JJJ becoming an NBA 3&D?

[walkenvol]

JJJ seemed to have become much more confident from 3 since the middle of last year’s conference schedule. He’s always been a strong defender who can switch 1-5. If the strong outside shooting continues will he play himself on to an NBA roster as a 3&D guy somewhat like Grant has done? I’m starting to think yes myself. Hope he can stay healthy the remainder of the season and test well in the combine. Seems like another high character young man who’s easy to pull for.

 

[rdk4121]

JJJ seemed to have become much more confident from 3 since the middle of last year’s conference schedule. He’s always been a strong defender who can switch 1-5. If the strong outside shooting continues will he play himself on to an NBA roster as a 3&D guy somewhat like Grant has done? I’m starting to think yes myself. Hope he can stay healthy the remainder of the season and test well in the combine. Seems like another high character young man who’s easy to pull for.

His biggest problem to me is still his finishing around the rim. He's got great size for a 3 and is a great defender, but I don't think he can guard a ton of 4s in the NBA. Certainly like a small ball option for the 4. He reminds me a ton of Justin Anderson, pretty much the same size and a very similar game. Anderson had a decent career, but his 3 point shot just didn't translate. His Jo can continue to hit 3s, I think he easily versatile enough on D to stick around for awhile.

I think he's a better NBA prospect than Admiral was, who has managed to stick around in the league. He's a much more versatile defender than Admiral because Jo can actually guard 2s and 3s, as well as some 4s where Admiral can really only guard 4s, and maybe some 3s. Orlando plays Admiral at the 5 almost as much as they do the 3.

 

[kckempf]

His biggest probably to me is still his finishing around the rim. He's got great size for a 3 and is a great defender, but I don't think he can guard a ton of 4s in the NBA. Certainly like a small ball option for the 4. He reminds me a ton of Justin Anderson, pretty much the same size and a very similar game. Anderson had a decent career, but his 3 point shot just didn't translate. His Jo can continue to hit 3s, I think he easily versatile enough on D to stick around for awhile.

I think he's a better NBA prospect than Admiral was, who has managed to stick around in the league. He's a much more versatile defender than Admiral because Jo can actually guard 2s and 3s, as well as some 4s where Admiral can really only guard 4s, and maybe some 3s. Orlando plays Admiral at the 5 almost as much as they do the 3.

JJJ is also a better rebounder than Admiral was. I don't know if he's on any draft boards yet but if he can show himself to have enough lateral quickness I think he'll be able to stick in the NBA.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

JJJ seemed to have become much more confident from 3 since the middle of last year’s conference schedule. He’s always been a strong defender who can switch 1-5. If the strong outside shooting continues will he play himself on to an NBA roster as a 3&D guy somewhat like Grant has done? I’m starting to think yes myself. Hope he can stay healthy the remainder of the season and test well in the combine. Seems like another high character young man who’s easy to pull for.

JJJ shot 38.6% (on 88 attempts) his last 16 games of the season and he is shooting 39% (on 59 attempts) this season so far with limited practice time for most of the season which would lead me to say last season was not a fluke. Given he is a career 80% free throw shooter, the NBA scouts should like the prospect of him being a capable 3 pt shooter in the league.

Bottom line, I do not see how JJJ does not make a roster and I believe he has a good chance to carve out a nice career.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

JJJ is also a better rebounder than Admiral was. I don't know if he's on any draft boards yet but if he can show himself to have enough lateral quickness I think he'll be able to stick in the NBA.

This will be interesting to see...given how well he defends while typically drawing the other team's best offensive player and manages to be one of the best lockdown defenders in the entire NCAA statistically speaking - I am optimistic.

 

[cncchris33]

JJJ seemed to have become much more confident from 3 since the middle of last year’s conference schedule. He’s always been a strong defender who can switch 1-5. If the strong outside shooting continues will he play himself on to an NBA roster as a 3&D guy somewhat like Grant has done? I’m starting to think yes myself. Hope he can stay healthy the remainder of the season and test well in the combine. Seems like another high character young man who’s easy to pull for.

I said it about this time last year that JJJ was trending toward a JRich type career trajectory. He's a little late in getting there because of the knee injury, but they have a lot of the same traits; can play and defend all five spots at the collegiate level, deadly midrange game, constantly improving 3-pt shot, fantastic defense. The only thing JJJ is missing is the ability to finish at the rim taking his man off the dribble.

 

[jtipto10]

I assume he'll end up taking a lot of the match ups with Brandon Miller when we play bama. Personally, when sec play started that was in my top 2 anticipated match ups along with Oscar tshiebwe and our bigs

 

[aaronvol]

JJJ is better suited for NBA than Grant.

 

[Rocky Top T]

JJJ is better suited for NBA than Grant.

No way!

 

[The Dog]

No way!

I agree with that. Now, Grant adapted his game to fit the NBA and has become the 6th man on the best team in the East. Grant was an undersized PF at UT and I didn't think his game would translate in the NBA. So, he changed his game and has thrived. But, JJJ seems to already have the game that will translate to the NBA. Although, I doubt he will ever be as successful as Grant in the NBA

 

[omghulkhands]

I love JJJ but idk that I see him making it in the NBA. Not saying it’s impossible but is fighting uphill.

He lacks NBA athleticism. Which might seem like a ridiculous statement. Some players can get away with that, but they make up for it somewhere else in spades. Idk where JJJ would make up for that. His injury history would also loom on the mind of a GM (and is a contributor to his athleticism) making it harder for someone to give him a chance.

He has been a good 3-point shooter, but his shots are mostly from out top. Needs to demonstrate more catch and shoot from ability from everywhere on the court.

Comparing him to JRICH, Josh was an all-sec point guard his senior year, and in the NBA that translated to competent at best ball handler. JJJ is a long way from J-Rich in terms of handling or playmaking IMO. J-Rich was also significantly more athletic coming out of college IMO.

I think JJJ has demonstrated enough shooting ability that a scout would think that’s something they can work with and with NBA level coaching he’ll improve like we’ve seen other vols do like Josh and Grant. It’s the D part of the 3&D archetype that I am unsure of. Bad knees are no joke.

 

[Namorto1]

If JJJ can be reasonably efficient from NBA 3-pt line he can have a nice career. He may bounce around and really needs an ideal situation to be successful, but is mature, great teammate etc…to get picked in 2nd round as 3&D. The area where he could make himself more valuable is as a distributor.

 

[rdk4121]

I assume he'll end up taking a lot of the match ups with Brandon Miller when we play bama. Personally, when sec play started that was in my top 2 anticipated match ups along with Oscar tshiebwe and our bigs

Him and Phillips are going to have to do a great job on him for us to win that game.

 

[walkenvol]

Him and Phillips are going to have to do a great job on him for us to win that game.

Mashack might get some run at that also

 

[Helton1]

I’m one of those semi nega Vols who think Hooker and Hyatt are overrated NFL prospects. I think JJJ has turned himself into a second round pick and should stick around a while.

 

[Namorto1]

I’m one of those semi nega Vols who think Hooker and Hyatt are overrated NFL prospects. I think JJJ has turned himself into a second round pick and should stick around a while.

Understand what you are saying. Under the wrong circumstances Hooker and Hyatt may not impress but both will have a decent opportunity to stick. I think if Dobbs can play in the NFL as a backup certainly Hooker should be able to find his place. He is a better passer than Dobbs. Hyatt has elite speed but I worry about him getting beat up in press coverage on the line of scrimmage. If a QB has time to throw, Hyatt’s top end speed will beat most corners.

 

[keenobserver]

He improved his shooting tremendously last season and it seems to have carried over this year so far. I'd still love to see him be more aggressive attacking the rim. I think he'll eventually be on an NBA roster.

 

[Vols8086]

Love JJJ, but no. He should carve out a nice career overseas if that is what he wants to do, but he just isn’t an NBA player. We do this every year on here then complain that player x wasn’t drafted earlier or given a shot.

He doesn’t have an elite skill that clearly translates to the NBA. Very good college player but some of y’all are really underestimating how insanely talented the NBA is. JJJ is basically a lesser version of Admiral at this stage of his career. Admiral even measured a longer wingspan at the NBA combine than what JJJ’s is listed at.

If JJJ’s body can’t handle the rigors of college ball why would an NBA team think his body can handle almost 3x the work? He can’t create his own shot or create for others, so you’re basically hoping he is elite defensively. I’m talking top 10 defender in the NBA to overcome his lack of offense. He may be shooting well from 3 this year but it comes an all time low in minutes and usage. So how much of this newfound shot (which he has had hot streaks before and everyone goes nuts only to see him revert back to his norm) is based on him playing less minutes or is this real?

So you’ve got an offensively limited senior that can shoot well if you only give him limited minutes to limit the wear and tear who doesn’t have one truly elite skill. Why would you think the NBA is ready to use a roster spot for that?

 

[cardvolfan]

Love JJJ, but no. He should carve out a nice career overseas if that is what he wants to do, but he just isn’t an NBA player. We do this every year on here then complain that player x wasn’t drafted earlier or given a shot.

He doesn’t have an elite skill that clearly translates to the NBA. Very good college player but some of y’all are really underestimating how insanely talented the NBA is. JJJ is basically a lesser version of Admiral at this stage of his career. Admiral even measured a longer wingspan at the NBA combine than what JJJ’s is listed at.

If JJJ’s body can’t handle the rigors of college ball why would an NBA team think his body can handle almost 3x the work? He can’t create his own shot or create for others, so you’re basically hoping he is elite defensively. I’m talking top 10 defender in the NBA to overcome his lack of offense. He may be shooting well from 3 this year but it comes an all time low in minutes and usage. So how much of this newfound shot (which he has had hot streaks before and everyone goes nuts only to see him revert back to his norm) is based on him playing less minutes or is this real?

So you’ve got an offensively limited senior that can shoot well if you only give him limited minutes to limit the wear and tear who doesn’t have one truly elite skill. Why would you think the NBA is ready to use a roster spot for that?

I thought he created several shots for himself quite nicely against LSU.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

Love JJJ, but no. He should carve out a nice career overseas if that is what he wants to do, but he just isn’t an NBA player. We do this every year on here then complain that player x wasn’t drafted earlier or given a shot.

He doesn’t have an elite skill that clearly translates to the NBA. Very good college player but some of y’all are really underestimating how insanely talented the NBA is. JJJ is basically a lesser version of Admiral at this stage of his career. Admiral even measured a longer wingspan at the NBA combine than what JJJ’s is listed at.

If JJJ’s body can’t handle the rigors of college ball why would an NBA team think his body can handle almost 3x the work? He can’t create his own shot or create for others, so you’re basically hoping he is elite defensively. I’m talking top 10 defender in the NBA to overcome his lack of offense. He may be shooting well from 3 this year but it comes an all time low in minutes and usage. So how much of this newfound shot (which he has had hot streaks before and everyone goes nuts only to see him revert back to his norm) is based on him playing less minutes or is this real?

So you’ve got an offensively limited senior that can shoot well if you only give him limited minutes to limit the wear and tear who doesn’t have one truly elite skill. Why would you think the NBA is ready to use a roster spot for that?

I hear ya on JJJ's health. However, I think you are really discounting his shot way too much...JJJ shot 37% from 3 as a freshman on 2.9 attempts per game (he started 26 games that year). My recollection is injuries affected his SO season and first half of JR year. When you look at the last 15 games of last season once he had regained his form, he shot almost 40% from 3 with a lot of attempts which is where he is this season despite missing a lot of practice. Not to mention he is a career 80% FT shooter.

When you look at JJJ's defensive game and results on the court, I think it is more likely than not that he can defend at the next level. I think it is reasonable to think he can shoot a good %'age from 3 and, if so, then there is no question he makes a roster.

 

[CAVPUT]

JJJ seemed to have become much more confident from 3 since the middle of last year’s conference schedule. He’s always been a strong defender who can switch 1-5. If the strong outside shooting continues will he play himself on to an NBA roster as a 3&D guy somewhat like Grant has done? I’m starting to think yes myself. Hope he can stay healthy the remainder of the season and test well in the combine. Seems like another high character young man who’s easy to pull for.

Sorry. Don't speak LL so I DKWTM.

 

[Panthro]

Again, he'll be at D1 Training in Chattanooga this weekend. JJJ really is a good dude, and I think he'll help make a lot of great memories for kids.
Link: Play Ball with a Vol Tickets, Chattanooga | Eventbrite

 

[Volprofch05]

Again, he'll be at D1 Training in Chattanooga this weekend. JJJ really is a good dude, and I think he'll help make a lot of great memories for kids.
Link: Play Ball with a Vol Tickets, Chattanooga | Eventbrite

We got to meet JJJ at Dick’s HOS (likely thanks to Panthro!), and while we have found UT athletes to generally be fantastic, JJJ was truly the most engaging and fun dude to talk to!

 

[Vols8086]

I hear ya on JJJ's health. However, I think you are really discounting his shot way too much...JJJ shot 37% from 3 as a freshman on 2.9 attempts per game (he started 26 games that year). My recollection is injuries affected his SO season and first half of JR year. When you look at the last 15 games of last season once he had regained his form, he shot almost 40% from 3 with a lot of attempts which is where he is this season despite missing a lot of practice. Not to mention he is a career 80% FT shooter.

When you look at JJJ's defensive game and results on the court, I think it is more likely than not that he can defend at the next level. I think it is reasonable to think he can shoot a good %'age from 3 and, if so, then there is no question he makes a roster.

Still think I’m discounting his shot way too much? Now that he is back playing big minutes regularly, his 3 point percentage is right in line with where it has been the bulk of his career this season.

Since he played 30+ minutes back to back vs Miss State and LSU, in his last 5 games he is 2-24 from 3.

We do this every year with JJJ and squint and find a sample size to make us think he has turned the corner with his shot only to have a severe correction that gets him back to his statistical norm.

Great kid and good college player; but after 100 games in his career it’s probably time to accept him for what he is and not project much more than what he has shown.

 

[CAVPUT]

JJJ is better suited for NBA than Grant.

Physically, maybe. From being a competitor and performing in the spotlight, Grant gets it hands down. JJJ is a solid college player, but he disappears way too often on a team devoid of leaders. IMO, he's not going to make it in the NBA. Europe maybe, but he's not an NBA player.