LADY VOLS ROSTER 2025-6

[lvocd]

I would not say a “put-up-or-shut-up year” in year 2 of Coach Kim’s tenure with 1/3 of the team(5) being freshman who have to learn her system but we should be far ahead of the last decade.

My thought on it is that if we don't advance deeper into the NCAAT this coming season with this much experience and talent, I have doubts that the following season will be significantly better. It just feels like this coming season is the best chance for the next couple of years.

But then, who knows? I suppose South Carolina and LSU could send a bunch more players to us to replace all the ones we'll lose after next season.

 

[therickbol]

Speaking of the roster, the LVs now have a problem that the elite schools have: How to manage a group that is so talented without running off players after next season due to lack of playing time. It does help considerably that we will likely play 10 players throughout the season. However, who gets left off the 10-player rotation, which is difficult to speculate. When you really try to do this, you start pleading with CKC to play more than 10. I like them all, so I am not wishing this on anyone but my best guess at this too early spot would be Wynn (lightning strike me down), Hurst, Mya (strike me again. I been bragging about her all season), and Prawl (if she is still injured) or Robertson (though I could imagine her really surprising some of her skeptics). I can't believe how difficult this is, as we just don't have any obvious benchwarmers this year. Great problem to have, horrible decision to make.

I was trying to speculate who is in a 10 player rotation if everyone is healthy. And it's going to be interesting. Legitimate players might not be in the rotation, unless she plays 12.

100% part of the rotation:
Boyd
Cooper
Whitehorn
Spearman
Latham
Barker
Robertson
Pauldo
Wolfenbarger

These I would be very surprised to see in the rotation:
Hurst
Wynn

So who is this group steps up and wins minutes in the regular rotation:
Civil
Prawl
Pauldo

 

[Rickster]

I was trying to speculate who is in a 10 player rotation if everyone is healthy. And it's going to be interesting. Legitimate players might not be in the rotation, unless she plays 12.

100% part of the rotation:
Boyd
Cooper
Whitehorn
Spearman
Latham
Barker
Robertson
Pauldo
Wolfenbarger

These I would be very surprised to see in the rotation:
Hurst
Wynn
ll affect her
So who is this group steps up and wins minutes in the regular rotation:
Civil
Prawl
Pauldo

I don't know how well Wynn's injury has healed or whether it will hinder her progress this fall but.....she is an athlete whose strength is taking the ball to the hole which is what Kim's system wants.

 

[LVsinceJV]

My thought on it is that if we don't advance deeper into the NCAAT this coming season with this much experience and talent, I have doubts that the following season will be significantly better. It just feels like this coming season is the best chance for the next couple of years.

But then, who knows? I suppose South Carolina and LSU could send a bunch more players to us to replace all the ones we'll lose after next season.

Not sure where we'll finish in the SEC regular season but I think we have deeper SECT and NCAAT runs for sure. Would also love to get a win in Storrs while the old man is still coaching, and I really think we can do it!

 

[therickbol]

I don't know how well Wynn's injury has healed or whether it will hinder her progress this fall but.....she is an athlete whose strength is taking the ball to the hole which is what Kim's system wants.

I am a big fan of Wynn as a person. A+ young lady. And I definitely think she can contribute defensively in this system. I would not describe "attacking the basket" as an actual strength unless she makes huge strides. I think we say things like that about her because we want it to be true. We realize she is not a shooter. She is athletic. But that doesn't translate offensively. Would love it if she proves me wrong.

 

[Rickster]

I am a big fan of Wynn as a person. A+ young lady. And I definitely think she can contribute defensively in this system. I would not describe "attacking the basket" as an actual strength unless she makes huge strides. I think we say things like that about her because we want it to be true. We realize she is not a shooter. She is athletic. But that doesn't translate offensively. Would love it if she proves me wrong.

The good thing is that she likely will be able to prove herself one way or another.

 

[volsagain]

I was trying to speculate who is in a 10 player rotation if everyone is healthy. And it's going to be interesting. Legitimate players might not be in the rotation, unless she plays 12.

100% part of the rotation:
Boyd
Cooper
Whitehorn
Spearman
Latham
Barker
Robertson
Pauldo
Wolfenbarger

These I would be very surprised to see in the rotation:
Hurst
Wynn

So who is this group steps up and wins minutes in the regular rotation:
Civil
Prawl
Pauldo

IMO civil will get a lot of playing time , she is the most talented freshman coming in. Paublo will get a lot of run to be ready to run the point guard position. The rest of the freshman will have to work harder to get extended minutes. And there all very good athletes.

 

[Dadof2Vols]

My thought on it is that if we don't advance deeper into the NCAAT this coming season with this much experience and talent, I have doubts that the following season will be significantly better. It just feels like this coming season is the best chance for the next couple of years.

But then, who knows? I suppose South Carolina and LSU could send a bunch more players to us to replace all the ones we'll lose after next season.

With a longer more athletic bench I do “Expect” to see more consistency and a better execution in Year 2.

I would hope that this long bench does progress further in the tournament but it is all about matchups/draws come tournament time.

For me this year I would like to see more consistency on offense and defense. I want to see some of the bone headed lack of basketball IQ miscues cleaned up.

I will be looking for better results of course but I want to see the consistency build to know we are on the right track. We have to get to the point where when one of the main scorers are having an off night that someone else consistently steps up. We also have to not have bad drives into D and allowing the opposing teams to have easy layups. Make inroads on those and I will be happy.

But as always do want to see them back to F4…and beyond.

 

[lvocd]

The good thing is that she likely will be able to prove herself one way or another.

I haven't heard a word about how Kaiya Wynn's recovery is going. From all I've gathered, a tear of the achilles tendon is one of the most difficult injuries to bounce back from, and some people never are able to get back to 100%. Of course, Tamika Catchings was able to lead the Fever to a championship after recovering from hers, so it's definitely possible.

I remember that Wynn's was a partial tear and not a complete rupture, so that was a really good thing because it definitely increases her chances of full recovery.

 

[Volfan2012]

I was trying to speculate who is in a 10 player rotation if everyone is healthy. And it's going to be interesting. Legitimate players might not be in the rotation, unless she plays 12.

100% part of the rotation:
Boyd
Cooper
Whitehorn
Spearman
Latham
Barker
Robertson
Pauldo
Wolfenbarger

These I would be very surprised to see in the rotation:
Hurst
Wynn

So who is this group steps up and wins minutes in the regular rotation:
Civil
Prawl
Pauldo

Really glad I'm not coaching this group cause you got 14 players that can play and only 200 minutes to allot for playing time. I would think they all see a few minutes cause you can give two or three of them five minutes and still have plenty of minutes for 11 players to sub in and out.

I think Hurst and Wynn right now look like the lower minute players. Mia Pauldo and Boyd probably split the point guard take most of the point guard minutes. Cooper and Whitehorn the three position minutes. Robertson, Mya Pauldo, and Civil the two guard minutes. Prawl uninjured has to play some minutes. Of course Barker, Spearman, Latham, and Wolfenbarger take most of the 80 inside minutes. I can see maybe Prawl taking a few minutes as a stretch four from Wolfenbarger and Latham.

A few are going to need to be happy with the NIl money and the team winning in exchange for a lot of playing time.

Just a guess on how it could go on the floor next season
Cooper 22
Spearman 22
Barker 22
Whitehorn 20
Mia Pauldo 17
Boyd 15
Latham 15
Wolfenbarger 13
Robertson 14
Mya Pauldo 13
Civil 10
Prawl 10
Hurst 4
Wynn 3
Depending on the opponent we can go small or big or both in the same game. She likes to play 11 rotation may have to stretch that to twelve. Of course foul trouble could make a player sit a whole half. This season we have the answer to any problem that arises expect possibly a few players not liking their bench time. We should have players ready to play in the fourth quarter just like it was the opening tip.

 

[stllvf]

I would propose three sets of rotation and focus on which five-member team consistently starts well.

If you are a believer that improved defense will be needed to be better (note UCONN's final three games) playing time will be decided on that premium.


as an aside - I personally would be in favor of all games have the referees allow physical, no touch fouls, agressive hands that UConn performed.

 

[madtownvol]

I haven't heard a word about how Kaiya Wynn's recovery is going. From all I've gathered, a tear of the achilles tendon is one of the most difficult injuries to bounce back from, and some people never are able to get back to 100%. Of course, Tamika Catchings was able to lead the Fever to a championship after recovering from hers, so it's definitely possible.

I remember that Wynn's was a partial tear and not a complete rupture, so that was a really good thing because it definitely increases her chances of full recovery.

Kaiya had surgery to repair the tear and that generally indicates a full rupture.

 

[madtownvol]

Really glad I'm not coaching this group cause you got 14 players that can play and only 200 minutes to allot for playing time. I would think they all see a few minutes cause you can give two or three of them five minutes and still have plenty of minutes for 11 players to sub in and out.

I think Hurst and Wynn right now look like the lower minute players. Mia Pauldo and Boyd probably split the point guard take most of the point guard minutes. Cooper and Whitehorn the three position minutes. Robertson, Mya Pauldo, and Civil the two guard minutes. Prawl uninjured has to play some minutes. Of course Barker, Spearman, Latham, and Wolfenbarger take most of the 80 inside minutes. I can see maybe Prawl taking a few minutes as a stretch four from Wolfenbarger and Latham.

A few are going to need to be happy with the NIl money and the team winning in exchange for a lot of playing time.

Just a guess on how it could go on the floor next season
Cooper 22
Spearman 22
Barker 22
Whitehorn 20
Mia Pauldo 17
Boyd 15
Latham 15
Wolfenbarger 13
Robertson 14
Mya Pauldo 13
Civil 10
Prawl 10
Hurst 4
Wynn 3
Depending on the opponent we can go small or big or both in the same game. She likes to play 11 rotation may have to stretch that to twelve. Of course foul trouble could make a player sit a whole half. This season we have the answer to any problem that arises expect possibly a few players not liking their bench time. We should have players ready to play in the fourth quarter just like it was the opening tip.

That is a pretty good first guess on how it might look, with the proviso that injuries (and foul problems in a given game) can always scramble things.

I agree that Wolfenbarger looks more like a depth signing in that she is likely to be 3rd choice behind Zee and Janiah. It also makes sense to be relatively conservative when predicting how big a role the freshman will have out of the gate.

As the season goes on, however, I would not be surprised if at least one of them fast tracks and displaces a more established player in the core rotation

 

[th2421]

That is a pretty good first guess on how it might look, with the proviso that injuries and (foul problems in a given game) can always scramble things.

I agree that Wolfenbarger looks more like a depth signing in that she is likely to be 3rd choice behind Zee and Janiah. Makes sense to be relatively conservative on how big a role the freshman will have out of the gate.

As the season goes on, I would not be surprised if at least one of them fast tracks and displaces a more established player in the core rotation

Agreed!

In a recent interview, I recall Kim saying something about using the non-conference to get the full team/bench playing time and having tighter rotations once we get to SEC play. That, to me, made it sound like that while we'll have a couple of bigger non-con games (UConn, NC St., Louisville, and maybe the ACC-SEC Challenge game, depending on opponent), the rest will probably be a lot of mid-to-low major programs again, allowing the freshmen and other players deeper in the rotation to get more quality minutes. For example, Strickland and Ayodele were both getting about 10-12 minutes/game against the Winthrops and Samfords but then only played about 3-4 minutes/game in SEC games (if they even played at all - they played in half or less of those games). Even Puckett went from 16.7 min/game in non-con to 13.8 in SEC games, and Tess went from 18.1 to 14.1.

 

[NoBackBoard]

I was trying to speculate who is in a 10 player rotation if everyone is healthy. And it's going to be interesting. Legitimate players might not be in the rotation, unless she plays 12.

100% part of the rotation:
Boyd
Cooper
Whitehorn
Spearman
Latham
Barker
Robertson
Pauldo
Wolfenbarger

These I would be very surprised to see in the rotation:
Hurst
Wynn

So who is this group steps up and wins minutes in the regular rotation:
Civil
Prawl
Pauldo

Civil seems most likely from that trio based on her length, athleticism and passing ability. Seems like she would have a positive impact on defense and offense w/o taking a bunch of shots. My concern is her being a liability from 3. It’s early but seems like she will be next season’s Boyd.

 

[J-Dog 1313]

Civil seems most likely from that trio based on her length, athleticism and passing ability. Seems like she would have a positive impact on defense and offense w/o taking a bunch of shots. My concern is her being a liability from 3. It’s early but seems like she will be next season’s Boyd.

There will be others on the floor, when Civil is out there, who will be proficient from 3. We still will need 2s and Civil will be able to get midrange buckets and drives to the rim. I see big things from this young lady, as well as from the other freshmen. This upcoming season will be exciting. GBO.

 

[Volfan2012]

That is a pretty good first guess on how it might look, with the proviso that injuries (and foul problems in a given game) can always scramble things.

I agree that Wolfenbarger looks more like a depth signing in that she is likely to be 3rd choice behind Zee and Janiah. It also makes sense to be relatively conservative when predicting how big a role the freshman will have out of the gate.

As the season goes on, however, I would not be surprised if at least one of them fast tracks and displaces a more established player in the core rotation

I expect by SEC time or somewhere along the way she will get a 10 or 11 that go at it back and forth in the subbing and three players will be looking on more than playing. I just think Kayla is going to need to show something like a 90 percent improvement in her offensive game to get to play much. Hurst is likely the freshman that will take more time to become adjusted. Probably shortchanging Mia Pauldo a few minutes just totally impressed with how she can run a team, get to the basket, and shoot the three. Coach Kim has to work this all out and that is going to be a job to do so. She had it much easier this past season the talent level of about seven far surpassed the rest. This time around the talent level goes at least 11 deep guess a good problem to have.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Jaida Civil and Kaniya Boyd are two completely different offensive players.

 

[Volfan2012]

Jaida Civil and Kaniya Boyd are two completely different offensive players.

Civil is much better perimeter shooter from what I have seen. I would say they are about equal getting to the basket. Civil is going to be just as good a defensive player as Boyd she is just very good at everything she does.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Mad, I don’t think Wolfenbarger is a depth signing at all. I believe that CKC is going 10-12 deep with four forwards playing consistent minutes. Wolfenbarger really fits this system and I look for great contributions from her. I watched LSU vs MS State when she started and looked strong against Okot.
Last season, Tennessee had 5 players average double figures, this season I see atleast 7 or 8 that will average double figures.
This is almost unheard of. Reminds me of Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder level offensive talent. Coming from a GS Warriors fan!

That is a pretty good first guess on how it might look, with the proviso that injuries (and foul problems in a given game) can always scramble things.

I agree that Wolfenbarger looks more like a depth signing in that she is likely to be 3rd choice behind Zee and Janiah. It also makes sense to be relatively conservative when predicting how big a role the freshman will have out of the gate.

As the season goes on, however, I would not be surprised if at least one of them fast tracks and displaces a more established player in the core rotation

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Right. Kaniya attacks the basket at a high level. So does Civil. The difference in playing styles is obvious though. It’s a compliment to both players.
Civil shooting ability is very good.

Civil is much better perimeter shooter from what I have seen. I would say they are about equal getting to the basket. Civil is going to be just as good a defensive player as Boyd she is just very good at everything she does.

 

[LadyVols_WBK]

I really liked Civil passing ability in the MCDAA game

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

If you take any guard in the SEC from the past three classes, Jaida Civil and Mia Pauldo skillset at the guard position is as good or better than any of them.
I can only imagine how good both of these players are capable of being in Tennessee’s system.

 

[RespectAPA]

Mad, I don’t think Wolfenbarger is a depth signing at all. I believe that CKC is going 10-12 deep with four forwards playing consistent minutes. Wolfenbarger really fits this system and I look for great contributions from her. I watched LSU vs MS State when she started and looked strong against Okot.
Last season, Tennessee had 5 players average double figures, this season I see atleast 7 or 8 that will average double figures.
This is almost unheard of. Reminds me of Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder level offensive talent. Coming from a GS Warriors fan!

I figure all the people I've seen call her "depth" ar going off the fact that she was merely depth at LSU, 8th in minutes. But the analytics that I'm seeing indicate that this was a mistake on Mulkey's part; the analytics hav her better than 2 of LSU's starters on offense, and better than 4 of their starters on defense. (SEC play only)

That's not to say that our Kim won't make the same mistake and play an analytically worse player over Wolfenbarger, but it should at least giv reason to suspect that our Kim went after her because she saw something about her game that their Kim didn't, or didn't appreciate enough anyway.

2nd in offensiv rebound rate, 3rd in defensiv rebound rate, 2nd highest block rate, and 2nd highest points per play, all on a pretty solid LSU team. Didn't even attempt a three last season, but had a 63% make rate on her 2s.

Altho, considering how underused Latham was last season, Wolfenbarger might suffer that same fate. Will haf to wait and find out.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

I think Alyssa Latham transition took awhile due to her learning a new offensive system that wasn’t close to what she played in at Syracuse.
Jersey situation will be different having played an uptempo style at Arkansas and fitting the system offensively and defensively.
Once Alyssa got comfortable in the offense she became a difference maker with her athleticism and the ability to defend every position on the floor. The post has very strong depth with our group this season.

I figure all the people I've seen call her "depth" ar going off the fact that she was merely depth at LSU,
8th in minutes. But the analytics that I'm seeing indicate that this was a mistake on Mulkey's part; the analytics hav her better than 2 of LSU's starters on offense, and better than 4 of their starters on defense. (SEC play only)

That's not to say that our Kim won't make the same mistake and play an analytically worse player over Wolfenbarger, but it should at least giv reason to suspect that our Kim went after her because she saw something about her game that their Kim didn't, or didn't appreciate enough anyway.

2nd in offensiv rebound rate, 3rd in defensiv rebound rate, 2nd highest block rate, and 2nd highest points per play, all on a pretty solid LSU team. Didn't even attempt a three last season, but had a 63% make rate on her 2s.

Altho, considering how underused Latham was last season, Wolfenbarger might suffer that same fate. Will haf to wait and find out.