BTO’s NC State Postgame Report

[livefaith]

Is there anyone besides me and the Mrs that’s grown weary of the talking heads constantly referring to Zeigler as the “heart and soul” of our team? Love Zeigler, but at best he shares that position with JJJ and SV. JMO

There is little originality among that profession. They parott one another thru the whole year. Too much workload to do original research

 

[livefaith]

#4 so true. Horne (my last name too) lit us up for 8 or 10 points in the first 5 minutes. My son and I were watching him out quick SV. I told him, watch this, Mashak is coming in and this party will end. Like clockwork, the dude could not get a look from that point. I can see why Barnes loves that guy.

 

[walkenvol]

Yep, and it's going to cost us in a very competitive SEC this year. I've watched KY and TAMU and don't think we can beat either of them on the road. Like Barnes teams before, this team disappears for 4 or 5 minutes in a game offensively and can't buy a basket. Santi is a 6 year vet. He should be double digits every game. We couldn't even hang 100 pts on GA Southern at home. I see this team being middle of the pack. Hope I am wrong.

Cmon man - Santi played 3 1/2 seasons prior to this year. He came to UT after Christmas as a 17 year old.

Barring injuries, we are at worst top 3 in the SEC.

The BVS is strong in this one!

 

[StickMan]

Knecht observation:
Against Purdue and NCSt, he struggled to drive and had turnovers doing so. Barnes likes the "motion drive" offense that utilizes movement and handoffs/short passes but good defense going forward will crash when Knecht tries to drive off that action. It caused him huge problems against NCSt. I expect well-coached defenses (e.g. Ole Miss) will do the same.

The offensive counter is to try pick and roll instead or try to start Knecht on the block. I'd like to see them use that more for him

I'd like to see him use him more in the curl action catching at the elbow similar to what we used to run with Jordan Bowden.

 

[StickMan]

Yep, and it's going to cost us in a very competitive SEC this year. I've watched KY and TAMU and don't think we can beat either of them on the road. Like Barnes teams before, this team disappears for 4 or 5 minutes in a game offensively and can't buy a basket. Santi is a 6 year vet. He should be double digits every game. We couldn't even hang 100 pts on GA Southern at home. I see this team being middle of the pack. Hope I am wrong.

I think you'll definitely get what you're hoping for - that you're wrong. This team will challenge for the top spot. Kentucky is dangerous, and as much as I hate it, I'm afraid folks are sleeping on Auburn. But I do think the Vols will be right there.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Yep, and it's going to cost us in a very competitive SEC this year. I've watched KY and TAMU and don't think we can beat either of them on the road. Like Barnes teams before, this team disappears for 4 or 5 minutes in a game offensively and can't buy a basket. Santi is a 6 year vet. He should be double digits every game. We couldn't even hang 100 pts on GA Southern at home. I see this team being middle of the pack. Hope I am wrong.

I'm not sure Santi needs to necessarily score in double figures every night. We have more scoring options now. The disappearing act does need to diminish

 

[ColinS]

I'm not sure Santi needs to necessarily score in double figures every night. We have more scoring options now. The disappearing act does need to diminish

I agree. This team doesn't need Santi to get us 15 a night. He just needs to take what he is given and make the open threes at a similar percentage to what he has in the past.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Yep, and it's going to cost us in a very competitive SEC this year. I've watched KY and TAMU and don't think we can beat either of them on the road. Like Barnes teams before, this team disappears for 4 or 5 minutes in a game offensively and can't buy a basket. Santi is a 6 year vet. He should be double digits every game. We couldn't even hang 100 pts on GA Southern at home. I see this team being middle of the pack. Hope I am wrong.

He has not yet reached the 4th anniversary of his first game in Knoxville (1/4/20), how has he packed 6 years in that timeframe.

 

[Tennman]

Good points about Awaka and others stepping up. I personally saw no problem with Vescovi's play, although it would have been nice if one or two of his 3's fell. He was definitely a net positive.
I think Knecht was just out of sorts. It looked like the easy things were difficult for him. That happens and he'll move past it.

I didn't get to see a lot of the game, but what I watched it seemed Knecht was getting plummeted every drive he made. No calls, and he ended up on the ground every time. It really gets frustrating, but it does seem the refs are letting them play. I'm cool with it, as long as its fair both ways.

 

[cardvolfan]

He has not yet reached the 4th anniversary of his first game in Knoxville (1/4/20), how has he packed 6 years in that timeframe.

Fuzzy math.

 

[VolDaddy61]

Zakai was in His bag...He was playing with confidence.

 

[hatingbamaisawayoflife]

I worry against teams with a brain knect may have a few more nights like tonight.. the defensive plan against him was very good and he DID NOT adjust well at all

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I worry against teams with a brain knect may have a few more nights like tonight.. the defensive plan against him was very good and he DID NOT adjust well at all

If teams are going to devote as much attention to Knecht as NC State did, that just means there will be open shots and opportunities for others. As long as they take advantage, we’ll be fine.

 

[cardvolfan]

If teams are going to devote as much attention to Knecht as NC State did, that just means there will be open shots and opportunities for others. As long as they take advantage, we’ll be fine.

One thing is for sure. Knecht is receiving lots of personalized instruction this week in how to take advantage of the scheme NCSU used Saturday night. Just another growth opportunity for this team.

I think we’re going to end up being an outstanding team.

 

[Vols All Day]

If teams are going to devote as much attention to Knecht as NC State did, that just means there will be open shots and opportunities for others. As long as they take advantage, we’ll be fine.

Dalton has to pass the ball, if he is forcing things that one less possession for the Vols.

 

[VolDaddy61]

I worry against teams with a brain knect may have a few more nights like tonight.. the defensive plan against him was very good and he DID NOT adjust well at all

This team won 25 games without Him last year....they'll be fine if He has an occasional off night.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Dalton has to pass the ball, if he is forcing things that one less possession for the Vols.

Well, he came here to focus on defense. ZZ, JJJ, ‘Scovi and Barnes may be able to open his offensive game.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

I'd like to see him use him more in the curl action catching at the elbow similar to what we used to run with Jordan Bowden.

Exactly and like Phillips last year

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

This team won 25 games without Him last year....they'll be fine if He has an occasional off night.

While this is mostly true. We are actually a different team ... Slightly less experienced in the post area, totally different pieces at the 2/3 - better drivers and better shooters, but also the team is not as fluid as the team last year.
Just regular season growing pains.
What I am watching:
How the team gels over time - how fluid are we.
How DK's defense improves over time.
Can JG fit himself into the offense.
How the 3 young guys develop and grab minutes over time.
What happens with DJ, enquiring minds ....

 

[StickMan]

Exactly and like Phillips last year

Yes, exactly. I was begging for it with Phillips, because if he tried to dribble drive it was an automatic turnover. Knecht has the same tendency, though not nearly as bad as Phillips.