GAME THREAD: Miss St @ #15 Tennessee, Knoxville, Thursday, 1/29, 6:30 pm EST, SECN+

[DarkPhoenix]

I think Kim was a good choice if your going the way we decided to go young unproven female. Her system is still controversial for sure and maybe she realizes that and is trying to tweak some. We could've went Molly Miller who plays a more conventional style not sure the result would be any better and we'll never know.

I think we might have been able to get some of those players we missed out on, some just don’t want to play with this subbing pattern.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Lady Vols needs a player Like HH and Blakes or like Chavez …

I think if the Lady Vols went all in on Special K and Ivanna…. And pair them up with the current Freshman then it would be good start…. Find some shooters in the portal

Kim needs to promise players she’s going to stop these subbing patters if she wants them to come here.

 

[brittannica]

Kim needs to promise players she’s going to stop these subbing patters if she wants them to come here.

I have to imagine some of the current players are frustrated with the whiplash in her subbing patterns this season. I agree though that I think the subbing patterns hurts our ability to recruit certain types of players, particularly shooters, who like being in a rhythm.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Whew. That finish was close. 51-60 Rebs, end of Q3.

 

[RetroVol]

Missing long caromed 3s is a disaster for this D its almost like a turnover.

EDIT: Oops. I forgot to clearly state this is AI generated. Claude interpreting a json file created by ClaudeCode from ESPN play-by-play listings. MY BAD!

Not exactly:

I'll create a focused analysis on Tennessee possession outcomes when they take a 3-point attempt.Here's the simple breakdown of Tennessee's possession outcomes when they take a 3-point attempt:

Tennessee 3-Point Possession Outcomes (2025-26)

Outcome	Count	Percentage
Made 3-pointer	169	30.0%
Missed 3, opponent rebounded	234	41.5%
Missed 3 → OREB → scored	63	11.2%
Missed 3 → OREB → drew foul	35	6.2%
Missed 3 → OREB → did not score	63	11.2%

Key Takeaways:

1. 30% of possessions with a 3PA result in a made three - right at the national average
   
2. 40.8% offensive rebound rate on missed 3s - Tennessee recovers their own misses at an exceptionally high rate (typical OREB% on 3s is around 20-25%), reflecting their aggressive rebounding style
   
3. When they get that offensive rebound, they score 39% of the time - converting 63 of 161 second-chance opportunities into made baskets
   
4. Bottom line: 41.2% of 3PA possessions end with points scored (either the made 3 or a second-chance bucket), plus another 6.2% draw fouls that likely result in free throws

The high offensive rebounding rate on missed threes is a distinctive feature of Caldwell's system - even when the shot doesn't fall, Tennessee frequently gets another chance.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Not exactly:

I'll create a focused analysis on Tennessee possession outcomes when they take a 3-point attempt.Here's the simple breakdown of Tennessee's possession outcomes when they take a 3-point attempt:

Tennessee 3-Point Possession Outcomes (2025-26)

Outcome	Count	Percentage
Made 3-pointer	169	30.0%
Missed 3, opponent rebounded	234	41.5%
Missed 3 → OREB → scored	63	11.2%
Missed 3 → OREB → drew foul	35	6.2%
Missed 3 → OREB → did not score	63	11.2%

Key Takeaways:

1. 30% of possessions with a 3PA result in a made three - right at the national average
2. 40.8% offensive rebound rate on missed 3s - Tennessee recovers their own misses at an exceptionally high rate (typical OREB% on 3s is around 20-25%), reflecting their aggressive rebounding style
3. When they get that offensive rebound, they score 39% of the time - converting 63 of 161 second-chance opportunities into made baskets
4. Bottom line: 41.2% of 3PA possessions end with points scored (either the made 3 or a second-chance bucket), plus another 6.2% draw fouls that likely result in free throws

The high offensive rebounding rate on missed threes is a distinctive feature of Caldwell's system - even when the shot doesn't fall, Tennessee frequently gets another chance.

Jenn, is that you? Just teasing.

 

[madtownvol]

I have to imagine some of the current players are frustrated with the whiplash in her subbing patterns this season. I agree though that I think the subbing patterns hurts our ability to recruit certain types of players, particularly shooters, who like being in a rhythm.

I need to stop but....

I think this whiplash subbing is more than just a part of the "system." It is an ego project.

It brings a lot of attention to CKC's distinctive coaching style, "wow, look at her, making all those hockey subs. No one else dares to do that!!!!" {which is what every announcer says every game) and more to the point, it probably gives her and her staff a sense of "active coaching" and control - wow, we are really exerting our influence on the game!!!

I think as she grows into the job, she will learn that less is more. A coach needs to step back in the game, let the players take control and responsibility, which also requires that they understand their roles and responsibilities in the game plan. And that is hard to do when players are cycling out every 2 minutes, playing with seemingly random groupings and given the generic instructions of "go out there and play as hard as you can for 2 minutes! ["But play hard doing what?" may be the lingering question on the players minds].

 

[Volfan2012]

I need to stop but....

I think this whiplash subbing is more than just a part of the "system." It is an ego project.

It brings a lot of attention to CKC's distinctive coaching style, "wow, look at her, making all those hockey subs. No one else dares to do that!!!!" {which is what every announcer says every game) and more to the point, it probably gives her and her staff a sense of "active coaching" and control - wow, we are really exerting our influence on the game!!!

I think as she grows into the job, she will learn that less is more. A coach needs to step back in the game, let the players take control and responsibility, which also requires that they understand their roles and jobs in the game plan. And that is hard to do when players are cycling out every 2 minutes, playing with seemingly random groupings and given the generic instructions of "go out there and play as hard as you can for 2 minutes! ["But play hard doing what?" may be the lingering question on the players minds].

I just think it is disruptive and is something that causes part of our problems and confusion at times.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

I still think this roster is missing a Rickea, and those Rickea teams were missing this supporting cast.

Well had Ruby stayed out of trouble, she would've been our Rickea. You see Kim didn't want to let her go the first time and she was visibly shaken when she let her. She didn't want to let Ruby Whitehorn go.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

We won't be winning natties until we get a superstar player. We haven't had one since Parker. Rickea Jackson would have been the closest to that, but she didn't have the supporting cast.

It sucks we didn't have enough cash to pay Angel. Had we, that would've been a national championship team. Angel and Rickea and throw in the remaining glue and supporting players who didn't carry egos, it would've ate.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

This poster seems to have jumped off the Banned wagon.

People sometimes forget theyre still a young coaching staff. Kim is 37/38 and I believe everyone else is 30-42 I think. They still have to grow in their roles. Don't baby players. Show you care but you also mean business and should be given respect. A fine balance could do wonders for a team like this.

 

[1reVOLver]

her assistants are more like brothers and sisters instead of parents…

Spoken like a reincarnated couch thumper who never managed to provide believable sources. Yaaaaaawwwwnnnn

 

[ETNVolunteer1]

I’ve seen a lot of people ask “Who are the leaders on this team?” I can’t really answer that but as far as I can tell there aren’t any. Coop, Barker, Spearman, while upperclassmen, are not leaders. They should be but they aren’t. I don’t think any of them want to be the leader. For a long time I thought Coop might step into that role this season. Unfortunately, I don’t think she wants that role. She’s not vocal enough and doesn’t have any of the other characteristics a leader has to have. It’s just too far out of her comfort zone imo same for Zee.

 

[LadyVolsDiehard]

I’ve seen a lot of people ask “Who are the leaders on this team?” I can’t really answer that but as far as I can tell there aren’t any. Coop, Barker, Spearman, while upperclassmen, are not leaders. They should be but they aren’t. I don’t think any of them want to be the leader. For a long time I thought Coop might step into that role this season. Unfortunately, I don’t think she wants that role. She’s not vocal enough and doesn’t have any of the other characteristics a leader has to have. It’s just too far out of her comfort zone imo same for Zee.

Zee most of her career doesn't seem coachable at times. You really see it when she gets into foul trouble, Kim doesn't stop her before going to the bench to coach her up or speak to her. Not saying there is bad blood because lord knows Kim keeps Zee starting every game despite not producing how she should as a 6'4 big. Just I see it sometimes and she along with Coop needs coaching/care when they make mistakes.

 

[ETNVolunteer1]

Zee most of her career doesn't seem coachable at times. You really see it when she gets into foul trouble, Kim doesn't stop her before going to the bench to coach her up or speak to her. Not saying there is bad blood because lord knows Kim keeps Zee starting every game despite not producing how she should as a 6'4 big. Just I see it sometimes and she along with Coop needs coaching/care when they make mistakes.

I’ve noticed it as well. There’s a lot of pouting going on. You can see it.

 

[LasVegasBill23]

We won't be winning natties until we get a superstar player. We haven't had one since Parker. Rickea Jackson would have been the closest to that, but she didn't have the supporting cast.

yes totally agreed and we need to avoid prima donnas and bring on team first goal oriented players

 

[DarkPhoenix]

It sucks we didn't have enough cash to pay Angel. Had we, that would've been a national championship team. Angel and Rickea and throw in tour remaining glue and supporting players didn't carry egos, it would've ate.

Angel was actually coming here, but Mulkey was able to call her last minute and changed her mind. I think that would have been back to back Championships.

 

[creekdipper]

Another recruit we lost was Bjorn…she wanted to be a Lady Vol

She gave the staff an ultimatum that she be allowed to maintain her playing style identity in order to achieve supremacy on the court.

 

[TnVolsX4]

Well had Ruby stayed out of trouble, she would've been our Rickea. You see Kim didn't want to let her go the first time and she was visibly shaken when she let her. She didn't want to let Ruby Whitehorn go.

Ruby wasn't a Rickea.

 

[Orange Maniac]

It is up to coach to have them ready and they were not. Loss is on her for allowing players to just show up late and not work and still no punishment.

Do you 100% know there has not or will be no punishment? I have no idea since I'm not at practice or in the coach's office.

 

[Proud Army Wife]

I’m going to be straight up here, and idc if this rubs people the wrong way. I think Kim is in over her head. She has good intentions, but she’s not cut-throat enough to get the Lady Vols back to the promised land. I thought the first red flag was planted when she announced her pregnancy only a few months into taking the job. Not great timing to take over a storied program and start your family. I could be completely wrong, but that’s just my feel on the situation.

 

[glv98]

Last night left a bad taste for sure. Not just the loss but the way it happened and everything surrounding it.

But if you think about it, even with the monster schedule coming up, we’re not in that bad shape. Having six SEC wins under our belts is huge. I believe we’ll definitely get three more, beating Missouri, TAM, and probably Georgia. That would get us to nine league wins,and if we can just beat one of Ole Miss or Vandy we finish at 10-6 which is respectable.

Still wont have cracked the upper echelon, but will be firmly on the second tier and avoid the first day of the SEC tournament.

I think there’s a good chance we go at least 4-6 over this next brutal stretch, finishing regular season at 18-10 and outside chance of hosting. We need to hope Alabama and KY keep winning and stay ranked as they’re our best wins. A good SEC tourney run would help a ton too.

 

[glv98]

I’m going to be straight up here, and idc if this rubs people the wrong way. I think Kim is in over her head. She has good intentions, but she’s not cut-throat enough to get the Lady Vols back to the promised land. I thought the first red flag was planted when she announced her pregnancy only a few months into taking the job. Not great timing to take over a storied program and start your family. I could be completely wrong, but that’s just my feel on the situation.

About the effect of having her baby, you are completely wrong. Hell, she barely laid down to deliver that child and headed straight back to work. She made it known she didn’t plan the pregnancy and she made sure it was as little a factor as possible the whole time.

As far as being over her head, I don’t think we know that yet. I think the struggle right now is just learning the rhythm and pace of this level of play which she is relatively new at. Also working to learn communication with athletes on this level. She definitely deserves some more time to figure it out.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Last night left a bad taste for sure. Not just the loss but the way it happened and everything surrounding it.

But if you think about it, even with the monster schedule coming up, we’re not in that bad shape. Having six SEC wins under our belts is huge. I believe we’ll definitely get three more, beating Missouri, TAM, and probably Georgia. That would get us to nine league wins,and if we can be just beat one of Ole Miss or Vandy we finish at 10-6 which is respectable.

Still wont have cracked the upper echelon, but will be firmly on the second tier and avoid the first day of the SEC tournament.

I think there’s a good chance we go at least 4-6 over this next brutal stretch, finishing regular season at 18-10 and outside chance of hosting. We need to hope Alabama and KY keep winning and stay ranked as they’re our best wins. A good SEC tourney run would help a ton too.

I don’t look at 10-6 as a good record, because that’s saying they went 4-6 in those last 10 games, that’s not acceptable in my opinion.

 

[Nute Gunray]

I need to stop but....

I think this whiplash subbing is more than just a part of the "system." It is an ego project.

It brings a lot of attention to CKC's distinctive coaching style, "wow, look at her, making all those hockey subs. No one else dares to do that!!!!" {which is what every announcer says every game) and more to the point, it probably gives her and her staff a sense of "active coaching" and control - wow, we are really exerting our influence on the game!!!

I think as she grows into the job, she will learn that less is more. A coach needs to step back in the game, let the players take control and responsibility, which also requires that they understand their roles and responsibilities in the game plan. And that is hard to do when players are cycling out every 2 minutes, playing with seemingly random groupings and given the generic instructions of "go out there and play as hard as you can for 2 minutes! ["But play hard doing what?" may be the lingering question on the players minds].

Madtownvol, your comments hit the nail on the head as always. CKC compiled an excellent winning percentage in D2 with her coaching style, however, this style does not work as well in D1. I believe strongly that the LVs defense, rebounding and scoring would improve greatly if she changed her style as you outlined in your comments.