Game Thread Lady Vols vs Texas

[dillyo51]

See, I still think we'll be alright cos South Carolina guards are not that much better than ours, now Mississippi State and Texas A&M do, but young post.


Our guards have to get better quick, cos Oregon State game will tell us if we have improved.

I thought the Texas game was to be a measuring stick for Tennessee.

 

[Sandvol]

The thing I don't understand about Holly is she came to Tennessee as a track runner and went out for basketball. She became an All American because of her intensity, hustle and aggressiveness. If you ever got a chance to watch her play she was good. But, she coaches like a wallflower. Doesn't appear to be very demanding. Just don't understand it.

 

[dillyo51]

Texas had four days to prepare for this game, and we had one, and we could have one this game.

Let's go ladies.

So this made all the difference. Unbelievable.

 

[Sandvol]

And, she has three more wallflowers on her staff.

 

[Sandvol]

So this made all the difference. Unbelievable.

Holly approves the schedule but if Holly had two weeks to prepare Texas would still have won.

 

[Sandvol]

Pat used to lose a lot of big games too. She wanted to stress and push her team. But, she won a lot of big games too and so when tournament time came her girls were ready. What we're not seeing from Holly are the big game wins.

 

[dillyo51]

I never said they cared more about it. However, it can certainly be used in negative recruiting, especially given the fanbase's penchant for demanding a coaching change every time a team loses, which can lend an air of instability. The women's program is perfectly stable, but other programs will use whatever fodder they can to try to sway a recruit.

If you believe some recruits don't take notice of how a certain element of the fan base completely disrespects the coach, and in such a vicious manner, then you need to think again. It's very off-putting and utterly uncalled for.

The product put on the floor has a more negative impact on recruiting than what is being said on a message board.

 

[madtownvol]

I saw Holly's after game interview. She was doing a great job of imitating Ray Charles with her head going side to side. These are the jewels she left us in the aftermath of a butt kicking:
1. You have to block out
2. We did not get it done
3. We have got to do it better
4. When you get it inside you have to shoot
5. The players were not on the same page
6. The players took some poor shots
7. They had some good looks but could not make their shots
8. We have got to make our outside shots to open it up for Russell and Graves
9. We got the talent

Not much that we did not know because it is a continue saga. We know the problems and the McDonald All Americans on our team, the question is how do we get issues fixed? Plain and simple most of the issues are coaching issues.

Just about all coaches speak in general platitudes in these post game conferences. Show me one where you have really been enlightened by a coach's post game conference. It is always a variation on we need better effort, execution, with the occasional "I, as coach, take responsibility" which of course does not change anything.

I don't want a coach to get too deep into the details in a public press conference anyway.

The players not being on the same page is an ongoing one for sure. This has been the mantra for the LVs ever since the CP3 era. It is a puzzle.

 

[armchair]

Warlick likes to stand on the sideline and whistle and stomp her feet occasionally. I never see her pull over a player who's come off the court and provide a "teaching, come to Jesus" moment--meaning get in someone's kitchen when they are playing badly.

Our guard situation is truly a mess. First, I think it was a mistake to just give the starting job to Cooper. This is Tennessee, and we've got some veterans: She is talented, but let her earn the position. She has not played well the last three games. We need a reliable point guard, and when playing two guards we need them to shoot better than 20 percent.

We could see yesterday the offensive limitations of Russell and Graves. Russell must still get stronger and she didn't really show anything against an opposing center who was as big as her. I did love the way she hustled--twice--on one play late in the game: She chased after a loose ball near center court and got it, then, after it was deflected again, chased after and got the ball a second time near the baseline. Great effort, there. Graves has never been a real scorer; she works hard and gets baskets off her hard work, but like Russell, when facing a quality opponent with size, she often struggles. Neither of them has scoring moves. This is another reason why we can just throw the ball into them down low against a quality opponent and expect them to score. We need more movement of ball and players to create space and open looks--and then it would help if somebody, anybody, could make shots.

 

[armchair]

Whether you like Holly or don't. Whether you like the roster or don't. If you semi understand basketball you have to be able to see this is a different offensive system than the past three seasons that Holly has been HC. They are not running a transition offense no matter what is said by anybody. People and Holly can say this or that - but what is happening on the court is a HS level twin post half court offense with players whose strength is transition. The players are not in rhythm and are thinking too much. So the shooting % goes down with the confidence level. If she wants fired she is well on her way. DeShields is so talented she can play in any system, but she has to be second guessing transferring to UT at this point.

Holly better abandon this lunacy quickly.

We have an abundance of guards and some pretty good depth. We should be playing up-tempo basketball and trying to wear teams down. Half-court offence was certainly not PS's strength, it is not Warlick's strength, it is not our team's strength--we stand around too much, make bad passes, miss shots. We'd be much better off pushing the pace. We are not a good half-court team.

 

[LVJeff]

...First, I think it was a mistake to just give the starting job to Cooper. This is Tennessee, and we've got some veterans: She is talented, but let her earn the position. She has not played well the last three games. We need a reliable point guard, and when playing two guards we need them to shoot better than 20 percent...

How do you know Cooper didn't "earn" the spot in pre-season practice? Regardless, from my POV, I've had two years to see that neither Carter or Reynolds at point are going to do anything to lead the team to a championship. It took me about 5 minutes of watching Cooper in a game to see that her offensive instincts are light-years ahead of Carter and Reynolds. Carter and Reynolds are role-players, or niche-players. They have certain skills that can help the team, but neither have the dominant personality or skills to lead the team to a championship IMO.

Otherwise, I agree with your assessment of Cooper's play. She has to stop fouling, control her turnovers, and improve her shooting percentage. But I'm prepared to see what she can do. I already know what Carter and Reynolds can do (or cannot do).

 

[Volfan2012]

JMO based on the games thus far I think our five best players are Russell mainly because she is the only center. Graves, Diamond, Cooper, and Carter. Jones is first off the bench to relieve Graves. Then Jackson for Carter or Diamond. Reynolds get about 8 minutes at the point and well that is it until Nared gets back.

 

[LVJeff]

We have an abundance of guards and some pretty good depth. We should be playing up-tempo basketball and trying to wear teams down. Half-court offence was certainly not PS's strength, it is not Warlick's strength, it is not our team's strength--we stand around too much, make bad passes, miss shots. We'd be much better off pushing the pace. We are not a good half-court team.

I agree 100%. I have asked in the past re Carter and Reynolds why they get so much PT. One answer I received is that Holly likes the way Reynolds pushes pace.

As far as I am concerned, excepting the occasional steal and fast break, neither Carter or Reynolds push pace the way it's needed to be a running team.

Actually, the double post offense isn't very conducive to a fast break offense anyway.

It's another example of Holly being stuck in her comfort zone.

 

[Franklin Pierce]

There is absolutely no way a rookie guard named Cooper should be starting. Cooper is like a bull in a china shop. Wild shots, little discipline, and shooting about 34%.

Will someone come forward and proclaim, again, that Cooper is going to be the Freshman Of The Year?

 

[LVJeff]

JMO based on the games thus far I think our five best players are Russell mainly because she is the only center. Graves, Diamond, Cooper, and Carter. Jones is first off the bench to relieve Graves. Then Jackson for Carter or Diamond. Reynolds get about 8 minutes at the point and well that is it until Nared gets back.

I would choose Carter over Reynolds if I had to make a choice but if Nared comes back healthy I don't want to see either one. Darn the injury to both Diamond and Jaime.

 

[Volfan2012]

I would choose Carter over Reynolds if I had to make a choice but if Nared comes back healthy I don't want to see either one. Darn the injury to both Diamond and Jaime.

Jackson came in and made her one and only shot and Holly yanked her out guess she wasn't looking to go inside.

 

[LVJeff]

There is absolutely no way a rookie guard named Cooper should be starting. Cooper is like a bull in a china shop. Wild shots, little discipline, and shooting about 34%.

Will someone come forward and proclaim, again, that Cooper is going to be the Freshman Of The Year?

I never proclaimed that but we will agree to disagree re Cooper starting. Basketball players get better by playing basketball. They don't get better by not playing. I say play her. Let her natural instincts for the game gradually turn her into a good player. If you want to watch Carter and Reynolds jog the ball up the court, stand holding the ball for 3 or 4 seconds on the perimeter while looking at everyone else wondering what to do, and then pass to a wing player 3 or 4 times, and occasionally throw up a shot that hits the backboard but nothing else, then I suggest you watch any number of game replays from last season.

 

[LVJeff]

Jackson came in and made her one and only shot and Holly yanked her out guess she wasn't looking to go inside.

As I see it, there are three related problems, the double-post scheme, Holly's insistence on adhering to it without fail (don't quick-shoot, get the ball inside!), and Holly's refusal (my characterization) to spend quality time in practice on offense to hone the team's ball movement, timing, and shooting.

Holly's stuck in a box of her own making. Right now, Tennessee is sooo predictable on offense it's sad.

 

[djtee]

I never proclaimed that but we will agree to disagree re Cooper starting. Basketball players get better by playing basketball. They don't get better by not playing. I say play her. Let her natural instincts for the game gradually turn her into a good player. If you want to watch Carter and Reynolds jog the ball up the court, stand holding the ball for 3 or 4 seconds on the perimeter while looking at everyone else wondering what to do, and then pass to a wing player 3 or 4 times, and occasionally throw up a shot that hits the backboard but nothing else, then I suggest you watch any number of game replays from last season.

You going after Carter and Reynolds for not being a good point guard and you are right. The only reason why you are correct is because Carter and Reynolds are not point guards they are shooting guards but are forced to play the point because Holly has failed to recruit a top point guard over the last 4 or 5 years. By forcing the them to play the point has hurt there shooting. As for Cooper she is a point guard but her shooting has been awful. Also i think Cooper form is her biggest problem she pushes the ball from the side more like a set shot and she is the only true point on the team.

 

[LVJeff]

You going after Carter and Reynolds for not being a good point guard and you are right. The only reason why you are correct is because Carter and Reynolds are not point guards they are shooting guards but are forced to play the point because Holly has failed to recruit a top point guard over the last 4 or 5 years. By forcing the them to play the point has hurt there shooting. As for Cooper she is a point guard but her shooting has been awful. Also i think Cooper form is her biggest problem she pushes the ball from the side more like a set shot and she is the only true point on the team.

Carter's shooting percentages for her time at UT are .367, .457, .389, and .321 for a career .409%.

Reynolds shooting percentages for her time at UT are .380, .375, and .278 for a career .368%

If 41% and 37% are the team's "shooters", then there is nothing left to be said.

 

[djtee]

Carter's shooting percentages for her time at UT are .367, .457, .389, and .321 for a career .409%.

Reynolds shooting percentages for her time at UT are .380, .375, and .278 for a career .368%

If 41% and 37% are the team's "shooters", then there is nothing left to be said.

Keep a eye on Cooper shooting percentage i hope it get`s better but her shooting form will hurt that.

 

[PineyBluff Vol]

Keep a eye on Cooper shooting percentage i hope it get`s better but her shooting form will hurt that.

Cooper works hard (just look at her workout tapes), she is not ready for prime time with the way this team plays. She needs a little more polish before she needs to start!

 

[Darth_Vol]

Keep a eye on Cooper shooting percentage i hope it get`s better but her shooting form will hurt that.

Massengale didn't develop in her time here. Carter and Reynolds are upperclassmen and look no better now than when they were freshmen. If anything, looking at their numbers you could argue they've regressed. Middleton was largely a nonfactor as a freshman and looks just as lost this season. Cooper is who she is, and there is little evidence she will significantly improve through the season under this coaching staff.

What position did Holly play again....?

 

[clkou]

I just don't get all the negative Carter talk. Her career shooting stats are pretty good. Her stats THIS season early going are not great but next to no one's are either. Comparing her to Te'a, Carter is just about the exact same on shooting %. They both have the same number of assists and Carter has MUCH fewer turnovers (more than half as many). I like the idea of Carter running the point and Te'a coming off the bench to learn slowly. There's a difference between starting and never playing and that's where Te'a she should be - playing but not starting.

Carter plays much better defense. Carter has twice as many rebounds. Carter leads the team in steals.

The only thing Carter doesn't do particularly well is score or look to score and that's not mandatory for a point guard. I'm fine with Diamond, Graves, and Mercedes doing the bulk of the scoring with player like Carter taking care of the ball and playing solid defense.

 

[LVJeff]

I just don't get all the negative Carter talk. Her career shooting stats are pretty good. Her stats THIS season early going are not great but next to no one's are either. Comparing her to Te'a, Carter is just about the exact same on shooting %. They both have the same number of assists and Carter has MUCH fewer turnovers (more than half as many). I like the idea of Carter running the point and Te'a coming off the bench to learn slowly. There's a difference between starting and never playing and that's where Te'a she should be - playing but not starting.

Carter plays much better defense. Carter has twice as many rebounds. Carter leads the team in steals.

The only thing Carter doesn't do particularly well is score or look to score and that's not mandatory for a point guard. I'm fine with Diamond, Graves, and Mercedes doing the bulk of the scoring with player like Carter taking care of the ball and playing solid defense.

Cooper isn't afraid take a chance. Carter is. Cooper isn't afraid to shoot. Carter is (or for whatever reason won't shoot). Cooper can penetrate and dish. Carter can't. Carter has been in the program now in her 4th year and if her assists and shooting percentage are the same as Cooper's, I have no belief they'll ever be better than Cooper's. Carter is a role player. She doesn't have a dominant straw-that-stirs-the-drink personality. I think Cooper does. You are correct about Carter's TO's and defense. She is better at that than Cooper. But Cooper has 3 and half years to improve all that. Carter is as good now as she's ever going to be IMO. Maybe some marginal improvement. If Diamond and Cooper catch fire it won't be a bad thing having Carter on the floor, but the team desperately needs offense and Carter doesn't bring that.