Gabe Lazo Out

[RespectAPA]

Think TN can still get good players who have to be 100% dedicated to the system and the subbing? Don’t think this year did any damage?

Some damage, sure. But glv, I really need to think about what Kim has brought to Knoxville in just the past 2 years.

Samara Spencer, Ruby Whitehorn, Zee Spearman, Mia Pauldo, Janiah Barker, Jaida Civil, Alyssa Latham, Oliviyah Edwards, Gabby Minus... all really solid ball players Kim recruited into Knoxville, who heard what the system entailed, and all thought it was something they wanted to be a part of. Even if it didn't pan out for all of them, it really seems like how the System is pitched is something that we're getting natural buy-in from in the recruiting process.

I'm going to hold out until after we see this incoming transfer class before making a decision on whether Kim's recruiting has been permanently tarnished, and in particular whether Tennessee under Kim remains a better landing place for tall players who'd get forced into the post elsewhere [Zee at Miami vs in Knoxville, and Janiah too, I think?] and value the freedom to play the game like they did in HS instead of being shoehorned into a role that limits their development -- if that's how they see it, anyway.

 

[Majors]

Ferrara joining has the Al Brown feel, bringing in experience and not youth.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Think TN can still get good players who have to be 100% dedicated to the system and the subbing? Don’t think this year did any damage?

I don’t think w’ell be getting any great players with the current system. We’ll settle a lot and get the players left over after the top schools take the best players.

 

[Rooster1]

Some damage, sure. But glv, I really need to think about what Kim has brought to Knoxville in just the past 2 years.

Samara Spencer, Ruby Whitehorn, Zee Spearman, Mia Pauldo, Janiah Barker, Jaida Civil, Alyssa Latham, Oliviyah Edwards, Gabby Minus... all really solid ball players Kim recruited into Knoxville, who heard what the system entailed, and all thought it was something they wanted to be a part of. Even if it didn't pan out for all of them, it really seems like how the System is pitched is something that we're getting natural buy-in from in the recruiting process.

I'm going to hold out until after we see this incoming transfer class before making a decision on whether Kim's recruiting has been permanently tarnished, and in particular makes Tennessee a better landing place for tall players who'd get forced into the post elsewhere [Zee at Miami vs in Knoxville, and Janiah too, I think?] and value the freedom to play the game like they did in HS instead of being shoehorned into a role that limits their development -- if that's how they see it, anyway.

More than fair.

 

[StorrsCentral]

I’m sorry, did your post not just say that they were forced to let Gabe go while the new guy was available? That clearly implies new guy is an upgrade right?

others have said the exact same thing about every player now departed.

Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion that every move has been an upgrade.

If Gabe was indeed fired, he probably fessed up that her system really sucked and the LVs would go nowhere if she continued. Strange situation for sure.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

@DarkPhoenix It doesn’t matter what you think. They have a great HS recruit that has reaffirmed her commitment today. They have a really really good HS signee in Gabby Minus.
That along discredits the jibberish you keep posting. Last season, they built a roster that was preseason #7. You can keep talking like you can’t comprehend that but it’s a fact. I’ve never taken you for someone who is an expert.
You are delusional if you think they won’t get top players via the portal.
This years team failed because it lack leadership and obviously had a divided locker room.
The portal will come down to what they’re willing to spend and who they believe will fit into the system.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

 

[glv98]

Before Tennessee, who are the top players Gabe recruited to other schools, I haven’t followed him so I’m curious?

Because I think a school like Tennessee will be able to get players regardless, as long as we have the money to pay.

I don’t think w’ell be getting any great players with the current system. We’ll settle a lot and get the players left over after the top schools take the best players.

Im confused. Do you mean TN will get players, just not great ones?

I mean of course they’ll be able to fill the roster.

 

[madtownvol]

Some damage, sure. But glv, I really need to think about what Kim has brought to Knoxville in just the past 2 years.

Samara Spencer, Ruby Whitehorn, Zee Spearman, Mia Pauldo, Janiah Barker, Jaida Civil, Alyssa Latham, Oliviyah Edwards, Gabby Minus... all really solid ball players Kim recruited into Knoxville, who heard what the system entailed, and all thought it was something they wanted to be a part of. Even if it didn't pan out for all of them, it really seems like how the System is pitched is something that we're getting natural buy-in from in the recruiting process.

I'm going to hold out until after we see this incoming transfer class before making a decision on whether Kim's recruiting has been permanently tarnished, and in particular makes Tennessee a better landing place for tall players who'd get forced into the post elsewhere [Zee at Miami vs in Knoxville, and Janiah too, I think?] and value the freedom to play the game like they did in HS instead of being shoehorned into a role that limits their development -- if that's how they see it, anyway.

I concede there are many uncertainties about the actual facts here but the social media story is that Kim delegated a lot of the recruiting role to Gabe. Again, reports on social media (and they could be dead wrong) are that the recruiting is not something that CKC sees as a personal strength.

We know the story on this year's signings and many on this board have now diagnosed Zee as one the cancer cells that killed this season. For this same set, Latham and Prawl were revealed to be cancers after announcing their plans to transfer.

We are still waiting on test results for Civil and the Pauldos.

So one inference is that CKC was not all that happy with Gabe's recruits and who may or may not have revolted.

If this is correct, we may see a very different profile of player coming into Knoxville from here on out.

 

[vols90]

Papa Pauldo congratulated Ferrara on Lady Vol Instagram post. Pauldo’s probably staying I would guess

 

[DeerPark12]

Genuine question, do you still feel the same way as you did a few weeks ago about losing Roman and Gabe being extremely detrimental to the program? I also want to make it clear that I’m not attacking you as I know tone doesn’t come across on here, just curious if that has changed.

I have heard some things on him from my clients at other places in the women’s basketball world that caused me to soften my stance. They will certainly have to rebuild some relationship with some top prospects in future classes, but I don’t think it’s anything that cannot be overcome.

 

[spojo13]

I concede there are many uncertainties about the actual facts here but the social media story is that Kim delegated a lot of the recruiting role to Gabe. Again, reports on social media (and they could be dead wrong) are that the recruiting is not something that CKC sees as a personal strength.

We know the story on this year's signings and many on this board have now diagnosed Zee as one the cancer cells that killed this season. For this same set, Latham and Prawl were revealed to be cancers after announcing their plans to transfer.

We are still waiting on test results for Civil and the Pauldos.

So one inference is that CKC was not all that happy with Gabe's recruits and who may or may not have revolted.

If this is correct, we may see a very different profile of player coming into Knoxville from here on out.

I think the player profile will be that we’ll take what we can get just like last year. I highly doubt Jersey and Robertson were at the top of the list for them.

 

[glv98]

Some damage, sure. But glv, I really need to think about what Kim has brought to Knoxville in just the past 2 years.

Samara Spencer, Ruby Whitehorn, Zee Spearman, Mia Pauldo, Janiah Barker, Jaida Civil, Alyssa Latham, Oliviyah Edwards, Gabby Minus... all really solid ball players Kim recruited into Knoxville, who heard what the system entailed, and all thought it was something they wanted to be a part of. Even if it didn't pan out for all of them, it really seems like how the System is pitched is something that we're getting natural buy-in from in the recruiting process.

I'm going to hold out until after we see this incoming transfer class before making a decision on whether Kim's recruiting has been permanently tarnished, and in particular makes Tennessee a better landing place for tall players who'd get forced into the post elsewhere [Zee at Miami vs in Knoxville, and Janiah too, I think?] and value the freedom to play the game like they did in HS instead of being shoehorned into a role that limits their development -- if that's how they see it, anyway.

Definitely we’ll see how it plays out.

I don’t see the system as offering freedom at all. They play one way and one way only and have promised to never change again. Also, no one played like that in high school. And I do exactly see it as being shoehorned into a role and a system, especially a subbing system, that limits their development.

But if that’s how the system is being sold and kids buy into it, even after seeing a crash and burn this year,then more power to them.

One things for sure none of them can say they didn’t know what was coming. Most definitely no one should come here unless they’re 100% bought into every aspect of the system. Because that’s the one and only way they’re ever going to play. No Plan B. No buyers remorse this time. They have been warned.

If Gabe was indeed fired, he probably fessed up that her system really sucked and the LVs would go nowhere if she continued. Strange situation for sure.

I’d say theres a very good chance Kim’s announced intention to go all out system forever was the break point with Gabe and Roman.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Papa Pauldo congratulated Ferrara on Lady Vol Instagram post. Pauldo’s probably staying I would guess

Damn, I figured they didn’t have much options, but I thought they would go the mid major route.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

I have heard some things on him from my clients at other places in the women’s basketball world that caused me to soften my stance. They will certainly have to rebuild some relationship with some top prospects in future classes, but I don’t think it’s anything that cannot be overcome.

I like tea.... can you share anything?

 

[volforlife10]

Damn, I figured they didn’t have much options, but I thought they would go the mid major route.

i also think the twins also love the university of tennessee. i know you don’t like them, but i’m happy they stayed. the dad is gonna be the dad, but ive heard the twins are a joy to be around and everyone’s favorites.

 

[glv98]

I think the player profile will be that we’ll take what we can get just like last year. I highly doubt Jersey and Robertson were at the top of the list for them.

I exactly see a portal class full of Robertson level players. Sure hope Im wrong.

That’s why Coop and Civil staying is crucial.

 

[glv98]

Damn, I figured they didn’t have much options, but I thought they would go the mid major route.

Why when they have Dad apparently in power here?

Mya’s pt next year will tell us a lot.

I like tea.... can you share anything?

Here comes Gabe’s ‘cancer’ diagnosis . . .

 

[lvocd]

Guess that confirms that Kim is in for year 3, huh?

I just hope and pray that the ones of people (KLU) will eventually prove to have been 100% correct that the rest of us are idiots for being afraid that it is a mistake to keep Caldwell for a third season.

If Kim has a roster full of players and a full staff who are perfect for her system and for her personality and we reach the Elite 8 (minimum requirement for Year 3 IMO) next season, this board should pool money to have a sculptor create a brass statue of him to place in front of the Food City Center.

 

[RespectAPA]

Definitely we’ll see how it plays out.

I don’t see the system as offering freedom at all. They play one way and one way only and it never changes. Also, no one played like that in high school. And I do exactly see it as being shoehorned into a role and a system, especially a subbing system that limits their development.

But if that’s how the system is being sold and kids buy into it, even after seeing a crash and burn this year,then more power to them.

One things for sure none of them can say they didn’t know what was coming. Most definitely no one should come here unless they’re 100% bought into every aspect of the system. Because that’s the one and only way they’re ever going to play. No Plan B. No buyers remorse this time. They have been warned.



I’d say theres a very good chance Kim’s announced intention to go all out system forever was the break point with Gabe and Roman.

To be clear, the HS comment is wrt players with height like Zee and Janiah, who are more free to play their game here compared to other programs that might shoehorn them in a way they don't like. I believe I've heard statements before to that effect, Zee in particular with her stint in Miami. Using 3PAs as a proxy she went from 1 three per 5 games over 2 seasons [10 threes in her 2 year career at UM], to 3 threes per game.

 

[gymmlover]

Wow. So Kim let Lazo go??? Interesting. I thought he found a new job or something

someone had to take the blame so who else but your lead recruiter who did not recruit to your needs or players needed too run Plan A. Missed out on elite guards and rim protector. Jersey was suppose to fill the rim protector but had no history she could do it and Roberson was suppose to help with scoring but she just was too inconsistent.

 

[glv98]

To be clear, the HS comment is wrt players with height like Zee and Janiah, who are more free to play their game here compared to other programs that might shoehorn them in a way they don't like. I believe I've heard statements before to that effect, Zee in particular with her stint in Miami. Using 3PAs as a proxy she went from 1 three per 5 games over 2 seasons [10 threes in her 2 year career at UM], to 3 threes per game.

Lol, each to their own opinion, but I don’t exactly see Spearman serial chucking threes to put us out of games and herself out of draft consideration as any great development. Actually would have served her very well to develop a post game.

 

[ReignSupreme]

Papa Pauldo congratulated Ferrara on Lady Vol Instagram post. Pauldo’s probably staying I would guess

Nobody wanted them the 1st go round and nobody wants them now, he has no choice but for them to stay, wouldn’t be surprised with his recent retirement he wouldn’t be given a job at UT to keep the girls around, wasn’t Kim’s husband given a job on Rick Barnes staff?

 

[spojo13]

I just hope and pray that the ones of people (KLU) will eventually prove to have been 100% correct that the rest of us are idiots for being afraid that it is a mistake to keep Caldwell for a third season.

If Kim has a roster full of players and a full staff who are perfect for her system and for her personality and we reach the Elite 8 (minimum requirement for Year 3 IMO) next season, this board should pool money to have a sculptor create a brass statue of him to place in front of the Food City Center.

Realistically, I don’t think the Elite 8 is the minimum for her next year. If she has a few more wins and makes the second round, it’ll be pointed to as progress, and she just needs more time. I mean some people are convinced that the system can win at this level because of an 8th place SEC finish and sweet sixteen last year.

 

[madtownvol]

someone had to take the blame so who else but your lead recruiter who did not recruit to your needs or players needed too run Plan A. Missed out on elite guards and rim protector.

Read up thread. Cora updated this post to Gabe resigned.