Game Thread: Lady Vols Vs LSU ; Sun Feb 9th ; Away game; 4 PM Eastern: ESPN

[glv98]

As always, short, not particularly sweet, and straight to the point. At least Jewel got one courtesy question.

Basically Coach says they lost bc they didn't rebound and because they "took plays off". She says that after every loss and some wins and I'm curious what she means by that. If she truly thinks there are players not giving full effort that costs us games why the heck are they still playing? Why doesn't that get fixed? A seat on the bench should cure that.

I don't think she actually thinks they're quitting on plays. I think she means they're missing assignments, making bad decisions, etc. I wish she'd say that instead of indicating a character defect.

 

[LV renaissance]

I am relieved that the gauntlet of 4 games against top 5 teams and 2 games against top 25 teams is over. It is weird to feel both disappointment and optimistic at the same time. If you said right when Kim was hired that we would play all of these teams within 7 points and beat UCONN, an argument would have ensued. a On the other hand, it is so hard to watch a careless mistake or two and missed free throws cause us to lose. I am almost enraged that Gilbert has played so brilliantly against UT and horrible in most other games. We really did as good as anyone on LSU's big three this game, but it is hard when she makes it the Big four (delete expletives).
It was questioned that UT might suffer in rematches with teams with good coaching, but I thought it was us who made some great adjustments the 2nd go around. I love how our offense has gotten much more oriented to points in the paint rather than dependent on three-pointers. I heard the announcers say that we were winning in points in the paint, whereas in the first game LSU had a huge margin. I also think we did respectable with improving our rebounding against the best rebounding team. The only area where we were worse than the first game was our turnovers (love Coop but 6 to 7 turnovers in big games is not conducive to winning) and continued poor free throw shooting.
On the whole, we are almost winning against teams and in places (Baton Rouge, Austin) that other teams typically get blown out. I will take that for now but am chomping on the bit for more games like UCONN in the future. As I said, I am optimistic.

 

[glv98]

We've had 14 different starting lineups. What is the first and second team?

Our starters - Coop, Spear, Zee, Ruby, and Sam are increasingly playing "starter mins" and our second unit more trradition bench mins. All the 'starters" played right at or just under 30 mins except Zee who only played 23 bc of foul trouble. Second unit played btw 7 - 16 mins. So for all the revolving door subs, the mins aren't much different than any other team. We just give the 30 min players their rest in many tiny increments rather than longer stretches.

I get that we do that bc we want them to play in very intense shot bursts. But I wonder if a more traditional sub pattern with longer stretches for our best players would make the offense run smoother and less hectic and forced. Also I believe it would help our 3 pt shooting to let shooters get in rhythm.

 

[Majors]

zackly

players have improved and transitioned,,,coaches have to too!
It's not Jenna's job to do that, it is Kims!
That pissed off mom look gets no attention from a ref
View attachment 720856
NOT once the whole game did I see Kim fight for her girls.
We don't need Holly/Kellie 2.0...we need a fighter
she has it in her, I;ve seen it in practice clips

Weird fetish

Ole girl came back after a few days of giving birth. Seems she’s fighting for her girls just fine and the girls are fighting for her.

 

[glv98]

Did anyone listen to LSU's postgame presser? Kaitlyn Gilbert was asked what she attributed her two great games against Tennessee was and her reply was, "They picked up the phone too late in the portal and thats where she gets her fight from when she plays Tennessee" She would have been great in this system, all 5-6 of her.

I heard that and it sure doesn't speak well for her. So you only play well against teams who hurt you wittle feelings? So you could have always played like this instead of going 8-53 from the field btw games with us? Entitled much?

She's young, very unself aware thing to say though.

 

[LV renaissance]

Really? Alot better? Who?

IMO they're exactly the same. Greatest kids in the world, but let's get real. They are who they are regardless of coach. Jewel will have the occassional good game or good half like she always has had, but not consistently. Sara and Tess just are who they are. Anything you get, a timely 3 now and then, is a plus. And Jill makes us happy just by being solid for small stretches.

Love them all, but they're not alot better.

I mostly agree about the returning players. I do think Jewel has gotten a much wider array of skills, which has helped her do better against highly ranked teams than she did last year. I also think Jillian is doing better on defense. I think the players that have dramatically improved from last year are the transfers. It is amazing how much better Spearman is getting for someone who rarely scored double digits for an average Miami team. Spencer is light years over where she was last year in her poise, shot selection, and assist/turnover ratio. And Ruby is beginning to be consistently good to great in way she wasn't at all last year. I know Cooper didn't have much of a chance in her freshman year, but her improvement has been astonishing. Now she has to work on consistency and better court awareness. So, the players who are suited for her system really thrive and the players who were more suited for a traditional style of play have done so-so. Starting next year, we should have almost all players who can thrive in the system. This will be fun to see.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Anybody else find it strange how now that Tennessee has arguably the best High School recruiting class certain posters want you to believe it’s going to take this great adjustment to see them be successful in college.
Yes, they have to work. Yes, they need to develop.
But no the odds aren’t against them contributing Day 1.
The #1/#2 LV class that includes 3 McDonald’s All-Americans Civil, Pauldo, and Prawl all Top 10-15 talents, along with a 6’2 versatile wing/forward in Hurst that can score from all 3 levels and one of the best defensive guards in the country Mya both who are Top 50 recruits.
It’s just ironic how for years these same posters have talked about how the program needs to recruit elite HS talent and now that elite HS talent is heading to Tennessee all of sudden everyone should not expect them to produce next season. Lol Tennessee beating UCONN and Iowa plus this great portal and high school recruiting class in year 1 is just the icing on the cake.
We ain’t done yet.
GBO ‘solid’!

 

[Rooster1]

Anybody else find it strange how now that Tennessee has arguably the best High School recruiting class certain posters want you to believe it’s going to take this great adjustment to see them be successful in colleges
The #1/#2 LV class that includes 3 McDonald’s All-Americans Civil, Pauldo, and Prawl all Top 10-15 talents, along with a 6’2 versatile wing/forward in Hurst that can score in all 3 levels and one of the best defensive guards in the country Mya both who are Top 50 recruits.
It’s just ironic how for years these same posters have talked about how the program needs to recruit elite HS talent and now that elite HS talent is heading to Tennessee all of sudden everyone should not expect them to be produce next season. Lol Tennessee beating UCONN and Iowa plus this great portal and high school recruiting in year 1 is just the icing on the cake.
We ain’t done yet.
GBO ‘solid’!

Knox, the future is very bright, everyone is on board with that who follows the game. CKC is responsible for everything, including the great recruiting.

 

[glv98]

I think the players that have dramatically improved from last year are the transfers.

I agree, the transfers are who've developed and improved. The poster I was answering said the returning players who had played under Kellie had improved alot and I just don't think that's true.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Knox, the future is very bright, everyone is on board with that who follows the game. CKC is responsible for everything, including the great recruiting.

I know Rooster. It’s just ridiculous how there are a few posters that just go out of their way to attempt to discredit the incoming players when for years this board focused on elite HS recruiting and elite HS recruiting only.
The moment it happens under a new head coach and staff that has already improved this program tremendously in year 1 now these same posters have doubts lol.
I agree 100% the future is bright in Tennessee.

 

[Clad in Big Orange]

We are 23 games into the season, how much improvement can one reasonably expect from here to end of season? It's not like we are getting a player back that is injured so we are dealing with the hand we have. Probably just comes down to match ups for the rest of season. Against athletic teams it will be a struggle and 50-50 whether LVs win or lose.

Truth. This team is what they are….very mistake prone. In a system where your focus is on pressuring the other team to make a lot of mistakes, we still make more. Hopefully it’s just a matter of a few more players that fit the system.

 

[Knoxville Nation]

Freshman are freshman no matter what the recruiting services say their ranking is. We watch top 10 ranked freshman sit the bench all the time all over the country. Why would one assume we are going to be dangerous with 1 top ranked recruiting class?

Well said. How are we expecting all these recruits to come next season and have instant success? WBB is the real deal. You are coming from HS to play against grown women!!!! The portal is the glue next season for even more success. No way we can rely on freshmen to come in and all be contributors. This team is gonna need a vet pg who can handle and distribute the ball. At least 2 more versatile athletic players like Latham who can rebound defend and go hard. But hopefully be more offensive minded. There are probably gonna be more spots open because some may be asked to leave because this system needs depth to fully work in SEC play. Also this system is not designed for girls to play over 25min. The wealth has to be spread. At times the subs are too fast imo.

 

[UT Challenger]

View attachment 720864

Spearman got called for a foul earlier in the game for hooking her defender.the very same call. This time it's called a foul on Jewel. Just call the game the same for both teams.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Well said. How are we expecting all these recruits to come next season and have instant success?

Who is we? Nobody is trying to hear this nonsense. Louisville is playing a group of freshmen in WBB. Michigan is playing a group of freshman in WBB. USC is playing a group of freshmen. South Carolina is playing a group of freshmen. Tennessee incoming freshmen have competed with and beaten dozens of current sophomores and freshmen in WBB. Our incoming recruits have won multiple state titles and are going to compete for a HS national title on Top 10 teams this season.
They are winners.
The only freshman on Tennessee team now is contributing this season.
Stopping using we to push a foolish agenda. If any of these players were going to another school those fans would be looking forward to them contributing next season because they have that level of potential.

 

[Knoxville Nation]

D

Who is we? Nobody is trying to hear this nonsense. Louisville is playing a group of freshmen in WBB. Michigan is playing a group of freshman in WBB. USC is playing a group of freshmen. South Carolina is playing a group of freshmen. Tennessee incoming freshmen have competed with and beaten dozens of current sophomores and freshmen in WBB. Our incoming recruits have won multiple state titles and are going to compete for a HS national title on Top 10 teams this season.
They are winners.
The only freshman on Tennessee team now is contributing this season.
Stopping using we to push a foolish agenda. If any of these players were going to another school those fans would be looking forward to them contributing next season because they have that level of potential.

It all means nothing! College is different! E.G. Because your were an honor student in HS doesn't always translate to those same successes in college. It's ok ! But to have an expectation of thinking because a kid is an All american and has HS accolades it doesn't always translate right away! Not being negative at all but truth is truth. BTW we= The LadyVols squad. Do we not all use that phrase for our teams in sports. Duh

 

[LV renaissance]

Well said. How are we expecting all these recruits to come next season and have instant success? WBB is the real deal. You are coming from HS to play against grown women!!!! The portal is the glue next season for even more success. No way we can rely on freshmen to come in and all be contributors. This team is gonna need a vet pg who can handle and distribute the ball. At least 2 more versatile athletic players like Latham who can rebound defend and go hard. But hopefully be more offensive minded. There are probably gonna be more spots open because some may be asked to leave because this system needs depth to fully work in SEC play. Also this system is not designed for girls to play over 25min. The wealth has to be spread. At times the subs are too fast imo.

They will not have to do the heavy lifting with Cooper, Ruby, Spearman, Latham, and Boyd all returning. The first three have all-star potential if they continue to improve at the rate they have. I do think that the Freshmen that are incoming have mostly done quite a bit of all-star ball on top of being on good high school teams. They are so athletic and quick that they won't have as big of an adjustment to the speed of college ball as some do. Nevertheless, I imagine they will look rough at times but also show the improvement during the year that the above-mentioned players have. Even if none start, do you really think the twins, Civil, and Prawl as Freshmen will do worse in CKC's system as Freshman than Puckett, Jillian, and Darby. No disrespect to those players, but they don't fit the system well. I admire that they have stuck it out and do make contributions. I do agree that we do need a couple of experienced transfers to add to the group next year. I can't imagine we won't do well in the portal given all the results that Coach has produced so far.

 

[lvocd]

I agree, the transfers are who've developed and improved. The poster I was answering said the returning players who had played under Kellie had improved alot and I just don't think that's true.

I think Jillian Hollingshead has shown improvement. She's no Daedra Charles, but she has occasionally shown some power moves on offense this season.

And while she has been in a bit of a slump lately, in the first half of the season Tess Darby showed a lot of improvement on defense. Few expected to ever see her ever get up off the end of the bench in Kim's system, but she surprised everyone.

 

[wpcadetdad]

Tennessee kept it closer today than I thought they might after the exhausting physical and mental effort they expended a few days ago.

Until the final 8-10 seconds they never gave up against a lightning quick LSU team that hit timely shots, made most of their free throws, and were their usual highly disruptive selves on defense. They weren't 50-1 at home over the past three seasons, 25-1 this season, just because they're lucky. They are really, really tough.

The Lady Vols got a little sloppy at times, but they seemed kinda tired and I fully expected they would today. I'm not upset about this game. There's still not gonna be a lot of coaches who would be thrilled to see them in their post-season brackets. Our team is still a work in progress, and I'm confident they'll keep getting better and better.

Well said.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Hate LSU all that yapping to the refs the entire game. Hen group.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

What are you even talking about at this point?
Makes absolutely no sense at all.

It all means nothing! College is different! E.G. Because your were an honor student in HS doesn't always translate to those same successes in college. It's ok ! But to have an expectation of thinking because a kid is an All american and has HS accolades it doesn't always translate right away! Not being negative at all but truth is truth. BTW we= The LadyVols squad. Do we not all use that phrase for our teams in sports. Duh

 

[useemeballin]

D

It all means nothing! College is different! E.G. Because your were an honor student in HS doesn't always translate to those same successes in college. It's ok ! But to have an expectation of thinking because a kid is an All american and has HS accolades it doesn't always translate right away! Not being negative at all but truth is truth. BTW we= The LadyVols squad. Do we not all use that phrase for our teams in sports. Duh

Definitely agree

 

[Ladyvols4ever!]

Kaelin Gilbert on why she gets motivated when she plays TN.

"I can say that they picked up the phone too late in the portal," Gilbert said when asked why the matchup with Tennessee is a good one for her. "I was kind of upset about that."

 

[Coach Jumper]

D

It all means nothing! College is different! E.G. Because your were an honor student in HS doesn't always translate to those same successes in college. It's ok ! But to have an expectation of thinking because a kid is an All american and has HS accolades it doesn't always translate right away! Not being negative at all but truth is truth. BTW we= The LadyVols squad. Do we not all use that phrase for our teams in sports. Duh

well put and the reverse is true, in both sport and academics.

In HS if I made an A or a B it was a shock. In college I was dean's list 6 of 8 semesters...
I came to the conclusion that the teaching/teachers was/were different and the testing was different. . . In HS it seemed that they pinpointed one thing and tested on another, in college they tested more on what they pinpointed.

The same is very true in sport...I cannot train a 12-18 year old the way I train a collegiate athlete. And my "expectation level" for them is much higher

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

CKC dominating recruiting like the SB champs Philly!
GBO ‘solid’!

 

[lfvol]

As always, short, not particularly sweet, and straight to the point. At least Jewel got one courtesy question.

Basically Coach says they lost bc they didn't rebound and because they "took plays off". She says that after every loss and some wins and I'm curious what she means by that. If she truly thinks there are players not giving full effort that costs us games why the heck are they still playing? Why doesn't that get fixed? A seat on the bench should cure that.

I don't think she actually thinks they're quitting on plays. I think she means they're missing assignments, making bad decisions, etc. I wish she'd say that instead of indicating a character defect.

She is right. You can see a lack of full effort on plays throughout games. Hurts especially on close outs and box outs. They play harder than prior teams but given short shifts, there is more still there.