Tennessee 2025, part 2

[LwrcasefaN]

WELL. Caldwell liked hockey line changes and she’s about to get an entire team change at this pace.

 

[USMC(ret)]

This is like watching the Hindenburg catch fire and burn… UT is an iconic brand in WBB. Lots of blame to share in this perfect storm of a dumpster fire: AD, head coach, players, and the portal/NIL universe which allowed it to happen. The sport as a whole is not helped by this… and, sadly, we’re likely to see it again.

And Cooper leaving might be the best thing for the program. She left South Carolina first… and why would you leave a program at or near the top every year, with an established record of putting players in the WNBA? Only two reasons: a) you didn’t want to attend class and graduate (Dawn’s rule), or b) you wanted more minutes up front than most freshmen and sophomores get in the South Carolina system, and weren’t willing to pay your dues.

And if Cooper is that type of “me first” player, UT should let her go and start fresh. The teams in the Final Four all have great team chemistry. The players who transferred into those programs were willing to buy into the culture of winning (see: Latson).

 

[Stronga12]

And Cooper leaving might be the best thing for the program. She left South Carolina first… and why would you leave a program at or near the top every year, with an established record of putting players in the WNBA? Only two reasons: a) you didn’t want to attend class and graduate (Dawn’s rule), or b) you wanted more minutes up front than most freshmen and sophomores get in the South Carolina system, and weren’t willing to pay your dues.

And if Cooper is that type of “me first” player, UT should let her go and start fresh. The teams in the Final Four all have great team chemistry. The players who transferred into those programs were willing to buy into the culture of winning (see: Latson).

South Carolina has a very spotty track record when it comes to guard development. Saniya Rivers and Milaysia Fulwiley left as well. Both made the right decision.

 

[bballnut90]

Lady Volunteers land Oliviyah Edwards, No. 2 recruit in 2026

Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 2 player in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100 class, has committed to Tennessee. The 6-foot-3 forward is the highest-rated recruit for the Lady Volunteers since 2019 and the first top-five recruit for coach Kim Caldwell.

www.espn.com

Per this article the current freshmen class was a big reason for her choosing Knoxville.

If she reopens her recruitment, other finalists that could re-enter the chat are Washington, LSU, USC and South Carolina. I don’t think Florida will be in the mix again with the coaching change.

LSU would be the obvious pick with the Tennessee assistant moving there. LSU could use front court help too. Lola Lampleu and Grace Knox might play a similar role though to what Edwards would bring. Those 3 would make up a strong frontcourt.

Washington she could be a program changer for.

South Carolina is stacked in the frontcourt already. I don’t see this being the fit.

USC she could join the star studded lineup but she’d be a 4th or 5th option offensively and isn’t likely to get a lot of looks with Hall/Watkins/Jazzy in the lineup

 

[GoCardinal]

Lady Volunteers land Oliviyah Edwards, No. 2 recruit in 2026

Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 2 player in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100 class, has committed to Tennessee. The 6-foot-3 forward is the highest-rated recruit for the Lady Volunteers since 2019 and the first top-five recruit for coach Kim Caldwell.

www.espn.com

Per this article the current freshmen class was a big reason for her choosing Knoxville.

If she reopens her recruitment, other finalists that could re-enter the chat are Washington, LSU, USC and South Carolina. I don’t think Florida will be in the mix again with the coaching change.

LSU would be the obvious pick with the Tennessee assistant moving there. LSU could use front court help too. Lola Lampleu and Grace Knox might play a similar role though to what Edwards would bring. Those 3 would make up a strong frontcourt.

Washington she could be a program changer for.

South Carolina is stacked in the frontcourt already. I don’t see this being the fit.

USC she could join the star studded lineup but she’d be a 4th or 5th option offensively and isn’t likely to get a lot of looks with Hall/Watkins/Jazzy in the lineup

I’m pretty sure the SEC doesn’t allow conference transfers like this once a recruit has signed. If she does, I believe she’d have to sit out a year or something of the sort. I could be misunderstanding their rules though.

 

[aceboon]

Writing on the wall of the Pauldo twins was there when the father was tweeting about the substitution patterns during the season, but then again I also question did he do any research on Caldwell and how she coaches before sending his daughters there.

 

[bballnut90]

Writing on the wall of the Pauldo twins was there when the father was tweeting about the substitution patterns during the season, but then again I also question did he do any research on Caldwell and how she coaches before sending his daughters there.

Dad’s over involvement has always seemed like a major red flag. I think the first recruiting cycle they aggressively went after the highest bidder but I could be wrong.

 

[USMC(ret)]

South Carolina has a very spotty track record when it comes to guard development. Saniya Rivers and Milaysia Fulwiley left as well. Both made the right decision.

Rivers I can’t speak to, but Fulwiley plays the exact same role for LSU that she did at South Carolina… first off the bench. One difference: this year, she’s watching the Final Four rather than playing in it.

 

[cancontent]

South Carolina has a very spotty track record when it comes to guard development. Saniya Rivers and Milaysia Fulwiley left as well. Both made the right decision.

Define guard development as I'm not sure how Rivers and Fulwiley made the right decision from that perspective.

Rivers is more of a wing in my opinion and doesn't have much of an outside shooting game. Fulwiley's game looks the same as it was at SC and her use of the left hand remains non-existent. I recall one of the announcers pointing it out during the LSU-Duke game when she missed a breakaway lay-up because she had to go under the net and attempt a scoop shot with her right hand.

 

[bballnut90]

South Carolina has a very spotty track record when it comes to guard development. Saniya Rivers and Milaysia Fulwiley left as well. Both made the right decision.

Not sure I agree with this. Current guards that have come through Dawn's coaching that have improved big time or thrived in the pros:
-Tiffany Mitchell (2x SEC Player of the Year and All American)
-Destanni Henderson (improved big time in South Carolina, was the best player in 2022 title game)
-Tyasha Harris (currently in her 6th year as a pro, was an All American at South Carolina)
-Allisha Gray (WNBA star)
-Raven Johnson (improved immensely during her 5 years in South Carolina)
-Zia Cooke (not the best example, but had a breakout senior year under Dawn and turned into an elite defender after an up and down first 3 years)
-Tessa Johnson (has improved significantly during her 3 years)
-Tehina Pao-Pao (had 2 great years under Dawn, elevated draft stock, currently in the W)

 

[bballnut90]

And Cooper leaving might be the best thing for the program. She left South Carolina first… and why would you leave a program at or near the top every year, with an established record of putting players in the WNBA? Only two reasons: a) you didn’t want to attend class and graduate (Dawn’s rule), or b) you wanted more minutes up front than most freshmen and sophomores get in the South Carolina system, and weren’t willing to pay your dues.

And if Cooper is that type of “me first” player, UT should let her go and start fresh. The teams in the Final Four all have great team chemistry. The players who transferred into those programs were willing to buy into the culture of winning (see: Latson).

Writing was on the wall that Cooper wasn't going to get significant playing time at South Carolina. They had Pao-Pao/Raven lined up for the next 2 seasons meaning she wouldn't get starting minutes until her senior year, not to mention Tessa/Fulwiley were in the class behind her.

It's unfair to assume Cooper is a "me first" player or a problem because she transferred out. She's been a bright spot at Tennessee during her two years and has had a very good college career there.

 

[Stronga12]

Not sure I agree with this. Current guards that have come through Dawn's coaching that have improved big time or thrived in the pros:
-Tiffany Mitchell (2x SEC Player of the Year and All American)
-Destanni Henderson (improved big time in South Carolina, was the best player in 2022 title game)
-Tyasha Harris (currently in her 6th year as a pro, was an All American at South Carolina)
-Allisha Gray (WNBA star)
-Raven Johnson (improved immensely during her 5 years in South Carolina)
-Zia Cooke (not the best example, but had a breakout senior year under Dawn and turned into an elite defender after an up and down first 3 years)
-Tessa Johnson (has improved significantly during her 3 years)
-Tehina Pao-Pao (had 2 great years under Dawn, elevated draft stock, currently in the W)

This is basically a compilation of busts/fringe WNBA players with the exception of Allisha Gray who was a ready-made All-ACC selection transfer from North Carolina.

 

[GamecockFam]

This is basically a compilation of busts/fringe WNBA players with the exception of Allisha Gray who was a ready-made All-ACC selection transfer from North Carolina.

How does this argument reveal anything about college development? While being WNBA ready CAN be a sign of improvement during college, there are a lot of factors out of a coach's control that go into being a WNBA candidate. It is only a recent phenomena that South Carolina is regularly getting players that are of that talent level --- like since the 2019 class.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

And Cooper leaving might be the best thing for the program. She left South Carolina first… and why would you leave a program at or near the top every year, with an established record of putting players in the WNBA? Only two reasons: a) you didn’t want to attend class and graduate (Dawn’s rule), or b) you wanted more minutes up front than most freshmen and sophomores get in the South Carolina system, and weren’t willing to pay your dues.

And if Cooper is that type of “me first” player, UT should let her go and start fresh. The teams in the Final Four all have great team chemistry. The players who transferred into those programs were willing to buy into the culture of winning (see: Latson).

I don't agree with this.

It's natural for players to transfer when they don't like their role. It was also beneficial for Cooper to get away from home.

I'd prefer our locals stop transferring to SEC schools but it is what it is.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

South Carolina has a very spotty track record when it comes to guard development. Saniya Rivers and Milaysia Fulwiley left as well. Both made the right decision.

It's not as though Rivers and Fulwiley became different players when they transferred for one thing. Pretty much the same stuff different place.

I do not think there was anything wrong with the development of All Americans Tiffany Mitchell, Ty Harris, Zia Cooke...or all conference performers like Raven Johnson, Destanni Henderson. Pao certainly improved in certain areas and Latson has become a better version of her realistic profile.

SCar's guards stack up with most.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Not sure I agree with this. Current guards that have come through Dawn's coaching that have improved big time or thrived in the pros:
-Tiffany Mitchell (2x SEC Player of the Year and All American)
-Destanni Henderson (improved big time in South Carolina, was the best player in 2022 title game)
-Tyasha Harris (currently in her 6th year as a pro, was an All American at South Carolina)
-Allisha Gray (WNBA star)
-Raven Johnson (improved immensely during her 5 years in South Carolina)
-Zia Cooke (not the best example, but had a breakout senior year under Dawn and turned into an elite defender after an up and down first 3 years)
-Tessa Johnson (has improved significantly during her 3 years)
-Tehina Pao-Pao (had 2 great years under Dawn, elevated draft stock, currently in the W)

Zia was underrated to be honest.

these might not all be WNBA stars but are we going to pretend that's because they weren't developed?

I'd be hard pressed to identify schools who more consistently produce high level college guards.

 

[TheFarmFan]

This feels like a weird debate, but here's where I'll weigh in: Dawn has some very curious similarities to Tara both in terms of her supreme X's O's coaching and development of Bigs and, in general the comparatively less stellar record developing guards. To be honest, I've always thought it speaks to Dawn's credit that a lot of her recruits looked better in a SCAR uniform than they do afterwards - that's call maximizing talent. (A lot of Tara's players fared similarly.) And Dawn's about the best in the biz at it, right now. I still think Geno (slash CD) is a tier above all other coaches as a player development coach.

 

[Vowelguy]

Dad’s over involvement has always seemed like a major red flag. I think the first recruiting cycle they aggressively went after the highest bidder but I could be wrong.

Yes parental involvement was always a concern with them. I’m a bit surprised they think they can find a better deal. One of the kids is very good; the other not so much. At Tenn, both could play.
Not sure how many other top schools that are going to be interested in that package deal, especially if the requirement is that the lesser sister gets significant minutes.

 

[Vowelguy]

In some respects this was apparent in Caldwells post game comments — she was reasserting her plan and if you didn’t like it, vaya con dios.

Btw, Edwards largely reaffirmed her commitment earlier this week.

 

[Vowelguy]

And Cooper leaving might be the best thing for the program. She left South Carolina first… and why would you leave a program at or near the top every year, with an established record of putting players in the WNBA? Only two reasons: a) you didn’t want to attend class and graduate (Dawn’s rule), or b) you wanted more minutes up front than most freshmen and sophomores get in the South Carolina system, and weren’t willing to pay your dues.

And if Cooper is that type of “me first” player, UT should let her go and start fresh. The teams in the Final Four all have great team chemistry. The players who transferred into those programs were willing to buy into the culture of winning (see: Latson).

So everyone who has transferred from UConn is “me first” ?

 

[packwrap]

So everyone who has transferred from UConn is “me first” ?

😁 In 9 out of 10 cases, transfers are simply about playing time. In today's pay for play era, a close second is a salary increase.

Tennesee an amazing story. I've often defended Caldwell on here over her first 2 seasons.

This new challenge of practically starting over from scratch in year 3 is going to be tough to overcome. System or no system, teams 6-10 in SEC are all working hard to get better, so the Vols and Caldwell do not catch a break trying to move up in the standings.

 

[JellyBean]

I saw where the Twins are entering the portal. You can only wish them well on their journey and for the Lady Vols and Coach Caldwell all the best as well.

As a coach, you hate to see anyone leave your program, besides graduating. With so many leaving, you question so many things. "Did I communicate my philosophy well?" Or "Did I explain the values and expectations of the program well enough?"The only thing after that you just try to learn from this experience and move on.

 

[EricSD]

Fans on Volnation are basically like "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. "Too small, too weak, have to shoot 3's from the hip, may be good for a mid major but not an elite program like Tennessee" (almost spit out my coffee at the use of the word "elite"). Regardless, horrible look for them. 4 seniors are gone and now 6 transfers. Or is it 7? It's a historical abandonment whatever the number.

Why Edwards still insists on going there is a mystery. She could easily get equal $$ at another program, I would think. But they do have talent with Civil, Cooper, and Edwards for sure. Any "elite" coach would love a core like that.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

This feels like a weird debate, but here's where I'll weigh in: Dawn has some very curious similarities to Tara both in terms of her supreme X's O's coaching and development of Bigs and, in general the comparatively less stellar record developing guards. To be honest, I've always thought it speaks to Dawn's credit that a lot of her recruits looked better in a SCAR uniform than they do afterwards - that's call maximizing talent. (A lot of Tara's players fared similarly.) And Dawn's about the best in the biz at it, right now. I still think Geno (slash CD) is a tier above all other coaches as a player development coach.

It's an interesting question.

I think this may largely be recruiting preferences and who the teams end up landing.

If you look at some very SCar type guards Geno has had ... say Christyn Williams or Evina Westbrook or some limited ones like Muhl or Heckel ... I'm not sure Geno did anything much more with them than any of the top coaches would have done.

now I do think he has a great system and when he has all the talent and buy in to make it him it really opens the floor up for his stars to crush it.

It's pretty to watch.

I cannot criticize anyone with the skill set choosing that system and a strong record of development.

On the other hand you generally talk about the elite blue chips that got rather than the elite blue chips that fizzled.

I think you recruit offense talent for most part. You coach defense. He's great at coaching defense of course. The #1 thing you can count on UConn to always do.

 

[pvdoggy]

Why Edwards still insists on going there is a mystery. She could easily get equal $$ at another program, I would think. But they do have talent with Civil, Cooper, and Edwards for sure. Any "elite" coach would love a core like that.

It's not like she has a choice since she signed to play for the program. How do you suppose she can get out of it?