Game Thread: SEC Tournament Second Round. #18/14 Lady Vols (9 seed) vs. Vandy (8 seed). Thurs., March 6, 11 am ET, SECN

[Volfan2012]

I agree about Strick and have said so many times. I'd rather see Sara's mins go to Boyd, Latham, etc.

But CKC is not gong to do that. She's gong to play 10 no matter what, so someone on the deep bench is gong to get Saras mins if she's finally decided to pull back on them. My point was just that It's just strange to make that decision now and not weeks ago if you're going to do it.

It happened because of the Cooper injury in the Georgia game. She took the tenth spot. She came in played ok and so kept a few minutes in games going forward. If Cooper does not get injured she never plays.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Here is what keeps eating at me. We play a fun, exciting and rather chaotic brand of basketball that few have seen on a regular basis. Could it be that as the season progressed, SEC teams, at least to some extent, figured out how to handle our chaos? The number of TOs seemed to lessen which left us having to shoot a higher percentage of our 3s, which we were not able to sustain. A & M did not handle the chaos well and we destroyed them. Those that could handle the chaos late in the season gave us fits. One could argue that's in part why we were able to compete with, and beat UConn. I don't want to take anything away from the win because we played great, but perhaps UConn had not had the opportunity to play us and didn't yet know how to handle the chaos.

I also think we looked tired late in the season which added to the end of the year slide. Whether that was because we were worn out for the season or something else, I do not know.

Kim's comments from her post game presser stated this. I don't think she is using it as an excuse, just stating it.

----------------------
What gives you confidence you can make a run in March?
"Yeah, again, I think we need rest. I think we haven't really handled our load the way we should have in hindsight. I think we're tired and need a rest, get healthy, just get a reset."

 

[glv98]

Here is what keeps eating at me. We play a fun, exciting and rather chaotic brand of basketball that few have seen on a regular basis. Could it be that as the season progressed, SEC teams, at least to some extent, figured out how to handle our chaos?

Coaches who have recently beat us have said this, including Shea Ralph yesterday. Apparently once youve played ths particular version of the pressing system it becomes predictable.

A & M did not handle the chaos well and we destroyed them. Those that could handle the chaos late in the season gave us fits.

What we've learned is this system works like a charm against teams that are outmanned like TAM or completely outclassed like our preseason schedule. Better teams with high level guards not so much. This is not a surprise, many said this would happen from the get go.

One could argue that's in part why we were able to compete with, and beat UConn. I don't want to take anything away from the win because we played great, but perhaps UConn had not had the opportunity to play us and didn't yet know how to handle the chaos.

I'm eternally grateful but still shocked how unprepared Geno and his team looked. Also helped that they had an epic bad shooting night.

That win, plus the great recruiting class, gives CKC an absolute mulligan yr. But the regression is still concerning.

I also think we looked tired late in the season which added to the end of the year slide.

Also something many predicted. To her credit, Kim has said she mismanaged the load of an SEC season and will learn fm it. She also complained at one point about lack of practice time during the season. All this was knowable ahead but you probably have to experience it to fully appreciate how hard it is. I suspect the wear and tear is why more teams don't play this way. Sometimes it feels like playing harder but not smarter.

IMO she'll probably decide that her pressing defense isn't nearly as effective against the teams she faces week in and week out now. The lower division teams she has been going up against prior to coming to UT don't have the guards that this league has. Teams with good guards are getting way too many lay ups on the other end against it. Of course, she's playing now with a lot of players she inherited that probably aren't ideal for what she wants to do. It'll be interesting to see what, if any, changes she makes to her system as she goes forward.

This is so interesting. On one hand Kim has shown willingness to be flexible. OTOH, this is her signature system and I can see her wanting to go all in on it w players she feels are better suited. We'll see what they come up with.

 

[spojo13]

That's dumb a post.

Thank you for such a well thought out rebuttal and exchange of ideas. I’ll contemplate on this post.

 

[spojo13]

Totally they will hit a wall just like the current players have hit one. I think Coach Caldwell is going to have to rethink some things about the press especially in SEC play. It taxes the players even playing just 20 to 25 minutes is a lot of work per possession. Might work for a season if you had 15 elite players playing 14 minutes. What she is trying to accomplish is a shot differential and it works against A&M type teams 80 shots to 49 not against Vandy who had a few more shots than we did mainly because they won the turnover battle and the offensive rebounds were about even. You can win those battles playing a convential style and she may have to realize that when you go up against guards that the press does not affect.

I don't know if there is a conditioning program that can ever gets your legs to a point where you can play full court on 70 possessions an entire season even if your just playing 35 to 40 of them per game.

Agreed. I just saw our older players hitting a wall the last few weeks and even Kim admitted she might need to change the load. I love our class coming in and definitely know they’ll help but it’s a lot to ask of freshmen to play that type of style consistently with only one preseason training under their belt. Just don’t want people to place too high of expectations on them and then inevitably turn around later and talk about how they aren’t giving effort or don’t care when they do hit that wall.

 

[th2421]

IMO she'll probably decide that her pressing defense isn't nearly as effective against the teams she faces week in and week out now. The lower division teams she has been going up against prior to coming to UT don't have the guards that this league has. Teams with good guards are getting way too many lay ups on the other end against it. Of course, she's playing now with a lot of players she inherited that probably aren't ideal for what she wants to do. It'll be interesting to see what, if any, changes she makes to her system as she goes forward.

Just crunched some numbers and looks like we've forced 27 TOs/game against teams outside HHS's top 30 teams, and we only forced 17/game against the top 30 teams. And that latter number is slightly inflated by Iowa's 30 and Oklahoma's 31 turnovers. If her goal is to win the possession battle, that's just not giving us enough against the top teams. Jury is still out if having 10+ players recruited to play in this system will make up for that difference.

In the games we won against the top 30, we averaged 8.7 made 3s, and in the games we lost, we averaged 6.4 made 3s. That's about a 7-point differential, and considering 6 of those 8 losses were by 7 points or less...and, well, there you go.

 

[Volfan2012]

Agreed. I just saw our older players hitting a wall the last few weeks and even Kim admitted she might need to change the load. I love our class coming in and definitely know they’ll help but it’s a lot to ask of freshmen to play that type of style consistently with only one preseason training under their belt. Just don’t want people to place too high of expectations on them and then inevitably turn around later and talk about how they aren’t giving effort or don’t care when they do hit that wall.

I think we'll add a couple of players maybe even three, but they are certainly going to be a part of it. It may be bad for them in this type system only time will tell. I think some of them have what it takes to compete in the SEC right now. We got at least two maybe three with as much talent as Blakes and she handled it really well.

 

[spojo13]

I think we'll add a couple of players maybe even three, but they are certainly going to be a part of it. It may be bad for them in this type system only time will tell. I think some of them have what it takes to compete in the SEC right now. We got at least two maybe three with as much talent as Blakes and she handled it really well.

Yeah. Like I posted before, I think the best path to success is going to be returning players to get better, hit the transfer portal for some pieces, and then let the freshmen grow into this system. I think some of them will definitely help in the SEC, and I hope one of them does turn out to be like Blakes bc that would take us to another level.

 

[Volfan2012]

Yeah. Like I posted before, I think the best path to success is going to be returning players to get better, hit the transfer portal for some pieces, and then let the freshmen grow into this system. I think some of them will definitely help in the SEC, and I hope one of them does turn out to be like Blakes bc that would take us to another level.

Like I've said 100 times I think Mia Pauldo will be the starting point guard from day one. I think she is far better player than Spencer right now. 285 three pointers to date and 2016 total points scored. The plan has always been for her to be the one at point guard starting next season. The rest of the freshman are wait and see I like them all will see how they come along.

 

[spojo13]

Like I've said 100 times I think Mia Pauldo will be the starting point guard from day one. I think she is far better player than Spencer right now. 285 three pointers to date and 2016 total points scored. The plan has always been for her to be the one at point guard starting next season. The rest of the freshman are wait and see I like them all will see how they come along.

I def think Mia is the most likely candidate to start and star right away. Although I do think she’ll split time with Boyd like Spencer does this year.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

I think we'll add a couple of players maybe even three, but they are certainly going to be a part of it. It may be bad for them in this type system only time will tell. I think some of them have what it takes to compete in the SEC right now. We got at least two maybe three with as much talent as Blakes and she handled it really well.

You are making valid points. Four of Tennessee elite incoming freshmen are already as talented as any current SEC freshman guard.
Four of Tennessee elite incoming freshmen are already as athletic as any current SEC freshman guard.
These are facts. As I stated before, Kaniya Boyd is arguably Tennessee most consistent player right now as a true freshman. She is ahead of schedule and is coming off an injury that she had to go through the rehab process under two different coaching staffs.
Nothing beyond things that could possibly be unforeseen and out of the team’s control is going to prevent the freshmen class from playing and contributing a lot early next season. Teams and successful head coaches are doing this across all college sports. This has nothing to do with expectations. It’s the reality of sports. On all levels. Professional sports. Heck, one of the Top 5-10 QBs in the NFL this season was Jayden Daniels from the Washington Commanders. People criticized him for being too skinny to take the physical wear and tear of the NFL and look what he did? Set NFL records as a Rookie.
There’s no need to put a cap on players for futile reasons like being young.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Have a lot of ties there depends on what they want to do. How much money they got for a coach? How much Nil money they got to spend. Going to take money to get to the top more than ever before. If they are looking to win more than they lose she would be a good one. She is good at winning 18 to 20 games anywhere. Your not going to win any titles, but you wouldn't be a bottom feeder.

Agree, except for the part about winning titles, unless you mean because it’s Auburn. Kellie has beaten Coaches who have won titles, often with less talented players. She won many games with her top players out with injury. No gimmicks, and always in top three in SEC, top four the last year. Anyway, she’s an announcer now, which pays well, and probably has a lot less stress, but she loves basketball, so who knows, maybe she’ll Coach again, even if not at Auburn.

 

[RAVOL]

No one on this year's team have ever played this style and effort required. Cooper sat out last year Boyd as well Spearman wasn't even a starter at Miami and Latham was young player and Whitehorn. These are players returning which now understand what to expect and get ready for next year. Now Freshman group which is replacing the seniors moving on will experience it new and will no doubt hits some fatigue late in year but as far as experiencing playing this system no different than seniors but one thing they have in spades over Seniors is Athletic explosion and quickness which is big advantage in Kim's System. Just need to get Zee Help in Post and if right shooting guard is available that as well. Systems our Systems they all have Strengths and Weaknesses to get back to competing for final 4's it's about players first and foremost. In CHRIST Alone

 

[Volfan2012]

Agree, except for the part about winning titles, unless you mean because it’s Auburn. Kellie has beaten Coaches who have won titles, often with less talented players. She won many games with her top players out with injury. No gimmicks, and always in top three in SEC, top four the last year. Anyway, she’s an announcer now, which pays well, and probably has a lot less stress, but she loves basketball, so who knows, maybe she’ll Coach again, even if not at Auburn.

In the SEC probably not going to win any womens basketball titles at Auburn. Anything is possible if you can get the players in there. Bruce Pearl did it.

 

[VolBlocker]

Strickland is not now nor has never been an SEC level player. To play her In a win or go home games doesn't make sense.

Strickland has way more potential than Tess or Puckett! She actually has decent foot speed and quickness so she absolutely can be a decent SEC LEVEL PLAYER with proper development.

 

[volsagain]

No one on this year's team have ever played this style and effort required. Cooper sat out last year Boyd as well Spearman wasn't even a starter at Miami and Latham was young player and Whitehorn. These are players returning which now understand what to expect and get ready for next year. Now Freshman group which is replacing the seniors moving on will experience it new and will no doubt hits some fatigue late in year but as far as experiencing playing this system no different than seniors but one thing they have in spades over Seniors is Athletic explosion and quickness which is big advantage in Kim's System. Just need to get Zee Help in Post and if right shooting guard is available that as well. Systems our Systems they all have Strengths and Weaknesses to get back to competing for final 4's it's about players first and foremost. In CHRIST Alone

Great post would like to add I think CKC has also seen the difference in the SEC compared to other conferences. Maybe when we get a good lead she may back off the press some to conserve energy. But that want always make the players happy because they want more minutes to score more points. It's hard on a coach to make everyone happy. GLV

 

[VolBlocker]

Against high school defense...That means very little when the college level is twice as fast and the players guarding you at the college level are also elite athletes, have high basetball IQ, and understand a scouting report.

What is Mikayla Blakes doing as a freshman in the SEC? What did Malaysia Fulwiley do as a freshman?

Players don't have to shoot 40% from three.

 

[VolBlocker]

T

I agree recently did first half or season. What has happened with her is not a mystery. She can still created consistently one on one no one can do it when doubled and tripled her not recognzing when that is happening has been a huge part of the problem.

She can't create CONSISTENTLY. She's a straight line driver who literally drives her way into double teams.

 

[VolBlocker]

The same game where she committed four turnovers passing the ball. The game where she took four straight shots on possessions without passing the ball in the third quarter. Season turnovers 105 the most on the team more than the point guard. She is still our best player but is going to need to lower this stat costs a lot of possessions everygame.

The ONLY woman on the team who gets DOUBLE TEAMED consistently had four turnovers. One of em was because Kaniya Boyd didn't meet the ball when Coop tried to pass out of a DOUBLE TEAM.

ALL FACTS!

They game plan for HER. Not nobody else! Because opponents know if they can keep her from getting a rhythm...Tennessee has nobody else who scare them.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Totally they will hit a wall just like the current players have hit one. I think Coach Caldwell is going to have to rethink some things about the press especially in SEC play. It taxes the players even playing just 20 to 25 minutes is a lot of work per possession. Might work for a season if you had 15 elite players playing 14 minutes. What she is trying to accomplish is a shot differential and it works against A&M type teams 80 shots to 49 not against Vandy who had a few more shots than we did mainly because they won the turnover battle and the offensive rebounds were about even. You can win those battles playing a convential style and she may have to realize that when you go up against guards that the press does not affect.

I don't know if there is a conditioning program that can ever gets your legs to a point where you can play full court on 70 possessions an entire season even if your just playing 35 to 40 of them per game.

Maybe training in high altitude would help.

 

[Volfan2012]

T

She can't create CONSISTENTLY. She's a straight line driver who literally drives her way into double teams.

She can just look at some of the early games. She also shoots the three at 26 percent. Better shooting percentage than Cooper 46 percent 75 percent from the free throw line. You can't tell me she can't do something that she did for half a season including a lot of mid range jumpers. If your talking about the last couple weeks yes that player has disappeared.

 

[Volfan2012]

Maybe training in high altitude would help.

Not about the lungs sure they are fine the legs get heavy in time if they are overused. Sure all teams are feeling that to some extent this time of the season. Were probably feeling it more cause we defend the entire court and still give up a basket.

 

[Volfan2012]

The ONLY woman on the team who gets DOUBLE TEAMED consistently had four turnovers. One of em was because Kaniya Boyd didn't meet the ball when Coop tried to pass out of a DOUBLE TEAM.

ALL FACTS!

They game plan for HER. Not nobody else! Because opponents know if they can keep her from getting a rhythm...Tennessee has nobody else who scare them.

So that has happened 105 time this season?

 

[VolBlocker]

She can just look at some of the early games. She also shoots the three at 26 percent. Better shooting percentage than Cooper 46 percent 75 percent from the free throw line. You can't tell me she can't do something that she did for half a season including a lot of mid range jumpers. If your talking about the last couple weeks yes that player has disappeared.

Well tell me why she can't now then? Lol

She's not a CREATOR.

That's bout the only thing she can do better than Coop. She's most definitely not the better player though.

 

[VolBlocker]

So that has happened 105 time this season?

Probably because she's the only ball handler who can CREATE consistently so she has to force things plus this is first season learning a new system and the pace.