Tennessee Lady Vols

[FormerCTrez]

We are on a UConn board so I don't expect numerous platitudes but I've never understood the vitriol Parker has received from some of the basketball community and fans over the years. Why anyone has acted as though she wasn't one of the game's premier players during her peak was laughable to me. I can admit sometimes her effort and attitude weren't A+ but her moments of excellence and greatness were far more common. I think her injuries impacted some of her abilities as well but it was plain to see at UT she was one of the most gifted players out there. And yes, I will always believe her not being on the 2016 Olympic team was a snub. I doubt it was only Geno who made the decision but he wasn't out of the loop on it either.

Her personal life took some turns that may not have been foreseen but not unheard of either. Candace seems to have been in a good place for several years now and her personal happiness is evident in her demeanor during her TV appearances.

I'd love to see her play one final year to close the book on the career but if she doesn't that's fine too. I've enjoyed her career tremendously.

Candace‘s absence from the 2016 Olympic team doesn’t necessarily mean she was snubbed. And although that’s a possibility, there could’ve been many other factors that contributed to her not being selected. Now, I don’t know the reasons, and I’ll assume you don’t either, unless you’re a member of the Selection Committee. But why blame Geno? On multiple occasions he’s stated that he had nothing to do with that decision, but he’s still being blamed for the Committe’s action.

 

[MSSportsGuy]

Candace‘s absence from the 2016 Olympic team doesn’t necessarily mean she was snubbed. And although that’s a possibility, there could’ve been many other factors that contributed to her not being selected. Now, I don’t know the reasons, and I’ll assume you don’t either, unless you’re a member of the Selection Committee. But why blame Geno? On multiple occasions he’s stated that he had nothing to do with that decision, but he’s still being blamed for the Committe’s action.

Someone not being picked doesn't mean they were snubbed exactly but when the team was announced Parker was one of the best players in the game and had been already featured in some promos for the Olympics. NBC jumped the gun of course but her absence from the roster came as a surprise to many given her status as a player.

My original post said I doubt it was only Geno that made that decision but I believe he wasn't out of the loop on it either. To clarify a bit more: I don't think Geno at any point said point blank he didn't want Parker on the team but I suspect he wasn't clueless as to the committees actions and decision. I don't "blame" Geno for Parker not being chosen but to pretend he had zero to do with the selection process, even on an informal basis, seems disingenuous no matter what USA basketball or he had to say about it at the time.

These are just my thoughts, opinions and feelings. It doesn't mean I'm right. We've all been on the job hunt before and been rejected or disqualified for various reasons even if we are qualified. The depth of USA basketball talent means great players will be left out and in 2016 Candace was one of those. I believe she should have been on the team but she wasn't and the USA won Gold so her absence didn't affect the outcome.

 

[DefenseBB]

Back on topic, the Lady Vols had a high profile game against Indiana in Fort Myers and lost by 14 in a a game that wasn‘t really in question after the 1st quarter. Without Rickey Jackson, Tenn offense struggles and the team looks disjointed. KHJ has to find other support or this could be a long season.

 

[Darwin]

I feel pretty good about it. There was definitely some good stuff. Yes some things need to be better. It's the first game of the season. One thing I have liked watching is how much better Wynn is playing. She may be the most improved player on the team. Spear made an impact. I expected her too. I only wish Cooper was playing this year.

You think Cooper is ready to make some kind of big impact this year? I’ve got news for you, her game is still rough around the edges. She is a great athlete, but I watched every minute of her PT at SC last season, and she reminded me of Saniya Rivers in her freshman year, in other words raw.

 

[Darwin]

Tennessee shorthand today. No Jackson, Powell or Strickland all out today. Still hits 100 points.

It was Troy. UT looked awful vs Indiana.

 

[Bone Dog]

If Rickea can't come back, or can't come back to top form, it doesn't look good for Tennessee this season.

 

[stwainfan]

You think Cooper is ready to make some kind of big impact this year? I’ve got news for you, her game is still rough around the edges. She is a great athlete, but I watched every minute of her PT at SC last season, and she reminded me of Saniya Rivers in her freshman year, in other words raw.

She won't play this year.

 

[JstVisiting]

You think Cooper is ready to make some kind of big impact this year? I’ve got news for you, her game is still rough around the edges. She is a great athlete, but I watched every minute of her PT at SC last season, and she reminded me of Saniya Rivers in her freshman year, in other words raw.

One of the reasons I'm shocked Fulwiley can Carolina give any quality minutes early is the general state of HS coaching in South Carolina. Many if not most SCHSL teams (girls and boys) receive rec league level coaching.

 

[Hester42]

I think Cooper will be solid but she is pretty raw at least from watching her play previously. Maybe she has a glow up like Saniya at nc st but I think it’ll be a couple seasons before we see that type of transformation

 

[GamecockFam]

I think Cooper will be solid but she is pretty raw at least from watching her play previously. Maybe she has a glow up like Saniya at nc st but I think it’ll be a couple seasons before we see that type of transformation

Saniya played more minutes in her freshman season. Despite her shooting percentage, it was obvious that she could develop into a good player because her athleticism just jumped off the page and you could tell she had a good basketball IQ. I never got that same impression with Cooper. Gamecock nation was way more sad to see Rivers go. I have no doubt that Cooper can develop into a solid player but I don't ever see her becoming a go-to player on offense like what has happened with Rivers at NC State.

 

[Viallanelle]

One of the reasons I'm shocked Fulwiley can Carolina give any quality minutes early is the general state of HS coaching in South Carolina. Many if not most SCHSL teams (girls and boys) receive rec league level coaching.

To be fair, MiLaysia is what many people call a generational talent, including Coach Staley. Staley has said many times she can do things with ball that she's never seen anyone else do, man or woman. She played on the varisty team starting in 7th grade (!), won four state titles, was a 4-time SCBCA POY and scored 3,000 (a record at her HS) in her career. She'll make freshman mistakes - but she's got the "wow" factor for sure. Her athleticism for her height (5'10) is mind-boggling! Has only shot less than 50% in one game so far this season and has played quality minutes in all. You have to see her in person to understand her gifts.

 

[Viallanelle]

You think Cooper is ready to make some kind of big impact this year? I’ve got news for you, her game is still rough around the edges. She is a great athlete, but I watched every minute of her PT at SC last season, and she reminded me of Saniya Rivers in her freshman year, in other words raw.

This has probably been said, but she has to sit out a year based on when she entered the portal.

 

[Darwin]

This has probably been said, but she has to sit out a year based on when she entered the portal.

Yeah we know, but he was insinuating she would have made a difference this season if she were eligible. My point was that she is still very raw.

 

[visitingcock]

Saniya played more minutes in her freshman season. Despite her shooting percentage, it was obvious that she could develop into a good player because her athleticism just jumped off the page and you could tell she had a good basketball IQ. I never got that same impression with Cooper. Gamecock nation was way more sad to see Rivers go. I have no doubt that Cooper can develop into a solid player but I don't ever see her becoming a go-to player on offense like what has happened with Rivers at NC State.

Coop is more of a Bree Hall type .. she can play shooting guard, can back up Pg or can play wing (probably her best position) She has some defensive skills. I think she will do well at UT. Not a superstar but a solid player

 

[stwainfan]

Good win over OU.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Saniya played more minutes in her freshman season. Despite her shooting percentage, it was obvious that she could develop into a good player because her athleticism just jumped off the page and you could tell she had a good basketball IQ. I never got that same impression with Cooper. Gamecock nation was way more sad to see Rivers go. I have no doubt that Cooper can develop into a solid player but I don't ever see her becoming a go-to player on offense like what has happened with Rivers at NC State.

I thought Rivers would be a star and Cooper might end up being a very solid all around big guard.

 

[JstVisiting]

To be fair, MiLaysia is what many people call a generational talent, including Coach Staley. Staley has said many times she can do things with ball that she's never seen anyone else do, man or woman. She played on the varisty team starting in 7th grade (!), won four state titles, was a 4-time SCBCA POY and scored 3,000 (a record at her HS) in her career. She'll make freshman mistakes - but she's got the "wow" factor for sure. Her athleticism for her height (5'10) is mind-boggling! Has only shot less than 50% in one game so far this season and has played quality minutes in all. You have to see her in person to understand her gifts.

I don't want to sidetrack a Lady Vols thread too much, but I meant to imply her ability to excel from Day 1 with very little coaching relative to hotbeds of HS girls ball was a strong indicator she's special, while Cooper's need for further seasoning was probably not her fault and shouldn't be an indictment of her long-term prospects.

 

[Darwin]

I don't want to sidetrack a Lady Vols thread too much, but I meant to imply her ability to excel from Day 1 with very little coaching relative to hotbeds of HS girls ball was a strong indicator she's special, while Cooper's need for further seasoning was probably not her fault and shouldn't be an indictment of her long-term prospects.

They all play high level AAU ball and attend multiple camps yearly in addition to their HS ball. Most of the top players from SC, NC and Ga have competed against each other And some have played with each other. Some of these young ladies like Fulwiley and Cooper also got the McDonald’s AA experience and Joyce also got team USA experience. The AAU coaches are all solid at that level of play and tbh almost all of the mid-large HS coaches are really good as well. Coop didn’t get short changed in her development compared to the others, she was just more raw. It happens.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

One of the reasons I'm shocked Fulwiley can Carolina give any quality minutes early is the general state of HS coaching in South Carolina. Many if not most SCHSL teams (girls and boys) receive rec league level coaching.

Fulwiley played at a large public high school a few miles from where I live, so I've been paying attention to her for several years. Most top players receive private coaching plus AAU, of course, so they don't just rely on HS coaches. Regardless, she's one of the most (maybe the most) explosive guards I've ever seen play in person, and this is my 43rd season of seeing college WBB games in person. If she can become more consistent from 3, watch out.

If this tells you anything, I've already decided I'm waiting to retire until she graduates.

 

[visitingcock]

Tennessee vs Indiana on FOX had 1.118 million viewers. First game this season to draw over a million eyeballs! (okay, technically over 2 million. )

WOW! Looks like you guys will still watch the Lady Vols while you scream about/at Kellie. Good job!

 

[Geew1992]

What’s going on with key? I know she’s coming back from blood clots. Is she not playing because she’s not in basketball shape? Or are the clots back?

 

[Nash83]

Just checked, over last 3 games her minutes have decreased, 8 to 2 and now zero minutes against ND.

 

[Bone Dog]

No Rice and no Key. No surprise they lost to ND even without Miles and Citron

 

[Dillon77]

No Rice and no Key. No surprise they lost to ND even without Miles and Citron

No Cass Prosper, either, who was initially in the rotation, then moved into the starting lineup once Citron went down. Now she's sitting next to Soni and 'Liv.

Key move of the game was Coach ivey going to a big line-up in the second half with 6'4" Kylee Watson at center, 6'5" Nat Marshall at high post and 6'3" Maddy Westbeld at wing. Marshall is quick on her feet (7 offensive rebounds) so that's where the Vols missed a player such as Key. No one got a body on Marshall. And Westbeld showed up in the 4th.

 

[Bone Dog]

No Cass Prosper, either, who was initially in the rotation, then moved into the starting lineup once Citron went down. Now she's sitting next to Soni and 'Liv.

Key move of the game was Coach ivey going to a big line-up in the second half with 6'4" Kylee Watson at center, 6'5" Nat Marshall at high post and 6'3" Maddy Westbeld at wing. Marshall is quick on her feet (7 offensive rebounds) so that's where the Vols missed a player such as Key. No one got a body on Marshall. And Westbeld showed up in the 4th.

What's the prognosis for Citron and Prosper? Those are significant losses.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

No Jackson for TN and not sure what's going on with Hollingshed. She's been looking like the GA version lately. Good game, but no surprise that ND won.

 

[Hester42]

No Jackson for TN and not sure what's going on with Hollingshed. She's been looking like the GA version lately. Good game, but no surprise that ND won.

Hollingshead needs to be utilized more. I feel like they forget she exists

 

[Dillon77]

What's the prognosis for Citron and Prosper? Those are significant losses.

According to Coach Ivey: a few weeks for both.
Be forewarned: She said that about Citron just after the initial accident (Northwestern game), but that was two weeks ago. Most Benchers are assuming/hoping to see both of them at the start of the ACC schedule. (knock on wood).

The Irish only have two games between now and Dec. 17th so there's some time for rest and recuperation. Gosh knows they need it.

 

[JellyBean]

My heart goes out to Coach Harper. She is a solid coach. I am not sure what is going on with the Lady Vols.

 

[MilfordHusky]

LVs drop to 4-4 after being pasted by OSU. That could drop them out of the rankings. But they have 4 cupcakes coming up and should get to 8-4.