickea!!

 

[lvocd]

Scattered thoughts: One thing experienced pros do extremely well against young players is pick pockets and draw fouls--Rickea will get a taste of the physicality and underhandedness that'll be waiting for her on both ends of the floor in the W, for sure. If Griner plays significant minutes, expect us to be forced to take more outside shots which, if we can have good ball movement and handling, we might be able to find success there. Kellie will actually need to have the team play defense in this game, it's not really optional lol. Kinda dreading having Taurasi back in TBA, but overall curious how well we'll play!

Yep, Reeve very well could set the tone early by instructing her wily, experienced, quick-handed U.S.A. guards to take advantage of the nerves and lack of experience against pros our guards have and collect a ton of demoralizing steals. If our passes aren't crisp -- remains to be seen if we've improved in that area or not -- those seasoned pros will feast on jumping into the passing lanes to snag any lazy passes.

I have my doubts that Griner will be in top condition the way she was putting away strips of bacon during the All-Star game. lol

On a personal note, I'll be at the game, and even though Diana Taurasi has gotten on my last nerves for more than two decades and for various reasons, I'm kinda hoping the Tennessee fans don't boo her like they normally do.

Hear me out! Thing is, yeah, she has done and said some things in the past that really bothered me as a fan of Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols. And Taurasi has certainly broken Lady Vol fan hearts many times with her clutch play -- so I've naturally never been a fan of hers.

That said, she has been an important figure in women's basketball, and perhaps THE player most older Lady Vol fans used to love to hate the most. She and Auriemma were the ultimate one-two punch for sports villainy.

So, after all these years and thinking Sunday is highly likely to be the last time she ever plays in front of a Tennessee crowd again, a part of me hopes people take a minute to reflect on how much fun it has been to have her to loathe. I mean, face it: there never was another who reached her level for Lady Vol fans, villain-wise.

I don't plan to join in if there are boos. Now, she might just like it if she's booed for old times sake. But I have to also think she might also be feeling nostalgic and wouldn't be disappointed if there wasn't any booing.

I guess we'll see on Sunday!

 

[FormerLadyVolFan]

I just looked at Ticketmaster and it looks like ticket sales have been disappointing.

Too bad they couldn't include this with the season tickets and provide parking passes.

 

[Coach Jumper]

I just looked at Ticketmaster and it looks like ticket sales have been disappointing.

Too bad they couldn't include this with the season tickets and provide parking passes.

I wondered about that too...sigh

 

[glv98]

Parking is free in all lots for this game, as it should be, but that won't help much. I expect a smallish crowd.

Speaking of parking, it's gone up to 20$ this year! Just crazy and very, very harmful to drawing a crowd.

And finally, I'm not that good of a person so I plan to boo DT lustily. And she'll love it.

 

[glv98]

100% plus this game could also be a kind of national team audition for Rickea!!

I hope it's not looked at that way, or any kind of measuring stick for her future. It's just not fair, the odds are way too stacked against her. Frankly, I get the opportunity, etc., but I wish RJ wasn't under this pressure at this point. I just want her and everyone to focus on this pivotal season.

Rickea already measured up, and quite well, this summer at Americup.

 

[turbovol]

Yep, Reeve very well could set the tone early by instructing her wily, experienced, quick-handed U.S.A. guards to take advantage of the nerves and lack of experience against pros our guards have and collect a ton of demoralizing steals. If our passes aren't crisp -- remains to be seen if we've improved in that area or not -- those seasoned pros will feast on jumping into the passing lanes to snag any lazy passes.

I have my doubts that Griner will be in top condition the way she was putting away strips of bacon during the All-Star game. lol

On a personal note, I'll be at the game, and even though Diana Taurasi has gotten on my last nerves for more than two decades and for various reasons, I'm kinda hoping the Tennessee fans don't boo her like they normally do.

Hear me out! Thing is, yeah, she has done and said some things in the past that really bothered me as a fan of Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols. And Taurasi has certainly broken Lady Vol fan hearts many times with her clutch play -- so I've naturally never been a fan of hers.

That said, she has been an important figure in women's basketball, and perhaps THE player most older Lady Vol fans used to love to hate the most. She and Auriemma were the ultimate one-two punch for sports villainy.

So, after all these years and thinking Sunday is highly likely to be the last time she ever plays in front of a Tennessee crowd again, a part of me hopes people take a minute to reflect on how much fun it has been to have her to loathe. I mean, face it: there never was another who reached her level for Lady Vol fans, villain-wise.

I don't plan to join in if there are boos. Now, she might just like it if she's booed for old times sake. But I have to also think she might also be feeling nostalgic and wouldn't be disappointed if there wasn't any booing.

I guess we'll see on Sunday!

Why is Tausrasi still on the U.S. team? She's, what, close to 40 years old and has already won 5 Olympic gold medals. Not much left to prove. She beat us for a national title one year when the rest of the UConn starters were young and not very experienced and we had an experienced, veteran team. But were never very good or efficient offensively in those PS years, and UConn was. That's why I believe we lost 4 times to UConn in national title games, sadly. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm pretty sure that the U.S. team is not going to take these 2 exhibition games against college teams too seriously.

 

[glv98]

Why is Tausrasi still on the U.S. team? She's, what, close to 40 years old and has already won 5 Olympic gold medals. Not much left to prove

In my humble opionion, it's pure, unmitigated selfishness and ego that keeps players like DT and Bird coming back for more. BC their 5th and 6th dips are at the direct expense of other players who would also like a shot. Not sure why USA basketball keeps enabling this shameless behavior but it makes me sick. I'd be SO disappointed in one of my kids in a similar situation if they'd had multiple opportunities. Would totally expect them (or any normal human being) to defer in favor of giving the precious roster spot to another deserving player.

 

[WinnerCircle]

Why would anyone expect a decent size crowd at an exhibition?
This summer there were barely folks in the stands at the AmeriCup games.
I doubt there will be many attending during the Olympics until perhaps the later (medal) rounds.
A handful will attend and enjoy this experience, many others will watch it on TV and that’s the expectation for a scrimmage even involving Team USA these days.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Parking is free in all lots for this game, as it should be, but that won't help much. I expect a smallish crowd.

Speaking of parking, it's gone up to 20$ this year! Just crazy and very, very harmful to drawing a crowd.

And finally, I'm not that good of a person so I plan to boo DT lustily. And she'll love it.

And if she doesn’t, I hope she doesn’t kick any of our doors in. BOO DT!

 

[Golfteacher]

In watching this game we have to realize that the LVs should get beat by the world’s best. We can’t use this game as a huge measuring stick as to how the Ladies will do against the best D1 competition. It will give us a hint if the Ladies can upstep their game against the best competition they will face this year. I just want them to hold their own and not get blown out. We have a good core five and a good complimentary group waiting to come in and relieve our core five. It should be an interesting game. I have to give KJH a hand for scheduling this game. It shows that she has faith in her players. Go Lady Vols.

 

[sisaq]

Coach Kim is always smart with who she plays & who she doesn't play. Will vols benefit from this game or will it break them...I hope they don't allow them to score 180pt

 

[madtownvol]

I hope it's not looked at that way, or any kind of measuring stick for her future. It's just not fair, the odds are way too stacked against her. Frankly, I get the opportunity, etc., but I wish RJ wasn't under this pressure at this point. I just want her and everyone to focus on this pivotal season.

Rickea already measured up, and quite well, this summer at Americup.

Of course, RJ gaining a spot on the national team will be dependent on how she plays over the next 2 to 3 years (plus politics unfortunately) and not this one exhibition game.

If there is one player on the LVs who is built for being on center stage and under the spot light, it is Rickea. I am betting she is looking forward to this one.

But I have no delusions. In her presser, I got the distinct impression that Kellie almost wishes she did not have this game because her mind is clearly set on the season opener (as it should be).

This game is just a preseason irrelevancy that will be quickly forgotten, once the tip off for Florida A&M happens (though there will be a complete meltdown on the board in the interim-- Kellie is in her 5th season, why can't she beat the very best women's player in the world with a group of college players?

If Team USA wanted to play full throttle, they could win by a massive margin but I don't expect that will be the case, since most are now just ramping up after an extended WNBA season.

Some match-ups could have been intriguing. If Tamari had not had her health problems, I would have been fascinated to see how she played against Griner but it is clear from the CN game, that Tamari is probably only 50% of her junior season self. A lot of the LVs season may ride on how quickly (or if) she is able to get back into form.

 

[glv98]

In her presser, I got the distinct impression that Kellie almost wishes she did not have this game because he mind is clearly set on the season opener (as it should be).

It may have been KJH's one schedule overreach this year and I for one wish she hadn't done it. She mentioned at the practice that they wouldn't have another day off before the Fla St game. That's the game she should be focused on. Could have used this weekend off before real games start. But Kellie keeps mentioning the unique opportunity for the players and that clearly won the day.

If there is one player on the LVs who is built for being on center stage and under the spot light, it is Rickea. I am betting she is looking forward to this one.

I'll bet she is. I, however, continue to overworry.

 

[lvocd]

I'm looking at it as a cherished lifetime memory kind of game. I mean, even if they stumble against Florida State, 50 years from now will the old women gathered at some future Lady Vol event be reminiscing together about that Florida State loss, or will they remember playing the U.S. National team and how freakin' cool THAT was?

They're unlikely to even remember who they played next.

It'll be worth taking an early loss (I don't think that'll happen, though!) just to be there Sunday to watch them out there making that enduring memory together.

 

[jeebie]

Parking is free in all lots for this game, as it should be, but that won't help much. I expect a smallish crowd.

Speaking of parking, it's gone up to 20$ this year! Just crazy and very, very harmful to drawing a crowd.

And finally, I'm not that good of a person so I plan to boo DT lustily. And she'll love it.

I agree that the parking fee for public lots at $20 is ridiculous and is very harmful to attendance. That's equal to or even more than the price of a game ticket. Obviously, UT is taking advantage of and gouging the paying public. I used to park in the public lots but starting with the Carson-Newman game I have been parking at the Ag campus for free and it is quite convenient. They take you right to the intersection across from the arena at ground level and it's an easy walk up the ramp to the entrance doors. The trip back is also easy; you load up next to Pratt Pavilion and they take you right back to the Ag campus parking area. The trip took no more than 10 minutes. I highly recommend the Ag campus parking and forget the $20 fee on the main campus.

 

[Volfan2012]

Going to enjoy the game figure were a huge like 25 point underdog. It doesn't count so that makes it a lot more fun.

 

[xtpsrh08123]

prayers lol

 

[Coach Jumper]

I agree that the parking fee for public lots at $20 is ridiculous and is very harmful to attendance. That's equal to or even more than the price of a game ticket. Obviously, UT is taking advantage of and gouging the paying public. I used to park in the public lots but starting with the Carson-Newman game I have been parking at the Ag campus for free and it is quite convenient. They take you right to the intersection across from the arena at ground level and it's an easy walk up the ramp to the entrance doors. The trip back is also easy; you load up next to Pratt Pavilion and they take you right back to the Ag campus parking area. The trip took no more than 10 minutes. I highly recommend the Ag campus parking and forget the $20 fee on the main campus.

that will be mynew route...10 was bad, 15 was worse, 20 is CRAP!

 

[glv98]

I mean, even if they stumble against Florida State, 50 years from now will the old women gathered at some future Lady Vol event be reminiscing together about that Florida State loss, or will they remember playing the U.S. National team and how freakin' cool THAT was?

Forget 50 yrs fm now, 5 months from now in March the Fla St game will be way more important.

I don't know at all that the USA game will have any effect on Fla St. But I wish we weren't taking that chance and had the weekend off. IMO, the Fla St game is huge. Definitely do not want to start with a bad taste like last yr. Winning that game on the road against a ranked team will really help us going into the stretch against the 3 top ten teams. Will help get the monkey off our back.

 

[madtownvol]

Forget 50 yrs fm now, 5 months from now in March the Fla St game will be way more important.

I don't know at all that the USA game will have any effect on Fla St. But I wish we weren't taking that chance and had the weekend off. IMO, the Fla St game is huge. Definitely do not want to start with a bad taste like last yr. Winning that game on the road against a ranked team will really help us going into the stretch against the 3 top ten teams. Will help get the monkey off our back.

I am not too worried about the National team game having a negative impacting on their prep for Fl St. Yes, there is injury risk but that is always there, even in practice sessions, players get banged up - like Spears ankle tweak.

The one thing the LVs will get from this game is playing at a faster pace which could actually help them in their opener. And this means that spears will have gotten some quality minutes under her belt against high quality comp before FL St. which is another plus.

 

[BruisedOrange]

In my humble opionion, it's pure, unmitigated selfishness and ego that keeps players like DT and Bird coming back for more. BC their 5th and 6th dips are at the direct expense of other players who would also like a shot. Not sure why USA basketball keeps enabling this shameless behavior but it makes me sick. I'd be SO disappointed in one of my kids in a similar situation if they'd had multiple opportunities. Would totally expect them (or any normal human being) to defer in favor of giving the precious roster spot to another deserving player.

I dunno... I think I can understand them.

As long as your feet and knees hold out, basketball is a wonderful game to age in. Your eyes perceive greater nuance in the details, but also more of the court and beyond the court. Your mind anticipates much faster, and enables you to still succeed in what your body no longer allows. You're a much better player, even though you're losing speed, quickness, and hops each year.

As you age playing basketball, the game itself changes, and you have fresh challenges. But you've gained so many more tools! Physically, my game peaked at 30. But the game I played at 50 was a much better game than I played at any other age.

 

[Coach Jumper]

I dunno... I think I can understand them.

As long as your feet and knees hold out, basketball is a wonderful game to age in. Your eyes perceive greater nuance in the details, but also more of the court and beyond the court. Your mind anticipates much faster, and enables you to still succeed in what your body no longer allows. You're a much better player, even though you're losing speed, quickness, and hops each year.

As you age playing basketball, the game itself changes, and you have fresh challenges. But you've gained so many more tools! Physically, my game peaked at 30. But the game I played at 50 was a much better game than I played at any other age.

Very insightful

I too still play the game after my workouts..I walk 2 miles 3x a week and then go to the court for some cardio. Since I am still 6 ft I usually have to play a post or SF type player. My signature defensive move is to fake a drop-step and then reach forward and swipe in the path of a crossover. Though I am much slower than a teen-twenty something, I am very effective in guarding them.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Forget 50 yrs fm now, 5 months from now in March the Fla St game will be way more important.

I don't know at all that the USA game will have any effect on Fla St. But I wish we weren't taking that chance and had the weekend off. IMO, the Fla St game is huge. Definitely do not want to start with a bad taste like last yr. Winning that game on the road against a ranked team will really help us going into the stretch against the 3 top ten teams. Will help get the monkey off our back.

I agree.

So, Kellie played in a game against a USA Team, and what is her big memory? That someone stole the ball while she was thinking of throwing to the post, and went in for a layup.

Just out of curiosity, if Candace Parker were on the USA Team and they ‘practiced’ against UConn (on national tv), think she would play well?

For me, you Play To Win The Game, Every Game, including the ones that “don’t count”. I want my Team to be in the habit of winning. Pat’s teams played USA 3 times, won 1, played close in another, and one I don’t know the score.

We are not scouting this USA Team, and why is this? Two reasons I think, (1) because it “doesn’t count”, and (2) because in our first game against Carson Newman, our 3 point shooters didn’t shoot well, one of our posts had a hard time making layups, and our defense needs work.

Which brings up the question for me, do the people we practice against really try to stop us from scoring, or are they just bodies on the floor?

Cont.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

We are now going to be playing 3 games in 5 days. That’s USA, FAMU, then At FL ST. Luckily we’re young and don’t get tired.

So, if everything works out well for us, by that I mean we play well, win both games after this, and of course, have no injuries, and are not worn out from playing women who play rough in the WNBA, then great.

The positives playing this game are: hopefully good national exposure, playing against tough competition, getting lots of good autographs, maybe becoming buddies later in the WNBA, and hopefully good memories.

GO LADY VOLS!!!