Game Thread: Lady Vols v ETSU, Home, Fri. Nov 7th, 6:30PM, SECN+

[brittannica]

Again, it is only game 2 but something about this game did feel off, despite the massive point gap. I can't quite say exactly what it was) but their execution was sloppy (Per CKC's concerns with fouling, not cutting and so on). This is a young team, now down one senior leader, and It seemed they did not get their heads completely right after the close loss on the road (again that seemed to be the main theme of CKC's presser). Not to be that guy, but people who expected a freshman oriented team to be a juggernaut from the first tip were a little unrealistic in their expectations. I think this team can catch up to the lofty expectations but it will take some time (and it is a long way to March).


I was curious why Coop was out of the rotation in the 4th quarter. Anybody know if she had an issue of some type?

I noticed this too and hoped they were just resting her. Idk that the coaching staff needs to see much more to know what she can contribute. I know she was player of the game and was interviewed by Brian Rice.

 

[Volfan2012]

Again, it is only game 2 but something about this game did feel off, despite the massive point gap. I can't quite say exactly what it was) but their execution was sloppy (Per CKC's concerns with fouling, not cutting and so on). This is a young team, now down one senior leader, and It seemed they did not get their heads completely right after the close loss on the road (again that seemed to be the main theme of CKC's presser). Not to be that guy, but people who expected a freshman oriented team to be a juggernaut from the first tip were a little unrealistic in their expectations. I think this team can catch up to the lofty expectations but it will take some time (and it is a long way to March).


I was curious why Coop was out of the rotation in the 4th quarter. Anybody know if she had an issue of some type?

Don't know but I think it was just to give some other players some minutes with the game well in hand. Might see that a few times this year looks like she is gearing her for over 30 minutes in the close games.

 

[Rickster]

......, but people who expected a freshman oriented team to be a juggernaut from the first tip were a little unrealistic in their expectations.......

Zeal for the team is a double edged sword. Too much of it affects ones reasoning. I know, I'm a big orange zealot as many of you are. As I get frightfully older, I see myself relying more on hope than rationale when it comes to analysis of my favorite sport teams.

 

[lvocd]

As sure as the sun comes up every day, every year in my memory Lady Vol fans have been mostly underwhelmed for at least the first several games of the season, no matter how many times we are cautioned to expect that team chemistry is a work in progress. Every season many openly worry because they obviously expected them to look like a championship contender immediately and, instead, looked like a team playing their first handful of games in the season.

We are diabolical, I tell ya!

 

[RAVOL]

Again, it is only game 2 but something about this game did feel off, despite the massive point gap. I can't quite say exactly what it was) but their execution was sloppy (Per CKC's concerns with fouling, not cutting and so on). This is a young team, now down one senior leader, and It seemed they did not get their heads completely right after the close loss on the road (again that seemed to be the main theme of CKC's presser). Not to be that guy, but people who expected a freshman oriented team to be a juggernaut from the first tip were a little unrealistic in their expectations. I think this team can catch up to the lofty expectations but it will take some time (and it is a long way to March).


I was curious why Coop was out of the rotation in the 4th quarter. Anybody know if she had an issue of some type?

No need to play your AA in 4th with another game Sunday. We have multiple players that have to get a sense of urgency to do the little things better so they needed the minutes. In CHRIST Alone

 

[chuckiepoo]

As sure as the sun comes up every day, every year in my memory Lady Vol fans have been mostly underwhelmed for at least the first several games of the season, no matter how many times we are cautioned to expect that team chemistry is a work in progress. Every season many openly worry because they obviously expected them to look like a championship contender immediately and, instead, looked like a team playing their first handful of games in the season.

We are diabolical, I tell ya!

 

[BruisedOrange]

Zeal for the team is a double edged sword. Too much of it affects ones reasoning. I know, I'm a big orange zealot as many of you are. As I get frightfully older, I see myself relying more on hope than rationale when it comes to analysis of my favorite sport teams.

Preach it, brother!

Speaking bio-chemically (yes, BO is back onto his soapbox!), we get just as big of a dopamine hit (good feelings, a satisfaction high) from anticipating something good, as from experiencing the actual event or reality. And we--having been conditioned in the skinner box that is today's internet--have become instinctual experts at manipulating our own dopamine production. Most of us even feel entitled to it.

So all of us orange lab rats start pumping that dopamine lever in the recruiting season, then again as reports from summer voluntary practices leak out, and again when we post about how great the new players are, then again in reports from preseason practices... And now that the reality of actual game performance isn't producing as much dopamine as our optimistic fantasies were anticipating... our bio-chemical system makes us actually feel worse when our dopamine production is still positive, but less than anticipated. We're logically and chemically left to resent, blame, or complain because we are now chasing that high again.

We're all functioning drug addicts. It's just a different drug from what those poor wretches on the street have to purchase. We pay by the month (internet access) rather than by the hit, tab, or bump. I think we're okay as long as we maintain a real world frame of reference when we're posting as fans. But preseason for any sport is the time of greatest susceptibility to fantasy (unless you're a Titans fan, I guess).

I promise, I'm not preaching every time I post about "the evils of dopamine addiction." I'm really just trying to recruit a larger support group, to find more VFLs who will offer reminders to push back against excess, who will speak words of reason when we slide into our preseason fantasy highs and real season disappointment lows, and help us all stay tethered to reality.


I wonder... how many dopamine highs in a year did our agrarian ancestors experience?
I'm guessing the only self-medicating, dopamine delivery system they had to deal with was the Sears & Roebuck catalog.

 

[1morevol]

I'm wondering why point guard Mia only has 2 assists in the first 2 games? Low shooting percentages and too much one on one play by teammates are contributing factors as is her minutes played per game I guess. Still feels like that is a low number. Edited. Nya has 6 through the first 2 games so a total of 8 from the point guard position.

 

[lvocd]

No need to play your AA in 4th with another game Sunday. We have multiple players that have to get a sense of urgency to do the little things better so they needed the minutes. In CHRIST Alone

Kim said at the end of last season that the staff did a poor job of managing bodies, resulting in much of the team running out of steam toward the end of the season. So she'd be wise to start early in managing fatigue this season, and that's why I'd guess Coop was rested late.

And I don't know about anyone else, but for a few moments I was terrified when Barker was holding her neck after a play. Then a brief scare with Boyd... then Robertson. I'm so paranoid about injuries since, well, Tennessee has always suffered more than their fair share of injury losses.

 

[RAVOL]

Kim said at the end of last season that the staff did a poor job of managing bodies, resulting in much of the team running out of steam toward the end of the season. So she'd be wise to start early in managing fatigue this season, and that's why I'd guess Coop was rested late.

And I don't know about anyone else, but for a few moments I was terrified when Barker was holding her neck after a play. Then a brief scare with Boyd... then Robertson. I'm so paranoid about injuries since, well, Tennessee has always suffered more than their fair share of injury losses.

Understand especially with Ruby gone. She is sorely missed as she was experienced and talented. Robertson and Jersey must play better to fill the gap. In CHRIST Alone

 

[lvocd]

Rewatching last night's game now, and Barker is just smooth. Right before the end of the first half she made a beautiful step-through move for an easy off-hand lay-in, and then immediately gave super effort in poking the ball away and diving on the floor for it. I have been nothing but impressed by her.

And Coop is Coop. She just gets it done out there, all the while somehow (especially in sideline huddles) looking like she's bored and not really excited to be there. lol Obviously she is, but she just doesn't physically LOOK like it. Love me some Low-Key Coop. Some Turned-Off Tay.

But again, Jaida Civil really has blown me away. Does everyone realize through her first three games playing in front of fans, Civil has shot an incredible 11-15 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line?

 

[BruisedOrange]

I'm wondering why point guard Mia only has 2 assists in the first 2 games? Low shooting percentages and too much one on one play by teammates are contributing factors as is her minutes played per game I guess. Still feels like that is a low number. Edited. Nya has 6 through the first 2 games so a total of 8 from the point guard position.

Nifty pickup on those numbers!

I'll leave it to others to critique and correct my initial response: Against today's defences, seems to me the open outside shot more often comes off of the 2nd or 3rd pass, not the initial pass from the PG. It takes more than one pass to extend a defense today.

The exception would be when the PG drives and collects 2 or more defenders before kicking it out to an open perimeter shooter.

D'zat explanation for those assist numbers hold water?

 

[1morevol]

Nifty pickup on those numbers!

I'll leave it to others to critique and correct my initial response: Against today's defences, seems to me the open outside shot more often comes off of the 2nd or 3rd pass, not the initial pass from the PG. It takes more than one pass to extend a defense today.

The exception would be when the PG drives and collects 2 or more defenders before kicking it out to an open perimeter shooter.

D'zat explanation for those assist numbers hold water?

It does. Besides drive and kickout, add drive and dish to a cutter. Many factors.

 

[Rickster]

I'm wondering why point guard Mia only has 2 assists in the first 2 games? Low shooting percentages and too much one on one play by teammates are contributing factors as is her minutes played per game I guess. Still feels like that is a low number. Edited. Nya has 6 through the first 2 games so a total of 8 from the point guard position.

Probably because they are going for that 3rd or 4th pass to get a better shot. They seem to fumble the ball out front on occasion so 1st pass scoring suffers there.

 

[madtownvol]

I'm wondering why point guard Mia only has 2 assists in the first 2 games? Low shooting percentages and too much one on one play by teammates are contributing factors as is her minutes played per game I guess. Still feels like that is a low number. Edited. Nya has 6 through the first 2 games so a total of 8 from the point guard position.

The other side is that Mya in fewer minutes has 4 (3 against ETSU and one against NCST).

Some inexperience in the role is likely a factor since these are her first 2 college games.

Bur overall, the LVs half court sets have not been functioning like clockwork, To much standing and watching. As that shortcoming gets fixed, assists should go up across the board.

 

[1morevol]

Probably because they are going for that 3rd or 4th pass to get a better shot. They seem to fumble the ball out front on occasion so 1st pass scoring suffers there.

The team as a whole had 18 assists. That would support your statement.

 

[1morevol]

The other side is that Mya in fewer minutes has 4 (3 against ETSU and one against NCST).

Some inexperience in the role is likely a factor since these are her first 2 college games.

Bur overall, the LVs half court sets have not been functioning like clockwork, To much standing and watching. As that shortcoming gets fixed, assists should go up across the board.

I noticed that also. Many contributing factors. Things will improve once all the cogs start meshing.

 

[Orange Maniac]

If your opponent is playing zone, which ETSU was doing, isn't it accurate to say "take what the defense gives you?" I really don't know ball that well, but it seems like if ETSU was playing man-to-man that it woud've been much easier to take advantage of the massiv talent disadvantage at each matchup than the team-oriented defense that the zone defense seems to be, to these eyes. Eyes which still hav a lot to learn about 'ball, granted. (more of a baseball and football guy)

Normally the answer to the zone is to pass the ball into an open three tho, is it not? That shoud be our game. (that and crashing the boards for the 70% of the time the shot doesn't go in)

Driving and trying to break down a defense is not just for that player to get a layup. The pressure causes other players to react and try to help leading to kick outs, dishing the ball to cutters and more. The pressure makes the defense vulnerable. When we applied pressure, we were very successful but for the most part we pitched it around the perimeter and then chucked up a three. Kim wasn’t impressed.

 

[Golfteacher]

Nya Robertson and Wolfenbarger are at a crucial juncture in their journey, and it is essential that they elevate their performance. Robertson, a talented shooter with immense potential, has unfortunately stumbled out of the gate this season, while Wolfenbarger, whose athleticism is undeniable, has also struggled to find her rhythm. She missed at least three easy shots against ETSU. As a unit, the team has become overly reliant on the three-point shot, especially against ETSU, neglecting the vital strategy of penetrating the paint until the fourth quarter. This missed opportunity to challenge the defense inside the arc reflects not just on the players, but on the coaching approach as well. It is imperative that they recalibrate their strategy to harness their strengths against each opponent. This team has speed, athleticism and height. If everyone play up to their abilities, team can be dynamic.

 

[Rickster]

Bur overall, the LVs half court sets have not been functioning like clockwork, To much standing and watching. As that shortcoming gets fixed, assists should go up across the board.

This ^

 

[LV renaissance]

Rewatching last night's game now, and Barker is just smooth. Right before the end of the first half she made a beautiful step-through move for an easy off-hand lay-in, and then immediately gave super effort in poking the ball away and diving on the floor for it. I have been nothing but impressed by her.

And Coop is Coop. She just gets it done out there, all the while somehow (especially in sideline huddles) looking like she's bored and not really excited to be there. lol Obviously she is, but she just doesn't physically LOOK like it. Love me some Low-Key Coop. Some Turned-Off Tay.

But again, Jaida Civil really has blown me away. Does everyone realize through her first three games playing in front of fans, Civil has shot an incredible 11-15 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line?

I have been dancing to the Jada tune from the first minute I saw her in action as a Lady Vol . If she keeps this up, she should be getting about the same minutes as Cooper and Barker. She might not be where they are yet, but are system needs an energizer bunny. She fits the bill better than anyone.

 

[TnScooby]

WOW!!!!! Just got to watch the game on ESPN replay on their premium service and that was the most HORRIBLE announcing I think I've ever heard...I had a couple of friends laughing about it this morning so I was warned...But OMG, who in the h*** was that Cruz guy??? Fakest voice EVER and absolutely clueless throughout the whole game..And Kamera wasn't much better than she was last year (not sayin' much there) My wife mercifully cut the volume midway through the 4th quarter..The Lady Vols deserve MUCH MUCH better than that amateur hour garbage they were spewing.....

 

[chuckiepoo]

WOW!!!!! Just got to watch the game on ESPN replay on their premium service and that was the most HORRIBLE announcing I think I've ever heard...I had a couple of friends laughing about it this morning so I was warned...But OMG, who in the h*** was that Cruz guy??? Fakest voice EVER and absolutely clueless throughout the whole game..And Kamera wasn't much better than she was last year (not sayin' much there) My wife mercifully cut the volume midway through the 4th quarter..The Lady Vols deserve MUCH MUCH better than that amateur hour garbage they were spewing.....

Pretty rough broadcast production. Really glad i didn't pay for it.

 

[madtownvol]

WOW!!!!! Just got to watch the game on ESPN replay on their premium service and that was the most HORRIBLE announcing I think I've ever heard...I had a couple of friends laughing about it this morning so I was warned...But OMG, who in the h*** was that Cruz guy??? Fakest voice EVER and absolutely clueless throughout the whole game..And Kamera wasn't much better than she was last year (not sayin' much there) My wife mercifully cut the volume midway through the 4th quarter..The Lady Vols deserve MUCH MUCH better than that amateur hour garbage they were spewing.....

For non-national games, ESPN just uses the local broadcast team. For what is worth, I thought they were okay. Kamera Harris has gotten a lot better from her beginning days (but yeah, she still has some work to do). At leas, they stayed mostly focused in the game, rather than getting getting lost in tangential discussions and personal stories (which happens a lot with ESPN's national broadcast teams).

 

[Volfan2012]

Nya Robertson and Wolfenbarger are at a crucial juncture in their journey, and it is essential that they elevate their performance. Robertson, a talented shooter with immense potential, has unfortunately stumbled out of the gate this season, while Wolfenbarger, whose athleticism is undeniable, has also struggled to find her rhythm. She missed at least three easy shots against ETSU. As a unit, the team has become overly reliant on the three-point shot, especially against ETSU, neglecting the vital strategy of penetrating the paint until the fourth quarter. This missed opportunity to challenge the defense inside the arc reflects not just on the players, but on the coaching approach as well. It is imperative that they recalibrate their strategy to harness their strengths against each opponent. This team has speed, athleticism and height. If everyone play up to their abilities, team can be dynamic.

At this time Cooper, M. Pauldo, Civil, and Barker have separated from the others and should be 30 minute players. I am not throwing Spearman in there yet she needs to play better getting every opportunity playing 28 minutes a game thus far. I expect she will be the other top minute getter if she can just play decent basketball. If you went thirty that way against the top teams then you have 50 minutes for everyone else. Sure it could all change Robertson could make a charge as could Latham. Mya Pauldo might get her minutes up a little. Wolfenbarger has to play around ten just because she plays inside don't see more than that unless she suddenly becomes a better player than she has shown thus far. Her inability to make a layup has been glaring.