Being a player didn't prevent Alexis Hornbuckle from sounding like a coach Thursday afternoon.
The day after returning from playing in Turkey, the former Tennessee standout assisted UT with its women's basketball workout at Pratt Pavilion.
"Older people helped me,'' she said, "so I'm just trying to return the favor."
The program's all-time steals leader, who played a key part in back-to-back national championships, was doling out advice. When asked if the current Lady Vols were receptive, Hornbuckle said, "Some of them, we'll work on it."
Thursday's session was the second basketball-related workout following Tennessee's 71-55 loss to Ball State in the NCAA tournament. The ripple effect from Sunday night's setback, Tennessee's first loss in a first-round game, felt like a shock wave when it reached Hornbuckle overseas.
"I wanted to throw my computer,'' she said. "I just wanted to throw it somewhere. I was just surprised. I was upset."
The workouts also have created a stir with some internet chatter, fueled by conflicting NCAA bylaws, speculating whether these sessions are within the rules. UT coach Pat Summitt said that Todd Dooley, the Lady Vols assistant athletic director for compliance and operations, has fielded phone calls on the matter.
"We're not going to break any rules,'' Summitt said. "So we had to get what we could do and that's what we did. That's why we're doing what we're doing now."
Summitt said that she has taken phone calls from coaches at Texas, Georgia and Duke and assumed that these schools are at least considering a similar approach.
If anything, Summitt felt compelled to further explain these workouts to the players, especially after their energy level was relatively low Tuesday.
"I think part of it was they were down,'' she said. "They just lost. Obviously they were a little wounded. And maybe I didn't do a good job of explaining why we're here. It's to get better."
Summitt reiterated that final thought to the Lady Vols after their conditioning workout Wednesday.
"The point I wanted to make to them is this is not punishment," said Summitt, who was happier with Thursday's workout. "It's an opportunity for us to go back in the gym and look at the skill work that's going to benefit us the most."
Hornbuckle, who is beginning to train for her second season with the WNBA defending champion Detroit Shock, made some points herself on Thursday. She gave an earful to freshman forward Glory Johnson, who was struggling with some fatigue.
"Glory has so much athleticism and so much potential but you have to get that laziness out of her,'' Hornbuckle said. "That lackadaisical attitude, you have to get that out of her."
As for the team in general, Hornbuckle advised: "They have to be tough and ready to play the whole time. They don't have that. It comes in spurts. It comes and goes."
Notebook: Freshman forward Amber Gray suffered a left shoulder injury Thursday and will be examined. ... Tennessee's 41.3 field goal percentage, its 837 field goals and its 249 steals were all-time season lows. ... Before losing to three unranked teams this season, UT had lost to 32 unranked teams in 34 seasons. ... The Lady Vols finished with a program-worst 4-8 record against ranked teams.
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Comments » 89
xvolx writes:
what's left to say?
AlpharettaVol writes:
I never thought Alexis was the most talented Lady Vol but no one worked any harder than she did. The current team needs to quit moping and listen to those who have been there, done that.
bpvol#216873 writes:
It's great to have past players, especially, successful WNBA players, come back to campus.
You gotta believe there would be a an automatic respect factor....both from her current position and the past history with UT....that would make an impact on the freshman.
Alexis had some Interesting comments and message.....hopefully it will be well recieved.
Final comment.....the way this article was written.....it sounds like PHS had to explain/apologize to the team that these few practices were not punishment.....but to improve....
Would seem pretty obvious to me.....punishment or not.....practice is needed
Makes you wonder about attitudes??
Pullingguard writes:
No one had to read this article to realize the lady vols were lazy and really not in good shape... Gloria Johnson in my opinion played and acted like she was still in High School for most of the season.... In some respects I put some of the blame on Pat for she should have benched those who failed to give 100%, why would she tolerate such effort?
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Maybe Hornbuckle should show them one of her bank statements. I'm sure she made around a $1 million this past year playing for the WNBA (for chump change) and then in Turkey, where the real money is. Then she should let them know that the pros don't recruit complacent players that are OK with losing. Money motivates everybody.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Can we trade players?
CTOWNICON writes:
Thanks to Alexis for taking the time to come back and contribute. That is really nice of her. I just hope something can get these players playing up to their potential. It is going to have to be a 50/50 effort from players and coaching staff. They seem to be going in the right direction. I wish Shannon Bobbitt would come and work with Bass and that Annoisike would come and show the current post players how to defend the paint. Best wishes next season!
KCHS63 writes:
When you've only got ten available players and two of them have bad knees, your options are limited.
mmynatt writes:
Alexis may not have been the most talented but she was tough as nails and never took a play off, especially on defense. The current team had a bunch of softies that basically never listened to Pat or any of the other coaches. Some played as if all they had to do was show up and the other team would lay down -- of course that don't work no more.
That said -- not everyone can be criticized -- I think Kelly Cain and Vicki Baugh would if they could, but their knees just did not hold up. I hope both return to health for their long-term life sakes, but I would not be surprised to not see either make a meaningful contribution next season. If one or both does that will be a blessing that both deserve after what they have been through.
Hope the ladies work as hard as Pat wants them to and turns their fortumes back around. Pat deserves better than the shoddy efforts she got last season.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Like Holly; Lea; Shelia; Shelley; Dawn; Melissa; Tonya; Dena; Jody; Nikki; Kellie; Boo and Kara before her, Lex was the heart, soul, energy and glue that held the team together.
I'd take five-for-two trade for Lex and Boo over Bass, Bjork, Kinna, Lyssi and Syd any day!
We NEED former players like Candace; Shyra; Kara; Catch; Loree; Shannon; Nicky; Tasha; Shelia; Bridgette; Princess; Mique; Spinderella; Nikki; Carla; Boo and Zo to come back and be a part of the program on a more frequent basis.
Dae-Dae has got to be more assertive next season in coaching-up the Post players and Holly has got to do a better job with the coaching and recruiting of our Guards!!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Hornbuckle used to be a loose cannon; beginning her junior year, she matured some but was still wild. Her senior year, she was outstanding. She played under control, but with that great energy.
I'll give you this: I never, ever remember seeing her back off or loaf. One tough, hard-working lady.
OH, BTW, Ms. H, thanks for calling out Glory Johnson. Man oh man, do we agree with you!!! Such a beautiful athlete, such a bad basketball player.
ps11824 writes:
BOV, I've been skeptical of Daedra all season. Why is she always stoic? I've never seen any emotion from her. I've heard nothing about what she does in practice.
I miss Nikki. I miss Mickie. Heck, I miss Al Brown.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I think Kelley Cain is one outstanding talent with two main issues;
-the knees
-the weight
She really has a nice touch around the basket. This will be her third year coming up, might as well be her first.
It's sad, you are looking at a woman who can dominate in the paint.
CarmenSandiego writes:
*Sigh* I miss Nikki too...
bpvol#216873 writes:
MP
I would agree that G. Johnson could be absolutely dominant in the SEC....with her size and athleticism
It appears the only/main thing standing in her way is between the ears.....hopefully Pat can turn that around.
However, judging from the few times I have seen them on TV and watched her body lanquage and expressions on her face when Pat confronts her......
It will be an uphill battle, I'm afraid.....Hope I'm wrong
rocky_topper writes:
I loved alexis......she always gave it her all. I still remember the time she continued to play during a game with a broken wrist....she never said a word, but kept on playing.
bmaples writes:
Welcome home, Alexis! Glad you're doing what you're doing. Hope your passion and attitude rub off on some of the current crew.
LadyVolFanForever writes:
Thanks for coming back Lex, I hope you and some others can do it on a more regular basis ! You have your own career now and are playing most of the year but this was IMPORTANT enough to you to let the current team know your feelings. I hope all of them will wake up and be receptive. We need all the help we can get !
Many times this year, in the stands and on these forums, we have said how much we miss Lex. What a hard worker who NEVER gave up or gave in ! A player with a heart of gold and a real passion for the competive game.
Take care of those knees and come back anytime Lady Vol !!!
tnboy76 writes:
Wait until Taber Spani gets here next year. I saw her play last week, and she is a beast. Hope someone is ready to give up there starting spot.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
IMHO Spani should come in with an attitude like "y'all didn't put what I AM GOING TO PUT into this".
The big quesitons for her: can she hit a jumper under pressure? Be quick enough to guard? Shoot an acceptble 3?? Dribble penetrate??
Still, the chance is there for her to be an impact player. Solid passing and some court sense will go a long way.
queens2183#661836 writes:
I understand being excited about the freshmen coming in but I wouldn't put all my eggs in that basket. Remember they will be freshmen and will have to learn the system and adapt to the college game just like these freshmen had to. It's a process and they will just be starting it out. If anything, I would get behind this current group and hope they use the offseason to their advantage and get better as players and get their mindset right. It's still fresh for them now but with a player like Lex coming in and helping them and providing some leadership (albeit short term), they should begin to respond. I do think the coaching staff had to adjust just like the players but don't feel Dae is a problem and have seen her be assertive in practice. Yes, Nikki, Holly, and Dean had chemistry but they had been together for a while. That's not to say Dae can't be the same; her jersey isn't retired for nothing. She's willing to get in these players faces too and I think you'll see more of it next year. These kids have the talent; it's all about the mental. Lex realizes it and she's not giving up on them. Neither should anyone here. Get behind the kids and give them a chance to succeed before you throw them under a bus.
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
Amber Gray needs to hit the road , she's a problem .
cjensen writes:
When Hornbuckle was assigned to a player, and it was always the opposing teams best, that player seemed to consistently have an off-night. I wonder why that was?
Of course, the fact that Hornbuckle didn't play matador defense is kindda important. She understood that you play defense with your feet, not your hands and arms. Maybe Hornbuckle was a role player, but WHAT A ROLE!
queens2183#661836 writes:
"dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
Amber Gray needs to hit the road , she's a problem."
IMO, that's out of line. What do you really know about Amber Gray? You have no idea the extra time this kid has put into trying to get in better shape and the type of kid she is. She has had to deal with the constant rumor mill of her transferring and when asked about it, handled the question with grace and integrity. This kid is a class act and doesn't deserve to have something so classless said about her. Just because a player doesn't make an immediate impact does not make her a problem nor does 1 season a college career make. It might help these kids if people actually allow them the opportunity to grow in the offseason.
johnlg00 writes:
I too was somewhat puzzled by Daedra's role on this staff. I thought she was brought in to coach the posts but then I heard that Lockwood was doing that. I'm not sure about her coaching background before coming back; maybe Pat thought she would benefit from just sitting back in her first year and absorbing the whole atmosphere of a big-time program from an assistant's perspective. Since Daedra was arguably the best classic-style LV post player ever, I thought she would have a major hands-on role with our raw but promising young post players. Some of you have said that she did coach the posts some, but their footwork and assertiveness were a FAR cry from her own, so I wonder how much time she actually had with them.
LadyVolFanForever writes:
I totally agree queens. I am sick and tired of these kind of comments and sincerely hope the players consider the source and do not pay attention to them. The real Lady Vol fans have faith in our coaching staff to mold these young women into the best basketball players they can be. No one else has the right to make these kind of judgements.
IMO, Amber loves the Lady Vols and knows she has great challenges ahead. She will NOT quit and she will improve greatly. You go girl !
knoxtenor writes:
Alexis is a perfect example for these young players to emulate. Early in her career at UT she struggled with learning the system and playing the aggressive style of ball that Pat teaches, much as these girls have been doing. However, Alexis bought in to the program, worked hard at improving her game and finally, when called upon to step up as both a player and a leader, she came through in spades.
The result? ONLY two national championships. Alexis should remind the girls about last year's championship: People were writing off the Lady Vols every time they struggled, even as late as halftime of the championship game. But Alexis and her sisters turned a deaf ear to the rest of the world and said, "YES WE CAN!" Then turned to Pat and said, "How do we do it, coach?"
queens2183#661836 writes:
"johnlg00#206211 writes:
I too was somewhat puzzled by Daedra's role on this staff. I thought she was brought in to coach the posts but then I heard that Lockwood was doing that. I'm not sure about her coaching background before coming back; maybe Pat thought she would benefit from just sitting back in her first year and absorbing the whole atmosphere of a big-time program from an assistant's perspective. Since Daedra was arguably the best classic-style LV post player ever, I thought she would have a major hands-on role with our raw but promising young post players. Some of you have said that she did coach the posts some, but their footwork and assertiveness were a FAR cry from her own, so I wonder how much time she actually had with them."
John, just to answer your question about where Dae was before she came back to TN; she was an assistant at Auburn for Nell Fortner. She was learning her role on this coaching staff as the new kid but there were also many times that Dae was very vocal with the kids. She and Dean share the post work and I actually did see some improvement, especially from Lyssi. Kelley made some improvements but her knee really kept her from being even better. The problem with this team wasn't that they can't play or defend or overall talent; it was that they didn't have the "all out, all the time" mindset. They were hardheaded as freshmen usually are and as Lex once was herself. She stated that she did the exact same thing when she was a freshman that these kids did and really didn't click until the offseason before her junior year; she's trying to help them not make the same mistakes so they can be better. She sees that these kids are very talented but also comments that they don't have that tough mindset needed yet. They can and will get better but they have to learn the mindset first and that's what's happening now. Hope that clears up some things.
rdsvol writes:
I loved Hornbuckle from the beginning of her time at UT. She didn't let people run over her. I hope she can help some of these players; they need all they can get. If any of them can't take advice from a great player, they really do need to leave.
I'm glad some others have commented on Daedra. Good players are not always good coaches. I guess next season will tell that tale.
johnlg00 writes:
As I have said, I hate to knock a kid and then I went on to knock Amber a bit. The thing is, Pat herself said that Amber is a bit of a puzzle and cited her tendency to take herself out of practices for "injuries" that the training staff couldn't find.
Of course I have no idea what is really in her mind, but about the best that can be said for her performance this year is that she just wasn't emotionally or physically ready for the demands of a high-pressure, high-profile program like Tennessee. Who knows, if she really decides she wants to be here and do what it takes, she may become a useful player some day. I hope so, for her own sake and for the team's sake.
johnlg00 writes:
Good post, queens; thanks for the info about Daedra. You are surely right that Brewer improved over the year; there were times when I thought she was really getting it. Good point about the young Hornbuckle needing to get her own attitude adjusted before she became the player she was later. She even had experienced upper-classmen to help with that adjustment, which this year's frosh largely did not.
Those of us who are, ahem, more experienced in life often lament the failure of the younger generation to learn from our mistakes rather than repeating them for themselves, but life is like that, and my generation was arguably one of the worst ever about this. I hope Alex's talk and example rubs off on some of them, but until they can learn for themselves to put their pride and ego aside, they won't change, however unproductive an immature frame of mind is for them right now.
ps11824 writes:
I read somewhere Pat said Amber was 'the smartest player' on the team. For an instant I thought that was a good thing. Then I remembered Brynae Laxton, a very bright roll player on the 95/96 team who came on the scene as a redshirt freshman after spending her first season on the sidelines with 'some sort' of injury. Brynae was a hometown girl from nearby Oneida HS where she shattered all kinds of records. She played awesome defense for 'few minute' periods. She was a dead-eye shooter, but, she was almost always injured. I often wondered why di we recruit her? There's things I will never understand, but I sure trust Pat's judgement. If you haven't listened to her interview with Dan & Mike on 3/26, go there now.
BigRMan writes:
Glory Johnson has an excellent role model to emulate, if she chooses to take to heart what Alexis has to impart to her. Alexis Hornbuckle was an integral part of Bill Laimbeer's rotation the gave the Shock its' 3rd WNBA title in 6 years. Alexis carried her work ethic over to the pro ranks. I still remember the atleticism, heart, and determination Lex displayed on the put back in the LSU game in Tampa last Spring. If the talent wasn't there, I don't think Lex would waste her time.
huntined#565710 writes:
I thought he rewarded his players with new cars!!
BigRMan writes:
Mikey: The last time I checked 6 was still less than 8 so regardless Coach Summitt will be still at least 2 up on toothpick for National titles. Now could it be that Coach Summitt wants to go the extra mile in trying something innovative to perhaps create bonding, kinship, and a better understanding of team basketball on this team. Whatever happens Coach Summitt wants to make sure she uses all possible avenues and approaches to get the most out of these young women. By the way, Jesus died for their sins, so evidently he didn't think like you, that they were awful. But the only thing you bond with besides Geno, is you bail bondsman, and I understand that's rather often.
amcguire01 writes:
I'm sick of fans, ex-Vols, and coaches ripping these players in the media. Even in the championship seasons, the teams had their " bad moments" . This team needs to mature, and not have every stinkin' reprimand made public, like it seemed all season long. Nikki Caldwell was more valuable to this program than people are willing to admit. She was young enough and cool enough to speak their language. The girls still respected her. PHS needs to find another way to "teach", or relate to these girls.
rclarkvols#224537 writes:
Injuries forced several of the freshman into roles they weren't prepared for and didn't get an oportunity to grow into. Sheikinna Strickland was not recruited to be the starting point guard. Add to that the pressure of trying to prove you belong at Tennessee and it can be overwhelming to a young player who is also trying to adjust to being a college student. These kids did the best they could.They will learn from this and get better. No one was satisfied with this season but it had to happen eventually. I support the Lady Vols win, lose, or draw and I look forward to watching the development of another outstanding group of young ladies as this group is.
ladyvolmaniac writes:
98reax....where can I go to access that Dan and Mike interview w/ Coach Pat???
Gotta wonder which players were not totally awed by Hornbuckle.....the way it read was that not all the girls were payin' her much attention. THAT'S a worry... disregard for the "old folks" sometimes happens....but disrespect and disregard to a just graduated 2 time Lady Vol National Champion who went on to WNBC quite high in the draft.....now that sounds like some good insight as to what Coach Pat and staff have been having to deal with...may not be a solution to that....
'Tis a puzzlement
mississippi writes:
You need to hit the road & stop criticizing our players!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mississippi writes:
Oh please, i heard her and it sounded like a giraffe
johnlg00 writes:
I don't know of any LV fan who was "not willing to admit" how valuable Nikki was to the program! Everybody who had an opinion said they were happy for her getting a HC gig but hated to lose her. There is a significant body of opinion which holds that she would be a perfect successor for Pat when the time comes. It is valid to argue that Pat was not able, for whatever reason, to get her message across with this team this year, but it isn't necessary to raise "straw-man" arguments to do so.
CTOWNICON writes:
At the moment I am sure all of Uconn is busy trying to cover up the illegal recruiting scandals they are facing. Keep that crook up there he is unethical. Those championship trophies need to be yanked from that trashy college. The coaching staff and the recruitment departments there are cheats, gypsies, tramps and thieves. The players are no better for accepting the goods and services. It just shows the up bringing they had or lack thereof. Geno is teaching them how to be cheats just like him by bribing them with goods and services. What a trashy school. No standards at all.
volfan2002 writes:
Spani is one of the two or three best three point shooters I have ever seen. I think she is better than Zolman and twice as physically strong. She reminds me of Tarausi only shorter.
volfan2002 writes:
Amber Gray isn't going anywhere and she will show plenty next season. Had a tough time adjusting, but she is no quitter and she'll prove herself next season.
ps11824 writes:
ladyvolmaniac, the link is at the top of this article. The box underneath the byline. says AUDIO Dave Hooker and Mike Griffith interview Lady Vol Coach Pat Summitt on The Sports Page
BigOrangeVol writes:
If you want to read what trash is being said about us in Fartford by the UConn stooges check out http://www.courant.com/sports/college...
ps11824 writes:
BOV, with all due respect, who cares? I personally do not. Nothing they say or do effects me. It will be a sad day for the student athletes the day the sanctions are in effect. They most likely will be stripped of a trophy or two along with their dignity. The players should not have to pay for the violations of the coach. But they will, none the less. Even if tyranny rules and Geno goes unpunished, the integrity of the basic principles of recruiting have been jeopardized, and other programs will expect to get away with the same.
I'm not going to their site. I refuse to swim with the sharks.
ps11824 writes:
Would you believe someone actually asked me this question, "Is Coach Summitt going to retire?" I was taken aback. It was a shock to me. Why? I just think if anyone knows anything about Pat, they would not entertain the thought that Pat would 'quit' on anything; Much less on a down season; Much less on a team of players who have not 'bought in' to the winning ways of Lady Vol basketball.
Pat has nothing to prove to the doubters, the bashers, the naysayers who actually think they could coach better, recruit better and/or represent the University of Tennessee better. Pat has principles. She will not be influenced to compromise those principles. The Lady Vols will be back to do the proving.
LadyVolFanForever writes:
BOV and other posters, as Lady Vol fans we should show a little of the tremendous CLASS our coach has. I hope none of us go to any other universities blog/post sites and show ourselves the way several rival fans have done here ! The great Lady Vol basketball tradition DESERVES better than that !
Go Lady Vols, never give up and never give in !!!
ps11824 writes:
I'm anxious to see the games today. It will be interesting to see how teams step it up another notch to prove it takes more than arrogance and 3 player of the year candidates to win the national championship.
The Oklahoma men are still standing and look very promising. Perhaps that will give the Lady Sooners more motivation. Would Michigan State be a Cinderella story? Do the Commodores have enough 'smart' to get them another dance? I think that Jen Risper is one tough little cookie. It may take more than 'smart' to get by the Terrapins. I hope they advance, by golly.
Can Baylor's Kim Mulkey and cubs muster up the 'stones' to bring Louisville down? Any thoughts on the Sweet 16, anyone?
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