BTO’s Illinois Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. What a great and gutsy win that was, Illinois is a veteran team much like Tennessee and plays a physical style similar to us, they’ve got some players who are matchup problems for us and create some problems, but we found a way to get it done and get us a much needed “good win” added to our resume.

2. Was great to see Santi looking much more like himself out there on the court, hopefully that is a start of things to come. As has been discussed he’s had to deal with family stuff and then also adjusting to a new role much different to what his has been. As was said there’s plenty of time left for him to find it but it was great to see him take a step in that direction and no surprise he was in the middle of our run and some of the big momentum plays.

3. Much like Santi it was great to again see Zeigler continuing to get back to himself…he was in a tough spot with their bigger guards but he didn’t get exposed and was able to use his quickness to cause them issues a few times. The steal at mid court and pass to JJJ to take the lead was what we’ve all come to know from Zeigler, great to see him getting back.

4. Knecht was himself yet again, what a luxury he is to have…I thought Gainey did a better job playing within himself and not forcing things, his 3 he hit was a big one as well. I thought JJJ, although he didn’t shoot well was great in other areas and again continues to be a big piece of the puzzle, and then really thought Mashack played his role exceptional yesterday. Defensive menace, within himself on offense and he can do that on that end, he can get into the lane and is stronger and bigger than most guards he’ll face in that role, he can get close to the bucket and finish a few times a game.

5. Illinois was one of the best rebounding teams in the country entering the game, that was a major concern given our struggles rebounding at times, yet we won the battle 43-34. Aidoo & Awaka combined for 14 rebounds in 45 minutes which was a good number, Awaka getting 7 rebounds in 15 minutes was big, his energy was huge in the 2nd half. Santi obviously with 9 boards, JJJ had 6 to go along with 7 assists, both of those guys were a huge reason we won the rebounding battle.

6. That was a much needed win, as I had said before a loss wouldn’t shape the season and a win doesn’t either, but adding that one to the resume definitely helps us out. As I’ve said before the upcoming schedule is very favorable after UNC and getting that win yesterday makes going on a win streak much more plausible now, no reason this 2 game streak shouldn’t turn into 6 games and enter SEC play at 10-3 OOC. The start of SEC play also starts off pretty favorable for us as well so that winning streak you could see extend even past 6 possibly imo.




GBO!!!

 

[VolArmy74]

I assume you hit send early.

My only concerns are someone to score when Knecht has foul trouble. Hopefully Santi, ZZ, JJJ, etc can get buckets and we can avoid 10 minutes without one like we had yesterday in the first half. That was our worst drought of the year it seemed like. I'd hoped it would be Dillione be a bucket getter, but he's apparently not ready to make any kind of impact against a good team at this point.

Bigger concern, rebounds because Awaka is a foul magnet. Probably won't get many more 10 rebound type days from Santi. So hopefully Tobe can play under more control in the future. He's too valuable to get silly slap fouls like he did yesterday.

 

[Stoked]

JJJ is going to mess around and get a triple-double this year! He’s playing phenomenal!

 

[TheMookieMonster]

It was a very nice win. I won’t lie I had concerns as might drop another one during that 13-minute stretch (last 10 of first half, first 3 of second half) where we scored like 10 points total.

This is where a player like Knecht completely changes our team. Last year, if we had a stretch like that I’m not sure we ever come out of that rut. We probably lose. This year though Knecht always seems to be the spark plug. We needed a basket desperately, and he went on a tear scoring 13 of 16 points for us. He’s special.

It was really nice to see Santi get going. Just a difference maker for us. He had 9 rebounds, most on the team. Which is just crazy impressive. He had some truly beautiful passes, some which we failed to capitalize on. If we can get THAT Santi for most of the rest of the year to go with Knecht, there is no reason we can’t make a Final Four.

I also thought our ball movement yesterday for 3/4s of the game was the best it’s been all year. First 10 minutes of the game, we were playing some gorgeous team basketball. Overall, 21 of 27 made baskets were assisted on. Thats how you win games.

I think the most under-appreciated player yesterday though was Maschack. His defense in the second half was All-American level. He affects the game in so many ways that aren’t in the box score. I’d like to see his minutes and increase a bit. I’m not sure where they come from, my preference would be Gainey (whose defense wasn’t great) but when Mashack was on the court in the 2nd half he was a difference maker. Just need him to offer something offensively for Barnes to consistently trust him.

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

@BTO ... as always great summary and good insight.

I would offer that Mashack remarked something to the effect, this team has not yet scratched the surface of what is possible ... wow!
That was a slugfest!
Either (or both) of those teams could make it to the final four!!!
We stuck with eight ... for the whole game ... partly as a message to a few players that their practice habits needed to improve if they want to play bb. When we are playing when marbles are on the table ... we will likely only go eight deep.

Awaka and Aidoo getting better ... still missing around the rim. But they are becoming more physical and aggressive on the offensive end which is good to see.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

It was a great game to watch, lots of good plays on both sides and a Vols win made it even better. Was it all perfect, no, what game is. Just enjoy it, its not hard to do.

 

[Special Ed]

Don't overlook that our free-throw shooting was quite good as a team.
That was a big factor at the end.

 

[Redheads]

1. What a great and gutsy win that was, Illinois is a veteran team much like Tennessee and plays a physical style similar to us, they’ve got some players who are matchup problems for us and create some problems, but we found a way to get it done and get us a much needed “good win” added to our resume.

2. Was great to see Santi looking much more like himself out there on the court, hopefully that is a start of things to come. As has been discussed he’s had to deal with family stuff and then also adjusting to a new role much different to what his has been. As was said there’s plenty of time left for him to find it but it was great to see him take a step in that direction and no surprise he was in the middle of our run and some of the big momentum plays.

3. Much like Santi it was great to again see Zeigler continuing to get back to himself…he was in a tough spot with their bigger guards but he didn’t get exposed and was able to use his quickness to cause them issues a few times. The steal at mid court and pass to JJJ to take the lead was what we’ve all come to know from Zeigler, great to see him getting back.

4. Knecht was himself yet again, what a luxury he is to have…I thought Gainey did a better job playing within himself and not forcing things, his 3 he hit was a big one as well. I thought JJJ, although he didn’t shoot well was great in other areas and again continues to be a big piece of the puzzle, and then really thought Mashack played his role exceptional yesterday. Defensive menace, within himself on offense and he can do that on that end, he can get into the lane and is stronger and bigger than most guards he’ll face in that role, he can get close to the bucket and finish a few times a game.

5. Illinois was one of the best rebounding teams in the country entering the game, that was a major concern given our struggles rebounding at times, yet we won the battle 43-34. Aidoo & Awaka combined for 14 rebounds in 45 minutes which was a good number, Awaka getting 7 rebounds in 15 minutes was big, his energy was huge in the 2nd half. Santi obviously with 9 boards, JJJ had 6 to go along with 7 assists, both of those guys were a huge reason we won the rebounding battle.

6. That was a much needed win, as I had said before a loss wouldn’t shape the season and a win doesn’t either, but adding that one to the resume definitely helps us out. As I’ve said before the upcoming schedule is very favorable after UNC and getting that win yesterday makes going on a win streak much more plausible now, no reason this 2 game streak shouldn’t turn into 6 games and enter SEC play at 10-3 OOC. The start of SEC play also starts off pretty favorable for us as well so that winning streak you could see extend even past 6 possibly imo.




GBO!!!

Really good synopsis. Barnes really loves team basketball and sometimes our teams are too unselfish. You’ll see guys pass up shots and 2-3 passes later the shot clock is running out. This is the first year I can remember his willingness to change his offense. In the past, even when we go into one of those 7-8 minute funks where we can’t score, we run the same pattern : pass to wing, pass to corner, back to wing, reverse to other side. It’s as if there’s a mandatory 4 passes before anyone is allowed to look at the rim. This year, in the Carolina game, he went to a new style. Throw it in to Dalton, everyone else spot up on the 3 point line, and let him work. It got us back into the game. Not pretty, but effective. Carolina got so frustrated because they couldn’t stop him that they started doubling him as soon as he crossed half court. Barnes is not a fan of one on one ball so I’m sure it’s hard for him to do it. But it is nice to have a plan B. We used it again yesterday with him getting a screen from a big and going downhill. Helped us win the game. With the shooters we have, if they spot up and he drives, someone’s open if they try to help. He also draws fouls, which helps a lot since we don’t have hardly anyone who drives it hard to the basket. It’s really nice to see Barnes adapt to the talent he has.

 

[njvols]

Really good synopsis. Barnes really loves team basketball and sometimes our teams are too unselfish. You’ll see guys pass up shots and 2-3 passes later the shot clock is running out. This is the first year I can remember his willingness to change his offense. In the past, even when we go into one of those 7-8 minute funks where we can’t score, we run the same pattern : pass to wing, pass to corner, back to wing, reverse to other side. It’s as if there’s a mandatory 4 passes before anyone is allowed to look at the rim. This year, in the Carolina game, he went to a new style. Throw it in to Dalton, everyone else spot up on the 3 point line, and let him work. It got us back into the game. Not pretty, but effective. Carolina got so frustrated because they couldn’t stop him that they started doubling him as soon as he crossed half court. Barnes is not a fan of one on one ball so I’m sure it’s hard for him to do it. But it is nice to have a plan B. We used it again yesterday with him getting a screen from a big and going downhill. Helped us win the game. With the shooters we have, if they spot up and he drives, someone’s open if they try to help. He also draws fouls, which helps a lot since we don’t have hardly anyone who drives it hard to the basket. It’s really nice to see Barnes adapt to the talent he has.

sometimes our teams are too unselfish
I agree with this, and think it's a blessing and a curse. IMO has been a thorn for us the past few years.

 

[Chaz-Vol]

It was a very nice win. I won’t lie I had concerns as might drop another one during that 13-minute stretch (last 10 of first half, first 3 of second half) where we scored like 10 points total.

This is where a player like Knecht completely changes our team. Last year, if we had a stretch like that I’m not sure we ever come out of that rut. We probably lose. This year though Knecht always seems to be the spark plug. We needed a basket desperately, and he went on a tear scoring 13 of 16 points for us. He’s special.

It was really nice to see Santi get going. Just a difference maker for us. He had 9 rebounds, most on the team. Which is just crazy impressive. He had some truly beautiful passes, some which we failed to capitalize on. If we can get THAT Santi for most of the rest of the year to go with Knecht, there is no reason we can’t make a Final Four.

I also thought our ball movement yesterday for 3/4s of the game was the best it’s been all year. First 10 minutes of the game, we were playing some gorgeous team basketball. Overall, 21 of 27 made baskets were assisted on. Thats how you win games.

I think the most under-appreciated player yesterday though was Maschack. His defense in the second half was All-American level. He affects the game in so many ways that aren’t in the box score. I’d like to see his minutes and increase a bit. I’m not sure where they come from, my preference would be Gainey (whose defense wasn’t great) but when Mashack was on the court in the 2nd half he was a difference maker. Just need him to offer something offensively for Barnes to consistently trust him.

Totally agree going forward Mashack/Gainey minute distribution should favor Mashack for his elite defense. I think his 15 ft offensive game plus his decent free throw shooting is enough for him offensively. There's some elite wings (mostly play for Kentucky) in the SEC that Mashack will be critical.

The 8 man lineup is essentially set right now. This game wasn't game for any freshmen and they would have gotten eaten up. But I think in event of any possible injury as we found out last year, I hope Freddie gets some experience with the buy games this month to help with PG depth.

 

[knoxvol52]

Unless Tennessee has foul trouble....
Fans probably just seen the rotation CRB will go with in SEC play...

 

[The Dog]

Unless Tennessee has foul trouble....
Fans probably just seen the rotation CRB will go with in SEC play...

Agree. Maybe a little Freddie and Phillips/Estrella, but yeah, that's the main 8 man rotation. I think Carr will get some run and hopefully, DJ in blowouts

 

[VolArmy74]

It was a very nice win. I won’t lie I had concerns as might drop another one during that 13-minute stretch (last 10 of first half, first 3 of second half) where we scored like 10 points total.

This is where a player like Knecht completely changes our team. Last year, if we had a stretch like that I’m not sure we ever come out of that rut. We probably lose. This year though Knecht always seems to be the spark plug. We needed a basket desperately, and he went on a tear scoring 13 of 16 points for us. He’s special.

It was really nice to see Santi get going. Just a difference maker for us. He had 9 rebounds, most on the team. Which is just crazy impressive. He had some truly beautiful passes, some which we failed to capitalize on. If we can get THAT Santi for most of the rest of the year to go with Knecht, there is no reason we can’t make a Final Four.

I also thought our ball movement yesterday for 3/4s of the game was the best it’s been all year. First 10 minutes of the game, we were playing some gorgeous team basketball. Overall, 21 of 27 made baskets were assisted on. Thats how you win games.

I think the most under-appreciated player yesterday though was Maschack. His defense in the second half was All-American level. He affects the game in so many ways that aren’t in the box score. I’d like to see his minutes and increase a bit. I’m not sure where they come from, my preference would be Gainey (whose defense wasn’t great) but when Mashack was on the court in the 2nd half he was a difference maker. Just need him to offer something offensively for Barnes to consistently trust him.

Mashack vastly outplayed Gainey yesterday and did it in two less minutes. Lock down defense, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 5-6 from the ft line and 2-2 from the floor. If he's got the energy to defend at that level for 20+ I'd much rather it be 22 mins for him and 10 for Gainey vs the 15/17 split yesterday.

 

[turbovol]

Somebody hit on it early above: A big issue for us is scoring if Knecht gets 2 fouls in the first half and has to sit. That leaves some combination of Santi, Aidoo, JJJ, Gainey, Ziggy, Mashack. Not good. Santi has been well marked all season, Gainey has shot poorly. We can't go on a scoring drought for 8/10 minutes against good teams and expect to win. We'll be 10 points behind. Gainey hasn't forced things this season---he's just missed too much.

 

[cardvolfan]

Mashack vastly outplayed Gainey yesterday and did it in two less minutes. Lock down defense, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 5-6 from the ft line and 2-2 from the floor. If he's got the energy to defend at that level for 20+ I'd much rather it be 22 mins for him and 10 for Gainey vs the 15/17 split yesterday.

Yeah, my question since Gainey became a Vol was if his father being associate head coach was going to gift him minutes, intentionally or not. At this point in time, I do think he needs his minutes reduced vs. what his average has been. Maybe he improves as the season progresses, but I would think his minutes diminish a bit.

 

[Dr H Lecter]

Thanks for the write up. I’ve been checking VN since yesterday to get your opinion- so thanks for this effort. I really appreciate it and look forward to it. Basketball has always been a game of runs and droughts. That was a good team yesterday, and the win was a good one.This team has the pieces and it’s a beautiful sight when they are all falling in place.

 

[lostsheep]

Great write-up, and a great win.

Being picky here, but one area we seem to struggle in that I don’t understand is when we’re faced with full court pressure, especially with a guy like ZZ on the floor.

I don’t pretend to know anything about basketball, but why don’t we clear everyone out except for ZZ and let him get it up the floor??

Seems all we’re doing is bringing extra defenders into the backcourt.

 

[Volfan1000]

1. What a great and gutsy win that was, Illinois is a veteran team much like Tennessee and plays a physical style similar to us, they’ve got some players who are matchup problems for us and create some problems, but we found a way to get it done and get us a much needed “good win” added to our resume.

2. Was great to see Santi looking much more like himself out there on the court, hopefully that is a start of things to come. As has been discussed he’s had to deal with family stuff and then also adjusting to a new role much different to what his has been. As was said there’s plenty of time left for him to find it but it was great to see him take a step in that direction and no surprise he was in the middle of our run and some of the big momentum plays.

3. Much like Santi it was great to again see Zeigler continuing to get back to himself…he was in a tough spot with their bigger guards but he didn’t get exposed and was able to use his quickness to cause them issues a few times. The steal at mid court and pass to JJJ to take the lead was what we’ve all come to know from Zeigler, great to see him getting back.

4. Knecht was himself yet again, what a luxury he is to have…I thought Gainey did a better job playing within himself and not forcing things, his 3 he hit was a big one as well. I thought JJJ, although he didn’t shoot well was great in other areas and again continues to be a big piece of the puzzle, and then really thought Mashack played his role exceptional yesterday. Defensive menace, within himself on offense and he can do that on that end, he can get into the lane and is stronger and bigger than most guards he’ll face in that role, he can get close to the bucket and finish a few times a game.

5. Illinois was one of the best rebounding teams in the country entering the game, that was a major concern given our struggles rebounding at times, yet we won the battle 43-34. Aidoo & Awaka combined for 14 rebounds in 45 minutes which was a good number, Awaka getting 7 rebounds in 15 minutes was big, his energy was huge in the 2nd half. Santi obviously with 9 boards, JJJ had 6 to go along with 7 assists, both of those guys were a huge reason we won the rebounding battle.

6. That was a much needed win, as I had said before a loss wouldn’t shape the season and a win doesn’t either, but adding that one to the resume definitely helps us out. As I’ve said before the upcoming schedule is very favorable after UNC and getting that win yesterday makes going on a win streak much more plausible now, no reason this 2 game streak shouldn’t turn into 6 games and enter SEC play at 10-3 OOC. The start of SEC play also starts off pretty favorable for us as well so that winning streak you could see extend even past 6 possibly imo.




GBO!!!

Tennessee dominated in the paint yesterday and kept driving the ball to the basket instead of settling for three point looks and the defense was outstanding in the second half.

 

[Namorto1]

It was a very nice win. I won’t lie I had concerns as might drop another one during that 13-minute stretch (last 10 of first half, first 3 of second half) where we scored like 10 points total.

This is where a player like Knecht completely changes our team. Last year, if we had a stretch like that I’m not sure we ever come out of that rut. We probably lose. This year though Knecht always seems to be the spark plug. We needed a basket desperately, and he went on a tear scoring 13 of 16 points for us. He’s special.

It was really nice to see Santi get going. Just a difference maker for us. He had 9 rebounds, most on the team. Which is just crazy impressive. He had some truly beautiful passes, some which we failed to capitalize on. If we can get THAT Santi for most of the rest of the year to go with Knecht, there is no reason we can’t make a Final Four.

I also thought our ball movement yesterday for 3/4s of the game was the best it’s been all year. First 10 minutes of the game, we were playing some gorgeous team basketball. Overall, 21 of 27 made baskets were assisted on. Thats how you win games.

I think the most under-appreciated player yesterday though was Maschack. His defense in the second half was All-American level. He affects the game in so many ways that aren’t in the box score. I’d like to see his minutes and increase a bit. I’m not sure where they come from, my preference would be Gainey (whose defense wasn’t great) but when Mashack was on the court in the 2nd half he was a difference maker. Just need him to offer something offensively for Barnes to consistently trust him.

Good call. Mashack has lost minutes since ZZ was inserted back into the starting lineup to around 15 minutes per game. He deserves 20 given the overall energy and defensive prowess he brings every time he is on the court. Type of guy who doesn't even have to score much to contribute. Given so many teams play 3-4 perimeter players on the court at the same time nowadays, I think he can spell both Knecht and James vs having to play a guard spot, so long as our guards continue to contribute on the glass. Can't think of many SEC teams who play a traditional big lineup (expect perhaps LSU and they haven't proved they are a good team yet) so this would allow our guards to continue to rotate Vescovi, ZZ, Gainey and "hopefully" Dilione or Carr.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Good call. Mashack has lost minutes since ZZ was inserted back into the starting lineup to around 15 minutes per game. He deserves 20 given the overall energy and defensive prowess he brings every time he is on the court. Type of guy who doesn't even have to score much to contribute. Given so many teams play 3-4 perimeter players on the court at the same time nowadays, I think he can spell both Knecht and James vs having to play a guard spot, so long as our guards continue to contribute on the glass. Can't think of many SEC teams who play a traditional big lineup (expect perhaps LSU and they haven't proved they are a good team yet) so this would allow our guards to continue to rotate Vescovi, ZZ, Gainey and "hopefully" Dilione or Carr.

He completely shut down Shannon in the second half until the last few minutes when Shannon got a bunch of garbage time points and some foul shots. When it mattered most, he neutralized him. Just like he did against Brandon Miller last year. He’s a game changer.

I’ve been pretty hard on Gainey and I don’t want to pile on him, I just think it’s time for his minutes to shrink and for Maschack to get more run. He’s a vastly better defender and just does more of the little things. He’s also been a more efficient scorer in his limited shots.

 

[kirbysmartsbowlcut12]

Really good synopsis. Barnes really loves team basketball and sometimes our teams are too unselfish. You’ll see guys pass up shots and 2-3 passes later the shot clock is running out. This is the first year I can remember his willingness to change his offense. In the past, even when we go into one of those 7-8 minute funks where we can’t score, we run the same pattern : pass to wing, pass to corner, back to wing, reverse to other side. It’s as if there’s a mandatory 4 passes before anyone is allowed to look at the rim. This year, in the Carolina game, he went to a new style. Throw it in to Dalton, everyone else spot up on the 3 point line, and let him work. It got us back into the game. Not pretty, but effective. Carolina got so frustrated because they couldn’t stop him that they started doubling him as soon as he crossed half court. Barnes is not a fan of one on one ball so I’m sure it’s hard for him to do it. But it is nice to have a plan B. We used it again yesterday with him getting a screen from a big and going downhill. Helped us win the game. With the shooters we have, if they spot up and he drives, someone’s open if they try to help. He also draws fouls, which helps a lot since we don’t have hardly anyone who drives it hard to the basket. It’s really nice to see Barnes adapt to the talent he has.

Barnes hates that NBA-like isolation offense, but with a player like Knecht, he realizes it's his best option to score. Get the man the ball on the wing or high post, clear out the paint, & let the dude play 1-1. If he gets doubled, he's shown to be a willing & effective passer. He's the best pure scorer Rick's had in his career since he had Durant on loan for a season 16/17 years ago. He could average 30 if he really wanted to..

 

[bleedingTNorange]

He completely shut down Shannon in the second half until the last few minutes when Shannon got a bunch of garbage time points and some foul shots. When it mattered most, he neutralized him. Just like he did against Brandon Miller last year. He’s a game changer.

I’ve been pretty hard on Gainey and I don’t want to pile on him, I just think it’s time for his minutes to shrink and for Maschack to get more run. He’s a vastly better defender and just does more of the little things. He’s also been a more efficient scorer in his limited shots.

If he can continue to get into the lane and finish that’ll help, up until today it felt like our offense would often struggle when he would come in. Now some of that is lineups, but I think for the most part he can play with the starting 5…with Awaka out there that’s tough, and if/when Dilione sees minutes also imo.

 

[TMvol10]

He completely shut down Shannon in the second half until the last few minutes when Shannon got a bunch of garbage time points and some foul shots. When it mattered most, he neutralized him. Just like he did against Brandon Miller last year. He’s a game changer.

I’ve been pretty hard on Gainey and I don’t want to pile on him, I just think it’s time for his minutes to shrink and for Maschack to get more run. He’s a vastly better defender and just does more of the little things. He’s also been a more efficient scorer in his limited shots.

I can agree with this for the most part. While Maschacks offensive game has improved, there’s still been a few games this year where it’s so bad that I’m not positive his defensive prowess outweighs his offensive game. Typically it does though so if Maschack can play within the offense, take care of the ball, not force this issue and make FTs, I would agree that he should get more minutes than Gainey.

 

[VolunteerCeltic]

Knecht is a great scorer, but this team will go so much further if the Vols have 3-4 to pick up the slack when he is not in the game.

 

[ndubvols]

I agree mashack was great and I’ve been an advocate for him getting more minutes several times this season. Personally think he should get 4-5 more minutes from zzz especially against a bigger team like Illinois. Zz has been playing better, but think it’s a big ask to have him playing 30 minutes a game after his injury. I actually thought Gainey showed some growth this game and had much better shot selection. Think he deserves the 17 minutes he got.