Non-Lady Vol Basketball News 2024-25

[VolBall09]

I don't know what happened to Chong after year 1 in the WNBA, but she was good enough to beat out the team captain/starting PG for a roster spot on the Wings (forgot her name...the blonde Aussie). I don't know if she got injured or got drafted over, but she had her moments in her first year.

I don't know if KML would have gotten fast enough and good enough on defense even if she lost weight. In the WNBA, she was a one-trick pony. Camp out on the 3-point line and fire away. Except she barely makes any of them. It amazes me that she's still in the league. It amazes me even more that a professional basketball player can continue to show up year after year to training camp being basically obese without having the coach read her the riot act. Shoni Schimmel did that a couple of years in a row and finally got cut, even though she was a really talented player.

Yes. Shoni was one of my favs. Much more talented than KML but she couldn’t ever stay fit. Was so fun when Shoni played in that all-star game. A true baller’s heart haha.

The UCONN name does carry you a long way in the WNBA as mlindsay was saying.

 

[mlindsay]

I think it's a bit much to say that Evina was nothing more than a petty scholarship offer. She was the #2 rated player in her class, she was coming off a solid sophomore year, and she's had a good season so far. UConn doesn't win the game against Tennessee without her timely scoring and court management. SC is just a really bad matchup for playing Evina at the 4, but she can get away with it (and do pretty well) against most other teams.

I do agree that with Muhl starting to show up as more of a natural PG/better defender, Fudd and a slew of wings coming in next year, and enough post options to play a true 4 /5 combination (I can't imagine Edwards/ONO not being the starting frontcourt next year)...the writing is on the wall for Evina if she wants to continue to play meaningful minutes. For that matter, the same is also true for Christyn Williams.

My prediction is that Evina grad transfers and Christyn foolishly stays and sees her minutes cut in half. If Fudd is projected as even better than Paige, I can't see a scenario where Fudd is playing 30 min/game by the start of conference play. Muhl/Bueckers/Fudd is the UConn backcourt of the future.

I think Evina should grad transfer as well but I think the chance of winning it all there and having something to poke at our fanbase (I got a ring before y'all) would be too much for her and her family to pass up (I hope I am wrong)

I also think Williams should see the writings on the wall, I don't know if the NCAA would make players sit out a year or if they will get a pass next year( like many did this year) but I seriously think she should transfer home (she might be able to play immediately anyway since she is going to her home state) and Play at Arkansas. With them losing Dungee, Slocum and Ramirez, they could use her.

I also think ONO should seriously consider returning home (Georgia Tech), unless she improves, I could see her being on the bench a lot next season, even if she is a freshman. Edwards has shown that she can do what he needs her to do at the 4/5 spot and Griffin (if she stays out of foul trouble) can see a lot of time at that 4 spot, her minutes may seriously decline in her final year unless she has a come to the light moment.

 

[VolBall09]

I think Evina should grad transfer as well but I think the chance of winning it all there and having something to poke at our fanbase (I got a ring before y'all) would be too much for her and her family to pass up (I hope I am wrong)

I also think Williams should see the writings on the wall, I don't know if the NCAA would make players sit out a year or if they will get a pass next year( like many did this year) but I seriously think she should transfer home (she might be able to play immediately anyway since she is going to her home state) and Play at Arkansas. With them losing Dungee, Slocum and Ramirez, they could use her.

I also think ONO should seriously consider returning home (Georgia Tech), unless she improves, I could see her being on the bench a lot next season, even if she is a freshman. Edwards has shown that she can do what he needs her to do at the 4/5 spot and Griffin (if she stays out of foul trouble) can see a lot of time at that 4 spot, her minutes may seriously decline in her final year unless she has a come to the light moment.

If Williams has any desire to play at the next level I agree that a transfer to Arkansas would be very good for her. Neighbors will make you a scorer. And her minutes are about to dip unless she steps up huge next year. Dungee was tough before but now she’s confident and makes the game look easy. He did the same thing with Kelsey Plum. She just made it look so easy.

Williams could move right in there and would fit his system well. She’s also got the potential to be a good rebounder and defender for them.

Also a great thought on ONO. Could definitely see her playing somewhere like Ga Tech. She looks a little haggard to me. Doesn’t seem to be having much fun and she’s constantly in Geno’s dog house it seems.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

I don't know if KML would have gotten fast enough and good enough on defense even if she lost weight. In the WNBA, she was a one-trick pony. Camp out on the 3-point line and fire away. Except she barely makes any of them. It amazes me that she's still in the league. It amazes me even more that a professional basketball player can continue to show up year after year to training camp being basically obese without having the coach read her the riot act. Shoni Schimmel did that a couple of years in a row and finally got cut, even though she was a really talented player.

whats even more baffling on how KML is still in the WNBA is the fact the Connecticut Sun cut Juicy Landrum in favor of KML????

 

[VolBall09]

what even more baffling on how KML is still in the WNBA is the fact the Connecticut Sun cut Juicy Landrum in favor of KML????

Tickets $$$. Sun have always favored UCONN players in roster decisions because they attract fans.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

View attachment 349702I’m screaming at these banner pictures on Twitter! .

Honestly though, South Carolina should have won this game handily, that’s what they get for calling us “Turnover Tennessee”..... Henderson KILLED them tonight with her turnovers!

Missing point blank shots.....we should understand some of their pain in this loss, they had an off night and still managed to stay in the game. Had Rennia had her usual night, we could’ve pulled out the win against them as well.

Side note : I hate to say it but I’m sold on Bueckers.

I did not want to believe that Bueckers deserved all the hype despite thinking she was an awesome player, but she absolutely does deserve it.

Geno has great talent and he has a transcendent player and he's an all time great coach. They are going to be a tough out. South Carolina could easily have won, but didn't.

South Carolina could win the next game or lose the next one the same way or could get run off the floor.

Maybe this UCONN team is going to hit a stride and run off four titles or maybe they'll just have more games like this and be vulnerable to an early upset. It's hard to say.

Just as South Carolina might well lose two conference game, lose in the SEC Tournament, and not make the Final Four. Or perhaps it's going to run the table and be there at the end. I don't know. It's interesting.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

doesnt Azzi Fudd have a knee problem....those thing dont get better just ask Evina

 

[mlindsay]

If Williams has any desire to play at the next level I agree that a transfer to Arkansas would be very good for her. Neighbors will make you a scorer. And her minutes are about to dip unless she steps up huge next year. Dungee was tough before but now she’s confident and makes the game look easy. He did the same thing with Kelsey Plum. She just made it look so easy.

Williams could move right in there and would fit his system well. She’s also got the potential to be a good rebounder and defender for them.

Also a great thought on ONO. Could definitely see her playing somewhere like Ga Tech. She looks a little haggard to me. Doesn’t seem to be having much fun and she’s constantly in Geno’s dog house it seems.

Yes, the dog house for his post players seem to be one that's hard to get out of, his system demands so much from them. Remember all of his Post players have been in the dog house at some point (Charles, Dolson, Stokes, Stevens and even Lobo talked about times that she was in his dog house) I truly think ONO's draft stock is dropping and it wont increase much with a player like Fudd coming in because that will mean fewer touches for her (ONO). It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in the off-season. I have a feeling that there will be a lot of movement this off-season

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I've reconsidered my previous assessment of Paige's performance against Tennessee. She missed shots that she was making last night with Beal all over her, so I would say it was a combination of nerves and a poor shooting night in Knoxville. I don't think she would have a similarly bad shooting game if they played again.

The SC turnovers and point blank layups were just part of the off night that they had. It was across the board. Even Aliyah wasn't as good as she normally is. They (especially the starting guards) were pretty awful last night.

I think it is also fair to say that UCONN played really well defensively and had a hand in creating turnover opportunities and missed bunnies. There is definitely a difference in a missing a breakaway lay up and missing a point blank shot in traffic or in a sea of bodies at the end of a game where 4 starters played 30+ minutes.

The only player on the floor who didn't show a lot of strain was Bueckers who played all 45 minutes and was the entire UCONN offense down the stretch.

 

[mlindsay]

I did not want to believe that Bueckers deserved all the hype despite thinking she was an awesome player, but she absolutely does deserve it.

Geno has great talent and he has a transcendent player and he's an all time great coach. They are going to be a tough out. South Carolina could easily have won, but didn't.

South Carolina could win the next game or lose the next one the same way or could get run off the floor.

Maybe this UCONN team is going to hit a stride and run off four titles or maybe they'll just have more games like this and be vulnerable to an early upset. It's hard to say.

Just as South Carolina might well lose two conference game, lose in the SEC Tournament, and not make the Final Four. Or perhaps it's going to run the table and be there at the end. I don't know. It's interesting.

She deserves the Hype but unfortunately will get a lot more hate because ESPN seems to make sure they shove UConn and their programs down our throat.

There are other players that are lighting it up that are not mentioned by ESPN and it turns a lot of people off.

 

[Bballnut1952]

I think Evina should grad transfer as well but I think the chance of winning it all there and having something to poke at our fanbase (I got a ring before y'all) would be too much for her and her family to pass up (I hope I am wrong)

I also think Williams should see the writings on the wall, I don't know if the NCAA would make players sit out a year or if they will get a pass next year( like many did this year) but I seriously think she should transfer home (she might be able to play immediately anyway since she is going to her home state) and Play at Arkansas. With them losing Dungee, Slocum and Ramirez, they could use her.

I also think ONO should seriously consider returning home (Georgia Tech), unless she improves, I could see her being on the bench a lot next season, even if she is a freshman. Edwards has shown that she can do what he needs her to do at the 4/5 spot and Griffin (if she stays out of foul trouble) can see a lot of time at that 4 spot, her minutes may seriously decline in her final year unless she has a come to the light moment.

It looks to me that WIlliams loves UConn. She gets plenty of minutes (35 in this game) and while she has had good and bad games, she is only a couple of games removed from a 29 point game. Ono, the same thing. She has had plenty of good game. And plays plenty of minutes.

Both will be seniors next season and will be on the favored team for the championship. They will be back.

 

[Bballnut1952]

If Williams has any desire to play at the next level I agree that a transfer to Arkansas would be very good for her. Neighbors will make you a scorer. And her minutes are about to dip unless she steps up huge next year. Dungee was tough before but now she’s confident and makes the game look easy. He did the same thing with Kelsey Plum. She just made it look so easy.

Williams could move right in there and would fit his system well. She’s also got the potential to be a good rebounder and defender for them.

Also a great thought on ONO. Could definitely see her playing somewhere like Ga Tech. She looks a little haggard to me. Doesn’t seem to be having much fun and she’s constantly in Geno’s dog house it seems.

She is not in Geno's dog house and is very happy to be there. Both are not going anywhere. They are already playing for the current best team, best program and best coaching staff.

Love em or hate em, those are the facts.

 

[SCspur]

Actually 9 games and after a long layoff they came back and won against Nebraska the other day. Their only issue is getting enough games in to make the tournament.

And Guirantes had a tough night shooting but still managed 17 points.

No, she didn't waste her time coming back. I'm not even sure what you mean by that. And the WNBA draft? She is still the same player that is 7,5,4, and 3 in the mock drafts I looked at. Dumb comment.

" I'm not making excuses, but it's a lot different playing with the Wilson ball than the Nike ball"

Now THAT is funny.

Yeah, worry about your own team. Tennessee will kick their ass.

Lmaooo you’re definitely bothered by what I said yes she wasted her time for sure and you know that as well. She said she wanted a Big 10 championship and to be POY lol good luck with that she should’ve just started her pro career last year cause ain’t no way in hell she accomplishing that and she know it.

 

[djtee]

I've reconsidered my previous assessment of Paige's performance against Tennessee. She missed shots that she was making last night with Beal all over her, so I would say it was a combination of nerves and a poor shooting night in Knoxville. I don't think she would have a similarly bad shooting game if they played again.

The SC turnovers and point blank layups were just part of the off night that they had. It was across the board. Even Aliyah wasn't as good as she normally is. They (especially the starting guards) were pretty awful last night.

The dagger for SC missed putback attempts ! how many ? to many.

 

[Mr. Doo Wop]

She deserves the Hype but unfortunately will get a lot more hate because ESPN seems to make sure they shove UConn and their programs down our throat.

There are other players that are lighting it up that are not mentioned by ESPN and it turns a lot of people off.

ESPN did the same thing with Ogunbowale of ND. UConn fans feel ESPN is biased against them.

 

[Volfan2012]

The NCAA tournament is wide open for several teams to take home the title. UConn needed a huge game out of Bueckers to win last night. If she misses any of those shots she made they lose. The home court still has an influence as well because Arkansas doesn't beat UConn on their home floor. UConn probably does not beat SC on their home floor. UConn needed three huge threes in the fourth quarter to beat Tennessee. I wouldn't go anointing any team as the best right now there are several equal teams out there and any of them can beat the other on a given night.

 

[Bballnut1952]

Lmaooo you’re definitely bothered by what I said yes she wasted her time for sure and you know that as well. She said she wanted a Big 10 championship and to be POY lol good luck with that she should’ve just started her pro career last year cause ain’t no way in hell she accomplishing that and she know it.

Not bothered at all.

I'm glad you can speak for all the players..lol.

I guess the banner pic I posted bothered you since you had to attack Rutgers and their star player.

Too funny.

 

[Bballnut1952]

 

[mlindsay]

The dagger for SC missed putback attempts ! how many ? to many.

Yes the rebound Saxton got that she came down (she didn't bring the ball down but just came out the air) she should've tipped it back in imo, her coming down, got Boston out of position which made Boston's put back even more difficult because now she was being boxed out when she wasn't at first

 

[Willtalk]

Williams was never the player that she was made out to be. She is an opportunist who takes advantage of what the defense gives her. She is somewhat of a streak shooter and that is where her inconsistencies lie. She does get to play in a relatively weak conference so she can use her physical superiority to her opposition to her advantage. But against really good teams with better players, she disappears.

She is one of those players who hit close to her ceiling coming out of high school. She wasn't going to get much better. Although she did spend the off season working on her physical body in an attempt to do so. Her problem is that she is not really a consistently good shooter and her foot speed is not that good. Realistically she has little chance of playing in the WNBA. She has ridden her number one recruiting rating in high school and her good showing in the Mc Donalds AA game hypes to inflated expectations in college. She should never have mand the many lists she finds herself on.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

She deserves the Hype but unfortunately will get a lot more hate because ESPN seems to make sure they shove UConn and their programs down our throat.

There are other players that are lighting it up that are not mentioned by ESPN and it turns a lot of people off.

I totally get it. It's why I didn't want to give her all the hype. But after watching her play with Team USA and 4-5 games this year, honestly, it's a shock when she doesn't make the right decision.

I didn't want to believe the scoring would scale up because that wasn't her role on Team USA. But either she was under utilized or she really grew in the interim two years. It's absolutely in her wheelhouse. That's what I had doubts about. But not any longer.

I'm curious to see if Fudd is still the better of the two. It will be a little different than the last time they played together.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

we dropped to a 5th seed without playing last week
Women's Bracketology: Brackets in all shapes and sizes

 

[Volfan2012]

Bueckers is the first number one player that seems to be working out for Hoopgurlz in their rankings in a while. Walker was never number one. Williams was never number one, Russell of Tennessee was never number one. Ododa has never deserved the ranking they gave her. Westbrooks number two in that class really? Some of their rankings have been just way wrong. With Bueckers I think they got one right. I'm looking at all the 2021 players and is Fudd really better than Rivers? I don't see it on video. She certainly does not look like the second coming of Bueckers to me. She may be as great a shooter but she is never going to be the rebounder or have the all around game not enough size and length. What you also have to like about Bueckers is the motor she has for forty minutes haven't seen one that works that hard without the ball all year.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

It looks to me that WIlliams loves UConn. She gets plenty of minutes (35 in this game) and while she has had good and bad games, she is only a couple of games removed from a 29 point game. Ono, the same thing. She has had plenty of good game. And plays plenty of minutes.

Both will be seniors next season and will be on the favored team for the championship. They will be back.

I think ONO and Williams are complementary players at the highest level but they're very talented so they are going to have to some big moments in important games somewhere along the line.

What is scary for the rest of us is that they might well be replaced by better offensive players down the line.

South Carolina should get better with the incoming class. It's going to need to get better to keep up.

 

[djtee]

Yes the rebound Saxton got that she came down (she didn't bring the ball down but just came out the air) she should've tipped it back in imo, her coming down, got Boston out of position which made Boston's put back even more difficult because now she was being boxed out when she wasn't at first

I will also say this not being to critical but just putting out the facts. 6-1 Brea Beal to me and i know Dawn has challenged her to shoot the ball more and i agree she should shoot the ball more. But at some point she needs to start knocking down shots, To me she looked slow last night maybe it`s just me but i really think she looked slow on defense. But in all she needs to pick up her game on the offense end.