I Want...

#376
#376
TennesseeFan07 said:
If he can ever bring in a true perennial big-man then the run may be possible. After the opening weekend of the tourney it's always about the paint.
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It's all about guard play. Big guys are nothing without guards. Remember Chris Jackson and Shaq? Everything Tyler is getting this year is on sheer effort--the past 2 years Lofton has made him an NBA !st rounder. Now what do we think?
 
#377
#377
bigtallguy38 said:
It's all about guard play. Big guys are nothing without guards. Remember Chris Jackson and Shaq? Everything Tyler is getting this year is on sheer effort--the past 2 years Lofton has made him an NBA !st rounder. Now what do we think?
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Lofton only played with Tyler 1 year. And yes, he is a 1st rounder.
 
#379
#379
Okay, I think we're forgetting how much some things take time. Especially when you start from nothing. Pearl came in here four years ago to take a program that honestly none of us probably even bothered to watch, and won with those players. We're all in shock, because hey to win more than 12-15 games was a major surprise. But we think, surely he can't do it again. And he does. And again last year with the most wins in school history. But this year, we lose some key puzzle pieces, replace them with players that are young, and expect them to just automatically do as well. Yeah, we have recruited well, and Bruce Pearl is an excellent recruiter, and IMO, an even better man, but recruits are still players, and they are still 18-19 year old kids who have to come in, and who have to improve their conditioning, take ego checks, learn some discipline, take on class work, learn new systems, compete for a position for possibly the first time in their lives, and coming to Tennessee, dealing with one of the toughest schedules there is. I mean, I will admit, defensive intensity has lacked this year. But we're dealing with a different team. There is no Chris Lofton to drill a three. But there is a Bobby Maze to drive to the hoop, and there is a Brian Williams to get a offensive rebound. I think these guys proved yesterday against Georgia that they have more than enough ability to be a great team. But they're not the same team as last year. Last year's team had been there before, they had gone through the NCAA tournament. This time last year, Hopson, Woolridge, Jurick, and Negedu were all in their high school games toying around with competition who obviously wasn't NCAA level. This time last year, Maze was playing Junior College, and Tatum was redshirted on the bench. This time last year, Tyler Smith had Duke Crews to help in the paint, and had Lofton to get him the assist. And this time last year, there was just barely a J.P. Prince. So I mean, a lot of things have changed for these guys, and for someone to say it's Pearl's fault is honestly plain dumb. We've got quality wins against Georgetown, and Marquette. We lost to Temple as a humility check. But what more can Pearl do? He's recruited players that CAN play, but he cannot make Wayne Chism have a 20-20 night like we know he can. He can't make Scotty Hopson drive to the basket like we know he can. I mean, he can only do so much. And he's given these young kids the mental edge of playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, and though we've taken some hits, we've been there, and had the chance to win the game when it came to the last 10:00 in every game. We're young, we're inexperienced, but we're winning. It's a process. It's gonna get a lot better before it gets back to what it was before, if it ever does.
 
#380
#380
TNHopeful505 said:
Okay, I think we're forgetting how much some things take time. Especially when you start from nothing. Pearl came in here four years ago to take a program that honestly none of us probably even bothered to watch, and won with those players. We're all in shock, because hey to win more than 12-15 games was a major surprise. But we think, surely he can't do it again. And he does. And again last year with the most wins in school history. But this year, we lose some key puzzle pieces, replace them with players that are young, and expect them to just automatically do as well. Yeah, we have recruited well, and Bruce Pearl is an excellent recruiter, and IMO, an even better man, but recruits are still players, and they are still 18-19 year old kids who have to come in, and who have to improve their conditioning, take ego checks, learn some discipline, take on class work, learn new systems, compete for a position for possibly the first time in their lives, and coming to Tennessee, dealing with one of the toughest schedules there is. I mean, I will admit, defensive intensity has lacked this year. But we're dealing with a different team. There is no Chris Lofton to drill a three. But there is a Bobby Maze to drive to the hoop, and there is a Brian Williams to get a offensive rebound. I think these guys proved yesterday against Georgia that they have more than enough ability to be a great team. But they're not the same team as last year. Last year's team had been there before, they had gone through the NCAA tournament. This time last year, Hopson, Woolridge, Jurick, and Negedu were all in their high school games toying around with competition who obviously wasn't NCAA level. This time last year, Maze was playing Junior College, and Tatum was redshirted on the bench. This time last year, Tyler Smith had Duke Crews to help in the paint, and had Lofton to get him the assist. And this time last year, there was just barely a J.P. Prince. So I mean, a lot of things have changed for these guys, and for someone to say it's Pearl's fault is honestly plain dumb. We've got quality wins against Georgetown, and Marquette. We lost to Temple as a humility check. But what more can Pearl do? He's recruited players that CAN play, but he cannot make Wayne Chism have a 20-20 night like we know he can. He can't make Scotty Hopson drive to the basket like we know he can. I mean, he can only do so much. And he's given these young kids the mental edge of playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, and though we've taken some hits, we've been there, and had the chance to win the game when it came to the last 10:00 in every game. We're young, we're inexperienced, but we're winning. It's a process. It's gonna get a lot better before it gets back to what it was before, if it ever does.
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Agree 100% with that. Next time though, break it up into paragraphs.
 
#381
#381
BigPapaVol said:
Losing to that Gonzaga team at home is anything but respectable.
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What is funny is that you were serious when you said "that Gonzaga team." That Gonzaga team has more talent than most every team in the country. They have been struggling, no doubt. But "that team" is a good team. Our defense was anything but respectable in the second half, espeically against Bouldin. But Gonzaga is a very good team that will more than likely make a very deep run come March.
 
#382
#382
therickbol said:
What is funny is that you were serious when you said "that Gonzaga team." That Gonzaga team has more talent than most every team in the country. They have been struggling, no doubt. But "that team" is a good team. Our defense was anything but respectable in the second half, espeically against Bouldin. But Gonzaga is a very good team that will more than likely make a very deep run come March.
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What's even funnier is that to are trying to pass that team as something incredible. That team happens to e weak, unathletic and terrible defenders.
 
#385
#385
why are so many people on this board on hat's nuts so much? what makes everyone think he knows whats hes talking about? to me most of his opinion and analysis have mostly sucked and just seem to be the ramblings of an arrogant "I think i know it all" a-hole. seriously, who does this guy think he is?
 
#386
#386
Some rich guy who knows a lot about basketball - and has a lot of connections and gets to attend tons of games around the country (not talking about UT games) in luxury boxes and talk with coaches/scouts/etc.
 
#387
#387
Bassmanbruno said:
Some rich guy who knows a lot about basketball - and has a lot of connections and gets to attend tons of games around the country (not talking about UT games) in luxury boxes and talk with coaches/scouts/etc.
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sounds like hes BSin all of yall to me. my guess is hes some fat smelly guy that sits in front of his computer playin wow and doin research all day.
 
#388
#388
volsfan0156 said:
sounds like hes BSin all of yall to me. my guess is hes some fat smelly guy that sits in front of his computer playin wow and doin research all day.
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Then how does he manage to get interviews from coaches and post them on VN? Or know stuff before it happens? Or attend big non-UT games and post us with pre-game info from his phone?
 
#390
#390
I don't... but if you honestly think that - then I don't know what do tell you. Believe what you want - but he is right more often than not. And his knowledge of basketball, coaches, players, recruits, etc. is very deep - you can't deny that much atleast.

I don't think Freak would post his weekly halfcourt trap section or whatever and his interviews either - I'm sure Freak has met him and I know several others have.
 
#393
#393
I don't doubt he attends the games, nor do I doubt he knows scouts and whatnot; I just don't particularly see his takes being much different/better than most other people here, except his opinions are more reactionary and off-colour and petulant.

If he is as connected as bigpapa claims, I'd sure like to see more than just this kinda local paper summary:

"After early season clubbings at the hands of Maryland and North Carolina, Michigan State looked to be in serious trouble. Alas, never count out Tom Izzo. The lads from East Lansing have ripped off 8 wins in a row, including a gut check victory at Texas, to show they are the class of the Big 10"

That may seem like cherry-picking, but, sadly, it's par for the course.
 
#394
#394
therickbol said:
What is funny is that you were serious when you said "that Gonzaga team." That Gonzaga team has more talent than most every team in the country. They have been struggling, no doubt. But "that team" is a good team. Our defense was anything but respectable in the second half, espeically against Bouldin. But Gonzaga is a very good team that will more than likely make a very deep run come March.
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Only if they dont have to play Portland st. again
 
#395
#395
Bassmanbruno said:
Some rich guy who knows a lot about basketball - and has a lot of connections and gets to attend tons of games around the country (not talking about UT games) in luxury boxes and talk with coaches/scouts/etc.
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You forgot he's in the locker rooms after the game alot of the time.
 
#397
#397
TIGER DEN said:
Only if they dont have to play Portland st. again
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Portland state isn't exactly bad. Louisville(who you may remember from last year!) lost to Seton Hall in 2008. Im pretty sure Seton didnt even make the NIT.

I mean, teams have bad games. Gonzaga is at the very least a swee 16 team, you can check back in march and see.
 
#399
#399
BigPapaVol said:
Losing to that Gonzaga team at home is anything but respectable.
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I am always amazed at the lack of basketball knowledge by a lot of posters here. Gonzaga is, and has been, a solid BB program for the last 10 years. They are a small school, but somehow knock of a few big boys a year while making a deep run every 2-3 years (2 S16 and E8 since 99).

I would be more concerned about a loss to South Carolina or Georgia at home than a loss to Gonzaga. A loss to the Zags is less devastating to RPI than losing to either of those 2 dogs.

The Vols don't have any "bad" losses on their schedule. Losing to Temple at Temple is not a bad loss, regardless of their record, ranking, etc. It is a tough place to play.
 
#400
#400
CALISKING said:
I am always amazed at the lack of basketball knowledge by a lot of posters here. Gonzaga is, and has been, a solid BB program for the last 10 years. They are a small school, but somehow knock of a few big boys a year while making a deep run every 2-3 years (2 S16 and E8 since 99).

I would be more concerned about a loss to South Carolina or Georgia at home than a loss to Gonzaga. A loss to the Zags is less devastating to RPI than losing to either of those 2 dogs.

The Vols don't have any "bad" losses on their schedule. Losing to Temple at Temple is not a bad loss, regardless of their record, ranking, etc. It is a tough place to play.
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Irony. Temple is pathetic no matter how you spin it... and the fact that you mention Gonzaga 'for the last 10 years' really hurts your argument. We lost to a very, very average Gonzaga team at home - nothing OK about that.
 
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