bballnut90
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Rule: The player had to have been interested in Tennessee.
Here is my 5:
1. Seimone Augustus-She went on to be one of the best ever in the SEC. 3 Final Fours with LSU and she consistently torched Tennessee. Most significantly, I think there is a good chance Tennessee wins 3 or 4 titles with Augustus on board. From 2003-2005, Tennessee lacked a true go to player. Lawson and Jackson were great, but neither was a consistent 16 ppg every night type of player. In 2004 and 2005 it was essentially by committee, and in 2006 Parker was healthy, but having a huge threat like Augustus on the wing puts Tennessee over the top in 2003, 2004 and 2005. 2006 was a really competitive year in women's basketball. I still think Tennessee is a massive title favorite if SWG stayed and Hornbuckle didn't get hurt, but adding Augustus into the mix would have put Tennessee on top.
2. Brittney Griner-I remember reports said it was between Tennessee and Baylor after she verballed. Having Griner would have done wonders for Tennessee during those 4 years. During those 4 seasons, Tennessee lost in the 1st round, Sweet 16 and Elite 8 twice. Tennessee never had a Sims-caliber player to compliment Griner, but had Johnson who would have made a great post compliment to Griner and Stricklen who scores well from the wing. I cannot confidently say Tennessee wins a title with Griner during her 4 years, but I think Tennessee is a Final Four lock at least 2-3 of those years, and most likely hauls in at least one championship.
3. Maya Moore-Watching Moore and Parker play together would have been scintillating. Tennessee's 2008 team would start Anosike/Parker/Moore/Hornbuckle/Bobbitt. More importantly, having Moore would have given Tennessee a go to player from 2009-2011. Moore would not have the same unreal team success she had at UCONN (she'd have more than 4 losses at Tennessee and no back to back undefeated seasons), but she would have kept Tennessee a consistent title threat, and her absence on UCONN means UCONN isn't as dominant during her 4 year run.
4. Alana Beard-She wanted to come to Tennessee but Pat passed on her. Beard went on to be the best player in Duke history and was a three time first team All-American. In 2001, Tennessee was stacked but would have been even more with Beard. In 2002-2004, Tennessee would've had a bonafide star to compete with Connecticut. I think Tennessee loses to the Huskies in 2002, but would beat UCONN in 2003 and 2004.
5. Sylvia Fowles-Tennessee won 2 titles during the Fowles era, but UT was a sure fire bet to win a title in 2005 if Fowles is defending the paint. I will admit, having Fowles inside reduces Anosike's role, but three years of Fowles and Parker would have been truly dominating.
HM-Shea Ralph. she was the ultimate glue player for Connecticut and had unbelievable heart and hustle. She torched Tennessee in the 2000 title game and was an incredibly efficient guard. Add her to 1999 and 2000 and Tennessee has a great shot to win both of those seasons.
Here is my 5:
1. Seimone Augustus-She went on to be one of the best ever in the SEC. 3 Final Fours with LSU and she consistently torched Tennessee. Most significantly, I think there is a good chance Tennessee wins 3 or 4 titles with Augustus on board. From 2003-2005, Tennessee lacked a true go to player. Lawson and Jackson were great, but neither was a consistent 16 ppg every night type of player. In 2004 and 2005 it was essentially by committee, and in 2006 Parker was healthy, but having a huge threat like Augustus on the wing puts Tennessee over the top in 2003, 2004 and 2005. 2006 was a really competitive year in women's basketball. I still think Tennessee is a massive title favorite if SWG stayed and Hornbuckle didn't get hurt, but adding Augustus into the mix would have put Tennessee on top.
2. Brittney Griner-I remember reports said it was between Tennessee and Baylor after she verballed. Having Griner would have done wonders for Tennessee during those 4 years. During those 4 seasons, Tennessee lost in the 1st round, Sweet 16 and Elite 8 twice. Tennessee never had a Sims-caliber player to compliment Griner, but had Johnson who would have made a great post compliment to Griner and Stricklen who scores well from the wing. I cannot confidently say Tennessee wins a title with Griner during her 4 years, but I think Tennessee is a Final Four lock at least 2-3 of those years, and most likely hauls in at least one championship.
3. Maya Moore-Watching Moore and Parker play together would have been scintillating. Tennessee's 2008 team would start Anosike/Parker/Moore/Hornbuckle/Bobbitt. More importantly, having Moore would have given Tennessee a go to player from 2009-2011. Moore would not have the same unreal team success she had at UCONN (she'd have more than 4 losses at Tennessee and no back to back undefeated seasons), but she would have kept Tennessee a consistent title threat, and her absence on UCONN means UCONN isn't as dominant during her 4 year run.
4. Alana Beard-She wanted to come to Tennessee but Pat passed on her. Beard went on to be the best player in Duke history and was a three time first team All-American. In 2001, Tennessee was stacked but would have been even more with Beard. In 2002-2004, Tennessee would've had a bonafide star to compete with Connecticut. I think Tennessee loses to the Huskies in 2002, but would beat UCONN in 2003 and 2004.
5. Sylvia Fowles-Tennessee won 2 titles during the Fowles era, but UT was a sure fire bet to win a title in 2005 if Fowles is defending the paint. I will admit, having Fowles inside reduces Anosike's role, but three years of Fowles and Parker would have been truly dominating.
HM-Shea Ralph. she was the ultimate glue player for Connecticut and had unbelievable heart and hustle. She torched Tennessee in the 2000 title game and was an incredibly efficient guard. Add her to 1999 and 2000 and Tennessee has a great shot to win both of those seasons.
