Big O Breaks Silence..

She played something like 12 minutes almost all in the first half of the game ended with 8 points and 9 rebounds. Coach of the West wasn't really fair with the minutes she seemed to have her favorites.
I noticed that! But then again to compete you have to rely heavily on your guards because the guards aren't going to incorporate the big girls as heavily, as they are prioritizing their individual performances. So, one strategy I suppose is that you load the floor with your shooters.
 
Welcome to the forum. It’s a decent place to discuss hoops. Simply put, Oliviyah Edwards controlled the traffic during McDAAG week. She won the 1v1 contest and was electric in the dunk contest. The WNBA, NBA, and basketball analysts have raved about Oliviyah Edwards! Everything you said is what the majority saw. This is an opinion based forum. The vibes she receive from the Vol fanbase in Knoxville won’t match this kind of energy.
GBO🍊
Thank you for the welcome. I've been a fan of the Lady Vols since 1992! So I have been rocking with TN for a very very very long time. I really enjoy the forum. I've been lurking for years but decided to join as now that I work from home, I can actually possibly contribute vs just sneaking glances when I have a moment here or there.
 
Interesting thread.From my perspective based on last night's game : she wasn't impressive at all but you can not come to any logical conclusions based on this game; she will not be the "savior" for the program nor Kim ....there will have to be 7or 8 more accomplished players playing Kim's style who buy into her program surrounding her for any to be realized......
I think were just looking for players that will be better than the ones who graduated or left. I think she is clearly better than Spearman, Wolfenbarger, or Latham which was our post players last season.
 
I thought when she committed that Oliviysh had the potential to be the best LV player since Parker, but that she’ll need a good year or two in the college game for her actual game to catch up to her obvious natural physical gifts.

I can wait. I just hope she stays at Tennessee long enough for my vision of her to come true. The last thing I want to see is her finally showing me how good she can be while she’s wearing some other school’s colors. 😲
 
I noticed that! But then again to compete you have to rely heavily on your guards because the guards aren't going to incorporate the big girls as heavily, as they are prioritizing their individual performances. So, one strategy I suppose is that you load the floor with your shooters.
Which was the dumbest decision and lead to one of the worst McDonald's All-American games in recent memory! 20 point blowout! After the dunk contest and 1 v 1 game, she knew the people wanted to see Big O and she hated our girl out! :rolleyes: 😂
 
I thought when she committed that Oliviysh had the potential to be the best LV player since Parker, but that she’ll need a good year or two in the college game for her actual game to catch up to her obvious natural physical gifts.

I can wait. I just hope she stays at Tennessee long enough for my vision of her to come true. The last thing I want to see is her finally showing me how good she can be while she’s wearing some other school’s colors. 😲
Everything is a one year deal now. Just read where Oklahoma St thought they had taken care of all the girls NIL wise and were surprised that nine got in the portal. Evidently either they don't like the coach or NIL is not what these girls thought it should be.
 
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I’m interested in big O as a shooter. Impressive as doing Spider-Man on the rim and chalking up likes on social media is, I’d be a lot happier if she turns out to be a consistent shooter. I can’t find any stats on her high school shooting career but I did notice in one report it said she has a “blossoming” 15 to 18 footer. That’s exactly what I need to hear, and I also am concerned if she can shoot threes. I have nightmare visions of Zee this year. I believe Big O is already a consistent finisher at the rim which we badly need.
 
Re-posting this info from another thread since it seems relevant. here Anyone with expertise who can confirm or rebuke this AI summary which indicates that Edwards could de-commit without penalty?:


AI Overview



No, the National Letter of Intent (NLI) is no longer binding
.
The NCAA officially eliminated the NLI program in October 2024. It has been replaced by athletic financial aid agreements, which are not legally binding in the same way, allowing student-athletes more flexibility to change their minds without strict penalties.
Key details regarding the shift:
  • Previous Structure: Historically, the NLI was a binding contract for one academic year. Breaking it required sitting out one season.
  • Current Reality: Athletes now sign athletic grant-in-aid agreements. While this ensures the promised scholarship, it is not considered a "legally binding letter of intent," allowing athletes to move more freely.
  • Recruiting Status: Once a, Athletic Aid Agreement is signed, it still marks the end of the recruitment process for that school.
  • Exceptions: Rules still differ for transfers; athletes transferring from another four-year school must be in the NCAA Transfer Portal to sign.
 
I think if we could all be honest and take our orange colored glasses off for just 1 second, we could all recognize what a waste of potential it would be for Edwards to come here. As someone who appreciates the game, why would you want someone or her talent to come into a situation like this?

I think of Hurst as an example of this. That kid grew up a Lady Vol. Had posters on her walls. Dreamed of wearing the Big Orange, and then had to leave. I can't imagine the pain this season caused her. At least Big O would be getting a check.
 
Maybe she didn't know. Ouch...

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What a soft hearted wimp head I am. I convinced myself Gabe visited her for the purpose of squaring everything away with her about his departure. Which I feel sure he knew about at the time since there’s obviously been friction between him and Kim all season.

But NO! Went up there and didn’t mention it? No wonder these kids feel loyalty to no one. I feel so bad for a Big Os situation.
 
I think of Hurst as an example of this. That kid grew up a Lady Vol. Had posters on her walls. Dreamed of wearing the Big Orange, and then had to leave. I can't imagine the pain this season caused her. At least Big O would be getting a check.
Yep, it’s puzzling why people would want anyone on our team to stay in an environment like this.
 
Upward? You do know she could tell that to her 12th grade teacher today that takes a job at another school. That definitely went over your head.
That has absolutely nothing to do with Tennessee.

That is interesting and worrisome. Sounds like she is processing the implications of losing the coach she came to play for. The "proud" seems like a begrudging nod that this was an upward move.
 
I think of Hurst as an example of this. That kid grew up a Lady Vol. Had posters on her walls. Dreamed of wearing the Big Orange, and then had to leave. I can't imagine the pain this season caused her. At least Big O would be getting a check.
Do you think any of the players going to the portal were asked to leave or was it 100 percent their decision?
 
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Edwards may be renegotiating her deal with Adidas. If she can find a new home that we would sign off on and Adidas would deem big enough not to ax their NIL deal with her, I think she's gone in a heartbeat. But that's a lot to work out in little time.
 
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Do you think any of the players going to the portal were asked to leave or was it 100 percent their decision?
Players went to Danny White and voiced their concerns. They were met with the same resistance boosters were met with, so they hit the portal. They were trying to force his hand (by essentially having the entire team threaten to leave). He probably figured they were bluffing. We see now, that they were not.
 

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