I started a post earlier indicating key points and takeaways from the UT-KY game last Saturday. Now I would like to indicate key points the rest of the year in order for us to be the team we want to be. This is what needs to happen if we are to compete with KY, LSU, and Duke.
1. We need to play at a quicker tempo. Our frontcourt was (lack of height and depth) exposed by KY on Saturday night. Once KY got set in their half court defense our offense struggled. Granted if we shoot well then anything can happen, but to win a SEC tournament or NCAA tournament you cannot rely on getting hot at shooting for multiple games. Jordan Bone needs to push the court as soon as we get the defensive rebound and get into our half court offense before the defense can get into their defensive sets. We do this at times, but this needs to be the standard everytime especially against teams with size like KY and LSU that can play defense.
2. Our defense needs to improve. If you look at our defensive efficiency compared to last year, we are not what we were last year. This is strange because we essentially had the same personnel. So this is certainly attainable.
3. As mentioned in point #1, this all starts with Jordan Bone. If we are to win the SEC tournament and possibly the NCAA tournament, Bone needs to play lights out. Push the tempo, keep the ball moving, take more shots, and drive more to the hoop. This is all within his capability. There is no PG that can match his all around game and his quickness.
4. Finally, here is my prediction. Jordan Bone will be SEC player of the year. We are going to see him take it to the next level and we win the SEC tournament. Before we talk about a Final Four appearance, let's see how UT adjusts to LSU this Saturday. Hopefully Coach Barnes will see the same.
1. We need to play at a quicker tempo. Our frontcourt was (lack of height and depth) exposed by KY on Saturday night. Once KY got set in their half court defense our offense struggled. Granted if we shoot well then anything can happen, but to win a SEC tournament or NCAA tournament you cannot rely on getting hot at shooting for multiple games. Jordan Bone needs to push the court as soon as we get the defensive rebound and get into our half court offense before the defense can get into their defensive sets. We do this at times, but this needs to be the standard everytime especially against teams with size like KY and LSU that can play defense.
2. Our defense needs to improve. If you look at our defensive efficiency compared to last year, we are not what we were last year. This is strange because we essentially had the same personnel. So this is certainly attainable.
3. As mentioned in point #1, this all starts with Jordan Bone. If we are to win the SEC tournament and possibly the NCAA tournament, Bone needs to play lights out. Push the tempo, keep the ball moving, take more shots, and drive more to the hoop. This is all within his capability. There is no PG that can match his all around game and his quickness.
4. Finally, here is my prediction. Jordan Bone will be SEC player of the year. We are going to see him take it to the next level and we win the SEC tournament. Before we talk about a Final Four appearance, let's see how UT adjusts to LSU this Saturday. Hopefully Coach Barnes will see the same.