University of Tennessee Athletics
Kellie Harper Pre-European Tour Media Availability (6/8/23)
June 08, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Tennessee Women's Basketball Head Coach Kellie Harper met with the media on Thursday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena, discussing her team's upcoming trip to Europe, the return of senior center Tamari Key to practice, the addition of three newcomers during the offseason and assorted other topics.
Following the question and answer session with local reporters, the Lady Vols hit the court for practice number four this week in preparation for their trip abroad from June 11-22. They depart Sunday and will visit the countries of Italy and Greece as well as play games vs. all-star teams in the cities of Venice and Rome, Italy, on June 13 and 15, respectively.Â
Harper is embarking on year number five as the skipper at her alma mater. Her 2023-24 squad, which is ranked No. 12 in the ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25, is coming off a season in which it went 25-12 overall, 13-3 in SEC play. The Lady Vols finished third in the league, advanced to the SEC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2015 and became one of only seven teams to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16 round during each of the past two seasons.Â
UT welcomes back nine letterwinners, with six of those players possessing experience as starters. Among that group are super senior Rickea Jackson and senior Tamari Key, who were finalists for position player of the year honors at small forward and center in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Added to that group is a three-player transfer portal class that earned a No. 6 national ranking by 247Sports, including individual ratings of No. 7 for guard Jewel Spear and No. 19 for point guard Destinee Wells.
Following the question and answer session with local reporters, the Lady Vols hit the court for practice number four this week in preparation for their trip abroad from June 11-22. They depart Sunday and will visit the countries of Italy and Greece as well as play games vs. all-star teams in the cities of Venice and Rome, Italy, on June 13 and 15, respectively.Â
Harper is embarking on year number five as the skipper at her alma mater. Her 2023-24 squad, which is ranked No. 12 in the ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25, is coming off a season in which it went 25-12 overall, 13-3 in SEC play. The Lady Vols finished third in the league, advanced to the SEC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2015 and became one of only seven teams to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16 round during each of the past two seasons.Â
UT welcomes back nine letterwinners, with six of those players possessing experience as starters. Among that group are super senior Rickea Jackson and senior Tamari Key, who were finalists for position player of the year honors at small forward and center in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Added to that group is a three-player transfer portal class that earned a No. 6 national ranking by 247Sports, including individual ratings of No. 7 for guard Jewel Spear and No. 19 for point guard Destinee Wells.
Players Mentioned
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