My literary contributors are seldom short on opinions or slow on the trigger. So, I wasn’t surprised how they reacted to the worst half of basketball in Lady Vols history Feb. 1 against UConn.
UConn outscored Tennessee by 30 points in the last 20 minutes for a 96-66 victory.
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Dan writes: Fire this incompetent coach (Kim Caldwell).
I started following and supporting the Lady Vols in 1975 when I met Pat Summit in the PE gym at UT as a student. I won’t bore you with my life, but understand I have been a financial supporter, season ticket holder and loyal fan for many years.
I quit. I will not go to Thompson-Boling Arena or give one cent nor follow this team if the incompetent (UT athletic director) Danny White keeps Caldwell and her assistants.
You pay these players to be lazy, sloppy, and quit because of their own ineptitude. Caldwell doesn’t coach or have a clue. She lets her players pout, and walk all over her.
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My response: I can appreciate your frustration. But if you fired every coach who lost by 30 points or more to UConn, you would quickly run out of experienced coaches.
David writes: Thanks for a very good evaluation of the embarrassment the Lady Vols gave their fans against UConn. Hopefully, they will read – and more importantly, act on − your observations.
Hopefully, it’s not quite time to give up on this season but it could be. Kim commented that when they play as a team they do well, but when they don’t, they’re “terrible.” Well, you saw the results against Mississippi State (Jan. 29) and a repeat in Hartford.
This far into the season, the players should understand this is not playground basketball. Team play is essential. Turnovers, terrible shot selection, and misplaced effort will result in more losses and cost them a host spot the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
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My response: The schedule isn’t in their favor. Five of their last nine games are against teams ranked in the top 10 in at least one of the two top 25 polls.
The Lady Vols have played three games against teams currently ranked in the top 10. They lost by 22 to UCLA, by 24 to Louisville, and by 30 to UConn.
Jerry writes: Can we find someone to provide a transcript of coach Geno Auriemma’s halftime speech he made to his team? Coach Auriemma is a hall of fame coach who is a master instructor and motivator.
Coach Caldwell should frame this speech and hang it in a prominent spot in her office where she can see it every day. Above this speech should be a banner that reads, “observe and learn from a master.”
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My response: I doubt Auriemma would make his halftime speech available. He hasn’t won 12 national championships by helping opponents.
Donald writes: Before new Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is rewarded “assistant coach of the year,” let’s remember that this is the same coach Knowles who didn’t have a clue how to stop Nico Iamaleava from running all over his Penn State defense, allowing one of the biggest upset in decades.
My response: Knowles is highly regarded as a defensive coordinator. But you’re right: Iamaleava ran circles around Penn State’s defense in UCLA’s 42-37 victory last season. He rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski also produced big numbers against Knowles’ defense. He rushed for 130 yards on just nine carries and scored two touchdowns in Iowa’s 25-24 victory.
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James writes: Looking at Tennessee’s 2026 football schedule, we had better see some real improvement in the team.
There are three sure wins: Furman, Kennesaw State, and Kentucky. Georgia Tech, Auburn, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Vandy are questionable depending on how they reboot. Texas, Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU would be tough wins. 9-3 would be a solid season, but 7-5 could also happen.
Improvement is obviously needed.
My response: I’m convinced the defense will be better. If Joey Aguilar wins his court case and can return at quarterback, a 9-3 record isn’t out of the question.
ADAMS: UConn gives Lady Vols a lesson in championship basketball
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Mike writes: Regarding Joey Aguilar’s attempt to gain another year of eligibility, Tennessee should follow the path Alabama took in the Charles Bediako case.
All UT has to do is have the case heard by a judge who contributes to the Vols’ athletic department. It is as simple as that.
My response: Ideally, justice should be blind. But in Aguilar’s case, a judge with Big Orange vision would be preferable.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Readers embarrassed by Kim Caldwell, Lady Vols basketball vs UConn
