Talaysia Cooper to Ole Miss...

[SummittSoul]

Just because a coach is well liked doesn’t mean she doesn’t have to tamper. If anything it gives her more of a reason to tamper and think she can get away with it. It’s funny how Kim in every loss this season gave a steady handshake and loss with grace. Hell she got curb stomped by UConn, South Carolina, Louisville, and UCLA, but when she loss to Ole Miss that quick hand shake, and no eye contact with Yo tells it all. Something was definitely going on. Some of you care not to acknowledge that because of your hate with Coach Kim. It is what it is. Coop is at OM now.

I don’t hate Coach Kim. However, it’s a fact that Coach Yo is liked and pursued by some players for many reasons. And they are not tampering related.

 

[glv98]

Just because a coach is well liked doesn’t mean she doesn’t have to tamper. If anything it gives her more of a reason to tamper and think she can get away with it. It’s funny how Kim in every loss this season gave a steady handshake and loss with grace. Hell she got curb stomped by UConn, South Carolina, Louisville, and UCLA, but when she loss to Ole Miss that quick hand shake, and no eye contact with Yo tells it all. Something was definitely going on. Some of you care not to acknowledge that because of your hate with Coach Kim. It is what it is. Coop is at OM now.

It's possible that the sun the moon, the stars and every post of vol nation does not revolve around Poor Kim.

Also reasonable to say hate with Coach Yo causes her to be auto accused of tampering with not a scintilla of evidence offered.. So funny that people are jumping up and down about Coop being tampered with because she signed within a couple of days of the portal opening, the same day the LVs signed their first new player. Pot/kettle much?

The whole notion of tampering is so silly and outdated; no one has to tamper as long as the player has an agent. And everyone and their grandmother seems to have one.

 

[brittannica]

It's possible that the sun the moon, the stars and every post of vol nation does not revolve around Poor Kim.

Also reasonable to say hate with Coach Yo causes her to be auto accused of tampering with not a scintilla of evidence offered.. So funny that people are jumping up and down about Coop being tampered with because she signed within a couple of days of the portal opening, exactly the same day the LVs signed their first new player. Pot/kettle much?

The whole notion of tampering is so silly and outdated; no one has to tamper as long as the player has an agent. And everyone and their grandmother seems to have one.

if anything, I am trying to avoid Coach Kim!

 

[glv98]

if anything, I am trying to avoid Coach Kim!

Me too. Also trying to avoid disparaging comments about the new players, who are exactly who we thought they would be.

But I'm really fed up, though not surprised, at the vitriolic personal attacks on the outgoing players

 

[AllVols3]

I don't recall her attitude or body language being a problem under Dawn, nor was that brought up when she was forced to sit out a year instead of being allowed to play immediately for Kellie after transferring late. But it's a problem now maybe she went from coaches given a damn about her on and off the court to a coach who could care less about her at all.

Has CKC shown any love towards any of her players or a sense that she is welcoming. I remember Boyd trying to hug her and her pushing Boyd away after the game.

Maybe you just hate Kim and blame her. Body language and effort is a choice the player makes not the coach.

 

[madtownvol]

Maybe you just hate Kim and blame her. Body language and effort is a choice the player makes not the coach.

Love the sinner; hate the sin!!

Love the coach; hate the worst season in LV history and her losing the locker room after throwing her team "under the bus" when her system got exploited by other teams.

 

[madtownvol]

Also trying to avoid disparaging comments about the new players, who are exactly who we thought they would be.

On that first point, we don't quite know that yet. Mills does fit the "expected" profile but she could prove to be a nice signing if she is surrounded by a complementary set of players.

The LVs need two capable post players to bang with the SEC big bodies (and with Crooks in the conference, its even more of an issue this season), a competent PG (at least as good Samara Spence) and some lengthy wings players, like a Coop types (but with a super exuberant demeanor and always carrying a sign that reads "I am working very very hard and am very, very happy). Then Mills can play a kind of Tess Darby role as the floor spacer and 3 point threat. Hopefully, posters on this board will now recognize that "the system" needs this kind of player and won't scapegoat her when things get tough, as they did with Tess (how soon they forget that Tess was deemed to be the PROBLEM when CKC's team faded in the SEC schedule)

And CKC needs one to two more consistent outsider shooters . One won't be enough.

 

[volfan102455]

Me too. Also trying to avoid disparaging comments about the new players, who are exactly who we thought they would be.

But I'm really fed up, though not surprised, at the vitriolic personal attacks on the outgoing players

I too don't understand the need to speak badly of the outgoing players and coaches.

As for the new players - really glad to get new players otherwise we have no basketball in the coming year. Don't like the crowning them as world betters though - I mean we had the second-best recruiting year last year and the season tanked. Until the entire team is in place and we actually see them playing in a game we have no idea what next year will bring.

Most folks who render opinions are really rendering opinion on "the system" in context of the level of opponents we play and the level of talent needed to be successful against those teams.

 

[SummittSoul]

On that first point, we don't quite know that yet. Mills does fit the "expected" profile but she could prove to be a nice signing if she is surrounded by a complementary set of players.

The LVs need to capable post players to bang with the SEC big bodies (and with Crooks in the conference, its even more of an issue this season), a competent PG (at least as good Samara Spence) and some lengthy wings players, like a Coop types (but with a super exuberant demeanor and always carrying a sign that reads "I am working very very hard and am very, very happy). Then Mills can play a kind of Tess Darby role as the floor spacer and 3 point threat. Hopefully, posters on this board will now recognize that "the system" needs this kind of player and won't scapegoat her when things get tough, as they did with Tess (how soon they forget that Tess was deemed to be the PROBLEM when CKC's team faded in the SEC schedule)

And CKC needs one to two more consistent outsider shooters . One won't be enough.

We also really suffered a lot from not having Tess and Jewel and that crew's leadership.

 

[SummittSoul]

I too don't understand the need to speak badly of the outgoing players and coaches.

As for the new players - really glad to get new players otherwise we have no basketball in the coming year. Don't like the crowning them as world betters though - I mean we had the second-best recruiting year last year and the season tanked. Until the entire team is in place and we actually see them playing in a game we have no idea what next year will bring.

Most folks who render opinions are really rendering opinion on "the system" in context of the level of opponents we play and the level of talent needed to be successful against those teams.

I always feel nervous for them. Because I'm like people love you now... but just wait. Maybe if we were more balanced at the start that would temper some of the expectations in the long run? I don't know. Where's chuckie with the helmets and the armor???

 

[glv98]

I always feel nervous for them. Because I'm like people love you now... but just wait. Maybe if we were more balanced at the start that would temper some of the expectations in the long run? I don't know. Where's chuckie with the helmets and the armor???

So true, the same fervor that led to the embarrassing and ridiculous glazing this time last year is now turning on them. But after all, it is an Internet fan forum, famous for flipping on a dime.

 

[lvocd]

Also, the constant references to Cooper’s demeanor are unfair. Her demeanor is not necessarily indicative of her competitive nature, pride, loyalty or anything of the like. And some of the comments and expectations are borderline micro aggressions. This is in part why coaches like Coach Yo, Dawn Staley, etc are so important and resonate so deeply as both role models for young women as well as people who deeply understand things that some simply won’t.

Players are people. These are young people. And what Talaysia Cooper has dealt with and is actively dealing with is no joke. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and judge, assume, blame etc with little idea of what someone is carrying in addition to putting on a uniform. How many people have been offered Coop level money and left it on the table for the opportunity to pursue their personal best? As a young, developing human being, she still deserves to be happy, supported and at peace - even if she was horrible at TN. Which she wasn’t.

Nobody has to support her but attacking her or wishing her failure etc. Smh.

As much as we love TN, there are bigger things than basketball. This is their life!

Love this!

 

[spojo13]

On that first point, we don't quite know that yet. Mills does fit the "expected" profile but she could prove to be a nice signing if she is surrounded by a complementary set of players.

The LVs need two capable post players to bang with the SEC big bodies (and with Crooks in the conference, its even more of an issue this season), a competent PG (at least as good Samara Spence) and some lengthy wings players, like a Coop types (but with a super exuberant demeanor and always carrying a sign that reads "I am working very very hard and am very, very happy). Then Mills can play a kind of Tess Darby role as the floor spacer and 3 point threat. Hopefully, posters on this board will now recognize that "the system" needs this kind of player and won't scapegoat her when things get tough, as they did with Tess (how soon they forget that Tess was deemed to be the PROBLEM when CKC's team faded in the SEC schedule)

And CKC needs one to two more consistent outsider shooters . One won't be enough.

I remember when Kim was hired and everyone was saying how Tess would never fit into this style. They were shocked she didn’t transfer out and then shocked when she wasn’t end of the bench. Everyone clamored for the cheetahs. Well, it turns out that Tess is exactly the type of player that Kim wants for her system and the style of player we‘re probably going to get. We’ll see if a team of Tess type players can compete in the SEC next year.

 

[yabbadabbado]

I remember when Kim was hired and everyone was saying how Tess would never fit into this style. They were shocked she didn’t transfer out and then shocked when she wasn’t end of the bench. Everyone clamored for the cheetahs. Well, it turns out that Tess is exactly the type of player that Kim wants for her system and the style of player we‘re probably going to get. We’ll see if a team of Tess type players can compete in the SEC next year.

Tess...Great person..
Great family... underdog you love to pull for.

Too slow and not a consistent scoring threat. I remember too many stuffs. Against long, athletic bodies it is demoralizing for the player, the team, and fans! This is the SEC.

 

[lvocd]

Tess...Great person..
Great family... underdog you love to pull for.

Too slow and not a consistent scoring threat. I remember too many stuffs. Against long, athletic bodies it is demoralizing for the player, the team, and fans! This is the SEC.

Even so, Tess turned out to be the heart of the program in her final year. I've never been more proud of a player than I was of Tess that year. Obviously, as you said, this is the SEC and so she couldn't always overcome her weaknesses, but we found out her brain was her superpower. She was a smart and vocal leader. We could have used that leadership last season, for sure.

 

[spojo13]

Even so, Tess turned out to be the heart of the program in her final year. I've never been more proud of a player than I was of Tess that year. Obviously, as you said, this is the SEC and so she couldn't always overcome her weaknesses, but we found out her brain was her superpower. She was a smart and vocal leader. We could have used that leadership last season, for sure.

Yep! Tess did pretty decent despite her physical limitations with both coaches. Turns out it’s hard to find consistently excellent three point shooters that are also great at pressing defensively but with a high basketball IQ that give effort every second. Almost like they just don’t grow on trees.

 

[Orange Maniac]

The decision has been made no matter how anyone feels about CKC. She is here for now so it's time to support her and the players she brings in. Let's support these young women and try not to tear them down. They don't deserve it. They are coming into a unique situation, and I am sure they dream and will work to be the best they can be. I have to admire them for taking a giant leap of faith.

 

[ReignSupreme]

That’s not saying much. But Madison Scott two years ago was better. I never seen Cotie look good until I watched her against a Tennessee team that had quit and already packed it in in the later stages of the regular season. Coop will likely still be an All-SEC 2nd team player just as she was at Tennessee when it’s all said and done.
No need to …………

To say you never seen Cotie look good tells you know nothing about basketball or that you only have orange colored glasses, to say a player who was the 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, two-time First Team All-Big Ten (2024, 2025), and back-to-back AP All-American Honorable Mention (2024, 2025) never looked good says it all.

Your fandom or should I say obsession with CKC and not being able to be realistic is baffling to say the least.

 

[SummittSoul]

To say you never seen Cotie look good tells you know nothing about basketball or that you only have orange colored glasses, to say a player who was the 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, two-time First Team All-Big Ten (2024, 2025), and back-to-back AP All-American Honorable Mention (2024, 2025) never looked good says it all.

Your fandom or should I say obsession with CKC and not being able to be realistic is baffling to say the least.

Cotie has an insane motor, a pro ready body, and a good deal of skill. Not sure if she'll stick immediately at the next level or if she'll need some time to continue to develop but great player.

 

[DeerPark12]

You kidding? To get herself on camera at another draft night? Yo will do anything.

Also once an organization it's seriously considering drafting her, nothing will be hidden.

The W doesn’t have mandatory medical exams for potential draftees, like the NBA or NFL does. Maybe Yo can come up with some excuses for scouts as to why she’s out of shape next year like Caldwell did this year. If her body had been anywhere near 100% and she had been able to be in playing shape, she would have been in the draft instead of the portal.

 

[VintageFan]

Me too. Also trying to avoid disparaging comments about the new players, who are exactly who we thought they would be.

But I'm really fed up, though not surprised, at the vitriolic personal attacks on the outgoing players

It wasn't the former players fault. And it won't be the new players fault. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars.

 

[VintageFan]

On that first point, we don't quite know that yet. Mills does fit the "expected" profile but she could prove to be a nice signing if she is surrounded by a complementary set of players.

The LVs need two capable post players to bang with the SEC big bodies (and with Crooks in the conference, its even more of an issue this season), a competent PG (at least as good Samara Spence) and some lengthy wings players, like a Coop types (but with a super exuberant demeanor and always carrying a sign that reads "I am working very very hard and am very, very happy). Then Mills can play a kind of Tess Darby role as the floor spacer and 3 point threat. Hopefully, posters on this board will now recognize that "the system" needs this kind of player and won't scapegoat her when things get tough, as they did with Tess (how soon they forget that Tess was deemed to be the PROBLEM when CKC's team faded in the SEC schedule)

And CKC needs one to two more consistent outsider shooters . One won't be enough.

If Kim is going to continue to play 10 players in two and three minute shifts and instruct each of them to take the first first open three point shot she's going to need at least a half dozen good three point shooters. She had four this year and that wasn't enough. (The top four TN shooters averaged 36% three-point shooting but the others taking so many threes brought the overall average down much lower.)

 

[lvocd]

The decision has been made no matter how anyone feels about CKC. She is here for now so it's time to support her and the players she brings in. Let's support these young women and try not to tear them down. They don't deserve it. They are coming into a unique situation, and I am sure they dream and will work to be the best they can be. I have to admire them for taking a giant leap of faith.

This!

 

[Mr.Vol2U]

I don’t hate Coach Kim. However, it’s a fact that Coach Yo is liked and pursued by some players for many reasons. And they are not tampering related.

Two things can be true. Doesn’t mean it didn’t happen

 

[Mr.Vol2U]

It's possible that the sun the moon, the stars and every post of vol nation does not revolve around Poor Kim.

Also reasonable to say hate with Coach Yo causes her to be auto accused of tampering with not a scintilla of evidence offered.. So funny that people are jumping up and down about Coop being tampered with because she signed within a couple of days of the portal opening, the same day the LVs signed their first new player. Pot/kettle much?

The whole notion of tampering is so silly and outdated; no one has to tamper as long as the player has an agent. And everyone and their grandmother seems to have one.

Same thing Coach Yo said. You can believe what you believe and I can as well. There doesn’t have to be an ounce of evidence and I can still believe what I believe. That’s like saying there wasn’t gambling going on with players in the NBA before the first person got busted doing it. Just because you can’t prove it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Better example is before NIL there were coaches paying players to come play for their program. Just because that certain coach didn’t get caught right away you knew it was happening but there wasn’t proof until it was, hence the Jeremy Pruitt situation. As I stated I will belive what believe, you can as well