BTO’s Arkansas Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. Regardless of what that Arkansas team is this year going on the road to Bud Walton isn’t ever an easy task, the crowd was in it early and the Hogs started hot but to Tennessee’s credit they stuck to the script which is something they struggled with against A&M, and Arkansas cooled off and Tennessee handled them rather easily. Tennessee has only won 6 times at Arkansas, 5 wins by a total of 38 points, last nights win was by 29, quite the all around showing from Tennessee on the road which will show well in the metrics.

2. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you largely know what you’re going to get from Knecht & Zeigler, outside of those 2 it’s anyone’s guess, but you gotta get something from someone. Aidoo & Gainey were the 2 big ones last night and JJJ gave you exactly what you’d love to be able to count on him giving each night. Vescovi continued his disappointing offensive play of late, and that’s something you hope can be fixed, but to his credit he still played well outside of that. Not sure if there’s an undisclosed injury or what, but he seems hesitant to shoot the 3 and not confident when he does, that’s never been the case…the offensive is getting open/good looks, evidenced by Gainey’s immediate open looks when subbing for Santi, we need him to have the same confident trigger that Gainey currently does.

3. Jonas Aidoo won’t give you 23 & 12 every night, there are some guys he’ll struggle a bit against, but there’s absolutely no reason he should ever be a no show essentially. On his “bad nights” he should still be able to go out there and us count on him giving us 10 & 7 or something similar, he has a rounded offensive game and plays with a good PG, he needs to bring it the way he brought it from the tip last night. Having an inside presence really opens things up for other guys and as Dykes mentioned is a nice pressure release to have on the roster alongside Knecht.

4. I get people get frustrated with players, it was Gainey early in the year, JJJ of late, and now Santi as well. Many times folks have called for Dillione or Carr to play in place of those guys and look ahead to the future, I’ve seen nothing from those guys to suggest that’s what gives us the best chance to reach our ceiling this year. I get nobody wants to rely on JJJ/Santi/Gainey/Mashack/Aidoo as being guys you count on and play each night, but the fact is they give us the best chance to win, and you need at least a couple of them to show up most nights. I have said for months this team still seems to be defining roles and/or figuring them out and adjusting to them, that still very much seems to be the case to me. Again I have no clue if it all gets figured out, but you want to be playing your best ball in March, not January, and imo Tennessee still has a level of play that we’ve not yet seen.

5. As well as playing your best ball in March you also want to put yourself into the best position in March, and that win was imperative in that regard. We hold serve on the 2 seed line currently with an outside shot at the 1 & 3 seed line still, both of those obviously give you a favorable setup to make it out of the first weekend and from there it’s all about matchups/luck. We started this 6 game stretch hoping for 5-1 or 6-0, it started 1-1 with the A&M loss and now sits 2-1 after last nights game. Point blank you gotta win the next 2 if you wanna stay on track, Vanderbilt comes to town and then a trip to Missouri, and then A&M has to make the return trip to Knoxville. Win these next 3 and you have put yourself in a great spot entering the final 4 game gauntlet with a chance at both the SEC regular season title on the line as well as a potential 1 seed.



GBO!!!

 

[ReadCT]

Thoughtful writeup as always

It was a comfortable game to watch being up 20 for most of it

 

[Wrangler95]

I wish James would shoot more of those turn around jump shots,he is unstopable!

 

[posivol]

Jonas struggles against big physical players.santi and gainey have to hit 3's to take the pressure off when he struggles.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I believe your #3 is the key to the successful season we are hoping for.

 

[Lefteye]

I thought Cade Phillips provided some decent minutes last night. Nothing major stat wise, but didn't get pushed around and was getting good position for rebounds. It was an impressive showing for a guy that hasn't seen the floor since Dec. imo

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Aidoo hasn't but CAN be a 15+10 guy every night. If we could bottle the confidence that DK, Gainey, and even ZZ have and inject it into Aidoo or JJJ even we'd probably be undefeated right now. But not every good player can keep confidence high when having off nights.

DK takes every shot like he's never missed, Gainey too and rarely have I seen their actual shooting motion change. If you just watched them shoot you'd never know if it was a swish or airball. Santi and even JJJ when they're lacking confidence or something is off you can see it immediately in their shot.

For Santi it's really 100% his deep ball.

He's 51.2% on 2PT shots this year, that's the highest of his career
He's only averaging 1 turnover a game, the lowest of his career
He's shooting 80.9% from the FT which is the highest since his Sophomore season

If ya look at his per 40 his rebounding & assists are as good as they've been in any other season too. He's playing less minutes and taking less shots and for some reason that's thrown off his deep shot... OR something else is nagging him injury wise and that's throwing off his shot and that's why he's playing less and shooting less. Either way if we can get him healthy for a March run him shooting at 38% or better from deep and taking 5-7 will help us make a run. Cause as a top 4 seed Aidoo should have some favorable matchups early and be able to dominate.

 

[CAVPUT]

Well put BTO. As for Dillione and Car, I now agree. We just have to ride with the vets. For better or worse, they are our best bets. Hope Vescovi heals and/or figures things out in time. As for the roles, I think they're better defined than you do. It's just a matter of the players stepping up and filling those roles on a consistent basis. If they do, we can have a great run. If not, well, history tells us how it's going to go.

 

[CAVPUT]

Aidoo hasn't but CAN be a 15+10 guy every night. If we could bottle the confidence that DK, Gainey, and even ZZ have and inject it into Aidoo or JJJ even we'd probably be undefeated right now. But not every good player can keep confidence high when having off nights.

DK takes every shot like he's never missed, Gainey too and rarely have I seen their actual shooting motion change. If you just watched them shoot you'd never know if it was a swish or airball. Santi and even JJJ when they're lacking confidence or something is off you can see it immediately in their shot.

For Santi it's really 100% his deep ball.

He's 51.2% on 2PT shots this year, that's the highest of his career
He's only averaging 1 turnover a game, the lowest of his career
He's shooting 80.9% from the FT which is the highest since his Sophomore season

If ya look at his per 40 his rebounding & assists are as good as they've been in any other season too. He's playing less minutes and taking less shots and for some reason that's thrown off his deep shot... OR something else is nagging him injury wise and that's throwing off his shot and that's why he's playing less and shooting less. Either way if we can get him healthy for a March run him shooting at 38% or better from deep and taking 5-7 will help us make a run. Cause as a top 4 seed Aidoo should have some favorable matchups early and be able to dominate.

I seem to remember similar concerns about another shooter in orange when he wasn't quite himself. Turned out there was "something going on" with him, too. Not saying Vescovi has Lofton type issues, but whatever it is, I'm pulling for him. Just a feeling, but I don't think the season ends like this with Vescovi. I'm confident he regains his form and makes a huge difference before this final ride ends for him.

 

[Willy14]

One thing I loved about Aidoo last night was he was taking the ball and dunking it almost every time. I believe there was only 1 time I can think of where he shot a 2 footer instead of going up strong and dunking it. That’s one thing that I have always wanted our posts to do going back to the last couple of seasons.

Granted, Arkansas wasn’t physical inside like we teams were have struggled with/lost to, but I think tonight was a big step in the right direction to show him that he can bring that every night.

 

[Lefteye]

Am I the only one that gets nervous as heck the last 4-5 minutes of games UT is up BIG and still playing their best guys??? I got no fingernails left and we won by 30!! lol

 

[CAVPUT]

Am I the only one that gets nervous as heck the last 4-5 minutes of games UT is up BIG and still playing their best guys??? I got no fingernails left and we won by 30!! lol

Think there's a metric that rewards you for running up the score. Given the grind of the season and fatigue being a concern during the tournament, any coach would rest his front line players and get minutes for the youngsters in a game like that one. The margin has to be affecting how coaches are distributing minutes in these blow out games. Just hope it doesn't bite us later.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I thought all-around it was a great performance. We had to have that win. We got it. I really see no excuse for losing any of the next 3 games, so go out there, play smart ball, and get on this win streak before our final gauntlet.

I love seeing the balance in our scoring continue. I agree that there is a level this team hasn’t reached yet, but the question is only whether or not we’ll see it. Mostly, that is entirely dependent on if Vescovi can figure things out. For his sake, I really don’t want to see his historic, beloved career as a Vol go out with a whimper. I really do want this team, and this core of veterans, to break through and leave a positive impression on Vol fans everywhere. They deserve it. So, keeping my fingers crossed Vescovi can figure things out. Because if he and Gainey can be confident shooters in March at the exact same time, we’re going to be impossible to guard.

I also think we need to see Maschack be more aggressive offensively again. He’s been pretty non-existent on that end of the court, and while we haven’t necessarily needed him lately, he was showing such promise early in the year with how much his shot has improved. I just don’t think this team can make a Final 4 if the role players aren’t all providing some scoring punch at the same time. Doesn’t have to be 12+ for everyone, but if we can get 8-10 from Mashack, Santi, and JJJ every night in March, it’s going to ease the burden on Knecht substantially.

 

[cncchris33]

#10 from Arkansas got away with a season's worth of uncalled fouls pushing off of our guys on picks he set. Several really obvious ones in the center of the action that just went uncalled.

Then the ball the player tried to throw off of Aidoo on the baseline that bounces off and hits the Arkansas player square in the thigh so hard that it almost lands back in play, and Arkansas is awarded the ball. Aidoo nearly lost his mind at how bad that call was.

Officiating in the SEC is just absolute garbage. Easier to complain about in a 29-pt win. They had no effect on the outcome, but their level of ability in that game was just unreal for guys getting paid as much as they do.

 

[Lefteye]

Think there's a metric that rewards you for running up the score. Given the grind of the season and fatigue being a concern during the tournament, any coach would rest his front line players and get minutes for the youngsters in a game like that one. The margin has to be affecting how coaches are distributing minutes in these blow out games. Just hope it doesn't bite us later.

Yeah I remember that now that you mention it. Sucks though, back in the day, beside the fact they weren't risking injury in mop up time, it was almost a reward to those guys that got to come out and cheer for the guys they compete against in practice everyday and cheer them on. Now, they may get 60-90 seconds worth or cheering and having fun. I'm not complaining just miss those days and wish a teams body of work didn't include a blowout here or there. jmo tho

 

[TheMookieMonster]

#10 from Arkansas got away with a season's worth of uncalled fouls pushing off of our guys on picks he set. Several really obvious ones in the center of the action that just went uncalled.

Then the ball the player tried to throw off of Aidoo on the baseline that bounces off and hits the Arkansas player square in the thigh so hard that it almost lands back in play, and Arkansas is awarded the ball. Aidoo nearly lost his mind at how bad that call was.

Officiating in the SEC is just absolute garbage. Easier to complain about in a 29-pt win. They had no effect on the outcome, but their level of ability in that game was just unreal for guys getting paid as much as they do.

Yeah. I mean that out of bounds call last night was just awful. And then 2-3 possessions later Aidoo is passed the ball on a breakaway and the Arkansas defender trucks him and no call. Could have seriously injured Aidoo, and they swallow the whistle. It’s not like officials were just letting them play to finish the game faster. During that same stretch there were at least 3 ticky tack foul calls on us under the basket when attempting to rebound an Arkansas miss.

And it feels like we are rarely the beneficiary of officiating, which is just wild for one of the top teams in the league to not get any of that poor officiating to swing our way.

On another note, totally agree with your point on #10. But it doesn’t surprise me that Arkansas adopts the personality of their whiny and juvenile head coach, so unsurprised they are physical to the point of being almost dirty.

 

[esarmstrong]

Am I the only one that gets nervous as heck the last 4-5 minutes of games UT is up BIG and still playing their best guys??? I got no fingernails left and we won by 30!! lol

I get more nervous when we are ahead that when we are behind. When we started losing to A&M on Saturday, I was so laid back I nearly went to sleep, lol!

 

[CBVols]

Great Write up. Thanks BTO

I sure wish CRB would get those subs in faster late in the game when we are up 20. Let the vets get some rest. As the time ticked down I kept saying come on get the subs in.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

#10 from Arkansas got away with a season's worth of uncalled fouls pushing off of our guys on picks he set. Several really obvious ones in the center of the action that just went uncalled.

Then the ball the player tried to throw off of Aidoo on the baseline that bounces off and hits the Arkansas player square in the thigh so hard that it almost lands back in play, and Arkansas is awarded the ball. Aidoo nearly lost his mind at how bad that call was.

Officiating in the SEC is just absolute garbage. Easier to complain about in a 29-pt win. They had no effect on the outcome, but their level of ability in that game was just unreal for guys getting paid as much as they do.

The missed PF when Aidoo was clobbered going to the rim was absolute trash. Should have been an easy and 1 call. The refs were ready to hit the bus.

 

[vols 30]

The missed PF when Aidoo was clobbered going to the rim was absolute trash. Should have been an easy and 1 call. The refs were ready to hit the bus.

Refs definitely had late dinner reservations

 

[cncchris33]

Yeah. I mean that out of bounds call last night was just awful. And then 2-3 possessions later Aidoo is passed the ball on a breakaway and the Arkansas defender trucks him and no call. Could have seriously injured Aidoo, and they swallow the whistle. It’s not like officials were just letting them play to finish the game faster. During that same stretch there were at least 3 ticky tack foul calls on us under the basket when attempting to rebound an Arkansas miss.

And it feels like we are rarely the beneficiary of officiating, which is just wild for one of the top teams in the league to not get any of that poor officiating to swing our way.

On another note, totally agree with your point on #10. But it doesn’t surprise me that Arkansas adopts the personality of their whiny and juvenile head coach, so unsurprised they are physical to the point of being almost dirty.

To your last point, that adopted philosophy is evident when Tramon Mark complains on every call, just like Musselman. Peas in a pod.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

To your last point, that adopted philosophy is evident when Tramon Mark complains on every call, just like Musselman. Peas in a pod.

I saw a joke last night that rings kind of true. Someone said the changes block/charge rule killed Arkansas basketball. Maybe they’re onto something!

 

[cncchris33]

I saw a joke last night that rings kind of true. Someone said the changes block/charge rule killed Arkansas basketball. Maybe they’re onto something!

I saw that, too. It's pretty accurate.

 

[Franklin_Vol09]

Dillione looks lost a lot of the time. I’m hoping that goes away with experience.

Aidoo always does well against teams with a smaller lineup. He should have dunked a lot more and been more aggressive. His lack of physicality will hurt us in the tournament.

Gainey has been a pleasant surprise. Shoots with confidence.

Santi needs to come off the bench. The ball movement stalls in his hand and all his repeated pump fakes and the telegraphed drive and dish, are hurting us.

Estrella looks ready for the role next year.

Mashack is our best on ball defender followed by ZZ

DK had his best all around game last night. Especially on defense. He was anticipating everything.

 

[Doctrippin]

1. Regardless of what that Arkansas team is this year going on the road to Bud Walton isn’t ever an easy task, the crowd was in it early and the Hogs started hot but to Tennessee’s credit they stuck to the script which is something they struggled with against A&M, and Arkansas cooled off and Tennessee handled them rather easily. Tennessee has only won 6 times at Arkansas, 5 wins by a total of 38 points, last nights win was by 29, quite the all around showing from Tennessee on the road which will show well in the metrics.

2. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you largely know what you’re going to get from Knecht & Zeigler, outside of those 2 it’s anyone’s guess, but you gotta get something from someone. Aidoo & Gainey were the 2 big ones last night and JJJ gave you exactly what you’d love to be able to count on him giving each night. Vescovi continued his disappointing offensive play of late, and that’s something you hope can be fixed, but to his credit he still played well outside of that. Not sure if there’s an undisclosed injury or what, but he seems hesitant to shoot the 3 and not confident when he does, that’s never been the case…the offensive is getting open/good looks, evidenced by Gainey’s immediate open looks when subbing for Santi, we need him to have the same confident trigger that Gainey currently does.

3. Jonas Aidoo won’t give you 23 & 12 every night, there are some guys he’ll struggle a bit against, but there’s absolutely no reason he should ever be a no show essentially. On his “bad nights” he should still be able to go out there and us count on him giving us 10 & 7 or something similar, he has a rounded offensive game and plays with a good PG, he needs to bring it the way he brought it from the tip last night. Having an inside presence really opens things up for other guys and as Dykes mentioned is a nice pressure release to have on the roster alongside Knecht.

4. I get people get frustrated with players, it was Gainey early in the year, JJJ of late, and now Santi as well. Many times folks have called for Dillione or Carr to play in place of those guys and look ahead to the future, I’ve seen nothing from those guys to suggest that’s what gives us the best chance to reach our ceiling this year. I get nobody wants to rely on JJJ/Santi/Gainey/Mashack/Aidoo as being guys you count on and play each night, but the fact is they give us the best chance to win, and you need at least a couple of them to show up most nights. I have said for months this team still seems to be defining roles and/or figuring them out and adjusting to them, that still very much seems to be the case to me. Again I have no clue if it all gets figured out, but you want to be playing your best ball in March, not January, and imo Tennessee still has a level of play that we’ve not yet seen.

5. As well as playing your best ball in March you also want to put yourself into the best position in March, and that win was imperative in that regard. We hold serve on the 2 seed line currently with an outside shot at the 1 & 3 seed line still, both of those obviously give you a favorable setup to make it out of the first weekend and from there it’s all about matchups/luck. We started this 6 game stretch hoping for 5-1 or 6-0, it started 1-1 with the A&M loss and now sits 2-1 after last nights game. Point blank you gotta win the next 2 if you wanna stay on track, Vanderbilt comes to town and then a trip to Missouri, and then A&M has to make the return trip to Knoxville. Win these next 3 and you have put yourself in a great spot entering the final 4 game gauntlet with a chance at both the SEC regular season title on the line as well as a potential 1 seed.



GBO!!!

What happened to Phillips? Did they decide to red shirt him?