Next yr starting 5

[J-Dog 1313]

You can see the challenges on the roster if Rivers becomes a Lady Vol that would be Rivers vs Wynn for the rotation although both could make it at someone's else expense. I can see Stripling and Suarez as the same player so who win that battle. Then you have four Puckett, Darby, and Pissott seemingly playing for a backup role to Jackson at the three position or one of them in as the three point shooter. Key right now has no competition at the five we certainly need to get her some. Horston looks like the two guard then you have Walker and maybe Justine also looking for time here. I think Powell will win the point guard and then there is Miles who will play some as well.

PG- Powell Miles
SG- Horston Walker Pissott Rennie
C- Key Striplin
PF- Puckett Suarez
WF-Jackson Rivers Wynn Darby

I believe the starting five will be: Jasmine P, PG; Jordan H, SG; Rickea, SF; Jasmine F, PF; and Tamari, C.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

I see 25 minutes per game for each of them to keep their legs fresh and to keep them aggressive. In big games I can see those minutes being higher of course but we should be beating most teams pretty handily. 18-20 each for Walker and Powell and about 87 minutes to split between 7 players for a little over 12 a game for a team vying for a final 4 and hopefully more?

I think happy days are here again if indeed it all pans out for us to be as great as I think we will be.. unlike a lot of the other top teams(Maryland, NC State, ND, Stanford) we’ve not lost anyone we weren’t expecting to lose going into next season(Rae/Alexus/Keyen/to some extent Emily) and are only gaining valuable pieces, that consistency is huge.. the players getting the 10 a game are important pieces for the future and I think all would understand the plan(or the blueprint as Justine said) let’s fricking go!

Happy days may indeed be coming, especially seeing our newest player Jazmine Franklin. Our team this year played with no quit, and learned they were good enough to win without Rennia, who graduated, and Rae, and even Horston, who went out with injury. That had to be very good for their confidence. We struggled when we lost our backup post, Keyen. We had Kasi the year before in that position, and so, this year, when Tamari was out of the game, and Keyen was out, we struggled. Now, Jazmine, who is athletic and able to rebound and score, will be there to replace Keyen and Alexus. Our guards will also be more in sinc and prepared to get the ball to Striplin as well.

While we needed a backup post, and a true experienced point guard, which we now have, Horston needed a big time dependable scorer to balance the attack, and cause defensive problems for our opponents, and we got her in Rickea. We also got a super player in Justine.

Kellie, in a Big Orange Caravan interview, sounded like we have all the pieces we need for next season, and I guess she could get another, if they fit, but all our new players are joining an already confident and determined team.

Happy Days, GO LADY VOLS!!!

 

[carlee22]

I see

Powell
Horston
Darby
Jackson
Key

we will have a super quality dupe lineup of

Walker
Wynn/Miles
Pissott/Suarez
Puckett/Suarez
Striplin/additional post

I think Tess will get the starting nod, at least early. She proved herself last season and carved out a spot for herself and her play. I gave her such a hard time the first 10 games or so of the season. She turned a corner with her defense and her shot really came on in SEC play. It became pretty obvious we look better with her on the floor. Right now that is her spot to lose.

Justine has the skillset to win that starting spot from Tess eventually IMO. From what I have seen she can shoot, handle, will post up and rebound. She has size on Tess as well so would present a huge matchup problem. Defensively I think Tess is better at the moment but only for having had two years in Kellie’s system. Justine can be a defensive stopper for us as well.

With some of our forwards it may simply come down to who practiced better that week. Puckett will get her minutes for sure. Depending on who else we bring in players like Suarez and Striplin are really going to have to earn their PT. Something I think they are ready to do.[/QU

 

[carlee22]

I can not believe that Jackson will not be on the floor most of the time.

 

[Cb153181]

If we get Rivers I don’t see Darby playing a lot of minutes next year.

 

[Prophet1]

I believe Walker will be your starting PG. She knows the system under Kellie , three years Kellie's been in her head.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

I believe Walker will be your starting PG. She knows the system under Kellie , three years Kellie's been in her head.

Could easily be true. Probably will depend on 1) how fast Powell picks up the system, and 2) how much progress Miles makes in the offseason. But if she is still the PG, that would be bad, imho, because we need an upgrade at that position, and Walker is not a natural pg.

 

[Cb153181]

Could easily be true. Probably will depend on 1) how fast Powell picks up the system, and 2) how much progress Miles makes in the offseason. But if she is still the PG, that would be bad, imho, because we need an upgrade at that position, and Walker is not a natural pg.

I agree Walker showed us for two years she isn’t a PG…there is a reason Kellie wanted Powell. So I believe she will start! if we get rivers I can see the lineup like this.
Powell
Rivers/Walker
Horston
Jackson
Key
we will have 4 playmakers!

 

[LV renaissance]

Just as intriguing as the starting 5 is who would be the 2nd team. Part of the issue is that this would still leave out solid players, which is the first time in years we could say this. Even some of Pat's teams with all of their All Americans did not go beyond a 10 player rotation. I would love it if in some games we could have a platoon system in which we could sub out the entire or almost entire first team with the second team, especially if the first team is failing to ignite or seems to be getting complaisant. Here is my first and second teams, though I don't have much confidence about the 2nd team. Also, I realize that some 2nd teamers such as Franklin might come in for either Jackson or Key to maximize her playing time!!
First Team
1. Powell - I would be shocked if this wasn't the case. I know some others have doubted this due to her having to learn the system, but she has already played at a high level in the PG position and is by far the best fit here given her assist/turnover ratio, 3 point shooting, and overall game. I love it that the first she mentions when she talks about playing for the LVs is how excited she is to have 3 WNBA first rounders to throw the ball to. That is the pure point guard mindset that so few have! It also reminds me that the number of assists should go even higher this year now that she has so much talent around her.
2. Jordy - This was the hardest selection as Jordy would be a great 3 but there are so many candidates there that I think we would have our best starting 5 if Jordy is here.
3. Puckett - I imagine she will have a great Sophomore year now that she has hopefully gotten over the Freshman nerves. She is the best mix of what we need from the wing position - a three point shooter who also can rebound and score points from the inside. Her keen court awareness makes up for her average quickness, so she will be able to get open for short and long range shots when the defenses are keying in on Key and Jackson.
4. Jackson - No explanation needed.
5. Key - Obviously!

Second Team
1. Brooklyn - The thing I like most about her is that she had many games in which she didn't turn the ball over much for a Freshman and her harassing the small point guards on the other teams.
2. Walker - I originally had her `instead of Puckett on the first team (with Jordy as a 3), but I just felt that Puckett is so perfect at the 3 that she won out. I still feel like it is somehow unfair to have her on the 2nd team, but I imagine she will get plenty of minutes subbing out for Jordy and at times for Powell/Brooklyn. I also hated leaving Wynn out but Walker has so much experience and leadership skills that she certainly can't be placed on the 3rd team. Pissott could definitely be an eventual candidate here if Walker starts and Pissott develops quickly.
3. Suarez - If she is healthy, she fits the 3 prototype well as someone who has a good outside shot who can also drive for closer shots and rebound.
4. Stricklin - can't wait to see her continue to develop. She could also sub for Key when we play centers who are not particularly quick.
5. Frankilin - I am really excited to see her as a LV. If she is fully recovered, I imagine that she might become our "6th man" off the bench subbing for Key but other times for Jackson. She may end up having the most minutes of any of our bench players.

This was actually stressful trying to doing this, as it seems crazy to leave Darby, Pissott, and Wynn off the first two teams. I can imagine any and all of these three getting plenty of playing time and eventually cracking the first two teams. I imagine Kellie will need Wynn to come in early for defense if one of our guards are getting beat, that Tess would come in if our 3 point shooting is going poorly, and Pissott may play a lot if she develops quickly.

I do think we will be dominant enough that we may get big leads on many teams so that we can play plenty of players. I also Kellie will also like to wear out teams with thin benches by bringing in waves of players. I imagine she may also have a favorite lineup to press (Franklin, Wynn, Jordy, and either BM or Powell with Key being the rim protector if they break they break the press.
Is it November already?!

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Who were the best scorers in the 2021-22 season? If someone scored points, but has a low overall shooting percentage, they missed a lot of shots and need to improve their shooting, or pass to a hotter hand. We had players with a higher shooting percentage, but didn’t have as many points, hopefully for next season they now have the confidence to shoot more. If a player is mainly a 3 point shooter, their overall field goal percentage is less. If a player mainly shoots layups, they may have a higher field goal percentage, and should be able to make free throws. Also, who are our best free throw shooters? Very important.

Here’s our list, in order of best overall field goal percentage listed first. That’s more apple to apple comparison.
Points, Rebounds, Assists, Free Throw %, Overall Field Goal %

Tamari Key 10.5 pts., 8.1 reb, 1.0 assist, 62.6% free throw, 58.4% field goal

Jasmine Franklin 14.9 pts., 12.1 reb, 1.0 assist, 76% free throw, 53.8% field goal

Karoline Striplin 2.6 pts., 2.1 reb, 0.2 assist, 77.3% free throw, 44.4% field goal

Sara Puckett 6.4 pts., 3.5 reb, 1.1 assist, 69% free throw, 43.3% field goal

Rickea Jackson 20.3 pts., 6.8 reb, 1.1 assist, 73% free throw, 41% field goal

Marta Suarez 4.1 pts., 3.6 reb, 0.8 assist, 75% free throw, 40.7% field goal
(These are her 2020-21 stats.)

Brooklyn Miles 2.5 pts., 2.8 reb, 2.0 assist, 41.7% free throw, 38.8% field goal

Kaiya Wynn 2.4 pts., 2.0 reb, 0.7 assist, 43.2% free throw, 38.5% field goal

Jordan Horston 16.2 pts., 9.4 reb, 4 assist, 67.8% free throw, 37.9% field goal

Tess Darby 5.3 pts., 2.4 reb, 1.1 assist, 100% free throw, 36.9% field goal
(Tess mostly shot 3 pointers at 38.3%).

Jordan Walker 7.6 pts., 4.1 reb, 3.4 assist, 61.9% free throw, 34.1% field goal

Jasmine Powell 12.4 pts., 4.4 reb, 5.7 assist, 77.3% free throw, 32.2% field goal

Jessie Rennie 0.6 pts., 0.4 reb. 0.5 assist, 50% free throw, 19% field goal
(3 point-11.8%)

Justine Pissott and Edie Darby were in high school, and I do not have their stats, but I believe they both shoot well.

Maybe these stats will help everyone with their starting 5.

 

[LV renaissance]

I do remember that Powell had better career stats, so whatever dynamic that was going wrong for her at Minnesota last year likely impacted her game and stats

 

[Volfaninfl2]

I do remember that Powell had better career stats, so whatever dynamic that was going wrong for her at Minnesota last year likely impacted her game and stats

If considering the possible point guard starter, although Miles and Wynn had a slightly better field goal percentage, both Walker and Powell had more points, rebounds and assists, and shot a much better free throw percentage, which is really important for that position.

 

[djtee]

If we get Rivers I don’t see Darby playing a lot of minutes next year.

Why not Rivers will need to prove herself i think, B.Hall was ranked 14 and Rivers 3 ? And B.Hall turned out to be the better player.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

I do remember that Powell had better career stats, so whatever dynamic that was going wrong for her at Minnesota last year likely impacted her game and stats

Her last 3 years’ stats at MN are pretty consistent.
Jasmine Powell Stats | ESPN

 

[lvocd]

I honestly believe that nearly every player will get significant minutes next season regardless of who is starting. Kellie showed this past season that she likes to keep fresh legs coming in and out when they're available because, for the most part, we were able to maintain a pretty good level of defensive pressure by using a lot of players. And next season promises way MORE of that. I really do think she can, and will, keep everyone happy because everyone has already shown they are plug-n-play ready. Even Rennie, who hasn't been able to overcome her in-game shooting confidence problem, has shown she can defend, so while I expect she may in her senior season be the last off the bench, even she has potential to help a little.

Everyone else, though, can get it done on both ends -- assuming they're all already building on their successes from this past season. I honestly cannot recall the last time I was this confident in our roster top to bottom.

 

[volnationnj]

I honestly believe that nearly every player will get significant minutes next season regardless of who is starting. Kellie showed this past season that she likes to keep fresh legs coming in and out when they're available because, for the most part, we were able to maintain a pretty good level of defensive pressure by using a lot of players. And next season promises way MORE of that. I really do think she can, and will, keep everyone happy because everyone has already shown they are plug-n-play ready. Even Rennie, who hasn't been able to overcome her in-game shooting confidence problem, has shown she can defend, so while I expect she may in her senior season be the last off the bench, even she has potential to help a little.

Everyone else, though, can get it done on both ends -- assuming they're all already building on their successes from this past season. I honestly cannot recall the last time I was this confident in our roster top to bottom.

I just don't see how it's possible to give 14 players significant playing time.
(Of course, that depends on your definition of significant. I would say 10+ minutes per game).
Say each of the starting 5 average 26 minutes a game (Last year the LV's had 7 players average 19 or more minutes a game. The top 5 averaged a total of 132 minutes per game. That's an average of a
little over 26 minutes each).
So, if the starting 5 average 26 minutes each and the next 5 only half of that (13 minutes per game), that leaves only 5 minutes total for 4 players.
Now, there will probably be games where UT is up big at halftime and the starters wind up only playing 15-20 minutes each. But, considering the top out of conference teams CKJH is scheduling and the tough SEC schedule, there will only be a few games, early in the year, where the end of the bench gets significant playing time.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Who were the best scorers in the 2021-22 season? If someone scored points, but has a low overall shooting percentage, they missed a lot of shots and need to improve their shooting, or pass to a hotter hand. We had players with a higher shooting percentage, but didn’t have as many points, hopefully for next season they now have the confidence to shoot more. If a player is mainly a 3 point shooter, their overall field goal percentage is less. If a player mainly shoots layups, they may have a higher field goal percentage, and should be able to make free throws. Also, who are our best free throw shooters? Very important.

Here’s our list, in order of best overall field goal percentage listed first. That’s more apple to apple comparison.
Points, Rebounds, Assists, Free Throw %, Overall Field Goal %

Tamari Key 10.5 pts., 8.1 reb, 1.0 assist, 62.6% free throw, 58.4% field goal

Jasmine Franklin 14.9 pts., 12.1 reb, 1.0 assist, 76% free throw, 53.8% field goal

Karoline Striplin 2.6 pts., 2.1 reb, 0.2 assist, 77.3% free throw, 44.4% field goal

Sara Puckett 6.4 pts., 3.5 reb, 1.1 assist, 69% free throw, 43.3% field goal

Rickea Jackson 20.3 pts., 6.8 reb, 1.1 assist, 73% free throw, 41% field goal

Brooklyn Miles 2.5 pts., 2.8 reb, 2.0 assist, 41.7% free throw, 38.8% field goal

Kaiya Wynn 2.4 pts., 2.0 reb, 0.7 assist, 43.2% free throw, 38.5% field goal

Jordan Horston 16.2 pts., 9.4 reb, 4 assist, 67.8% free throw, 37.9% field goal

Tess Darby 5.3 pts., 2.4 reb, 1.1 assist, 100% free throw, 36.9% field goal
(Tess mostly shot 3 pointers at 38.3%).

Jordan Walker 7.6 pts., 4.1 reb, 3.4 assist, 61.9% free throw, 34.1% field goal

Jasmine Powell 12.4 pts., 4.4 reb, 5.7 assist, 77.3% free throw, 32.2% field goal

Jessie Rennie 0.6 pts., 0.4 reb. 0.5 reb, 50% free throw, 19% field goal
(3 point-11.8%)

Justine Pissott and Edie Darby were in high school, and I do not have their stats, but I believe they both shoot well.

Maybe these stats will help everyone with their starting 5.

Oops, left off Marta, these are her 2020-21 stats.

Marta Suarez 4.1 pts., 3.6 reb, 0.8 assist, 75% free throw, 40.7% field goal

 

[lvocd]

I guess it depends on what people consider "significant minutes." To me, in the area of 10 well-timed, well-performed minutes are significant, especially against a top opponent. Kellie has a roster that, BECAUSE so many have the potential to step up big in different situations, whoever is in charge of game planning for each game will be able to deploy a few different "specialist" groups for short (or longer, if necessary for the opponent) throughout the games.

Obviously having a roster like this one is a blessing for a young coaching staff. But it is also SO full of opportunities to try new things that it is going to create a lot more work for game-planners that it could feel overwhelming.

Some might think the stronger the roster the easier for coaches. It's the opposite. Our staff will have so many ways they can go each time the ball is tipped that it will be the COACHES who may need to hear in their heads Pat saying, "Don't give in to fatigue!" The staff will have to be sharp as tacks next season to best utilize all the pieces they have to work with.

Is is November yet?

 

[Volfaninfl2]

My lineup, but we know all will get playing time, and the lineup will always change during the games, Justine is possibly going to get more minutes as time goes on, and Wynn may be added for extra defense.

Powell, Walker, Miles, Edie
Horston, Walker, Wynn
Rickea, Tess, Justine, Rennie
Sara, Striplin, Marta, Justine
Key, Striplin, Marta

GO LADY VOLS!!!

In the Sports247 interview, Rickea sees herself as a 3 guard, so I’m guessing that’s where Kellie will let her play. Btw, Rickea and Powell used to play in AAU together, which is good.

“I’m kind of a quicker guard than my mom was. My mom was more like a four, but she was a dog, mom was a dog. But I feel like you know I got the three ball, I got handles, and my mom had that, too, but I feel like she had in an old school way.”

Now, I just need to add Jasmine Franklin to the roster. This is how I see subbing, not a first and second team. Looking at everyone’s last year stats, Tess had a very good 3 point %, so I expect her to play, and Sara blocked defenders so one of our players could drive to the basket, or rebound, so I think she’ll still be helping in that way at the 4 position next season.

I don’t know if Key and Franklin will be on the floor together, seems like it was either/or when we had Kasi, and then Keyen, so I now have Franklin as first backup to Key. If they play at the same time, Franklin would be first choice at the 4.

5. Key, Franklin, Striplin/Marta



GO LADY VOLS!!!

 

[madtownvol]

You and need want depth because injuries happen.

Odds are, the LVs will have many games where all 15 rostered players are not available due to various injuries and illnesses. Hopefully, the can avoid major injuries but you can almost bet on players missing some games with sprains and strains.

The "15" is probably closer to 12, maybe 11, in real terms. Jessie did not see many minutes last season and that probably won't change. I am sure Edie signed on knowing that her "time" will come later if she develops her game. Of course, early season, everyone will get some time but as the LVs get into the heart of the season, the minutes are going to be divided up among 11 to 12 players.

I will restate that Jasmine Franklin will be only out 9 months from ACL surgery. I am not convinced she will be cleared to play at the start of the season but if she is, she will be likely be looking at minute limitations and a gradual process of her building confidence back in her knee and regaining the kinesthetic sense that is so seriously disrupted by an ACL. I know everyone is looking at her pre-injury film and thinking she is the missing piece but that is just not how ACL injuries work. 9 months out, no one is going to jump back in be same player as she was pre-injury. Jasmine is a locker room leader and depth signing who, if all goes well, may play a larger later in the season. Marta is another wild card. She is going to have to play her way back in. She has a good skill set so she might be also be a player who looms larger as the season goes on but i think the LVs have a built a roster where it will be tougher to jump into the core rotations than during her freshman season.

I see the "big game" core group being Horston, Jackson, Powell, and Key. (four who are almost assured of being starters), with Pissott, Puckett, Striplin, Darby, and Walker all battling for the other starting slot and those 9 players claiming the lion share of minutes). As the season goes, if Franklin has no set backs, she will probably get higher up in the rotation queue, perhaps with Marta.

I think MIles and Wynn might get pushed back a bit in the rotation but will get bigger roles when players are out with injuries and illness. Those two just need to be patient because they are set to have big roles as juniors and seniors.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

You and need want depth because injuries happen.

Odds are, the LVs will have many games where all 15 rostered players are not available due to various injuries and illnesses. Hopefully, the can avoid major injuries but you can almost bet on players missing some games with sprains and strains.

The "15" is probably closer to 12, maybe 11, in real terms. Jessie did not see many minutes last season and that probably won't change. I am sure Edie signed on knowing that her "time" will come later if she develops her game. Of course, early season, everyone will get some time but as the LVs get into the heart of the season, the minutes are going to be divided up among 11 to 12 players.

I will restate that Jasmine Franklin will be only out 9 months from ACL surgery. I am not convinced she will be cleared to play at the start of the season but it she is, we will be looking at minute limitations and a gradual process of her building confidence back in her knee and regaining the kinesthetic sense that is so seriously disrupted by an ACL. I know everyone is looking at her pre-injury film and thinking she is the missing piece but that is just not how ACL injuries work. 9 months out, no one is going to jump back in be same player as she was pre-injury. Jasmine is a locker room leader and depth signing who, if all goes well, may play a larger later in the season. Marta is another wild card. She is going to have to play her way back in. She has a good skill set so she might be also be a player who looms larger as the season goes on but i think the LVs have a built a roster where it will be tougher to jump into the core rotations than during her freshman season.

I see the "big game" core group being Horston, Jackson, Powell, and Key. (four who are almost assured of being starters), with Pissott, Puckett, Striplin, Darby, and Walker all battling for the other starting slot and those 9 players claiming the lion share of minutes). As the season goes, if Franklin has no set backs, she will probably get higher up in the rotation queue, perhaps with Marta.

I think MIles and Wynn might get pushed back a bit in the rotation but will get bigger roles when players are out with injuries and illness. Those two just need to be patient because they are set to have big roles as juniors and seniors.

Very thoughtful analysis. Thanks for posting!

 

[Twinsbornoncampus]

Jackson
Key
Horston
Franklin
Powell

 

[Fatoldman]

Jackson
Key
Horston
Franklin
Powell

Franklin if 100% (which she won't be) would not only start but likely would be all SEC. She is solid on offense but a force on defense and rebounding. People expecting her to be a role player have no idea how good she is. My cousin who lives in Springfield said she has not used crutches at all since her surgery. I have seen her play in person a couple of times and she was better than all the bigs on our roster last year and was so much better than Blackwell from Mizzou in one game I saw that you can't even compare the two.

 

[lvocd]

Franklin if 100% (which she won't be) would not only start but likely would be all SEC. She is solid on offense but a force on defense and rebounding. People expecting her to be a role player have no idea how good she is. My cousin who lives in Springfield said she has not used crutches at all since her surgery. I have seen her play in person a couple of times and she was better than all the bigs on our roster last year and was so much better than Blackwell from Mizzou in one game I saw that you can't even compare the two.

Every clip I have seen of her has blown me away, which is why I said after her commitment that Key better watch out because SHE may end up being the backup! I could not be happier she's coming to Knoxville.

 

[Fatoldman]

Every clip I have seen of her has blown me away, which is why I said after her commitment that Key better watch out because SHE may end up being the backup! I could not be happier she's coming to Knoxville.

She is better than Key. Not a knock on Key just a fact. Outplayed both Reese and Miller
of Maryland in one game. But she can play the 4 and is a great passer. Don't know how you keep her off the floor but she is a team player. Hard worker so think she will recover from ACL. We're loaded