Jimmy’s blog: Harper says you never stop recruiting

Jimmy’s blog: Harper says you never stop recruiting

By Jimmy Hyams

It came as no surprise that Lady Vols point guard Evina Westbrook transferred.

Her mother had tweeted as much a month before the regular season ended and Westbrook would up at UConn.

But freshman center Mimi Collins leaving for Maryland wasn’t forseen.

Collins, who averaged 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds and made four starts, had played well down the stretch for Tennessee and there was no indication she wasn’t happy.

New coach Kellie Harper was caught off guard and doesn’t know why Collins departed.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m a little unclear as to the full reason,’’ Harper said in a recent interview. “So, Mimi left and then let us know she was going to be transferring. So unfortunately, we didn’t get to that discussion.

“But you know players have to do at this point what’s best for them and she felt like that’s what she needed.’’

While Collins provided a solid inside presence, the Lady Vols might still be productive inside with the return of 6-4 Kassie Kushkituah and 6-5 signees Emily Saunders and Tamari Key.

“These two kids, they’re large, very tall, very long,’’ Harper said of Saunders and Key.

That kind of size won’t change Harper’s philosophy, but it might amend it.

“We do modify our scheme to fit our personnel … without changing our overall system,’’ Harper said.

Tennessee welcomes five new players with the star being Jordan Horston, rated the No. 2 player in the country in some circles.

“Jordan has a great skill set, handling the ball, distributing the ball,’’ Harper said.

Harper said junior college transfer Jaiden McCoy brings “toughness and interior toughness.’’

The five newcomers will complement Davis, who averaged 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds and Shay Green, who averaged 9.6 points and 4 rebounds.

One major concern for UT is outside shooting. The Lady Vols hit only 32.5 percent from beyond the arc last year and no returner shot as high as 38 percent from long range. Davis shot 37 percent from outside, Green 21.8 percent. The best was Collins, who was 8 of 15.

Jessie Rennie, the sharp shooter from Australia, is expected to help with 3-point accuracy.

Harper didn’t close the door on adding to the roster.

“The landscape of women’s basketball,’’ Harper said, “you always have your eyes open. You never shut off any possibilities at this point. But we’ve got 12 going into the summer and that’s what we feel comfortable about.’’

Harper said she will recruit nationally and internationally.

“I think we can get in homes and get the right people,’’ she said.

Harper said she will look first in-state, then in the surrounding area before branching out.


Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Headlines

What's happening

On-Site Hoops Coverage From Detroit!

On-Site Hoops Coverage From Detroit!

Sports Animal SportsTalk co-host and Vol Network Voice Vince Ferrara hits the road north this weekend as the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team continues their March journey in the NCAA Tournament in Detroit, Michigan. Vince will be bringing on-site coverage from Detroit with interviews, practice reports, and game analysis! This incredible on-site coverage would not…

Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk- April 6th

Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk- April 6th

Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. Chalk Walk features over 300 artists and collaborative teams working on-site from 8am-5pm to complete their artwork.

Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk To Make Alzheimer’s A Memory!

Alzheimer’s Tennessee Walk To Make Alzheimer’s A Memory!

Find An Upcoming Walk Near You! Foothills Walk Alcoa High School Saturday, April 6 Knoxville Walk World’s Fair Park Saturday, April 13 Middle Tennessee Walk At Franklin The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Saturday, April 20 5 County Walk Historic Downtown Clinton Saturday, April 27 Tri-Cities Walk Willow Springs Park, Johnson City Saturday, April 27

Knoxville Opera 2024

Knoxville Opera 2024

Check out all the excitement that The Knoxville Opera has to offer this season, including the Rossini Festival April 20th, and Cendrillon May 3rd, 4th & 5th!