Expectations and Keys

[Unimane]

Ok, I'm looking for this to be a "put up or shut up" type of thread. I've rarely seen this type of division for a (currently) successful coach, so here's your chance to pointedly state your position for the up coming season.

Say it however you want, but I was looking at it in a what you expect and what are the keys for the Vol season in '09-'10

Expectations

1. 25 wins-with 23 last year and everyone returning, well, except probably Cheech Tabb, this shouldn't be too much of an issue. If they get defensive issues straightened out, they can push 30 again with their talent. The SEC should be a little better, though. I still think Vandy could be trouble. UK has the next Fab 5, but still has Cal on the bench. Not worried about Florida, especially sans Calathes.

2. At least Saturday in the SEC Tournament-Honestly, I could really care less about the conference tournament other than padding some wins and getting a higher seed. It would be nice to win, for once, but we're not Weber State. It's not that critical. Oh, and I don't want to play on Thursday night. That goes with #1.

3. Sweet 16 at least-Once you get to the Regional Semis, it's all about matchups, so Final Four or bust isn't always fair. However, getting past the first weekend should be a minimum expectation for this crew.

4. Lead SEC in steals and scoring-Pearl's teams are most effective when getting easy buckets off of TOs. I still wish we could throw in a zone press, but a leopard doesn't change it's spots. And, maybe Negedu can teach everyone how to hedge because that was pitiful last year.

5. Two on the 1st team All-SEC-Between Scotty, Tyler and Wayne, at least two of them need to become consistantly get 15 and 8 a game.

Needs

1. Goins needs to know and play his role-I don't give a damn if he's the target of the anti-Pearl crew, he's valuable IF he can play solid defense at the PG and handle the ball. He can average 1.7 ppg for all I care as long as he can control penetration.

2. Hopson defers to no one-Scotty has more talent than anyone on the team and probably the top 2-4 in the SEC, but he was a follower last year. Understandable as a freshman, but he's too good to play second fiddle. If he wants to be a lottery pick, he needs to grow some huevos.

3. Urgency-JP, Tyler and Wayne have pretty much maxed out their talent on this level, so they just need to play like they are seniors who realize there is not tomorrow. Tyler I'm not too worried about, Wayne just needs to do it all the time and JP? Well....

4 Kenny Hall and/or Negedu replace Brian Williams-Williams can be a decent in a role, but I think he's about as good as he's going to get. We'll be fine with him, but Negedu and Hall are more explosive and much better as the 4 in the press, which we will need later in the season.

So, some basic stuff. Bottom line, I see 25-28 wins and a second weekend appearance. Any other takers?

 

[BigPapaVol]

The ifs are enormous.

D being the biggest. We have yet to bench a player for a lack on that end. It's high time. Fix things there, we're good by default.

Next is dearth of inside scoring. Wr don't have it and I don't see it coming. Lack of paint equals inconsistency and losses on the big stages. Somebody had to take some high percentage shots and make them or the D had to be otherworldly. Consistency comes from one or the other, if not both. This to me is the toughest find.

Last is PG. Can ours be that guy in the big games, on either end. Goins can play D, so I'd have him out there. On O, breaking down the D from the top for easy dishes and scores seems unlikely. Our wings are going to have to be more assertive going to the hole. If Hopson improves his handle, he is more than capable of breaking down anyone. He deferred last year and has to stop.

Can we make a 3? Disastrous last year and it's a killer I the modern collegiate game. If we shoot like last year, can we avoid 20 heaves per night? I don't know why we kept launching, but we did. Very reminiscent of Memphis in our victory two years ago. If you can't shoot, don't.

We are clearly as talented as we have been, save shooting. We can win. I'll reserve judgment until I see us against some respectable competition, but NCAA entry and second week should be a breeze, but, as I said, we'll see pretty early whether we look like we've improved.
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[hatvol96]

I'm not sure how anyone can assume a team that lost in the first round last year and adds no substantial help is a certain regional semifinalist. They'll look similar to last season, with some marginal improvement. If Kentucky takes longer than expected to find a rotation, they might win the regular season. Ole Miss has too tough a conference road schedule and I'm going to assume Renardo Sidney never gets cleared, so the winner of the East wins the league. Then, when it becomes a possession game in the postseason, having two Atlantic Sun quality point guards will make them vulnerable to anyone with a competent backcourt.

 

[fromtheparkinglot]

I do look for over 25 wins this year and Scotty to step up and have a huge year as long as Tyler plays within himself spreading the ball around. He hurt us in a few big games last year trying to do too much. The league comes down between us and Kentucky I believe.

 

[Unimane]

I'm not sure how anyone can assume a team that lost in the first round last year and adds no substantial help is a certain regional semifinalist. They'll look similar to last season, with some marginal improvement. If Kentucky takes longer than expected to find a rotation, they might win the regular season. Ole Miss has too tough a conference road schedule and I'm going to assume Renardo Sidney never gets cleared, so the winner of the East wins the league. Then, when it becomes a possession game in the postseason, having two Atlantic Sun quality point guards will make them vulnerable to anyone with a competent backcourt.

It isn't that far fetched to expect improvement from a team that lost no one and won the East with 23 wins and a bunch of new players. It happens all the time.

 

[hatvol96]

It isn't that far fetched to expect improvement from a team that lost no one and won the East with 23 wins and a bunch of new players. It happens all the time.

Name someone who has made significant year to year improvement in Pearl's time at Tennessee.

 

[Unimane]

Name someone who has made significant year to year improvement in Pearl's time at Tennessee.

Jesus, are we going to run in circles all the time? There are quite a few players who improved over their time, JuJuan Smith, Lofton, Bradshaw, Chism, hell even Childress and Brian Williams showed marked improvement from the time they stepped on campus under Pearl.

BTW, what are your expectations for the season or do you just prefer to take potshots?

 

[Ashevolle]

I wish there was a way to filter out all Basketball threads.....I am always disappointed when I am tricked into reading about Pearl and the gang

 

[BigPapaVol]

Jesus, are we going to run in circles all the time? There are quite a few players who improved over their time, JuJuan Smith, Lofton, Bradshaw, Chism, hell even Childress and Brian Williams showed marked improvement from the time they stepped on campus under Pearl.

BTW, what are your expectations for the season or do you just prefer to take potshots?

Lofton began to drive the ball after his soph season. Where did anyone else improve? They did get stronger from a weight lifting program. I thought crews developed a reasonable jump hook. The rest simply played more and built confidence. Bradshaw and Childress actually regressed along with Howell. Brian Williams had nowhere to go but up, however it looks like his improvement was almost all fitness.
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[hatvol96]

Jesus, are we going to run in circles all the time? There are quite a few players who improved over their time, JuJuan Smith, Lofton, Bradshaw, Chism, hell even Childress and Brian Williams showed marked improvement from the time they stepped on campus under Pearl.

BTW, what are your expectations for the season or do you just prefer to take potshots?

Yeah, Childress was a marvelous contributor his last two seasons. He made epic strides. Also, the first three guys you mentioned didn't start their careers under Pearl. Also, check Bradshaw's production his senior season. That just screams improvement. It's the same garbage every preseason: "Player X is going to be a breakout player." Nobody ever is.

 

[hatvol96]

BTW, what are your expectations for the season or do you just prefer to take potshots?

Was post #3 in this thread not clear enough for you?

 

[BigPapaVol]

I wish there was a way to filter out all Basketball threads.....I am always disappointed when I am tricked into reading about Pearl and the gang

You are surely bright enough to back out after a couple of words, right. Try the backspace key if your back button isn't working. There are a couple of other options too.

For more enjoyment, you don't even have to post in them before leaving. Might read the rules to help you understand that there is no compulsory posting.
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[7thgroupvolfan]

I'm not sure how anyone can assume a team that lost in the first round last year and adds no substantial help is a certain regional semifinalist. They'll look similar to last season, with some marginal improvement. If Kentucky takes longer than expected to find a rotation, they might win the regular season. Ole Miss has too tough a conference road schedule and I'm going to assume Renardo Sidney never gets cleared, so the winner of the East wins the league. Then, when it becomes a possession game in the postseason, having two Atlantic Sun quality point guards will make them vulnerable to anyone with a competent backcourt.

Really? What happend?

 

[hatvol96]

Really? What happend?

The 'AA says they're not going to clear him until they get some documentation as to how the Sidneys paid their $5,000 per month rent in California. The Sidneys say they aren't giving up their bank records. Thus, it's a stalemate.

 

[7thgroupvolfan]

The 'AA says they're not going to clear him until they get some documentation as to how the Sidneys paid their $5,000 per month rent in California. The Sidneys say they aren't giving up their bank records. Thus, it's a stalemate.

hmmmm....interesting:question:

appreciate it hat:good!:

 

[Unimane]

Lofton began to drive the ball after his soph season. Where did anyone else improve? They did get stronger from a weight lifting program. I thought crews developed a reasonable jump hook. The rest simply played more and built confidence. Bradshaw and Childress actually regressed along with Howell. Brian Williams had nowhere to go but up, however it looks like his improvement was almost all fitness.
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Yeah, Childress was a marvelous contributor his last two seasons. He made epic strides. Also, the first three guys you mentioned didn't start their careers under Pearl. Also, check Bradshaw's production his senior season. That just screams improvement. It's the same garbage every preseason: "Player X is going to be a breakout player." Nobody ever is.

Man, do you guys suck at analysis or did you just not learn context?

Childress was night and day better after his freshman season, or did you forget the 2007 season and tournament? He started sucking again when he got married and then busted his knee. I knew you would focus on the last two years when the off court stuff got to him (Plus, saying he didn't improve after knee surgery is blantantly showing your biases), not the obvious improvement. Par for the course for you two.

Bradshaw was also consistantly hurt his senior year, which affected his production, but was noticeably better under Pearl.

And so what Lofton and Smith didn't start under Pearl? He had them three years. That is a ridiculous argument.
Smith went from 2 ppg as a freshman to All-SEC as a senior. Lofton went from a 3 point specialist to AA under Pearl.

And it goes on and on and on and on for the two of you and your blinding hatred of all things Pearl, to the detriment of common sense. Any relatively decent basketball mind could have noticed the improvement, plus noted the conditions they struggled under. It's almost pathological with you Pearlophobes.

 

[7thgroupvolfan]

opcorn:

 

[Unimane]

Was post #3 in this thread not clear enough for you?

Not really. You just make a few vague statements about how they won't measure up. "Maybe" they will do this, "I don't see that". Not exactly being bold there.

 

[hatvol96]

Man, do you guys suck at analysis or did you just not learn context?

Childress was night and day better after his freshman season, or did you forget the 2007 season and tournament? He started sucking again when he got married and then busted his knee. I knew you would focus on the last two years when the off court stuff got to him (Plus, saying he didn't improve after knee surgery is blantantly showing your biases), not the obvious improvement. Par for the course for you two.

Bradshaw was also consistantly hurt his senior year, which affected his production, but was noticeably better under Pearl.

And so what Lofton and Smith didn't start under Pearl? He had them three years. That is a ridiculous argument.
Smith went from 2 ppg as a freshman to All-SEC as a senior. Lofton went from a 3 point specialist to AA under Pearl.

And it goes on and on and on and on for the two of you and your blinding hatred of all things Pearl, to the detriment of common sense. Any relatively decent basketball mind could have noticed the improvement, plus noted the conditions they struggled under. It's almost pathological with you Pearlophobes.

It's always an excuse with the Pearl sucks. He got married. He got hurt. The humidity got to him. Hopson's a really shy kid who just needs time to adjust to the mean, mean world. Childress was trash as a junior. Period. If you want to give your deity kudos for the improvement, he gets to own the regression.

 

[Unimane]

Was post #3 in this thread not clear enough for you?

It's always an excuse with the Pearl sucks. He got married. He got hurt. The humidity got to him. Hopson's a really shy kid who just needs time to adjust to the mean, mean world. Childress was trash as a junior. Period. If you want to give your deity kudos for the improvement, he gets to own the regression.

Ah, so by this, would you not be a hypocrite for failing to acknowledge the improvement? C'mon, own it.

Childress regressed because of Childress. He lost interest in playing, so he didn't play. I can criticize Pearl no problem, but why bother when you are so far over the top with it?

 

[hatvol96]

Ah, so by this, would you not be a hypocrite for failing to acknowledge the improvement? C'mon, own it.

I wasn't responsible for Ryan Childress as a player. I don't get credit or blame for either.

 

[hatvol96]

Ah, so by this, would you not be a hypocrite for failing to acknowledge the improvement? C'mon, own it.

Childress regressed because of Childress. He lost interest in playing, so he didn't play. I can criticize Pearl no problem, but why bother when you are so far over the top with it?

So, when guys improve, it's Pearl. When they fail or regress, it's on them. That's perfectly consistent.

 

[hatvol96]

Not really. You just make a few vague statements about how they won't measure up. "Maybe" they will do this, "I don't see that". Not exactly being bold there.

How is it vague? They'll be what they were last year, plus one or two extra meaningless regular season wins. The speed of Kentucky's development will dictate who wins the SEC. Tennessee will be the default beneficiary if the 'Cats take longer than expected to put the pieces together. Then, when it matters, this staff's utter ineptitude in recruiting a lead guard will be exposed in the tournament for the third straight year and the season will be over. This team has the same chance of playing in a regional final that Ohio State, for example, does. Almost nil. Clear enough now?

 

[BigPapaVol]

Man, do you guys suck at analysis or did you just not learn context?

Childress was night and day better after his freshman season, or did you forget the 2007 season and tournament? He started sucking again when he got married and then busted his knee. I knew you would focus on the last two years when the off court stuff got to him (Plus, saying he didn't improve after knee surgery is blantantly showing your biases), not the obvious improvement. Par for the course for you two.

Bradshaw was also consistantly hurt his senior year, which affected his production, but was noticeably better under Pearl.

And so what Lofton and Smith didn't start under Pearl? He had them three years. That is a ridiculous argument.
Smith went from 2 ppg as a freshman to All-SEC as a senior. Lofton went from a 3 point specialist to AA under Pearl.

And it goes on and on and on and on for the two of you and your blinding hatred of all things Pearl, to the detriment of common sense. Any relatively decent basketball mind could have noticed the improvement, plus noted the conditions they struggled under. It's almost pathological with you Pearlophobes.

I like Pearl. I think he done great things for exposure. I think he won't ever win big.

You analysis of the improvement of our players proves the point. You're simply wanting to support the corch. Get over it. Spouting stats which were directly related to playing style and minutes fits your bill. Whining about Bradshaws injuries to bolster your silliness is very fitting. Keep 'em coming.

Which part of any of their games showed marked improvement? Lofton shot it more as did JSmith. Lofton kept drilling it but Smith remained streaky. Chism is te same player toda that he was as a freshman. TSmith is worse. Bradshaw ended up the worst starter UT has had in my lifetime. Ramar Smith fell off the world over his summer. Howell had the worst senior year imaginable. So you're going to hang your hat on the one guy who came with him. That's impressive analysis.

From a team perspective, the defense has remained pathetic, shooting has dropped like a stone, offense remains disorganized until late in the play clock, ft shooting is hideous, our best players still no show or mail it in far too often. We benefit from a very weak conference today and lose when it counts. Continue telling us about our big winning Because we beat MSU at hom in January every year. We do that by default because the kids on board are talented. We lose in March because our talented kids play for a players coach who can't find a PG and relies on the press, which gets hammered by good guards, who happen to litter the field in the second weekend of the tourney.
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[hatvol96]

Bradshaw ended up the worst starter UT has had in my lifetime.
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Gannon Goodson is enraged at you giving his spot away.