Evina Westbrook's journey underway

[soxfan23]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

Why do you think this? I understand that most point to the interview that Westbrook gave in which she was asked "if there were steps that need to be taken in the off season" and she answered "Most definitely, I just think off the court stuff, steps need to taken with our staff, and just overall off the court with this team". She then refused to give specific examples. I took this as Westbrook alluding to a problem with the culture and closeness of the team off the court, and that the coaching staff would have to find a way of addressing that issue. Maybe I am in the minority in my thinking, but I was just curious why you think that Westbrook called for the firing of Warlick?

 

[oldude]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

Time will tell whether Evina is a star or not, but let’s be clear. She did not call for Holly’s firing. Following a disappointing loss in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament, following a disappointing season, a disheartened Westbrook was sitting in front of her locker when a reporter stuck a mic in front of her and asked an inappropriate question to a young player who responded out of frustration that steps need to be taken with our staff. When the reporter pressed Evina for clarification, she refused to add more fuel to the fire.

Most LV fans initially praised Evina for having the courage to take a bullet for the team by expressing what everyone in Knoxville already knew, that HW had run the team into the ground. It was only after Evina announced her intention to transfer and ended up at TN’s “hated rival” that many LV fans turned on her.

 

[DeeHusky]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

I didn’t know she didn’t make first or second team either season. I just assumed she made 1st team in my post.

 

[CocoHusky]

Why do you think this?

Time will tell whether Evina is a star or not, but let’s be clear. She did not call for Holly’s firing.

"Before that, Westbrook was asked whether there are offseason steps that need to be taken.
“I just think off-the-court stuff, steps need to be taken with our staff and just overall off the court with this team,” she (Evina) said."
Asked about Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick, Evina Westbrook offers interesting response

As I said at the time well before Evina decided to transfer to UCONN and which I stand by today.
Players should play or transfer if they don't like the current situation. Steps (whatever they are) as it relates to a coaching staff was none of Evina's business or any player for that matter. "No comment" or "I can't speak to that" would have been most appropriate answers to the reporters question. BTW Geno has stated that he has spoken to Evina about those comments.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

"Before that, Westbrook was asked whether there are offseason steps that need to be taken.
“I just think off-the-court stuff, steps need to be taken with our staff and just overall off the court with this team,” she (Evina) said."
Asked about Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick, Evina Westbrook offers interesting response

As I said at the time well before Evina decided to transfer to UCONN and which I stand by today.
Players should play or transfer if they don't like the current situation. Steps (whatever they are) as it relates to a coaching staff was none of Evina's business or any player for that matter. "No comment" or "I can't speak to that" would have been most appropriate answers to the reporters question. BTW Geno has stated that he has spoken to Evina about those comments.

I don't believe for a second that the kid's distraught mumblings in the locker room had anything to do with Holly's dismissal. It was long overdue, but her chum buddy AD protected her until his shirt collar got too tight. Your opinion on this is very old school. Would your opinion be the same in the case of an abusive coaching staff? See, I believe it is very much the players' business about the quality of the coaching staff, because many of them are there looking to get coached up and made ready for a professional career. They weren't recruited to get crummy coaching and an endless parade of assistant coach changes.

 

[MTC]

I tend to like the term "bull-pucky" in this situation.

I would say horse-feathers to be politically correct. But it is just noise right now.

 

[oldude]

"Before that, Westbrook was asked whether there are offseason steps that need to be taken.
“I just think off-the-court stuff, steps need to be taken with our staff and just overall off the court with this team,” she (Evina) said."
Asked about Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick, Evina Westbrook offers interesting response

As I said at the time well before Evina decided to transfer to UCONN and which I stand by today.
Players should play or transfer if they don't like the current situation. Steps (whatever they are) as it relates to a coaching staff was none of Evina's business or any player for that matter. "No comment" or "I can't speak to that" would have been most appropriate answers to the reporters question. BTW Geno has stated that he has spoken to Evina about those comments.

I’m not suggesting that Evina’s comments were appropriate. I’m saying she did not call for Holly to be fired. Young people sometimes make mistakes. One of the greatest benefits that Evina will receive at UConn has nothing to do with basketball. Geno, CD and her teammates will all help her grow as an individual to be a good person, capable of sound judgement and thoughtful responses to dumb questions from reporters.

 

[soxfan23]

"Before that, Westbrook was asked whether there are offseason steps that need to be taken.
“I just think off-the-court stuff, steps need to be taken with our staff and just overall off the court with this team,” she (Evina) said."
Asked about Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick, Evina Westbrook offers interesting response

As I said at the time well before Evina decided to transfer to UCONN and which I stand by today.
Players should play or transfer if they don't like the current situation. Steps (whatever they are) as it relates to a coaching staff was none of Evina's business or any player for that matter. "No comment" or "I can't speak to that" would have been most appropriate answers to the reporters question. BTW Geno has stated that he has spoken to Evina about those comments.

I took that as meaning that steps had to be taken by the staff to address whatever problem was occurring off the court.

 

[CocoHusky]

I don't believe for a second that the kid's distraught mumblings in the locker room had anything to do with Holly's dismissal.

Nor due I.

Your opinion on this is very old school. Would your opinion be the same in the case of an abusive coaching staff?

Absolutely. The players would/should report the abuse. Hopefully the administration does the right thing and removes the coach. If the Administration does not do the right thing then the Student and the parents must leave. Abuse far different than bad coaching though.

See, I believe it is very much the players' business about the quality of the coaching staff, because many of them are there looking to get coached up and made ready for a professional career. They weren't recruited to get crummy coaching and an endless parade of assistant coach changes.

You can't have it both ways. A coaches ability should be factored into the decision to attend a University in the first place. So these "kids" are supposed to know when they are being poorly coached and the same kid becomes "distraught" after a tough game and can't be held accountable for an answer that they gave.
Evina had plenty of help making her college choice. Holly was not suddenly going to become a better (adequate?) coach once Evina arrived in Knoxville. The double digit losses by the Lady Vols in the two years before Evina arrived on the Knoxville campus should have spoke volumes.
"Made ready for a professional career" ? You got to be kidding me! Yea, that list of successful WNBA players who play at TN while Holly was the HC is so long and distinguished.
"They weren't recruited to get crummy coaching"? Now I'm confused, did Holly recruit these players or nah?

 

[CocoHusky]

I took that as meaning that steps had to be taken by the staff to address whatever problem was occurring off the court.

There a tweet in the article from Jordan Crammer:

"Evina Westbrook got candid with us in post-game, said changes need to be made to the program off the court, specifically in the #LadyVols coaching staff.

In other tweets Jordan would also say that Evina was not the only Lady Vols player to share this opinion.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Nor due I.

Absolutely. The players would/should report the abuse. Hopefully the administration does the right thing and removes the coach. If the Administration does not do the right thing then the Student and the parents must leave. Abuse far different than bad coaching though.

You can't have it both ways. A coaches ability should be factored into the decision to attend a University in the first place. So these "kids" are supposed to know when they are being poorly coached and the same kid becomes "distraught" after a tough game and can't be held accountable for an answer that they gave.
Evina had plenty of help making her college choice. Holly was not suddenly going to become a better (adequate?) coach once Evina arrived in Knoxville. The double digit losses by the Lady Vols in the two years before Evina arrived on the Knoxville campus should have spoke volumes.
"Made ready for a professional career" ? You got to be kidding me! Yea, that list of successful WNBA players who play at TN while Holly was the HC is so long and distinguished.
"They weren't recruited to get crummy coaching"? Now I'm confused, did Holly recruit these players or nah?

I believe our respective positions are now reasonably fully articulated. It would have been the wisest choice for Evina to say nothing and hit the chutes, in her own self interest. And I agree that kids who have signed up with Tenn in the last 4-5 years at least needed better advice and more homework. As far as "made ready for a pro career" I was referring generally to the HS 5 star grads who dare to dream and Tenn has been singing that song for a long, long time.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Kellie Jollie Harper she was one good PG for them her injury prior to the NC against UC may have cost them the NC.

I think you are thinking of another player, perhaps Ace Clements in 2000. Kellie played on three consecutive NC teams, from 1996 through 1998. In 1997, her return from injury turned the season around for UT, allowing them to beat a UConn team in the E8 that had recently been devastated by the loss of Shea Ralph. They went on to win the championship, despite having lost 10 games in the regular season. In 1999, UT was upset in the E8 by Duke. The 1998 team went 39-0, and should justifiably be "in the conversation" for greatest WCCB team of all time. A strong UConn team that year had little chance for an NC owing to the loss of Nykesha Sales late in the season.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I just hope she doesn't have any leftover TN clothing that is touching or in contact with her UCONN gear.

Sir, you are indeed a purist.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I lurk but don’t post. But I felt the need to say, I have watched Evina’s games at Tennessee. She is a special talent and up to this point received no real coaching in college. I am excited to see what she can do with Geno and CD’s guidance.

Well, you've got a pretty good likes to messages ratio going. I urge you to post more.

 

[donalddoowop]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

There was a comment on Volnation that the decision to fire HW was made before the Westbrook interview by the AD Fullmer. HW protested because she wanted to work with the new players and bring in a new staff. So, it seems Westbrook's comments did not carry as much weight as many people think they did.

 

[JonathanXIV]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

Two small points. Charlie Collier has not transferred. And there was plenty of talk and publicity when Diamond transferred (as opposed to hardly a peep).

 

[RockyMTblue2]

It's a strange twisted history of Holly and Evina that is getting started; begun by a "journalist" in Nashville. At no time did she outright call for Holly to go. It's understsandable that @Coco Husky would say "Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly." She said "steps" had to be taken with staff - off the court. For all we know that meant get a better assistant skilled in offense, or they needed a better ankle wrapper (ok, maybe not that!).

 

[veryolddog]

Well, whether she liked or approved of Holley's coaching skills or not, she is in for an eye opener when she begins Geno's practice sessions. This is a whole different world in contrast to many other programs with playing time key to practice enthusiasm. If she is a star or not, she will have plenty of opportunity to prove this with four other fine players on the floor at the same time who buy into the system.

She has skills. The program will teach. Then it is up to her to live up to her potential.

 

[tchalla1]

I have to disagree that Evina Westbrook is a star. Evina spent two years in the SEC and failed to make 1st or 2nd team all SEC in either season. Her teammate of the same HS class Rennia Davis at least made 2nd team all SEC. That ESPN now has a renewed vested interest in promoting all things UCONN vs TN would mostly explain that ESPN crawler. Also significant that Evina was the player who called for the firing of Holly. There was hardly a peep from ESPN when these former #2 players decided to transfer: Kelsey Bone, Diamond DeShields,Taya Reimer, Kaela Davis, Erin Boley, or Charli Collier.

Well you make some good points about ESPN's interest in Evina as a ratings bolster of the upcoming UConn-TN game, but I disagree that Evina's post-game comments "called for the firing of Holly." That would be a broad and almost distorted view of what she actually said. Certainly that might have been your own interpretation, but you can't say she called for Holly's firing as a literal quote... And the fact that Evina did not make the SEC's 1st or 2nd team only speaks to the conference's talent of level. As a comparative, you would no doubt agree that overall, the SEC is a far stronger conference than the AAC, so if you consider Crystal Dangerfield a star who averaged 13.7 and 6.2 in a weaker conference, while Evina averaged 14.9 and 5.3 in the stronger SEC with relatively similar non-conference foes, either one has to devaluate Dangerfield to a non-star status, or Evina must be elevated to the "star" realm...

 

[CocoHusky]

Well you make some good points about ESPN's interest in Evina as a ratings bolster of the upcoming UConn-TN game, but I disagree that Evina's post-game comments "called for the firing of Holly." That would be a broad and almost distorted view of what she actually said. Certainly that might have been your own interpretation, but you can't say she called for Holly's firing as a literal quote... And the fact that Evina did not make the SEC's 1st or 2nd team only speaks to the conference's talent of level. As a comparative, you would no doubt agree that overall, the SEC is a far stronger conference than the AAC, so if you consider Crystal Dangerfield a star who averaged 13.7 and 6.2 in a weaker conference, while Evina averaged 14.9 and 5.3 in the stronger SEC with relatively similar non-conference foes, either one has to devaluate Dangerfield to a non-star status, or Evina must be elevated to the "star" realm...

"Evina Westbrook got candid with us in post-game, said changes need to be made to the program off the court, specifically in the #LadyVols coaching staff. "

Don't believe my interpretation is broad or almost distorted. A narrow interpretation might be the one offered by some that Evina might be talking about an assistant coach(es). If Evina was talking about an assistant coach nobody would hardly care and this would not be news. In fact very few people even know or care who the LadyVols assistants are. The way it works is the head coach gets to pick the staff. An "almost" distorted view would be one which says Holly was not part of the LadyVols staff and THE main person whose job was in jeopardy-& rightfully so.

Don't believe this hype and this is not a fact: "The fact that Evina did not make the SEC's 1st or 2nd team only speaks to the conference's talent of level." Here is an actual fact: It is players like Maci Morris at Kentucky , and T'ea Cooper at South Carolina that kept Evina from making an all SEC 1st or 2nd team.
Here are my opinions about that previously disclosed fact: 1) You can't call Evina a "star" if she can't out perform Maci or T'ea. 2) No need to bring Crystal into this comparison, the fact is Crystal has already outperformed both Maci & T'ea.

How about we wait to elevate Evina to "star" status once she makes 1st team all AAC which will likely not happen until after Crystal is suiting up in the W.

 

[LoTrader]

When is Evina eligible for the WNBA draft?

 

[tchalla1]

When is Evina eligible for the WNBA draft?

According to the rules of the WNBA, individuals must be at least 22-years-old and have graduated or will graduate in the next three-months from a college or university, so I believe Westbrook would be eligible after the 2019-2020 season...

 

[CocoHusky]

When is Evina eligible for the WNBA draft?

April 2020 because her DOB is Sept. 28, 1998.

 

[tchalla1]

According to the rules of the WNBA, individuals must be at least 22-years-old and have graduated or will graduate in the next three-months from a college or university, so I believe Westbrook would be eligible after the 2019-2020 season...

...Or rather the 2020-2021 season. Sorry bad math ")

 

[tchalla1]

...Or rather the 2020-2021 season. Sorry bad math ")

Had it right the first time....lol

 

[CocoHusky]

According to the rules of the WNBA, individuals must be at least 22-years-old and have graduated or will graduate in the next three-months from a college or university, so I believe Westbrook would be eligible after the 2019-2020 season...

I don't know that the WNBA enforces the part about "have graduated or will graduate in the next three-months" at least that was not the case for Jewell Loyd.

 

[tchalla1]

I don't know that the WNBA enforces the part about "have graduated or will graduate in the next three-months" at least that was not the case for Jewell Loyd.

Loyd was 22 before the start of that WNBA season so she was eligible...

 

[tchalla1]

Loyd was 22 before the start of that WNBA season so she was eligible...

I think the eligibility criteria is "either graduated or is 22 years of age"...

 

[CocoHusky]

Loyd was 22 before the start of that WNBA season so she was eligible...

The full rule is turn 22 in the year that the WNBA draft is conducted. Jewell Loyd's DOB is Oct 05, 1993 so she did not turn 22 until after her first WNBA season was over.

I think the eligibility criteria is "either graduated or is 22 years of age"...

Pretty sure that is not the case since this would make all graduate transfers eligible. Anriel Howard would not have needed to transfer to Mississippi State for her final season for example.

 

[Plebe]

The full rule is turn 22 in the year that the WNBA draft is conducted. Jewell Loyd's DOB is Oct 05, 1993 so she did not turn 22 until after her first WNBA season was over.


Pretty sure that is not the case since this would make all graduate transfers eligible. Anriel Howard would not have needed to transfer to Mississippi State for her final season for example.

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