- Joined
- Jul 7, 2008
- Messages
- 89,062
- Likes
- 37,550
1) I'm really, really excited about Tobias Harris. Unlike Scotty, Tobias has a mean streak, and we need that this year. I heard his offensive game is very polished for his age, and his rebounding is underrated. His athleticism impressed me in the McD's AA game.
2) I'm worried about our wing D. I mean, that was our weakness last year. Goins cemented the D at the PG position, but I'm not sure how Scotty and Cam will play. JP was such a good defender, and played excellent against Evan Turner last year. Even if Scotty doesn't pick up the aggressiveness at the offensive end, improving his technique and intensity on D would mean more.
3) We finally have a shot blocker!!!! John Fields is a solid guy who will contribute this year. I was really impressed with this pickup by Pearl. Fields can get up and get to shots, but also knows when to stay on his feet (a skill that got Varnado drafted). Pearl hasn't had a shot blocker since coming here, and we might be able to play more pressure D because of this.
4) I think that something we aren't emphasizing enough is how Pearl will handle the adversity he's dealing with. Our worst year under Pearl was when he was dealing with his divorce and some felt that affected him some. I don't think it'll be a big deal, but it'll be interesting to see how he handles it come December.
5) Jordan McRae is going to be a monster. His athleticism/length is JP-esque, and you always want to have a guy that can do everything like that. We obviously don't know what his D is like, and his basketball IQ, but I can't wait to see him running on a break.
Can't wait till November 12th! Go Vols! :hi:
2) I'm worried about our wing D. I mean, that was our weakness last year. Goins cemented the D at the PG position, but I'm not sure how Scotty and Cam will play. JP was such a good defender, and played excellent against Evan Turner last year. Even if Scotty doesn't pick up the aggressiveness at the offensive end, improving his technique and intensity on D would mean more.
3) We finally have a shot blocker!!!! John Fields is a solid guy who will contribute this year. I was really impressed with this pickup by Pearl. Fields can get up and get to shots, but also knows when to stay on his feet (a skill that got Varnado drafted). Pearl hasn't had a shot blocker since coming here, and we might be able to play more pressure D because of this.
4) I think that something we aren't emphasizing enough is how Pearl will handle the adversity he's dealing with. Our worst year under Pearl was when he was dealing with his divorce and some felt that affected him some. I don't think it'll be a big deal, but it'll be interesting to see how he handles it come December.
5) Jordan McRae is going to be a monster. His athleticism/length is JP-esque, and you always want to have a guy that can do everything like that. We obviously don't know what his D is like, and his basketball IQ, but I can't wait to see him running on a break.
Can't wait till November 12th! Go Vols! :hi:
