Tennessee Lady Vol News

[chuckiepoo]

Love the jazz background!

 

[ttharp]

This video is a vibe! I'm so ready!

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

so can Jillian,,,but what would either do against a Cardosa or a Griner type of player,,,we must have a Big who can body up against foes like these BC in the SEC there will be foes like this

Gotta believe with thinner but faster posts, wings will double down quickly to stop muscling drives by “biguns” and plan on offsetting that shortcoming by beating them back down court after rebounds and live ball turnovers. The net of that will be fun to watch. Just like the net of giving up easy buckets from overplaying passing lanes and missing and turnovers when you don’t. Plus/minus stats will be key.

I am preparing for the wailing and moaning from the negas featuring only one side of those equations. Getting in lots of EYEROLL practice for especially during the learning curve when we hit quality opponents. Risk/reward will be different ON BOTH ENDS when not only quantity is there, but depth of quality and versatility with a strong bench is available.

 

[Volfan2012]

 

[Mafiaboss]

That actually scares me. I recall some of Holly's teams doing that very thing...taking 3 pt shots and missing when they had 10 seconds or so left on the shot clock. Maybe there will be cheap tickets after all this season.

Their shots weren’t coached. Kim is coaching this style of play including hanging around the basket to get offensive rebounds.

 

[37620VOL]

That actually scares me. I recall some of Holly's teams doing that very thing...taking 3 pt shots and missing when they had 10 seconds or so left on the shot clock. Maybe there will be cheap tickets after all this season.

Holly's teams would pass up open threes. She was in their head questioning every shot they took. Holly was old school like you.

 

[Mafiaboss]

Finally had time to think this through. This is what we’re getting. I bought season tickets for this.

CKC uses a "positionless" offensive system that emphasizes versatility, allowing players to operate in various roles on the court, rather than being confined to traditional positions. Ball movement, spacing, and exploiting mismatches to create open looks, especially in transition. This style of play relies on creativity and adaptability, which makes it difficult for other teams to "figure it out." Players are more or less free to make decisions based on the flow of the game which makes them unpredictable and hard to defend. If I were a player, this style of play would be incredibly attractive.

Based on CKC's last season at Marshall, she's going to succeed at UT. Marshall led the Sun Belt Conference with an average of 85.3 points per game. The team averaged 10.6 made three-pointers per game, which was a major part of their offense. This ability to consistently score from deep kept pressure on their opponents. The team had a 7.9 turnover margin, benefiting from 13.2 steals per game which led to many fast-break points: They averaged 27.8 points off turnovers per game. If the perimeter shots weren't falling, they effectively scored inside the paint. Rebounding was not a major strength, as they were slightly out-rebounded by their opponents. The team was effective at drawing fouls and converting from the free-throw line.

 

[BruisedOrange]

Holly's teams would pass up open threes. She was in their head questioning every shot they took. Holly was old school like you.

If we had figures comparing how many 3s this team has taken so far in practice, to how many 3s Kellie, Holly, or Pat's teams had taken at the same juncture in past seasons...

I think most fans would be shocked -- but much better prepared for what they'll be seeing this season.
---------------
You know... if Tennessee is able to convince the girls basketball world that this concept is capable of winning championships... this iteration of Lady Vol basketball is gonna capture the imaginations (and commitments) of the next generation of young Caitlin Clarks.

 

[glv98]

If we had figures comparing how many 3s this team has taken so far in practice, to how many 3s Kellie, Holly, or Pat's teams had taken at the same juncture in past seasons...

I think most fans would be shocked -- but much better prepared for what they'll be seeing this season.
---------------
You know... if Tennessee is able to convince the girls basketball world that this concept is capable of winning championships... this iteration of Lady Vol basketball is gonna capture the imaginations (and commitments) of the next generation of young Caitlin Clarks.

If they win championships that's all they need to capture imaginations. Proof in the doing.

 

[Lucy]

I wish the LV social media types would expand beyond twitter (X). I deleted my account and can’t watch these videos. I may need to call about that.
I realize this is not from the LVs but there was one just above it from LV account.

 

[therickbol]

That actually scares me. I recall some of Holly's teams doing that very thing...taking 3 pt shots and missing when they had 10 seconds or so left on the shot clock. Maybe there will be cheap tickets after all this season.

Not sure if you are being serious or not?

 

[BruisedOrange]

If they win championships that's all they need to capture imaginations. Proof in the doing.

I think you missed the point. Our style of play, and that they won't be discouraged from taking the first open shot, will capture those players' imaginations.

 

[glv98]

so can Jillian,,,but what would either do against a Cardosa or a Griner type of player,,,we must have a Big who can body up against foes like these BC in the SEC there will be foes like this

SEC not having many of that type of player this season. LSU has one but she is somewhat slow just need to deny her the ball. SC has the freshman so experience will be a problem for her. I think we'll be tested inside vs UConn they have the size this season. Anyway the plan is to disrupt, stifle, get teams in a short time clock so they have to take shots they do not like.

This made me look up the actual size of the top SEC teams we'll be going up against. Of course our objective will be to outrun all the size but good to know in case we ever get slowed down.

You may be mis-underestimating SC's size and experience. They have Tac at 6'5", Walker (Sr) at 6'5" and picked up Dauda (Jr) at 6'4". Then they have a several 6'3" players, including Joyce Edwards. They are tall and stacked in every conceivable way.

Texas has 6'6" Oldacre, 6'4" Taylor Jones, and 6'9" Griner sized Abby Boutilier.

LSU doesn't have a ton of size, but 6'6" Del Rosario is a load and a half. Also 6'5" Jersey Wolfenburger and yeah, I know.

KY has the tall Claras - 6'7" Silvia and 6'5" Strack. Also 6'4" Teoni Key and a random 6'3" player or so. I fear the Claras.

Oklahoma has 6'4" Reagan Beers who should be relatively easy to outrun, and another 6'4" in Keirsten Johnson and a couple of 6'3"s. No scary size.

Alabama has some a banger in 6'4" Essence Cody, and picked up 6'5" Jeanna Cunningham. Also have a couple of other 6'4"s.

Good news is Ole Miss is relatively tiny, only one player over 6'2", J'Dore Young at 6'4". Only team in what I consider the top 7 of the SEC who's smaller than us.

Again, I fully acknowledge the LVs are speed over size and the plan is to outrun all the bigs. I was just curious about actual size in the SEC.

 

[glv98]

I think you missed the point. Our style of play, and that they won't be discouraged from taking the first open shot, will capture those players' imaginations.

Understood. I just still think recruits value substance, championships, over style. Also I wonder if frequent subbing and not playing big consectutive minutes might be a drawback to this style for some recruits. But we'll see, hope you're right.

 

[lvocd]

I'm just anxiously biding my time, waiting to see if our players' leaping abilities will equalize some of the height differences they may face. I'd much rather have more agile 6'3-6'4"players who can get 8 or 7 inches off the floor than 6'7 players who can only manage to get 2 or 3 inches off the floor.

Granted, a super-big (tall) post can be more intimidating to players trying to drive the lane with them standing in wait than an average-height post, but it's certainly possible for a 6'4" big to be an enforcer if she has great timing and body control.

Who do y'all think will be our post players' first major test that could go either way? Post matchups only.

 

[Volfan2012]

This made me look up the actual size of the top SEC teams we'll be going up against. Of course our objective will be to outrun all the size but good to know in case we ever get slowed down.

You may be mis-underestimating SC's size and experience. They have Tac at 6'5", Walker (Sr) at 6'5" and picked up Dauda (Jr) at 6'4". Then they have a several 6'3" players, including Joyce Edwards. They are tall and stacked in every conceivable way.

Texas has 6'6" Oldacre, 6'4" Taylor Jones, and 6'9" Griner sized Abby Boutilier.

LSU doesn't have a ton of size, but 6'6" Del Rosario is a load and a half. Also 6'5" Jersey Wolfenburger and yeah, I know.

KY has the tall Claras - 6'7" Silvia and 6'5" Strack. Also 6'4" Teoni Key and a random 6'3" player or so. I fear the Claras.

Oklahoma has 6'4" Reagan Beers who should be relatively easy to outrun, and another 6'4" in Keirsten Johnson and a couple of 6'3"s. No scary size.

Alabama has some a banger in 6'4" Essence Cody, and picked up 6'5" Jeanna Cunningham. Also have a couple of other 6'4"s.

Good news is Ole Miss is relatively tiny, only one player over 6'2", J'Dore Young at 6'4". Only team in what I consider the top 7 of the SEC who's smaller than us.

Again, I fully acknowledge the LVs are speed over size and the plan is to outrun all the bigs. I was just curious about actual size in the SEC.

None of those even come close to a player like Cardoso as a post up player. Edwards is excellent super player but she is 6'3" why would Hollingshead and Spearman not have the ability to guard any of these players you list? I don't see any of them being able to be super effective as post up players to the ability that Cardoso or Reese had and that is the point. Also which ones will be able to run the floor in a fast paced game. Other than Edwards I don't see anyone to be really afraid of on offense in the style we will play. Beers may score a few points, but she also has to be able to run the floor with Spearman and Hollingshead and that isn't happening.
Oldacre and Jones are hefty and will have a tough time guarding Spearman I like that matchup for Tennessee. Cody is slow running the court as well. So who on that list has as much effective ability to score and run the floor like Cardoso? Not afraid of any of those matchups other than maybe Edwards who is certainly elite and the best player of all those mentioned.

 

[glv98]

None of those even come close to a player like Cardoso as a post up player. Edwards is excellent super player but she is 6'3" why would Hollingshead and Spearman not have the ability to guard any of these players you list? I don't see any of them being able to be super effective as post up players to the ability that Cardoso or Reese had and that is the point. Also which ones will be able to run the floor in a fast paced game. Other than Edwards I don't see anyone to be really afraid of on offense in the style we will play. Beers may score a few points, but she also has to be able to run the floor with Spearman and Hollingshead and that isn't happening.
Oldacre and Jones are hefty and will have a tough time guarding Spearman I like that matchup for Tennessee. Cody is slow running the court as well. So who on that list has as much effective ability to score and run the floor like Cardoso? Not afraid of any of those matchups other than maybe Edwards who is certainly elite and the best player of all those mentioned.

Never said any of them were Cardosa. I said it was information about size in the SEC this year that I was curious about only. But excellent, if none of these players will be a problem for Jill and Spearman and neither of them have foul or injury problems, we should easily push So Car and Texas for the SEC championship. Let's go!

 

[Mafiaboss]

So, our players know what they signed up for. They know coach subs frequently. They know the offensive and defensive assignments. I’m not worried about players’ being unhappy with their roles.

 

[Mafiaboss]

This made me look up the actual size of the top SEC teams we'll be going up against. Of course our objective will be to outrun all the size but good to know in case we ever get slowed down.

You may be mis-underestimating SC's size and experience. They have Tac at 6'5", Walker (Sr) at 6'5" and picked up Dauda (Jr) at 6'4". Then they have a several 6'3" players, including Joyce Edwards. They are tall and stacked in every conceivable way.

Texas has 6'6" Oldacre, 6'4" Taylor Jones, and 6'9" Griner sized Abby Boutilier.

LSU doesn't have a ton of size, but 6'6" Del Rosario is a load and a half. Also 6'5" Jersey Wolfenburger and yeah, I know.

KY has the tall Claras - 6'7" Silvia and 6'5" Strack. Also 6'4" Teoni Key and a random 6'3" player or so. I fear the Claras.

Oklahoma has 6'4" Reagan Beers who should be relatively easy to outrun, and another 6'4" in Keirsten Johnson and a couple of 6'3"s. No scary size.

Alabama has some a banger in 6'4" Essence Cody, and picked up 6'5" Jeanna Cunningham. Also have a couple of other 6'4"s.

Good news is Ole Miss is relatively tiny, only one player over 6'2", J'Dore Young at 6'4". Only team in what I consider the top 7 of the SEC who's smaller than us.

Again, I fully acknowledge the LVs are speed over size and the plan is to outrun all the bigs. I was just curious about actual size in the SEC.

So, much as I like her, Emily Saunders is one of many examples of bigs who aren’t effective based on size.

 

[krichunaka]

Yes I’m aware, I’m not sold on Kenny Brooks. He is a Mike Neighbors in the making. He had one incredible player in Elizabeth Kitley who bought in and elevated everyone around her. Including Kenny.

I don’t actually think he’s a very good coach, doesn’t run a good locker room and always has drama.

Neighbors did the same thing, Kelsey Plum carried his career further than he ever could have and he leveled up based on her accomplishments. Which I don’t think was wrong of him, by all means, get while the getting is good. But he hasn’t done a lick at Arkansas with some really good players.

Amoore will have a rude awakening in the SEC. Talented kid but she isn’t that athletic and she’s small. SEC guards are going to eat her for lunch.

Kentucky concerns me more than many SEC opponents, not named South Carolina or Texas. In fact, the Wildcats and Lady Vols are two of the most-intriguing stories to this approaching season, and long-term.

Kenny Brooks, after beating us (twice, I think), managed his team to the '23 Final Four, and absent Kitley's ACL tear, the Hokies very well might have repeated that feat, last season. Georgia Amoore is interesting. She was rated by some a 2024 first round pick, which was not entirely due to the Kitley effect, and we should anticipate she will have a successful SEC debut, then go high in the 2025 WNBA draft, if that's her goal (no pun intended). She is a very good basketball player - Associated Press (3rd team) All-American - with four ACC seasons of experience. Her health and consistency are the absolute keys to success for the Wildcats. With her, they can be very competitive. Without her, Kentucky is SEC average.

So, Brooks has Amoore, and practically the entirety of his 2025 Virginia Tech recruiting class, to include two players, Clara Silva and Lexi Blue, of whom he out-recruited our most-recent coaching staff to sign, and then he re-recruited both to the Blue Grass State. All this, plus six-five sophomore post, Clara Strack, who also transferred from you-know-where, and who improved considerably last season. Not sure what to expect from his daughter, Gabby Brooks, or Oregon State transfer, Domonika Paurova; but Dazia Lawrence is a quality, 1,170 points graduate-student from Charlotte; and 5'5" junior, Cassidy Rowe is a veteran guard. He signed another grad-student transfer, Jordan Obi from Penn, who has a 13.7 point career scoring average; and, Saniah Tyler (we also recruited her) is also a double-figure scorer. Probably no 2024-25 All-Americans in this group, but several quality players.

And, speaking of intrigue: If Teonni Key can be healthy and productive, suddenly, she, Strack, and Silva, plus Amelia Hassett, make for an above average post game. I'm not predicting, nor do I expect a top-three finish, but there is potential for a good season with some significant early win opportunities: they play Louisville on 16 November, and Arizona State (26th) and Illinois (27th) in Nashville; and then a statement game (one way or other) at North Carolina on 5 December. *I think (which means nuthin) a Carolina loss to the upstart Wildcats could be a crushing blow for Coach Banghart. Anyhow, we should know much more about Kentucky, and Tennessee by the time they match up in Lexington on 27 February.

Coach Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols? We are at a high talent level. Using Kentucky as a comparative, even if we stipulate Georgia Amoore as the best of the group, I really like us in a one-through-twelve match-up. But, in such an ideal scenario I like us in most every game we will play.

So, here we are: I really wanted the last coach to be successful. I literally hadn't watched in nearly a decade until she was hired; she reminded me of someone. And, I would've been fine had she been given another season. And, once she departed, I would've been fine with any number of other hires, and most-especially, the coach at Gonzaga, Lisa Fortier. I Love watching her teams play! Prayers for her, and her team and family. And I was truly, seriously impressed with the young lady in Phoenix, who just happens to be stunning. She is a very promising coaching/teaching talent. The fact that she is a relative unknown, I saw as a good thing. After those two, I only wanted us to NOT hire any of the Big Three, Five, Six, whatever. At any price. I've seen enough of all of them. Though, I do like the Texas coach.

And, I confess to being skeptical upon hearing about that coach at Marshall. Now I'm quite fond of her. No, none of the primary questions are fully resolved - they haven't played, after all. And, I think we can agree that there will be adjustments - "tweaking" was the word of choice for a while. And so, we, to include Danny, Donde, Kim, et al, are still in wait-and-see mode. The questions are legit. The curiosity, high. The concerns, justified. Enthusiasm? For me, I'm leaning "glass-half-full," but understand the half-empty approach. It's that double-edged sword.

Cheers.

VolBall09, This is not to disagree with you. I have no idea how it will play out. And, I know nothing about the social inter-workings from Coach Brooks' last job. But, I find this whole Va Tech-to-Kentucky venture very intriguing. Amoore can get really hot (as against us in NCAA Tournament, '23) or go really cold; but, in most games, she is a huge threat.

 

[Volfan2012]

X

 

[glv98]

So, our players know what they signed up for. They know coach subs frequently. They know the offensive and defensive assignments. I’m not worried about players’ being unhappy with their roles.

I talked about subbing and total mins in relations to elite recruits; why they may be hesitant to sign on to this system. Definitely anyone who signs on knows what to expect. CKC strikes me as very, very honest.

Kentucky concerns me more than many SEC opponents, not named South Carolina or Texas. In fact, the Wildcats and Lady Vols are two of the most-intriguing stories to this approaching season, and long-term.

Kenny Brooks, after beating us (twice, I think), managed his team to the '23 Final Four, and absent Kitley's ACL tear, the Hokies very well might have repeated that feat, last season. Georgia Amoore is interesting. She was rated by some a 2024 first round pick, which was not entirely due to the Kitley effect, and we should anticipate she will have a successful SEC debut, then go high in the 2025 WNBA draft, if that's her goal (no pun intended). She is a very good basketball player - Associated Press (3rd team) All-American - with four ACC seasons of experience. Her health and consistency are the absolute keys to success for the Wildcats. With her, they can be very competitive. Without her, Kentucky is SEC average.

So, Brooks has Amoore, and practically the entirety of his 2025 Virginia Tech recruiting class, to include two players, Clara Silva and Lexi Blue, of whom he out-recruited our most-recent coaching staff to sign, and then he re-recruited both to the Blue Grass State. All this, plus six-five sophomore post, Clara Strack, who also transferred from you-know-where, and who improved considerably last season. Not sure what to expect from his daughter, Gabby Brooks, or Oregon State transfer, Domonika Paurova; but Dazia Lawrence is a quality, 1,170 points graduate-student from Charlotte; and 5'5" junior, Cassidy Rowe is a veteran guard. He signed another grad-student transfer, Jordan Obi from Penn, who has a 13.7 point career scoring average; and, Saniah Tyler (we also recruited her) is also a double-figure scorer. Probably no 2024-25 All-Americans in this group, but several quality players.

And, speaking of intrigue: If Teonni Key can be healthy and productive, suddenly, she, Strack, and Silva, plus Amelia Hassett, make for an above average post game. I'm not predicting, nor do I expect a top-three finish, but there is potential for a good season with some significant early win opportunities: they play Louisville on 16 November, and Arizona State (26th) and Illinois (27th) in Nashville; and then a statement game (one way or other) at North Carolina on 5 December. *I think (which means nuthin) a Carolina loss to the upstart Wildcats could be a crushing blow for Coach Banghart. Anyhow, we should know much more about Kentucky, and Tennessee by the time they match up in Lexington on 27 February.

Coach Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols? We are at a high talent level. Using Kentucky as a comparative, even if we stipulate Georgia Amoore as the best of the group, I really like us in a one-through-twelve match-up. But, in such an ideal scenario I like us in most every game we will play.

So, here we are: I really wanted the last coach to be successful. I literally hadn't watched in nearly a decade until she was hired; she reminded me of someone. And, I would've been fine had she been given another season. And, once she departed, I would've been fine with any number of other hires, and most-especially, the coach at Gonzaga, Lisa Fortier. I Love watching her teams play! Prayers for her, and her team and family. And I was truly, seriously impressed with the young lady in Phoenix, who just happens to be stunning. She is a very promising coaching/teaching talent. The fact that she is a relative unknown, I saw as a good thing. After those two, I only wanted us to NOT hire any of the Big Three, Five, Six, whatever. At any price. I've seen enough of all of them. Though, I do like the Texas coach.

And, I confess to being skeptical upon hearing about that coach at Marshall. Now I'm quite fond of her. No, none of the primary questions are fully resolved - they haven't played, after all. And, I think we can agree that there will be adjustments - "tweaking" was the word of choice for a while. And so, we, to include Danny, Donde, Kim, et al, are still in wait-and-see mode. The questions are legit. The curiosity, high. The concerns, justified. Enthusiasm? For me, I'm leaning "glass-half-full," but understand the half-empty approach. It's that double-edged sword.

Cheers.

VolBall09, This is not to disagree with you. I have no idea how it will play out. And, I know nothing about the social inter-workings from Coach Brooks' last job. But, I find this whole Va Tech-to-Kentucky venture very intriguing. Amoore can get really hot (as against us in NCAA Tournament, '23) or go really cold; but, in most games, she is a huge threat.

Great post, thanks. Agree, when I look thru the list of SEC 'bigs', KY's worry me most. Along w So Car of course, who's loaded.

View attachment 683034This should be interesting.

So interesting! Hooray for an early sneak preview, tho I bet neither team will give away too much info. The return of Karo!

But, are we sure this is the women?

 

[Volfan2012]

What I am thinking right now just from the very little information I have been able to see.

PG Spencer and Cooper
SG Spear and Boyd
C-Hollingshead and Spearman
PF-Latham and Puckett
WF-Whitehorn and T Darby
11th Wynn

That is eleven and yes I know she does not list positions just the 11 I think may be in the lead for a rotation spot.

 

[Volfan2012]

I talked about subbing and total mins in relations to elite recruits; why they may be hesitant to sign on to this system. Definitely anyone who signs on knows what to expect. CKC strikes me as very, very honest.

Great post, thanks. Agree, when I look thru the list of SEC 'bigs', KY's worry me most.

So interesting! Hooray for an early sneak preview, tho I bet neither team will give away too much info. The return of Karo!

But, are we sure this is the women?

Yes it is under Kim Caldwell should've grabbed the entire post.

 

[glv98]

Yes it is under Kim Caldwell should've grabbed the entire post.

Thanks! Outstanding. Can't wait.