Non-Lady Vol Basketball News 2024-25

[Dak1219]

Mikayla Williams … cold blooded.

Mikayla Williams has just been playing in the shadow of those upperclassmen. She's one of the best out there right now.

 

[ttharp]

I know it's still really early in the season, but I must say ---

It's interesting to me how some of the SEC teams (that a number of posters on here hype up big time) either lost or were on the ropes vs unranked teams tonight. These are the same teams y'all say have size that'll overwhelm TN. LSU had to play small ball to win tonight. Alabama (who's ranked) lost to an unranked Cal team. Kentucky got smacked by a UNC team that's... meh.

Again, it's early and a lot can happen between now and February. I'm sure we'll drop some games, but CKC and this TN squad deserve more credit for beating a really good FL ST team last night. We're gonna be a force.

Rant over.

 

[Rooster1]

Observations on the Duke/SC game:

Chloe Kitts had a career game tonight, she works hard on the boards. Maddy McDaniel continues to grow and take minutes from Raven, that trend will likely continue. Fulwiley is in a sophomore slump/funk, she needs to find the flow of their offense. Tessa Johnson was in the game at the end replacing Bree Hall, that will continue throughout the year, Tessa is the better player. Feagin has not relinquished her starting spot to Watkins yet, she is playing determined.

 

[SGMVols]

I know it's still really early in the season, but I must say ---

It's interesting to me how some of the SEC teams (that a number of posters on here hype up big time) either lost or were on the ropes vs unranked teams tonight. These are the same teams y'all say have size that'll overwhelm TN. LSU had to play small ball to win tonight. Alabama (who's ranked) lost to an unranked Cal team. Kentucky got smacked by an UNC team that's... meh.

Again, it's early and a lot can happen between now and February. I'm sure we'll drop some games, but CKC and this TN squad deserve more credit for beating a really good FL ST team last night. We're gonna be a force.

Rant over.

Yeah, the top of the SEC does not look nearly as intimidating as advertised.

 

[ttharp]

Yeah, the top of the SEC does not look nearly as intimidating as advertised.

Exactly. Dawn and Kim are having to adjust to coaching a team without a dominant big. They've been playing a lot of small ball and trying to speed up the game. CKC is a specialist at this style of play. Just doesn't quite have the team to execute her system for longer stretches. Vic has posts, but the guards for Texas aren't great shooters.

SC might be the only team that has a clear advantage over us because Dawn can do 10 deep and not miss a beat.

 

[th2421]

Observations on the Duke/SC game:

Chloe Kitts had a career game tonight, she works hard on the boards. Maddy McDaniel continues to grow and take minutes from Raven, that trend will likely continue. Fulwiley is in a sophomore slump/funk, she needs to find the flow of their offense. Tessa Johnson was in the game at the end replacing Bree Hall, that will continue throughout the year, Tessa is the better player. Feagin has not relinquished her starting spot to Watkins yet, she is playing determined.

What do you think is going on with Raven and Bree Hall? I thought both would be playing better this year, though I'm not surprised by Tessa after her showing in the NCAA tournament last year.

 

[Rooster1]

What do you think is going on with Raven and Bree Hall? I thought both would be playing better this year, though I'm not surprised by Tessa after her showing in the NCAA tournament last year.

Travis, I think both sense that there are younger players behind them who have passed them in ability. We are witnessing the beginning of a changing of the guard so to speak. Raven still has exceptional ball handling skills so she will always have a role in games/minutes where ball security is paramount, but Maddy McDaniel is pushing for more PT with her play and it’s putting pressure on Raven. Dawn is at the stage where Hall is a ceremonial starter, but at crunch time Tessa gets the minutes because she is a better shooter and ball handler. Joyce Edwards is coming along fast as well.

 

[ttharp]

She ate up LSU's entire frontline. Only 6-2.

If she enters the portal, I hope the staff pursues.

 

[VolBall09]

She ate up LSU's entire frontline. Only 6-2.

If she enters the portal, I hope the staff pursues.

Superb evening for her. Have to keep in mind LSU frontline is pretty awful this season. They are a guard dominant team this year. No post presence without ADR.

 

[Lucy]

Texas folded.
They deserve that same critique energy we give our team and coaches.
Madison Booker ain’t arrived yet. Hold off on the we missed out chats.
Tennessee got some talent just as good and better led by Talaysia Cooper that is elite.
Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles are some dawgs night in and night out on the floor!
Track meet vibes!!
GBO!!

If you don’t think any team in America wouldn’t snap up Booker in a heartbeat, including us, your credibility is taking a big shot!

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

I know it's still really early in the season, but I must say ---

It's interesting to me how some of the SEC teams (that a number of posters on here hype up big time) either lost or were on the ropes vs unranked teams tonight. These are the same teams y'all say have size that'll overwhelm TN. LSU had to play small ball to win tonight. Alabama (who's ranked) lost to an unranked Cal team. Kentucky got smacked by a UNC team that's... meh.

Again, it's early and a lot can happen between now and February. I'm sure we'll drop some games, but CKC and this TN squad deserve more credit for beating a really good FL ST team last night. We're gonna be a force.

Rant over.

This wasn’t no rant, it’s straight facts.

Go back a few pages tonight and you’ll see it up until the very last seconds certain players and teams that are hyped up constantly started folding then it’s utter silence.

Credibility? Lol

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Exactly. Dawn and Kim are having to adjust to coaching a team without a dominant big. They've been playing a lot of small ball and trying to speed up the game. CKC is a specialist at this style of play. Just doesn't quite have the team to execute her system for longer stretches. Vic has posts, but the guards for Texas aren't great shooters.

SC might be the only team that has a clear advantage over us because Dawn can do 10 deep and not miss a beat.

South Carolina has it shortcomings as well. South Carolina 10 deep is balanced but there’s no significant talent gap.
Alyssa Latham, Talaysia Cooper, Ruby Whitehorn, Lazaria Spearman, Kaniya Boyd, Samara Spencer, Jillian Hollingshead, Jewel Spear, and Favor Ayodele can matchup physically at their positions with any player they face on any SEC team.
The first CKC transfer portal class this season Latham, Spearman, Spencer, Whitehorn, and Ayodele came to Tennessee with starter experience from the ACC.
That showed Thursday night as they played Florida State.
Last season, Jewel had a tough game against SC in the first meeting but then scored double figures in the other two games including a 20 piece in the SEC tourney matchup.
Kitts and PaoPao had their share of struggles in those same three games.
So with the additions, and CKC system which players are still learning and adjusting to as I’m saying it’s not really accurate to say that South Carolina has a clear advantage over us.
Tennessee has to be nearly perfect to get any recognition. When the LV lose a game in the regular season watch how it’s perceived as if the season is over.

 

[LadyVol1908]

This wasn’t no rant, it’s straight facts.

Go back a few pages back tonight and you’ll see it up until the very last seconds certain players and teams that are hyped up constantly started folded then it’s utter silence.

Credibility? Lol

Can we get this account banned again please?!? I don’t think I can take the puffing of the chest and condescending post for a whole season! Good God!

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Following the end of the SEC/ACC challenge, we have learned a lot about the teams in two of the best P4 conferences.
This was a great measuring stick for future conference play and future NCAA projections.
My Big Dog Status SEC schools are South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and LSU.
Outside of South Carolina wins over North Carolina State and Duke, the Lady Vols have arguably two of the most impressive wins in the conference with victories over Middle Tennessee State and a surging Florida State team.

 

[Rooster1]

Following the end of the SEC/ACC challenge, we have learned a lot about the teams in two of the best P4 conferences.
This was a great measuring stick for future conference play and future NCAA projections.
My Big Dog Status SEC schools are South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and LSU.
Outside of South Carolina wins over North Carolina State and Duke, the Lady Vols have arguably two of the most impressive wins in the conference with victories over Middle Tennessee State and a surging Florida State team.

I forget, who has MTSU beaten?

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

On to the next.
GBO!

 

[newladyvolfan]

I know it's still really early in the season, but I must say ---

It's interesting to me how some of the SEC teams (that a number of posters on here hype up big time) either lost or were on the ropes vs unranked teams tonight. These are the same teams y'all say have size that'll overwhelm TN. LSU had to play small ball to win tonight. Alabama (who's ranked) lost to an unranked Cal team. Kentucky got smacked by a UNC team that's... meh.

Again, it's early and a lot can happen between now and February. I'm sure we'll drop some games, but CKC and this TN squad deserve more credit for beating a really good FL ST team last night. We're gonna be a force.

Rant over.

Kentucky is good---- and so is Alabama and etc!!!

 

[glv98]

Kentucky is good---- and so is Alabama and etc!!!

That other guy can't even celebrate good news. Yep, our team is doing better than expected and teams bunched in with us have a few chinks in the armor. They all look beatable on a given day. Seems like good news to me. But instead of enjoying that we have to nanny nanny boo boo over who saw it coming.

It wasn't just hyping up around here. It's been every coach and writer with a vote. Those teams were ranked for a reason.

It's going to be a fun, competitive winter.

Also, isn't there a baby arriving soon?

 

[Volfan2012]

Only hope when we play Texas they will shoot the ball like they did against Notre Dame. I could credit the Notre Dame defense somewhat except a lot of those shots didn't need a defender they were not going in anyway. Booker 7 for 21 and every starter shooting below .500 was their downfall in that game. Overall was encouraged that the SEC doesn't seem to be as tough as previously thought. Any of these teams can be beat just have to be willing to play the defense and understand what shot selection means to get it done. SC still looks like the favorite and LSU we know has talent, but are playing beneath their ability right now let us hope that continues when they play us.
We could really challenge for the top three or even the title if coach Kim can by SEC season get their heads straight on what is a good and bad shot. If we had been shooting the ball at even a decent level 47 percent and 35 from the three none of the six games would've been as close as they were and we would've won the Florida State game by double digits rather than a last possession shot. We can score inside, get to the basket, get to the free throw line in all the games we play. We just have to want to do it and not settle for a lot of threes from several players with percentages saying they shouldn't be shooting them.

 

[VolBall09]

Only hope when we play Texas they will shoot the ball like they did against Notre Dame. I could credit the Notre Dame defense somewhat except a lot of those shots didn't need a defender they were not going in anyway. Booker 7 for 21 and every starter shooting below .500 was their downfall in that game. Overall was encouraged that the SEC doesn't seem to be as tough as previously thought. Any of these teams can be beat just have to be willing to play the defense and understand what shot selection means to get it done. SC still looks like the favorite and LSU we know has talent, but are playing beneath their ability right now let us hope that continues when they play us.
We could really challenge for the top three or even the title if coach Kim can by SEC season get their heads straight on what is a good and bad shot. If we had been shooting the ball at even a decent level 47 percent and 35 from the three none of the six games would've been as close as they were and we would've won the Florida State game by double digits rather than a last possession shot. We can score inside, get to the basket, get to the free throw line in all the games we play. We just have to want to do it and not settle for a lot of threes from several players with percentages saying they shouldn't be shooting them.

10-6 in favor of the SEC is about how I thought it would go down. Home court advantages definitely played a role in a lot of the close games like ours.

OU coming back against Louisville at Louisville was a good win for them. They did the opposite and blew a big lead against Duke and lost. I really don’t think OU is as good as people are making them out to be, at least not as far as SEC caliber goes. Louisville is a super young team and just couldn’t hold on. Learning some tough lessons with a lot of freshmen this year.

 

[lvocd]

It's still early in the season for us, and it's still early in the season for everybody else, too. We have to expect that any weaknesses exposed within our SEC sister teams this week will be addressed and corrected as they move forward.

We are all in the same boat at this point. But I suspect if there's going to be a huge separation between the top 4-5 and the rest of the league, then we could start seeing that separation about halfway through the conference schedule.

The cream will rise to the top and, with hard work and a lot of luck, hopefully our Lady Vols will be in the top third when things start really heating up.

 

[Volfan2012]

10-6 in favor of the SEC is about how I thought it would go down. Home court advantages definitely played a role in a lot of the close games like ours.

OU coming back against Louisville at Louisville was a good win for them. They did the opposite and blew a big lead against Duke and lost. I really don’t think OU is as good as people are making them out to be, at least not as far as SEC caliber goes. Louisville is a super young team and just couldn’t hold on. Learning some tough lessons with a lot of freshmen this year.

Going to be as it is every year better win at home cause the road is going to be tough. I think we have a favorable road schedule in the SEC this year. Our home schedule is far more difficult. So if we can win most of the home games I think were good for at least 12 and 4 11 and 5 in the league. I think that gets you top four expect everyone to lose a couple of games even SC.

 

[1reVOLver]

I forget, who has MTSU beaten?

Presque Isle Academy of Coiffure. Waldoboro College of Phrenology?

Should we give KnoxLU a smelt whistle?

 

[VolBall09]

Going to be as it is every year better win at home cause the road is going to be tough. I think we have a favorable road schedule in the SEC this year. Our home schedule is far more difficult. So if we can win most of the home games I think were good for at least 12 and 4 11 and 5 in the league. I think that gets you top four expect everyone to lose a couple of games even SC.

I agree especially with the new teams. People are going to beat up on each other this year. Both LSU and SC have obvious chinks in their armor they didn’t have the last couple years.

I’m not sold on Bama either. I think that’s a chemistry disaster in the making. Green taking a lot of shots for them and Barker and Nye taking a backseat. Not sure that’s going to go well as their schedule gets tougher. Cal has their best team they have had for a while but are a bottom half ACC team imo.

 

[Volfan2012]

It's still early in the season for us, and it's still early in the season for everybody else, too. We have to expect that any weaknesses exposed within our SEC sister teams this week will be addressed and corrected as they move forward.

We are all in the same boat at this point. But I suspect if there's going to be a huge separation between the top 4-5 and the rest of the league, then we could start seeing that separation about halfway through the conference schedule.

The cream will rise to the top and, with hard work and a lot of luck, hopefully our Lady Vols will be in the top third when things start really heating up.

Our biggest problem is taking advantage of the incredible rebounding and turnover differentials we are causing. 85 shots against Florida State to their 69 yet we win by two. Just 45 percent would've been 38 field goals and 35 from the three would've been 11 threes. That is 87 points and even with just the two free throws we score 89. 45 percent shooting as a team is not a lot to ask for think last years team did a little better than 45 their problem was the other team usually got 10 to 12 more shots than they did.
If we lose to Iowa tomorrow it will be because of a low shooting percentage. Poor three point shooting and not getting to the line. We don't have to be great, but we have to be decent and in the last game shooting was poor 40 overall and 27 from the three 29 from the free throw line.