I am a nominal LV/women’s basketball fan…

[glv98]

Constant comparison to Pat and the wish for her to be Pat 2.0 was a big part of the downfall of Kellie Harper. She tried like hell to discourage the comparison the full five yrs she was here, having just seen what that did to Holly. A big part of the purpose of the Kim hire was to shake loose from all that. Not from the lady or the history, but definitely time for the program to move on.

Truthfully, after Candace and in the modern era exploding with young talent, even Pat was not Pat anymore, and that was before her illness.

 

[cardvolfan]

From an outsider’s point of view, her impact is already plain to see. The rest of the conference will be working overtime trying to analyze and game plan for this team. I can’t believe any opposing coach feels good about going into a game for the first time against this system, it’s so different to anything else they have prepared for previously. Prior to the start of the season I predicted the LV team would likely lose only 5-6 games this year. I still stand by that thought. They will beat some of the preseason favorites in the SEC this season. I have recently started to think they might jump LSU this year. Top three in the conference is doable for this team. They are also built for a March run with their depth and unique style. Tbh, 5-6 losses might be too pessimistic.

I think they will run into some tough spells and it’s how they respond to that that will be what ultimately defines them. Their schedule takes a dramatic upturn soon and the challenge will be different. FSU and Iowa are solid teams, but nowhere near what’s coming. This team is incredibly fun to watch.

 

[glv98]

I think they will run into some tough spells and it’s how they respond to that that will be what ultimately defines them. Their schedule takes a dramatic upturn soon and the challenge will be different. FSU and Iowa are solid teams, but nowhere near what’s coming. This team is incredibly fun to watch.

Agree, while FSU and Iowa are much better than what they've been playing, their guard play is no where near what's coming up. It's a great start though, esp the ability to respond late in games.

For me it's fun to watch when there aren't so many fouls and turnovers that the whistles botch up any game flow. Also it would be a little more fun for me if we shot a little better. But those defensive reflexes are definitely a revelation. Don't think I've ever seen hands like that.

 

[1morevol]

Agree, while FSU and Iowa are much better than what they've been playing, their guard play is no where near what's coming up. It's a great start though, esp the ability to respond late in games.

For me it's fun to watch when there aren't so many fouls and turnovers that the whistles botch up any game flow. Also it would be a little more fun for me if we shot a little better. But those defensive reflexes are definitely a revelation. Don't think I've ever seen hands like that.

And they seem to be very good at anticipating opponent's passes and getting turnovers that way.

 

[glv98]

And they seem to be very good at anticipating opponent's passes and getting turnovers that way.

Someone is a defensive coach par excellance. The anticipation of passes and for God's sakes the hands for deflection are incredible. Even the previous best LV pressing and overplaying teams in the classic Mique era didn't get this many steals. Reflexes and reactions in that early press are just off the charts.

Of course the competition hasn't been exactly the highest but still I think those skills translate.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Someone is a defensive coach par excellance. The anticipation of passes and for God's sakes the hands for deflection are incredible. Even the previous best LV pressing and overplaying teams in the classic Mique era didn't get this many steals. Reflexes and reactions in that early press are just off the charts.

Of course the competition hasn't been exactly the highest but still I think those skills translate.

competition level didn't seem to matter in the last two games re steals and deflections

Not only hands, but hitting the passing lanes for a steal has increased

 

[1reVOLver]

but how are you diehards feeling about Kim Caldwell so far? Obviously they’re undefeated, but I’m talking about style of play and how coach has performed so far—are you happy with the product? From the outside looking in it seems if she can recruit the LVs will be in the national conversation again very soon.

So far, she is doing very well. We have beat the teams we ought to, as well as one or two that looked as strong as we are—on paper. The team is fun to watch, mostly. When the offense gets out of its own way we can remove that “mostly”.

 

[GameTime]

The face of the enemy....

So much for the face of the enemy...

 

[lvocd]

The face of the enemy....

So much for the face of the enemy...

 

[lvocd]

Someone is a defensive coach par excellance. The anticipation of passes and for God's sakes the hands for deflection are incredible. Even the previous best LV pressing and overplaying teams in the classic Mique era didn't get this many steals. Reflexes and reactions in that early press are just off the charts.

Of course the competition hasn't been exactly the highest but still I think those skills translate.

From personal experience, the ability to take advantage of quick hands to make deflections and steals is way more natural instinct than it is due to teaching. Obviously the staff sets standards and goals and rewards for using those natural gifts, but that particular skill needs to be recognized and successfully recruited more than it needs to be taught.

Caldwell and her staff obviously have a "type." They're seeing and signing skills this program hasn't seen in a long time. And to this extent, maybe never before. The hand quickness that causes turnovers also causes nightmares for the other team, and it's only going to improve over time.

I couldn't be happier with where this team and program is at only 7 games in.

 

[Golfteacher]

but how are you diehards feeling about Kim Caldwell so far? Obviously they’re undefeated, but I’m talking about style of play and how coach has performed so far—are you happy with the product? From the outside looking in it seems if she can recruit the LVs will be in the national conversation again very soon.

She can recruit, which we have needed for awhile. Her style takes some getting used to, but so far it is working. The real key is to see how it works in the SEC. So far so good but only time will tell if it is successful. She does very well mixing in what remained under Kelli and what she brought in from the portal. I believe it will be even better with next year’s recruits and what CKC brings in from the portal. She has us in the top 20 so let’s see where she takes us.

 

[Batman1948]

No we are not curing cancer and we understand the reference. Doesn't make it any less stupid. CKC is in game 8 of her career here, to put that kind of burden on here is ridiculous (even if it is only in that dudes mind)

You shouldn't assume people on here don't have a life. I play a game for a living, my life is pretty sweet and easy.

Are you a video gamer? What kind of gaming system and chair do you have?

 

[Golfprovol]

Are you a video gamer? What kind of gaming system and chair do you have?

I am too old for video games, which is why my screen name isn't after a comic book. I play golf for a living.

 

[Tennman47]

We still need a big player to help inside. Iowa exposed us there. We need to shoot better inside and out. Defense is strong and we pester the fire out of teams for turnovers. I had doubts when hired and looked at her 30 point tournament loss. She has players that can play and take over a game. We have not had that lately. She has more players coming with the upcoming class. Things look promising

 

[njvols]

We still need a big player to help inside. Iowa exposed us there. We need to shoot better inside and out. Defense is strong and we pester the fire out of teams for turnovers. I had doubts when hired and looked at her 30 point tournament loss. She has players that can play and take over a game. We have not had that lately. She has more players coming with the upcoming class. Things look promising

What's crazy is our basketball and football teams this year pretty much hang their hats on defense. Maybe it's something in the water in Knoxville, but I like it, excellent defense travels and keeps you in games when offense isn't completely on track.

 

[tennesseeduke]

Maybe I should restate what I said. KC reminds me of a young PS. There is only 1 GOAT and it’s not GA or TV. They don’t exist without PS. I see a lot of qualities in KC that PS had as a young coach. My hope for LV BB is that KC can be half the coach as PS was because if she is, then Natty's are not to far away!

 

[Sudden Impact]

KC is KC no need for explanation. Yr 1 at this level with a great recruiting class.
She is raising the level of intensity with scheme and approach.
Keep raising the level and it will be something to sit back, watch and enjoy.
It sounds like she is selling with scheme and conditioning.
The Hockey line shifts are a thing of the future in women's basketball.
Just think when this team improves on shoot the 3.
We have some players that are good but are not built for this type of game, time will tell.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Maybe I should restate what I said. KC reminds me of a young PS. There is only 1 GOAT and it’s not GA or TV. They don’t exist without PS. I see a lot of qualities in KC that PS had as a young coach. My hope for LV BB is that KC can be half the coach as PS was because if she is, then Natty's are not to far away!

Much better!