Run in March depends on Johnson and Springer

[VolZen]

We will go as far as the they take us.

We have no alpha players that we can depend on to drop 20 or run the offense through when we need a shot.

On two of the late game sets out of timeouts against MSU, Barnes drew up plays for Springer and Johnson. They are still developing, but it tells me all I need to know.

If they continue to progress we are capable of making a run. If they do not we exit early.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

They both look like they will make huge plays when the game is on the line. They made a few mistakes tonight, but Johnson especially seems to grab a critical rebound or draw a foul. They’ll both eliminate the mistakes over time. JJJ also shows up when the pressure is on. We forget that they’re all early in their careers. Johnson really hadn’t played meaningful games since 2019.

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

We will go as far as the they take us.

We have no alpha players that we can depend on to drop 20 or run the offense through when we need a shot.

On two of the late game sets out of timeouts against MSU, Barnes drew up plays for Springer and Johnson. They are still developing, but it tells me all I need to know.

If they continue to progress we are capable of making a run. If they do not we exit early.

Agree, this is going to have to become their team

 

[DC_Vol]

Ever since Alabama exposed our weaknesses we’ve been off our A game.

Team needs to heat up and peak in March. Still a lot of room for growth for this team.

And hopefully the ice cold spells they are going through will be solved before tourney time.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Agree, this is going to have to become their team

Plenty of time for the upperclassmen to assert themselves. Fulky needs to heal that wrist.

 

[The Dog]

I agree, this team will go as far as Springer and Keon can carry 'em. Fulk, Pons and Vescovi, all look like that have regressed. Anosike doesn't look like an SEC player and James needs at least another year. Hopefully, everybody comes back, besides Pons and plays with Chandler, Mashack and hopefully an elite grad transfer post and/or freshman post

 

[Warriorvol]

Fulky just doesn't look like the same player, we need him, if we're gonna make a deep run.

 

[EtowahVol]

Can't wait for Kennedy Chandler to be in the mix!!!!!!

 

[tbones0711]

Could have used those first 5 games to get some good development but we're not the only team having setbacks this year. The top teams will likely be the ones that play close to a full schedule, imo.

 

[TMvol10]

I agree, this team will go as far as Springer and Keon can carry 'em. Fulk, Pons and Vescovi, all look like that have regressed. Anosike doesn't look like an SEC player and James needs at least another year. Hopefully, everybody comes back, besides Pons and plays with Chandler, Mashack and hopefully an elite grad transfer post and/or freshman post

I’m not sure I’d say Pons looks like he’s regressed. I think he looks more aggressive. Actually puts the ball on the floor and tries to get to the rim. I’d say at the worst, he is the same as last year. If he starts shooting a little better (like the mizzou game) he will likely lead us in scoring most games. And he effects both sides of the court more than anyone else on the team. When he’s not in, we struggle.

 

[The Dog]

I’m not sure I’d say Pons looks like he’s regressed. I think he looks more aggressive. Actually puts the ball on the floor and tries to get to the rim. I’d say at the worst, he is the same as last year. If he starts shooting a little better (like the mizzou game) he will likely lead us in scoring most games. And he effects both sides of the court more than anyone else on the team. When he’s not in, we struggle.

Yeah, it's seeks like Pons has improved his game everywhere but his shot. Which is the most important thing for this UT team and his draft status, imo

 

[VolZen]

I am not knocking the older guys at all, they are just role players that can carry you on occasion, we just can’t depend on it.

Keon has a sweet turn around jumper that reminds me of Kobe/MJ. He needs a to perfect it, but it is silky smooth.

Springer is more polished and was sort of the straw that stirred our drink tonight, scoring, assisting, rebounding, etc. He can get to the paint and get a shot or dish whenever he wants. Same with Keon. They are the only ones that can do it currently.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

They are only going to get better. Their mistakes will decrease and their decision making will improve. The COVID year has slowed down their development. There’s the potential to be playing at a very high level a month from now if we can have some good luck for a change.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Fulky just doesn't look like the same player, we need him, if we're gonna make a deep run.

Fulky will step up...it's what Volunteers do.

 

[TMvol10]

Yeah, it's seeks like Pons has improved his game everywhere but his shot. Which is the most important thing for this UT team and his draft status, imo

Agreed. Right now, shooting as a team might be the biggest thing holding us back. If we shoot a normal percentage, tonight’s game would have been a comfortable win. We really need Santiago, Pons, Bailey and JJJ to start knocking down 3s more consistently or every game will be a struggle. Unfortunate that all 4 are struggling at the same time.

 

[chuckiepoo]

I am not knocking the older guys at all, they are just role players that can carry you on occasion, we just can’t depend on it.

Keon has a sweet turn around jumper that reminds me of Kobe/MJ. He needs a to perfect it, but it is silky smooth.

Springer is more polished and was sort of the straw that stirred our drink tonight, scoring, assisting, rebounding, etc. He can get to the paint and get a shot or dish whenever he wants. Same with Keon. They are the only ones that can do it currently.

Keon balled tonight. He came up short occasionally but not due to a lack of challenging the defense.

 

[chuckiepoo]

They are only going to get better. Their mistakes will decrease and their decision making will improve. The COVID year has slowed down their development. There’s the potential to be playing at a very high level a month from now if we can have some good luck for a change.

I ain't a big believer in luck. How about we shoot a hunnerd FT after each practice?

 

[ndubvols]

They clearly have the talent to carry the team. I think the big thing they need to cleanup are the turnovers. Keon had 2 today, but had several passes that were batted around and ended up not being TO’s. Springer had 4. IMO most of these are just carelessness with the ball or trying to make passes that you can’t make at this level.

Offense I’m pretty confident will come for each of them throughout the season, but if they can clean up the miscues this will allow Barnes to put more on their plate and ask them to do more. You saw a glimpse of it at the end of the game tonight.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I ain't a big believer in luck. How about we shoot a hunnerd FT after each practice?

Free throws are a skill. Injuries to key players is bad luck. Purdue and Loyola-Chicago knocking down prayers is bad luck.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Free throws are a skill. Injuries to key players is bad luck. Purdue and Loyola-Chicago knocking down prayers is bad luck.

True that. Gotta be as ready as possible. Many huge games come down to FTs. I hate to see games turn on an officials' call. There are plenty of those also.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Free throws are a skill. Injuries to key players is bad luck. Purdue and Loyola-Chicago knocking down prayers is bad luck.

Did I mention **ck Purdue and LMU?

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Did I mention **ck Purdue and LMU?

LMU and LCU are different schools.

 

[chuckiepoo]

LMU and LCU are different schools.

LCU then...applies all the same. I guess there's the beautified sister of the Grail to consider?

 

[ColinS]

We will go as far as the they take us.

We have no alpha players that we can depend on to drop 20 or run the offense through when we need a shot.

On two of the late game sets out of timeouts against MSU, Barnes drew up plays for Springer and Johnson. They are still developing, but it tells me all I need to know.

If they continue to progress we are capable of making a run. If they do not we exit early.

Agree, these two, Pons, and Fulkerson will be the difference makers. The others need to play their roles but they are not huge impact guys.

 

[orangemadam]

On the bright side...

ORN looks like he is improving every game. Perhaps by March he will bee a very viable option rather than Anosike.