NEW YORK — Kim Caldwell has introduced her dynamic, pressing game strategy to the University of Tennessee this season, which has proven effective thus far. After previously successful stints at Glenville State and Marshall, Caldwell is now leading No. 19 Tennessee back into the Top 25 rankings, marking their first appearance in the AP women’s basketball poll in a year. This ends the school’s longest absence from ranked status. The Lady Vols are set to face N.C. Central in their next matchup on Saturday.
“I’ve made adjustments over the years and studied a lot of game film,” Caldwell mentioned. “When we began utilizing this style, everyone seemed to enjoy it.”
In addition to maintaining a full-court press throughout the game, the Lady Vols frequently rotate players, ensuring fresh legs every few minutes. Caldwell explained that one of her assistant coaches is responsible for coordinating these rapid substitutions, akin to hockey-style line changes, allowing players to quickly transition in and out of the game. The team’s commitment to this aggressive approach is evident.
“We’ve had discussions about it and clearly explained our approach to the players,” Caldwell said. “It’s an enjoyable way to play. Players often focus on how quickly they’re subbed out, but in reality, they get more possessions in just 2 to 3 minutes than they would from a slower-paced game.”
Tennessee is maintaining an undefeated record of 7-0, recently achieving a significant victory against then-No. 17 Iowa at the Women’s Champions Classic. Iowa’s coach, Jan Jensen, remarked on the challenges of preparing for Tennessee’s unique style, noting that the Lady Vols managed to outlast the Hawkeyes mentally. Iowa’s last basket occurred with 4:38 remaining in the contest, with the game score at that moment being 66-62 in their favor before a 78-68 defeat.
The Women’s Champions Classic is set to return to New York next season as part of a five-year plan. The event, which also showcased No. 2 UConn defeating then-No. 22 Louisville, attracted a crowd of over 9,000 fans.
As many teams approach final exams, the upcoming weeks will feature a lighter schedule with fewer high-profile matchups.
On the bright side, several teams are making impressive starts to their seasons. No. 7 Maryland (10-0) is having its best start since the Terrapins began the 2018-19 season at 12-0. Michigan State has jumped seven spots to No. 17 and is currently 9-0, marking the best start in the school’s history. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech shares a similar 9-0 record, its fastest start since the 1977-78 season.
However, UCLA transfer Charlisse Leger-Walker will not participate this season as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury sustained in January. Coach Cori Close confirmed that Leger-Walker has received a medical redshirt and will return to play next season.
In the NCAA’s NET rankings, which aid the selection committee in forming the NCAA Tournament bracket, South Carolina holds the top position, followed closely by UConn, Kansas State, and Texas. Interestingly, UCLA, ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, currently sits fifth in the NET rankings.