BTO’s Texas A&M Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. That was an absolute beat down wire to wire from a Tennessee team that clearly came out focused and looking for revenge after the last game. From the start they were locked into their scout on both ends of the court and they didn’t let a few lucky 3’s from Taylor deter them which was an issue at College Station. Did a great job controlling the pace and throwing some various traps at them to keep A&M from ever getting comfortable.

2. A lot of guys played great, and I’ll try and mention them, but specifically I want to be sure and talk about Jonas Aidoo. He had a dreadful performance against A&M in the last game to the point where he was benched almost the entire 2nd half, Barnes felt he was so bad he couldn’t play him. He had responded well the following 3 games but unsure what you’d see tonight in another physical matchup, you saw a focused and determined Aidoo that showed more aggression and physicality than he maybe ever has, having a great game to the tune of 18 points 14 rebounds and a couple blocks as well, he was magnificent. He showed that he can be effective against physically play, and that’s great to see as it’s something he has struggled with, he’s really found a 2nd gear to his progression in conference play and you hope his confidence continues to grow because he can be a weapon for us in March.

3. To go along with that, when you’ve got Zeigler & Knecht playing how they continue to play that’s what makes Aidoo’s play so much more impactful, it’s something else for teams to worry about and not on the perimeter, they now have to worry about in the paint as well and that makes it difficult on teams scouting us. But speaking of Zeigler & Knecht, Knecht continues to do his thing and show he’s a capable rebounder as well with 24 & 7, Zeigler had one of the all time games from a PG as he damn near got himself a triple double, when he’s playing like that he’s so fun to watch, love that guy.

4. I thought Tobe Awaka once again was a bright spot and he’s giving you something both off the bench but also in the post, and that’s something we were hurting in both departments earlier this year. You got 30 & 20 from our big men on 14-20 shooting, that’ll get it done just about every single night. Those guys don’t have to be absolute stars, we have great guards, but keep doing what they’re doing and it really opens up so much more. Tobe also has the physicality he brings to the whole team and there’s matchups where he’s more so needed than others, him staying locked in and also growing his confidence would be such an added bonus.

5. That was an absolute must win as far as wanting to reach our ceiling seeding wise goes, you finish that 6 game streak we’ve talked about at 5-1 with the 1 loss being on the road at A&M. You’ve set yourself up to have a chance, you’re 21-6(11-3) with 4 games left to play, we are in 1st play and your 4 games are against teams currently ranked 2-5, so a massive chance for some marquee wins to build that resume but also control your own destiny for the SEC title as well. Obviously at this point it appears we are pretty firmly on the 2 seed line, a fall to 3 is possible but that appears to be the floor, a rise to 1 is still possible but will likely require Arizona to take a L at some point. Most projections expect Tennessee to go 2-2 over this 4 game stretch and that wouldn’t be bad, but we are definitely all hoping for better and to close out the regular season strong.



GBO!!!

 

[spyfish007]

Love the write up as always. If we go 4-0 to close our the regular season then we get a 1 seed. Don't care about anything else other teams do at this point.

Anyways it was a great game and I was at the game. Good environment. It was not the loudest but it was solid throughout. Oh yeah I think some of the posters from VN had to be at the game based on some of the silly comments I heard. I do think most of the comments are from people that don't know basketball or watch only a few games.

 

[berryvol]

IMO, Wednesday’s game is the most important one in this stretch. Win it and the pressure comes off in a big way - it likely raises the absolute floor to 2 seed and makes it where you just have to split the final 2 to keep our current spot at the top of the 2 line, both games we should be favored in and have a good shot at winning. Lose Wednesday and you’re staring down the barrel of 0-2 heading into a road game with USCjr, with all the pressure to not have a rancid end to the regular season. One game at a time, let’s finish strong boys!

 

[spyfish007]

IMO, Wednesday’s game is the most important one in this stretch. Win it and the pressure comes off in a big way - it likely raises the absolute floor to 2 seed and makes it where you just have to split the final 2 to keep our current spot at the top of the 2 line, both games we should be favored in and have a good shot at winning. Lose Wednesday and you’re staring down the barrel of 0-2 heading into a road game with USCjr, with all the pressure to not have a rancid end to the regular season. One game at a time, let’s finish strong boys!

Interesting point about this being such a swing game. I had not considered that angle and I think you are right. I do think we payback South Carolina based on how both teams are doing and that the Vols seem to take note about how they played the previous time out.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

IMO, Wednesday’s game is the most important one in this stretch. Win it and the pressure comes off in a big way - it likely raises the absolute floor to 2 seed and makes it where you just have to split the final 2 to keep our current spot at the top of the 2 line, both games we should be favored in and have a good shot at winning. Lose Wednesday and you’re staring down the barrel of 0-2 heading into a road game with USCjr, with all the pressure to not have a rancid end to the regular season. One game at a time, let’s finish strong boys!

Yup, does feel like a huge one for sure. As you said win it and feel like 2 seed is locked up and you’re playing for a potential 1 seed and SEC title at that point. Lose Wednesday and you’re saying a 3 seed is totally on the table and we’re dropping another 1-2 away from potentially not getting a double bye in the SECT.

 

[berryvol]

Interesting point about this being such a swing game. I had not considered that angle and I think you are right. I do think we payback South Carolina based on how both teams are doing and that the Vols seem to take note about how they played the previous time out.

I agree, I think we handle USCjr on their home court. That said, it’s still a road game against a, likely, top 25 team. Don’t want to bank on winning that one and a game against a UK team that can get hot and drop 100 at anytime just to get .500 in these final 4 games.

 

[Just a VolinTears]

Great Write-Up per usual! If we can beat AU midweek, then it will take a lot of pressure off of the Bama game. You'd just rather not start the 4 game stretch off with a loss

 

[spyfish007]

I agree, I think we handle USCjr on their home court. That said, it’s still a road game against a, likely, top 25 team. Don’t want to bank on winning that one and a game against a UK team that can get hot and drop 100 at anytime just to get .500 in these final 4 games.

I will be watching the game late on Wednesday from the west coast and coming out of a business meeting. Hopefully we will be up by the time I turn on the game 30 minutes late.

 

[Namorto1]

While A&M absolutely gave up iat some point in the 2nd half, it was a good sign that we continued to step on their neck. In the past when having large leads, we have often gotten sloppy. Saw none of that last night which was a good sign. Aidoo/Awaka combo has been impressive these last 2 games and hope it continues because when the perimeter shots aren't falling we have options in the paint. ZZ gave a master class on how to play PG against A&M and controlled the entire game. Knecht had his usual 20+ game and both JJJ and Vescovi contributed "enough" offensively and on the glass with solid games.

I'm struggling with what you do with Gainey as this season is close to the end and we are fighting for a SEC championship. He had barely been on the floor for 1 minute, yet had 2 turnovers. I get it, when he is on, he gives us a perimeter threat that makes our offense lethal, but goodness isn't he due to make an impact? We need alot more consistency from him as this "1 good game out of 4" is becoming unnerving. It's getting the point where Barnes should judge his playing time early in the game and if he isn't into it, you give his time to Mashack because we can trust what he gives you on the floor with his elite defense and effort and/or nudge up Vescovi's minutes a bit, while we are fighting for a championship.

 

[Namorto1]

IMO, Wednesday’s game is the most important one in this stretch. Win it and the pressure comes off in a big way - it likely raises the absolute floor to 2 seed and makes it where you just have to split the final 2 to keep our current spot at the top of the 2 line, both games we should be favored in and have a good shot at winning. Lose Wednesday and you’re staring down the barrel of 0-2 heading into a road game with USCjr, with all the pressure to not have a rancid end to the regular season. One game at a time, let’s finish strong boys!

If we are as good as we think we are (and I think we are Top 5 good at home), we really have to win at home vs Auburn. No excuse not defending home court especially if Jaylin Williams isn't playing for Auburn. Alabama isn't going to learn how to defend in the next week and it may be one of the more entertaining games of the year. Agree a win against Auburn will take some pressure off us with respect to NCAA tournament seeding. But if we are playing for a SEC championship, these guys need to be more focused than they have this entire year to take that one. Go 2-0 this week (beat the # 5 and # 7 in Kenpom) and we will sneak into a # 1 line heading into the last week of the season, in my opinion. In either game, can't have disappearing acts that we have seen from a couple of our seniors that we have become accustomed too or we could lose them both.

 

[berryvol]

If we are as good as we think we are (and I think we are Top 5 good at home), we really have to win at home vs Auburn. No excuse not defending home court especially if Jaylin Williams isn't playing for Auburn. Alabama isn't going to learn how to defend in the next week and it may be one of the more entertaining games of the year. Agree a win against Auburn will take some pressure off us with respect to NCAA tournament seeding. But if we are playing for a SEC championship, these guys need to be more focused than they have this entire year to take that one. Go 2-0 this week (beat the # 5 and # 7 in Kenpom) and we will sneak into a # 1 line heading into the last week of the season, in my opinion. In either game, can't have disappearing acts that we have seen from a couple of our seniors that we have become accustomed too or we could lose them both.

Not saying you do, but with your statement about their defense and some other posts I’ve seen tonight, I’ll say this - if anyone has any expectations of winning on the road at Alabama this Saturday, you desperately need to lower them. This is, quite possibly, their most anticipated home game of all time. They also have an insanely unique, weird-shooting-depth arena that we have historically played poor in and that have been unbeatable in this season. I hope we win and believe we can, but it’s asinine to go into it with any expectation.

 

[BruisedOrange]

1. That was an absolute beat down wire to wire from a Tennessee team that clearly came out focused and looking for revenge after the last game. From the start they were locked into their scout on both ends of the court and they didn’t let a few lucky 3’s from Taylor deter them which was an issue at College Station. Did a great job controlling the pace and throwing some various traps at them to keep A&M from ever getting comfortable.

2. A lot of guys played great, and I’ll try and mention them, but specifically I want to be sure and talk about Jonas Aidoo. He had a dreadful performance against A&M in the last game to the point where he was benched almost the entire 2nd half, Barnes felt he was so bad he couldn’t play him. He had responded well the following 3 games but unsure what you’d see tonight in another physical matchup, you saw a focused and determined Aidoo that showed more aggression and physicality than he maybe ever has, having a great game to the tune of 18 points 14 rebounds and a couple blocks as well, he was magnificent. He showed that he can be effective against physically play, and that’s great to see as it’s something he has struggled with, he’s really found a 2nd gear to his progression in conference play and you hope his confidence continues to grow because he can be a weapon for us in March.

3. To go along with that, when you’ve got Zeigler & Knecht playing how they continue to play that’s what makes Aidoo’s play so much more impactful, it’s something else for teams to worry about and not on the perimeter, they now have to worry about in the paint as well and that makes it difficult on teams scouting us. But speaking of Zeigler & Knecht, Knecht continues to do his thing and show he’s a capable rebounder as well with 24 & 7, Zeigler had one of the all time games from a PG as he damn near got himself a triple double, when he’s playing like that he’s so fun to watch, love that guy.

4. I thought Tobe Awaka once again was a bright spot and he’s giving you something both off the bench but also in the post, and that’s something we were hurting in both departments earlier this year. You got 30 & 20 from our big men on 14-20 shooting, that’ll get it done just about every single night. Those guys don’t have to be absolute stars, we have great guards, but keep doing what they’re doing and it really opens up so much more. Tobe also has the physicality he brings to the whole team and there’s matchups where he’s more so needed than others, him staying locked in and also growing his confidence would be such an added bonus.

5. That was an absolute must win as far as wanting to reach our ceiling seeding wise goes, you finish that 6 game streak we’ve talked about at 5-1 with the 1 loss being on the road at A&M. You’ve set yourself up to have a chance, you’re 21-6(11-3) with 4 games left to play, we are in 1st play and your 4 games are against teams currently ranked 2-5, so a massive chance for some marquee wins to build that resume but also control your own destiny for the SEC title as well. Obviously at this point it appears we are pretty firmly on the 2 seed line, a fall to 3 is possible but that appears to be the floor, a rise to 1 is still possible but will likely require Arizona to take a L at some point. Most projections expect Tennessee to go 2-2 over this 4 game stretch and that wouldn’t be bad, but we are definitely all hoping for better and to close out the regular season strong.



GBO!!!

Appreciate all your observations, but especially appreciate that you took the time to try to inform our expectations.

"Most projections expect Tennessee to go 2-2 over this 4 game stretch and that wouldn’t be bad..."

Some would say informing VFL's expectations is a fool's errand, but as any preacher would tell you, some things you say will positively effect dozens of people in a meaningful way... but you'll never hear about it. Thanks for doing it anyway!

 

[BruisedOrange]

Not saying you do, but with your statement about their defense and some other posts I’ve seen tonight, I’ll say this - if anyone has any expectations of winning on the road at Alabama this Saturday, you desperately need to lower them. This is, quite possibly, their most anticipated home game of all time. They also have an insanely unique, weird-shooting-depth arena that we have historically played poor in and that have been unbeatable in this season. I hope we win and believe we can, but it’s asinine to go into it with any expectation.

Good points about playing in Bama's house.

I will say this, though... I am encouraged that since the first A&M game, when we've experienced a shooting slump we haven't seemed to give in to it. It appears there's a more mature, less defeatist attitude among our players. They also don't seem to be presuming that Knecht will be the one whose shots begin to fall.

A lot of credit to ZZ for that, as he moves the ball differently after we go 2-3 minutes without a field goal. Seems like he's deciphering more quickly what the defense is doing, and also knows how to make them pay for it.

 

[berryvol]

Good points about playing in Bama's house.

I will say this, though... I am encouraged that since the first A&M game, when we've experienced a shooting slump we haven't seemed to give in to it. It appears there's a more mature, less defeatist attitude among our players. They also don't seem to be presuming that Knecht will be the one whose shots begin to fall.

A lot of credit to ZZ for that, as he moves the ball differently after we go 2-3 minutes without a field goal. Seems like he's deciphering more quickly what the defense is doing, and also knows how to make them pay for it.

Agreed. Since Xmas, outside of the USCjr game, we’ve fought through shooting slumps and broken through. Even in the game @TAMU we scored 40+ in the second half - our defense/rebounding just sucked and they uncharacteristically hit a lot of threes and tough shots.

In the Bama game, I’m expecting us to put up points. Unfortunately, we can play near perfect there and still come away with a narrow loss. Should be a super fun game and one we absolutely can win.

 

[BruisedOrange]

While A&M absolutely gave up iat some point in the 2nd half, it was a good sign that we continued to step on their neck. In the past when having large leads, we have often gotten sloppy. Saw none of that last night which was a good sign. Aidoo/Awaka combo has been impressive these last 2 games and hope it continues because when the perimeter shots aren't falling we have options in the paint. ZZ gave a master class on how to play PG against A&M and controlled the entire game. Knecht had his usual 20+ game and both JJJ and Vescovi contributed "enough" offensively and on the glass with solid games.

I'm struggling with what you do with Gainey as this season is close to the end and we are fighting for a SEC championship. He had barely been on the floor for 1 minute, yet had 2 turnovers. I get it, when he is on, he gives us a perimeter threat that makes our offense lethal, but goodness isn't he due to make an impact? We need alot more consistency from him as this "1 good game out of 4" is becoming unnerving. It's getting the point where Barnes should judge his playing time early in the game and if he isn't into it, you give his time to Mashack because we can trust what he gives you on the floor with his elite defense and effort and/or nudge up Vescovi's minutes a bit, while we are fighting for a championship.

This was the worst Gainey's looked controlling the offense since maybe December, IMHO.

My guess, based on how much he dribbled, and that often there wasn't anyone moving into position to receive a pass from him, was that he wasn't reading what the defense was doing and getting us into the appropriate play or spacing for it.

Gainey is a good lane driver when he commits, but IMHO his dribble is still a bit too high for pausing safely in the lane to look for an outlet pass. That part of his game mentally needs to slow down a bit for him, along with improved ball protection technique.

But I like him, like how far he's come defensively this season, and feel confident that he's a kid who will keep at it until he's mastered it. He certainly has a role model in ZZ for that!

 

[Namorto1]

Not saying you do, but with your statement about their defense and some other posts I’ve seen tonight, I’ll say this - if anyone has any expectations of winning on the road at Alabama this Saturday, you desperately need to lower them. This is, quite possibly, their most anticipated home game of all time. They also have an insanely unique, weird-shooting-depth arena that we have historically played poor in and that have been unbeatable in this season. I hope we win and believe we can, but it’s asinine to go into it with any expectation.

Agree and like you I believe we "can" win although it will be a challenge. Their arena is a bit weird and given we don't get to play home and home against them annually, it may be hard to get used too on the perimeter, but I think this will be JJJ and Vescovi's 3rd time in their house. Zeigler and Mashack's 2nd time. If so, may just mean we try and take more stock in the advantage we have in the post against them. And even post up Knecht more too in the halfcourt. Otherwise it becomes a track meet, and this year we can play that way too.

Clemson beat them on their court this year, Auburn went to the wire with them and Florida should have beat them last week. UT is better than all those teams, when we play a complete game and everyone contributes. With that, not really about mine or any fan's expectations. This is about UT's players expectations and goals. If they want to win a SEC championship, take care of business this week and put yourself in a position to take that chip. It's been a fun year, but it can be historic and expectations are part of doing anything "special". If we play well and still lose, I'll take that as clearly winning on the road isn't easy.

I think UT has won an outright SEC regular season championship only 2x in 56 years. Shared it 5 other occasions in that period. Would be nice to get another one all by ourselves and be somewhat of a harbinger come NCAA tourney time.

I wonder how many others, like me, are already looking at that Final 4 weekend and making tentative plans to disrupt our daily and professional lives to get to Glendale somehow. I have to attend a conference in DC from April 1st-4th but can make it back home in St. Louis in time to gather a weekend bag and get to Arizona on the 6th for that event. Did the same in 1998 when UT football Vols, interestingly enough, went to Arizona to pick up a national championship. Get to Arizona and maybe it will be kind to VolNation once again.

 

[Volfan1000]

While A&M absolutely gave up iat some point in the 2nd half, it was a good sign that we continued to step on their neck. In the past when having large leads, we have often gotten sloppy. Saw none of that last night which was a good sign. Aidoo/Awaka combo has been impressive these last 2 games and hope it continues because when the perimeter shots aren't falling we have options in the paint. ZZ gave a master class on how to play PG against A&M and controlled the entire game. Knecht had his usual 20+ game and both JJJ and Vescovi contributed "enough" offensively and on the glass with solid games.

I'm struggling with what you do with Gainey as this season is close to the end and we are fighting for a SEC championship. He had barely been on the floor for 1 minute, yet had 2 turnovers. I get it, when he is on, he gives us a perimeter threat that makes our offense lethal, but goodness isn't he due to make an impact? We need alot more consistency from him as this "1 good game out of 4" is becoming unnerving. It's getting the point where Barnes should judge his playing time early in the game and if he isn't into it, you give his time to Mashack because we can trust what he gives you on the floor with his elite defense and effort and/or nudge up Vescovi's minutes a bit, while we are fighting for a championship.

Gainey had a nice dime late in the game to Carr for a sick dunk and that is what he should be focusing on along with his defense as the backup point guard.

Vescovi is contributing with his lock down defense and strong effort on the backboards. He is also spacing the floor and has had some nice passes that have led to buckets.

We need some minutes from Carr and Dillone and Estrella and Phillips on Wednesday night to counter act Auburn's bench depth.

If we can get 10 and 7 from JJJ against Auburn, I believe we come out of the game with a dub.

 

[BruisedOrange]

Gainey had a nice dime late in the game to Carr for a sick dunk and that is what he should be focusing on along with his defense as the backup point guard.

Vescovi is contributing with his lock down defense and strong effort on the backboards. He is also spacing the floor and has had some nice passes that have led to buckets.

We need some minutes from Carr and Dillone and Estrella and Phillips on Wednesday night to counter act Auburn's bench depth.

If we can get 10 and 7 from JJJ against Auburn, I believe we come out of the game with a dub.

Estrella, far beyond the rest mentioned, has shown the ability to come into the game early, with the starters, and not gum up the works. IIRC, when Carr, Dillione, or Philips are in there, the offense ceases to operate smoothly and devolves into one-on-one matchups.

It appears to me that guards and wings driving the lane are confident that Estrella will position himself to seal off defenders, and are relatively confident he can handle short, quick passes off of penetration. For sure, he hits the boards hard and defends with intensity!

Not sure how much of the nuance of defensive spacing is in his bag yet, but seems to have high court IQ.

 

[spyfish007]

This was the worst Gainey's looked controlling the offense since maybe December, IMHO.

My guess, based on how much he dribbled, and that often there wasn't anyone moving into position to receive a pass from him, was that he wasn't reading what the defense was doing and getting us into the appropriate play or spacing for it.

Gainey is a good lane driver when he commits, but IMHO his dribble is still a bit too high for pausing safely in the lane to look for an outlet pass. That part of his game mentally needs to slow down a bit for him, along with improved ball protection technique.

But I like him, like how far he's come defensively this season, and feel confident that he's a kid who will keep at it until he's mastered it. He certainly has a role model in ZZ for that!

The A&M guards got under his skin and he was pushing back with his off arm in a big way. Can't let people get under your skin like that. I don't know why that bothered him so much that game as I think he normally plays through it.

 

[DonDiego]

Sorry, to me Gainey is a game to game decision. He can come out hot and help, or he can be a total disaster. Trick for him is you gotta make that assessment early. He might be incredible for us next year, but I wouldn't let him gum up our works for this year.

 

[ReadCT]

Agree and like you I believe we "can" win although it will be a challenge. Their arena is a bit weird and given we don't get to play home and home against them annually, it may be hard to get used too on the perimeter, but I think this will be JJJ and Vescovi's 3rd time in their house. Zeigler and Mashack's 2nd time. If so, may just mean we try and take more stock in the advantage we have in the post against them. And even post up Knecht more too in the halfcourt. Otherwise it becomes a track meet, and this year we can play that way too.

Clemson beat them on their court this year, Auburn went to the wire with them and Florida should have beat them last week. UT is better than all those teams, when we play a complete game and everyone contributes. With that, not really about mine or any fan's expectations. This is about UT's players expectations and goals. If they want to win a SEC championship, take care of business this week and put yourself in a position to take that chip. It's been a fun year, but it can be historic and expectations are part of doing anything "special". If we play well and still lose, I'll take that as clearly winning on the road isn't easy.

I think UT has won an outright SEC regular season championship only 2x in 56 years. Shared it 5 other occasions in that period. Would be nice to get another one all by ourselves and be somewhat of a harbinger come NCAA tourney time.

I wonder how many others, like me, are already looking at that Final 4 weekend and making tentative plans to disrupt our daily and professional lives to get to Glendale somehow. I have to attend a conference in DC from April 1st-4th but can make it back home in St. Louis in time to gather a weekend bag and get to Arizona on the 6th for that event. Did the same in 1998 when UT football Vols, interestingly enough, went to Arizona to pick up a national championship. Get to Arizona and maybe it will be kind to VolNation once again.

Why can I only like this post once????

I already have my PHX Final Four game tix, my plane tix, my hotel. I am buying everything you are selling

 

[walkenvol]

While A&M absolutely gave up iat some point in the 2nd half, it was a good sign that we continued to step on their neck. In the past when having large leads, we have often gotten sloppy. Saw none of that last night which was a good sign. Aidoo/Awaka combo has been impressive these last 2 games and hope it continues because when the perimeter shots aren't falling we have options in the paint. ZZ gave a master class on how to play PG against A&M and controlled the entire game. Knecht had his usual 20+ game and both JJJ and Vescovi contributed "enough" offensively and on the glass with solid games.

I'm struggling with what you do with Gainey as this season is close to the end and we are fighting for a SEC championship. He had barely been on the floor for 1 minute, yet had 2 turnovers. I get it, when he is on, he gives us a perimeter threat that makes our offense lethal, but goodness isn't he due to make an impact? We need alot more consistency from him as this "1 good game out of 4" is becoming unnerving. It's getting the point where Barnes should judge his playing time early in the game and if he isn't into it, you give his time to Mashack because we can trust what he gives you on the floor with his elite defense and effort and/or nudge up Vescovi's minutes a bit, while we are fighting for a championship.

They inserted Gainey into Zeigler’s spot when the turnovers occurred. Gainey has been a 2 guard in his career and they’ve obviously been trying to teach him to be the backup PG. Doesn’t appear he’s going to be capable of filling that role this season nor is Dillione. Looks like Vescovi at pg or James at a point forward role is a better option.

When Gainey is playing the 2, he’s been solid of late. Playing good D, jumping passing lanes, driving the lane to score or draw fouls, and not shooting himself to the bench if the perimeter shot isn’t falling.

 

[ndubvols]

They inserted Gainey into Zeigler’s spot when the turnovers occurred. Gainey has been a 2 guard in his career and they’ve obviously been trying to teach him to be the backup PG. Doesn’t appear he’s going to be capable of filling that role this season nor is Dillione. Looks like Vescovi at pg or James at a point forward role is a better option.

When Gainey is playing the 2, he’s been solid of late. Playing good D, jumping passing lanes, driving the lane to score or draw fouls, and not shooting himself to the bench if the perimeter shot isn’t falling.

Agree 100% with this, no clue why Gainey is the first option at backup PG. I’ve said it in other threads, but it would make sense if your forced to put a 2 guard in that role to have it be someone that’s been in your system multiple years like mashack or vescovi. Instead, we’ve tried to convert a guy that was a 2 guard at a small school against much weaker competition and in a brand new offense into the role. Doesn’t make any sense.

imo feel like part of the shooting slump of Gainey and even Key last year can be attributed to a shift in roles and all the extra responsibilty that comes with that position. As you said, he’s been good as a 3 and D guy. Which is what he should focus on this year. Bring transfers in from lower level to do what they’re good at, don’t try and make them something they aren’t combined with the step up in competition.

 

[KTrain]

Agreed. Since Xmas, outside of the USCjr game, we’ve fought through shooting slumps and broken through. Even in the game @TAMU we scored 40+ in the second half - our defense/rebounding just sucked and they uncharacteristically hit a lot of threes and tough shots.

In the Bama game, I’m expecting us to put up points. Unfortunately, we can play near perfect there and still come away with a narrow loss. Should be a super fun game and one we absolutely can win.

Yep, I think Clemson 85 to 71 is their only Home loss for Bama, in SEC Auburn played them the closet at home with a 79 to 75 loss. I really do not expect a win there especially with them fired up for the beatdown they took in Knoxville.

 

[cncchris33]

1. Tennessee held aTm to 27.3% shooting, forced them to take 34 3s (more than half their total attempts) and they shot 20.6%.

2. Tennessee only committed 17 fouls and aTm shot 15 FTs, making only 8 of them.

3. In contrast, Tennessee shot 52.4%/35%/72.2%...we almost shot an identical percentage from the field on 4x as many shots as aTm did from the FT line.

4. Tennessee outrebounded aTm 50-33 and matched them 10-10 on the offensive boards.

5. Tennessee had 23 assists on 33 made baskets.

***Compare all of the above numbers to those from the game at aTm.*** Sheesh...

6. Since getting punked in College Station, Tennessee is undefeated while aTm hasn't won a game.

In that time...
Jonas Aidoo (who was benched at aTm) has had 66 pts, 38 rebs, and 10 blks in 112 minute in 4 games.
Tobe Awaka has 42 pts, 23 rebs, 4 blks in 65 minutes 4 games.
When those two are averaging 27 pts, 15.3 rebs, and 3.5 blks between them, this team is at a whole different level.

7. Zakai Zeigler in SEC play...
13.4 pts, 6.9 assts, 3.5 rebs, 2.4 stls, and 2.3 TOs on 47.3%/37.2%/68.6% shooting.

8. After Anderson Garcia tuned us up in College Station for 17 total rebounds, we held him to 8 in the rematch.

9. One thing we did a MUCH better job at in this rematch is keeping Taylor and Radford out of the paint. Those two combined for 22 pts, but were so inefficient doing it (7-28 shooting) and 5 of their 8 makes came from 3. They got next to nothing going to the rim, and they only attempted a combine 4 FTs.

Again, when comparing that to the first matchup, they combined for 52 pts on 17-25 shooting, they made 11-14 FTs, and got just about any lane they wanted going to the rim. The adjustments we made in our scout for them in just two weeks was pretty amazing.

10. A testament to how good our defensive effort was, and playing off the numbers in the previous point, Wade and Taylor combined for 52 points in the first matchup. aTm as a team had 51 points on Saturday. Night and day difference. Playing at home helped. Seeking revenge helped. But playing up to our potential is what makes the biggest difference. Do it every night out and this team is extremely difficult to beat.