KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Kim Caldwell handpicked this year’s edition of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball. The roster is full of transfers who bring experience from all over, whether from the Power 4 or the Group of 6. One of those transfers is Kaylene Smikle, a 6-foot guard from the Big Ten. Smikle began her collegiate career at Rutgers before transferring to Maryland.
Now a Lady Vol, Smikle brings 87 games and 71 starts to Knoxville, along with career averages of 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. She joined Tuesday’s episode of The Mike Keith Show for a quick conversation. Below is everything she said.
On moving from to Knoxville after living in the northern part of the country.
“It’s definitely a lot different. The scenery, coming off the plane on my visit my first time, it was like, oh my, so many mountains. You could just tell the pace is a lot slower. But then getting here in May and getting accustomed, people are so nice down here. It’s definitely a culture change being down in the South.”
What was it like meeting fans at Food City in South Knoxville?
“It was a good interaction. People were really nice. A lot of little girls came out, and it’s very special because I remember when I was a little girl in their shoes, so I know how much it means to them to meet college basketball players, and one day they want to be in your shoes. So it’s being understanding and knowing that I came from being a little girl.”
How is being a Lady Vol different?
“I think the history and legacy behind Tennessee and the women’s basketball here is very big.”
On going from the Big Ten to the SEC.
“I anticipate my game to be the same. I don’t think when I transfer from schools that they change my game. I’ve transferred to schools where I fit their system. So it’s not like I have to change the way I play or become a different player coming into a new school. It blends seamlessly because I do my research on how the school plays so that I know that I’m a fit for the school.”
What did her research show about Tennessee that made it a fit?
“Just watching their style of play. They play fast, want to play in transition. They press. At Maryland, they used to press a lot, too. So just being familiar with how Tennessee and Kim want her team to play.”
On describing her offensive game.
“Unstoppable. I’m going to work you hard for 40 minutes. From the time I step on the court to the time the game buzzer ends, I’m going to give you my all.”
On handling the ball as a 6-foot guard.
“I always have. When I was younger, I started off being more of a four or five, just because I was naturally taller than everyone else. But my parents and coaches always made sure that I know how to dribble because they always told me that at the college level, I’m going to be a guard, not a post.”
How Smikle got started in basketball?
“All my siblings. I’m the youngest sibling, one of four, and they all played basketball. So I grew up being around basketball.”
Who was her basketball idol growing up?
“My siblings. We used to play outside all the time. I feel like that’s where I got my intensity and the way I play is from my siblings. They never took it easy on me.”
What is it like playing for Kim Caldwell?
“I really love playing for her. She coaches hard, loves the game. The intensity she brings each and every day just makes me want to be a better player.”
What does the team need to build heading into October?
“For a new team, with everyone coming in new, just being familiar and building that strong chemistry. Learning how each other plays is very important. I came back a little later. I had two other teammates who came back a little later from injury, but just being in the flow and learning how they play. I’ve been on the side watching them a lot, so I became familiar with how they play, but they have to become familiar with how I play, and I feel like they’ve done a great job of implementing me. As a team, we’ve built such a strong chemistry because we’re starting to understand how we play.”
