Non-Lady Vol Basketball News 2023-24

[Coach Jumper]

It was a tongue in cheek comment. Neither Salary or Darby do anything for me.

Salary will surprise volnation

 

[Darth_Vol]

I have followed Goldwire for a while and she plays recruiting very close to the vest. I remember her landing some great under the radar talent at Iowa that really helped them. Same thing at Arkansas she found a few players for them that were under the radar that turned out to be really nice players.

That's great, but that type of recruiting isn't going to fly here. Time for this staff to land a big fish...

 

[LVsinceJV]

Deep WNBA draft, surprised by how low the UConn guards were (Dangerfield mid second round pick), but maybe shouldn't have been considering the depth. I wonder if the league will even get to play this year.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Deep WNBA draft, surprised by how low the UConn guards were (Dangerfield mid second round pick), but maybe shouldn't have been considering the depth. I wonder if the league will even get to play this year.

I thought the same thing,,,I saw her going in the top ten
Another surprise, t'ea Cooper, 2nd round to Phoenix

 

[Coach Jumper]

That's great, but that type of recruiting isn't going to fly here. Time for this staff to land a big fish...

We agree on this (it may be the only thing you and I ever agree on)
We need a speed guard/PG

 

[VolBalls33]

The SEC only had 3 drafted in the WNBA, is that an all time low? And only from 2 teams. Ouch. Oregon and Baylor both had 3 each drafted.

 

[VolBall09]

The SEC only had 3 drafted in the WNBA, is that an all time low? And only from 2 teams. Ouch. Oregon and Baylor both had 3 each drafted.

Pretty young league this season and a weak senior class overall. Juniors and Freshman dominated the majority of the statistics in the league last season. It’s going to be very competitive next season.

 

[sisaq]

Was shocked that Dangerfield did not go first round draft after spending 4yrs in college.

 

[ocoandasoc]

Going from one losing program to another She'll probably have a different head coach at Missouri in 2021-2022

No way they let Pingeton go. Players and fans in Missouri love her.

 

[Amb3096]

Was shocked that Dangerfield did not go first round draft after spending 4yrs in college.

She's had a nice college career, but she's a 5'5 PG that can't play defense outside the AAC. Defenses would just pick and roll her to death for an automatic 2+ points...just like Oregon, Baylor, and SC did to this season. I doubt she makes a roster.

 

[LVsinceJV]

Do you all think Ionescu will be a truly generational player? Will she turn the Liberty around? I've actually got my eyes on Sabally as a great stand out from that class, but something tells me we'll see a few of this year's 2nd round picks shine in a few years as solid role players. Carter to Atlanta is a perfect fit for her, and Indiana will really benefit from having Cox.

 

[Amb3096]

Deep WNBA draft, surprised by how low the UConn guards were (Dangerfield mid second round pick), but maybe shouldn't have been considering the depth. I wonder if the league will even get to play this year.

I thought the opposite. I don't see many of these players staying in the league more than a year...if they even make a roster. I'd place my bet on Harris having a decent WNBA career of those players drafted outside the top 4. These 5 are a solid bunch. Beyond them...I don't know. The WNBA is probably the toughest league to claim a roster spot because of small number of teams and short rosters. Their training camp is basically The Hunger Games. On the plus side, the players should be thankful that next year's draft is even worse, so not much to worry about there.

 

[Bballnut1952]

She's had a nice college career, but she's a 5'5 PG that can't play defense outside the AAC. Defenses would just pick and roll her to death for an automatic 2+ points...just like Oregon, Baylor, and SC did to this season. I doubt she makes a roster.

So both UConn players won’t make their drafting teams rosters?

 

[Amb3096]

Do you all think Ionescu will be a truly generational player? Will she turn the Liberty around? I've actually got my eyes on Sabally as a great stand out from that class, but something tells me we'll see a few of this year's 2nd round picks shine in a few years as solid role players. Carter to Atlanta is a perfect fit for her, and Indiana will really benefit from having Cox.

I think Sabrina is a fantastic player and will be an upgrade at PG for NY. But they need to get rid of Katie Smith first. The WNBA coaching talent outside of 5-6 coached is pretty mediocre. Top 4, plus Ty Harris I think will have good careers. Not impressed by anyone else in the first round. Maybe Herbert-Herrigan proves her early pick. She's talented, but could be a head case.

In 2nd round, Mompremier might be good, but I haven't seen her play since she was a freshman. Joyner Holmes is talented, but probably too far and out of shape to seriously challenge for a roster spot. Don't think anyone else is good enough to beat out league and international veterans for a spot. I have two sleepers in the third found in Pivec and Gillespie, but it will be an uphill battle for both of them, and the odds really aren't in their favor.

This all assumes that the WNBA happens this year, which I doubt...

 

[LVsinceJV]

I thought the opposite. I don't see many of these players staying in the league more than a year...if they even make a roster. I'd place my bet on Harris having a decent WNBA career of those players drafted outside the top 4. These 5 are a solid bunch. Beyond them...I don't know. The WNBA is probably the toughest league to claim a roster spot because of small number of teams and short rosters. Their training camp is basically The Hunger Games. On the plus side, the players should be thankful that next year's draft is even worse, so not much to worry about there.

I'd say this year's bunch will have a higher number in the league after three years in than last year's bunch, but maybe that's not saying much. The issue is how few of these players were really tested because of a lack of playoffs. I agree that Harris will have a long career, and I can see Dangerfield as being a solid bench PG like Leilani Mitchell (who at her height is rare) if she lasts. Minnesota loves their UConn players.

Edit: And now that I think about it, D Robinson traded to Phoenix so there is actually a PG slot open for Minnesota. But as a starter? We'll see.

 

[Amb3096]

So both UConn players won’t make their drafting teams rosters?

My money says no. I doubt Walker was who NY wanted, so they drafted who they saw as the best player left. They need a true PF, and that's not Walker. I say she ends up as trade bait.

I already said my piece on Crystal.

 

[LVsinceJV]

I think Sabrina is a fantastic player and will be an upgrade at PG for NY. But they need to get rid of Katie Smith first. The WNBA coaching talent outside of 5-6 coached is pretty mediocre. Top 4, plus Ty Harris I think will have good careers. Not impressed by anyone else in the first round. Maybe Herbert-Herrigan proves her early pick. She's talented, but could be a head case.

In 2nd round, Mompremier might be good, but I haven't seen her play since she was a freshman. Joyner Holmes is talented, but probably too far and out of shape to seriously challenge for a roster spot. Don't think anyone else is good enough to beat out league and international veterans for a spot. I have two sleepers in the third found in Pivec and Gillespie, but it will be an uphill battle for both of them, and the odds really aren't in their favor.

This all assumes that the WNBA happens this year, which I doubt...

NY did drop Katie Smith (For Walt Hopkins). With Tina Charles leaving, that team is such a hot mess right now. I'm really rooting for Sabrina to build them into a contender in a few years.

 

[Amb3096]

Edit: And now that I think about it, D Robinson traded to Phoenix so there is actually a PG slot open for Minnesota. But as a starter? We'll see.

Just looked at the Lynx roster, and they already have Sims, Lexie Brown and Linnae Harper as PGs on the team...plus whoever they sign for a training camp roster. And those 3 on the roster now are all excellent defensive players with good size/height for a PG.

 

[Amb3096]

NY did drop Katie Smith (For Walt Hopkins). With Tina Charles leaving, that team is such a hot mess right now. I'm really rooting for Sabrina to build them into a contender in a few years.

I didn't realize NY finally ditched Katie. Looks like one of Reeve's assistants is taking the job. It's funny how NY is the premier market, but both of their pro basketball teams have been dumpster fires.

 

[lvocd]

Salary will surprise volnation

I’ve been thinking the same thing. Even after only seeing limited footage of her playing, it’s obvious from the way she moves that she’s a natural. I’m assuming she’s working out regularly during the pandemic break, though.

Our entire next season (whenever that is) depends heavily on two things: 1. Adding another point guard and 2. that all our players — returning and newbies — outwork those in the rest of the league during this particularly crucial offseason.

It’s really hard to get some kids to truly understand how important it is to not allow any physical or mental rust to collect on themselves while they’re away from the watchful eyes of the staff. They’re all so spent from a long season of sports and school that it’s really, REALLY tempting to just say, “I need a break from this! I’ll work hard closer to time to show up!” Only the longer they sit around, the harder it becomes to get back into the flow of pushing themselves to improve. Without teammates around, it really is hard to do.

But do that we MUST if we’re going to improve next season. They can’t show up and have the strength and conditioning coach have to start from scratch again. They have GOT to show up having maintained their strength and stamina and then get even STRONGER going into the season. It’s a must.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Sorry guys, I just have to say congratulations to my baby cousin Sug Sutton, who was drafted by the Mystics with the last pick of the night!

That’s my team!!! I really hope she gets to stick around with the Stics’ we are coming off a great season with exciting playoffs with both LV and Connecticut (for me it’s a pleasure to beat anyteam associated with that name)

While she was a pain in the butt playing UT while she was at Texas I have always liked watching her play and can finally root for her!

Congrats!!!

 

[Rixxx]

I think Sabrina is a fantastic player and will be an upgrade at PG for NY. But they need to get rid of Katie Smith first. The WNBA coaching talent outside of 5-6 coached is pretty mediocre. Top 4, plus Ty Harris I think will have good careers. Not impressed by anyone else in the first round. Maybe Herbert-Herrigan proves her early pick. She's talented, but could be a head case.

In 2nd round, Mompremier might be good, but I haven't seen her play since she was a freshman. Joyner Holmes is talented, but probably too far and out of shape to seriously challenge for a roster spot. Don't think anyone else is good enough to beat out league and international veterans for a spot. I have two sleepers in the third found in Pivec and Gillespie, but it will be an uphill battle for both of them, and the odds really aren't in their favor.

This all assumes that the WNBA happens this year, which I doubt...

FYI, Katie Smith is gone. New coach is Walt Hopkins I think who was an assistant at Minn.

Sorry, this info was posted previously.

 

[Tennesseefan2019]

No way they let Pingeton go. Players and fans in Missouri love her.

They wont love her continued losing

 

[NeedOrange]

Yes this is good however I’m meaning these girls aren’t putting any info out that UT is recruiting them. Like the excitement level isn’t there.. they are for other programs tho

It is the same for every school that I read about. Usually this time of year there is a lot of information on visits (official and unofficial). But for some reason it seems like no one is visiting anywhere. I can't figure it out.

 

[NeedOrange]

Deep WNBA draft, surprised by how low the UConn guards were (Dangerfield mid second round pick), but maybe shouldn't have been considering the depth. I wonder if the league will even get to play this year.

The WNBA draft this year was pretty much a need based draft. I think Crystal landed in the best place for her. Counting Sabrina as a point only Ty Harris was drafted ahead of her. But poor Ty is going to a team with Skylar, Bria Hartley and Taurasi as the guards while Crystal is going to a loaded team that needs a point guard. Coach Reeve listed her reason for going after Crystal.
1) Good Defender (Interesting since a lot of people view her as a defensive liability due to her size)
2) Can shoot the 3
3) Can run an offense
4) UConn players are basically plug and play
5) Good intel provided by Naphessa and a good comfort level with Pheesa
6) Good value as a #16 pick