Lady Vols Basketball: Coach Kim Caldwell's Insights Post-Game
After a tough 100-93 loss to Oklahoma, Lady Vols Basketball Coach Kim Caldwell shared her thoughts with the media, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for growth. As Tennessee prepares to face LSU, Caldwell provided an in-depth look at the team's current state and the road ahead.
Game Reflections
Caldwell opened by acknowledging the team's effort but pointed out two critical areas: excessive fouling and struggles on the boards. These were pivotal in the matchup against Oklahoma and are areas the team needs to address moving forward.
Oklahoma's Standout Performance
Reagan Beers of Oklahoma was a force to be reckoned with. Caldwell noted her relentless effort and ability to capitalize on second chances, making her a challenging opponent to contain. The strategy to defend her often left other Oklahoma players open to crash the boards, showcasing the depth and versatility of their team.
Janiah Barker's Absence
Barker didn't make the trip due to not meeting team standards. Caldwell assured that these matters would be resolved internally and expressed confidence in Barker's promising future.
Navigating the SEC
Caldwell described the SEC as a rollercoaster, with stretches of brilliance and adversity. Despite recent struggles, she praised her team's hard work and camaraderie, emphasizing the importance of honesty and adaptability. The Lady Vols aim to learn from their mistakes and make necessary adjustments, particularly focusing on improving their third-quarter performance.
Jaida Civil's Impact
Jaida Civil's performance was a highlight, and Caldwell stressed the need for her to maintain this level consistently. Her double-double showed her potential to be a game-changer when she brings her best from the start.
Oklahoma's Balanced Attack
Caldwell admired Oklahoma's ability to share the ball and have multiple players step up, particularly Zya Vann and Aaliyah Chavez. Their synergy and relentless energy made them tough to defend.
Addressing Foul Issues
With 51 fouls called in the game, Caldwell acknowledged the need for adjustment. The fast-paced style both teams favor was hindered by frequent stoppages, and she plans to implement stricter practice penalties to curb fouling.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tough stretch, Caldwell remains optimistic about the team's growth. The challenging schedule has been a learning experience, and the focus is on developing the freshmen and ensuring everyone is aligned and ready for the NCAA Tournament.
Radio Interview Highlights
In a conversation with Brian Rice, Caldwell expressed frustration over the 36 points given up on foul shots. She reiterated the need for practice adjustments to address this issue. Jaida Civil's consistent potential was again highlighted, as was the importance of Nya Robertson's resilience in overcoming a slump.
Preparing for LSU
As the team heads to Baton Rouge, the focus is on fixing third-quarter lapses and tightening up defensively. Caldwell's message is clear: improvement and unity are key as the Lady Vols continue their journey through the season.