2027 Lady Vols Recruiting

[RetroVol]

None of these kids have ever played in two minute spurts, nor been asked to press and trap bigger, stronger more talented players relentlessly even when it's not working. I don't believe a practice environment can simulate any of that accurately.

@glv98, always appreciate your views, and even more when they challenge my own (as they often do). One of the few ways to actually confront cofirmation bias is to really converse with someone who has deeply held beliefs the opposite of one's own.

That said, I'm going to dig a little into these two sentences

None of these kids have ever played in two minute spurts,

I suspect this is almost 100% accurate. If any had played in any system similar to Kim's, we'd have heard about it. You have also often gone on to suggest that they can't be successful that way, which is countered by the fact that players have been successful in these systems, not only under Kim, but elsewhere, and by the improved performance of players under Kim's coaching.

been asked to press and trap bigger, stronger more talented players relentlessly even when it's not working.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. That Tennessee has, under Kim, had smaller, weaker, less talented players than... the very best teams they played? The average in the SEC? Overall? I don't see that as true. And even against the best, they beat UCONN, Ohio State on their home floor, other teams that ended up above them in the SEC (KY last year, for example). And, as we all know, performed creditably against the top of the SEC in Kim's first year. Plus she won a Natty with a smaller team, turned around Marshall in one season, etc., etc. etc. So, overall, Kim's system has worked, even here, though last year's complete collapse at year end is still something we can argue about as far as causes, but without much data to go on.

I don't believe a practice environment can simulate any of that accurately.

Sure it can, though whether Kim chooses to do so I don't know. "Bigger, stronger, more talented players" = men's practice squad. If they want such competition and are willing to cut them loose, there it is. The men's team can't practice against teams that are as good as they face on the floor, the women can. Might not be a good idea. But they can.

They could also recreate game conditions. In fact, one of the most successful men's DII coaches ever did just that. Jim Crutchfield built West Liberty into a Division II powerhouse before moving to Nova Southeastern in Florida in 2017 and doing it again.

Watch an interview with him here: The Basketball Podcast: EP291 with Jim Crutchfield—Inside the Mind, from Basketball Immersion.

• 3:49—Practice philosophy: They spend much of practice playing live basketball; most drills serve as warm-ups.
• 5:08—Brief teaching interruptions: He freezes players in position, teaches from the situation, and expects everyone to listen.
• 5:52–6:26—The precise detail you remembered: He says the interruptions generally last five to fifteen seconds, then they immediately resume playing.

 

[Rooster1]

@glv98, always appreciate your views, and even more when they challenge my own (as they often do). One of the few ways to actually confront cofirmation bias is to really converse with someone who has deeply held beliefs the opposite of one's own.

That said, I'm going to dig a little into these two sentences

I suspect this is almost 100% accurate. If any had played in any system similar to Kim's, we'd have heard about it. You have also often gone on to suggest that they can't be successful that way, which is countered by the fact that players have been successful in these systems, not only under Kim, but elsewhere, and by the improved performance of players under Kim's coaching.



I'm not sure what you're saying here. That Tennessee has, under Kim, had smaller, weaker, less talented players than... the very best teams they played? The average in the SEC? Overall? I don't see that as true. And even against the best, they beat UCONN, Ohio State on their home floor, other teams that ended up above them in the SEC (KY last year, for example). And, as we all know, performed creditably against the top of the SEC in Kim's first year. Plus she won a Natty with a smaller team, turned around Marshall in one season, etc., etc. etc. So, overall, Kim's system has worked, even here, though last year's complete collapse at year end is still something we can argue about as far as causes, but without much data to go on.


Sure it can, though whether Kim chooses to do so I don't know. "Bigger, stronger, more talented players" = men's practice squad. If they want such competition and are willing to cut them loose, there it is. The men's team can't practice against teams that are as good as they face on the floor, the women can. Might not be a good idea. But they can.

They could also recreate game conditions. In fact, one of the most successful men's DII coaches ever did just that. Jim Crutchfield built West Liberty into a Division II powerhouse before moving to Nova Southeastern in Florida in 2017 and doing it again.

Watch an interview with him here: The Basketball Podcast: EP291 with Jim Crutchfield—Inside the Mind, from Basketball Immersion.

• 3:49—Practice philosophy: They spend much of practice playing live basketball; most drills serve as warm-ups.
• 5:08—Brief teaching interruptions: He freezes players in position, teaches from the situation, and expects everyone to listen.
• 5:52–6:26—The precise detail you remembered: He says the interruptions generally last five to fifteen seconds, then they immediately resume playing.

Retro, SC plays against a dedicated men’s practice team daily. The men are called the Highlighters at SC and every season a group of them are chosen to be this practice squad. They are made up mostly of students who played high level men’s HS basketball and had aspirations of playing in college but for various reasons their dream didn’t materialize. They are very good BB players however and are considered part of the team each season.

 

[RetroVol]

Retro, SC plays against a dedicated men’s practice team daily. The men are called the Highlighters at SC and every season a group of them are chosen to be this practice squad. They are made up mostly of students who played high level men’s HS basketball and had aspirations of playing in college but for various reasons their dream didn’t materialize. They are very good BB players however and are considered part of the team each season.

Doesn't every top school do this? Tennessee does and has for just about always, I think. It's also my understanding that the guys learn to calibrate the amount of challenge they offer.

 

[BruisedOrange]

Doesn't every top school do this? Tennessee does and has for just about always, I think. It's also my understanding that the guys learn to calibrate the amount of challenge they offer.

I can confirm the calibration note. For two seasons at Tennessee, my mom's eye doctor was a practice player for Pat's teams. Good stories.
He said they also occasionally got the glare from Pat.

FWIW, he gets up to campus some, is optimistic about the future, and is a big fan of CKC.

 

[Rooster1]

Doesn't every top school do this? Tennessee does and has for just about always, I think. It's also my understanding that the guys learn to calibrate the amount of challenge they offer.

I was replying to your comment on whether CKC does this at full speed in practice. Nothing more.

 

[dtnvol]

Call me impressed that we are actually on some of these short list. After the season we had last year, I wasn't expecting much from hs recruiting this season. Even if we don't land any, I feel the program is getting it's footing back.

Yeah and I think a lot of our player for the 2027-28 season will actually come from the portal...go LVFL

 

[RetroVol]

I was replying to your comment on whether CKC does this at full speed in practice. Nothing more.

Hmmm... okay. But if your post says SC's squad goes all out against the women, I didn't catch that. Was that what you were saying? I'm a little confused here.

 

[RetroVol]

Hmmm... okay. But if your post says SC's squad goes all out against the women, I didn't catch that. Was that what you were saying? I'm a little confused here.

Wait... Looking back, I can see where my original post could be read to say that Tennessee could get men to practice against. My bad -- not clear. But, yeah, I know they have one and have had one for just about always. It's about what the coach wants that squad to do, what level of challenge they are to present.

 

[Rooster1]

Brown to SC

 

[mcannon1]

 

[mcannon1]

Maci Pringle is on campus

 

[RetroVol]

2027 Lady Vols Recruiting — Active Board

Updated Oct. 3, 2026. Taylor Brown removed following her South Carolina commitment. Rankings carried forward from the previous table.

Key: Bold visit text = Tennessee official visit scheduled or completed. Reported but unconfirmed visits are labeled separately.

Player / School	Ht / Pos	Ratings / Rankings	Strengths / Recruiting Update
Kaleena Smith; Ontario Christian (CA)	5-6 / PG	247Sports: #1; ESPN: #1	Elite scorer and playmaker with deep range and advanced court vision; USA U18 gold medalist. Tennessee unofficial visit Oct. 13, 2025; Caldwell/staff home visit reported Sept. 22, 2026. Tennessee official visit expected Oct. 16-18, rescheduled from Sept. 25-26.
Qandace Samuels; Bishop McNamara (MD)	6-2 / G-W	247Sports: #13; ESPN: #10	Big scoring wing with perimeter shooting, scoring off the bounce and contact-finishing ability. Announced top ten includes Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, UNC, NC State, Rutgers, Texas, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Virginia Tech. September visits to Virginia Tech, Texas and Rutgers were reported. No Tennessee visit date verified.
Maci Pringle; Flower Mound (TX)	6-1 / W-F	ESPN: #33; 247Sports: not verified	Athletic wing/forward with speed, scoring production and defensive versatility; Dallas Morning News All-Area Player of the Year. Tennessee offer previously reported. Oct. 3: reported on Tennessee's campus this weekend, but independent confirmation and official/unofficial designation remain unavailable. Her own recent social-media post confirms a completed Georgia visit.
C'India “Cece” Dennis; Creekside (GA)	5-6 / PG	247Sports: #17; ESPN: #54	Quick lead guard with shooting range, downhill offense and defensive intensity. Tennessee official visit completed Sept. 4-6. Caldwell/staff home visit reported Sept. 30. Announced top five: Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn, Georgia and Clemson. No commitment date verified.
Amaya Manuel; Lift for Life Academy (MO)	5-7 / 5-8; PG	Prep Girls Hoops: #31 nationally; ESPN ranking not reverified	Scoring point guard with strong ballhandling, defensive ability and a willingness to attack the basket; Missouri Class 5 Player of the Year in 2025. Tennessee previously offered her. Tennessee visit scheduled for Oct. 27 during the exhibition game; official/unofficial status not specified.

 

[glv98]

I suspect this is almost 100% accurate. If any had played in any system similar to Kim's, we'd have heard about it. You have also often gone on to suggest that they can't be successful that way, which is countered by the fact that players have been successful in these systems, not only under Kim, but elsewhere, and by the improved performance of players under Kim's coaching.

Obviously there are some that are OK playing this way. The point is many good players are not. Including Caitlin Clark who was forced into it once this year and said she can't be Caitlin without rhythm and flow in the game. She was never asked to play that way again.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. That Tennessee has, under Kim, had smaller, weaker, less talented players than... the very best teams they played? The average in the SEC? Overall? I don't see that as true. And even against the best, they beat UCONN, Ohio State on their home floor, other teams that ended up above them in the SEC (KY last year, for example). And, as we all know, performed creditably against the top of the SEC in Kim's first year. Plus she won a Natty with a smaller team, turned around Marshall in one season, etc., etc. etc. So, overall, Kim's system has worked, even here, though last year's complete collapse at year end is still something we can argue about as far as causes, but without much data to go on.

My issue with talent is whether the opponents have the talent at ball handling and coaching to overcome the press and trap. And with most above average teams the answer is yes they do. And yes I know there are a couple of notable examples where Kim's system overcame that. But not often enough, and against better teams they almost never will.

Here's where I insert my mantra: the current high level of talent at ball handling and coaching against traps is the number one stated reason more teams don't use this system. Dedicating your entire system ,from recruiting to conditioning to subbing, to the gamble of creating turnovers off traps has just never consistently proved worth the effort. Especially against better teams at high levels

The sticky wicket for me is that Kim's philosophy is hard work and effort will overcome both that elevated talent level and the natural numerical disadvantage of her defensive system. It hasn't and it won't. But that philosophy does allow you to deflect blame to character deficits when it doesn't work. Only problem was they wouldn't hit that brick wall hard enough right?

t's also my understanding that the guys learn to calibrate the amount of challenge they offer.

100%. I've never been to a Caldwell practice, but been to a few under other LV coaches. The amount of challenge is definitely calibrated and the top priority always is not to hurt anyone. The practice players are really just pick up guys that were probably really good high school players. In any particular practice, their squad is made up of whoever doesn't have class at that time. They're mostly there to simulate defense schemes of opponents and to walk through plays. Not a lot of serious challenge.

 

[RetroVol]

Including Caitlin Clark who was forced into it once this year and said she can't be Caitlin without rhythm and flow in the game. She was never asked to play that way again.

I've seen you make this point before, and it is a point. BUT... Caitlin was played that way to limit minutes, and she didn't really agree with the minutes restriction at that time. So she and White were seeing things differently from the start. Her pattern also wasn't in order to allow her to play all out while in the game. That, to me, is the really interesting question about how Clark might have fit into Kim Ball. Obviously, she would have excelled offensively, not only because of her passing, driving, and shooting skills, but because of her court vision and ability to process chaos.

But what about defense? Not Caitlin's strong suit, and I think that's partly due to energy conservation -- she puts a ton into offense, then tries to recover on defense and gets beat. But her best defensive traits are also ones that would shine in Kim's full court press schemes -- the ability to anticipate passes and the straight-ahead acceleration to get there. She could lag far enough off to invite a pass, then make the steal, which seems to me to be one of the intended ways for Kim's press defenses to succeed. (It certainly was for Jim Crutchfield; he talked about it in the interview I posted recently.)

That said, you're right. Caitlin played, very briefly, when her coach was using her and only her in 2 minute bursts and said she couldn't play that way. Whether the context around that experience distinguishes it from playing Kim Ball is a matter for conjecture.

And it really doesn't matter. The question is whether enough talented players can thrive in Kim Ball, and whether Kim can get them to UT, to win enough to re-establish Tennessee as a destination school. TBD.

Here's where I insert my mantra: the current high level of talent at ball handling and coaching against traps Is the number one stated reason more teams don't use this system.

The sticky wicket is that Kim's philosophy is hard work and effort will overcome both that talent level and the natural numerical disadvantage of that defensive system. It hasn't and it won't.

Yup. I think you mis-characterize Kim's philosophy and unnecessarily cast aspersions on her understanding of the game and her system with the repeated suggestions that all she knows is work harder, but whatever. If you're right that Kim Ball simply cannot win enough at the P4 level to put Tennessee where we want it to be, then the fact that such systems have won and won big at other levels doesn't matter. I wish Kim hadn't backed off her beliefs last year, and apparently she feels the same way. As a result, I don't think she recruited to her system last year -- she recruited to whatever hybrid she had in mind. And it failed. Miserably. Putting her in the position of a complete re-build while having to recruit past that disaster. We'll see how the season goes.

 

[glv98]

That said, you're right. Caitlin played, very briefly, when her coach was using her and only her in 2 minute bursts and said she couldn't play that way. Whether the context around that experience distinguishes it from playing Kim Ball is a matter for conjecture.

She also said the reason she didn't like it is that her offensive game depends on rhythm and flow which she can't achieve with frequent subbing. I think we've seen throughout the playoffs how CC feels about being subbed at all, let alone every two minutes.

But I think this is part of what KC means when she says players who play for her have to unlearn everything they previously knew.

 

[glv98]

Yup. I think you mis-characterize Kim's philosophy and unnecessarily cast aspersions on her understanding of the game and her system with the repeated suggestions that all she knows is work harder, but whatever

Oh? What else has she got? Because being of better character, being bought in, etc has been the total and complete narrative since the end of the last game last year. Every video this year has triple emphasized work ethic and buy in.

So have I missed that will systemically make things better this year? If there is more I'll feel alot better.

the fact that such systems have won and won big at other levels doesn't matter.

Correct, because this system has neither won nor won big at this level in a very very long time. And NEVER in the women's game at this level.

 

[dtnvol]

2027 Lady Vols Recruiting — Active Board

Updated Oct. 3, 2026. Taylor Brown removed following her South Carolina commitment. Rankings carried forward from the previous table.

Key: Bold visit text = Tennessee official visit scheduled or completed. Reported but unconfirmed visits are labeled separately.

Player / School	Ht / Pos	Ratings / Rankings	Strengths / Recruiting Update
Kaleena Smith; Ontario Christian (CA)	5-6 / PG	247Sports: #1; ESPN: #1	Elite scorer and playmaker with deep range and advanced court vision; USA U18 gold medalist. Tennessee unofficial visit Oct. 13, 2025; Caldwell/staff home visit reported Sept. 22, 2026. Tennessee official visit expected Oct. 16-18, rescheduled from Sept. 25-26.
Qandace Samuels; Bishop McNamara (MD)	6-2 / G-W	247Sports: #13; ESPN: #10	Big scoring wing with perimeter shooting, scoring off the bounce and contact-finishing ability. Announced top ten includes Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, UNC, NC State, Rutgers, Texas, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Virginia Tech. September visits to Virginia Tech, Texas and Rutgers were reported. No Tennessee visit date verified.
Maci Pringle; Flower Mound (TX)	6-1 / W-F	ESPN: #33; 247Sports: not verified	Athletic wing/forward with speed, scoring production and defensive versatility; Dallas Morning News All-Area Player of the Year. Tennessee offer previously reported. Oct. 3: reported on Tennessee's campus this weekend, but independent confirmation and official/unofficial designation remain unavailable. Her own recent social-media post confirms a completed Georgia visit.
C'India “Cece” Dennis; Creekside (GA)	5-6 / PG	247Sports: #17; ESPN: #54	Quick lead guard with shooting range, downhill offense and defensive intensity. Tennessee official visit completed Sept. 4-6. Caldwell/staff home visit reported Sept. 30. Announced top five: Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn, Georgia and Clemson. No commitment date verified.
Amaya Manuel; Lift for Life Academy (MO)	5-7 / 5-8; PG	Prep Girls Hoops: #31 nationally; ESPN ranking not reverified	Scoring point guard with strong ballhandling, defensive ability and a willingness to attack the basket; Missouri Class 5 Player of the Year in 2025. Tennessee previously offered her. Tennessee visit scheduled for Oct. 27 during the exhibition game; official/unofficial status not specified.

 

[dtnvol]

Having that unit of 5 committed, would be a beautiful dream LVFL

 

[Hexad Vol]

To the point that Kim's system will not beat the high quality teams very often, I submit that no system, be it novel or conventional, will beat the better teams very often and that, to beat high quality teams with a conventional system, you need talent at least equal to those high quality teams and if you had that, you would be one of those high quality teams.

 

[glv98]

To the point that Kim's system will not beat the high quality teams very often, I submit that no system, be it novel or conventional, will beat the better teams very often and that, to beat high quality teams with a conventional system, you need talent at least equal to those high quality teams and if you had that, you would be one of those high quality teams.

Sounds so logical, but the worth of talent has actually been a topic of debate around here recently, Also the worth of size and height.

Strange Days have found us

 

[Hexad Vol]

To be sure, you're still not going to beat them very often since no one does, but the victories over UCONN & Ohio St. show that you can win some of the time and final four appearances might occur on those occasions when you do win.

 

[Rooster1]

To be sure, you're still not going to beat them very often since no one does, but the victories over UCONN & Ohio St. show that you can win some of the time and final four appearances might occur on those occasions when you do win.

Let’s agree to start with conference results before we move forward to NCAA type of expectations for this system. It is fair to point out that there are still only two seasons of data to review, not a lot tbh. It is noted that some consider year one a sort of success or at the least an indicator of the upside of this system with the UConn win and SS appearance.

But back to the conference thingy. If year one was a success and year two was a failure due to whatever reason or measure you would put forth, both squads produced an identical SEC record, 8-8 if I am not mistaken. I would agree the first team had a better season, esp with the SS appearance. But over the course of a conference season it looks like a wash record wise outside of the long season ending losing streak last season and the couple of blowout losses, same record. But yeah, first year team was better.

Which brings us to the real question, in conference play can this system rise above the .500 mark and if so, how much higher? I’m on record as saying I think the LV’s could win 10 games this year in conference, I really believe that. But that comes with a caveat, I also think 10 conference wins is the ceiling for this particular style most years and if we are being honest that is a far cry from what UT fans were expecting or hoping for when CKH was let go. She was already at that level or better. The hope was to get back into the thick of it in the conference.

So this is year three and also an agreed upon reset year dedicated to the CKC system 100% to see what the ceiling really looks like or could be in the future. My first thought is 9-10 conference wins are absolutely required to show some level of progress and viability longer term. But if I am being brutally honest here, which I almost always refrain from doing, it seems like a hard fight from here to more than that 10 win level given the difficulties built into this system getting top rated type players to give it a whirl if you get my point. Perhaps I will be proven wrong and UT will once again become a destination for elite talent like in the days of PS. Btw, even PS had many thoughts on the need for elite talent and she spent a career collecting such players.

Maybe CKC has found a new way, perhaps. Until I see evidence otherwise I am giving her the benefit of the doubt as far as likely 10-6 conference records when it clicks but beyond that I need to see some proof that her way can do better than that expected 10-6 type SEC season before I ever expect the type of seasons that LV fans used to take for granted. You have to challenge for the conference title before you build expectations of excellence in the NCAA imo.

A few here will say I have no business expressing these thoughts on a LV board, and tbh I cannot argue that point. But I would point out that I have been around here for going on 13 years and rarely have I stepped on toes, outside of the past member Coach Jumper who I indeed had differences with. My intent over that duration should be clear by now, I promote WBB and am a fan of LV basketball and their place in this sport. I have watched possibly 80-85% of their games in those 13 years. I want the same as you, good things for the sport and the LV team. That I am a SC fan only comes into play when UT and SC play each other. Peace to everyone and for anyone that is offended it was not my intention.

 

[Rooster1]

Last word, the entire WBB world would be thrilled to see any coach at any team compete and win at a very high level with what many would consider a new system or more so with less talent, it is the proverbial America loves a great underdog story and always embraces such teams. But I seriously doubt this fanbase wants to be placed in that category.

 

[RetroVol]

Oh? What else has she got? Because being of better character, being bought in, etc has been the total and complete narrative since the end of the last game last year. Every video this year has triple emphasized work ethic and buy in.

So have I missed that will systemically make things better this year? If there is more I'll feel alot better.


Correct, because this system has neither won nor won big at this level in a very very long time. And NEVER in the women's game at this level.

No, that has not been the total and complete narrative. In the spring, she talked about individual prospects in terms of their skill set and how they might fit into this system, not just effort and character. For example, about Naomi White, she said, "They were playing her out of position as a one. We probably won't play her as a one, and I think her efficiency will go up because of that." Nothing about effort. It's pure basketball analysis and coaching decisions.

Or, go to her September 25 interview where she talks about installing a variety of presses, defensive rotations, player combinations, passing quality, boxing out, and developing driving and shooting abilities in players.

And systemically? Here's something she said about what went wrong last year:
"[O]ur half-court sets didn't necessarily match the pace of our offense. And so just making sure that our entire system is married together, and that when we are running set, they're still quick hitters, and they're still working and creating space. And you have shooters that where, if once you have a gap, you can get to the rim, all of those things. But again, the main thing, we want to score in the first 12 seconds, we need to get back to that."

In addition on the systemic end, add in Coach Ferrar and Coach Uzamere. Ferrar has talked about how with Kim he's able to contribute what he believes in without first having to convince her to embrace pace. He also says about his approach that it is a blend of "Mike D’Antoni’s Phoenix approach, Paul Westhead’s Loyola Marymount system, and Vance Walberg’s attack offense." He also describes Coach Uzamere as one of the best position coaches (for posts) in the country, and she's also reported to have a focus on defense.

So, as I've said before, I think your stance toward Kim is too dismissive of her basketball knowledge and coaching skills. She certainly seems to have been able to convince others with way more knowledge than me about the sport of her position, starting with her dad and running right on through to this coaching staff, not to mention the teams that have played for her (with one obvious exception).

Is it going to work? Don't know. You may be 100% right. But pretending that Kim Kim is a one-trick pony shouting "Work harder!" as the answer to everything just doesn't fit all the facts. She definitely emphasizes effort. More than other coaches? I don't know -- don't pay that much attention. But she also clearly thinks about, adapts, adds to, and fits players on a whole array of basketball factors other than, "Will they go hard every minute they are on the court?"

 

[RetroVol]

Let’s agree to start with conference results before we move forward to NCAA type of expectations for this system. It is fair to point out that there are still only two seasons of data to review, not a lot tbh. It is noted that some consider year one a sort of success or at the least an indicator of the upside of this system with the UConn win and SS appearance.

But back to the conference thingy. If year one was a success and year two was a failure due to whatever reason or measure you would put forth, both squads produced an identical SEC record, 8-8 if I am not mistaken. I would agree the first team had a better season, esp with the SS appearance. But over the course of a conference season it looks like a wash record wise outside of the long season ending losing streak last season and the couple of blowout losses, same record. But yeah, first year team was better.

Which brings us to the real question, in conference play can this system rise above the .500 mark and if so, how much higher? I’m on record as saying I think the LV’s could win 10 games this year in conference, I really believe that. But that comes with a caveat, I also think 10 conference wins is the ceiling for this particular style most years and if we are being honest that is a far cry from what UT fans were expecting or hoping for when CKH was let go. She was already at that level or better. The hope was to get back into the thick of it in the conference.

So this is year three and also an agreed upon reset year dedicated to the CKC system 100% to see what the ceiling really looks like or could be in the future. My first thought is 9-10 conference wins are absolutely required to show some level of progress and viability longer term. But if I am being brutally honest here, which I almost always refrain from doing, it seems like a hard fight from here to more than that 10 win level given the difficulties built into this system getting top rated type players to give it a whirl if you get my point. Perhaps I will be proven wrong and UT will once again become a destination for elite talent like in the days of PS. Btw, even PS had many thoughts on the need for elite talent and she spent a career collecting such players.

Maybe CKC has found a new way, perhaps. Until I see evidence otherwise I am giving her the benefit of the doubt as far as likely 10-6 conference records when it clicks but beyond that I need to see some proof that her way can do better than that expected 10-6 type SEC season before I ever expect the type of seasons that LV fans used to take for granted. You have to challenge for the conference title before you build expectations of excellence in the NCAA imo.

A few here will say I have no business expressing these thoughts on a LV board, and tbh I cannot argue that point. But I would point out that I have been around here for going on 13 years and rarely have I stepped on toes, outside of the past member Coach Jumper who I indeed had differences with. My intent over that duration should be clear by now, I promote WBB and am a fan of LV basketball and their place in this sport. I have watched possibly 80-85% of their games in those 13 years. I want the same as you, good things for the sport and the LV team. That I am a SC fan only comes into play when UT and SC play each other. Peace to everyone and for anyone that is offended it was not my intention.

Very thoughtful and well written. The only thing I'd say is that, as with football, if you can compete for the SEC championship, you're already set to compete for the NCAA.