Mercedes Russell
Tennessee has been in the hunt for Mercedes Russell essentially since the beginning of her recruitment. And the Lady Vols will be there at the end when the 6-foot-5 center from Springfield (Ore.) High School makes her final choice this fall.
ESPN HoopGurlz's top-ranked prospect for the Class of 2013 has narrowed her choices from 10 schools to two: UT and Louisville.
"They've been frontrunners pretty much from the get-go," Springfield coach Bill Wagner said.
Russell has made multiple unofficial visits to both schools, and Wagner said that Russell is comfortable with both coaching staffs. Wagner said that coaches from both schools will make home visits later this month. Russell will make an official visit to Tennessee the weekend of Sept. 20 and visit Louisville the following weekend.
"She's still up in the air with her decision," Wagner said. "She might have a slight lean one way or another but she's not saying."
Russell's name came up this summer in connection with North Carolina after four players — including Russell's close friend, Stephanie Mavunga — verbally committed to the Tar Heels. But Wagner characterized the situation as fueled more by "speculation than actual truth."
"She never visited (North Carolina),'' Wagner said. "She never had a lot of conversation with the coaching staff."
Russell averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds, six blocks and five assists last season. She was named the Class 5A player of the year for Oregon. With just two schools vying for a player of Russell's stature, the competition figures to
be fierce. Wagner doesn't expect things to overheat, however.
"Obviously it's a fight; both programs want her,'' Wagner said. "But I don't see it getting nasty. I think each program respects the job the other has done."
In other recruiting news, post player Kendall Cooper will visit UT the weekend of Oct. 22 instead of this weekend. And guard Rebekah Dahlman is expected to visit the weekend of Oct. 20.
King's Honor: Former UT coach Pat Summitt was presented with the Billie Jean King Legacy Award by King herself Tuesday at the U.S. Open. The tennis icon added some personal praise by saying, "Pat changed the face of all sports, not just women's sports."
Summitt, who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia Alzheimer's type, stepped down after last season to become a head coach emeritus for the Lady Vols.
"Billie Jean's efforts opened so many doors for so many people and so a lot of us could be able to pursue our passion,'' Summitt said. "I am so glad to be here with all of you."
Summitt was in Atlanta on Wednesday night to be recognized by the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. She will be honored before the Tennessee Titans' game against New England on Sunday in Nashville.
Doubly Motivated: Janet Mick wasn't thinking solely of Candace Parker when the Lady Vols season ticket holder launched a campaign to encourage UT's athletic department to retire the jersey number of the former All-American sooner rather than later. Mick also had Summitt in mind.
"We want to get this done for Candace while Pat's still a part of the program,'' Mick said.
Mick, who said that she has been a Lady Vols' fan for 35 years, has started a petition on change.org and has collected 205 signatures.
"What I was hoping to do is get some signatures behind it first," Mick said.
Parker's last season with the Lady Vols was 2008, when the three-time All-American led UT to a second consecutive national championship. The last Lady Vol to have her number retired was Tamika Catchings on Dec. 7, 2003, two years after she graduated.
"This probably would be done some time down the line," said Mick, referring to Parker. "Could they consider doing it sooner?"
Another Early Start: The Lady Vols again plan to utilize the women's basketball guidelines established last season, allowing teams to start preseason practice 40 days ahead of their season opener. Teams are limited to 30 practices during the extended time frame.
While the date of UT's first practice isn't set yet, the Nov. 9 season opener at Chattanooga will allow them to start in early October.
Rocky Top League opening night
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
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Comments » 49
Longhunter writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
lemme_axya_this writes:
If Holly and staff can get Russell, and she is as good as advertised, the Lady Vols could be back in the national championship picture. After all, that Griner guy only has 1 more year at Baylor
WCBB_FAN writes:
The word is out she is leaning heavily toward Louisville. She really likes their staff and program. If she thinks she can step in the big east conference and help her teammates shut down UCONN the next 4 years, GO FOR IT Russell DO YOU THING. Battle for the Big East Title.
Mercedes/teammates vs Brianna Stewart, Stephanie Dolson,Mosqueda Lewis, Morgan Tuck, Bria Hartley,Kia Stokes, and Moriah Jefferson.
Theo writes:
I believe you are the same genuis who said it was a lock she was going to UNC. You have zero credibility - troll be gone. I'm guessing a jealous UConn or Vandy fan.
The Lady Vols are the class of the nation and stand a great chance of landing this great recruit. She will help continue the Lady Vol tradition - following in the footsteps of Chamique, Tamika and Candace. If she chooses Louisville we will wish her well and move on.
Please leave our site all you are trying to do is pull chains.
KCHS63 writes:
And, do me a favor, Longhunter, please don't presume to speak for "all Vol fans."
realtallshorty#241669 writes:
Radical leftwing site Longy???? You left out "Progressive" Mick instills nothing but honor for Pat. Oh, and you might wanna check Pat's political views before you spew forth.
hikerdude writes:
I hope we get this girl. She will put us back in the hunt.
Longhunter writes:
“Oh, and you might wanna check Pat's political views before you spew forth”.
What … You mean “YOUR OWN” political views?
Or, are you talking about the same political views from the people that I spoke with Fri morn that “threw in the towel” because “THEIR” party cannot decide to leave “God in or God out,” Wow!
You remember those views don’t you …“Do we want God” … uh ... yes… uh…. wait a minute…We mean “No” ….uh, wait… We mean AYE, uh … “We mean NO”! ... uh … wait a minute … uh…. “We mean NAY”! … no … “AND WE MEAN “NO” THIS TIME ” ! …. Ok … the “Ayes have it” !
http://youtu.be/t8BwqzzqcDs
You can’t make this stuff up!
Longhunter writes:
No, I speak for the majority, Pat does not need some leftwing radical site to prove her life’s work.
Oenoboy writes:
The majority of what? Your fellow US citizens? It doesn't appear so or we wouldn't have the current White House administration. Volunteer fans? Says who?
Do us all a favor and leave your political blabbering behind. This is UT sports board. Right wing, left wing or in the middle, we all are Vols fans.
Who cares about the politics of the fan sitting next to us at a game as long as they are cheering their team on.
Who cares if a liberal leaning site wants to honor Pat? Aren't they allowed to as much as a conservative leaning site? Does it make it less of an honor because their politics don't line up with your own?
voloffaith writes:
An along came longhunter......6 postings....all controversial....this wasn't the first one removed.....we agree to disagree politically if one be left and the other be right...if you're in the middle..watch out..anyway Congrats to Coach Summitt again!
voloffaith writes:
June 11 you said," write it down UNC...missing part FAB FIVE...."
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
We need to land this young lady. Doing so will put us back in the top 3 the next four years . By getting this girl we stand a better chance at competing with Baylor this year . I still see Baylor getting their 2nd but the competition is getting better. UT has to get a center to have a chance as it was obvious last year without Cain banging downlow. We will have to rely on speed again this year . So here's my sales pitch, Forget KFC Yum , have a Orange!
yopatrick#231155 writes:
"The word is out"? You must be taking lying lessons from Harry Reid *LOL*
johnlg00 writes:
Getting Russell would be the LVs' biggest recruiting coup since Candace. Not saying that Russell is quite the player Candace is in terms of her overall game--there haven't been many players her size who could do all the things she could do--but she would be the post presence the LVs have mostly lacked since Cain and Brewer flamed out. Contrary to the poster above, Russell can't help anybody this year, looking ahead to her senior year in HS and all. Still, signing her would be a clear sign that the LV program is on its way back to the top of women's ball. I will be really disappointed if we don't get her.
johnlg00 writes:
PS: I may have misinterpreted the comment about Russell helping against Baylor this year. Sorry about that. All LV fans need to do whatever they do for luck--cross fingers, collect horseshoes and 4-leaf clovers, wish on stars, pray--so we can get this gal in Big Orange!
johnlg00 writes:
To Longhunter: Two football threads were all but hijacked by political back-and-forth already this week, doing nobody any real good. Do politics on your own time and in your own place, where it might actually have some effect, rather than trying to pick fights with other Vol fans.
SoddyVol writes:
I don't care for Longhunter's posts. However, concerning Longhunter's political post, one has to be real deaf to think the "Ayes" had more votes than the "no" vote on putting God and Jerusalem back into the Dem Platform.
johnlg00 writes:
What I said to Longhunter. This is NOT THE PLACE for political blather. Goodness knows, there are plenty of way better places to vent on politics than here, where people from all walks of life and with all varieties of political leanings come together to discuss, and hopefully root for, the Vols.
johnlg00 writes:
See previous comments.
Mrlogic writes:
It would be the greatest thing since landing Parker if Russell chooses Tennessee. It would put us right back in the National Championship picture. There are a whole lot of people praying she chooses Tennessee including me. The people in Tennessee really love their Lady Vols.
Mama_Also_Calls_Me_Precious writes:
This is exciting news!! I hope if we land Russell, then that will sway Davis to recommit...Just imagine the top two players from the class of 2013 AND mix in Massengale, Burdick, Simmons, Graves, and the rest of the talented UT roster!! We will be set for NC runs for a long time!!
Mrlogic writes:
I agree. I think if we are fortunate enough to get Russell I think Davis would be crazy not to come to UT. It would truley be a great day in Lady Vols history if they both chose Tennessee. Here's hoping.
Longhunter writes:
John,
First and foremost, don’t tell me when or where I can post.
It got political when GVxtra quoted Mick who said that “she has been a Lady Vols' fan for 35 years, has started a petition on “change.org” and has collected 205 signatures,” Then I stated that “change.org” is a leftwing political site.
Do you for think for once that they (GVxtra), would have quoted Mick if she had started a 205 signature petition on “Pat Robertson.org,” or an “Ann Coulter.com?”
So when GVxtra chooses to use the “change.org” politics in their article, they will receive a response such as mine, subliminally or not.
Maybe next week we can start a “205 signature petition” for Reggie White on the John Birch Society site, comprende?
WE LOVE YOU PAT and GO BIG ORANGE!
realtallshorty#241669 writes:
Not sure why you are calling change.org a "left wing political site". Some of the top causes there are animals, health, education, economic justice, sustainable food, human rights. That is what is confusing me about you, Longy. Oh, and you might be interested in knowing that a petition on change.org was very instrumental in keeping the Lady Vol logo from being eliminated. But, I trust you will not retain anything I have typed here and continue on your rant.
Longhunter writes:
Why would anyone want to "retain" what you have to rant, littleshortmansyndrome?
realtallshorty#241669 writes:
Oh! I get it. You are here to read yourself type. I apologize for being reasonable with you. Oh, and stop calling me a man.
Theo writes:
You mean lying like Paul Ryan saying he ran a marathon in under 3 hours when his one and only marathon was over 4 hours. As they say Mitt has only a casual relationship with the truth.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Yeah I tried to put her on the team too soon. Lol oh well. I tried.
Longhunter writes:
Ok, I think I understand now, you are person that is trapped in someone elses body and now you're wanting out.
So tell me, how long has it been like this?
johnlg00 writes:
See my previous comments on this subject. Please! NO POLITICS on this SPORTS SITE! That is like, say, visiting a church in Florida and standing up in the middle of the sermon and yelling, "Vols rule! Gators suck!" I may agree with that sentiment--it may even be correct!--but that is NOT THE PLACE to say it. Getting beaten up for it is the least of the reasons not to do it.
johnlg00 writes:
That is a more thoughtful response than I would have expected, judging by your previous comment. However, I think you may be projecting a bit here. Who knows what criteria KNS used for mentioning the organization or how they would have covered a petition from another hypothetical organization? As an American, I appreciate your passion and willingness to take a stand, but while your position may be common, especially in East Tennessee, it is by no means universal, and it is impossible to have a substantive political discussion in this forum, only an exchange of manifestos. The only possible result is to stir the pot for the sake of controversy.
SummittsCourt writes:
Once again you know nothing!!!!! And no one believes you. Even if she does choose Louisville over Tennessee you know nothing and you are just guessing. You were way off before with your predictions and you are a fool. Be gone!
Longhunter writes:
Could be john, but the fact remains a “fact” to what I pointed out, a (political org) by GVxtra.
I brought it up only to be told from some not to post a political statement on a sport site.
I commented about on the org regardless of its being advertent or inadvertent.
When someone, or in this case, GVxtra begins a snippet of an icon, then a link like “change.org,” I will have issues just as you would have an issue with me responding in the same tone even if the (org) was not present.
Some institutes such as Vanderbilt University may agree with your view.
As for the, “it is by no means universal,” you may or may not be correct, however, in some countries they have a tendency of removing the head from the shoulder for such manifestos. (see most muslim countries)
I agree with you on your position (staying on the sport’s related topic) and that being just that, “the topic’, but in return, I will respond likewise when the author decides to add such (orgs) either now, or in the future.
GBO
Theo writes:
Just responding John - won't start it but won't let BS go unanswered.
olympiadewash writes:
She is visiting Louisville last. Most kids who are down to two or three schools usually favor the last scheduled visit school. I think the success of Shoni Schimmel (from Oregon) will seal the deal for Louisville. No need to bash Louisville's program or Walz. He has worked with some very talented posts like Janelle McCarVille, Laura Harper, and Crystal Langhorne. He just hasn't gotten a top notch post player at Louisville.
VolsFan4Lyfe writes:
You have to also remember she wanted to be a Lady Vol since she was a very young age! She built a relationship with Dean and Holly and stuck with her feelings about Tennessee even after CPS stepped aside from coaching. Also if you watch any of her clips she takes pride in her versatility and heavily looks up to Candace Parker and what she was able to do at TN (ie. dribble the ball up the court off a rebound, shoot from the top of the key, drive it baseline) things that Candace came to TN with but also things Dean and the crew made her focus on to take her versatility to the next level. I wouldnt be surprised if she went to Lville but I also would not be surprised if the awe and wow factor wears off from Lville and she picks TN!
VolsFan4Lyfe writes:
Also she may be coming to a big game weekend UT vs Bama in football to get the full experience since she was there for school while classes were in session and also to be with other recruits who may be her classmates (ie scaife, tucker, harmonn, and fellow oregon and aau teammate reynolds) will all be visiting that weekend. So maybe she scheduled that because of those reasons (all though she already has proved she won't be persuaded to go to a school because her friends go there). Maybe CP3 should tell her how wonderful it is to be a lady vol
:-) Geno used the ploy when Diana and Sue both talked to Maya Moore and told her how great it was to be a husky! No one is saying officially recruit them but I dont think CP3 popping in on her twitter would hurt!
Theo writes:
She may indeed go to Louisville but I can't imagine anyone can put together a campus visit like the Lady Vols. Eight NC trophies - check. Walls full of All Americans - check. Olympians every four years - check. Fabo locker room - check. Seperate AND equal practice facility - check. Coaches who have been on NC teams - check. Rabid, number 1 fan base in the country - check. No disrespect to Louiville but if any of these things matter she should end up at UT. On the other hand these kids are 18 and she may just like the color red.
butch31 writes:
I can't see Mercedes in a Louisville uniform...sorry! She needs to sign with UT Lady Vols!
BigRMan writes:
I hope Mercedes Bends toward the Lady Vols! (LOL)
BigRMan writes:
If Mercedes chooses UT, the Lady Vols just might Russell up another National Championship Banner for Thompson Bolling Arena! (LOL)
johnlg00 writes:
You're killing me, man, but I like the way you think!
snowpeapod#263184 writes:
Hey true and loyal Tennessee fan, picture this possible scenario, A.J.Davis and his twin sister, Kaela Davis both commit to Tennessee on the same day !!! Anything's possible.
Theo writes:
I love horrible humor - you take the award today!
BigRMan writes:
That's too bad, I'm hungry, I was hoping I could take the cake! (LOL)
snowpeapod#263184 writes:
Well folks, if anyone bothers to find this post they'll find my other post is half right. Now all we need to do is Kaela to join her twin brother in Big Orange Country.
Volinflan writes:
Wad udder posT??? Just to let you know that someone, did in fact, find the post. Are they actually Twins?
Theo writes:
Same year - both from Buford (sp?), GA. Looks likely - think of the gas the parents could save having to only go to UT for games. I'm sure Holly and her staff are all over this. Kaela got a little nervous (I'm guessing) over the uncertainty of the situation. Well, it is not uncertain any more. Holly is putting in a face paced offense and an in your face defense and Kaela would be a great fit! Go Lady Vols!
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