Kellie Harper discussion/debate thread [merged]

[NighthawkVol]

To answer your question, yes, we have early commits from Nyla Brooks, a top 25 player, for the 2025 class, and we have a commit from the #1 player in the country, a generational phenom, Finley Chastain, in the 2027 class. We are very active in recruiting for future LV teams. As for Cambridge, apparently her family are not University of Tennessee fans.

Forgot about Brooks. Thanks.

And I know about Chastain, but she’s an 8th grader. I was talking about the next 3 classes (23, 24, and 25). There just isn’t much talent on the way.

 

[Volfan2012]

Forgot about Brooks. Thanks.

And I know about Chastain, but she’s an 8th grader. I was talking about the next 3 classes (23, 24, and 25). There just isn’t much talent on the way.

We have 8 returnees and the others could use a covid year if they so desire don't see the main two doing that. The eight returnees give us a middle of the league SEC team. I don't see Kellie going with anywhere near this years schedule next year, but she is going to need to find four top players in the portal if the others don't come back or were going to be bad.

 

[LadyVol1908]

You guys, don’t beat me up TOO bad about what I’m going to suggest!

IF Kellie doesn’t get it together and make a tournament run, (cause there’s still a chance), she’ll more than likely still get another year. Considering we don’t have any recruits and we’re not likely to strike gold again in the portal after the Jackson debacle, I really believe it’ll be Kellie’s final season here.

With that being said, I think we should offer the job to……..Candace Parker!!! (Runs and hides )…..I understand she hasn’t coached a lick of basketball in her life, but she could always surround herself with a great staff to help get her where she needs to be. Although I definitely think one of those people should be Andraya Carter and Tamika Cathchings in some capacity, they don’t necessarily have to be assistant coaches, but the basketball knowledge between those 2 alone would make me want them on my staff. Not to mention the recruiting I believe those 2 could do, hell maybe even bring Holly back, we know she was an amazing recruiter as well, cause I don’t know how in the hell she was landing too recruiting classes with the product on the floor.

I only say say this because I really believe we need a POLARIZING type hire at this point. I know a lot of people say we need to get away from the Lady Vol coaching tree, but I feel like Candace, if she’s even interested, would be a great hire. We all know, at the end of the day, you need TOP ELITE horses to win the race! I haven’t seen a team since Texas A&M win a championship without ELITE talent.

Candace, IMO, would be an IMMEDIATE elite recruiter for us, similar to Deion Sanders once he busted on the scene in college Football. The star power would attract ELITE talent, and the passion Candace has for Pat, her legacy, and Tennessee permeates through the TV, so I can only imagine the final, deal closing, pitches she’ll be able to deliver to young girls and parents.

We need an infusion of youthfulness to also bring back a new demographic of fans! The old guard would flock back, but we’ll also have new fan support for Candace’s name alone. Everybody would want to come and see the new show in town. I could even see NBA players starting to come to games or tweet at Tennessee players due to her connections to the NBA.

I know it’s a pipes dream and most likely won’t happen but I’d love to see if it could work!!!

 

[Amb3096]

You guys, don’t beat me up TOO bad about what I’m going to suggest!

IF Kellie doesn’t get it together and make a tournament run, (cause there’s still a chance), she’ll more than likely still get another year. Considering we don’t have any recruits and we’re not likely to strike gold again in the portal after the Jackson debacle, I really believe it’ll be Kellie’s final season here.

With that being said, I think we should offer the job to……..Candace Parker!!! (Runs and hides )…..I understand she hasn’t coached a lick of basketball in her life, but she could always surround herself with a great staff to help get her where she needs to be. Although I definitely think one of those people should be Andraya Carter and Tamika Cathchings in some capacity, they don’t necessarily have to be assistant coaches, but the basketball knowledge between those 2 alone would make me want them on my staff. Not to mention the recruiting I believe those 2 could do, hell maybe even bring Holly back, we know she was an amazing recruiter as well, cause I don’t know how in the hell she was landing too recruiting classes with the product on the floor.

I only say say this because I really believe we need a POLARIZING type hire at this point. I know a lot of people say we need to get away from the Lady Vol coaching tree, but I feel like Candace, if she’s even interested, would be a great hire. We all know, at the end of the day, you need TOP ELITE horses to win the race! I haven’t seen a team since Texas A&M win a championship without ELITE talent.

Candace, IMO, would be an IMMEDIATE elite recruiter for us, similar to Deion Sanders once he busted on the scene in college Football. The star power would attract ELITE talent, and the passion Candace has for Pat, her legacy, and Tennessee permeates through the TV, so I can only imagine the final, deal closing, pitches she’ll be able to deliver to young girls and parents.

We need an infusion of youthfulness to also bring back a new demographic of fans! The old guard would flock back, but we’ll also have new fan support for Candace’s name alone. Everybody would want to come and see the new show in town. I could even see NBA players starting to come to games or tweet at Tennessee players due to her connections to the NBA.

I know it’s a pipes dream and most likely won’t happen but I’d love to see if it could work!!!

I think it would for sure help with recruiting and visibility, but...

Tennessee needs a coach who isn't afraid to hurt people's feelings. We know Holly failed in part because she wanted to be their friend. Maybe Kellie is guilty of something similar. I can't imagine that Candace would do better at creating that barrier, and it's not something that you can make the assistants own. If you're gonna "good cop-bad cop", the HC MUST be the "bad cop".

 

[Volfan2012]

You guys, don’t beat me up TOO bad about what I’m going to suggest!

IF Kellie doesn’t get it together and make a tournament run, (cause there’s still a chance), she’ll more than likely still get another year. Considering we don’t have any recruits and we’re not likely to strike gold again in the portal after the Jackson debacle, I really believe it’ll be Kellie’s final season here.

With that being said, I think we should offer the job to……..Candace Parker!!! (Runs and hides )…..I understand she hasn’t coached a lick of basketball in her life, but she could always surround herself with a great staff to help get her where she needs to be. Although I definitely think one of those people should be Andraya Carter and Tamika Cathchings in some capacity, they don’t necessarily have to be assistant coaches, but the basketball knowledge between those 2 alone would make me want them on my staff. Not to mention the recruiting I believe those 2 could do, hell maybe even bring Holly back, we know she was an amazing recruiter as well, cause I don’t know how in the hell she was landing too recruiting classes with the product on the floor.

I only say say this because I really believe we need a POLARIZING type hire at this point. I know a lot of people say we need to get away from the Lady Vol coaching tree, but I feel like Candace, if she’s even interested, would be a great hire. We all know, at the end of the day, you need TOP ELITE horses to win the race! I haven’t seen a team since Texas A&M win a championship without ELITE talent.

Candace, IMO, would be an IMMEDIATE elite recruiter for us, similar to Deion Sanders once he busted on the scene in college Football. The star power would attract ELITE talent, and the passion Candace has for Pat, her legacy, and Tennessee permeates through the TV, so I can only imagine the final, deal closing, pitches she’ll be able to deliver to young girls and parents.

We need an infusion of youthfulness to also bring back a new demographic of fans! The old guard would flock back, but we’ll also have new fan support for Candace’s name alone. Everybody would want to come and see the new show in town. I could even see NBA players starting to come to games or tweet at Tennessee players due to her connections to the NBA.

I know it’s a pipes dream and most likely won’t happen but I’d love to see if it could work!!!

if I am trying to get a Lady Vol it would be Parker if she can't get the recruits in here no one can. She is also high energy and would know exactly how to substitute and who needed to play. I don't know if she want to be a head coach but I wish she did cause she would be my number one choice.

 

[oldslomo]

UT should go after Denise Dillon of Villanova if Kellie cannot improve her record against top ranked teams.

shea ralph

 

[Volfan2012]

I won't hold my breath waiting for Kelly to inspire a Heupel-like change in fortunes for our Vol gals, but I'm hoping Danny White is paying close attention to the fact that this team is merely treading water and unlikely to make a splash under the current leadership anytime in the foreseeable future. I have no doubt he'll do the right thing before it's too late.

You usually get what your going to get in the first four seasons. She is a 20 win coach probably will finish in the top four of the SEC every year. May reach the sweet sixteen most seasons and at least make the tourney. That is who she is now and probably going forward because of her style of coaching decision making. She is very loyal to every player and tries to get them in the game somehow whether it is Wofford or UConn.

 

[LadyVol1908]

I think it would for sure help with recruiting and visibility, but...

Tennessee needs a coach who isn't afraid to hurt people's feelings. We know Holly failed in part because she wanted to be their friend. Maybe Kellie is guilty of something similar. I can't imagine that Candace would do better at creating that barrier, and it's not something that you can make the assistants own. If you're gonna "good cop-bad cop", the HC MUST be the "bad cop".

See I think Candace could though. I don’t know her personally but I think she’s competitive enough to tell a player when they’re not doing something right or sit them if they’re not doing things her way. She knows all eyes would be on her if she were to get in this arena and she would have no room for error, BUT I don’t think it’ll ever happen anyways, at least not as soon as I want it to!

 

[MsSportsGuy]

Holly was a right coach to bridge to the next coach after Pat. Tough situation for anyone to be in, but she was the best choice IMO for the time.

I agree that while Warlick didn't pan out for a variety of reasons, she was the logical and correct choice at the Pat stepped down. I don't think anyone in the sport would have even wanted the job at that point besides Holly and she earned the chance to try.

I will say Kellie, like Holly, seems like a decent person who cares about the program and wants it to succeed.

 

[Prophet1]

The jury is still out on Kellie , if she didn't lose senior Keys for the season it might be a different scenario. My problem is I don't see any plays being implemented, no Xs and Os , no rotation certainties, damn she really seem lose this year. She wasn't all that bad when she had Rennia , Sugar Rae , Jordan , Key and that squad. But that's a wide gap between that team and this team, take a guess where the difference is. Can we say also that she took two damaged players out the portal , a pg that's not better than the players (Wynn, Miles)she already had, a freshman she seem to not have playing time for , and slow flat footed players she starts and have too much loyalty towards.
IDK...I'm not a coach but I believe I can do better in some areas than them. She need to purge her coaching staff ( especially her husband) and bring in a better staff ( development, Xs and Os) , if she wants to continue because the fanbase is starting to sound like the Holly warlick era ( real fed up ). Show people you know what to do with talent you have.
IDK buy its the first time I turned from a lady vols game , it was hard to watch ,really.

 

[Majors]

What games did we lose we shouldn't have?

At the time, when we were #5, OSU who was #14 and IU #12. Gonzaga and UCLA were not ranked. Based on rankings we should have won all of them. All have gone on to have good seasons despite their preseason ranking.

 

[supersmo18]

Disagree, Kellie is mich easier on the eyes than Holly

 

[Majors]

I agree that while Warlick didn't pan out for a variety of reasons, she was the logical and correct choice at the Pat stepped down. I don't think anyone in the sport would have even wanted the job at that point besides Holly and she earned the chance to try.

I will say Kellie, like Holly, seems like a decent person who cares about the program and wants it to succeed.

I believe both are loyal to the brand and want the program to rise back up. Good people as well. But only judged by end results which Kellie does not have much equity.

 

[BowlBrother85]

I hate to say it, but you're insulting Holly Warlick. Holly could at least recruit a little bit. It's hard to see what KJH brings to the table at this point.

 

[Prophet1]

if I am trying to get a Lady Vol it would be Parker if she can't get the recruits in here no one can. She is also high energy and would know exactly how to substitute and who needed to play. I don't know if she want to be a head coach but I wish she did cause she would be my number one choice.

I agree, but CP3 is bout to go on a dynasty run with Las Vegas. And still have her announcer gig. I wouldn't leave , for what? Go get Jay Wright.

 

[1reVOLver]

Recruiting skills? SERIOUSLY????

Ever come across something called nuance? Subtlety?

Let's make it easy. What do you think of aiming to be the 36th best team in the country, and recruiting to that goal?

 

[Nute Gunray]

You usually get what your going to get in the first four seasons. She is a 20 win coach probably will finish in the top four of the SEC every year. May reach the sweet sixteen most seasons and at least make the tourney. That is who she is now and probably going forward because of her style of coaching decision making. She is very loyal to every player and tries to get them in the game somehow whether it is Wofford or UConn.

Very insightful and accurate analysis, Volfan2012. You are very fair in your analysis of Kellie's peformance as a coach now and in the future.

 

[volfanstuckinga]

You guys, don’t beat me up TOO bad about what I’m going to suggest!

IF Kellie doesn’t get it together and make a tournament run, (cause there’s still a chance), she’ll more than likely still get another year. Considering we don’t have any recruits and we’re not likely to strike gold again in the portal after the Jackson debacle, I really believe it’ll be Kellie’s final season here.

With that being said, I think we should offer the job to……..Candace Parker!!! (Runs and hides )…..I understand she hasn’t coached a lick of basketball in her life, but she could always surround herself with a great staff to help get her where she needs to be. Although I definitely think one of those people should be Andraya Carter and Tamika Cathchings in some capacity, they don’t necessarily have to be assistant coaches, but the basketball knowledge between those 2 alone would make me want them on my staff. Not to mention the recruiting I believe those 2 could do, hell maybe even bring Holly back, we know she was an amazing recruiter as well, cause I don’t know how in the hell she was landing too recruiting classes with the product on the floor.

I only say say this because I really believe we need a POLARIZING type hire at this point. I know a lot of people say we need to get away from the Lady Vol coaching tree, but I feel like Candace, if she’s even interested, would be a great hire. We all know, at the end of the day, you need TOP ELITE horses to win the race! I haven’t seen a team since Texas A&M win a championship without ELITE talent.

Candace, IMO, would be an IMMEDIATE elite recruiter for us, similar to Deion Sanders once he busted on the scene in college Football. The star power would attract ELITE talent, and the passion Candace has for Pat, her legacy, and Tennessee permeates through the TV, so I can only imagine the final, deal closing, pitches she’ll be able to deliver to young girls and parents.

We need an infusion of youthfulness to also bring back a new demographic of fans! The old guard would flock back, but we’ll also have new fan support for Candace’s name alone. Everybody would want to come and see the new show in town. I could even see NBA players starting to come to games or tweet at Tennessee players due to her connections to the NBA.

I know it’s a pipes dream and most likely won’t happen but I’d love to see if it could work!!!

Kara Lawson does the same WITH experience......we can't afford to gamble at this point

 

[volfanstuckinga]

At the time, when we were #5, OSU who was #14 and IU #12. Gonzaga and UCLA were not ranked. Based on rankings we should have won all of them. All have gone on to have good seasons despite their preseason ranking.

What he said....

 

[dillyo51]

Seasons like these call for staff overhauls, to change things up in order to win....does she stay on board if changes are needed to be made? Becomes personal at this point if Danny says Jon won't be retained.

Who comprises the staff? I can’t name one, other than Jon Harper. What does their resumes look like. Qualifications?

 

[Dadof2Vols]

“Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”
— John C. Maxwell

Danny White has laid out his expectations. We will see if it was all talk or if he backs up his words.

My question is when you read the objectives he has laid out. How close do you think WBB is to meeting his expectations? Can the current Head Coach rise to meet these expectations consistently in todays SEC competitive environment?

'Rise Glorious': Danny White Maps Out Five Year Tennessee Athletics Strategic Plan | Rocky Top Insider

Competitive Excellence
Goal: We will cultivate a championship culture that propels Tennessee to compete for SECand national championships.

• Objective 1.1: Earn the top Learfield Directors’ Cup finish among SEC schools and finish in the top 15 in three out of every five years while consistently winning SEC and national championships across the board.
• Objective 1.2: Consistently win National Championships
  • Strategy: Tennessee will win a national championship in at least one sport every four years; and each sport will
    achieve at least one national top-16 finish every four years.
• Objective 1.3: Consistently win conference championships and finish in the top third of the conference standings annually (all sports).
  • Strategy: Each sport will win a conference championship at least once every five years; Tennessee Athletics aims to capture five conference championships in one academic year while averaging at least three conference championships per year over the next five years.

 

[Prophet1]

Holly was a right coach to bridge to the next coach after Pat. Tough situation for anyone to be in, but she was the best choice IMO for the time.

She also had some dynamic asst. coaches and staff. Kellie do not.

 

[Amb3096]

She need to purge her coaching staff ( especially her husband) and bring in a better staff ( development, Xs and Os) , if she wants to continue because the fanbase is starting to sound like the Holly warlick era ( real fed up ).

All of the assistants? Sam Williams seems to be doing her part with getting the recruits to campus, but Kellie is closing the deal. And as much as people want to talk about the impact of NIL, I don't think that's the reason she missed out on all of her 2023 targets.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Jeff Walz is about the best We could get right now and from what I heard he wanted the job last time but was overlooked by Fulmer.....He can recruit and coach and with Lady VOLS tradition he would do well here.

If Fulmer really passed on Walz than my opinion of him somehow got lower that it was

 

[Prophet1]

All of the assistants? Sam Williams seems to be doing her part with getting the recruits to campus, but Kellie is closing the deal. And as much as people want to talk about the impact of NIL, I don't think that's the reason she missed out on all of her 2023 targets.

She don't need Sam , bet she's thinking I got the portal why recruit.