GAME THREAD: Texas A&M in Knoxville, Thursday, 2/19, 6:30 pm EST, SECN+

[LasVegasBill23]

I have a different take on that. I actually think Tennessee IS still primetime — some of our games still rank amid the most-watched year after year — BUT that that is precisely why some coaches won’t want the job.

Everyone with eyes and brains can still see that Tennessee remains one of the most talked about programs in the country. That has always been the case, and that was one thing that didn’t change when Pat died.

But here’s the thing. The program is still important to the game, but because of the Final Four drought any coach who takes the job comes in to one of THE most storied programs in history with more pressure to get to the FF than any coach has ever had in history.

Who in the world wants to start this new job already behind the 8-ball? The Tennessee Pressure Cooker is only real because we ARE still primetime as in all eyes are always scrutinizing every up and down and in between. If we weren’t still “primetime” there’d be no pressure.

ugh Tenn is still "primetime" because they are well watched and well talked about?

At some point the measuring stick has to be GIVE ME WINS!!!!

LV program has disappointed for several years now..... Shea gets a bit more leeway because she is building from scratch

 

[JohnTN]

I went back and watched replay to see what Hurst did. She started, played about 4 minutes, had a rebound and a steal and score. No turnovers. She did have a 3 point shout made over her, but no loafing around.

I don't think she played in second quarter. Played a couple minutes around 7 minute mark in 3rd quarter with no real opportunity to contribute offensively, but no loafing or turnovers.

In 4th quarter she came in at 8:33 mark, LV brought ball inbounds and were fouled at the 8:13 mark. Again Hurst had no opportunity to contribute, BUT WAS SUBBED OUT AFTER JUST 20 SECONDS ON THE FLOOR. What was the logic of that. And did not play the rest of the game.

Substitution pattern makes no sense.

 

[JarFly]

I went back and watched replay to see what Hurst did. She started, played about 4 minutes, had a rebound and a steal and score. No turnovers. She did have a 3 point shout made over her, but no loafing around.

I don't think she played in second quarter. Played a couple minutes around 7 minute mark in 3rd quarter with no real opportunity to contribute offensively, but no loafing or turnovers.

In 4th quarter she came in at 8:33 mark, LV brought ball inbounds and were fouled at the 8:13 mark. Again Hurst had no opportunity to contribute, BUT WAS SUBBED OUT AFTER JUST 20 SECONDS ON THE FLOOR. What was the logic of that. And did not play the rest of the game.

Substitution pattern makes no sense.

Wish I knew, and if I did that would mean I am a Mind reader, and if that were the case I would be entering a lot of World Series of Poker Events.

 

[RAVOL]

A multi-year 'rebuilding program' was not the plan.

Danny promised us at her hiring that she would compete for championships IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, why fire the LVFL coach that was on the cusp of doing that without the massive NIL funds that Caldwell was given?

The LVBB basketball program is now in danger of dropping to historic lows.

Our program is right were it has been these last 9 years. Now I am not saying that Caldwell has done everything right she hasn't but her drive to be the best is real and getting enough players who have that same drive takes time.

 

[RAVOL]

Good points but everybody knew it would take Shea awhile. We spent NIL like crazy in HS recruiting and the portal, returned a lot of talent, were ranked in the top 10 preseason, and we look like one of the worst teams in the league. I think thats why a lot of us are frustrated.

Nil doesn't guarantee anything but some players chasing money but some want to win at all cost that's why High-school players and developing them is the way. The final 4 teams this year are because of high school talent and sprinkle of Portal.

 

[1reVOLver]

ugh Tenn is still "primetime" because they are well watched and well talked about?

Remember the Maine! And Leon Barmore ar Louisiana Tech. And don’t forget Old Dominion. And.. Ozymandias.

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desart.

Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
No thing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

— Percy Shelley, "Ozymandias"

 

[LVBB_Legacy]

Danny thought he could buy a championship like LSU did, but couldn't hire the right coach to evaluate and coach the talent.

Kellie and Sam did more with less but sadly weren't given the opportunity to show that they could take that money to assemble a team that could compete for championships.

No established coach would come after the way he suddenly fired a competent coach, so he had to hire a coach with limited D1 experience with a gimmick game plan.

As Kim Mulkey has proven, the transfer portal has diminished the importance of high school recruiting. Even if a 5 star pans out, you're likely to lose them after a season or two. High school rankings are far more vulnerable to not panning out than the more proven commodities in the portal.

Our program is right were it has been these last 9 years. Now I am not saying that Caldwell has done everything right she hasn't but her drive to be the best is real and getting enough players who have that same drive takes time.

Nil doesn't guarantee anything but some players chasing money but some want to win at all cost that's why High-school players and developing them is the way. The final 4 teams this year are because of high school talent and sprinkle of Portal.

 

[RAVOL]

Danny thought he could buy a championship like LSU did, but couldn't hire the right coach to evaluate and coach the talent.

Kellie and Sam did more with less but sadly weren't given the opportunity to show that they could take that money to assemble a team that could compete for championships.

No established coach would come after the way he suddenly fired a competent coach, so he had to hire a coach with limited D1 experience with a gimmick game plan.

As Kim Mulkey has proven, the transfer portal has diminished the importance of high school recruiting. Even if a 5 star pans out, you likely to lose them after a season or two. High school rankings are far more vulnerable to not panning out than the more proven commodities in the portal.

Such a bad take. The best teams this year are again built through high school sprinkled with Portal. Kellie had 5 years and SEC was much worse than now. Last year high school SC championships high school. Only Kim made it work one year lightning struck for her with SC getting upset. I don't know if Kim works long term but in 1 year she accomplished what Kellie did in 5. Lets see we're this goes.

 

[RAVOL]

Danny thought he could buy a championship like LSU did, but couldn't hire the right coach to evaluate and coach the talent.

Kellie and Sam did more with less but sadly weren't given the opportunity to show that they could take that money to assemble a team that could compete for championships.

No established coach would come after the way he suddenly fired a competent coach, so he had to hire a coach with limited D1 experience with a gimmick game plan.

As Kim Mulkey has proven, the transfer portal has diminished the importance of high school recruiting. Even if a 5 star pans out, you likely to lose them after a season or two. High school rankings are far more vulnerable to not panning out than the more proven commodities in the portal.

And by the way you can go back and look at my post over the Kellie years and i was always rooting for her talking well of her but even O knew after 5 years it was time to try something else.

 

[LasVegasBill23]

Remember the Maine! And Leon Barmore ar Louisiana Tech. And don’t forget Old Dominion. And.. Ozymandias.




— Percy Shelley, "Ozymandias"

i remember them all La Tech, Old Dominion, Delta State, Immaculata...... doesnt mean that i still talk about them and watch them.....

 

[montbb47]

A litmus test: Does anyone see improvement as the year progresses?

 

[TNRazor]

And by the way you can go back and look at my post over the Kellie years and i was always rooting for her talking well of her but even O knew after 5 years it was time to try something else.

I was really hoping Kellie would win here too. She was one of my all time favorite players.She was a decent bench coach, but seemed like she had trouble recruiting at a high level.

 

[mudcat1973]

No it's not but after so long you need to let it DIE....why beat a deadhorse.. this is just as bad as the ones in Basketball forum still licking the window for Bruce Pearl after every game we lose...


Btw: as far as the Kellie Harper discussion,I don't care if she is here or not. I just want a winning product on the floor that can move past Sweet 16 every season... But since you took upon yourself to take a pop shot at me here's one back.



Are you a lifelong fan of Lady Vols or are you CKH agent ?

Guess you didn't catch part not specifically for knox44

Far as Kellie Harper she was attacked by posters while still coach.

So it isn't any difference fans pointing out what they don't like.
me specifically thinks Danny White could have could have used some non specific vol club nil from 3000 monthly donors and done better job supporting her while Kellie Harper was coach. There a lot smaller donors in vol club nil Collective .
Most probably didn't say don't help Kellie Harper that decision was Danny White

Yes I watch and pull Tennessee even before Tennessee won national championship 1987

Don't have to bash Kellie Harper to still pull for Tennessee.
As some say LVFL there nothing wrong defense of one my favorite lady Vols.

Was replying to all the attacker's as whole not one specific attacker's and not anything you said.
Besides it right there in the post not specifically knox44

Yes fan of Kellie Harper wish her best of luck.
If that makes me one her many Tennessee fans still pulling for Kellie Harper and you think I'm unofficial agents.
I good with that

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Danny thought he could buy a championship like LSU did, but couldn't hire the right coach to evaluate and coach the talent.

Kellie and Sam did more with less but sadly weren't given the opportunity to show that they could take that money to assemble a team that could compete for championships.

No established coach would come after the way he suddenly fired a competent coach, so he had to hire a coach with limited D1 experience with a gimmick game plan.

As Kim Mulkey has proven, the transfer portal has diminished the importance of high school recruiting. Even if a 5 star pans out, you likely to lose them after a season or two. High school rankings are far more vulnerable to not panning out than the more proven commodities in the portal.

Beautifully and succinctly summed up.

 

[LasVegasBill23]

Beautifully and succinctly summed up.

Wow it is counterintuitive to me to see all the praise Kellie has gotten for being a great coach...... Western Carolina, Missouri State from sub conferences and a 500 record at also ran NC State from ACC. Those aren't top notch credentials..... athletic dept was looking for someone from the Summit tree AND a woman..... could have delivered a more formidable hire...... 12 years invested in holly and kellie and it appears we are struggling to get traction now to get back to LV glory

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Wow it is counterintuitive to me to see all the praise Kellie has gotten for being a great coach...... Western Carolina, Missouri State from sub conferences and a 500 record at also ran NC State from ACC. Those aren't top notch credentials..... athletic dept was looking for someone from the Summit tree AND a woman..... could have delivered a more formidable hire...... 12 years invested in holly and kellie and it appears we are struggling to get traction now to get back to LV glory

I am not going to rehash the coulda, shoulda hire after Pat Summitt. As far as the Kellie hire, Kellie was not only a Pat Summitt protege, she was also an assistant to Joe Ciampi one year, and Wes Moore three years, both successful Coaches. She had won the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year award, and the Kay Yow Coach of the Year award. Kellie is one of only two Coaches ever to take four different schools’ women’s basketball teams to the NCAA Tournament. She had just taken Missouri State to the Sweet Sixteen where #6 Stanford won by only 9 points. Of course there were other choices, but Kellie was All Tennessee, and There’s Nothing Wrong With Being All Tennessee.

DW focused on football, and men’s sports funding, and maybe because paying players was somewhat new, failed to include women’s basketball in that group, which he now does.

 

[LVBB_Legacy]

I was really hoping Kellie would win here too. She was one of my all time favorite players.She was a decent bench coach, but seemed like she had trouble recruiting at a high level.

She didn't get the financial support to do that. There was case after case that Sam and Kellie couldn't close on highly ranked players in the portal and high school that had Tennessee listed in their top choices because of money. I have personal knowledge of that. If you don't believe me, believe Angel Reese - 'Get your money up'.

 

[LVBB_Legacy]

Delete

 

[Smallvol#1]

She didn't get the financial support to do that. There was case after case that Sam and Kellie couldn't close on highly ranked players in the portal and high school that had Tennessee listed in their top choices because of money. I have personal knowledge of that. If you don't believe me, believe Angel Reese - 'Get your money up'.

Spot on.

 

[madtownvol]

That’s an opinion. In reality, there’s Tennessee and UConn in WBB. Any other job is secondary to the only two historic basketball programs of all-time with the exception of Notre Dame and Stanford.

Party like its 1999!!!

 

[1reVOLver]

“Party like its 1999!!!”

As we were saying earlier…

 

[LasVegasBill23]

I am not going to rehash the coulda, shoulda hire after Pat Summitt. As far as the Kellie hire, Kellie was not only a Pat Summitt protege, she was also an assistant to Joe Ciampi one year, and Wes Moore three years, both successful Coaches. She had won the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year award, and the Kay Yow Coach of the Year award. Kellie is one of only two Coaches ever to take four different schools’ basketball teams to the NCAA Tournament. She had just taken Missouri State to the Sweet Sixteen where #6 Stanford won by only 9 points. Of course there were other choices, but Kellie was All Tennessee, and There’s Nothing Wrong With Being All Tennessee.

DW focused on football, and men’s sports funding, and maybe because paying players was somewhat new, failed to include women’s basketball in that group, which he now does.

yes we all have opinions.... i certainly respect yours and i always hope kellie does well at mizzou

 

[cabbie191]

I always liked the Oregon State coach

I agree - I think Rueck has been masterful. Pretty impressive what he’s done after his team got hosed by the Pac12 debacle.

 

[dognusty]

That’s an opinion. In reality, there’s Tennessee and UConn in WBB. Any other job is secondary to the only two historic basketball programs of all-time with the exception of Notre Dame and Stanford.

Not today my friend. You saw where GameDay went twice in a month. It's been years since we can count Tennessee even a contender.

This is the reality of now. Lady Vols are nowhere near UConn and it has been for almost 20 years. South Carolina has taken over what Tennessee was.

 

[Rooster1]

I went back and watched replay to see what Hurst did. She started, played about 4 minutes, had a rebound and a steal and score. No turnovers. She did have a 3 point shout made over her, but no loafing around.

I don't think she played in second quarter. Played a couple minutes around 7 minute mark in 3rd quarter with no real opportunity to contribute offensively, but no loafing or turnovers.

In 4th quarter she came in at 8:33 mark, LV brought ball inbounds and were fouled at the 8:13 mark. Again Hurst had no opportunity to contribute, BUT WAS SUBBED OUT AFTER JUST 20 SECONDS ON THE FLOOR. What was the logic of that. And did not play the rest of the game.

Substitution pattern makes no sense.