Another 2014 offer - Kyle Kuzma

[johnnybravo]

Hmm...I definitely disagree, I think Pops looks much better, but obviously that's not saying much. I know Rob Lewis has said the staff feels like Pops is much more polished than Yemi, and was an upgrade, their goal is to just improve his conditioning at this point.

I predict his numbers will be better than Yemi's were last year.

The staff has a rep of always being overly positive about the player's abilities, so it's hard for me to go off what info we might get from them. He was a hacking machine from what I saw, so there needs to be much more improvement than just his conditioning, IMO. If he's available next year, then that's great for UT. If not, then there is a huge hole that we probably don't have anyone to fill.

 

[iKrager]

I mean Yemi fouled quite a bit in limited action, so it can't get much worse.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

The staff has a rep of always being overly positive about the player's abilities, so it's hard for me to go off what info we might get from them. He was a hacking machine from what I saw, so there needs to be much more improvement than just his conditioning, IMO. If he's available next year, then that's great for UT. If not, then there is a huge hole that we probably don't have anyone to fill.

Rob Lewis is usually pretty unbiased though and keeps things realistic, and he felt the same way about Ndiaye vs. Yemi.

As for being a hacking machine from "what you've seen" you're judging that off a pickup game that's named the RTL. That isn't exactly a format that is beneficial for the evaluation of overweight big men.

 

[johnnybravo]

Rob Lewis is usually pretty unbiased though and keeps things realistic, and he felt the same way about Ndiaye vs. Yemi.

As for being a hacking machine from "what you've seen" you're judging that off a pickup game that's named the RTL. That isn't exactly a format that is beneficial for the evaluation of overweight big men.

You said that Rob Lewis has said that the staff feels....

Repeating what the staff feels is not the same as Rob Lewis being unbiased. The staff is always going to justify why any recruit they give a scholly to belongs on the team.

 

[johnnybravo]

I mean Yemi fouled quite a bit in limited action, so it can't get much worse.

I would feel the same way if Yemi was the only other option to back up Cofer and Turman. I would feel that we had a HUGE weakness in the post.

 

[iKrager]

I would feel the same way if Yemi was the only other option to back up Cofer and Turman. I would feel that we had a HUGE weakness in the post.

Yeah I definitely know where you're coming from. Yemi and Pops have similar games, but I feel more confident in Pops. When he was injured in JUCO, I believe his stats were similar as Yemi's, he just needs to get in shape again (or so I've heard).

 

[johnnybravo]

Yeah I definitely know where you're coming from. Yemi and Pops have similar games, but I feel more confident in Pops. When he was injured in JUCO, I believe his stats were similar as Yemi's, he just needs to get in shape again (or so I've heard).

We will know soon enough. I'm betting we go after another unknown big or JUCO in the spring after Pops is battle tested, but only time will tell.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

You said that Rob Lewis has said that the staff feels....

Repeating what the staff feels is not the same as Rob Lewis being unbiased. The staff is always going to justify why any recruit they give a scholly to belongs on the team.

My apologies I could've been clearer...he has also said that, that is his opinion iirc

 

[johnnybravo]

My apologies I could've been clearer...he has also said that, that is his opinion iirc

Well, we will know soon enough about Pop's future here at UT. Either he will have to be a HUGE upgrade from Yemi to log up to 15 min a game since Yemi averaged less than 8 and most were pre SEC. He was virtually non existent the last half of the SEC. Like I said earlier, I would feel the same if Yemi was the only option backing up Cofer and Turman. I still find it a liability having a slightly upgraded Yemi that eats up minutes, but still hurts the team while on the court. Either he is a nice surprise, or CCM has work to do to upgrade the post in the spring. Easy enough.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Well, we will know soon enough about Pop's future here at UT. Either he will have to be a HUGE upgrade from Yemi to log up to 15 min a game since Yemi averaged less than 8 and most were pre SEC. He was virtually non existent the last half of the SEC. Like I said earlier, I would feel the same if Yemi was the only option backing up Cofer and Turman. I still find it a liability having a slightly upgraded Yemi that eats up minutes, but still hurts the team while on the court. Either he is a nice surprise, or CCM has work to do to upgrade the post in the spring. Easy enough.

If Yemi was on next years team instead of Pops I would predict 20 minutes for him as well. Someone has to play center, Cofer likely won't be ready for center, and Turman I wouldn't expect to be a starter as a freshman...process of elimination would leave the starting spot to Yemi most likely, or in this case Pops. Even if neither were to start, it's unlikely Turman would log 30+ minutes a game at center as a true freshman.

As you eluded to, the staff will get a good look at him throughout the year. If they don't feel he can contribute next year then they likely will look to the JUCO ranks in the spring.

 

[iKrager]

As you eluded to, the staff will get a good look at him throughout the year. If they don't feel he can contribute next year then they likely will look to the JUCO ranks in the spring.

Would we have to keep him for another year if he doesn't pan out this year? Like if clearly he can't compete in the SEC would we try to make him transfer or graduate him?

 

[johnnybravo]

If Yemi was on next years team instead of Pops I would predict 20 minutes for him as well. Someone has to play center, Cofer likely won't be ready for center, and Turman I wouldn't expect to be a starter as a freshman...process of elimination would leave the starting spot to Yemi most likely, or in this case Pops. Even if neither were to start, it's unlikely Turman would log 30+ minutes a game at center as a true freshman.

As you eluded to, the staff will get a good look at him throughout the year. If they don't feel he can contribute next year then they likely will look to the JUCO ranks in the spring.

If Yemi was "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I consider that a failure on CCM.

If we find out that Pops is equal to Yemi and he is "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I also consider that a failure on CCM.

 

[BigZiti09]

If Yemi was "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I consider that a failure on CCM.

If we find out that Pops is equal to Yemi and he is "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I also consider that a failure on CCM.

I get what you're saying but you haven't seen the guy play a game. Pops would only be in that position solely because of depth at his position. But it's not like we've had great centers through the years. Lets imagine he's as good as John fields. Fields started some here IIRC. Was that a failure on CBP? What if Pops is as good as Kenny Hall? Brian Williams?

 

[cncchris33]

The college game is rarely built around a dominating force at Center. Perhaps, because there are so few of them. I can't think of one at Tennessee in the last 30 years. Steve Hamer is the closest I can think of, and while a good player, he wasn't world class.

The college game seems to be built around guard play and versatile forwards. This has been true at Tennessee for as long as I can remember.

All we need Pops to do is protect the paint defensively (without fouling out) and rebound. We'll get points elsewhere.

 

[johnnybravo]

I get what you're saying but you haven't seen the guy play a game. Pops would only be in that position solely because of depth at his position. But it's not like we've had great centers through the years. Lets imagine he's as good as John fields. Fields started some here IIRC. Was that a failure on CBP? What if Pops is as good as Kenny Hall? Brian Williams?

John Fields was a back up to a Senior Brian Williams and average less than 12 minutes a game. IMO that was a great pickup. A proven Senior transfer that we have for only 1 year. That's a no brainer if it works out or not. Like I said, we have until the end of this year to evaluate Pops, if he is on the level as Yemi and is in position to where he "HAS" to start, then that is a failure on CCM, IMO.

A John Fields type player would be great for next years team, IMO.

 

[johnnybravo]

All we need Pops to do is protect the paint defensively (without fouling out) and rebound. We'll get points elsewhere.

That's easier said then done. Do you think that Yemi could start and play 20 min a game and be effective?

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Would we have to keep him for another year if he doesn't pan out this year? Like if clearly he can't compete in the SEC would we try to make him transfer or graduate him?

Scholarships are year to year, we wouldn't "have" to keep him no.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

If Yemi was "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I consider that a failure on CCM.

If we find out that Pops is equal to Yemi and he is "in position" to start for TN due to the fact that we have nobody better, then I also consider that a failure on CCM.

Regardless of if you find it as a failure or not it's a possibility.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

That's easier said then done. Do you think that Yemi could start and play 20 min a game and be effective?

Well Yemi played 20 minutes last year against a final four team...he ended up with 9pts and 8rbd and didn't foul out, I would say that's pretty "effective".

 

[bleedingTNorange]

John Fields was a back up to a Senior Brian Williams and average less than 12 minutes a game. IMO that was a great pickup. A proven Senior transfer that we have for only 1 year. That's a no brainer if it works out or not. Like I said, we have until the end of this year to evaluate Pops, if he is on the level as Yemi and is in position to where he "HAS" to start, then that is a failure on CCM, IMO.

A John Fields type player would be great for next years team, IMO.

Brian Williams, glad you mentioned him. That's a guy who was lower rated than both Pops and Yemi when they signed with Tennessee. Williams started almost every game, if not every game, his senior year....he averaged 6.8ppg 7.4rpg on the year as the starter...do I think Yemi/Pops could match those numbers if they were the starter...yes I do.

 

[BigZiti09]

John Fields was a back up to a Senior Brian Williams and average less than 12 minutes a game. IMO that was a great pickup. A proven Senior transfer that we have for only 1 year. That's a no brainer if it works out or not. Like I said, we have until the end of this year to evaluate Pops, if he is on the level as Yemi and is in position to where he "HAS" to start, then that is a failure on CCM, IMO.

A John Fields type player would be great for next years team, IMO.

Fields started 18 of 34 games in his only season at Tennessee.

 

[cncchris33]

That's easier said then done. Do you think that Yemi could start and play 20 min a game and be effective?

If being effective is the role I laid out (protect the paint and rebound), then yes. No one is asking Pops (or Yemi last year) to score. Just play defense and rebound. Let our scorers do the scoring. Pops' greatest asset will be realizing and accepting of that role, and not try to do too much.

 

[germanicus]

Brian Williams, glad you mentioned him. That's a guy who was lower rated than both Pops and Yemi when they signed with Tennessee. Williams started almost every game, if not every game, his senior year....he averaged 6.8ppg 7.4rpg on the year as the starter...do I think Yemi/Pops could match those numbers if they were the starter...yes I do.

I have to - respectfully - disagree with you on Brian Williams. He averaged 13 and 10 on one of the best prep school teams in the country when he was a senior in high school. He also was a highly skilled passer and rebounder and a very good post defender. And, despite his bulk, was pretty light on his feet. All he had to do to become a high D1 basketball player was lose weight. He had the skills. Aside from being a surprisingly good FT shooter, Yemi had no skills to speak of. If Pops is as good as Brian Williams, Tennessee will be in great shape at center. I'll be shocked if he is.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I have to - respectfully - disagree with you on Brian Williams. He averaged 13 and 10 on one of the best prep school teams in the country when he was a senior in high school. He also was a highly skilled passer and rebounder and a very good post defender. And, despite his bulk, was pretty light on his feet. All he had to do to become a high D1 basketball player was lose weight. He had the skills. Aside from being a surprisingly good FT shooter, Yemi had no skills to speak of. If Pops is as good as Brian Williams, Tennessee will be in great shape at center. I'll be shocked if he is.

So despite being a stud on a national powerhouse prep school team that would get tons of exposure, Williams was still lower rated than both Yemi and Pops?

I posted BWills senior numbers, IF Pops is the starting center next year, I would expect him to come very close to either matching or beating those numbers.

 

[germanicus]

So despite being a stud on a national powerhouse prep school team that would get tons of exposure, Williams was still lower rated than both Yemi and Pops?

I posted BWills senior numbers, IF Pops is the starting center next year, I would expect him to come very close to either matching or beating those numbers.

I'm not getting that Williams was rated lower. He was a three star on Rivals and two star on Scout. Yemi was a three star on Rivals and not rated on Scout. Pops was a two star on Rivals and not rated by Scout. Granted, none were rated high, but I wouldn't call Yemi and Pops higher rated.