In starting Williams, Summitt is mindful of filling a key role with a player who she has criticized this season for suspect work habits and a casual demeanor.

“I think it all depends on situations in the game,’’ Summitt said. Summitt said the decision was based on UT going to its zone defense and utilizing the Lady Vols’ height. The role of backup point guard Briana Bass, on the other hand, remains in flux. Stricklen scored all nine of her points against South Carolina in the second half. I think she saw (Sunday) that she has some help.” “I think she’ll be more comfortable when she knows she has help. “I think her not feeling the burden of playing that position all the time will be good,’’ Summitt said. Summitt thinks the lineup change ought to be a relief to Stricklen.

Williams, who played point and shooting guard at Northeast High in Clarksville, Tenn., ran the point while Stricklen was at the wing during portions of last Thursday’s 85-56 victory over Auburn. Summitt and associate head coach Holly Warlick compiled a DVD of five set plays for Williams to study and she did her best to get a better handle on UT’s offense. Williams’ role was upgraded after Stricklen suffered through a three-game stretch in January in which she committed 19 turnovers. “We’ve always told her she has such potential,’’ UT teammate Angie Bjorklund said after Sunday’s game. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley described Williams as “a luxury” as a reserve and said that her size created a matchup problem for South Carolina’s players. Even after Stricklen returned in the second half, the 5-foot-11 Williams manned the point for some key possessions down the stretch. Williams relieved Stricklen at South Carolina and responded with a season-high 17 points and a team-high four assists in a 60-55 comeback victory. Off the bounce, she’s the best we’ve got.” “I think she’s more serious now than at any point in time. “I think she truly wants to help our team and she knows she can,’’ Summitt said of Williams. Sophomore Shekinna Stricklen, who had been the starting point guard, will line up for the opening tip against the Razorbacks at a wing position while continuing to help at the point. UT coach Pat Summitt said Monday that Williams will start Thursday when the Lady Vols face Arkansas in an SEC women’s basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee’s Kamiko Williams (4) drives for the basket as South Carolina’s Samone Kennedy (4) and Ashley Bruner (21) look on during the first half of the game in Columbia, S.C.Īfter Kamiko Williams’ strong supporting performance, the Tennessee freshman will be playing the lead role at point guard.

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