KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Angie Bjorklund doesn't like to think of this as a rebuilding year for Tennessee.
"Here at Tennessee, we don't rebuild it. We reload,'' the sophomore guard said Tuesday at the team's annual media day.
Either way, coach Pat Summitt has a lot of work to do after losing five key players from last season's national championship squad, including 2008 player of the year, Candace Parker.
It's one of the youngest teams the Hall of Fame coach has ever led: one senior, four sophomores, a redshirt freshman and six true freshmen. Only one player - Bjorklund - has regular starting experience.
Filling the holes left by Parker, Alexis Hornbuckle, Nicky Anosike, Shannon Bobbitt and Alberta Auguste could be a tall order for this youthful team.
"The fact that we lost five starters from the postseason play, we know we're going to have to grow up in a hurry. We're not going to expect anything less,'' Summitt said.
The challenge to grow up goes beyond the freshmen, which was rated the top 2008 recruiting class. Summitt is looking to senior forward Alex Fuller and Bjorklund for leadership this season.
It's not necessarily a natural role for Fuller and Bjorklund, who have been among the quieter players in the lineup. They've been working on getting more vocal in practices and scrimmages and getting accustomed to their teaching roles with the younger players.
"I've enjoyed it because it hasn't only helped them, it helps me learn how to speak to people and learn how to help people,'' said Fuller, who teammates have jokingly dubbed her "grandma'' for her elder status among so many freshmen and sophomores.
Much of Summitt's work now is devoted to teaching the new players how to practice and perform at the level she expects of her Lady Vols squad. Many freshmen aren't accustomed to the intensity level of practice when they first arrive at Tennessee.
That's not necessarily true with two freshmen, forward Glory Johnson, of Knoxville, and guard Shekinna Stricklen, of Morrilton, Ark.
Johnson and Stricklen, both McDonald's All-Americans, had intense high school coaches and practices that put them ahead of their Lady Vols classmates, and both have a shot at making an impact early in the season, Summitt said.
"I'm probably not set on anything right now other than Shekinna Stricklen and Glory Johnson will be in the lineup,'' she said.
Other freshmen, like forward Amber Gray, from West Chester, Ohio, are "learning to find a different gear,'' but are making process, Summitt said.
Despite winning the last two national championships, Summitt is happy to be able to teach young players who are hungry to learn. That was sometimes a stretch last season as she struggled to motivate a group of seniors who had already won one title.
"There's something to be said about having a young team. It certainly fires me up,'' she said. "I look forward to practice, I say this all the time - it's my classroom, it's my favorite time of the day.''
A national title three-peat might be just out of reach for this team, but there is one landmark to achieve this season. Summitt is only 17 wins away from amassing 1,000 in her career and could achieve that by mid-January at the earliest.
"I know one thing, I hope we can get there in a hurry and get it over with,'' Summitt said.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Lady Vols learn intensity
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt was returning from SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday when she called to check on the progress of her team’s practice, which was being led by assistant coaches in her absence.
“How’s it going?” Summitt asked first-year assistant Daedra Charles-Furlow.
“Not good,” Charles-Furlow replied bluntly.
Little changed when Summitt arrived.
“Even when I got here, they may have picked it up a little bit, but they had already pretty much established how they were going to practice that day,” said Summitt, whose team includes six true freshmen and one redshirt freshman.
Summitt said she was particularly disappointed with the team’s low energy and lack of respect for coaching.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s not like all those freshmen have all the answers yet,” she said.
Because of the lackluster performance, Summitt added a 6 a.m. practice Thursday to one scheduled in the afternoon.
With senior Alex Fuller and sophomore Angie Bjorklund attending media days with Summitt, redshirt sophomore Cait McMahan was one of four returning players at Wednesday’s practice.
“I’m glad it happened because we learned a lot from that day,” McMahan said. “It needed to happen, and we learned from it.”
One result has been more physical practices.
“We’ve picked up the intensity five times as much since Wednesday,” said McMahan, whose arms were dotted with a patchwork of bruises before practice Friday.
“We just go at it. It’s physical, and we have to bring it.”
Former Lady Vol Alberta Auguste can attest. A member of last year’s national championship team, Auguste has recently aided in workouts to help the six newcomers adjust to the demands of a college program.
“(The freshmen) work hard, and they don’t give up,” Auguste said. “They’ve got a lot of fight in them. It’s just discipline right now. They need a lot of discipline.
“They just have to listen. It’s more about getting feedback and listening to what coaches have to say, and learn from it and grow from it.”
But to prevent mental lapses like Wednesday’s practice, Summitt said she wants upperclassmen and returning players to be assume more assertive team leadership roles.
That includes McMahan.
When the point guard wasn’t taking an active role in a drill during Friday’s practice, Summitt verbally reprimanded her.
“How’s it going?” Summitt asked first-year assistant Daedra Charles-Furlow.
“Not good,” Charles-Furlow replied bluntly.
Little changed when Summitt arrived.
“Even when I got here, they may have picked it up a little bit, but they had already pretty much established how they were going to practice that day,” said Summitt, whose team includes six true freshmen and one redshirt freshman.
Summitt said she was particularly disappointed with the team’s low energy and lack of respect for coaching.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s not like all those freshmen have all the answers yet,” she said.
Because of the lackluster performance, Summitt added a 6 a.m. practice Thursday to one scheduled in the afternoon.
With senior Alex Fuller and sophomore Angie Bjorklund attending media days with Summitt, redshirt sophomore Cait McMahan was one of four returning players at Wednesday’s practice.
“I’m glad it happened because we learned a lot from that day,” McMahan said. “It needed to happen, and we learned from it.”
One result has been more physical practices.
“We’ve picked up the intensity five times as much since Wednesday,” said McMahan, whose arms were dotted with a patchwork of bruises before practice Friday.
“We just go at it. It’s physical, and we have to bring it.”
Former Lady Vol Alberta Auguste can attest. A member of last year’s national championship team, Auguste has recently aided in workouts to help the six newcomers adjust to the demands of a college program.
“(The freshmen) work hard, and they don’t give up,” Auguste said. “They’ve got a lot of fight in them. It’s just discipline right now. They need a lot of discipline.
“They just have to listen. It’s more about getting feedback and listening to what coaches have to say, and learn from it and grow from it.”
But to prevent mental lapses like Wednesday’s practice, Summitt said she wants upperclassmen and returning players to be assume more assertive team leadership roles.
That includes McMahan.
When the point guard wasn’t taking an active role in a drill during Friday’s practice, Summitt verbally reprimanded her.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Summitt to receive Lapchick Award
Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt has been selected as an inaugural recipient of the Joe Lapchick Character Award.
The award, the idea of former St. John’s player and longtime high school coach Gus Alfieri, was established to recognize basketball coaches who have shown the character and coaching ability of Hall of Famer Joe Lapchick, who coached at St. John’s and with the New York Knicks.
Other recipients being honored at at the Nov. 20 ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City will be Hall of Fame coaches Lou Carnesecca of St. John’s and Dean Smith of North Carolina.
“There could not be a better time to focus attention on character in sports but the present and Joe Lapchick is the model for the person we should look to,” said Alfieri, who was on Lapchick’s 1959 NIT Championship team.
Summitt, who enters the 2008-09 season with a 983-182 career record in 34 seasons at Tennessee, is the winningest coach in college Division I basketball history. Every student-athlete Summitt has coached and finished her eligibility at Rocky Top has graduated. She is very involved in the community and continues to be a spokeswoman for the United Way.
“It is an honor to have been selected as the first recipient of the Joe Lapchick Character Award. He was a legendary figure on both the collegiate and professional level of our game,” said Summitt. “I am humbled to accept an award which bears his name.”
Lapchick was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1966 after a successful playing career with the Original Celtics and Cleveland Rosenblums. He won four NIT championships in 20 seasons at St. John’s and led the NBA’s New York Knicks to three NBA Finals.
The award, the idea of former St. John’s player and longtime high school coach Gus Alfieri, was established to recognize basketball coaches who have shown the character and coaching ability of Hall of Famer Joe Lapchick, who coached at St. John’s and with the New York Knicks.
Other recipients being honored at at the Nov. 20 ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City will be Hall of Fame coaches Lou Carnesecca of St. John’s and Dean Smith of North Carolina.
“There could not be a better time to focus attention on character in sports but the present and Joe Lapchick is the model for the person we should look to,” said Alfieri, who was on Lapchick’s 1959 NIT Championship team.
Summitt, who enters the 2008-09 season with a 983-182 career record in 34 seasons at Tennessee, is the winningest coach in college Division I basketball history. Every student-athlete Summitt has coached and finished her eligibility at Rocky Top has graduated. She is very involved in the community and continues to be a spokeswoman for the United Way.
“It is an honor to have been selected as the first recipient of the Joe Lapchick Character Award. He was a legendary figure on both the collegiate and professional level of our game,” said Summitt. “I am humbled to accept an award which bears his name.”
Lapchick was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1966 after a successful playing career with the Original Celtics and Cleveland Rosenblums. He won four NIT championships in 20 seasons at St. John’s and led the NBA’s New York Knicks to three NBA Finals.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Former Lady Vol Nicky Anosike named NCAA Woman of the Year
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Former University of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball standout Nicky Anosike (2004-08), a two-time NCAA Champion, was honored tonight as the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year Award in Indianapolis, Ind.
Anosike, who just completed her first season as a member of the WNBA All-Rookie team while playing for the Minnesota Lynx, was unfortunately unavailable to attend. She is spending the off-season playing basketball in Israel and her Elizur Ramla team opened the season today versus Maccabi in Ashdod, Israel.
Anosike received the award--one of the most prestigious that the NCAA bestows--at the 18th annual NCAA Woman of the Year Awards Dinner at the Murat Centre Egyptian Room in Indianapolis. Accepting the award on her behalf was her mother, Ngozi Anosike and her head coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt. The award honors female student-athletes who have completed their eligibility and demonstrated academic and athletic excellence, as well as community service and leadership.
"We are all so excited for Nicky," exclaimed Summitt. "She is one of the hardest working student-athletes I have encountered in my 35 years of coaching.
"Nicky worked tirelessly in the classroom and wanted to be challenged every day. When one major wasn?t enough, she picked up another one. That stimulated her to tackle a third major and while juggling life and being a student-athlete at Tennessee, she turned in a 3.74 GPA. Academically, she was truly amazing," said Summitt.
Her coach also saw Anosike transfer that quest for knowledge on the basketball court. "I don't think Nicky had any idea how much potential she had or gifted she was as a basketball player when she came to Tennessee," said Summitt. "For four years, Nicky worked on every aspect of her game to improve daily. Her tenacity and unfailing will to succeed helped us to win two NCAA titles.
"Nicky Anosike is a winner in life and she embodies all of the traits of the NCAA Woman of the Year. We are so honored and proud of her!" Summitt said.
The original list of candidates of 130 female student-athletes for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award was narrowed down to a top three list for each division (I, II, III). A committee comprised of representatives from NCAA member schools and conferences selected the top 30 honorees and then nine finalists were named, three from each division. The Committee on Women's Athletics selected Anosike from the nine finalists. An hour-long broadcast of the event will air on ESPN2 at 4:30pm on Dec. 5.
Anosike, a Staten Island, N.Y., native, is the third NCAA Woman of the Year from the University of Tennessee and joins Lauren McCalley, diver, 2005 and Catherine Byrne, swimmer, 1992 as recipients. In the 18 year history of the award, Anosike is just the second basketball player to earn the honor joining 1995 honoree Rebecca Lobo of Connecticut. Anosike was a triple major at UT studying political science, criminal justice and legal studies and earned a 3.74 GPA.
The NCAA Woman of the Year Award was created to honor a senior female student-athlete who has distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career excelling academically and athletically in addition to demonstrating strong community service and leadership. To be eligible, the female student-athlete must have earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and competed during the 2007-08 academic year. In addition, each individual must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2008 spring season and must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. The Award has been given by the National Collegiate Athletic Association since 1992. The prior recipients of the NCAA Woman of the Year Award are:
1991 Mary Beth Riley, Canisius College
1992 Catherine Byrne, University of Tennessee
1993 Nnenna Lynch, Villanova University
1994 Tanya Jones, University of Arizona
1995 Rebecca Lobo, University of Connecticut
1996 Billie Winsett-Fletcher, University of Nebraska
1997 Lisa Coole, University of Georgia
1998 Peggy Boutilier, University of Virginia
1999 Jamila Demby, University of California, Davis
2000 Kristy Kowal, University of Georgia
2001 Kimberly A. Black , University of Georgia
2002 Tanisha Silas, University of California, Davis
2003 Ashley Jo Rowatt Karpinos, Kenyon College
2004 Kelly Albin, University of California, Davis
2005 Lauryn McCalley, University of Tennessee
2006 Anne Bersagel, Wake Forest University
2007 Whitney Myers, University of Arizona
2008 Nicky Anosike, University of Tennessee
Anosike, who just completed her first season as a member of the WNBA All-Rookie team while playing for the Minnesota Lynx, was unfortunately unavailable to attend. She is spending the off-season playing basketball in Israel and her Elizur Ramla team opened the season today versus Maccabi in Ashdod, Israel.
Anosike received the award--one of the most prestigious that the NCAA bestows--at the 18th annual NCAA Woman of the Year Awards Dinner at the Murat Centre Egyptian Room in Indianapolis. Accepting the award on her behalf was her mother, Ngozi Anosike and her head coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt. The award honors female student-athletes who have completed their eligibility and demonstrated academic and athletic excellence, as well as community service and leadership.
"We are all so excited for Nicky," exclaimed Summitt. "She is one of the hardest working student-athletes I have encountered in my 35 years of coaching.
"Nicky worked tirelessly in the classroom and wanted to be challenged every day. When one major wasn?t enough, she picked up another one. That stimulated her to tackle a third major and while juggling life and being a student-athlete at Tennessee, she turned in a 3.74 GPA. Academically, she was truly amazing," said Summitt.
Her coach also saw Anosike transfer that quest for knowledge on the basketball court. "I don't think Nicky had any idea how much potential she had or gifted she was as a basketball player when she came to Tennessee," said Summitt. "For four years, Nicky worked on every aspect of her game to improve daily. Her tenacity and unfailing will to succeed helped us to win two NCAA titles.
"Nicky Anosike is a winner in life and she embodies all of the traits of the NCAA Woman of the Year. We are so honored and proud of her!" Summitt said.
The original list of candidates of 130 female student-athletes for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award was narrowed down to a top three list for each division (I, II, III). A committee comprised of representatives from NCAA member schools and conferences selected the top 30 honorees and then nine finalists were named, three from each division. The Committee on Women's Athletics selected Anosike from the nine finalists. An hour-long broadcast of the event will air on ESPN2 at 4:30pm on Dec. 5.
Anosike, a Staten Island, N.Y., native, is the third NCAA Woman of the Year from the University of Tennessee and joins Lauren McCalley, diver, 2005 and Catherine Byrne, swimmer, 1992 as recipients. In the 18 year history of the award, Anosike is just the second basketball player to earn the honor joining 1995 honoree Rebecca Lobo of Connecticut. Anosike was a triple major at UT studying political science, criminal justice and legal studies and earned a 3.74 GPA.
The NCAA Woman of the Year Award was created to honor a senior female student-athlete who has distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career excelling academically and athletically in addition to demonstrating strong community service and leadership. To be eligible, the female student-athlete must have earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and competed during the 2007-08 academic year. In addition, each individual must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2008 spring season and must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. The Award has been given by the National Collegiate Athletic Association since 1992. The prior recipients of the NCAA Woman of the Year Award are:
1991 Mary Beth Riley, Canisius College
1992 Catherine Byrne, University of Tennessee
1993 Nnenna Lynch, Villanova University
1994 Tanya Jones, University of Arizona
1995 Rebecca Lobo, University of Connecticut
1996 Billie Winsett-Fletcher, University of Nebraska
1997 Lisa Coole, University of Georgia
1998 Peggy Boutilier, University of Virginia
1999 Jamila Demby, University of California, Davis
2000 Kristy Kowal, University of Georgia
2001 Kimberly A. Black , University of Georgia
2002 Tanisha Silas, University of California, Davis
2003 Ashley Jo Rowatt Karpinos, Kenyon College
2004 Kelly Albin, University of California, Davis
2005 Lauryn McCalley, University of Tennessee
2006 Anne Bersagel, Wake Forest University
2007 Whitney Myers, University of Arizona
2008 Nicky Anosike, University of Tennessee
2008-09 Tennessee Lady Vol Hoops Opens Practice at Pratt Pavilion
The 35th edition of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball with head coach Pat Summitt at the helm took to the court tonight at the Pratt Pavilion practice facility on the Brenda Lawson Court.
The first official practice of the 2008-09 season for the defending NCAA Champs saw 11 players go through a lively and spirited session. Only sophomore Vicki Baugh, who is still somewhat limited following surgery last May to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, served as a sideline spectator while rehabbing her knee.
Six newcomers joined six returnees for the opening day of team practice. The session was punctuated by a great deal of teaching and breakdown drills for the youngest team in Summitt's tenure on Rocky Top. Newcomers Briana Bass, Alyssia Brewer, Amber Gray, Glory Johnson, Alicia Manning and Shekinna Stricklen were sponges absorbing every defensive dictate and drill and all appeared to be quick studies.
The biggest smiles in the gym might have belonged to a couple of players who redshirted last season due to injuries. Redshirt sophomore point guard Cait McMahan was back on the floor after a year's absence following surgery on June 6, 2007, to repair articular cartilage damage in her right knee. "I can tell you it felt great getting back out on the court tonight," said McMahan. "We've got a young team but there is so much talent. It will be an exciting season."
Also sitting out last season was redshirt freshman Kelley Cain, a 6'6" center who was recovering from surgery in December 2007 to address and correct the patella subluxation of her knee. "Finally!" said Cain. "I was so ready for this day to come. I thought we all did a pretty good job for the first full practice."
McMahan and senior forward Alex Fuller are the only upperclassmen in the group. Joining them are a trio of sophomores including Baugh, Angie Bjorklund (the returning SEC Rookie of the Year) and Sydney Smallbone who all benefitted from a great deal of experience playing on the 2008 NCAA Championship team.
The enthusiastic start was not lost on the head coach. "I really liked the pace of practice tonight with this group. They are athletic and have great quickness rim-to-rim," commented Summitt. "The first thing that I noticed was good team speed in the drills. For such a young group, I'm also impressed with their on-court communication. All in all, a good start."
The Lady Vols return to the court at Pratt Pavilion tomorrow morning. A public practice will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena on Sat., Oct. 25. The time will be announced after kick-off for the UT-Alabama football game is set.
Tennessee's first exhibition game is slated for Nov. 6 in Thompson-Boling Arena versus Carson Newman at 7 p.m.
The first official practice of the 2008-09 season for the defending NCAA Champs saw 11 players go through a lively and spirited session. Only sophomore Vicki Baugh, who is still somewhat limited following surgery last May to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, served as a sideline spectator while rehabbing her knee.
Six newcomers joined six returnees for the opening day of team practice. The session was punctuated by a great deal of teaching and breakdown drills for the youngest team in Summitt's tenure on Rocky Top. Newcomers Briana Bass, Alyssia Brewer, Amber Gray, Glory Johnson, Alicia Manning and Shekinna Stricklen were sponges absorbing every defensive dictate and drill and all appeared to be quick studies.
The biggest smiles in the gym might have belonged to a couple of players who redshirted last season due to injuries. Redshirt sophomore point guard Cait McMahan was back on the floor after a year's absence following surgery on June 6, 2007, to repair articular cartilage damage in her right knee. "I can tell you it felt great getting back out on the court tonight," said McMahan. "We've got a young team but there is so much talent. It will be an exciting season."
Also sitting out last season was redshirt freshman Kelley Cain, a 6'6" center who was recovering from surgery in December 2007 to address and correct the patella subluxation of her knee. "Finally!" said Cain. "I was so ready for this day to come. I thought we all did a pretty good job for the first full practice."
McMahan and senior forward Alex Fuller are the only upperclassmen in the group. Joining them are a trio of sophomores including Baugh, Angie Bjorklund (the returning SEC Rookie of the Year) and Sydney Smallbone who all benefitted from a great deal of experience playing on the 2008 NCAA Championship team.
The enthusiastic start was not lost on the head coach. "I really liked the pace of practice tonight with this group. They are athletic and have great quickness rim-to-rim," commented Summitt. "The first thing that I noticed was good team speed in the drills. For such a young group, I'm also impressed with their on-court communication. All in all, a good start."
The Lady Vols return to the court at Pratt Pavilion tomorrow morning. A public practice will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena on Sat., Oct. 25. The time will be announced after kick-off for the UT-Alabama football game is set.
Tennessee's first exhibition game is slated for Nov. 6 in Thompson-Boling Arena versus Carson Newman at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Lady Vols Will Be Youngest, Most Inexperienced Squad
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
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
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sparks' Candace Parker will be named WNBA MVP
Sparks forward, who will be named winner Friday night, has already won the rookie of the year award.
Expectations for a No. 1 overall draft pick often exceed reality. That's not the case for Sparks forward Candace Parker. She was better.
Tonight, one day after accepting WNBA rookie of the year honors, Parker is expected to be named the league's most valuable player. The announcement will come during Game 2 of the WNBA finals in San Antonio and it will make her the first WNBA player to win both awards, regardless of the year.
It also will put her in an even loftier group: only two NBA players have won both awards in the same season -- Wilt Chamberlain in 1959-60 and Wes Unseld in 1968-69.
"It would mean a lot to me, playing in that highest level and actually winning the MVP award," Parker said Thursday morning in an interview with The Times, not long after being named the top rookie.
The former star for the Tennessee Lady Vols averaged 18.5 points (fourth best in the league), 9.5 rebounds (best in the league) and 2.3 blocks (second best) during the regular season. Only teammate Lisa Leslie, a three-time MVP, averaged more blocked shots. Parker also shot 52.3% from the field and averaged 3.4 assists.
"She's pulling those type of numbers with great people around her," said Sparks General Manager Penny Toler. "I know people say that's easier, but it isn't. Sometimes, if you have a rookie, they may sit back and say, 'Well, let me just do the minimum.' But she never sat back, she did as much as she could to try to help us win."
Parker, 22, said she was proudest of her rebounding, an aspect of her game that has been reinforced by every coach she has had, from her father, Larry, to Tennessee Coach Pat Summitt, to Sparks Coach Michael Cooper.
"With rebounding, you get extra possessions, you finish possessions and it's important to your team," said Parker, who credited Cooper for giving her the chance to grow as a player.
"He never lowered the bar," she said. "He always continued to raise it and I think that's why I always continued to be successful this year. . . . Sometimes, coaches have a really tight rein, but he let me make mistakes and grow from them. . . . I'm better because of that."
From the season's opening tip, she proved she wasn't a typical rookie, scoring 34 points in her first game, the most by a WNBA player in her debut. She also contributed 12 rebounds and eight assists. Two games later, she totaled 16 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, five steals and six blocks in a double-overtime loss to Indiana, becoming the first WNBA player to total at least five in each of those statistical categories.
She gained national attention at the end of June when she scored off slam dunks in consecutive games, joining Leslie as the only player to dunk in a WNBA game and the first to dunk twice. She never attempted another one.
"There were lots of other chances," said the team's co-owner, Kathy Goodman. "I kind of liked the idea that she didn't feel like she needed to keep doing it."
She combined for 71 points in back-to-back victories over Phoenix and Houston in early July then helped the U.S. women's team win gold at the Beijing Olympics in August.
Parker, who is enjoying her first extended break from basketball in two years, never felt like she was running out of gas, but she was wary of injuries.
During the NCAA tournament, Parker suffered a separated left shoulder, which required her to wear a brace throughout the WNBA season.
"I heard about rookies getting injured during the middle to end of the season," Parker said. "My main thing was just to stay strong and do as much as I could to prevent that."
After returning from the Olympics, she helped the Sparks win five of their final seven regular-season games, then helped them topple Seattle in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Though her shooting percentage dropped during the postseason as she increasingly became the focus of defenses, she found other ways to contribute, totaling a season-high 17 rebounds in a one-point, last-second loss to San Antonio in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
The Sparks were then eliminated by another close loss in Game 3.
"We expected a lot of great things out of Candace," Toler said. "Did we expect rookie of the year? We knew it was seriously possible. If she wins MVP, I think we all have to say, 'Wow.' "
One day after winning the WNBA's rookie-of-the-year award, the Sparks' Candace Parker will add the Most Valuable Player award to her resume.
Expectations for a No. 1 overall draft pick often exceed reality. That's not the case for Sparks forward Candace Parker. She was better.
Tonight, one day after accepting WNBA rookie of the year honors, Parker is expected to be named the league's most valuable player. The announcement will come during Game 2 of the WNBA finals in San Antonio and it will make her the first WNBA player to win both awards, regardless of the year.
It also will put her in an even loftier group: only two NBA players have won both awards in the same season -- Wilt Chamberlain in 1959-60 and Wes Unseld in 1968-69.
"It would mean a lot to me, playing in that highest level and actually winning the MVP award," Parker said Thursday morning in an interview with The Times, not long after being named the top rookie.
The former star for the Tennessee Lady Vols averaged 18.5 points (fourth best in the league), 9.5 rebounds (best in the league) and 2.3 blocks (second best) during the regular season. Only teammate Lisa Leslie, a three-time MVP, averaged more blocked shots. Parker also shot 52.3% from the field and averaged 3.4 assists.
"She's pulling those type of numbers with great people around her," said Sparks General Manager Penny Toler. "I know people say that's easier, but it isn't. Sometimes, if you have a rookie, they may sit back and say, 'Well, let me just do the minimum.' But she never sat back, she did as much as she could to try to help us win."
Parker, 22, said she was proudest of her rebounding, an aspect of her game that has been reinforced by every coach she has had, from her father, Larry, to Tennessee Coach Pat Summitt, to Sparks Coach Michael Cooper.
"With rebounding, you get extra possessions, you finish possessions and it's important to your team," said Parker, who credited Cooper for giving her the chance to grow as a player.
"He never lowered the bar," she said. "He always continued to raise it and I think that's why I always continued to be successful this year. . . . Sometimes, coaches have a really tight rein, but he let me make mistakes and grow from them. . . . I'm better because of that."
From the season's opening tip, she proved she wasn't a typical rookie, scoring 34 points in her first game, the most by a WNBA player in her debut. She also contributed 12 rebounds and eight assists. Two games later, she totaled 16 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, five steals and six blocks in a double-overtime loss to Indiana, becoming the first WNBA player to total at least five in each of those statistical categories.
She gained national attention at the end of June when she scored off slam dunks in consecutive games, joining Leslie as the only player to dunk in a WNBA game and the first to dunk twice. She never attempted another one.
"There were lots of other chances," said the team's co-owner, Kathy Goodman. "I kind of liked the idea that she didn't feel like she needed to keep doing it."
She combined for 71 points in back-to-back victories over Phoenix and Houston in early July then helped the U.S. women's team win gold at the Beijing Olympics in August.
Parker, who is enjoying her first extended break from basketball in two years, never felt like she was running out of gas, but she was wary of injuries.
During the NCAA tournament, Parker suffered a separated left shoulder, which required her to wear a brace throughout the WNBA season.
"I heard about rookies getting injured during the middle to end of the season," Parker said. "My main thing was just to stay strong and do as much as I could to prevent that."
After returning from the Olympics, she helped the Sparks win five of their final seven regular-season games, then helped them topple Seattle in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Though her shooting percentage dropped during the postseason as she increasingly became the focus of defenses, she found other ways to contribute, totaling a season-high 17 rebounds in a one-point, last-second loss to San Antonio in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
The Sparks were then eliminated by another close loss in Game 3.
"We expected a lot of great things out of Candace," Toler said. "Did we expect rookie of the year? We knew it was seriously possible. If she wins MVP, I think we all have to say, 'Wow.' "
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Summitt has shoulder surgery for raccoon attack
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt had offseason shoulder surgery, not for a sports injury but because of a tussle with a raccoon.
The winningest basketball coach in NCAA history has had problems with her right shoulder since dislocating it while chasing away a raccoon poised to attack her Labrador. The attack came near her home on March 5, just days before the Southeastern Conference tournament.
A month later, Summitt guided the Vols to their eighth NCAA title.
Summitt had arthroscopic surgery Thursday in Knoxville, Tenn., to repair recurring instability problems.
The coach will begin rehab in about a week. The Lady Vols begin practice on Oct. 17.
The winningest basketball coach in NCAA history has had problems with her right shoulder since dislocating it while chasing away a raccoon poised to attack her Labrador. The attack came near her home on March 5, just days before the Southeastern Conference tournament.
A month later, Summitt guided the Vols to their eighth NCAA title.
Summitt had arthroscopic surgery Thursday in Knoxville, Tenn., to repair recurring instability problems.
The coach will begin rehab in about a week. The Lady Vols begin practice on Oct. 17.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Spani decides to play basketball at Tennessee
For a while now, Taber Spani has been leaning toward playing college basketball at Tennessee.
By the time her official visit to the school was over, she was convinced of it. And on Monday morning, Spani, a 6-foot-1 senior guard from Metro Academy, called legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt and made it official.
“Tennessee has been on my heart,” said Spani, whose oral commitment to the defending national champions ended a recruiting journey that has lasted for more than a year. “Coming off the visit, I just felt like it was the perfect time to announce it.”
ESPN.com ranks Spani, who lives in Lee’s Summit and averaged 29.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.4 assists, three blocks and 2.4 steals a game last season, as the No. 3 guard and No. 13 overall player in the class of 2009. Last year, she led Metro Academy — a Christian home-schooled team composed of players from the Kansas City area — to a second-place finish in the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships.
For her efforts, Spani won the DiRenna Award, which honors the top boys and girls basketball players in the metro area, and received the interest of several big-time programs, including Connecticut, which she dropped from consideration in June.
Her final decision came down to Tennessee and Kansas State, where her sister Shalin is currently a sophomore guard and her father, Gary — a former linebacker for the Chiefs — is an alumnus.
“I was really looking at Kansas State, especially with the family ties I have there,” Spani said. “But as the summer went on it became clear that Tennessee was special, and the visit just confirmed that. It definitely wasn’t an overnight decision.”
Spani followed a recent in-home visit by Summitt by touring the campus over the weekend and came away impressed by the fans, the atmosphere and her future teammates.
“It’s about the amazing challenge of going to what’s arguably the best school in the country for women’s basketball,” said Spani, who can’t sign a letter of intent until November. “I wanted to play for the best, play with the best and play against the best.”
Spani knows she has room to improve, and she is confident Summitt can help her reach her potential.
“I love how driven she is for excellence, and it shows with how much success she’s had,” Spani said of Summitt. “As amazing and successful as she is on the court, she is off the court, as well.
“She is so honest and straightforward and she sincerely cares about her players. I know when I go there, she’ll challenge me and make me better, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
However, that doesn’t mean Spani will stop cheering for Kansas State or her sister — she says their relationship transcends basketball.
“With my sister there — and I love her so much — even though I’m going to be at Tennessee and loving it, a part of me will always root for K-State,” Spani said.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Patience, Patience, Patience
Anosike advising patience for Lady Vols
Tennessee's size and athleticism was obvious on the Thompson-Boling Arena court Saturday.
Nicky Anosike noticed a few other attributes as well. The former UT women's basketball center, a starter on the past two national championship teams, is in town before going overseas to play in Israel. She attended the open workout.
"They have some things you can't teach,'' said Anosike, who just finished her WNBA rookie season in Minnesota. "They know where the open player is and they find her.
"They share the ball well. Sometimes when you have top recruiting classes coming in, they don't share."
Anosike could sum up her advice to the team in one word: patience.
"They're going to go through struggles being a young team," Anosike said. "You have to be patient. There's a lot to remember. There's a lot (coach) Pat (Summitt) expects.
"They already look good. They're going to continue to get better."
Calling All Quick Guards: With the team now convening full team workouts twice a week, the male practice players are on the court. At first glance, the latest group has size with two players standing 6-foot-5 and 6-4 1/2 respectively.
Assistant coach Dean Lockwood, who's assembling the players, wants more quickness.
"I need a quick, slashing wing (player),'' Lockwood said.
Lockwood said that he has 11 players in the fold but is looking for three or four more.
Injury Update: Point guard Briana Bass, who underwent knee surgery in February, appears to be going strong. Her quickness was evident during the scrimmage portion of Saturday's workout. Classmate Amber Gray, who has had a lingering thigh problem, participated in the practice.
High Praise: Summitt already is raising the bar for freshman guard Shekinna Stricklen.
"She's special; she brings it at both ends of the floor,'' Summitt said. "She could be a very, very special guard for us."
Schedule Updates: The game time for the season opener against San Francisco on Nov. 15 at the arena has been moved up to 1 p.m. As for other times changes: at George Washington Dec. 2 to 7:30 p.m., at Rutgers Jan. 3 to 2 p.m. and Feb. 26 at LSU to 9 p.m. EDT.
The game time for Dec. 14 at Texas has been set for 2 p.m.
Fox Sports Net will televise the following games: San Francisco, Nov. 17 vs. Virginia, Nov. 23 vs. Louisiana Tech, Dec. 11 vs. Middle Tennessee State, Feb. 5 vs. Georgia, Feb. 12 vs. Alabama, Feb. 19 at Kentucky and at LSU.
More On Spani: Before arriving in Knoxville, Lady Vols recruit Taber Spani said that she would be cheering for UT at Saturday's football game versus Florida.
Still, she has great respect for Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
"Tim Tebow has been a role model for me,'' she said. "I love how he's used his platform to influence people with his Christian faith."
Laxton Update: Former Lady Vol Brynae Laxton, who is finishing her residency at the University of Cincinnati, will return to Knoxville next spring, said Laxton's aunt, Bea Barnett.
Laxton will be working as a ear/throat/nose specialist at The Tower at Parkwest with Dr. David G. Sexton. Laxton and Sexton both are from Oneida.
Tennessee's size and athleticism was obvious on the Thompson-Boling Arena court Saturday.
Nicky Anosike noticed a few other attributes as well. The former UT women's basketball center, a starter on the past two national championship teams, is in town before going overseas to play in Israel. She attended the open workout.
"They have some things you can't teach,'' said Anosike, who just finished her WNBA rookie season in Minnesota. "They know where the open player is and they find her.
"They share the ball well. Sometimes when you have top recruiting classes coming in, they don't share."
Anosike could sum up her advice to the team in one word: patience.
"They're going to go through struggles being a young team," Anosike said. "You have to be patient. There's a lot to remember. There's a lot (coach) Pat (Summitt) expects.
"They already look good. They're going to continue to get better."
Calling All Quick Guards: With the team now convening full team workouts twice a week, the male practice players are on the court. At first glance, the latest group has size with two players standing 6-foot-5 and 6-4 1/2 respectively.
Assistant coach Dean Lockwood, who's assembling the players, wants more quickness.
"I need a quick, slashing wing (player),'' Lockwood said.
Lockwood said that he has 11 players in the fold but is looking for three or four more.
Injury Update: Point guard Briana Bass, who underwent knee surgery in February, appears to be going strong. Her quickness was evident during the scrimmage portion of Saturday's workout. Classmate Amber Gray, who has had a lingering thigh problem, participated in the practice.
High Praise: Summitt already is raising the bar for freshman guard Shekinna Stricklen.
"She's special; she brings it at both ends of the floor,'' Summitt said. "She could be a very, very special guard for us."
Schedule Updates: The game time for the season opener against San Francisco on Nov. 15 at the arena has been moved up to 1 p.m. As for other times changes: at George Washington Dec. 2 to 7:30 p.m., at Rutgers Jan. 3 to 2 p.m. and Feb. 26 at LSU to 9 p.m. EDT.
The game time for Dec. 14 at Texas has been set for 2 p.m.
Fox Sports Net will televise the following games: San Francisco, Nov. 17 vs. Virginia, Nov. 23 vs. Louisiana Tech, Dec. 11 vs. Middle Tennessee State, Feb. 5 vs. Georgia, Feb. 12 vs. Alabama, Feb. 19 at Kentucky and at LSU.
More On Spani: Before arriving in Knoxville, Lady Vols recruit Taber Spani said that she would be cheering for UT at Saturday's football game versus Florida.
Still, she has great respect for Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
"Tim Tebow has been a role model for me,'' she said. "I love how he's used his platform to influence people with his Christian faith."
Laxton Update: Former Lady Vol Brynae Laxton, who is finishing her residency at the University of Cincinnati, will return to Knoxville next spring, said Laxton's aunt, Bea Barnett.
Laxton will be working as a ear/throat/nose specialist at The Tower at Parkwest with Dr. David G. Sexton. Laxton and Sexton both are from Oneida.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Lady Vols basketball practice open to fans on Sept. 20
The University of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball team will hold an open practice on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena. Fans and media members are encouraged to come get their first look at the 2008-09 edition of Head Coach Pat Summitt's team as they prepare to defend their back-to-back national titles.
Coach Summitt will be available for comment to members of the media following practice, but players will not because of hosting recruits.
The Lady Vols will host Carson-Newman and Love & Basketball on Nov. 6 and 9, respectively, before officially opening the 2008-09 season on Nov. 15 against San Francisco. UT will honor the 2008 National Championship team with the raising of the eighth title banner against the Dons.
Coach Summitt will be available for comment to members of the media following practice, but players will not because of hosting recruits.
The Lady Vols will host Carson-Newman and Love & Basketball on Nov. 6 and 9, respectively, before officially opening the 2008-09 season on Nov. 15 against San Francisco. UT will honor the 2008 National Championship team with the raising of the eighth title banner against the Dons.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Coach Summitt reflects on her gold-medal experience
Many Americans are glued to their televisions to watch Michael Phelps swim his way to Olympic glory, and that includes one famous East Tennessean with gold medal ties.
Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt has been watching the swimmer nab medal after medal, and she reflected on her own winning experience.
"To be able to win in Los Angeles, I've never, ever felt as much pressure in coaching as I did trying to bring home the gold in Los Angeles," Summitt said of the win.
The players got their gold medals, but the coach missed out on the bling.
"Coaches do not get gold medals, that hardly seemed fair," Summitt said.
However, she has a pretty good imitation that someone had made for her. Plus, she's got the real thing in silver.
Back in 1976, she played on the American team that won the Olympic silver medal.
This year, she's watching from the sidelines, tuning into women's basketball -- three former Lady Vols are on the team -- and swimming star Michael Phelps.
She recalled when she and her son, Tyler, met Phelps after the 2007 ESPY Awards. Summitt says the swimming phenom was the only sports star her son wanted to meet that night, but when it came time to capture the moment on camera, she had to try six times before the picture worked.
She now laughs at her son's embarrassment back then, but she says her persistence paid off, and now her son has a priceless memento from the most decorated Olympian.
"He's Superman, Michael Phelps is Superman," Summitt said. "I was sweating, I was worried about it. I was like, oh, he's got to make it, and I think everyone's pulling for him. I know all the USA team's gotta be pulling hard."
She says that's what the Games are all about -- the guts and the glory.
"It was incredible just being there, you know, it's exciting watching it, but having been there, I think I've got a better feel, you know, just for the energy, the intensity, the competitiveness of the Olympic Games. It's incredible, unlike any other sporting event you will see when you get that many people competing for gold medals."
Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt has been watching the swimmer nab medal after medal, and she reflected on her own winning experience.
"To be able to win in Los Angeles, I've never, ever felt as much pressure in coaching as I did trying to bring home the gold in Los Angeles," Summitt said of the win.
The players got their gold medals, but the coach missed out on the bling.
"Coaches do not get gold medals, that hardly seemed fair," Summitt said.
However, she has a pretty good imitation that someone had made for her. Plus, she's got the real thing in silver.
Back in 1976, she played on the American team that won the Olympic silver medal.
This year, she's watching from the sidelines, tuning into women's basketball -- three former Lady Vols are on the team -- and swimming star Michael Phelps.
She recalled when she and her son, Tyler, met Phelps after the 2007 ESPY Awards. Summitt says the swimming phenom was the only sports star her son wanted to meet that night, but when it came time to capture the moment on camera, she had to try six times before the picture worked.
She now laughs at her son's embarrassment back then, but she says her persistence paid off, and now her son has a priceless memento from the most decorated Olympian.
"He's Superman, Michael Phelps is Superman," Summitt said. "I was sweating, I was worried about it. I was like, oh, he's got to make it, and I think everyone's pulling for him. I know all the USA team's gotta be pulling hard."
She says that's what the Games are all about -- the guts and the glory.
"It was incredible just being there, you know, it's exciting watching it, but having been there, I think I've got a better feel, you know, just for the energy, the intensity, the competitiveness of the Olympic Games. It's incredible, unlike any other sporting event you will see when you get that many people competing for gold medals."
Monday, August 04, 2008
Coach Pat Summitt makes $600K gift to Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Coach Pat Summitt will donate $600,000 to the University of Tennessee to be shared by the Knoxville and Martin campuses.
A spokeswoman for Tennessee athletics said Monday the donation will go to support the women's basketball programs at both campuses and includes a $100,000 endowed scholarship for a Lady Vols basketball graduate assistant in honor of Summitt's parents, Richard and Hazel Head.
Summitt has spent 34 seasons as the Lady Vols coach, leading the program to an unprecedented eight national championships. She played basketball and volleyball at Tennessee-Martin.
Two other coaches have made similar contributions. Men's coach Bruce Pearl endowed the Dane Bradshaw Scholarship Endowment in March 2007 and football coach Phillip Fulmer announced in August 2007 a $1 million gift for academics and athletics.
A spokeswoman for Tennessee athletics said Monday the donation will go to support the women's basketball programs at both campuses and includes a $100,000 endowed scholarship for a Lady Vols basketball graduate assistant in honor of Summitt's parents, Richard and Hazel Head.
Summitt has spent 34 seasons as the Lady Vols coach, leading the program to an unprecedented eight national championships. She played basketball and volleyball at Tennessee-Martin.
Two other coaches have made similar contributions. Men's coach Bruce Pearl endowed the Dane Bradshaw Scholarship Endowment in March 2007 and football coach Phillip Fulmer announced in August 2007 a $1 million gift for academics and athletics.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Dupree commits to Lady Vols
Another Webb School women's basketball standout is on the way to Tennessee.
Post player Faith Dupree is the latest Lady Spartan to commit to the Lady Vols. The 6-foot-3 senior-to-be informed UT coach Pat Summitt of her decision after attending UT's elite camp this weekend. She picked Tennessee over Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia Tech.
Glory Johnson, Dupree's former teammate, signed with UT last November and is enrolled in summer school classes.
"It's a dream come true,'' Dupree said. 'Since I was a little girl I've wanted to be a Lady Vol like everyone else. But it means more, this being my hometown."
Dupree, a PrepXtra girls' first-team honoree this spring, averaged 14.5 points 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals last season for Webb, the Division II-AA state runner-up.
Along with the PrepXtra honor, Dupree also was named to the Division II-AA all-tournament and all-region teams.
"She's worked hard,'' Webb coach Shelley Collier said. "She wanted to see herself at this level. Faith has come a long way in the last two years and she still has another year."
Playing with Johnson likely enhanced Dupree's recruiting profile with UT.
"They've been watching Glory,'' Collier said, "and Faith caught their eye as well."
Dupree is the second player from the class of 2009 to commit to UT. Kamiko Williams of Clarksville committed last fall.
Post player Faith Dupree is the latest Lady Spartan to commit to the Lady Vols. The 6-foot-3 senior-to-be informed UT coach Pat Summitt of her decision after attending UT's elite camp this weekend. She picked Tennessee over Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia Tech.
Glory Johnson, Dupree's former teammate, signed with UT last November and is enrolled in summer school classes.
"It's a dream come true,'' Dupree said. 'Since I was a little girl I've wanted to be a Lady Vol like everyone else. But it means more, this being my hometown."
Dupree, a PrepXtra girls' first-team honoree this spring, averaged 14.5 points 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals last season for Webb, the Division II-AA state runner-up.
Along with the PrepXtra honor, Dupree also was named to the Division II-AA all-tournament and all-region teams.
"She's worked hard,'' Webb coach Shelley Collier said. "She wanted to see herself at this level. Faith has come a long way in the last two years and she still has another year."
Playing with Johnson likely enhanced Dupree's recruiting profile with UT.
"They've been watching Glory,'' Collier said, "and Faith caught their eye as well."
Dupree is the second player from the class of 2009 to commit to UT. Kamiko Williams of Clarksville committed last fall.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Lady Vols release 2008-09 schedule
The players come and go, but Tennessee’s women’s basketball schedule stays the same — tough.
The Lady Vols return only one starter from the 2008 national champion team, but coach Pat Summitt didn’t lighten the load on the road to the 2009 NCAA tournament.
Besides the usual Who’s Who list, UT’s schedule includes two former Lady Vols bringing teams to Thompson-Boling Arena, where they well be welcomed warmly — until tip-off.
Stanford, Texas, Duke, LSU and Rutgers headline the familiar marquee names on the two-time defending national champion’s 2008-09 schedule released Tuesday.
As for why first-time opponent San Francisco pops up on opening night (Nov. 15), look to the bench. Tanya Haave, a 1980s star and member of the Lady Vols Hall of Fame, is making her head-coaching debut.
Kellie Jolly Harper, point guard during the 1996-98 NCAA three-peat, brings her fifth Western Carolina team to Thompson-Boling Arena on Nov. 25.
Fourteen opponents come from last year’s NCAA tournament bracket.
“I’m thrilled that we’ll be playing 17 home games (counting two exhibitions) in our arena,’’ Summitt said. “Our young team will certainly benefit from playing in front of our great fans.’’
Anjie Bjorklund is the only returning starter and even she was coming off the bench behind Alberta Auguste during the NCAA tournament run.
The roster includes seven freshmen, four sophomores and senior Alex Fuller.
One of the home games will be Stanford on Dec. 21, a rematch of UT’s 64-48 victory in the 2008 NCAA tournament title game. The Cardinal was one of two teams to beat Tennessee last season, a 73-69 overtime decision in December.
Duke, DePaul, Louisiana Tech, Virginia and MTSU also come to Knoxville.
Key non-conference road games are at George Washington, Texas, Old Dominion and Rutgers.
The Lady Vols also play Oklahoma in Oklahoma City on ESPN2’s Feb. 2 “Big Monday” package. The other “Big Monday” game is Duke on Feb. 16.
A Dec. 30 road trip to Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., is a first for the program.
Tennessee plays UT-Chattanooga on its home floor for the first time since 2004.
The 14-game SEC slate includes two games each against Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State. Tennessee plays the other eight league teams once apiece.
The SEC opener is Jan. 8 at home against Kentucky. The Lady Vols travel to LSU — which beat them 78-62 in Knoxville last year — on Feb. 26.
“Once again this year, the SEC, from top to bottom, will be as strong as it has ever been,’’ Summitt said.
“We’ve had an infusion of some new coaches making a tough league even tougher.’’
Dawn Staley is the new coach at South Carolina. Wendell Hudson takes over at Alabama.
The SEC Tournament moves to North Little Rock, Ark., March 5-8.
NCAA tournament games begin March 21. McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga is among the first-round sites.
The four regionals are: Raleigh, N.C.; Berkeley, Calif.; Oklahoma City; Trenton, N.J.
The Final Four is April 5-7 in St. Louis.
2008-09 TENNESSEE LADY VOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
as of July 29, 2008
DATE OPPONENT SITE TV TIME
THURS., NOV. 6 CARSON-NEWMAN (EXH) KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 9 LOVE & BASKETBALL (EXH) KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
SAT., NOV. 15 SAN FRANCISCO KNOXVILLE 2 p.m.
MON., NOV. 17 VIRGINIA KNOXVILLE 7:00 p.m.
FRI., NOV. 21 at Chattanooga Chattanooga 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 23 LOUISIANA TECH KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
TUES., NOV. 25 WESTERN CAROLINA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 30 DEPAUL KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
TUES., DEC. 2 at George Washington Washington, D.C. 7 p.m.
THURS., DEC. 11 MIDDLE TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., DEC. 14 at Texas Austin, Texas FSN TBA p.m. CT
THURS., DEC. 18 at Old Dominion Norfolk, VA 7 p.m.
SUN., DEC. 21 STANFORD KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7 p.m.
TUES., DEC. 30 at Gonzaga Spokane, WA 7 p.m. PT
SAT., JAN. 3 at Rutgers Piscataway, NJ CBS Noon
THURS., JAN. 8 KENTUCKY KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., JAN. 11 at Vanderbilt Nashville 2 p.m. CT
THURS., JAN. 15 at Mississippi State Starkville, MS 7 p.m. CT
SUN., JAN. 18 SOUTH CAROLINA KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
THURS., JAN. 22 at Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 7 p.m. CT
SUN., JAN. 25 at Auburn Auburn, AL 2 p.m. CT
THURS., JAN. 29 MISSISSIPPI KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
MON. FEB. 2 vs. Oklahoma (“Big Monday”) Oklahoma City, OK ESPN2 6:30 p.m. CT
THURS., FEB. 5 GEORGIA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., FEB. 8 at Florida Gainesville, FL 2 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 12 ALABAMA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
MON. FEB. 16 DUKE (“Big Monday”) KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7:30 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 19 at Kentucky Lexington, KY 7 p.m.
SUN., FEB. 22 MISSISSIPPI STATE KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 26 at LSU Baton Rouge, LA 7 p.m. CT
SUN., MAR. 1 VANDERBILT KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7 p.m.
Thurs.-Sun., Mar. 5-8 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock. AR
Thurs., Mar. 5 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock, AR FOX
Fri., Mar. 6 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock, AR FOX
Sun., Mar. 8 SEC Championship Game N. Little Rock, AR ESPN2
Sat.-Tues., Mar. 21-24 NCAA Tournament (1st & 2nd Rounds) Campus sites* ESPN/ESPN2
*(Eight pre-determined sites: First- and Second-Rounds: The Pit/Bob King Court, Albuquerque, N.M. Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, La.; E.A. Diddle Arena, Bowling Green, Ky.; McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Comcast Center, College Park, Md.; Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio; Arena at Gwinnett, Duluth, Ga.; Jack Breslin Student Events Center, East Lansing, Mich.; Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa; United Spirit Arena, Lubbock, Texas; Joyce Center, Notre Dame, Ind.; Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.; Louis Brown Athletic Center, Piscataway, N.J.; Cox Arena, San Diego, Calif.; Bank of America Arena, Seattle, Wash.; Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.)
Sat.-Tues., Mar. 28-31 NCAA Tournament (Regional) ESPN/ESPN2
Raleigh Regional (3/28 & 3/30): RBC Center, Raleigh, N.C.; Berkeley Regional (3/28 & 3/30): Haas Pavilion Berkeley, Calif.; Oklahoma City Regional (3/29 & 3/31): Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Trenton Regional (3/29 & 3/31): Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, N.J.
Sun. & Tues., Apr. 5 & 7 NCAA Final Four (Scottrade Center) St. Louis, Mo. ESPN
ALL TIMES, DATES AND TELEVISION SCHEDULES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Lady Vols return only one starter from the 2008 national champion team, but coach Pat Summitt didn’t lighten the load on the road to the 2009 NCAA tournament.
Besides the usual Who’s Who list, UT’s schedule includes two former Lady Vols bringing teams to Thompson-Boling Arena, where they well be welcomed warmly — until tip-off.
Stanford, Texas, Duke, LSU and Rutgers headline the familiar marquee names on the two-time defending national champion’s 2008-09 schedule released Tuesday.
As for why first-time opponent San Francisco pops up on opening night (Nov. 15), look to the bench. Tanya Haave, a 1980s star and member of the Lady Vols Hall of Fame, is making her head-coaching debut.
Kellie Jolly Harper, point guard during the 1996-98 NCAA three-peat, brings her fifth Western Carolina team to Thompson-Boling Arena on Nov. 25.
Fourteen opponents come from last year’s NCAA tournament bracket.
“I’m thrilled that we’ll be playing 17 home games (counting two exhibitions) in our arena,’’ Summitt said. “Our young team will certainly benefit from playing in front of our great fans.’’
Anjie Bjorklund is the only returning starter and even she was coming off the bench behind Alberta Auguste during the NCAA tournament run.
The roster includes seven freshmen, four sophomores and senior Alex Fuller.
One of the home games will be Stanford on Dec. 21, a rematch of UT’s 64-48 victory in the 2008 NCAA tournament title game. The Cardinal was one of two teams to beat Tennessee last season, a 73-69 overtime decision in December.
Duke, DePaul, Louisiana Tech, Virginia and MTSU also come to Knoxville.
Key non-conference road games are at George Washington, Texas, Old Dominion and Rutgers.
The Lady Vols also play Oklahoma in Oklahoma City on ESPN2’s Feb. 2 “Big Monday” package. The other “Big Monday” game is Duke on Feb. 16.
A Dec. 30 road trip to Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., is a first for the program.
Tennessee plays UT-Chattanooga on its home floor for the first time since 2004.
The 14-game SEC slate includes two games each against Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State. Tennessee plays the other eight league teams once apiece.
The SEC opener is Jan. 8 at home against Kentucky. The Lady Vols travel to LSU — which beat them 78-62 in Knoxville last year — on Feb. 26.
“Once again this year, the SEC, from top to bottom, will be as strong as it has ever been,’’ Summitt said.
“We’ve had an infusion of some new coaches making a tough league even tougher.’’
Dawn Staley is the new coach at South Carolina. Wendell Hudson takes over at Alabama.
The SEC Tournament moves to North Little Rock, Ark., March 5-8.
NCAA tournament games begin March 21. McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga is among the first-round sites.
The four regionals are: Raleigh, N.C.; Berkeley, Calif.; Oklahoma City; Trenton, N.J.
The Final Four is April 5-7 in St. Louis.
2008-09 TENNESSEE LADY VOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
as of July 29, 2008
DATE OPPONENT SITE TV TIME
THURS., NOV. 6 CARSON-NEWMAN (EXH) KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 9 LOVE & BASKETBALL (EXH) KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
SAT., NOV. 15 SAN FRANCISCO KNOXVILLE 2 p.m.
MON., NOV. 17 VIRGINIA KNOXVILLE 7:00 p.m.
FRI., NOV. 21 at Chattanooga Chattanooga 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 23 LOUISIANA TECH KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
TUES., NOV. 25 WESTERN CAROLINA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., NOV. 30 DEPAUL KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
TUES., DEC. 2 at George Washington Washington, D.C. 7 p.m.
THURS., DEC. 11 MIDDLE TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., DEC. 14 at Texas Austin, Texas FSN TBA p.m. CT
THURS., DEC. 18 at Old Dominion Norfolk, VA 7 p.m.
SUN., DEC. 21 STANFORD KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7 p.m.
TUES., DEC. 30 at Gonzaga Spokane, WA 7 p.m. PT
SAT., JAN. 3 at Rutgers Piscataway, NJ CBS Noon
THURS., JAN. 8 KENTUCKY KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., JAN. 11 at Vanderbilt Nashville 2 p.m. CT
THURS., JAN. 15 at Mississippi State Starkville, MS 7 p.m. CT
SUN., JAN. 18 SOUTH CAROLINA KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
THURS., JAN. 22 at Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 7 p.m. CT
SUN., JAN. 25 at Auburn Auburn, AL 2 p.m. CT
THURS., JAN. 29 MISSISSIPPI KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
MON. FEB. 2 vs. Oklahoma (“Big Monday”) Oklahoma City, OK ESPN2 6:30 p.m. CT
THURS., FEB. 5 GEORGIA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
SUN., FEB. 8 at Florida Gainesville, FL 2 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 12 ALABAMA KNOXVILLE 7 p.m.
MON. FEB. 16 DUKE (“Big Monday”) KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7:30 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 19 at Kentucky Lexington, KY 7 p.m.
SUN., FEB. 22 MISSISSIPPI STATE KNOXVILLE 3 p.m.
THURS., FEB. 26 at LSU Baton Rouge, LA 7 p.m. CT
SUN., MAR. 1 VANDERBILT KNOXVILLE ESPN2 7 p.m.
Thurs.-Sun., Mar. 5-8 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock. AR
Thurs., Mar. 5 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock, AR FOX
Fri., Mar. 6 SEC Tournament N. Little Rock, AR FOX
Sun., Mar. 8 SEC Championship Game N. Little Rock, AR ESPN2
Sat.-Tues., Mar. 21-24 NCAA Tournament (1st & 2nd Rounds) Campus sites* ESPN/ESPN2
*(Eight pre-determined sites: First- and Second-Rounds: The Pit/Bob King Court, Albuquerque, N.M. Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, La.; E.A. Diddle Arena, Bowling Green, Ky.; McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Comcast Center, College Park, Md.; Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio; Arena at Gwinnett, Duluth, Ga.; Jack Breslin Student Events Center, East Lansing, Mich.; Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa; United Spirit Arena, Lubbock, Texas; Joyce Center, Notre Dame, Ind.; Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.; Louis Brown Athletic Center, Piscataway, N.J.; Cox Arena, San Diego, Calif.; Bank of America Arena, Seattle, Wash.; Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.)
Sat.-Tues., Mar. 28-31 NCAA Tournament (Regional) ESPN/ESPN2
Raleigh Regional (3/28 & 3/30): RBC Center, Raleigh, N.C.; Berkeley Regional (3/28 & 3/30): Haas Pavilion Berkeley, Calif.; Oklahoma City Regional (3/29 & 3/31): Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Trenton Regional (3/29 & 3/31): Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton, N.J.
Sun. & Tues., Apr. 5 & 7 NCAA Final Four (Scottrade Center) St. Louis, Mo. ESPN
ALL TIMES, DATES AND TELEVISION SCHEDULES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pat Summitt reports son’s debit card stolen, used in Knoxville
If you are going to steal something in Blount County, taking a debit card belonging to the son of Lady Vols head basketball coach Pat Summitt probably isn’t the best idea. And using it, four times, is equally ill advised.
But according to an Alcoa police report released today, that is exactly what Summitt told police happened.
According to the report, Summitt contacted police at 1:03 p.m. Tuesday to report that three debit cards, $60 in cash and an Apple iPod — all belonging to her 17-year-old son — were taken from a vehicle parked in front of her River Trace Lane home in Alcoa.
Summitt reportedly told officers that just before midnight she heard a “thump-like sound” outside her residence and went outside to investigate. She did not see anything and went back inside, the report said. She reported hearing a vehicle leave the area soon after she was back in her residence.
Once on the scene, officers spoke with the 17-year-old, who said he left his wallet in the parked the car at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday and did not notice it had been disturbed until noon the following day when was leaving to eat lunch with a friend.
The wallet was apparently left by the thief in the vehicle, but the cash and three debit cards were removed.
Officers reported it did not appear forced was used to gain entry into the vehicle and there was no evidence left by the suspect at the scene.
By the time officers had been notified of the theft, Summitt’s son reported the cards had been used four times in Knoxville — at a Kroger and Walgreens on Kingston Pike, and a Fav-O-Rite Market and Kenjo on Chapman Highway.
A sergeant with the Knoxville Police Department was contacted by Alcoa officers, “and he offered to assist by recovering the surveillance videos and the debit cards,” the Alcoa report said.
When contacted by The Daily Times today, no information was available from the Knoxville Police Department on the case, including any arrests or charges that had been filed or may be pending.
The incident is currently under investigation.
But according to an Alcoa police report released today, that is exactly what Summitt told police happened.
According to the report, Summitt contacted police at 1:03 p.m. Tuesday to report that three debit cards, $60 in cash and an Apple iPod — all belonging to her 17-year-old son — were taken from a vehicle parked in front of her River Trace Lane home in Alcoa.
Summitt reportedly told officers that just before midnight she heard a “thump-like sound” outside her residence and went outside to investigate. She did not see anything and went back inside, the report said. She reported hearing a vehicle leave the area soon after she was back in her residence.
Once on the scene, officers spoke with the 17-year-old, who said he left his wallet in the parked the car at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday and did not notice it had been disturbed until noon the following day when was leaving to eat lunch with a friend.
The wallet was apparently left by the thief in the vehicle, but the cash and three debit cards were removed.
Officers reported it did not appear forced was used to gain entry into the vehicle and there was no evidence left by the suspect at the scene.
By the time officers had been notified of the theft, Summitt’s son reported the cards had been used four times in Knoxville — at a Kroger and Walgreens on Kingston Pike, and a Fav-O-Rite Market and Kenjo on Chapman Highway.
A sergeant with the Knoxville Police Department was contacted by Alcoa officers, “and he offered to assist by recovering the surveillance videos and the debit cards,” the Alcoa report said.
When contacted by The Daily Times today, no information was available from the Knoxville Police Department on the case, including any arrests or charges that had been filed or may be pending.
The incident is currently under investigation.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Parker wins two ESPY Awards; Summitt named top coach
Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press
WNBA player Candace Parker accepts the award for best female athlete at the ESPYs Awards on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
Candace Parker won two trophies at the ESPY Awards and Pat Summitt showed she can take on the professional coaches Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
Parker was selected female athlete of the year and female college athlete of the year. She led Tennessee to its second consecutive NCAA national championship before becoming the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick and going to the Los Angeles Sparks.
“I’m just excited I got to meet David Beckham,” said Parker, who received her trophy from the English superstar. “I grew up playing soccer, so I love David Beckham. I was thinking, ‘Don’t trip, don’t trip.’ He’s truly an inspiration.”
Summitt, who won her eighth NCAA championship as coach of the Lady Vols, was named coach-manager of the year. Also nominated was Terry Francona of Boston Red Sox, Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants and Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics,
The Lady Vols also won an ESPY for top women’s collegiate team.
The ESPY Awards will be televised Sunday at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tamika Catchings, Kara Lawson, DeLisha Milton-Jones Round Out 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Women’s Basketball Roster
July 10, 2008 A pair of Olympic gold medalists, Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) and DeLisha Milton-Jones (Los Angeles Sparks), along with Kara Lawson (Sacramento Monarchs), were named today by USA Basketball to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. The trio round out the official 12-member USA roster that will head to Beijing in hopes of defending the USA’s string of three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Selections were made by the USA Basketball Women’s Senior National Team Committee, chaired by WNBA chief of basketball operations and player relations Reneé Brown.
“The committee had a difficult time with these final three names because of the level of talent in our pool,” said Brown. “However, ultimately we feel that the experience and leadership that we've added to the team in Tamika Catchings, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Kara Lawson are the final pieces to this puzzle. Tamika and DeLisha both know what it takes to be Olympic champions and will help this team defensively. Kara is a tremendous team player who made the most of her opportunities during the FIBA Americas Championship and over the past year has proven herself as a member of this team.”
“I’m thrilled that Tamika, DeLisha and Kara have been added to the team,” said USA head coach Anne Donovan, a three-time Olympian. “Tamika is such a complete player and a tenacious defender who will add much to our already strong Olympic team. DeLisha’s international and Olympic experience is sure to further fortify our inside game. I’m also pleased with the addition of Kara Lawson. Kara’s extensive experience training with the national team these last several years has made her a perfect selection for our team. She understands the game and her teammates so well that it’s like having another coach on the floor. All three of these athletes, along with the rest of the team, are comfortable with each other on the court, and know the system that we plan to utilize in Beijing. I’m excited about getting this team together at the end of this month and really focusing on our goal, which of course, is winning the gold medal.”
The first nine members were named to the U.S. squad on May 31, 2008, and include three-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks); two-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Smith (Detroit Shock); 2004 Olympic gold medalists Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) and Tina Thompson (Houston Comets); and Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) and Cappie Pondexter (Phoenix Mercury), who will participate in their first Olympic Games this summer.
A 2004 Olympic and 2002 World Championship gold medalist, Catchings was named to her first USA Basketball team in 1996 while still in high school. She has also helped U.S. teams capture gold medals at the 2002 Opals World Challenge, 1998 R. William Jones Cup and 1997 FIBA Junior World Championship, silver at the 1997 COPABA Junior World Championship Qualifying Tournament and bronze at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. She last donned a USA Basketball jersey during the USA Women’s National Team’s 2007 Tour of Italy and helped the U.S. post a 4-0 slate, while averaging team highs of 12.8 ppg. and 9.0 rpg.
Lawson, who has plenty of international experience, will be participating in her first Olympic Games this summer. Added to the 2007-08 USA National Team roster on Sept. 7, 2007, she helped the United States capture the gold medal and its Olympic berth at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. Lawson’s first foray into the international game came a decade ago as a member of the 1998 USA World Youth Games Team that returned with the bronze medal. She returned in 2001 to claim gold as a member of the USA World University Games Team and also won a silver medal with the USA Select Team that competed in the 2007 FIBA World League Tournament.
No stranger to USA Basketball, Milton-Jones has helped USA teams capture gold at eight tournaments, including the 2000 Olympic Games and 1998 and 2002 FIBA World Championship. She was also a member of the 2006 USA World Championship Team and earned gold at the 2002 Opals World Challenge, 1999 U.S. Olympic Cup, 1997 World University Games and the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival. Additionally, Milton-Jones was slated to compete in the 2004 Olympics, but injured her knee and was unable to compete.
FIBA conducted the draw to determine the Olympic preliminary round pools and schedule on April 26 in Beijing. The U.S. women were selected for Group B, as were host China, Czech Republic, Mali, New Zealand and Spain; while Group A features 2006 FIBA world champion Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Latvia, Russia and South Korea.
Olympic women’s basketball competition will be held Aug. 9-23. Preliminary play is scheduled for August 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17; quarterfinal action takes place Aug. 19; semifinal play is slated for Aug. 21; and the women’s finals will be held Aug. 23.
The U.S. Women’s Olympic Team opens Aug. 9 versus the Czech Republic, and next faces host China on Aug. 11, Mali on Aug. 13 and Spain on Aug. 15. The U.S. finishes off its preliminary play Aug. 17 against New Zealand.
The defending Olympic champs, the USA women in fact will be vying for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold. Since women’s basketball was officially staged at the 1976 Olympics, the Americans have collected a record five gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal, while compiling a 42-3 (.933) overall record in seven Olympic appearances (the United States chose not to participate in the 1980 Olympic Games).
The 2007-08 USA Basketball Women’s National Team participated in six different training camps, while the USA Select Team, featuring members of the USA National Team, competed in the 2007 FIBA World League Tournament. During the team’s training the USA compiled a 25-2 mark against nine different national teams and five professional club teams, earned the gold medal at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship and the silver medal at the 2008 Good Luck Beijing Tournament. Additionally, the USA Select Team posted a 3-2 slate, brought home the silver medal from the 2007 FIBA World League Tournament and notched victories against a pair of Russia’s top professional teams and the defending Australia WNBL champs.
Donovan is being assisted on the sidelines by Mike Thibault, head coach of the WNBA Connecticut Sun and collegiate head coaches Gail Goestenkors of the University of Texas and the University of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley.
In addition to Brown, the USA Basketball Women’s Senior National Team Committee includes: athlete representatives Jennifer Azzi, a 1996 U.S. Olympic Team member, and Teresa Edwards, a five-time Olympian; New York Liberty President and General Manager Carol Blazejowski, Minnesota Lynx Chief Operating Officer Roger Griffith, Indiana Fever Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf and Los Angeles Sparks General Manager Penny Toler serve as the WNBA representatives on the Committee; while University of Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt is the NCAA representative.
USA Basketball is the national governing body responsible for men’s and women’s basketball in the United States and is responsible for representing the USA in international competitions.
The selected players will be nominated to the United States Olympic Committee to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.Wednesday, June 25, 2008
White House welcomes Lady Vols
WASHINGTON — The Lady Vols basketball team visited the White House on Tuesday to be feted for their back-to-back national championships, but coach Pat Summitt was looking forward more than backward.
Four of the five starters in the Lady Vols’ march to the title, all WNBA draft picks led by All-American Candace Parker, couldn’t make the ceremony. Their professional teams played games Tuesday night.
But their former teammates, mostly underclassmen who will lead next year’s young squad, got to soak in a day of congratulations from President George Bush and the Tennessee congressional delegation.
“I think they can look around the table and know they have big shoes to fill,” Summitt said. “There’s high expectations at Tennessee, no matter who graduates. With a group of freshmen coming in — six of them, who are going to be very young — I think they understand they’ll have to set the example every day.”
The President honored the Lady Vols at a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, along with 19 other collegiate championship teams, including the Georgia men’s tennis and women’s gymnastics squads.
“It’s hard to become a champ, and that’s why we love to honor people here at the White House when you become one,” Bush said. “One of the things I tell people is, is that if you work hard and become a repeat champion, I look forward to welcoming you back to the White House. However, this time it’s not going to work. My eligibility has run out.”
Earlier Tuesday, the Tennessee congressional delegation celebrated the Lady Vols’ back-to-back championships at a luncheon.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on you, but we just want to make this an annual event,” said Rep. John Duncan, R-Tenn., who represents Knoxville.
Sophomore Vicki Baugh, who tore her ACL in the NCAA tournament final against Stanford, said the team was excited to visit the White House.
“It’s great to be here,” she said. “All along, we said we wanted to get here, so this is just a great experience.”
This past season’s team went 36-2, capping off their championship season with a 64-48 win over Stanford.
The Lady Vols were led by a talented veteran core that included Parker, who was taken by the Los Angeles Sparks first overall in April’s WNBA draft; fellow first-rounder Alexis Hornbuckle, now with the Detroit Shock; and second-round picks Shannon Bobbitt of the Sparks and Nicky Anosike of the Minnesota Lynx.
“I think that the players we had recruited in that class, in particular with Nicki and Alexis and Candace, they wanted to leave their legacy at UT in a significant way,” Summitt said. “They talked about it (and said), ‘We were too highly touted coming out of high school not to win two championships.’”
Alberta Auguste, also a graduating senior and a key starter during the postseason, said the second championship was extra rewarding given that the Lady Vols played with a target on their collective back all season.
“Every opponent was after us,” said Auguste, who was drafted in the third round by the New York Liberty but released after training camp. “Everybody knew we were the national champions and played harder against us. We knew what was at stake and how hard it would be to get back to the Final Four.”
Next year’s returners will include just one senior (forward/center Alex Fuller), one redshirt sophomore, three true sophomores and a redshirt freshman.
The Lady Vols also will welcome the six freshmen widely hailed as the nation’s top recruiting class.
“I think we might struggle a bit in the beginning, but once we get our chemistry together, I think we’ll be fine,” said Baugh, who should be fully recovered from her injury by fall. “We lost so many seniors, and we’re basically starting as a whole new team, so we’ll really need to get to know each other and know what we can do on the court.”
Bush is the fourth president Summitt has met in her 34-year career that includes an Olympic gold medal and eight national titles at Tennessee.
She met Jimmy Carter in 1980 as coach of the Olympic team, which missed the games in Moscow due to the U.S. boycott. She has also met Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush with Lady Vols trips.
“Any time you have an opportunity to win the national championship and go to the White House and meet the president, that puts the stamp of approval on what we accomplished,” said Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. “It’s truly a tremendous opportunity for these young women to get to meet the President of the United States.”
Four of the five starters in the Lady Vols’ march to the title, all WNBA draft picks led by All-American Candace Parker, couldn’t make the ceremony. Their professional teams played games Tuesday night.
But their former teammates, mostly underclassmen who will lead next year’s young squad, got to soak in a day of congratulations from President George Bush and the Tennessee congressional delegation.
“I think they can look around the table and know they have big shoes to fill,” Summitt said. “There’s high expectations at Tennessee, no matter who graduates. With a group of freshmen coming in — six of them, who are going to be very young — I think they understand they’ll have to set the example every day.”
The President honored the Lady Vols at a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, along with 19 other collegiate championship teams, including the Georgia men’s tennis and women’s gymnastics squads.
“It’s hard to become a champ, and that’s why we love to honor people here at the White House when you become one,” Bush said. “One of the things I tell people is, is that if you work hard and become a repeat champion, I look forward to welcoming you back to the White House. However, this time it’s not going to work. My eligibility has run out.”
Earlier Tuesday, the Tennessee congressional delegation celebrated the Lady Vols’ back-to-back championships at a luncheon.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on you, but we just want to make this an annual event,” said Rep. John Duncan, R-Tenn., who represents Knoxville.
Sophomore Vicki Baugh, who tore her ACL in the NCAA tournament final against Stanford, said the team was excited to visit the White House.
“It’s great to be here,” she said. “All along, we said we wanted to get here, so this is just a great experience.”
This past season’s team went 36-2, capping off their championship season with a 64-48 win over Stanford.
The Lady Vols were led by a talented veteran core that included Parker, who was taken by the Los Angeles Sparks first overall in April’s WNBA draft; fellow first-rounder Alexis Hornbuckle, now with the Detroit Shock; and second-round picks Shannon Bobbitt of the Sparks and Nicky Anosike of the Minnesota Lynx.
“I think that the players we had recruited in that class, in particular with Nicki and Alexis and Candace, they wanted to leave their legacy at UT in a significant way,” Summitt said. “They talked about it (and said), ‘We were too highly touted coming out of high school not to win two championships.’”
Alberta Auguste, also a graduating senior and a key starter during the postseason, said the second championship was extra rewarding given that the Lady Vols played with a target on their collective back all season.
“Every opponent was after us,” said Auguste, who was drafted in the third round by the New York Liberty but released after training camp. “Everybody knew we were the national champions and played harder against us. We knew what was at stake and how hard it would be to get back to the Final Four.”
Next year’s returners will include just one senior (forward/center Alex Fuller), one redshirt sophomore, three true sophomores and a redshirt freshman.
The Lady Vols also will welcome the six freshmen widely hailed as the nation’s top recruiting class.
“I think we might struggle a bit in the beginning, but once we get our chemistry together, I think we’ll be fine,” said Baugh, who should be fully recovered from her injury by fall. “We lost so many seniors, and we’re basically starting as a whole new team, so we’ll really need to get to know each other and know what we can do on the court.”
Bush is the fourth president Summitt has met in her 34-year career that includes an Olympic gold medal and eight national titles at Tennessee.
She met Jimmy Carter in 1980 as coach of the Olympic team, which missed the games in Moscow due to the U.S. boycott. She has also met Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush with Lady Vols trips.
“Any time you have an opportunity to win the national championship and go to the White House and meet the president, that puts the stamp of approval on what we accomplished,” said Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. “It’s truly a tremendous opportunity for these young women to get to meet the President of the United States.”
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Lady Vols Add Another In-State Committment
Often times in collegiate recruiting, players earn scholarship offers even though the scouts attending their games or practices have really come to see a teammate or opponent. Such may be the case with the second commitment for the Lady Vols' 2009 signing class.
Pat Summitt and her staff made the short trip to Webb School of Knoxville several times to recruit Glory Johnson, a top-five recruit, last season. In the process they found 6'3" junior forward Faith Dupree.
The trips earned Dupress an invite to the Lady Vols Elite Camp this past weekend where she committed to sign with Tennessee during the early signing period this November.
With Johnson and Dupree, Webb was a state runner-up this past season. Dupress averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game for the Spartans.
Dupree is the second in-state commitment as Pat Summitt begins building what she hopes will be a third-consecutive top-ranked recruiting class in NCAA women's college basketball.
Kamiko Williams, a 5'11" guard from Clarksville, had previously committed to the Lady Vols.
Both Dupree and Williams are ranked as four-star prospects by HoopGurlz.com with Dupree #67 nationally and Williams #68.
As is usually the case, Summitt is the hunt for several of the nation's top-rated recruits. Among those showing interest in the Lady Vols are 6'5" post Kelsey Bone [Sugar Land, TX], 5'8" point guard Skylar Diggins [South Bend, IN], 6'2" forward Mariah Chandler [Atlanta], 6'1" wing Shenneika Smith [Brooklyn, NY], 5'11" wing Tierra Rogers [San Francisco], 6'1" guard Taber Spani [Shwnee Mission, KS] and 5'11" guard Bianca Lutley [Penscola, FL]. All are five-star prospects and among the nation's top 25 players. Diggins is fourth nationally and Bone second. Bone had been first in her class since the beginning of her sophomore season before being overtaken by 6'7" post Brittney Griner of Houston. Griner has already committed to Baylor.
* Former Lady Vol Candace Parker was named as the winner of the Honda-Broderick Cup on Monday as the nation's top female college athlete. Parker flew to New York early on Monday to receive the award.
Just hours earlier, Parker recorded her first professional dunk with a one-handed break-away slam in the Los Angeles Sparks' 77-63 victory over the Indiana Fever. Parker joins teammate Lisa Leslie as the only WNBA players to dunk during a game.
Also nominated for the Honda-Broderick Cup were Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher (softball), Duke's Amanda Blumenherst (golf), North Carolina's Rachel Dawson (field hockey) and Arizona State's Jacquelyn Johnson (track).
* The National Champion Lady Vols will be honored at a White House ceremony on Tuesday.
Pat Summitt and her staff made the short trip to Webb School of Knoxville several times to recruit Glory Johnson, a top-five recruit, last season. In the process they found 6'3" junior forward Faith Dupree.
The trips earned Dupress an invite to the Lady Vols Elite Camp this past weekend where she committed to sign with Tennessee during the early signing period this November.
With Johnson and Dupree, Webb was a state runner-up this past season. Dupress averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game for the Spartans.
Dupree is the second in-state commitment as Pat Summitt begins building what she hopes will be a third-consecutive top-ranked recruiting class in NCAA women's college basketball.
Kamiko Williams, a 5'11" guard from Clarksville, had previously committed to the Lady Vols.
Both Dupree and Williams are ranked as four-star prospects by HoopGurlz.com with Dupree #67 nationally and Williams #68.
As is usually the case, Summitt is the hunt for several of the nation's top-rated recruits. Among those showing interest in the Lady Vols are 6'5" post Kelsey Bone [Sugar Land, TX], 5'8" point guard Skylar Diggins [South Bend, IN], 6'2" forward Mariah Chandler [Atlanta], 6'1" wing Shenneika Smith [Brooklyn, NY], 5'11" wing Tierra Rogers [San Francisco], 6'1" guard Taber Spani [Shwnee Mission, KS] and 5'11" guard Bianca Lutley [Penscola, FL]. All are five-star prospects and among the nation's top 25 players. Diggins is fourth nationally and Bone second. Bone had been first in her class since the beginning of her sophomore season before being overtaken by 6'7" post Brittney Griner of Houston. Griner has already committed to Baylor.
* Former Lady Vol Candace Parker was named as the winner of the Honda-Broderick Cup on Monday as the nation's top female college athlete. Parker flew to New York early on Monday to receive the award.
Just hours earlier, Parker recorded her first professional dunk with a one-handed break-away slam in the Los Angeles Sparks' 77-63 victory over the Indiana Fever. Parker joins teammate Lisa Leslie as the only WNBA players to dunk during a game.
Also nominated for the Honda-Broderick Cup were Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher (softball), Duke's Amanda Blumenherst (golf), North Carolina's Rachel Dawson (field hockey) and Arizona State's Jacquelyn Johnson (track).
* The National Champion Lady Vols will be honored at a White House ceremony on Tuesday.
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