Lady Vols Basketball Practice Notes and Observations: Oct. 22

On Wednesday, Lady Vols basketball held its annual local media day, in which Kim Caldwell, assistant coaches and players met with the media to preview the upcoming season. Afterward, there was a short portion of practice open to the media for viewing as the countdown to the season continues to dwindle.

A lot of what we were able to view was one-on-one work. A good bit of it featured a ballhandler and defender start at the baseline, race to a set of cones and then cut to the basket in an attempt to score. The majority of players got to the rim, as Caldwell has said she wants to do more this year, while there were still some pull-up threes attempted.

Some of the players that stood out as consistent scorers in this category were Zee Spearman, Talaysia Cooper and Mia Pauldo. Spearman, typically guarded by a smaller Kaniya Boyd, used the size difference to her advantage and finished well at the rim. However, most notably, her shot from range was automatic. She hit multiple threes during what we could watch.

Cooper just seemed in control the whole time with the ball in her hands. She got into her rhythm finishing at the rim and had a few impressive buckets in the paint through contact.

Pauldo, despite giving up a lot of height at times, also did a good job. She clearly is used to being a smaller player, using her body to shield herself from defenders and giving her a chance to finish at the basket. She’s also a great shooter from range when she has the chance to get off her shot.

More From RTI: Everything Lady Vols Basketball Coach Kim Caldwell Said at Media Day

Defensively, Cooper was the biggest standout to me. She’s just such a natural defender with her athleticism and length that it’s tough for opposing ballhandlers to get by her or even get a shot off in one-on-ones. She was great last year in the press and looks like she’s ready to build on it.  Boyd would be the other player on the team I’d put my money on as the best two defenders.

As practice progressed, the team went into a drill that saw two players work together on offense. Spearman continued to impress me, making a great pass in the post, as well.

Another name that was consistently in the mix and making strong plays was Jaida Civil. The freshman received strong praise from Caldwell and her teammates during interviews, and you can already see why. She’s one of, if not the best, pure athletes on the team and is parlaying it with an improved shot. She made some tough buckets and seems ready defensively, as well.

“She’s really good and she’s fearless and she flies around,” Caldwell said about Civil today. “She is not afraid of anyone, she’ll talk smack with our practice guys, she’ll talk smack with our best players, she doesn’t care. She’s a great human being and she’s going to be really good.”

Other quick notes: Ruby Whitehorn looked strong offensively. She’s very fluid with the ball. You can see why Janiah Barker is being looked at as a WNBA prospect. She has a ton of skills for her size and can shoot it. Jersey Wolfenbarger also looks comfortable on the perimeter at 6-foot-5. Alyssa Latham could be a fantastic role player and option to stretch the floor. Lauren Hurst is taller than I expected. She’s the tallest freshman on the team at 6-foot-3 and uses it to her advantage.