‘Unfinished business’ | Lady Vols pressing to season opener

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Lady Vol basketball begins its 2023-24 campaign with an exhibition game at the end of October, then eight days later they tip off for its season opener.

On Monday, the program held its annual media day to signal the start of the season is near.

The program is looking to build off its Sweet Sixteen appearance a season ago with a host of veteran players in their returners and transfers.

It’s a mission that fueled fifth-year Jasmine Powell to return for another go around.

“I feel like we have some unfinished business here. I am giving a special opportunity to come back. I am using that COVID year to finish what we started. Last year we had big goals of a national championship. That’s still one of our goals and we want to continue that,” said Powell.

Someone this program is excited to eventually have back is Tamari Key. The center was sidelined a season ago after blood clots were found in her lungs. Monday she said she’s feeling better and working hard to be fully cleared for team activities.

“It feels good. I am just glad to be back on the court with the girls. Sitting out was hard, but I’m just glad to be back in the swing of things. I am just trying to be patient. I know it’s not going to all come back in a week or a day or you know so,” said Key.

The Lady Vols also have more help on the perimeter with the transfer Jewel Spear and returners like Rickea Jackson who dominates in the paint. Beyond that, Rickea knows being a more vocal leader will be necessary for the success of this team.

“I know my teammates look to me and I look to them as well, but being the energetic, vocal leader that they can always go to. So I’ve definitely been focusing more on that. So I definitely held back last year, but I feel like this year I feel like, ‘Okay I’ve been with them for a year now and we need a leader. Jojo’s [Jordan Walker] gone, Jordy’s [Jordan Horston] gone, so I just know I had to step up in that role,” said Jackson.

The Lady Vols host Carson-Newman in an exhibition game on Monday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

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