Strengths/Weaknesses for next year.

#26
#26
zansdad said:
Pearl was good at getting an early season upset, that is true but not getting one early (like Martin) doesn't mean you stumbled early just means you lost to teams you were supposed to.

All things considered I think last years ooc result was to be expected (8-4) if you look at the rosters of the teams involved and where the games were played.
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Agree overall result out of the gate wasn't terrible. But you gotta admit the offense, during that stretch, was pretty atrocious.

rosters and teams or not.
 
#27
#27
zansdad said:
Pearl was good at getting an early season upset, that is true but not getting one early (like Martin) doesn't mean you stumbled early just means you lost to teams you were supposed to.

All things considered I think last years ooc result was to be expected (8-4) if you look at the rosters of the teams involved and where the games were played.
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Supposed to. what's that?
If we're supposed to lose to OS, Georgey, Memphis and VA why are we playing?
Mailing in a list of forfeits would be easier and less costly..
 
#28
#28
bleedingTNorange said:
I understand what you're saying, and agree to an extent, but if we beat UVA at their place we likely are dancing regardless of those UGA losses. So I guess the thought is, while yes those were good teams, you've got to win a game or two OOC against good teams to outweigh any conference slip up. Cause let's be honest, most teams slip up at some point in their conference, it happens all the time.
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Beating UVA doesn't necessarily get UT into the tourney in my opinion. It would have just been another win against a middling team.
 
#29
#29
zansdad said:
Beating UVA doesn't necessarily get UT into the tourney in my opinion. It would have just been another win against a middling team.
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From what it appeared we didn't have a good road win, that would've been considered a good road win. We were the first team out, obviously no way to know, but IMO we beat UVA at their place and we are in.
 
#30
#30
calban said:
Supposed to. what's that?
If we're supposed to lose to OS, Georgey, Memphis and VA why are we playing?
Mailing in a list of forfeits would be easier and less costly..
Click to expand...

I forgot how this board likes to start nit-picking word choice instead of simply discussing the topic at hand. I should have said, Tennessee didn't lose any game they were prohibitive favorites in (or something like that). But I think you knew what I meant you simply wanted to be a smartass. I knew there was a reason I hadn't posted much since the season ended.

Peace.
 
#32
#32
bleedingTNorange said:
From what it appeared we didn't have a good road win, that would've been considered a good road win. We were the first team out, obviously no way to know, but IMO we beat UVA at their place and we are in.
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IF UT beats UVA in that game, UVA's RPI would be in the 80's at best. On a resume devoid of road wins in general it stands out but I don't think it stands as the difference maker to getting in. Just my opinion. I see your point, just don't agree.

Anyway, I told myself I was done posting till the season started again. Not sure why I picked this topic to break my self imposed hiatus but it has reminded me why I started it in the first place. I am going to start it back up again after this post, just to let you know why there won't be any further responses. But I will read your reply.

:peace2:
 
#33
#33
zansdad said:
I forgot how this board likes to start nit-picking word choice instead of simply discussing the topic at hand. I should have said, Tennessee didn't lose any game they were prohibitive favorites in (or something like that). But I think you knew what I meant you simply wanted to be a smartass. I knew there was a reason I hadn't posted much since the season ended.

Peace.
Click to expand...

crying_baby.jpg

:peace2:
 
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#34
#34
zansdad said:
I forgot how this board likes to start nit-picking word choice instead of simply discussing the topic at hand. I should have said, Tennessee didn't lose any game they were prohibitive favorites in (or something like that). But I think you knew what I meant you simply wanted to be a smartass. I knew there was a reason I hadn't posted much since the season ended.

Peace.
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Why do you post at all if going to wear your feelings on your sleeve.
Seems like the problem is your own.
some one disagrees with a comment and you're insulted.
Sorry I don't don't like the 'supposed to lose this one' mentality.
It breeds mediocrity.
No smart ass intended.
 
#36
#36
Now that our roster is completely set, maybe we should look at strengths and weaknesses again. IMO PG play has been upgraded significantly. Barton is the "type" of pg that this TN needs. Someone that can bring the ball up and break a press, defensive stopper for the smaller quicker guards that tend to kill us, and looks to be the best 3 pt shooter on the team coming in.

Strengths: PG play, Post Play, Perimeter shooting should be average, Driving the ball
Weaknesses: Post depth, PG depth, Rode Games, Coaching, FT shooting.
 
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#37
#37
johnnybravo said:
Now that our roster is completely set, maybe we should look at strengths and weaknesses again. IMO PG play has been upgraded significantly. Barton is the "type" of pg that this TN needs. Someone that can bring the ball up and break a press, defensive stopper for the smaller quicker guards that tend to kill us, and looks to be the best 3 pt shooter on the team coming in.

Strengths: PG play, Post Play, Perimeter shooting should be average, Driving the ball
Weaknesses: Post depth, PG depth, Rode Games, Coaching, FT shooting.
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I like your analysis, but I think that coaching is a strength or, at the very least, not a weakness. The added experience on the roster along with Hubbs and Barton providing added ability should help to minimize last year's road blips.

I think Tennessee gets into the dance as a 5 seed, maybe even a 4 seed if they catch a few breaks on Selection Sunday. If the Vols don't drop any games they shouldn't, they'll be a 3 seed.
 
#38
#38
In my opinion both Maymon and Stokes need to dedicate some quality time improving their free throw shooting over the summer. Maymon shot close to 66% in 2011-12 but his overall consistency throughout his career has been less than stellar. Stokes last year shot 56.7% and 56.9% the year before at the line. I expect both Maymon and Stokes to have ample opportunities to work 1 on 1 in the post. If doubled kick out for the dagger 3 from several potential assassins (you guys know the names).

Based on the above scenario it is reasonable to expect both Maymon and Stokes could spend more time at the line next year. Neither have proven to be good free throw shooters per se. Next year is the time for both of these players to cash$ in at the free throw line line in the 70%-73% range. Not to over simplify but we could be looking at the difference between a Sweet 16 and Final4 Cowboys Stadium team based on this occurrence or nonoccurrence.

So my strategic plan with Stokes and Maymon would be the following:

Starting now making 250 free throws each day (non game situation of course). Try and accomplish this goal shooting 350 free throws a day. Gradually progress over the summer until you are making 385 a day on 500 attempts. You can shoot around 5 free throws a minute. Basically an hour and half a day. Less tweeting and more free throws! Both these guys have NBA careers riding on the teams success this year.

This type of routine is similar to what Max Hooper is doing this summer with his 3 point shooting (making 500 three pointers a day).

Assuming both Maymon & Stokes get their percentages up in the target ranges the orange Vol Kool-Aid will get quite a bit brighter and sweeter! Maybe sweet enough to take a fast ride to Cowboy's Stadium next April!

My UConn Huskies will be very good this year but my concern is the front court. When it is time to make the doughnuts at the 5 spot we have Tyler Olander, Phil Nolan and 2 raw Freshman to make the best doughnuts with holes in them imaginable! Kenton Facey is our best shot after Wolf got his scholly pulled. You guys have 2 beasts. It would be a HUGE bonus IF you could find somewhere around 7.2 pts and 4.5 rebs cumulatively off the bench from ANYONE (Reese & Co.) in the front court to help ease the burden on your 2 potential superstars.

I really like your team. You fans deserve to enjoy a great season. Good luck! All JMHO.
 
#39
#39
Well perimeter shooting should be much improved, as a team last year we shot just over 30%. Assuming Barton keeps his 42% average, McRae shoots around the same, and Hubbs shoots as advertised....our team percentage should hopefully be up around 37%-38%.

The biggest weakness I see is ball handling. Barton may be the same or slightly better than golden, but that's not saying much. Passing, and mainly entry passing will still likely be an issue, I do think Maymon will help in both areas though.

I will also be keeping a close eye on turnovers, that was an issue we never really got under control. Martin wants his teams turnovers to be in the 10-13 range, if we average <14 turnovers per game as a team we will be very good IMO.
 
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#40
#40
bleedingTNorange said:
Well perimeter shooting should be much improved, as a team last year we shot just over 30%. Assuming Barton keeps his 42% average, McRae shoots around the same, and Hubbs shoots as advertised....our team percentage should hopefully be up around 37%-38%.

The biggest weakness I see is ball handling. Barton may be the same or slightly better than golden, but that's not saying much. Passing, and mainly entry passing will still likely be an issue, I do think Maymon will help in both areas though.
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Definitely, and we shouldn't be running as many catch and shoots for McRae which should help too.
Maymon's handles are underestimated, he'll be valuable in that regard.
 
#41
#41
We could lose a game or 2 just from late game FT shooting. We have no real automatic shooters other than McRae. Other than that, we really don't have another "go to" guy at the end of games.
 
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