The Lady Vols didn’t advance beyond the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. But that didn’t lower the optimism from my literary contributors about what’s ahead for coach Kim Caldwell’s program.
Trevor writes: It really blows my mind that so many are stuck in years past. Pat Summit was obviously the best coach around in my opinion. Kellie Harper was a great person, a decent coach, but just couldn’t turn the corner.
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I think that was due to having slow “bigs” and not recruiting speed. The game has changed some, and I truly believe Kim Caldwell is going to do great things for the program. She already has.
So, I agree with you. I think she is the answer the Lady Vols need to move on from years past and create that fire and passion we are so used to from this program.
My response: I have been as impressed with her recruiting as to how effectively she assembled her first Lady Vols team.
She exceeded expectations this season. And she’s just getting started.
Gary writes: Dave was questioning the firing of Kelly and replacing her with Kim. I agree with your response.
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Most importantly, in my opinion, is the signing class for next year, #2 in USA. Kellie never had a strong recruiting class. Let’s see who else Kim grabs in the Portal.
Harper’s phantom defense in the South Carolina game (in the 2023-24 season) was grounds for dismissal in my opinion.
Love Kim and the Lady Vols future. Top 10 every year, starting next year.
My response: I can understand why Lady Vols fans would be optimistic about their basketball future.
Caldwell’s recruiting is an indicator she can sustain success. I also believe athletic director Danny White understands how important women’s basketball is at UT. Translation: He will give Caldwell all the support she needs to be successful.
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But keep in mind, this sport is more competitive than when the Lady Vols and UConn combined to win 19 national championships. And the competition is tougher than ever in the SEC.
Colorado Mark writes: Kellie Harper should have kept her ego in check and milked the “SEC Now” gig for as long as they could stand her. Now, she is gonna have to actually work, although the future golden parachute buyout will probably be worth the effort.
After all, why work when you can get fired and become a multi-millionaire? Makes perfect sense nowadays.
My response: As competitive as women’s basketball has become in the SEC, upward mobility is more challenging than ever. Harper has a steep climb ahead of her at Missouri.
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Mike writes: As I was changing channels today, I happened to see a few minutes of the National Invitational Tournament. Why does the National Losers Invitation still exist? Who will be this year’s cream of the crap?
My response: It exists for bettors only. Nobody else knows it’s still alive.
George writes: Is there a podcast, where I can view your insights?
ADAMS: Lady Vols basketball comes up short, but long-range view is promising under Kim Caldwell
My response: There is not just one podcast. There are two.
You can hear Blake Toppmeyer and me on SEC Football Unfiltered. Adam Sparks and I team up for a podcast on UT football (Vol Nation). Both podcasts are available on our Knoxnews.com website.
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More good news: Toppmeyer and Sparks offer even more insight than I do.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Reader predicts top 10 every year for Kim Caldwell’s Lady Vols
