BTO’s UNC-Upstate Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. That’s just about perfect for how you want a game like last nights to go, jump out to an early lead, play guys bigger minutes than they usually get, play some guys who don’t usually get to play, and win the game comfortably and come out without injuries…that was achieved. Can’t take a lot or learn a lot from these games but what you don’t want is a tough game, glad to see the guys come out and take care of business.

2. Another elite defensive showing, but this time an offensive showing to match…like I said in #1 you can’t take too much from a game like that but that’s now 5 straight opponents held under 78ppp, that is a ridiculous number regardless of opponent, it’s no shock Tennessee has the #1 defense in the nation currently and it’s not particularly that close, they are playing at an elite level and James being back is a big part of that. The offense looked very good but going 11/25 from 3 will do that, when we hit the 3 ball at a consistent rate we’re a tough beat, but gotta have a counter when we go cold.

3. You can see why coaches continue to press on ON, he has a habit of dominating these lower level teams but somewhat disappearing against better competition, but the things he’s doing against these teams he can do against P5 teams to (hit 3’s, dunks, post ups) so it does seem as if maybe it’s a confidence thing with him…he has the size and athleticism to be really good, he just has to start taking that next step against tougher competition and gain the confidence and trust of coaches.

4. I asked for Jahmai Mashack to get more run in todays game in hopes of seeing what he would do in meaningful minutes and if he could overtake Bailey in the rotation…he indeed got some good minutes, and while he wasn’t great he was much better than Bailey, to the point I would give it another shot. In a game that we won by 44 points Bailey had a BPM of -22.4, that seems almost impossible, but it’s true. That stretch where he came down and took 3 straight shots was painful to watch, he’s never been a great defender but at least was a respectable shooter before, at this point he’s not even that, he has to lose his minutes and I say that as one of his biggest supporters.

5. Saturday’s game looks a bit tougher after seeing Memphis smack Alabama around, they won’t have the home crowd to get them going but they’ve got some confidence now as a result. We have shot awful away from home so if we are cold from 3 it could be a long day for Tennessee. Getting out to an early lead would be nice as Memphis may just lay down and quit, but the longer they lead or keep it close the more confidence they will have. That game is followed by Arizona at home, which is shaping up to really be a marquee matchup, have to at split these games but it sure would be nice to win Saturday and build some hype for the matchup with Arizona for what should be a great crowd at TBA.


GBO!!!

 

[cardvolfan]

I think Barnes is ramping us up to wear Arizona down next week as the Wildcats don‘t go deep. I like some of the defensive packages we are putting in, like the one at the start of the 2nd half resulting in a TO.

 

[b_gann]

1. That’s just about perfect for how you want a game like last nights to go, jump out to an early lead, play guys bigger minutes than they usually get, play some guys who don’t usually get to play, and win the game comfortably and come out without injuries…that was achieved. Can’t take a lot or learn a lot from these games but what you don’t want is a tough game, glad to see the guys come out and take care of business.

2. Another elite defensive showing, but this time an offensive showing to match…like I said in #1 you can’t take too much from a game like that but that’s now 5 straight opponents held under 78ppp, that is a ridiculous number regardless of opponent, it’s no shock Tennessee has the #1 defense in the nation currently and it’s not particularly that close, they are playing at an elite level and James being back is a big part of that. The offense looked very good but going 11/25 from 3 will do that, when we hit the 3 ball at a consistent rate we’re a tough beat, but gotta have a counter when we go cold.

3. You can see why coaches continue to press on ON, he has a habit of dominating these lower level teams but somewhat disappearing against better competition, but the things he’s doing against these teams he can do against P5 teams to (hit 3’s, dunks, post ups) so it does seem as if maybe it’s a confidence thing with him…he has the size and athleticism to be really good, he just has to start taking that next step against tougher competition and gain the confidence and trust of coaches.

4. I asked for Jahmai Mashack to get more run in todays game in hopes of seeing what he would do in meaningful minutes and if he could overtake Bailey in the rotation…he indeed got some good minutes, and while he wasn’t great he was much better than Bailey, to the point I would give it another shot. In a game that we won by 44 points Bailey had a BPM of -22.4, that seems almost impossible, but it’s true. That stretch where he came down and took 3 straight shots was painful to watch, he’s never been a great defender but at least was a respectable shooter before, at this point he’s not even that, he has to lose his minutes and I say that as one of his biggest supporters.

5. Saturday’s game looks a bit tougher after seeing Memphis smack Alabama around, they won’t have the home crowd to get them going but they’ve got some confidence now as a result. We have shot awful away from home so if we are cold from 3 it could be a long day for Tennessee. Getting out to an early lead would be nice as Memphis may just lay down and quit, but the longer they lead or keep it close the more confidence they will have. That game is followed by Arizona at home, which is shaping up to really be a marquee matchup, have to at split these games but it sure would be nice to win Saturday and build some hype for the matchup with Arizona for what should be a great crowd at TBA.


GBO!!!

My thoughts exactly on #3. I think he gets game nerves. You can see the talent, but he doesn't show up or translate it to the big stage.

Love your point on #4. Nothing personal against the kid, but I just don't love Bailey. He takes meh shots and isn't a good enough shooter to warrant them. Minus defender also.

 

[sportsnut624]

1. That’s just about perfect for how you want a game like last nights to go, jump out to an early lead, play guys bigger minutes than they usually get, play some guys who don’t usually get to play, and win the game comfortably and come out without injuries…that was achieved. Can’t take a lot or learn a lot from these games but what you don’t want is a tough game, glad to see the guys come out and take care of business.

2. Another elite defensive showing, but this time an offensive showing to match…like I said in #1 you can’t take too much from a game like that but that’s now 5 straight opponents held under 78ppp, that is a ridiculous number regardless of opponent, it’s no shock Tennessee has the #1 defense in the nation currently and it’s not particularly that close, they are playing at an elite level and James being back is a big part of that. The offense looked very good but going 11/25 from 3 will do that, when we hit the 3 ball at a consistent rate we’re a tough beat, but gotta have a counter when we go cold.

3. You can see why coaches continue to press on ON, he has a habit of dominating these lower level teams but somewhat disappearing against better competition, but the things he’s doing against these teams he can do against P5 teams to (hit 3’s, dunks, post ups) so it does seem as if maybe it’s a confidence thing with him…he has the size and athleticism to be really good, he just has to start taking that next step against tougher competition and gain the confidence and trust of coaches.

4. I asked for Jahmai Mashack to get more run in todays game in hopes of seeing what he would do in meaningful minutes and if he could overtake Bailey in the rotation…he indeed got some good minutes, and while he wasn’t great he was much better than Bailey, to the point I would give it another shot. In a game that we won by 44 points Bailey had a BPM of -22.4, that seems almost impossible, but it’s true. That stretch where he came down and took 3 straight shots was painful to watch, he’s never been a great defender but at least was a respectable shooter before, at this point he’s not even that, he has to lose his minutes and I say that as one of his biggest supporters.

5. Saturday’s game looks a bit tougher after seeing Memphis smack Alabama around, they won’t have the home crowd to get them going but they’ve got some confidence now as a result. We have shot awful away from home so if we are cold from 3 it could be a long day for Tennessee. Getting out to an early lead would be nice as Memphis may just lay down and quit, but the longer they lead or keep it close the more confidence they will have. That game is followed by Arizona at home, which is shaping up to really be a marquee matchup, have to at split these games but it sure would be nice to win Saturday and build some hype for the matchup with Arizona for what should be a great crowd at TBA.


GBO!!!

Number 4 is the most important for me. At this point I think you have to look towards March and what you want coming off the bench. Mashacks defensive abilities could be a huge factor come March and if we go through some growing pains with him now to get him at least contributing come tournament play then so be it. We know what we have with Bailey at this point and it just feels like at this point you are getting equal play from mashack. Bailey is a little better offensively but when he’s off there’s no benefit to him being on the floor.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

It was a very fun game to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As you said, not much you can take away from playing competition like that, but it was still nice to see us execute on both sides of the ball.

My biggest takeaways are that I just hope Barnes is recognizing what we recognize. I am concerned this isn't the case. I know he values experience and seniority, but Victor Bailey just isn't cutting it. We need to shrink the rotation against good competition. Bailey doesn't add much value on either side of the ball. I'd really like to see Powell get more of his minutes, and I think Mashack should come off the bench before Bailey.

It's time to "put up or shut up" this weekend. We can't afford another offensive disaster. I hope the Memphis win helps our guys not take them lightly now. Looking forward to what I hope is a smack down by our Vols.

 

[cardvolfan]

It was a very fun game to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As you said, not much you can take away from playing competition like that, but it was still nice to see us execute on both sides of the ball.

My biggest takeaways are that I just hope Barnes is recognizing what we recognize. I am concerned this isn't the case. I know he values experience and seniority, but Victor Bailey just isn't cutting it. We need to shrink the rotation against good competition. Bailey doesn't add much value on either side of the ball. I'd really like to see Powell get more of his minutes, and I think Mashack should come off the bench before Bailey.

It's time to "put up or shut up" this weekend. We can't afford another offensive disaster. I hope the Memphis win helps our guys not take them lightly now. Looking forward to what I hope is a smack down by our Vols.

Our guys were never going to take them lightly. But, I agree they will be highly focused.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Oh, and one other thought.

I'd like to see Powell hunt his shot. I feel like he's been a bit passive. He's passed up some good looks, and I like the unselfish behavior, but he could be such a lethal weapon for us if he develops the alpha mentality he had in his few games at Auburn.

 

[ColinS]

These games are entertaining because the margin and ease of victory gives everyone a false sense of security. I'm not sure there is any real benefit to playing teams this bad. We should attempt to schedule teams that routinely sit in the top 150 at least.

 

[Volfan1000]

1. That’s just about perfect for how you want a game like last nights to go, jump out to an early lead, play guys bigger minutes than they usually get, play some guys who don’t usually get to play, and win the game comfortably and come out without injuries…that was achieved. Can’t take a lot or learn a lot from these games but what you don’t want is a tough game, glad to see the guys come out and take care of business.

2. Another elite defensive showing, but this time an offensive showing to match…like I said in #1 you can’t take too much from a game like that but that’s now 5 straight opponents held under 78ppp, that is a ridiculous number regardless of opponent, it’s no shock Tennessee has the #1 defense in the nation currently and it’s not particularly that close, they are playing at an elite level and James being back is a big part of that. The offense looked very good but going 11/25 from 3 will do that, when we hit the 3 ball at a consistent rate we’re a tough beat, but gotta have a counter when we go cold.

3. You can see why coaches continue to press on ON, he has a habit of dominating these lower level teams but somewhat disappearing against better competition, but the things he’s doing against these teams he can do against P5 teams to (hit 3’s, dunks, post ups) so it does seem as if maybe it’s a confidence thing with him…he has the size and athleticism to be really good, he just has to start taking that next step against tougher competition and gain the confidence and trust of coaches.

4. I asked for Jahmai Mashack to get more run in todays game in hopes of seeing what he would do in meaningful minutes and if he could overtake Bailey in the rotation…he indeed got some good minutes, and while he wasn’t great he was much better than Bailey, to the point I would give it another shot. In a game that we won by 44 points Bailey had a BPM of -22.4, that seems almost impossible, but it’s true. That stretch where he came down and took 3 straight shots was painful to watch, he’s never been a great defender but at least was a respectable shooter before, at this point he’s not even that, he has to lose his minutes and I say that as one of his biggest supporters.

5. Saturday’s game looks a bit tougher after seeing Memphis smack Alabama around, they won’t have the home crowd to get them going but they’ve got some confidence now as a result. We have shot awful away from home so if we are cold from 3 it could be a long day for Tennessee. Getting out to an early lead would be nice as Memphis may just lay down and quit, but the longer they lead or keep it close the more confidence they will have. That game is followed by Arizona at home, which is shaping up to really be a marquee matchup, have to at split these games but it sure would be nice to win Saturday and build some hype for the matchup with Arizona for what should be a great crowd at TBA.


GBO!!!

We need big games from Huntley-Hatfield and Nkamhoub on Saturday and we need to get Duren and Bates in foul trouble.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

These games are entertaining because the margin and ease of victory gives everyone a false sense of security. I'm not sure there is any real benefit to playing teams this bad. We should attempt to schedule teams that routinely sit in the top 150 at least.

Name me a college program that doesn’t have these games on their schedule

 

[Special Ed]

UNC-Upstate?
Have they moved from South Carolina?

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Oh, and one other thought.

I'd like to see Powell hunt his shot. I feel like he's been a bit passive. He's passed up some good looks, and I like the unselfish behavior, but he could be such a lethal weapon for us if he develops the alpha mentality he had in his few games at Auburn.

He burned Memphis last season if I recall correctly.

 

[kayman1]

Free throws!!!

 

[TMvol10]

We need big games from Huntley-Hatfield and Nkamhoub on Saturday and we need to get Duren and Bates in foul trouble.

This might come back to bite me, but we need Bates on the floor not on the bench. They are better when he’s sitting next to Larry Brown.

 

[Johnnyreb#VFL]

Double double for Fulky coming

 

[VOLINVONORE]

1. That’s just about perfect for how you want a game like last nights to go, jump out to an early lead, play guys bigger minutes than they usually get, play some guys who don’t usually get to play, and win the game comfortably and come out without injuries…that was achieved. Can’t take a lot or learn a lot from these games but what you don’t want is a tough game, glad to see the guys come out and take care of business.

2. Another elite defensive showing, but this time an offensive showing to match…like I said in #1 you can’t take too much from a game like that but that’s now 5 straight opponents held under 78ppp, that is a ridiculous number regardless of opponent, it’s no shock Tennessee has the #1 defense in the nation currently and it’s not particularly that close, they are playing at an elite level and James being back is a big part of that. The offense looked very good but going 11/25 from 3 will do that, when we hit the 3 ball at a consistent rate we’re a tough beat, but gotta have a counter when we go cold.

3. You can see why coaches continue to press on ON, he has a habit of dominating these lower level teams but somewhat disappearing against better competition, but the things he’s doing against these teams he can do against P5 teams to (hit 3’s, dunks, post ups) so it does seem as if maybe it’s a confidence thing with him…he has the size and athleticism to be really good, he just has to start taking that next step against tougher competition and gain the confidence and trust of coaches.

4. I asked for Jahmai Mashack to get more run in todays game in hopes of seeing what he would do in meaningful minutes and if he could overtake Bailey in the rotation…he indeed got some good minutes, and while he wasn’t great he was much better than Bailey, to the point I would give it another shot. In a game that we won by 44 points Bailey had a BPM of -22.4, that seems almost impossible, but it’s true. That stretch where he came down and took 3 straight shots was painful to watch, he’s never been a great defender but at least was a respectable shooter before, at this point he’s not even that, he has to lose his minutes and I say that as one of his biggest supporters.

5. Saturday’s game looks a bit tougher after seeing Memphis smack Alabama around, they won’t have the home crowd to get them going but they’ve got some confidence now as a result. We have shot awful away from home so if we are cold from 3 it could be a long day for Tennessee. Getting out to an early lead would be nice as Memphis may just lay down and quit, but the longer they lead or keep it close the more confidence they will have. That game is followed by Arizona at home, which is shaping up to really be a marquee matchup, have to at split these games but it sure would be nice to win Saturday and build some hype for the matchup with Arizona for what should be a great crowd at TBA.


GBO!!!

Thanks for the report.

 

[ColinS]

Name me a college program that doesn’t have these games on their schedule

None that I know of. I know at one time some teams, us included, were trying to manipulate the RPI by avoiding these type games as much as possible. Wouldn't it be nice if every game was against legit opponents? Maybe we play a couple of these type games as exhibition games in the preseason in that scenario.