Readers, including Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Tyler Summitt, like my idea | Adams

My column on a "Pat Summitt Classic" generated numerous responses, including one from Dana Hart, who is president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Dana writes: I love this idea as a fundraiser for the WBHOF and the Pat Summitt Foundation. We miss Pat, our friend, coach, and Hall of Famer.

My response: I believe anyone with any interest in women’s college basketball misses Summitt, who did so much for the sport and Tennessee while winning eight national championships.

Tyler writes: Hope all is well. Saw your article. Amazing idea.

My response: Thanks, Tyler. I really think it would work. And it would be a fitting tribute to your mother.

Brian writes: I read your proposal for a four-team WBB tournament featuring Iowa, SC, UConn, and LSU and couldn't agree more. It's brilliant.

I am not really even a basketball fan, but my wife is a Knoxville local and told me she wouldn't marry me unless I vowed my loyalty to the Lady Vols. Like a man who knows good business, I obliged (though our women really have been poor this season.

My response: I didn’t think my wife was much of a basketball fan, either. But she became a Caitlin Clark fan after last season’s Final Four.

Before Clark’s college career is done, she likely will have attracted more fans to the sport than any other player.

Michael writes: My thought when Kellie Harper was hired was that she would be the last coaching hire determined by UT pedigree, and that all hires after her would be based on perceived chances of being a top program again.

People kind of forget that the program had fallen quite a bit after the Candace Parker era.

My response: I'm not sure UT is interested in being a top program again.

Wayne writes: I agree with your readers, especially Glenn. Turnovers and dribbling quickly down the court, stopping, looking around the court to see if a pass can be made to a teammate. No movement.

My response: Turnovers are a symptom. The bigger issues are recruiting and coaching.

Doc writes: Looks to me that it is likely to be another frustrating SEC season and March for the Vols. While Dalton Knecht might be the best and most complete player Tennessee has had since Allan Houston, they just don't look like a complete team to me, especially when the shots aren't falling.

They don't have a really reliable post player who can get a tough bucket when they're struggling from the outside, which I predict will come back to haunt them. Combine that with a sea-level game day coach with a miserable post season record, and there you go.

My response: Jonas Aidoo’s December play has been encouraging for Tennessee’s post offense. I expect a better postseason from the Vols, in part, because of Knecht’s offensive skills,

But I was baffled that someone with his offensive repertoire could score only two points against NC State.

Rick Barnes’ tough nonconference scheduling could pay off in March. However, based on Tennessee’s track record, I can understand your skepticism.

Jerry writes: What’s up with TN defensive players? Any news on players from portal signing with TN?

My response: There are plenty of reasons for players to enter the portal. Some transfer to get more playing time. Others enter the portal as leverage for a better NIL deal.

Six Tennessee defensive backs entering the transfer portal isn’t necessarily bad news for the Vols, who need to improve their secondary. That improvement could come from younger players on their roster or from transfers.

ADAMS: My Christmas list includes a 2022 offense for Tennessee football

Bill writes: I feel dumber every time I read your articles. UT better win a game against Bama, UGA or OK because you have just proven there are not many quality win chances beyond that. 9-3 does not guarantee them a spot in the Top 12.

And lets face it, UT is about 1 and 1000 against UGA and AL in the last decade and they won’t beat OK in Norman. In the famous works of Steve Spurrier, “you can’t spell Citrus without UT.”

My response: Sorry about your declining intellect. Your memory seems OK, though.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Readers, including Tyler Summitt, respond about honoring Lady Vols coach