Next year / this year

[VolArmy74]

We shot 41.8 percent for the game. We lost one game this year when we shot over 40 percent. That was vs Kentucky when they shot a million percent. We won several games when when we shot under that. We'd only given up 50 percent shooting 3 times this year before yesterday and we lost 2 of those.

 

[0059862]

I haven't really followed the basketball Vols this season but I assume that for the season, they shot much better than they showed on Saturday? I was pretty shocked that the vast majority of points were scored in the paint. It's hard to believe that out of 6 to 7 players who regularly play, that not a single one of them could get hot shooting from outside. Tennessee was clearly the better team but a bad shooting day will kill you every time and I assume that's all this was - an off day shooting for the team.

 

[Namorto1]

If KC goes pro as expected, Fulkerson departing and let’s say Bailey transfers, we have a spot left. I would prefer Phillips. Another PG who can shoot if we can’t get Phillips or an impact transfer. If we keep what we have, we still will be very solid but who gets you a bucket when offense breaks down? Or can drive to the rim? That is a weakness for what we have returning. Phillips appears that he can do it all. Not overly physical but clips show him finishing with contact.

I trust Zeigler at PG. He will still improve and needs a floater. Teams will try and pick on him by posting in the post if they are smart. Edwards appears to be a combo guard with point skills but has good size and will play a lot if he commits to defense. Vescovi has earned respect and he is going to get a lot of attention next year. Needs to continue to add some versatility to his game in midrange. Who backs him up is anyone’s guess. Edwards possible or Powell, if he finds his confidence or Mashack (defender-slasher) or Diboundje who has very good size for a wing. We really don’t know what we have with Diboundje due to limited minutes.

James found his offense when he became willing to get closer to the rim. He does everything well, but just needs a consistent jumper. If he remains the guy we saw the last 15 games of the year he will be an all-SEC performer. It gets very interesting if we got Phillips, because James can slide to the 2G with Phillips on the floor at the 3 and we get very big and physical yet remain athletic.

The frontcourt is set but with James (or Phillips) can continue to go small yet still able to stretch the floor with Nkamhoua at the 5 at times. BHH could be great if he wants. Aidoo will develop and Plavsic will continue to earn minutes against bigs and because he is tough. Tamba, who knows. Regardless all the above + Phillips is a ridiculously deep team. Our deepest team for Barnes to be sure and maybe our best rebounding team.

 

[VolArmy74]

I haven't really followed the basketball Vols this season but I assume that for the season, they shot much better than they showed on Saturday? I was pretty shocked that the vast majority of points were scored in the paint. It's hard to believe that out of 6 to 7 players who regularly play, that not a single one of them could get hot shooting from outside. Tennessee was clearly the better team but a bad shooting day will kill you every time and I assume that's all this was - an off day shooting for the team.

We shot better from 3 normally but we shot better from 2 than normal yesterday. Getting stops was the biggest issue yesterday. We are normally much better at that.

 

[spacificislander]

Correlation and causation aren’t the same thing. He’s been to a Final 4 and 3 Elite 8s. He was the same coach then.

Players play the game. Tournaments can be very flukey. I just don’t see what else you wanted him to do yesterday. James, Vescovi, and ZZ all played tight. Chandler and Plav rose to the occasion. All five had the same head coach.

I think he is a great recruiter and great developer. I guess that’s not just thoughts either, I’m sure you can quantify it.
Just like you can with his tournament records over 3 teams and 26 trips. He is the common denominator in those teams. I don’t believe he is just unlucky. I mean what is the strategy for next time, just be more lucky?

 

[TC 83]

Justice sd same thing about bigs. We need a big man from portal …

I don’t know if that’s really needed— we’ll have 5 guys 6’10 plus next season. That’s the most of I can remember us ever having. BHH, Aidoo, Uros, Olivier, and Tamba. That’s pretty strong if they can continue to develop. 4/5 saw significant playing time and ended up better players by the end of the season. I more concerned about having another clutch ball handler. It was a luxury to have KC and ZZ handle the ball and that was an area we struggled with the past two seasons.

 

[NighthawkVol]

He’s referring to St. Bruce.

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

I was disappointed in the outcome for sure as we had the talent and were “hot” at the right time I really thought we’d get to at least final 8 or 4, but that’s why they call it March Madness!

I don’t know if Kennedy would seriously consider another year under Coach Barnes, but look how much he has improved this year. I really think he could improve his draft stock and ability to be NBA ready by at least another year.

This team exceeded my expectations and just kept getting better, we got 3 bigs coming back with all 3 experienced, we got 3 ( maybe 4) great guards who can shoot the ball.

We have the most experienced coach in the SEC, just wish his luck in NCAA tournament would change. He also is so much more to these young men as well, he has great character and unashamedly a Christian. I would bet most Moms and Dads would love their son to play for him.

It’s nice to be relevant in the basketball world, but we must stay the course. Even if Coach Barnes doesn’t get us to the Final 4 before he retires , he will make it an attractive job and make it easier to bring in another experienced coach.

I still believe Tennessee has a bright future for men’s basketball![/QUOTE
Sometimes I feel like jjj forgets how big he is. Dude should be driving to the rim with reckless abandon. Instead he settles for 3s.
Millions of ppl wish they had JJJ size. He needs to wake up and see he is the alpha on the court and go to the F****** rim. Until then. we just a team that’s gonna get beat by teams that play more aggressive then us in March.