Unleashing the Power of Lady Vols Basketball
Return to the Ranks
It has been over a year since the Lady Vols were last ranked in the AP Top 25. This extended absence only makes their recent return all the more remarkable. The team's journey back to the top began with decisive wins over Florida State and Iowa. These victories not only propelled them into the rankings but also marked their first ranked win of the season. Iowa, which was previously ranked No. 17, provided a tough challenge, but the Lady Vols rose to the occasion. Their 7-0 start after beating the Hawkeyes in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center is a testament to their current form. This is the first time under the leadership of first-year coach Kim Caldwell that Tennessee has entered the rankings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the team's success.Last week, UT was on the cusp of making it into the USA TODAY Coaches Poll but unfortunately missed out. However, their recent performances have clearly caught the attention of the basketball world and have them firmly on the radar.
Historical Perspective
Looking back, the Lady Vols last held a ranked position in Week 4 of the 2023-24 season, which was released on Nov. 27, 2023. They started the previous season with a ranked status but faced challenges and fell out of the AP poll on Dec. 4, 2023, after a 4-4 start. In the past 45 weeks of the AP Top 25, Tennessee has only been ranked for 10 of those weeks, highlighting the significance of their current standing.During the early part of the season in November, the Lady Vols started with a 5-0 record, with their best win coming against Middle Tennessee. December brought tougher tests against Power conference opponents, and they emerged victorious by beating two of them in a single week. Florida State, which was ranked to start the season, initially fell out of the AP poll after Week 1. But their matchup with Tennessee proved to be a solid win for the Lady Vols, especially considering the Seminoles were ranked No. 27 in the NCAA NET rankings at the time.
Offensive and Defensive Prowess
The Lady Vols have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. They lead the nation in offensive rebounding, averaging an impressive 22 rebounds per game. This aggressive approach to rebounding gives them multiple scoring opportunities and keeps their opponents on their toes. Additionally, their scoring ability is second to none, with 92.6 points per game ranking third in the nation behind LSU and Florida State.On the defensive side, the Lady Vols are equally dominant. They force an astonishing 28.3 turnovers per game and average 16.6 steals, both ranking No. 2 in the nation. This tenacious defense disrupts their opponents' offensive flow and creates countless scoring opportunities for their own team. Their ability to combine offensive firepower with solid defense makes them a formidable opponent.
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.