Tennessee hasn't disappeared from the national scene in the seven seasons since its last national title in 1998. The Lady Vols have been to five Final Fours during the "dry spell."
Coach Pat Summitt, 882-172 entering her 32nd year, likes what she has seen from the No. 1-ranked team in the opening coaches' poll. In the offseason she told the players to get in the gym and shoot to improve last season's 40% field goal shooting, the worst of the Summitt era.
"I think it's been one of our best offseasons because everyone got in the gym," Summitt says. "That hasn't happened the last four years. Some would; others wouldn't."
The Lady Vols will have the services of Candace Parker, a two-time USA TODAY high school player of the year who missed last season with knee problems. "We're counting on her to make a big impact, elevate the team's play," Summitt says.
The returnees include Shanna Zolman, a senior sharpshooter; sophomore Sa'de Wiley-Gatewood, whose knee tendinitis has improved but is still bothersome; junior guard-forward Sydney Spencer, who missed much of last year after knee surgery; sophomore guard Alexis Hornbuckle, nursing a thumb injury; and 6-5 Nicky Anosike, who got valuable summer experience with the U.S. under-19 team.
"This is one of our strongest groups," Summitt says.
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