BTO’s Arkansas Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. Not sure I’ve ever wrote a report like this one, actually I know I haven’t, what should be celebrating a huge win for these Vols and a great showing is overshadowed by what very likely is a season ending injury to the heart and soul of this team. I have zero doubts that he will come back strong as he always have with any obstacle life has thrown at him, yet I hurt for him, it’s not fair, life isn’t fair, sports isn’t fair, Zeigler didn’t deserve this, Hooker didn’t, Vol fans didn’t. I will try and write this without that injury in mind but damn it is hard…

2. Not sure how this group responded, but damn did they ever…at full strength I expected a tough game, yet without ZZZ we win wire to wire in a 20 point beat down of NCAAT bound Arkansas? Doesn’t seem possible. And we did it in such a different fashion it’s really hard to make heads or tails of it, we became a great 2pt shooting team, drove the lane, got the the line, and got offensive rebounds…what we did that we’ve done in the past was lock things up defensively, getting Phillips back helped the defense, but as always a group effort, absolutely elite showing from that squad that likely will need to rely on their defense going forward.

3. While Mashack wasn’t great offensively shooting the way in which he attacks the rim is something nobody else does, he draws fouls but also causes some collapsing which opens thing up for other guys. Our offense looked different with him out there and no ZZZ, I’m not sure how sustainable shooting 60%+ from 2 is considering that’s something I’ve begged for all year long, but it likely is going to be needed if we are going to be good offensively. Teams aren’t going to leave Vescovi wide open from 3, everyone is gonna have to drive the ball to create 3 ball looks and when it’s dumped inside we will have to make teams pay at a rate like we did tonight, 60%+.

4. This was an Arkansas team that over their last 3 games were averaging about 90ppg, we held them to 57 tonight. Guys were locked into their scouts and we did a great job limited their 2nd chance looks and forcing them into tough contested jump shots which are low %. Part of this feels like it was a great matchup for our defense to flex their muscle stylistically, but it what they will need to do going forward.

5. We got a much needed win and it would be really nice to just look at the last 2 and say that’s exactly what the doctor ordered and that gives me confidence as the calendar turns to March. Maybe it does, but damn it’s hard not to drop your head and think we need ZZ. Winning tonight or really seems like our floor now is a 4 seed, 2 seed door is still cracked, 3 seed seems most likely. Get a 2 or a 3 and you definitely can win a game in the NCAAT and then it’s all about matchups, draw some struggling offensive teams and this squad can lock down some teams. I’m not sure how many consecutive games they can hold opponents under 60ppg, probably not 5-6, but hey I’m all for this squad putting a run together for ZZZ.



GBO!!!!

 

[Col_Cathcart]

You hope they rally, but the emotions of this will be a lot different in a week than they were tonight. It’s going to be tough to reach their potential in the postseason without a point guard

 

[Volfan1000]

You hope they rally, but the emotions of this will be a lot different in a week than they were tonight. It’s going to be tough to reach their potential in the postseason without a point guard

This team needs Key back to take some of the point guard slack off Vescovi.

 

[Col_Cathcart]

This team needs Key back to take some of the point guard slack off Vescovi.

 

[walkenvol]

This team needs Key back to take some of the point guard slack off Vescovi.

I’d consider playing JJJ at point over Key. JMO

 

[Volprofch05]

Completely appropriate to both lead and close with the focus on ZZZ. Seeing him in tremendous pain on the floor of TBA was heartbreaking. The game was simultaneously a massive gut punch and an epic victory. The best of times, the worst of times. Regardless of the highs and lows we've seen this year, this is a special group of guys. I'm on board for wherever their journey takes us.

 

[JMSqb11]

The wild thing is that for weeks, we have been 1-2 men down each game. Even with ZZ’s injury and Key’s slow comeback, we are essentially replacing their minutes and attempts with JJJ and Phillips return….

I think the initial reaction to ZZ injury is who replaces his minutes/shots, but I think it’s not that big of a mystery…. If we can get into tourney with Key, JJJ, and Phillips fully healthy, we won’t have to look far for replacing ZZ’s minutes/attempts.

 

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

This team needs Key back to take some of the point guard slack off Vescovi.

Bingo. Key may be cold as a cucumber shooting the ball, but he’s a serviceable ball handler.

 

[vol94]

1. Not sure I’ve ever wrote a report like this one, actually I know I haven’t, what should be celebrating a huge win for these Vols and a great showing is overshadowed by what very likely is a season ending injury to the heart and soul of this team. I have zero doubts that he will come back strong as he always have with any obstacle life has thrown at him, yet I hurt for him, it’s not fair, life isn’t fair, sports isn’t fair, Zeigler didn’t deserve this, Hooker didn’t, Vol fans didn’t. I will try and write this without that injury in mind but damn it is hard…

2. Not sure how this group responded, but damn did they ever…at full strength I expected a tough game, yet without ZZZ we win wire to wire in a 20 point beat down of NCAAT bound Arkansas? Doesn’t seem possible. And we did it in such a different fashion it’s really hard to make heads or tails of it, we became a great 2pt shooting team, drove the lane, got the the line, and got offensive rebounds…what we did that we’ve done in the past was lock things up defensively, getting Phillips back helped the defense, but as always a group effort, absolutely elite showing from that squad that likely will need to rely on their defense going forward.

3. While Mashack wasn’t great offensively shooting the way in which he attacks the rim is something nobody else does, he draws fouls but also causes some collapsing which opens thing up for other guys. Our offense looked different with him out there and no ZZZ, I’m not sure how sustainable shooting 60%+ from 2 is considering that’s something I’ve begged for all year long, but it likely is going to be needed if we are going to be good offensively. Teams aren’t going to leave Vescovi wide open from 3, everyone is gonna have to drive the ball to create 3 ball looks and when it’s dumped inside we will have to make teams pay at a rate like we did tonight, 60%+.

4. This was an Arkansas team that over their last 3 games were averaging about 90ppg, we held them to 57 tonight. Guys were locked into their scouts and we did a great job limited their 2nd chance looks and forcing them into tough contested jump shots which are low %. Part of this feels like it was a great matchup for our defense to flex their muscle stylistically, but it what they will need to do going forward.

5. We got a much needed win and it would be really nice to just look at the last 2 and say that’s exactly what the doctor ordered and that gives me confidence as the calendar turns to March. Maybe it does, but damn it’s hard not to drop your head and think we need ZZ. Winning tonight or really seems like our floor now is a 4 seed, 2 seed door is still cracked, 3 seed seems most likely. Get a 2 or a 3 and you definitely can win a game in the NCAAT and then it’s all about matchups, draw some struggling offensive teams and this squad can lock down some teams. I’m not sure how many consecutive games they can hold opponents under 60ppg, probably not 5-6, but hey I’m all for this squad putting a run together for ZZZ.



GBO!!!!

I agree. We will most likely be a three seed (10-12 overall). I like Mashack attacking the lane but he gets out of control at times. Awaka is a beast on the boards and will be a scorer if he can learn to put some touch on the ball. JJJ had some dribble drives and posted up, too - greet to see.

Phillips and JJJ are def difference makers for this team. JJJ is calm and will be able to help Santi run the point. Our defense was elite, esp Mashack. Uros gave us some min as he has perfected his one post move.

The odds are against us but it depends on match ups. We can get by the first round and then it comes down to matchups.

 

[ndubvols]

Feels like most of our losses have come against teams with a solid big man. Draw a matchup without a dominant post and I feel good about making the second weekend.

Edit: also really liked mashack running point. Seemed to get the offense going a little quicker than vescovi and didn’t have a problem taking his man off the dribble. I’m sure he’ll see some pressure against auburn, so interested to see how he handles it

 

[Col_Cathcart]

The wild thing is that for weeks, we have been 1-2 men down each game. Even with ZZ’s injury and Key’s slow comeback, we are essentially replacing their minutes and attempts with JJJ and Phillips return….

I think the initial reaction to ZZ injury is who replaces his minutes/shots, but I think it’s not that big of a mystery…. If we can get into tourney with Key, JJJ, and Phillips fully healthy, we won’t have to look far for replacing ZZ’s minutes/attempts.

I’m more worried about replacing his assists/play making

 

[BP4Prez]

The wild thing is that for weeks, we have been 1-2 men down each game. Even with ZZ’s injury and Key’s slow comeback, we are essentially replacing their minutes and attempts with JJJ and Phillips return….

I think the initial reaction to ZZ injury is who replaces his minutes/shots, but I think it’s not that big of a mystery…. If we can get into tourney with Key, JJJ, and Phillips fully healthy, we won’t have to look far for replacing ZZ’s minutes/attempts.

I get your point, but he’s the one guy that IMO we can’t replace.

 

[Vols All Day]

I’d consider playing JJJ at point over Key. JMO

JJJ didn’t look that comfortable bringing the ball up tonight. The offense didn’t get going and he fumbled around with the ball and Arky bailed him out by fouling him.

 

[cardvolfan]

I get your point, but he’s the one guy that IMO we can’t replace.

We replaced him tonight with different pieces that worked pretty well. Arkansas is a very, very good team and we did some things offensively we haven’t done in a while. Just saying.

 

[hUTch2002]

1. Not sure I’ve ever wrote a report like this one, actually I know I haven’t, what should be celebrating a huge win for these Vols and a great showing is overshadowed by what very likely is a season ending injury to the heart and soul of this team. I have zero doubts that he will come back strong as he always have with any obstacle life has thrown at him, yet I hurt for him, it’s not fair, life isn’t fair, sports isn’t fair, Zeigler didn’t deserve this, Hooker didn’t, Vol fans didn’t. I will try and write this without that injury in mind but damn it is hard…

2. Not sure how this group responded, but damn did they ever…at full strength I expected a tough game, yet without ZZZ we win wire to wire in a 20 point beat down of NCAAT bound Arkansas? Doesn’t seem possible. And we did it in such a different fashion it’s really hard to make heads or tails of it, we became a great 2pt shooting team, drove the lane, got the the line, and got offensive rebounds…what we did that we’ve done in the past was lock things up defensively, getting Phillips back helped the defense, but as always a group effort, absolutely elite showing from that squad that likely will need to rely on their defense going forward.

3. While Mashack wasn’t great offensively shooting the way in which he attacks the rim is something nobody else does, he draws fouls but also causes some collapsing which opens thing up for other guys. Our offense looked different with him out there and no ZZZ, I’m not sure how sustainable shooting 60%+ from 2 is considering that’s something I’ve begged for all year long, but it likely is going to be needed if we are going to be good offensively. Teams aren’t going to leave Vescovi wide open from 3, everyone is gonna have to drive the ball to create 3 ball looks and when it’s dumped inside we will have to make teams pay at a rate like we did tonight, 60%+.

4. This was an Arkansas team that over their last 3 games were averaging about 90ppg, we held them to 57 tonight. Guys were locked into their scouts and we did a great job limited their 2nd chance looks and forcing them into tough contested jump shots which are low %. Part of this feels like it was a great matchup for our defense to flex their muscle stylistically, but it what they will need to do going forward.

5. We got a much needed win and it would be really nice to just look at the last 2 and say that’s exactly what the doctor ordered and that gives me confidence as the calendar turns to March. Maybe it does, but damn it’s hard not to drop your head and think we need ZZ. Winning tonight or really seems like our floor now is a 4 seed, 2 seed door is still cracked, 3 seed seems most likely. Get a 2 or a 3 and you definitely can win a game in the NCAAT and then it’s all about matchups, draw some struggling offensive teams and this squad can lock down some teams. I’m not sure how many consecutive games they can hold opponents under 60ppg, probably not 5-6, but hey I’m all for this squad putting a run together for ZZZ.



GBO!!!!

Your number 3 has been the key all year. When we attack the paint our offense works well, even if it ends up as a kick out. When the ball stays outside the arc, we suck on offense. I’ll be curious to see how we look against Auburn as the last few games it seemed we went as ZZ went. If he was in we played well and if he was off we lost.

 

[Orangeblooded615]

This team will go as far as JJJ and JP will take them. The bigs and Scovi/key shooting could be big, but the D has me confident heading into Sec Tourny.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Winning at Auburn will be really difficult. But it will give JP a chance to knock off some more rust. He was really struggling to not turn the ball over almost every time he attempted to dribble near the paint.

PG by committee the rest of the way. TN will need 2 or 3 of JJJ, SV, Jahmai, Key, BJE, and JP in the court at all times. Only using 2 might be a challenge.

 

[CDB]

I’m more worried about replacing his assists/play making

And free throw shooting, especially at the end of the game.

 

[onevol74]

I may be on an island here but I have been telling my friends for a couple of weeks we might be a better team without ZZ. I think he is a great player but we worked the inside game last night better than we have all season and we’re unstoppable. ZZ’s turnovers were critical in some of our recent losses and all defenses had to do was to pressure him.

Do not get me wrong. I love the kid but his performance this last month created uncertainties in our offense. I think what we saw last night gives us the best chance to go farther on the post season with our existing talent.

P.S. I am no Rick Barnes.

 

[ColinS]

Bingo. Key may be cold as a cucumber shooting the ball, but he’s a serviceable ball handler.

He is a serviceable ballhandler and we are gonna need all the bodies we can get but he just isn't gonna create any offensive unless he is making threes. He needs to be off the ball or the ball will get stuck. I liked the way Mashack looked.

 

[JMSqb11]

I get your point, but he’s the one guy that IMO we can’t replace.

I think we can. It will just be different. I still believe this is the deepest team, not best, that Barnes has had at any time at Tennessee.

Our offense is going to be more methodical and not as “quick” without ZZ…. If Santi is getting 5+ assist per game, I’m more than confident we will be able to replace ZZ scoring with a healthy trio of Key, JJJ, and Phillips.

The games will be slower and uglier but our defense will be longer and bigger without ZZ on the floor. Obviously I’m not happy he is going to likely be out the rest of the way but I don’t see the doom and gloom “we are a 1 game team in the tourney” scenario that was everyone’s initial reaction either.

 

[JMSqb11]

I’m more worried about replacing his assists/play making

I’m not worried about the production. His shots will simple rotate to JJJ/Phillips/Key who we have had all in a game together for quite some time.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

No sane person can try and paint this as a net positive…you lose arguably your best on ball defender, one of the few guys who can break someone down off the dribble and create in the lane for others (oops/dump off), a good FT shooter from the PG spot for late game situations. And that’s not even mentioning how it now pushes Vescovi or Key on the ball where they aren’t nearly as good as off the ball scorers. As others have mentioned I like how Mashack looked more than anyone, but he’s no Zeigler and when teams decide to press and trap him every trip down the court not sure how he’s gonna handle that.

 

[ReggieJohnsonFan]

Great write up BTO.

As for moving forward without our beloved ZZ, I think this team has the pieces to make it work well. This is the deepest team Coach Barnes has had at UT by far.

 

[Dr H Lecter]

I’m afraid that the injury to ZZ will cause Auburn to be a more difficult game because of the quick point guard that they have. Hopefully the length of Mashack and others will compensate for the loss of quickness of ZZ.