Just trying to understand the "we can't fire Zo if we make tourney in any capacity"

[bleedingTNorange]

Oakland wasn't a bad team. But god that AP game, ugh.

We had some nice wins that year to offset some bad losses. I bet if you compared our RPI to this time year 1 then the difference would be subtle. I can't agree that it is at all accurate to say that it isn't close. We were a bubble team then and we are a bubbleish team now. Not a big difference.

Actually our RPI was 139 on this date that first year, today our RPI is 47.

Not quite a subtle difference IMO

 

[bleedingTNorange]

My biggest disappointment from CCM- not finding a solid PG. I still don't like Golden, so I am not rehashing that. Barton has disappointed a bit, but he is not a true PG either. He is a better career shooter than Golden, and he is struggling right now.

Larry Austin is gonna be good, but is it too late becomes the question

 

[bleedingTNorange]

We beat a top 20 Florida team, then beat them when they were top 10. We beat an 11th ranked UCONN team too. Also, CofC ended up the year 19-12, not shabby.

I don't remember what point of the year those big wins came, so that could be it. Even this year we don't have anything close to wins of that magnitude yet. Big opportunity at home against Florida coming up.

The RPI that first year never got close to where we currently are

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I truly believe that you'll be a fan of another team when Martin is gone. You showed up when he arrived and seem to care more about Martin and condoning his ineptitude than Tennessee actually being a quality basketball program.

Seriously... the second he was hired, you immediately came in and took over the basketball forum as if your opinion is the one true opinion. As far as I'm concerned, your only attachment as a fan to Tennessee sports is Cuonzo Martin. It's off putting and beyond annoying.

Face the facts. Cuonzo Martin sucks.

This is funny to me, and those who know me probably.

I support the program before any coach, maybe you should call out those saying they'd cheer for Bruce against Tennessee, or tokes saying they hope Tennessee loses to get rid of Zo and to bring Pearl back.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

After 5 years of success, 1 year can be excused.

You excuse Martin's pathetic coaching year in and year out. Dude has never even made the tournament.

But yeah... it's the same thing.

I'm out of the basketball forum until Martin is fired. I hope you go with him or change your tune because your bias is annoying.

eace:

 

[bleedingTNorange]

There is no role for pg performance in this system. Bring the ball up the floor and watch.
May as well have stuck with Landry. He doesn't waste energy in shooting so would have fit right in.

So you think it's a coincidence that while Barton averaged about 1apg Thompson averages around 5 a game since starting?

Not a coincidence imo

 

[bleedingTNorange]

That's funny, b/c people like Chris Dortch and Jimmy Dykes
are slamming the job CM's doing on the court. The way he's handled Jordy Mac is so predictable, most opposing coaches have found TN easy to beat b/c Cuonzo won't use enough screens to get 52 more looks.

I'm sure Kevin Stallings thinks very highly of him too after last week!

The way he's handled Jordy Mac?

The guy who's gonna be 1st team all-sec, in the running for SEC POY and will be drafted into the NBA?

I agree, horrible job Martin has done with him lol. There's a lot you can criticize with Martin, but his coaching/development of Jordan McRae is not one of those things IMO.

 

[vols 30]

The way he's handled Jordy Mac?

The guy who's gonna be 1st team all-sec, in the running for SEC POY and will be drafted into the NBA?

I agree, horrible job Martin has done with him lol. There's a lot you can criticize with Martin, but his coaching/development of Jordan McRae is not one of those things IMO.

I'll give him credit for josh too

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Stallings praised TN after the game.
Had to be a first.

As did Frank Martin

 

[volbeast33]

As did Frank Martin

Stuff like that makes me feel worse about Zo than anything.....I remember all the praise for wade and buzz.....it was sickening.

 

[Ronny Swanson]

If we end the year in the NIT you'll have a point. So far Martin is on pace to have improved each year he has been here.

Improved into mediocrity and fighting for his NCAAT life. Good to know.

 

[Ronny Swanson]

The way he's handled Jordy Mac?

The guy who's gonna be 1st team all-sec, in the running for SEC POY and will be drafted into the NBA?

I agree, horrible job Martin has done with him lol. There's a lot you can criticize with Martin, but his coaching/development of Jordan McRae is not one of those things IMO.

He's done McRae no justice. None. Zilch. Nada.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I'll give him credit for josh too

Richardson is a model recruit for what Zo is looking for IMO. A hard nosed, tough gritty defender who doesn't have much offensive skill. However much like himself will get into the gym and constantly improve.

Josh in his junior year is now almost a 45% three point shooter, and is the best perimeter shooter on this team, let that sink in for a minute....

I truly think josh could be a 16-18ppg scorer next season and end up a 2nd round draft pick like a Deandre liggins.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Stuff like that makes me feel worse about Zo than anything.....I remember all the praise for wade and buzz.....it was sickening.

Pearl use to get tons of praise

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Improved into mediocrity and fighting for his NCAAT life. Good to know.

We are actually pretty firmly in right now, but nice try.

As I said, improved each of his 3 years, if you can't argue that then don't try.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

He's done McRae no justice. None. Zilch. Nada.

Benchwarmer to NBA draft pick. Ok.

 

[Ronny Swanson]

We are actually pretty firmly in right now, but nice try.

As I said, improved each of his 3 years, if you can't argue that then don't try.

Firmly in?

In what world do you see this team rattling off wins comfortably?

 

[Ronny Swanson]

Benchwarmer to NBA draft pick. Ok.

Keep banging that drum. You'll be kicking the proverbial can down the street mumbling soon.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Firmly in?

In what world do you see this team rattling off wins comfortably?

As of today this team is firmly in, do you struggle to understand what that means?

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Keep banging that drum. You'll be kicking the proverbial can down the street mumbling soon.

Keep thinking he's not gonna make a NBA team, go for it, I don't care.

 

[Ronny Swanson]

Keep thinking he's not gonna make a NBA team, go for it, I don't care.

He's a horrible defender. He doesn't handle the ball well. At this point he has relegated himself to being a 3-point shooter who racks up points in trash moments only.

That's exactly what NBA GMs look for. Exactly.

 

[CAVol]

He's a horrible defender. He doesn't handle the ball well. At this point he has relegated himself to being a 3-point shooter who racks up points in trash moments only.

That's exactly what NBA GMs look for. Exactly.

Actually an offensive spark off the bench that isn't necessarily a great defender is something GMs do look for. There are very few elite defenders in the league.

 

[Ronny Swanson]

Actually an offensive spark off the bench that isn't necessarily a great defender is something GMs do look for. There are very few elite defenders in the league.

Doesn't need to be an elite defender. He needs to be a competent defender. He isn't.

 

[CAVol]

Doesn't need to be an elite defender. He needs to be a competent defender. He isn't.

So a high level scorer to provide a spark off the bench isn't something NBA GMs look for? With his length and athleticism?

 

[Ronny Swanson]

So a high level scorer to provide a spark off the bench isn't something NBA GMs look for? With his length and athleticism?

He's not a high level scorer in anything other than trash minutes at this point.