Game Thread Lady Vols versus USA scrimmage, Nov 5, 6PM, Food City/Thompson Boling Arena

[Coach Jumper]

HOOPS CENTRAL: #11/12 LADY VOLS VS. USA WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM (EXHIBITION)
Women's Basketball Nov 3, 2023

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Coach Jumper's predictions:
Score: USA 85 Lady Vols 70

Starters:
PG Destinee Wells (9 minutes) sub= (Kaiya Wynn)
SG Sara Puckett (3 minutes) sub= (Jasmine Spear)
SF Rickea Jackson (8 minutes) sub= (Jasmine Powell)
PF Jillian Hollingshead (6 minutes) sub= Tess Darby)
C Tamari Key (3 minutes) sub= (Karoline Striplin/Jillian back in))
As a reminder to Lady Vol fans, this game is not part of the season ticket package, so tickets must be purchased separately. If you have not already done so, go to AllVols.com to reserve your seats for this special event.

Free parking in all campus lots will be available for that game, as will free shuttle service from the Ag Campus. Fans will be dropped off and picked up immediately adjacent to Food City Center. ADA shuttles and entry will operate the same as previous years.



This will mark the fourth time the Lady Vols have welcomed the USA Women's National Team to Rocky Top for an exhibition, holding a 1-2 all-time mark against that program. On all three previous occasions, the UT squads made their way to NCAA Final Fours at the end of those seasons, with two of them winning national championships (1996, 2008). Meanwhile, the USA teams went on to win gold in the Olympic Games of 1996, 2000 and 2008.

During her playing days, Harper (known then as Kellie Jolly) was a freshman on the 1995-96 Big Orange squad that welcomed former Lady Vols Nikki McCray and Carla McGhee and friends back to Rocky Top on Nov. 22, 1995. USA would win the affair, 82-58. The late McCray-Penson would sing the national anthem before the game and say 'yes' to Thomas Penson's surprise marriage proposal on the court immediately following the contest.

On Nov. 7, 1999, Tennessee pulled off an upset, edging the USA squad, 65-64, in Knoxville. The national team returned on Nov. 4, 2007, and the Lady Vols kept the deficit close before falling, 83-72.

++++++++++++

Sixteen players will participate next month.Five-time Olympic champion Diana Taurasi headlines the group and is one of seven players whowill appear in both exhibition games. Kahleah Copper, Allisha Gray, Brittney Griner, RhyneHoward, Sabrina Ionescu and Azurá Stevens will also be on both rosters. In total, seven Olympians will participate between the two games and training camp includingAriel Atkins (2021), Gray (2021, 3x3), Griner (2021, 2016), Angel McCoughtry (2016, 2012),Kelsey Plum (2021, 3x3), Taurasi (2021, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004) and Jackie Young (2021, 3x3). Additionally, Atkins, Copper, Ionescu, Betnijah Laney and Plum were members of the 2022 USAWomen’s World Cup Team that won the gold medal in Sydney last fall.The list of participating athletes is rounded out by Aliyah Boston, Dearica Hamby, NatashaHoward and Arike Ogunbowale, all of whom have previous USA Basketball experience.

Full rosters are listed below.

2021-24 USA Basketball Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx)will coach the USA in both games and lead training camp. She will be assisted by Mike Thibault(Washington Mystics) and Curt Miller (Los Angeles Sparks).Tanisha Wright (Atlanta Dream), who led the Dream to their first playoff appearance in fiveyears this season, and Stephanie White (Connecticut Sun), the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year,will serve as court coaches. Wright will coach in Knoxville, Tennessee, while White will be inAtlanta and Durham, North Carolina.

The Nov. 5 game versus Tennessee will be televised on SEC Network at 6 p.m. ET. The USA’smatchup with Duke on Nov. 12 will stream live on ACC Network Extra at Noon ET, with a tapedelayed presentation on ACC Network at 8 p.m. ET. All games are available on the ESPN App.

The Lady Vols have hosted USA Basketball three times, most recently as part of the 2007College Tour that saw USA edge Tennessee 83-72 in Knoxville. The matchup between USA andDuke will be the second overall and first since 1999, when USA Basketball defeated the BlueDevils 71-45 in Durham.

Roster# NAME POS HT WGT AGE TEAM COLLEGE HOMETOWN7
Ariel Atkins G 5-10 167 27 Washington Mystics Texas Duncanville, TX30
Aliyah Boston F/C 6-5 220 21 Indiana Fever South Carolina St. Thomas, USVI11
Kahleah Copper F/G 6-1 165 29 Chicago Sky Rutgers Philadelphia, PA35
Allisha Gray G 6-0 167 28 Atlanta Dream South Carolina Sandersville, GA15
Brittney Griner C 6-9 205 33 Phoenix Mercury Baylor Houston, TX51
Rhyne Howard G 6-2 175 23 Atlanta Dream Kentucky Cleveland, TN6
Sabrina Ionescu G 5-11 165 25 New York Liberty Oregon Walnut Creek, CA14
Betnijah Laney G/F 6-0 166 30 New York Liberty Rutgers Clayton, DE37
Azurá Stevens C 6-6 180 27 Los Angeles Sparks Connecticut Raleigh, N.C.12
Diana Taurasi G 6-0 163 41 Phoenix Mercury Connecticut Chino, CA40
Jackie Young G 6-0 165 26 Las Vegas Aces Notre Dame Princeton,

 

[Ladyvol777]

I'll will be there. This is an excited time for the team. Will be a great learning experience. As always go Lady Vol's.

 

[37620VOL]

This is a pretty cool "measuring stick" opportunity

 

[glv98]

This is a pretty cool "measuring stick" opportunity

Nah. This to me is exactly that exhibition that we won't learn much from. I just pray no one gets hurt and no one gets their pride hurt.

Our point guards are going to be a really dynamic and effective combo for us this season. But they're likely to get hornswaggled Sunday since they're very small and relatively inexperienced. Even Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded w good college players not likely to go to the next level. Against not just W players, but the best players in the world. I think we need to keep everything in perspective and hope we perform as well against them as CN did against us. I hope this isn't (it will) be taken as either a measure of RJ in the W or our hopes against college comp this season.

If we keep it close, I never said any of this.

 

[37620VOL]

glv, I guarantee our players want to see if they can hold their own against Team USA. I guarantee it.

 

[WinnerCircle]

The Carson-Newman tune up exhibition was good to give each player time to play and prepare for the season.
This contest featuring Team USA and the 8-time Nat’l champions Tennessee is not only great for local fans but a major event for WCB.
Tennessee is back. This contest heavily favors the world’s best pro female basketball players no doubt, yet the LVs are led by four WNBA future prospects in projected lottery pick Rickea Jackson, Tamari Key (projected WNBA selection in 2023), Jillian Hollingshead, and Jewel Spear! If any team can battle and compete against these odds it is the LVs at the electrifying Food City Center arena!
Tennessee starting PG position battle will likely be determined shortly after this contest. Jasmine Powell got the start at tip-off in the first exhibition, but coming out of halftime it was elite PG Destinee Wells getting the nod to start the 2nd half. Pros or not.. Destinee Wells will likely be the fastest player on the court with a basketball in her hands. Sara Bucket Puckett can solidify her presence in the LVs starting lineup with another strong and efficient performance before the season opener.
Talking ain’t never done much.. so let’s sit back and get ready for the LVs to Rock on Rocky Top! GBO

 

[chuckiepoo]

Nah. This to me is exactly that exhibition that we won't learn much from. I just pray no one gets hurt and no one gets their pride hurt.

Our point guards are going to be a really dynamic and effective combo for us this season. But they're likely to get hornswaggled Sunday since they're very small and relatively inexperienced. Even Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded w good college players not likely to go to the next level. Against not just W players, but the best players in the world. I think we need to keep everything in perspective and hope we perform as well against them as CN did against us. I hope this isn't (it will) be taken as either a measure of RJ in the W or our hopes against college comp this season.

If we keep it close, I never said any of this.

Just printing a receipt!

 

[madtownvol]

Just printing a receipt!

Good thing to do,. That and $6.50 can get you a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks!

In this game, "we" are Carson-Newman, playing for some added exposure and the memories of going up against the best collection of talent (and some living legends) on the planet.

Assuming that Kellie continues her preseason strategy of continuous rotation and "let's see what happens" experimental line-ups, I don't expect a great team performance (unless USA decides to sleepwalk through the entire game).

 

[WinnerCircle]

glv, I guarantee our players want to see if they can hold their own against Team USA. I guarantee it.

Tennessee has atleast four WNBA prospects in projected lottery pick Rickea Jackson, Jillian Hollingshead, Jewel Spear, and Tamari Key. In addition, Tennessee has two players that competed in the AmeriCup games and won a silver medal led by Rickea J.
Right now, if any WCB team can compete with Team USA it’s the LVs.
Lets GBO!

 

[LVsinceJV]

Good thing to do,. That and $6.50 can get you a pumpkin latte at Starbucks!

In this game, "we" are Carson-Newman, playing for some added exposure and the memories of going up against the best collection of talent (and some living legends) on the planet.

Assuming that Kellie continues her preseason strategy of continuous rotation and "let's see what happens" experimental line-ups, I don't expect a great team performance (unless USA decides to sleepwalk through the entire game).

If we can get within 30 points, I'd call that impressive for this team.

 

[chuckiepoo]

If we can get within 30 points, I'd call that impressive for this team.

Does Vegas have a line?

 

[WinnerCircle]

It’s official! Jewel Spear aka “Fear the Spear” makes her first appearance on Rocky Top!



GBO
“WinnerCircle” predictions coming Sunday during pre-game.. see you there!

 

[Coach Jumper]

Nah. This to me is exactly that exhibition that we won't learn much from. I just pray no one gets hurt and no one gets their pride hurt.

Our point guards are going to be a really dynamic and effective combo for us this season. But they're likely to get hornswaggled Sunday since they're very small and relatively inexperienced. Even Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded w good college players not likely to go to the next level. Against not just W players, but the best players in the world. I think we need to keep everything in perspective and hope we perform as well against them as CN did against us. I hope this isn't (it will) be taken as either a measure of RJ in the W or our hopes against college comp this season.

If we keep it close, I never said any of this.

I started reading this and quit....dang negavols

We do learn one thing... who are positive fans are

 

[madtownvol]

I started reading this and quit....dang negavols

We do learn one thing... who are positive fans are

glv98 a negavol? Not even close. It is a realistic assessment that the best players in the world (and who have playing experience together) are likely to dominate a college team that is sitting just outside the top 10 (preseason polls) and has a lot of new players to work in.

I am mainly hoping for decent offensive execution and the team hitting around 40% from outside the three-point- last season's Achilles heels.

Like Tennessee against CN, the national team will probably not being going full tilt so the LVs maybe able to hang around for much of the game.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Nah. This to me is exactly that exhibition that we won't learn much from. I just pray no one gets hurt and no one gets their pride hurt.

Our point guards are going to be a really dynamic and effective combo for us this season. But they're likely to get hornswaggled Sunday since they're very small and relatively inexperienced. Even Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded w good college players not likely to go to the next level. Against not just W players, but the best players in the world. I think we need to keep everything in perspective and hope we perform as well against them as CN did against us. I hope this isn't (it will) be taken as either a measure of RJ in the W or our hopes against college comp this season.

If we keep it close, I never said any of this.

Yes, this just "beams" positivity and optimism
my mistake

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Nah. This to me is exactly that exhibition that we won't learn much from. I just pray no one gets hurt and no one gets their pride hurt.

Our point guards are going to be a really dynamic and effective combo for us this season. But they're likely to get hornswaggled Sunday since they're very small and relatively inexperienced. Even Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded w good college players not likely to go to the next level. Against not just W players, but the best players in the world. I think we need to keep everything in perspective and hope we perform as well against them as CN did against us. I hope this isn't (it will) be taken as either a measure of RJ in the W or our hopes against college comp this season.

If we keep it close, I never said any of this.

This game isn’t about the scoreboard, but to see how certain players compete. This won’t be a measuring stick for Rickea since I’m sure their defense will focus on her, but I’m sure she will be Rickea because she’s special. I think Spear will be fine because these are members she lives for, now it’s her 1st game so I don’t expect much. As for Jillian I think with her size and Athleticism she will show flashes and show what she’s capable of, that’s my assessment.

 

[Voltopia]

Diana Taurasi G 6-0 163 41 Phoenix Mercury Connecticut Chino, CA40

*hiss*

 

[lvocd]

If Spear and Key were at 100% and 80% we'd have a much better shot at pulling a huge upset. But they're not.

A lot is going to depend on how much individual conditioning the U.S. players have done in the last few weeks. A few of them may just now be getting back into competing after a little break, and depending on how much/what kind of breaks they took, it could work to Tennessee's advantage.

Like everyone else, I would expect the best players in the world to fairly easily beat a college team, especially at this early point in the season. Also like everyone else, I just want Tennessee to look competitive and play smart -- and suffer no injuries!

 

[mudcat1973]

Kelly said that they Tennessee wasn't scouting team USA. Just working on Tennessee I think Kelly said they were preparing for Tennesse next game that they play after team USA. Beating Ohio State University and the other top 10 teams is who we want to beat.

 

[37620VOL]

Yes, this just "beams" positivity and optimism
my mistake

I didn't get a nega-vibe from glv. I think glv is worried that we lose by 25 and the true haters pile on.

IMO most of us here are capable of understanding that we're going up against the best pros in the world. We aren't "supposed" to win this one, but we do need to look competent. There will be some very interesting matchups and I'm excited to see what we can glean and what our women can learn in the process.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

This should be the by far the best team LV's play all season. Just playing them competitive for 4 qtrs would be a huge plus for them. I would consider that a win in this type of game. No college team should be able to beat the NT if they are truly the best players in the world.

 

[WinnerCircle]

Kelly said that they Tennessee wasn't scouting team USA. Just working on Tennessee I think Kelly said they were preparing for Tennesse next game that they play after team USA. Beating Ohio State University and the other top 10 teams is who we want to beat.

Outstanding post mudcat! Some of us can see the big picture.
Same thing with the Carson Newman exhibition.. the final scores in the grand scheme are pointless.
The goal for the staff is to evaluate YOUR roster and for players it’s to build chemistry, get in rhythm, and the finish game healthy.

Nobody can deny the fact that physically and from a talent standpoint Tennessee has a roster that can at least appear to give Team USA a look to prepare them for competition.
Both teams will benefit from this contest and so will the fans!

 

[Coach Jumper]

I didn't get a nega-vibe from glv. I think glv is worried that we lose by 25 and the true haters pile on.

IMO most of us here are capable of understanding that we're going up against the best pros in the world. We aren't "supposed" to win this one, but we do need to look competent. There will be some very interesting matchups and I'm excited to see what we can glean and what our women can learn in the process.

I know that glv is worried that we may lose by 25,,,but read your post...there's no doomsday wording, no cuts,,,nor is there rainbows and lollipops. But it is a heckuva lot easier on a reader to read what you said, than,,,

"...exhibition that we won't learn much from. . . Our point guards are going to...get hornswaggled. . . Rickea can't be expected to do too much against this competition especially when surrounded by good college players not likely to go to the next level...."

Maybe I am more sensitive to how our fans are portrayed...But its because I have personally talked to players, their families, staff, arena staff, VolNation posters, and the general public and this site comes up often, from ALL of them.

It's not a backyard fence anymore. In fact, when I met Lou Brown's Mom, she said she knew of me from this site,,and she lives in Australia.

There are hundreds of readers and probably a couple of hundred of actual content posters,,,but from those I have spoken to the only one that get brought up continually is Darth...sigh! Embarrassing...But as PT Barnum said,,,“There's no such thing as bad publicity, as long as they spell your name right”.

Personally, I can't wait for this game. It will be the first Lady Vol game my sister has ever joined me for. I will be thrilled if we beat team USA, will feel a sense of satisfaction if we lose but are competitive and will be upset if we lose by more than 20+ (Unless Kellie empties the bench and let's everyone play),,,But even then, if Coach Kellie does this, then why the heck would team USA give us another look down the road. They are here bc we ARE the Lady Vols!

We are "David" playing "Goliath",,,yes
but remember who won that battle?..David did.

 

[LVsinceJV]

Scattered thoughts: One thing experienced pros do extremely well against young players is pick pockets and draw fouls--Rickea will get a taste of the physicality and underhandedness that'll be waiting for her on both ends of the floor in the W, for sure. If Griner plays significant minutes, expect us to be forced to take more outside shots which, if we can have good ball movement and handling, we might be able to find success there. Kellie will actually need to have the team play defense in this game, it's not really optional lol. Kinda dreading having Taurasi back in TBA, but overall curious how well we'll play!

 

[Lucy]

Outstanding post mudcat! Some of us can see the big picture.
Same thing with the Carson Newman exhibition.. the final scores in the grand scheme are pointless.
The goal for the staff is to evaluate YOUR roster and for players it’s to build chemistry, get in rhythm, and the finish game healthy.

Nobody can deny the fact that physically and from a talent standpoint Tennessee has a roster that can at least appear to give Team USA a look to prepare them for competition.
Both teams will benefit from this contest and so will the fans!

All the Lady Vols will get minutes in this game. In addition to letting all our players see how a professional plays, this game is a scrapbook moment for them all. Hope they have some success, get some pictures with the the USTeam and no injuries!!