Kaiya Wynn did not play a single minute for Tennessee during the final regular season home game of her college basketball career. Did she deserve to get in on Senior Day?
Kim Caldwell sparked a unique debate with her distribution of playing time.
The goal is obviously to win as many women’s college basketball games as possible. Coaches do not have to play someone just to play someone. But should they?
Who is Kaiya Wynn?
Wynn ranked as one of the top 50 players in the country as four-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2021. She committed to the University of Tennessee over Louisville and N.C. State, among others.
As someone who born in Memphis and grew up in Nashville, it was something of a homecoming. The Vols were obviously thrilled to receive her commitment but she never quite reached her full potential.
Wynn became a key contributor when she was one the court despite her lack of minutes.
The 6-foot-0 guard came down with key rebounds against Kentucky and Belmont during the SEC and NCAA Tournaments as a freshman. There was no better defender off of the bench as a sophomore.
Wynn was the one of only five players to appear in all 33 games as a junior. She dished out six crucial assists with six points, three rebounds and a steal in the SEC quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Wynn tore her Achilles prior to last season, which forced her to miss her entire senior year. She played only 5.8 minutes per game this season upon her return.
You get the idea. Even though Wynn did not play a lot, she was the heartbeat of the program. Nobody worked harder. Nobody made more of their opportunities.
And in an era where college athletes are so quick to hit the transfer portal when things don’t go their way, Kaiya Wynn never flinched. She stayed at Tennessee, made the SEC Academic Honor Roll in four-straight years, represented the women’s basketball program on the university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and became a fan favorite. That rocks.
Why did she not play for Tennessee on Senior Night?
This is a good question! There are quite a few Vols fans and women’s college basketball fans who would like to know the answer.
Tennessee played Vanderbilt at home on Sunday for Senior Day. Wynn received a raucous ovation during the pregame ceremony. It was well deserved.
However, Kaiya Wynn did not record a single minute during a loss to the Commodores. What gives?
Even Kim Mulkey found a way to play a senior with a heart condition for 45 seconds. Why not Wynn?
There is a stark contrast between those two situations. LSU had a big lead. Tennessee played from behind. I get it.
Could Caldwell not give Wynn her first start and check her out at the first stoppage?
Pat Summitt famously allowed Nykesha Sales to become the all-time leading scorer in UConn history with a torn Achilles. Caldwell could not find a way to play her beloved senior on Senior Day.
This has sparked something of a debate amongst the college basketball community.
Does every senior deserve to play on Senior Day? Or should the focus be on winning? Some people think the pregame ceremony is enough and that seniors should only be required to play in high school. Others think it is crazy not to give Wynn even 45 seconds on the floor during her last true home game.
What do you think? Let me know at Grayson@brobible.com!