Josiah and Santi Reflections

[livefaith]

Imagine giving one of them a scholarship and passing on Knecht.

Shudder!

 

[Volnbeers]

two polarizing players that got us where we are. dalton was the missing piece to the puzzle but these guys definitely need their recognition

 

[luthervol]

Made the time to watch it. Glad I did. I respect them both even more...........great guys!!!!

They deserve one hell of a senior night against KY.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

two polarizing players that got us where we are. dalton was the missing piece to the puzzle but these guys definitely need their recognition

Totally disagree they are "polarizing". Perhaps you could give us some context here

 

[cncchris33]

Totally disagree they are "polarizing". Perhaps you could give us some context here

JJJ more so than Santi, but people either love him or hate him. I'd call him a polarizing player, for sure. No one player has maybe sparked more heated debates over the past 5 years.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

JJJ more so than Santi, but people either love him or hate him. I'd call him a polarizing player, for sure. No one player has maybe sparked more heated debates over the past 5 years.

Says more about the fan base already being polarized. Their behavior as student- athletes was anything but polarizing

 

[Volnbeers]

Totally disagree they are "polarizing". Perhaps you could give us some context here

meaning that from a fanbase perspective he never lived up to his 5-star status, which is a little unfair to him.

 

[cgrish]

Honestly, I would love to see Vescovi come on the coaching staff if pro ball doesn't work out for him. I'd have to think he might make a good coach.

I totally agree, I think he would be a great coach. I would live for Barnes to hire him as an assistant and bring him along, and when Barnes retires Santi as the hc

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I totally agree, I think he would be a great coach. I would live for Barnes to hire him as an assistant and bring him along, and when Barnes retires Santi as the hc

If Barnes sticks around for another 4-5 years and Santiago shows he has the stuff as a coach, I am all for it. He comfortably scratched out a play on the facking road in a big game. Testament to Barnes too

 

[sami]

Says more about the fan base already being polarized. Their behavior as student- athletes was anything but polarizing

Exactly. To me, the fact that JJJ came in as a highly touted 5-star recruit, and while he may not have lived up to that status he kept his head up and his attitude right, kept working, blocked out fan negativity, and made himself into a do-the-dirty-work team-first player and a respected leader is a testament to his great character. How easy would it have been for him to blame everyone but himself, pout, and transfer?

Both guys are a sadly dying breed, loyal 4-year guys and ambassadors for the program and the university. We're lucky to have been able to experience the last few years with this group. I'll miss the hell out of them.

 

[ColinS]

Santi has already started his coaching career in the second half of the Alabama game

 

[LucidZ]

I like how candid they are here. They both mentioned something that I thought about before, and while listening to them, that Barnes manages to assemble a bunch of guys who have good character. All of them are really great people and I'm proud that they are Vols.

 

[FlVols]

I love these guys. I know Santi isn’t perfect at all, but I love watching him play and wow he’s a great leader for men!!

 

[FlVols]

I’m just hoping they and our other seniors lead our team to a National Championship this year!

 

[walkenvol]

I like how candid they are here. They both mentioned something that I thought about before, and while listening to them, that Barnes manages to assemble a bunch of guys who have good character. All of them are really great people and I'm proud that they are Vols.

I can’t recall any of his players getting into some type of off court trouble in his 9 years here. He was 60 when he came to Tennessee. I can imagine most coaches as they age would want to migrate towards signing young men who aren’t problems.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

JJJ's return was met with disdain by too many VN posters...he was the deciding factor in at least 3 or 4 big games this season that we otherwise would have lost and he always brings it on defense while playing out of position so that we can play our best lineup.

Santi's return has not been what was expected offensively but, to his credit, he has humbly assumed his new role and given us leadership and defensive intensity along with creating space on offense due to his 3-pt threat and some timely shots and playmaking along the way.

Their fingerprints are all over this program and we would not have this historic regular season championship with the 2 of them...their leadership on and off the court will be sorely missed. GBO

 

[SouthKnoxVOL]

It been a pleasure watching these 2 young men grow up within this basketball program over the past 5 years. As fans we become attached to certain players that we watch over the years and you feel like you're part of their family because you watch them grow up and become great young men and role models. These 2 guys will be missed. They have represented Tennessee to the highest standard.