BTO’s Arkansas Postgame Report

[kptvol1452]

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.

 

[Stoked]

I'm usually not a debbie downer, but if you would have told me that Vescovi would be 6th in scoring on our team this year I would have said you're nuts... I get that his role changed, but he's scoring a career low on a career low 3 point percentage.

He is taking 4 less fgs per game, so maybe it's the fact that he can't get in a rhythm or something? It's not even his shooting though, it's other areas that he was doing so well with last year that has changed. Rebounding, assist, steals, etc... across the board. It's puzzling and hope it changes in March!

Nonetheless great writeup as always BTO!

 

[kptvol1452]

I agree Aidoo needs to dunk around the rim go up strong not layups.....

 

[bleedingTNorange]

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

Huh? He literally played last night.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

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

Basketball red shirt rules are different than football. Phillips can’t red shirt.

 

[Frozevol]

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’m with you on this. The announcers even brought it up. You dont need to do a wholesale bench clearing but just filter more guys in to give them time to get into the flow of the game. That’s a Barnes thing. I remember the 2019 team (still my all time favorite) looked gassed in the NCAA.

 

[Creeker]

I'm usually not a debbie downer, but if you would have told me that Vescovi would be 6th in scoring on our team this year I would have said you're nuts... I get that his role changed, but he's scoring a career low on a career low 3 point percentage.

He is taking 4 less fgs per game, so maybe it's the fact that he can't get in a rhythm or something? It's not even his shooting though, it's other areas that he was doing so well with last year that has changed. Rebounding, assist, steals, etc... across the board. It's puzzling and hope it changes in March!

Nonetheless great writeup as always BTO!

Some of those I do still think go back to his new role. Obviously, we need him to take and make good shots which he’s not. But he is averaging the lowest minutes of his time here, his usage rate is at the lowest it has been since he’s been here, so seeing the assist and rebounding numbers drop isn’t crazy. Definitely something going on though, injury, confidence, both?

 

[Frozevol]

I'm usually not a debbie downer, but if you would have told me that Vescovi would be 6th in scoring on our team this year I would have said you're nuts... I get that his role changed, but he's scoring a career low on a career low 3 point percentage.

He is taking 4 less fgs per game, so maybe it's the fact that he can't get in a rhythm or something? It's not even his shooting though, it's other areas that he was doing so well with last year that has changed. Rebounding, assist, steals, etc... across the board. It's puzzling and hope it changes in March!

Nonetheless great writeup as always BTO!t

Vescovi often would lead the team in rebound the past couple of years. He’s always left it all on the floor, not hesitating ever to throw his body into the fray. I wonder if that has caught up with him.

 

[Orangeslide]

Great performance last night, especially the 2nd half, by the Vols. Aidoo with a monster game and JJJ was solid last night. SV will come around, to good of a shooter not to. Gainey went through a shooting funk and came around and so will SV. Check them off one game at a time. Vandy at home Saturday. They are coming off their biggest win of the season with the A&M victory. They would like nothing better than to spoil our season with a win. Vols will rise to the opportunity and take care of business this weekend. Go Vols!

 

[Tenacjim]

#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.

I saw those exact same things you noted. The push offs on the screens were so blatant I couldn’t believe those weren’t being called. The sad part is, as bad as all that was, it was still probably one of the “best” officiated SEC games I’ve watched this year. Whether TN was playing or not. What does THAT say about the “quality” of the officiating.

 

[walkenvol]

I'm usually not a debbie downer, but if you would have told me that Vescovi would be 6th in scoring on our team this year I would have said you're nuts... I get that his role changed, but he's scoring a career low on a career low 3 point percentage.

He is taking 4 less fgs per game, so maybe it's the fact that he can't get in a rhythm or something? It's not even his shooting though, it's other areas that he was doing so well with last year that has changed. Rebounding, assist, steals, etc... across the board. It's puzzling and hope it changes in March!

Nonetheless great writeup as always BTO!

have you checked the stats or is this your perception only? Odd because like yourself I think we won’t reach our potential without Vescovi’s outside shot returning. As for everything else on the court, my perception is he’s doing as well if not better than ever.

 

[ColinS]

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

That was the classic good James. Backed his man down while still probing for an open man spun and stuck the shot. He's his own best defender. Just loses confidence so easily.

 

[JCP201]

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

Especially when they start mauling our players with the refs swallowing the whistle.

 

[TallyVols]

Especially when they start mauling our players with the refs swallowing the whistle.

I I remember correctly, Santi had a signature move where he would pump fake, step aside and shoot. I have only seen that once this year.

 

[TNBV]

Just a thought/opinion I have had on Vescovi ( I am in healthcare and last played basketball in 6th grade so take it for what it is), if I were Barnes I would tell Vescovi to drive the ball from the opening whistle and try and get to the line. I think this might loosen him up and allow him an easy opportunity to see the ball go through the net. I am of the opinion if we can get the old Vescovi back we are a final four team.

 

[BACKDOC]

ZZ has really improved this year, but he still made a couple of bad ally oop passes in this game. Wish he could correct that; those should be easy points. Looking ahead; looks like the SEC championship goes through Tuscaloosa; looking at Bama's remaining schedule, I don't see many L's in there. But I do think we get revenge on USCjr and Tex am. Auburn is a different team on the road.

 

[BACKDOC]

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.

Hopefully in March we play in Rupp; he was 3 of 4 from deep in that one.

 

[BACKDOC]

#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 that was unbelievable that they awarded Ark. the ball when it clearly hit the player standing out of bounds.

 

[JCP201]

I I remember correctly, Santi had a signature move where he would pump fake, step aside and shoot. I have only seen that once this year.

I see him fake a lot but he doesn't shoot or shoots poorly. I hope he can get out of his funk, because we are final four if he can.

 

[BACKDOC]

ZZ has really improved this year, but he still made a couple of bad ally oop passes in this game. Wish he could correct that; those should be easy points. Looking ahead; looks like the SEC championship goes through Tuscaloosa; looking at Bama's remaining schedule, I don't see many L's in there. But I do think we get revenge on USCjr and Tex am. Auburn is a different team on the road.

Vescovi often would lead the team in rebound the past couple of years. He’s always left it all on the floor, not hesitating ever to throw his body into the fray. I wonder if that has caught up with him.

He made an unbelievable save last night while falling out of bounds; then made a baseball pass out to JJJ, who buried the three.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

ZZ has really improved this year, but he still made a couple of bad ally oop passes in this game. Wish he could correct that; those should be easy points. Looking ahead; looks like the SEC championship goes through Tuscaloosa; looking at Bama's remaining schedule, I don't see many L's in there. But I do think we get revenge on USCjr and Tex am. Auburn is a different team on the road.

He made an unbelievable save last night while falling out of bounds; then made a baseball pass out to JJJ, who buried the three.

It can be said ZZ has been our MVP. Knecht is without question, our best player. ZZ makes it work with his intense defense and penetrating style on offense. He makes big time, timely 3s, and will scoot in for a layup

 

[Raiford62]

Aidoo played an exceptional game, but I am interested to see how he plays against Broome of Auburn. That will tell me if he is getting a little better at playing his size against top competition and not disappearing.

Gainey absolutely has gained confidence and he has a sweet stroke and he has some athleticism to go with it.

Knecht amazes me. He can shoot, dunk, jump out of the gym, rebound, and he actually can play some defense.

JJJ, I thought, played the type of game he is capable of. He has a nice jump shot and he can rebound. He can be a great complimentary piece to this team and his complimentary pieces are so needed by this team.

I like Vescovi but I just can't figure out what is going on with him. He also has nice form on his outside shot but he cannot seem to throw it in the ocean. Hopefully that will change. The one thing about Santi is he is not very quick so his pump fakes are not necessarily letting him drive because of his foot speed. Last year, if I can recall when he pump faked and the defender went for the fake, he would then shoot. He is so hesitant now.

ZZ is ZZ. He is going to make great plays and then he might loose the ball in traffic. But he is so valuable.

This team could really be special if they just play like last night or something similar.

 

[JacketVol]

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!!!

Always good. This is one of your best

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

Aidoo played an exceptional game, but I am interested to see how he plays against Broome of Auburn. That will tell me if he is getting a little better at playing his size against top competition and not disappearing.

Gainey absolutely has gained confidence and he has a sweet stroke and he has some athleticism to go with it.

Knecht amazes me. He can shoot, dunk, jump out of the gym, rebound, and he actually can play some defense.

JJJ, I thought, played the type of game he is capable of. He has a nice jump shot and he can rebound. He can be a great complimentary piece to this team and his complimentary pieces are so needed by this team.

I like Vescovi but I just can't figure out what is going on with him. He also has nice form on his outside shot but he cannot seem to throw it in the ocean. Hopefully that will change. The one thing about Santi is he is not very quick so his pump fakes are not necessarily letting him drive because of his foot speed. Last year, if I can recall when he pump faked and the defender went for the fake, he would then shoot. He is so hesitant now.

ZZ is ZZ. He is going to make great plays and then he might loose the ball in traffic. But he is so valuable.

This team could really be special if they just play like last night or something similar.

Remember when Chris was having an off year and nobody spilled the beans until after the season was over ... then the news came out.
I expect something similar with Santi.
My totally uninformed guess is that Santi, has an issue that has changed his offensive mindset.
I am hoping it is something that is getting better and that is why we see him playing 'less' minutes. (To facilitate that recovery.)
Another part of it is because ... THIS YEAR, he does not believe he has to score.
Also as others have said his role has changed.
It might be my imagination, but it looks to me like he is investing a lot more energy into defense.
I am hopeful ... because his free throw shooting has looked more confident in the last couple of games, whereas he was leaving FT's short. Now they look much better!

Outlook for Vandy ... let's get up by 30 and give the veterans some well deserved rest and the reserves some much needed playing time. GBO!

 

[ReadCT]

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.

Great observations, MoCo

The funny thing about Santi is that he knows on every shot moment he lets it go. If his 3 ball is going in he is already at half court before the nylon rips