Some thoughts...

[zjcvols]

Hey guys. I haven't been around much (apparently a summer job and Braves baseball will do that to ya), so I wanted to express a couple things about the basketball program. Just random **** to talk about basically.

1) After some proper review of this past year, and letting the awful end of the season pass, I'm very happy with the year we had. They got MUCH better. You can't ask for a hell of a lot more. I think it was a good first season to get the Counzo Martin era going.

2) Even though I haven't read much, I like what I'm seeing. Yeah, a lot of athletes talk about great seasons, but I like the fact the Vols are talking SEC Champs and Final Four contenders. You like that high goals.

3) I think we lamented the fact we didn't have a leader...I truly believe Jeronne Maymon will become the captain of this team, ala Wayne Chism (God, I thought I would never say that 16 months ago).

4) Does anybody else realize Jarnell Stokes is going to get a full offseason workout program for an SEC school after averaging 9.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg, while shooting 53.5%? I am so freaking excited to see him progress.

5) I really think Armani Moore is getting overlooked. He's an athletic combo guard that can play defense. We needed that last year. He'll make a big impact.

6) Also, if D'Montre Edwards can play defense like I think he can, we might be the best defensive team in the SEC next year.

7) I really hope Yemi gets better. I would just love to have him averaging 12-15 mpg, with high energy, good D, and making solid offensive plays (basically not screwing up). Jarnell and Jeronne got tired last year, and while Kenny coming back will help, we still have to worry about foul trouble. Yemi improving will help.

8) Enjoy: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgkANQZC2ME[/youtube]

 

[Kingston Vol]

What are your all's thoughts about moving Maymon to the 3? (Maybe not permanently, but get some minutes there.)

This starting line-up would be amazing:

Golden
McRae
Maymon
Hall
Stokes

 

[Chris4Vols22]

What are your all's thoughts about moving Maymon to the 3? (Maybe not permanently, but get some minutes there.)

This starting line-up would be amazing:

Golden
McRae
Maymon
Hall
Stokes

Unless Hall makes so big strides, I see McBee starting and Maymon playing the 4/5.

Will be small in the post.

 

[zjcvols]

What are your all's thoughts about moving Maymon to the 3? (Maybe not permanently, but get some minutes there.)

This starting line-up would be amazing:

Golden
McRae
Maymon
Hall
Stokes

Until I see:

A) Maymon lose 20 pounds to gain foot speed for defense.

B) Maymon develop a jumper outside 8 feet.

C) Anthony Davis comes back to play for UT and can play 4 for 30 minutes...

keep Maymon at 4 please.

 

[zansdad]

What are your all's thoughts about moving Maymon to the 3? (Maybe not permanently, but get some minutes there.)

This starting line-up would be amazing:

Golden
McRae
Maymon
Hall
Stokes

As much as I like getting your best 5 on the floor if possible and that I have floated the idea of Maymon at the sf myself, there are some hurdles to overcome.

1) can Maymon hit a mid-range to long-range jumper?
2) would Martin really implement a zone defense?

If the answer to both of those is yes, then I could see some circumstances where Stokes, Maymon, and Hall might be on the floor together. I am very curious to see how the Europe trip goes. If Martin is going to try Maymon at the SF, those games would be the best place for it. If Maymon never plays the SF on that trip, it's probably a good bet he plays the PF the whole season.

 

[zjcvols]

I don't know why we need Maymon at SF. We need him in the post. We are lacking. We already have four guys that can play guard/wing at SEC level: Golden, Richardson, McBee, and McRae. Moore and Edwards figure to help.

 

[Kingston Vol]

I don't know why we need Maymon at SF. We need him in the post. We are lacking. We already have four guys that can play guard/wing at SEC level: Golden, Richardson, McBee, and McRae. Moore and Edwards figure to help.

Maymon can slash, and has proven he will drive when others won't.

I think Cuonzo will play him at the 3 a little to help his pro-potential. Maymon can work on his shot, he can't work on being short.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

I don't know why we need Maymon at SF. We need him in the post. We are lacking. We already have four guys that can play guard/wing at SEC level: Golden, Richardson, McBee, and McRae. Moore and Edwards figure to help.

/discussion

 

[bleedingTNorange]

3) I think we lamented the fact we didn't have a leader...I truly believe Jeronne Maymon will become the captain of this team, ala Wayne Chism (God, I thought I would never say that 16 months ago).

4) Does anybody else realize Jarnell Stokes is going to get a full offseason workout program for an SEC school after averaging 9.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg, while shooting 53.5%? I am so freaking excited to see him progress.

5) I really think Armani Moore is getting overlooked. He's an athletic combo guard that can play defense. We needed that last year. He'll make a big impact.

6) Also, if D'Montre Edwards can play defense like I think he can, we might be the best defensive team in the SEC next year.

Hey Z, nice to see you're doing well, although I'm sure the braves baseball is a bit taxing on you at this point.

3. Agree completely. Maymon is definitely taking the leadership role this year and it's very evident. He stays in constant contact with the incoming guys, and is making sure everyone's doing ok and stating outta trouble. He's the one that started the road2thesecchamps on twitter wih the team. Glad to see someone step forward and take that role, it's one we missed last year, and a position you need someone to fill on a team.

4. I expect huge things from jarnell this year. The more you think about what he was able to accomplish, basically as a HS junior(not playing senior year at all) it truly is amazing and exciting. I expect him to be one of the best big men in the league, if not the best this year, and to average a triple double. My biggest thing with him, hopefully the free throws have improved, he shoots 70% and hell be scoring 15 a night.

5. The more I watch Armani and read about him the more I like him, and think he finds some minutes this year. The minutes will probably vary, but I expect him to handle a lot of the backup PG role and some minutes possibly at the 2. Probably a 10-15 minute a night guy.

6. I think you and I are the only 2 that are this excited about d'montre, and I hope I'm not disappointed. I don't expect eye popping numbers or unbelievable plays, just an experienced sound all around athlete out there. I keep making the comparison, like a cam tatum but with good knees. Hell be able to dribble, drive, shoot, defend and pass while providing an experienced presene as well. I just see good things coming from him and I hope he proves us both right. If he he provide some stability and consistency at the wing position, that'd be a welcomed change.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

The maymon at the 3 storyline will definitely be one I'm interested to keep tabs on. CCM seems to be open to it when making all the draymond green type references. The question is can maymon develop that good of a permiter shot? That's not an easy task for someone who has trouble shooting from12+ feet. The irony though is that that's the position maymon has always wanted to play. That perimeter orientated, ball in hand position, and he may now get the opportunity. I'm very curious how hell react, and to see the improvements he has made in his game to try and broaden his game/repertoire. If he can add that mid range and even top of the arc 3 ball, that just makes him that much more effective. When it's all said and done though, I'd like to see him stay at the post and just use his new aspects of his game to make him a more effective post player. He's great at taking opposing posts of the dribble, if he develops that jumper they'll have to honor it and driving will really be easy for him then. Plus those high low looks from him to jarnell will be there all game long. As Z touched on, we have a lot of wings, lets leave maymon in the post where right now as is, we have maybe the best post tandem and best 3 in the post in the SEC. It's a huge advantage for us so I don't think it'd be in the best interest of the team to move him.

That's our big advantage, our post guys. Nobody in the SEC can match them IMO, especially 3 deep, we will have the opposition in foul trouble on a nightly basis. Plus, I don't know about you all, but watching maymon and stokes continue to learn to play together and abuse the opposition is going to be a joy to watch.

 

[Vols4us]

I am thinking this is going to be a special year for Coach Zo and the guys. D first, rebound, score in the paint with an occasional outside 3. If Edwards is good at D, we already know Richardson is. With the other guys taking a step up in D and another off season in the S&C - they could really wreak havoc on the SEC. I like Yemi a lot. If he figures it all out and keeps working they could have a true center stopper in the paint that the have not had in years. We already know Trae can drive it and be a scorer when called on. If McRae gets stronger and more consistent he will be special at scoring and adequate on D. Jarnell is simply a hoss. What great upside he has.

But most of all I would love to see Maymon take charge as the leader. He is special. If they can feed off of him good things will happen. I would leave him at his natural #4 and just expand his range for the jumpers on the baseline, etc.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

How do you all feel about redshirting yemi...

Before freaking out, hold on...

CCM will wanna go 9 deep, most likely 3 in the post stokes, maymon and hall. So there's a pretty good chance that yemi will see very limited minutes next year except in ases of extreme foul trouble. In that case we do have miller, along with chievous who supposedly can play the 4.

I doubt it will happen, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. He gets an extra year to learn, which he desperately needs. If an injury occurred he can burn the redshirt and still play if need be.

Just curious on everyone's thoughts...

 

[johnnybravo]

How do you all feel about redshirting yemi...

Before freaking out, hold on...

CCM will wanna go 9 deep, most likely 3 in the post stokes, maymon and hall. So there's a pretty good chance that yemi will see very limited minutes next year except in ases of extreme foul trouble. In that case we do have miller, along with chievous who supposedly can play the 4.

I doubt it will happen, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. He gets an extra year to learn, which he desperately needs. If an injury occurred he can burn the redshirt and still play if need be.

Just curious on everyone's thoughts...

I think we have enough post players without him, but I seriously doubt he will get redshirted. I think CCM will want to continue to give him some game experiene when he can just in case he is needed at the end of the year. You never know how much string Hall has left before he's off the team. So, a 3-5 min Yemi maybe needed throughout the year in case Hall is suddenly gone in Feb.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I think we have enough post players without him, but I seriously doubt he will get redshirted. I think CCM will want to continue to give him some game experiene when he can just in case he is needed at the end of the year. You never know how much string Hall has left before he's off the team. So, a 3-5 min Yemi maybe needed throughout the year in case Hall is suddenly gone in Feb.

Yea as I said I doubt it happen, I was just curious on opinions. That's true though, staying game ready and in the flow may Br needed from him incase of an injury or dismissal/suspension.

 

[omghulkhands]

I don't know why we need Maymon at SF. We need him in the post. We are lacking. We already have four guys that can play guard/wing at SEC level: Golden, Richardson, McBee, and McRae. Moore and Edwards figure to help.

Yeah I don't understand the Maymon at the 3 stuff either. He was so very good last year at the 4 and 5 why would you move him to a more perimeter oriented spot? He crushed the boards and is probably going to be one of the best scorers from inside 8ft in the country.

 

[johnnybravo]

Well, I'm sure we will see a Maymon, Hall, Stokes on the floor at some point. CCM did put some line up head scratchers out there quite often last year. So I would not be surprised to see it at some point.

 

[zjcvols]

How do you all feel about redshirting yemi...

Before freaking out, hold on...

CCM will wanna go 9 deep, most likely 3 in the post stokes, maymon and hall. So there's a pretty good chance that yemi will see very limited minutes next year except in ases of extreme foul trouble. In that case we do have miller, along with chievous who supposedly can play the 4.

I doubt it will happen, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. He gets an extra year to learn, which he desperately needs. If an injury occurred he can burn the redshirt and still play if need be.

Just curious on everyone's thoughts...

No. Unless Dwight Miller becomes 5x better.

 

[zansdad]

Yeah I don't understand the Maymon at the 3 stuff either. He was so very good last year at the 4 and 5 why would you move him to a more perimeter oriented spot? He crushed the boards and is probably going to be one of the best scorers from inside 8ft in the country.

Part of the reason Maymon to the 3 stuff came back up beyond just speculation is Martin referenced it in at least one interview.

I think part of the thinking is not so much Maymon at the 3 vs Maymon at the 4 but instead, does a Kenny Hall playing at his potential out match any of the wings playing at their potential.

If Hall plays to his potential, in my opinion, he is a better option on the floor than any wing player, also playing to their potential, other than McRae.

So, (BIG) if, everyone is playing to their highest level, a lineup of Golden, McRae, Maymon, Stokes, and Hall is more talented and should have a higher ceiling than Golden, Mcrae, ?????, Maymon, and Stokes. Plus it solves the problem of UT being undersized in the post.

I agree that there are some big assumptions in that hypothesis, mainly can Maymon do the things necessary to play the SF and can Hall bring his game up to snuff. However, as head coach it is Martin's job to explore all reasonable options for putting the best product on the floor as possible.

Also, I think Maymon really wants to show he can play the SF. His road to the NBA would be much easier as a bigger SF that can move than as a smallish PF that has to outwork everyone just to stay on the floor. If Maymon puts the same work in this offseason, to go from PF to SF, that he did last season to go from bench warmer to 2nd team all-SEC; then who knows.

 

[zansdad]

How do you all feel about redshirting yemi...

Before freaking out, hold on...

CCM will wanna go 9 deep, most likely 3 in the post stokes, maymon and hall. So there's a pretty good chance that yemi will see very limited minutes next year except in ases of extreme foul trouble. In that case we do have miller, along with chievous who supposedly can play the 4.

I doubt it will happen, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. He gets an extra year to learn, which he desperately needs. If an injury occurred he can burn the redshirt and still play if need be.

Just curious on everyone's thoughts...

I would like to see if Martin lands any big time recruits for 2013 in the early signing period. If Martin actually starts to land some of the big name guys that are at least looking at UT, then I think in 2 years we may not want Yemi holding down a scholarship we could be handing out to a 4 or 5 star.

Otherwise, I don't know if 7-8 minutes/game is more or less valuable than an entire extra year of practice. I tend to think that Yemi would gain more from playing those 7-8 minutes than the practice but that's jmo.

 

[johnnybravo]

No. Unless Dwight Miller becomes 5x better.

I see no problem with Miller out on the floor. I wish he was here for next year.

 

[johnnybravo]

I want to see how this team can handle the total melt downs we continuously saw last year. I thought we solved that problem with the addition of Stokes, but the last 3 games were just as bad as the APSU game.

I also want to see how we handle the added expectations that this team is expected to achieve. We all know that they over achieved last years PRESEASON expectation of finishing 11th in the SEC. But after the second weekend of the season when this team was in Maui we continuously heard that this is an NCAA team. We heard it from columnists, commentators, opposing coaches, and even our own coach. I think at that point when I saw what this team was capable of that this team was an NCAA team and underachieved. Now once Stokes was added to the team, I cleaned the slate and said ok new team let's see what they can do. The future looked bright, but the last 3 games really made me step back once again and sort of question what kind of year 2012 / 13 might be.

Lastly, I think the quality of recruits we see in 2013 / 14 depends on what kind of season we have this year. This is a huge year for Tennessee basketball.

 

[zansdad]

I want to see how this team can handle the total melt downs we continuously saw last year. I thought we solved that problem with the addition of Stokes, but the last 3 games were just as bad as the APSU game.

I also want to see how we handle the added expectations that this team is expected to achieve. We all know that they over achieved last years PRESEASON expectation of finishing 11th in the SEC. But after the second weekend of the season when this team was in Maui we continuously heard that this is an NCAA team. We heard it from columnists, commentators, opposing coaches, and even our own coach. I think at that point when I saw what this team was capable of that this team was an NCAA team and underachieved. Now once Stokes was added to the team, I cleaned the slate and said ok new team let's see what they can do. The future looked bright, but the last 3 games really made me step back once again and sort of question what kind of year 2012 / 13 might be.

Lastly, I think the quality of recruits we see in 2013 / 14 depends on what kind of season we have this year. This is a huge year for Tennessee basketball.

It was PG play that really hurt UT last year. Golden was still growing into the roll and was force to play extended minutes due to the lack of a decent back-up. So not only was Golden making some mistakes because of learning to play the position, he made some just due to fatigue. I know people are high on Moore but he will just be a Freshman and IIRC didn't play the PG in high school. If someone does step up and claim the back-up PG minutes, that would go a long way toward fixing many of last years issues.


As for the last 3 games, I still think if Golden doesn't tweak his knee, they would have held on vs MTSU in the NIT. I also wonder how long Maymon played on a bad knee (seems like the LSU game is the first I can remember him hurting it) and just how bad was it. Throw in Hall getting suspended and what progress this team was making heading down the stretch kind of got derailed. I know every team has to deal with injuries/suspensions but it did seems like UT got more than its fair share right there at the end.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

No. Unless Dwight Miller becomes 5x better.

You think yemi is going to see major minutes?

If not I don't see much of a difference of yemi vs miller for less than 5 minute a game.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I would like to see if Martin lands any big time recruits for 2013 in the early signing period. If Martin actually starts to land some of the big name guys that are at least looking at UT, then I think in 2 years we may not want Yemi holding down a scholarship we could be handing out to a 4 or 5 star.

Otherwise, I don't know if 7-8 minutes/game is more or less valuable than an entire extra year of practice. I tend to think that Yemi would gain more from playing those 7-8 minutes than the practice but that's jmo.

Thats definitely another way to look at it. I'm of the mindset by his jr or senior year, probably senior year, he'll be a force. So following that logic, with a redshirt year IMO he'd be a force his junior and senior year.

 

[zansdad]

Thats definitely another way to look at it. I'm of the mindset by his jr or senior year, probably senior year, he'll be a force. So following that logic, with a redshirt year IMO he'd be a force his junior and senior year.

I see him being servicable by then. I don't know about a force. He doesn't have an elite offensive game and he doesn't have true big man size. He is listed at 6'9' which means he will never really be bigger than anyone else at the center position, so he wont be able to push people around, and I don't see him really having mid range game to pull other bigs out of the lane. Which leaves him to having to hustle for balls and get points off put backs. Maybe he works on his game enough to overcome a late start at basketball, but I for one don't think Yemi's ceiling is as high as some others on here do. I can definately see him being a starter one but I think it's just as likely he gets recruited over.