Jimmy’s blog: Harper says season-opening tourney canceled

Jimmy’s blog: Harper says season-opening tourney canceled

By Jimmy Hyams

Here are excerpts from comments Lady Vols coach Kellie Harper made today during a zoom interview with the media:

*Harper said she learned last night and the Lady Vols would not play in a Thanksgiving weekend tournament in Melbourne, Fla. The event was originally set for Cancun but was moved during the summer.

*Kellie Harper said workouts have gone well and players displaying `energy’ and `communication has been much better’ on the court. She said veterans have embraced newcomers. She likes progress of 3 freshmen and said all they lack is experience.

*Harper said there are many layers to try to put together a schedule: `One of the things we have to do is wait on information; that’s been one of the hardest things for me. – hurry up and wait.’ UT has contingent plans to add foes with an eye on strength of schedule. `It’s a complicated puzzle with moving parts.’

*Harper said she again plans to sub a lot and she’s `more comfortable with our depth. I like playing players. They come to practice every day. They want to play. When they earn playing time, I want to reward them.’ She wants to have a `liberal substitution pattern.’

* Harper said All-SEC Rennia Davis has improved yearly. `She had a really good junior year and we want to build on that’ and add diversity to her game, like ball-handling. `She can really shoot, really score. She’s a great athlete. I’m impressed with her defense on the ball, off the ball and she’s an excellent rebounder. She can continue to improve in almost all of those areas.’

*Harper said the upperclassmen are communicating well and are more confident. `When you have that confidence, it’s easier to speak and communicate on the court.’ She said the newcomers `are by nature, pretty vocal. They bring a lot of energy. They are wonderful additions.’

*Among the freshman, Harper said Tess Darby is an `excellent shooter’ and works hard. Destiny Salary `brings a lot of energy, lot of personality’ and can knock down shots. Marta Suarez is `very dynamic’ and has a `wide skill set’ and can play several positions.

*Harper said Jordan Horston is more mature, more consistent and is `doing what she needs to do to be successful. She looks amazing.’ She’s also bigger and stronger. `her strength and size should allow her to play more powerful this season.’

* Harper called wing Rae Burrell the `ultimate sixth man. `You want someone fearless who plays down hill … I thought that was the perfect role for us. .. The more she plays the better she will get.’

* Harper said grad transfer Keyen Green (Liberty University) has made a big impact with her maturity and leadership. She said Green took four charges in onepractice, which might be more than the entire team took last year. `This is a tough hard-nosed kid that wants the basketball. And if you don’t throw it to her, she will go get the rebound.’

*Harper said it’s important for team to have consistent scoring in the low post. `We’re definitely capable, the consistency was lacking last year.’ She added: `We’re talented enough and have the personnel to do it. For our offense to be as good as possible, we need great balance.’


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!