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Ranking departing Tennessee Lady Vols by toughest to replace

By Caleb Calhoun

Feb 27, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Lady Vols seniors forward Alexus Dye (2) and forward Keyen Green (13) and guard Rae Burrell (12) pose before a game on senior day against the LSU Lady Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Lady Vols seniors forward Alexus Dye (2) and forward Keyen Green (13) and guard Rae Burrell (12) pose before a game on senior day against the LSU Lady Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee guard/forward Rae Burrell (12) celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot against Louisville during the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 basketball game on Saturday, March 26, 2022. in Wichita, KS.Lady Vols Louisville Ncaa
Tennessee guard/forward Rae Burrell (12) celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot against Louisville during the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 basketball game on Saturday, March 26, 2022. in Wichita, KS.Lady Vols Louisville Ncaa /

Selected by Los Angeles Sparks (Round 1, Pick 9)

Yes, the Tennessee Lady Vols played the first half of the season without Rae Burrell and, thanks to Jordan Horston stepping up, were able to lay the foundation to reach the top five. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Burrell was among their best players, and given everything she brought to the table, she will be the toughest player to replace.

Despite missing so much time and playing the second half of the year injured, Burrell still averaged over 12 points a game. To be fair, she did complete her senior season, so when we say her departure was due to the WNBA Draft, it’s not like she left early, although she could have come back given the COVID eligibility ruling.

Anyway, Burrell also stepped her game during postseason play, averaging over 16 points from the SEC Tournament onward and scoring over 20 points twice. Just like Alexus Dye, her play was a huge reason for Rocky Top reaching its first Sweet 16 since 2016.

Now, a huge reason Burrell tops this list is due to her position. The Tennessee Lady Vols technically don’t have any proven players replacing her there, as their primary player to do so is Justine Pissott, the one member of this year’s recruiting class. That’s another reason, along with her being the best player, that she tops this list.