Tennessee Lady Vol News

[Rickster]

Honestly Rickster, just missing our winning days and I think it’s just finally starting to get to me! It’s like we can never have the breakout freshmen that everyone else gets these days, we don’t have the fluid offense, the lockdown defense, the X’s and O’s, it’s like we don’t have nice things anymore and it’s just getting frustrating.

Plus I really like to talk **** online with other fanbases and its not fun with they have all the ammunition! I can only fallback on the “We still have 8 championships” schtick for so long!

But seriously, I’ve been positive and supportive all summer, but once I saw the product Kim put on the floor, it looked disappointing, and no in game adjustments was even more disappointing! I’m just going with the flow now and there’s no positive flow for me right now.

I understand. Starting slow has been surprising to many of us. I do believe you will get the ammo you're looking for. Hopefully some big bore stuff.

 

[LV renaissance]

don't sleep on Prawl. She was rated 3 spots higher than Civil (who is far and away my favorite)....That said, Prawl may be a slow starter at this level,,,but I predict she will surprise everyone at some point

Absolutely. Prawl does have that anxious look that Freshman often have early in the season in which they play slower and less effective due to being in their heads with self-consciousness and over-cautiousness. You can just see it in how she looks and moves. Hopefully, this will eventually disappear with experience. Then, we will see what her true potential might be.

 

[lvocd]

Absolutely. Prawl does have that anxious look that Freshman often have early in the season in which they play slower and less effective due to being in their heads with self-consciousness and over-cautiousness. You can just see it in how she looks and moves. Hopefully, this will eventually disappear with experience. Then, we will see what her true potential might be.

This is nearly exactly what passes through my mind every time the tv camera finds Prawl in between plays or heading to the bench on substitution changes. She's tentative and worried-looking right now because she is still unsure. I agree with you that this will disappear with experience. She needs to understand that the overwhelming majority of freshmen, no matter HOW good they were in high school, are gonna need time to adjust to the college game, and that she's okay!

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Honestly Rickster, just missing our winning days and I think it’s just finally starting to get to me! It’s like we can never have the breakout freshmen that everyone else gets these days, we don’t have the fluid offense, the lockdown defense, the X’s and O’s, it’s like we don’t have nice things anymore and it’s just getting frustrating.

Plus I really like to talk **** online with other fanbases and its not fun with they have all the ammunition! I can only fallback on the “We still have 8 championships” schtick for so long!

But seriously, I’ve been positive and supportive all summer, but once I saw the product Kim put on the floor, it looked disappointing, and no in game adjustments was even more disappointing! I’m just going with the flow now and there’s no positive flow for me right now.

I agree with everything u said, with the team and not having any of those recent freshman phenoms that are household names, it’s frustrating. Like I said before I’m saving what I have to say until the end of the season, I won’t be holding back.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

 

[LadyVol1908]

agree with most of this, but I do think we have 2 freshman, mia and civil, that have the possibility to breakout. it’s been 3 games, so I don’t think it’s fair to say they don’t have that ability just yet. both have showed a lot of good things. i think one or both will have a big year for us. both are avg. double figures so far.

I’m not seeing the potential in Mia that everyone else is yet, idk. Small and not as quick as I thought she’d be. Expected her to be able to break down defenses and actually drive by players with her speed, but it’s like she moves quick, but gets no where. Civil is the real deal and has the goods NOW! She has her moments, but she’s actually really heady and takes good shots! She’s going to be a STAR!

 

[lvocd]

I’m not seeing the potential in Mia that everyone else is yet, idk. Small and not as quick as I thought she’d be. Expected her to be able to break down defenses and actually drive by players with her speed, but it’s like she moves quick, but gets no where. Civil is the real deal and has the goods NOW! She has her moments, but she’s actually really heady and takes good shots! She’s going to be a STAR!

It may not ease your concerns at all, but I actually do see TREMENDOUS Pauldo potential, and am feeling -- believe it or not -- like they may eventually end up being even BETTER than expected, even given their unrealistic freshman-season expectations.

Hear me out.

Yes, the Pauldos (and Robertson) are currently being baptized by fire, and the freshman are (of course) getting burned now and then. Of course they are! ANY TIME you put a freshman at PG you are going to see mistakes/growing pains. It is inevitable.

But what I like about the Pauldos is that they appear to be trying to play with confidence that their teammates are on the same wave-length, and while the two may not always be connecting yet, I feel strongly that once team chemistry finally clicks that either of the twins could be consistently solid for us. I'd actually like to see both of them on the court at the same time now and then because I suspect that would inspire both of them to fibd another gear.

Just rambling tonight. Don't mind me.

 

[Volfan2012]

Interesting fact four players are shooting 21 of 49 from the three for 43 percent.

Everyone else on the team is 9 for 51 for 18 percent.

The freedom to shoot from the three is extended to everyone and this JMO is the reason our three point percentage is so low.

Also need to look at Civil only playing 18 minutes per game that has to go up to at least 25 she is a complete offensive and defensive player right now.

We will have to make some decisions on three point shooting and playing time to become more effective as a team. I expect this to happen when we start SEC play. Until then I can see the coaches allowing everyone to step up their game.

 

[VolBall09]

Interesting fact four players are shooting 21 of 49 from the three for 43 percent.

Everyone else on the team is 9 for 51 for 18 percent.

The freedom to shoot from the three is extended to everyone and this JMO is the reason our three point percentage is so low.

Also need to look at Civil only playing 18 minutes per game that has to go up to at least 25 she is a complete offensive and defensive player right now.

We will have to make some decisions on three point shooting and playing time to become more effective as a team. I expect this to happen when we start SEC play. Until then I can see the coaches allowing everyone to step up their game.

Yeah I’d really like to see Zee take the ball to the rack more. She’s settling for threes but she has a really nice driving game. That’s how she could draw fouls on the other teams big as well. We need her to be aggressive and force the other teams bigs to actually defend instead of just standing in the lane clogging up the paint.

Robertson needs to put the ball down and go to the rack some as well. She’s a little trigger happy from deep when she comes in.

 

[37620VOL]

Yeah I’d really like to see Zee take the ball to the rack more. She’s settling for threes but she has a really nice driving game. That’s how she could draw fouls on the other teams big as well. We need her to be aggressive and force the other teams bigs to actually defend instead of just standing in the lane clogging up the paint.

Double edge sword with Zee, she's leading the team in TOs because of those drives.

 

[RetroVol]

I expect this to happen when we start SEC play. Until then I can see the coaches allowing everyone to step up their game.

Yes, yes. I strongly believe this coaching staff is focused on developing some things they need in the preseason. And, although I suspect that they have explained what's going on to the team, it may still be messing with their heads. What I mean is that we haven't seen much of the all-out pressure game we saw last year in the pre-season (and it's been disappointing!). It's there, I think, because we see them turn it up occasionally, but I think it's being intentionally dialed back to get some other things in place, like half-court offense and defense.

And, yeah, those haven't looked great. But, and here I'm just trying to imagine what's going on since few but the staff and team really know, it's got to be a little tough for the team -- especially the new players who didn't experience it last year -- to have worked on the kind of pressure game that is CKC's MO and then not implement it right from the start. I think a lot of what Coach Kim has said, even going back to last season, backs this up. If that's what is going on, then I suspect we will continue to see this team play differently from last year most of the time for a few more games, but they will start to transition to more of what we saw last year after that. Hopefully, we see improvement in things like finding ways to prioritize their best 3pt shooters, get more movement in the offense, penetrate offensively and stop teams from driving repeatedly when on defense.

And, yes, I admit to making every effort to look at this positively. There's already enough in the world that I have trouble viewing hopefully that I don't want to bring that into my interest in the Lady Vols. Moreover, I want to see the approach from this team that I saw last year. It was different. It was interesting. It was fun (and sometimes frustrating) to watch, and I truly believe it helped that team exceed what they would have accomplished otherwise. What we're seeing this year fits with CKC's competitive drive and focus on a national championship. To me it shows she is learning and adapting. Whether that means she stays close to the approach that got her here or moves to something more conventional, time will tell.

 

[Volfan2012]

Double edge sword with Zee, she's leading the team in TOs because of those drives.

Teams are zoning us totally and really collapsing on drives. Making threes and perimeter shots would remedy some of that just not making enough to pull them out of what they are doing. I agree Zee is doing a lot of turning over the ball mostly her fault, but bumping a player into a travel should really be a foul and that happed a few times at UT Martin.

 

[glv98]

Yes, yes. I strongly believe this coaching staff is focused on developing some things they need in the preseason. And, although I suspect that they have explained what's going on to the team, it may still be messing with their heads. What I mean is that we haven't seen much of the all-out pressure game we saw last year in the pre-season (and it's been disappointing!). It's there, I think, because we see them turn it up occasionally, but I think it's being intentionally dialed back to get some other things in place, like half-court offense and defense.

And, yeah, those haven't looked great. But, and here I'm just trying to imagine what's going on since few but the staff and team really know, it's got to be a little tough for the team -- especially the new players who didn't experience it last year -- to have worked on the kind of pressure game that is CKC's MO and then not implement it right from the start. I think a lot of what Coach Kim has said, even going back to last season, backs this up. If that's what is going on, then I suspect we will continue to see this team play differently from last year most of the time for a few more games, but they will start to transition to more of what we saw last year after that. Hopefully, we see improvement in things like finding ways to prioritize their best 3pt shooters, get more movement in the offense, penetrate offensively and stop teams from driving repeatedly when on defense.

And, yes, I admit to making every effort to look at this positively. There's already enough in the world that I have trouble viewing hopefully that I don't want to bring that into my interest in the Lady Vols. Moreover, I want to see the approach from this team that I saw last year. It was different. It was interesting. It was fun (and sometimes frustrating) to watch, and I truly believe it helped that team exceed what they would have accomplished otherwise. What we're seeing this year fits with CKC's competitive drive and focus on a national championship. To me it shows she is learning and adapting. Whether that means she stays close to the approach that got her here or moves to something more conventional, time will tell.

I would be surprised if CKC held back anything against NC state. They'd had the whole preseason to work toward that game and it was a great chance to make a big statement against a ranked team. Maybe she is sandbagging for the SEC season, but then I wonder why she's so disappointed and mad at them, saying they're not giving effort and not executing the game plan. She doesn't really seem like a public BS artist but maybe she's faking that too.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Yes, yes. I strongly believe this coaching staff is focused on developing some things they need in the preseason. And, although I suspect that they have explained what's going on to the team, it may still be messing with their heads. What I mean is that we haven't seen much of the all-out pressure game we saw last year in the pre-season (and it's been disappointing!). It's there, I think, because we see them turn it up occasionally, but I think it's being intentionally dialed back to get some other things in place, like half-court offense and defense.

And, yeah, those haven't looked great. But, and here I'm just trying to imagine what's going on since few but the staff and team really know, it's got to be a little tough for the team -- especially the new players who didn't experience it last year -- to have worked on the kind of pressure game that is CKC's MO and then not implement it right from the start. I think a lot of what Coach Kim has said, even going back to last season, backs this up. If that's what is going on, then I suspect we will continue to see this team play differently from last year most of the time for a few more games, but they will start to transition to more of what we saw last year after that. Hopefully, we see improvement in things like finding ways to prioritize their best 3pt shooters, get more movement in the offense, penetrate offensively and stop teams from driving repeatedly when on defense.

And, yes, I admit to making every effort to look at this positively. There's already enough in the world that I have trouble viewing hopefully that I don't want to bring that into my interest in the Lady Vols. Moreover, I want to see the approach from this team that I saw last year. It was different. It was interesting. It was fun (and sometimes frustrating) to watch, and I truly believe it helped that team exceed what they would have accomplished otherwise. What we're seeing this year fits with CKC's competitive drive and focus on a national championship. To me it shows she is learning and adapting. Whether that means she stays close to the approach that got her here or moves to something more conventional, time will tell.

I appreciate your posts and the reasons for what we are seeing. I bought in to the preseason hype and was expecting the transfers to come in and plug and play with the freshmen working their way in. That's not the way its happening and got really frustrated Sunday with the lack of effort and sloppy play.

Having to dial the expectations back down for now. Just hope its not for long.

 

[Deebowbear]

Double edge sword with Zee, she's leading the team in TOs because of those drives.

See needs to working on her inside shots, I’ve been a little disappointed in her play. After playing this summer I thought she would be a lot better than what I’ve saw so far. It may be she’s trying to hard we need her to be a dog down low.

 

[Volfan2012]

I would be surprised if CKC held back anything against NC state. They'd had the whole preseason to work toward that game and it was a great chance to make a big statement against a ranked team. Maybe she is sandbagging for the SEC season, but then I wonder why she's so disappointed and mad at them, saying they're not giving effort and not executing the game plan. She doesn't really seem like a public BS artist but maybe she's faking that too.

The problem in NC St game was player performance Spearman a player were counting on to have a strong consistent game everytime out played terrible. First game for Mia and by far her worst. I believe we will be a better team than NC St by seasons end.

 

[VolBall09]

Double edge sword with Zee, she's leading the team in TOs because of those drives.

Can agree, it seems to me like she’s struggling with the spacing and scoring in a crowd. There is a lot more open space in 3x3 and inherently less contact because everyone is spread out. I’m not convinced playing all that 3x3 was good for her game. At least early in the season anyway.

 

[ron1989]

we are a work in progress it’s gone take awhile everybody is baptized by fire…one thing we should be outstanding at tho is on the defensive end I think with the depth quickness length and athleticism we should really hone in on that cuz we could be outstanding there

 

[RetroVol]

Maybe she is sandbagging for the SEC season, but then I wonder why she's so disappointed and mad at them, saying they're not giving effort and not executing the game plan. She doesn't really seem like a public BS artist but maybe she's faking that too.

I didn't intend, at all, to suggest she is sandbagging. Just working on some things they will need later in the season even if it keeps them from looking dominant against teams they overpower. Far from BS, I get the feeling CKC is very candid and straight forward. I think it is what helped her keep players when she got here and recruit later. When she says she's not seeing on the floor what she's seeing in practice, I believe her. Moreover, she seems to be a very "you can develop" kind of coach who helps players believe in themselves and improve. So, I'm expecting that the "product on the floor" is going to look much better as time goes on.

 

[VolBall09]

we are a work in progress it’s gone take awhile everybody is baptized by fire…one thing we should be outstanding at tho is on the defensive end I think with the depth quickness length and athleticism we should really hone in on that cuz we could be outstanding there

Agreed, especially with a bunch of freshmen expected to play big minutes. It’s going to take some time. It’s been a long time since we’ve actually had talented freshmen to be patient with.

We haven’t had a class like this since 2017-2018 and they had their own growing pains. That was the last big class we had.

Holly set them up a cupcake schedule and they went 13-0 in non-con and then beat exactly ZERO quality teams in conference.

I think we will see the opposite with this group, going to take some hits in the non-con but I expect it will help us in conference play this season.

 

[Volfan2012]

Agreed, especially with a bunch of freshmen expected to play big minutes. It’s going to take some time. It’s been a long time since we’ve actually had talented freshmen to be patient with.

We haven’t had a class like this since 2017-2018 and they had their own growing pains. That was the last big class we had.

Holly set them up a cupcake schedule and they went 13-0 in non-con and then beat exactly ZERO quality teams in conference.

I think we will see the opposite with this group, going to take some hits in the non-con but I expect it will help us in conference play this season.

Every team is a work in progress right now so we have to hope our work in progress will be better than they are come the end of the season and the playoffs start. Just looking at the roster I thought we were capable of an elite 8 and with a little luck get to the final four. We'll see if we can build to that cause the schedule is demanding and certainly looks like our seed if in the top 16 will definitely be 3 or 4 just hoping you don't fall out of the 16.

 

[spojo13]

Every team is a work in progress right now so we have to hope our work in progress will be better than they are come the end of the season and the playoffs start. Just looking at the roster I thought we were capable of an elite 8 and with a little luck get to the final four. We'll see if we can build to that cause the schedule is demanding and certainly looks like our seed if in the top 16 will definitely be 3 or 4 just hoping you don't fall out of the 16.

Yeah, looking at where we are now I think the schedule was a little too ambitious for this group. We can’t drop too many games because that will lower our seed and statistically drop our chances of advancing further in the tourney. Maybe playing 8 out of the top 10 preseason teams or the second most ranked teams is not as advantageous with a brand new team when you see schedules like LSU, ISU, TCU, etc.

 

[Volfan2012]

Yeah, looking at where we are now I think the schedule was a little too ambitious for this group. We can’t drop too many games because that will lower our seed and statistically drop our chances of advancing further in the tourney. Maybe playing 8 out of the top 10 preseason teams or the second most ranked teams is not as advantageous with a brand new team when you see schedules like LSU, ISU, TCU, etc.

To many of our games against top teams ended up on the road. Hard enough to beat these teams at home a lot harder at their place.

 

[Volfan2012]

Jaida Civil Career Stats - NCAAW - ESPN

Complete career NCAAW stats for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Guard Jaida Civil on ESPN. Includes points, rebounds, and assists.

www.espn.com

Jaida just playing a little over 18 minutes a game. I don't think any other freshman has these kind of numbers for that amount of playing time.

 

[J-Dog 1313]

Jaida Civil Career Stats - NCAAW - ESPN

Complete career NCAAW stats for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Guard Jaida Civil on ESPN. Includes points, rebounds, and assists.

www.espn.com

Jaida just playing a little over 18 minutes a game. I don't think any other freshman has these kind of numbers for that amount of playing time.

Jaida is smooth as butter. I will repeat myself: Jaida is special. GBO.