Arizona game

[cardvolfan]

I think we played Santi too much anyway. I thought Mashack was playing well in his minutes, yet he kept getting sent to the bench. I figured he would play more with Santi coming back from injury and Jo out for this one (and with Phillips struggling to make open layups).

Mashack was probably put on the bench because he missed those 3 early free throws.

 

[VolArmy74]

Mashack was probably put on the bench because he missed those 3 early free throws.

It's possible but no one else was making them either.

 

[white65]

I am curious how much Barnes was trying to get some key players reps against better competition. He took out some backups that we’re playing good to stick with starters having a bad game. U.P. being my main example.

 

[Kas232323]

I am curious how much Barnes was trying to get some key players reps against better competition. He took out some backups that we’re playing good to stick with starters having a bad game. U.P. being my main example.

Uros played 14 minutes. He actually made some nice plays offensively and defensively. Not sure I understand your point about him playing minutes as opposed to others. We were down 2 players so we basically had 6 regulars and TA and JM.

 

[LibertyVol]

I have never seen a true b-ball coach who doesn’t practice FTs when players are tired. That’s a normal part of practice routines…always.

I sure hope so. But I have.

 

[BondJamesBond]

Our offense better show up. I think we’re currently overrated, need Phillips to step up and Urois on the bench.

Our defensive performance has been just gaudy. Our offense may be overrated, but Vols are alone in their own universe when it comes to defense.

 

[walkenvol]

Uros played 14 minutes. He actually made some nice plays offensively and defensively. Not sure I understand your point about him playing minutes as opposed to others. We were down 2 players so we basically had 6 regulars and TA and JM.

It’s just a typical bs Uros hater who refuses to view UP as a 10-15 minute role player. They think everyone who can’t be a 30 + minute star is no good and shouldn’t see the court. Basketball is best as a team sport. Uros has a role and usually fulfills that role or CRB sits him. There’s a few guys like him on the squad who help this team be better

 

[Sudden Impact]

Aidoo status? Should be able to contribute If available.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

The timing of this game is terrible. Santi has shoulder issues, and probably shouldn’t have played against Maryland. JJJ can’t get through a full workout without getting fluid on his knee. We really don’t want one of these guys to drop out for the year right now. Bobby Knight used to say injuries are contagious. He meant that when you cover one injury by leaning on another player in minutes, you hurt them too. I’m sure Barnes has a plan, and it’s better than mine, but I hope we protect those two as much as we can this week, and let the holiday break heal them more. Shoulders and knees are fragile things.

Sounds like we’re going to need a miracle if we want to win this weekend.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Sounds like we’re going to need a miracle if we want to win this weekend.

I think we’re a tough matchup for anyone, even with Santi and JJJ sitting. Our defense is torture for teams that rely on offensive flow. I’m just pointing out that we haven’t played a single conference game, and our two most experienced/effective players have injuries that could become season ending if we aren’t careful. Obviously I’d like to win Saturday, just not at that cost.

 

[kiddiedoc]

our two most experienced/effective players have injuries that could become season ending if we aren’t careful.

I hadn't heard that information. Can you verify?

 

[cardvolfan]

I hadn't heard that information. Can you verify?

You might not have followed closely enough since practice officially began in October, but what he says is spot-on. JJJ, and now Santi, are teetering in that direction, and while no one knows anything for sure at this point, the situation is alarming for each of them. Again, shoulders and knees can be the pits.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I hadn't heard that information. Can you verify?

Verify, validate, speculate, pontificate. I can do all of it. JJJ has recurring inflammation, including a substantial amount of fluid. One has to assume they’ve done an MRI and at the least it needs a cleanup, but the last part is speculation. They believe the best plan is to alternate him between rest and playing rather than do an exploratory surgery/cleanup. That’s from a reliable source. With Santi, all shoulder injuries are vulnerable acceleration because it is a complex joint and one injury often leads to more involvement. No one has said rotator cuff, but he’s definitely in pain and he’s limited in the amount of minutes he can play, and they’re worried that pushing that limit could risk an injury that has a much longer recovery time.

 

[walkenvol]

You might not have followed closely enough since practice officially began in October, but what he says is spot-on. JJJ, and now Santi, are teetering in that direction, and while no one knows anything for sure at this point, the situation is alarming for each of them. Again, shoulders and knees can be the pits.

SV differs from JJJ in that SV doesn’t have a history of battling injury whereas JJJ hasn’t enjoyed an injury free season yet. Also, JJJ had off season surgery on the knee and to my knowledge SV hasn’t had any shoulder problems until the collision a couple games back. I’m more optimistic for SV’s recovery than JJJ’s recovery

 

[cardvolfan]

SV differs from JJJ in that SV doesn’t have a history of battling injury whereas JJJ hasn’t enjoyed an injury free season yet. Also, JJJ had off season surgery on the knee and to my knowledge SV hasn’t had any shoulder problems until the collision a couple games back. I’m more optimistic for SV’s recovery than JJJ’s recovery

I have to say I’m not terribly sure that Santi’s is not going to be just as concerning. The shoulder is constantly banged on every screen, on every drive, and Santi hits the floor often because he’s so physically active. The constant blows to his shoulder concern me to the point that I’m not sure if he can heal much during the season. Let’s keep our fingers crossed on both of these guys.

 

[cncchris33]

Verify, validate, speculate, pontificate. I can do all of it. JJJ has recurring inflammation, including a substantial amount of fluid. One has to assume they’ve done an MRI and at the least it needs a cleanup, but the last part is speculation. They believe the best plan is to alternate him between rest and playing rather than do an exploratory surgery/cleanup. That’s from a reliable source. With Santi, all shoulder injuries are vulnerable acceleration because it is a complex joint and one injury often leads to more involvement. No one has said rotator cuff, but he’s definitely in pain and he’s limited in the amount of minutes he can play, and they’re worried that pushing that limit could risk an injury that has a much longer recovery time.

Obviously, I know you aren’t just blowing gas on this issue. You have connections. But, to the bolded, Santi led the team in minutes with 37 vs Maryland. How is that limiting his minutes? Do they regret that in retrospect?

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

BJE must be far behind. Not seeing PT when SV played 37 while injured, JJJ sat out, and ZZ struggling a bit. Partly Mashack really stepping up I’d guess and Key getting back into form after sitting for about 2 years.

 

[therickbol]

BJE must be far behind. Not seeing PT when SV played 37 while injured, JJJ sat out, and ZZ struggling a bit. Partly Mashack really stepping up I’d guess and Key getting back into form after sitting for about 2 years.

I know we have not seen much. But from what we have seen it looks fairly obvious he is behind. He does not look like he is comfortable with the speed of the game. At times he looks unsure of where he should go or where the ball should go. All things that are very common for a true freshman. Just my opinion.

 

[Caculator]

Both should heal completely before playing anymore this season.

 

[CAVPUT]

Sounds like we’re going to need a miracle if we want to win this weekend.

Plus Zona has one of the best front courts in college basketball. They've got a 7' brute who will give Plavi all he wants and then some. If JJJ and Aidoo were healthy, I'd feel a little better, but this is going to be a very, very tough matchup for our Vols. I'm going to be very curious to see how much playing time Awaka gets in this game. I know he's not physically mature yet, but it would be great experience to see him and his energy get a solid amount of minutes against a front court like this. Yeah, they'll school him a bit, but you need to face that kind of competition to really learn and grow. No, I don't expect a win. I'm hoping for a great effort, maybe a close game and rest Vescovi and JJJ. Maybe Aidoo is back...maybe not. Just one game. I wouldn't risk anyone that's not 100%.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Obviously, I know you aren’t just blowing gas on this issue. You have connections. But, to the bolded, Santi led the team in minutes with 37 vs Maryland. How is that limiting his minutes? Do they regret that in retrospect?

I probably didn’t handle verb tense there perfectly. He played too much in the Maryland game, started to have mobility issues and soreness, and now they’re going to be more cautious with his minutes.

 

[VOLtaism]

The guards need to be more aggressive. Every game they get penetration time after time then pull up, run down the baseline, and throw it back out front. Lean in and either get fouled or charge. Key has huge shoulders, perfect for driving the basketball. UT has the depth to tire them down and foul them out, they need to start using it. Give it to Awaka, he will take it to the hoop.

 

[TennEddie]

Difference between practicing free throws and shooting free throws in a game is that the players are often winded in a game. They need to practice their free throws the same way. They also need to have a routine so they focus on the routine rather than the situation. Ernie Grunfeld comes to mind.

They also need to concentrate on their next shot instead of walking/looking around
for someone to “ slap hands “ with. That has to be a distraction.

 

[KTrain]

Uros played 14 minutes. He actually made some nice plays offensively and defensively. Not sure I understand your point about him playing minutes as opposed to others. We were down 2 players so we basically had 6 regulars and TA and JM.

Yep, Uros made a beautiful assist to ZZ for a layup. 14 minutes is about were UP should be for game with Aidoo taking about 16 and start getting some time for Awaka

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

Verify, validate, speculate, pontificate. I can do all of it. JJJ has recurring inflammation, including a substantial amount of fluid. One has to assume they’ve done an MRI and at the least it needs a cleanup, but the last part is speculation. They believe the best plan is to alternate him between rest and playing rather than do an exploratory surgery/cleanup. That’s from a reliable source. With Santi, all shoulder injuries are vulnerable acceleration because it is a complex joint and one injury often leads to more involvement. No one has said rotator cuff, but he’s definitely in pain and he’s limited in the amount of minutes he can play, and they’re worried that pushing that limit could risk an injury that has a much longer recovery time.

Thanks for the info - you always bring good stuff with much needed sanity and sober assessments. The news on SV is very discouraging - hope he heals quickly.

For JJJ, I worry that we would be better off had he had the cleanup procedure weeks ago so that he could hopefully be ready for conference play. I am afraid JJJ is the kind of player who really needs practice reps and shooting drills to play confidently and perform at his best.