KNOXVILLE -- The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer basketball team enters the 2008-09 season with the distinction of being the youngest and most inexperienced group ever to don the orange and white uniform.
Nevertheless, this collection of players takes to the court with the same goal of all other previous Tennessee squads, to join the elite assemblage of the "Lady Vols of the Rings."
The record speaks for itself, that season after season Lady Vol Basketball has a championship ring to it.
During head coach Pat Summitt's 35 years at the helm of the winningest program in collegiate history only 153 women have been selected to join the Lady Vol basketball family, including this season's group of six eager newcomers. Incredibly, every Lady Vol hoopster (since 1976) has enjoyed the opportunity to play in at least one Final Four during her career, and 58 of those accomplished women have earned National Championship rings coming in 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007 and 2008.
The University of Tennessee has turned into the "Ringdom" of women's collegiate hoops.
"The student-athletes who come to Tennessee to play on the Lady Vol basketball team want to join our great tradition and hopefully have an opportunity to win a national championship," Summitt said. "We can enjoy that type of success when each player takes responsibility for her individual game and exhibits a great basketball IQ by sharing the ball and playing together."
As the 2008-09 team begins its quest to attain this elite status, the players realize that a brand new line-up will take to the court replacing the quintet of starters drafted by the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA): 6'4" post Nicky Anosike (8.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg), 5'11" forward Alberta Auguste (5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 5'2" point guard Shannon Bobbitt (9.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg), 5'11" guard Alexis Hornbuckle (9.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and 6'4" redshirt junior All-American, Olympian, Player of the Year and number one draft pick Candace Parker (21.3 ppg and 8.5 rpg).
The scoring and rebounding firepower contributed by the departed starters helped propel the Lady Vols to consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008.
"No doubt, we lost some great players to graduation" Summitt said. "Each player contributed something unique to make the past two seasons very special. Candace's incredible all-around game... Big Nick's leadership... Alexis' 'whatever we need - get it done attitude'... Little Bit (Bobbitt) bringing up-tempo basketball every night, and Bird's (Auguste) defensive emergence.
"It's crossed my mind that you don't replace players like these overnight," deadpanned Summitt. "Rather than thinking that 'we're rebuilding and won't be as strong,' I'm thinking how excited we are about our incoming and returning talent. The question I have is, 'how long will it take to mold them into a championship team?'
"Time will tell. But it will be fun for our coaching staff to help each player achieve her individual and team goals."
Like the sparkling jewels adorning each of UT's eight National Championship rings, the 2008-09 edition of Tennessee women's basketball is a team of multi-faceted gems. Six players return from last season, including four who saw time on the court and two who were sidelined following surgeries.
Lone fifth-year senior post Alex Fuller (6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg) is the elder stateswoman of the group. As a junior, the 6'3" Fuller played in 37 games and averaged 15.8 minutes per contest. In her second-ever start in 2008, she replaced Parker in the starting lineup versus #15-ranked DePaul and turned in a career-high 19 points. Although she plays inside, Fuller is capable of pulling the trigger from three-point land as she connected on 22 of 68 treys last season and more than doubled the output of her first two seasons.
"I expect a great deal of insightful leadership from Alex this season," said Summitt. "She came in with a large and highly-touted class herself and has a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished with a young team. On the court, Alex will play multiple positions for this team," she continued. "Her experience, versatility, great composure and heady play will be an asset for our team in the coming year."
Tennessee's only other upperclassman academically is 5'4" redshirt sophomore point guard Cait McMahan (2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg as a rookie), who will be returning to the court this season after undergoing surgery on June 6, 2007, to repair a lesion on the articular cartilage in her right knee and a subsequent clean-up of the knee on Sept. 3, 2008. Other than helping her team to a championship in 2007, McMahan went through a lot. After battling cancer for most of young Cait's life, her mother, Teresa, finally succumbed to the disease. The loss of her mother was followed by the news of additional surgery to Cait's previously ACL-damaged right knee and having to sit out last season.
"I am so excited to get Cait back on the floor and give her the opportunity to be a leader for this team from her point guard position," said Summitt. "Over the past year she has matured tremendously after facing a lot of adversity. She's in a good place in her life right now and is chomping at the bit to contribute to this team.
"Cait needs to get on the court and get some repetitions to be able to run our sets with efficiency. She knows what we expect from her offensively (with all of our options) and defensively as a vocal leader. Cait said she is anxious to drop her cheerleader pom-poms and get back on the floor," said Summitt.
Between Fuller and McMahan, the upperclasswomen have three starts between them, but that doesn't seem to faze Summitt.
"Yes we are young and short on experience overall, and that inexperience could affect us in the early going. But we are not short on talent, and I am thrilled about the talent and depth at every position.
"Coach (John) Wooden has said many times that he'd take talent over experience any day," said Summitt.
One of the talented players from the Lady Vol sophomore class who gained a ton of experience last season was the 2008 Southeastern Conference Rookie of the Year in 6'0" guard/forward Angie Bjorklund (8.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg), who returns as UT's leading scorer. Bjorklund became just the 11th Lady Vol all-time to start her very first game as a UT freshman. In all, Bjorklund started in 30 of 38 games and tied Tennessee's school record for most three-pointers made in a game with seven on three occasions.
"Angie returns for her sophomore season with valuable playing time and experience on the big stage," said Summitt. "Our team is fortunate to have a player like Angie who opens up our offense and stretches the opponent's defense when they are forced to closely guard her from the three-point line. I see her composure and experience helping to guide our freshmen this season," said the head coach.
Last season, Bjorklund was one-half of the "killer B's" along with classmate Vicki Baugh (5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg). Prior to their rookie season, Bjorklund and Baugh played on the USA U19 World Championship team and gained valuable experience playing with each other. The synergy they developed while winning the gold medal transferred to their time on the court together at Tennessee.
It was never more evident than during the 67-64 win at Duke in 2008 when the duo took over a lethargic Tennessee team to propel them out of a first half slump. A tremendous multi-dimensional talent, the 6'4" Baugh really came into her own down the stretch last season and returns as UT's most accurate shooter, at 55.2 percent, and leading rebounder, at 4.0 rpg.
Baugh made some key plays in the NCAA title game versus Stanford. With a little more than seven minutes to play, her slashing-through-the-key lay-up gave the Lady Vols a double-digit lead (55-44) that they would not relinquish down the stretch en route to NCAA Championship number eight.
Unfortunately for Baugh, on that play she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and required reconstructive surgery on May 13, 2008.
"As a freshman, Vicki played a significant role for our basketball team," said Summitt. "Some of her key contributions came in the six games during our national championship run and in the SEC title game. Things were really starting to come together for her, and it's just so unfortunate that she suffered a torn ACL.
"She has been a relentless rehabber and is anxious to return to the floor. When her knee is 100 percent, I see Vicki playing a big role for us. She plays hard on both ends and has a nose for gathering in rebounds - I can still see her grabbing boards in the Louisiana Tech game when she had 16 in just 25 minutes."
The third member of the sophomore class is 5'10" guard Sydney Smallbone (2.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg), who saw action in 29 games last season while logging 11.3 minutes per contest. Smallbone is slated to provide backup at point guard and help hold down the two spot in the lineup. A tough three-point shooter, her playing time should increase with improved defensive play.
"Syd is a year older and more comfortable with what we're doing on both ends of the court," said Summitt. "She is getting her shot off quicker and can really stretch the defense with her three-point shooting ability. Syd has taken the challenge to become a solid defensive player for us."
A solid player all the way around is 6'6" redshirt rookie post Kelley Cain, who is anxious to restart her Lady Vol career. As a true freshman in 2008, Cain initially missed several workouts due to a concussion suffered in practice. She made her Lady Vol debut in the exhibition game versus Carson-Newman in impressive fashion, scoring 11 points, grabbing a dozen boards and adding four assists, three steals and two blocked shots. Unfortunately, the next week in practice, Cain landed on a defender's foot and suffered a subluxated patella which required surgery on Dec. 11, 2007.
At 6'6", she ties Vonda Ward (1991-95) as the tallest Lady Vols in the history of the basketball program. Cain has been impressive in workouts and is a diligent player who absorbs the nuances of a prowler in the paint every day at practice.
"We are very excited about Kelley's return to the court," said Summitt. "She has the entire post package with size, presence, an advanced skill set and a great shooting touch around the basket. I am challenging her to be a rim-to-rim runner and sprinting the floor on every possession.
"Kelley rarely misses a shot, and she is a great post presence on defense. She can play behind or in front to force the lob. She has a great basketball IQ and thinks execute on every play," continued Summitt.
Six returning players have already experienced the excitement of joining the exclusive group of the "Lady Vols of the Rings." They will be a ready reference for the talented and multi-faceted gems in Tennessee's rookie class.
Early on, the head coach saw a meshing of the two groups of returning and rookie players. "At first glance, this team appears to have good team chemistry, high energy, commitment to playing together and sharing the ball, and being intense every day in practice. Our returnees have done a great job in relating the culture of our program to our new players - bringing intensity to every possession. They have been fun to watch.
"And fun to coach," related the head coach. Speaking of coaches, Summitt added a gem to her staff in May 2008 when former Lady Vol and assistant coach Nikki Caldwell left UT to become the head coach at UCLA. With Caldwell's departure, Summitt tabbed former Lady Vol Olympian and All-American Daedra Charles-Furlow to join the Tennessee staff. Charles-Furlow, the Wade Trophy winner in 1991, collected two championship rings as an outstanding Lady Vol center in 1989 and 1991.
"We are thrilled to have Daedra rejoin the Lady Vol basketball family as an assistant coach," said Summitt. "She loves the program and our university and will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to our staff and players. As a former player she understands both the system and the expectations of the Tennessee program. That combination should prove to be a valuable asset." So, what are the multi-facets of this rookie class which possesses many diverse qualities, talents and features? "I love the versatility of this group," said Summitt. "Just about every player in the class can play multiple positions. Shekinna Stricklen and Alicia Manning can probably play both guard spots or at the three; Glory Johnson, Alyssia Brewer and Amber Gray will mix it up at power forward or in the post." Summitt did concede that, at 5'2", Briana Bass would be best suited at her point guard slot.
Bass, a diminutive sparkplug from Indianapolis, Ind., is extremely quick with great handles and will immediately remind Tennessee fans of the recently graduated Shannon Bobbitt. Bass and Bobbitt share the distinction of being the shortest scholarship players in the history of Lady Vol basketball.
"Briana has great floor leadership and seems comfortable and confident to run our basketball team. She loves to push the ball, has great offensive instincts and is vocal and solid on defense," remarked Summitt. "Bri has a lot to learn-her position plus everyone else's-but she is an eager learner and a great communicator."
If Bass is the shortest rookie at 5'2" then high school All-American Alyssia Brewer is the tallest signee at 6'3". The highly-decorated Sapulpa, Okla., native is a rangy lefty who can step out to the three or mix it up inside with her strength.
"Lyssi has size, touch, excellent passing skills and great court vision," said Summitt. "I want her to develop a scorer's mentality. Her offensive package is very versatile, whether it is her face-up game, stepping outside to shoot a three or her post skills from the four...she is a blend player and has a great up side to her game.
"A key for Lyssi is to commit to being a great rebounder for this team," concluded Summitt.
Already turning heads in camp with her rebounding ability is 6'1" Amber Gray of West Chester, Ohio. Another high school All-American, Gray is an undersized post who can step out to shoot the three-ball and has many facets to her game.
"She is a great communicator," said Summitt. "Amber is talking on the court all the time. She has a great offensive skill set and can defend at the four spot. At the same time, she can play the three and shoots the three-ball pretty well. She is another example of a multiple position player for us."
One of the most decorated rookies for the Lady Vols is high school All-American and local talent Glory Johnson, who could be listed as a "Candace Parker-like" forward-center-guard as a 6'3" blend player. Comparisons of Johnson have been made to the talent level of a young Tamika Catchings on either side of the ball.
"Glory is a terrific athlete, and I'm glad she's in orange," commented the head coach. "I'm very excited about the potential of her game. She reminds me of Tamika Catchings in just how hard she plays. Glory runs the floor, she's aggressive to the ball and the paint, and she makes people around her better.
"She is the type of player who recognizes that she has an opportunity to play a big role here as a hard-nosed player, scorer and rebounder."
Besides dipping into its own backyard for Johnson and the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio and Oklahoma, for other freshmen, the Lady Vols also nabbed a rookie from Georgia in 6'1" guard-forward Alicia Manning from Woodstock.
"Alicia is a skilled player with a great basketball IQ who can help us at either guard spot or the three," said Summitt. "While Cait has been sidelined in the preseason, Alicia has been getting a lot of reps at point guard. She doesn't mind playing off the dribble and gets to the paint. I really like her game."
While the entire team, fueled by the enormous energy from the rookies, has looked good in preseason drills, Summitt is quick to point out the need for great rebounders. "As we try to find ourselves offensively in the early going, we need a huge commitment from all 12 players to defense and board play."
Fortunately for Summitt, she won't have to look very far to get that type of production out of 6'2" rookie forward Shekinna Stricklen, a multi-decorated high school All-American from Morrilton, Ark., who possesses a huge game.
"Both Shekinna and Glory came from strong prep high school backgrounds, and it's no wonder why they are two of the most talented freshmen in the country," remarked Summitt. "I wouldn't hesitate a moment to play Shekinna in any position on the perimeter. She has a great all-around game - range from the three, gets to the rim, is a great passer and has a knack for getting on the boards all of the time.
"Maybe our slogan should be, 'no rebounds, no rings'," quipped Summitt. "Honestly, Shekinna can be a great rebounding guard for us."
Over the last two seasons, the Lady Vols knew that running the ball started with rebounding, and that resulted in two championship rings. Whether or not this team collects any baubles is entirely up to them.
"The personnel may change from year to year, but our system won't change," advised Summitt. "We will play up and down basketball...we will press and run...and we'll establish a strong inside game. It's simply Lady Vol basketball. The caliber of players we have year-in and year-out makes that happen and our fans expect that level of excitement.
"Much like last year, our success as a team was a direct result of how quickly we were able to get our freshman class committed and engaged into this style of play and intensity," reiterated Summitt.
Just because the Lady Vols have the youngest team in program history doesn't mean they will shy away from the competition, as another daunting schedule is waiting in the wings. Summitt wouldn't have it any other way.
"We're not going to change the toughness of our schedule regardless of our roster," exclaimed Summitt. "Our schedule has always prepared us for postseason. Our fans expect it, we expect it and that's who we are."
In addition to the familiar faces of the Southeastern Conference foes, the Lady Vols also will run the gauntlet of powerhouses and traditional rivals.
"Once again, I'm thrilled that we'll be playing 17 home dates (including the exhibition games) in our arena," said Summitt. "Our young team will certainly benefit from playing in front of our great fans -- they will be treated to a tremendous home schedule."
Home schedule highlights include a rematch of the 2008 NCAA Championship game versus Stanford in Knoxville, as well as the Kellie Jolly Harper (Western Carolina head coach) and Tanya Haave (San Francisco head coach) homecoming games. "I am glad that we were able to schedule both Kellie and Tanya's teams at home this season," said Summitt. "I am proud of them and the success they have enjoyed as college coaches. It is so gratifying to see 70 former members of the Lady Vol basketball family involved in coaching at the professional, collegiate and high school levels." In all, UT will be facing competition from 10 different conferences, including a pair of universities each from the Atlantic Coast, Big 12, BIG EAST, Southern and the West Coast Conferences.
The Lady Vols officially open the season at home on Nov. 15, facing the University of San Francisco. That's followed by a visit from the ACC's University of Virginia (Nov. 17) and a trip down the road to Chattanooga (Nov. 21). The Lady Vols close out the month at Thompson-Boling Arena with three consecutive home dates, facing long-time rival Louisiana Tech (Nov. 23), Jolly Harper's Western Carolina Catamounts (Nov. 25) and BIG EAST foe DePaul (Nov. 30).
Tennessee starts the December portion of its schedule on the road at George Washington University (Dec. 2) and takes a break for final exams before resuming hoops on Dec. 11, taking on Middle Tennessee State in Knoxville. The Lady Vols will then hit the road for a pair of games, traveling to Texas (Dec. 14) and Old Dominion (Dec. 18). The Big Orange returns home to take on Stanford in a Sunday night (Dec. 21) prime time meeting on ESPN2. The Lady Vols defeated the Cardinal last April in the 2008 NCAA Final Four title game. Following a break for the Christmas holidays, Tennessee will head to Spokane, Wash., for an Angie Bjorklund homecoming game at Gonzaga (Dec. 30).
In January, the Lady Vols open the 2009 side of the schedule on the road against BIG EAST foe Rutgers on Jan. 3 in a marquee CBS showdown. Back in Knoxville, UT starts SEC play battling Kentucky at home (Jan. 8) and then travels to Vanderbilt (Jan. 11) and Mississippi State (Jan. 15) before hosting South Carolina (Jan. 18). UT hits the road again, going to Arkansas (Jan. 22) and Auburn (Jan. 25) before returning to the Arena to entertain Mississippi (Jan. 29).
Sometime in January or February, the Lady Vols should claim their 17th win of the season. That triumph will be a historical milestone for Coach Pat Summitt, as it will mark her 1,000th career victory.
To open the month of February, the Lady Vols step out of conference play for an ESPN2 "Big Monday" meeting at Oklahoma (Feb. 2) and return home to meet Georgia in a key SEC game on Feb. 5. Other February home dates include Alabama (Feb. 12), an ESPN2 "Big Monday" showdown with Duke (Feb. 16), and Mississippi State (Feb. 22). February road trips include jaunts to Florida (Feb. 8), Kentucky (Feb. 19) and LSU (Feb. 25). UT plays a rare March regular season game, entertaining Vanderbilt in the finale on March 1 before heading to North Little Rock, Ark., for the SEC Championship. This season, Tennessee will play home-and-home SEC games with Kentucky and Mississippi State to go along with its annual home-and-home traditional rival contests versus Vanderbilt.
"Once again this year, the SEC - from top to bottom - will be as strong as it has ever been," professed Summitt. "We've had an infusion of some new coaches making a tough league even tougher. To be sure, the SEC schedule will be extremely challenging." Ah, that word "challenging." How about this one Lady Vols, what about a "three-peat" for a challenge? Summitt smiled at the question, "Never say never! It's funny, but it didn't come up until the team photo shoot and some of the players said 'let's do a back-to-back-to-back photo.' I guess that's the exuberance and youth of our basketball team. You've got to love their enthusiasm," said Summitt.
Like the sparkling jewels adorning each of UT's eight National Championship rings, the 2008-09 edition of Tennessee women's basketball is a team of multi-faceted gems. It's almost as if it's a rite of passage when a student-athlete decides to become a Lady Vol basketball player. Chances are more than likely that she will become a member of the exclusive group of "Lady Vols of the Rings." Because Lady Vol basketball always has had a championship ring to it.
DEPTH CHART
POINT GUARDS: Cait McMahan, Briana Bass, Alicia Manning
TWO GUARDS: Angie Bjorklund, Sydney Smallbone, Shekinna Stricklen, Alicia Manning
FORWARDS: Alex Fuller, Glory Johnson, Amber Gray
POSTS: Kelley Cain, Vicki Baugh, Alyssia Brewer
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