Team News (current roster)

#626
#626
PulaskiVolFan said:
I don't know how anyone thinks that JJJ, if healthy, isn't going to lead us in minutes played. He fits into every different type lineup that Barnes is going to run out there, not to mention he's likely our most consistent rebounder. JJJ/Keon/Springer/Pons/Fulkerson is our best defensive lineup and will be on the floor together the most. Our "big" lineup will certainly have JJJ in it and when Barnes goes small I suspect we'll see JJJ at the 4. I don't think JJJs minutes will drop and I believe he definitely starts. My guess is that Vescovi is going to be used as an offensive spark coming off the bench. He's the weakest of all the guards when it comes to rebounding and defense and we'll need his offense with the 2nd unit that will often consist of Big O, Anosike and Bailey, none of which are dynamic on the offensive end. I think Vescovi, Springer, Keon and Bailey will share minutes between 2 spots while JJJ will pretty much be on the floor anytime he's not tired or in foul trouble. He and Fulkerson will be the only two that are basically on the floor at all times I feel.
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I would bet a lot of money JJJ doesn’t lead this team in minutes played, and would probably even say not Top 2.

We haven’t seen a minute from Springer or Johnson, if they are as good as advertised then JJJ is going to have to have take a huge stride this offseason to warrant more minutes than those 2. Furthermore, we used JJJ at the point last year, he didn’t exactly excel, Vescovi came in without any offseason work or practice and assumed the PG role...with each having a full offseason I doubt JJJ has surpassed him.

I’m not down on JJJ at all, I expect him to be improved and a key part of the team, but I don’t think his best position is PG (unless he’s night and day better from last year). I feel like he’s a guy who will be really good at a lot of things but probably not excellent at any...I think we likely have a better ball handler, passer, shooter, shot blocker, rebounder etc.
 
#627
#627
bleedingTNorange said:
I would bet a lot of money JJJ doesn’t lead this team in minutes played, and would probably even say not Top 2.

We haven’t seen a minute from Springer or Johnson, if they are as good as advertised then JJJ is going to have to have take a huge stride this offseason to warrant more minutes than those 2. Furthermore, we used JJJ at the point last year, he didn’t exactly excel, Vescovi came in without any offseason work or practice and assumed the PG role...with each having a full offseason I doubt JJJ has surpassed him.

I’m not down on JJJ at all, I expect him to be improved and a key part of the team, but I don’t think his best position is PG (unless he’s night and day better from last year). I feel like he’s a guy who will be really good at a lot of things but probably not excellent at any...I think we likely have a better ball handler, passer, shooter, shot blocker, rebounder etc.
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JJJ came on strong after Vescovi learned the ropes. Bother should have great years, but Vescovi will be the PG.
 
#629
#629
bleedingTNorange said:
Per Rob Lewis, said ORN would be 2nd backup post behind Anosike, and he thinks 3rd guy off the bench depending on whether it’s guard or post. Has said he thinks Johnson/Springer/Pons/Fulk start with Vescovi and JJJ fighting for other spot, so that’s your first 6. Then Bailey, Anosike, ORN in some order as next 3 depending on who is subbing out.
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I’m very surprised noted future All-American Victor Bailey isn’t going to start!

More seriously, glad to see Johnson/Springer look to be getting starter minutes. I’d like Vescovi to start and JJJ as the sixth man since Vescovi is a knock down catch and shoot guy but we definitely might see some shuffling before conference play.
 
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#630
#630
PulaskiVolFan said:
I don't know how anyone thinks that JJJ, if healthy, isn't going to lead us in minutes played. He fits into every different type lineup that Barnes is going to run out there, not to mention he's likely our most consistent rebounder. JJJ/Keon/Springer/Pons/Fulkerson is our best defensive lineup and will be on the floor together the most. Our "big" lineup will certainly have JJJ in it and when Barnes goes small I suspect we'll see JJJ at the 4. I don't think JJJs minutes will drop and I believe he definitely starts. My guess is that Vescovi is going to be used as an offensive spark coming off the bench. He's the weakest of all the guards when it comes to rebounding and defense and we'll need his offense with the 2nd unit that will often consist of Big O, Anosike and Bailey, none of which are dynamic on the offensive end. I think Vescovi, Springer, Keon and Bailey will share minutes between 2 spots while JJJ will pretty much be on the floor anytime he's not tired or in foul trouble. He and Fulkerson will be the only two that are basically on the floor at all times I feel.
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Because he won’t. He’s might be the fourth best guard on the team behind the two frosh and Vescovi. JJJ is a fine piece but he’s not playing more 20 mpg this year barring injuries.
 
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#632
#632
TrippieRedd said:
Springer
Johnson
JJJ
Pons
Fulky

Vescovi as the 6th man to come in for the PG or SG struggling. Then after that would be Anosike, Bailey, etc.
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I agree. I think Vescovi off the bench will be a big weapon for us, especially if he can continue to put up 10 points per game.
 
#634
#634
VOLINVONORE said:
JJJ came on strong after Vescovi learned the ropes. Bother should have great years, but Vescovi will be the PG.
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Then Springer or Keon is going to start out on the bench if Vescovi starts at PG. JJJ is one of the best rebounding guards in the country and our biggest weakness is going to be rebounding, no way he doesn't start I feel.
 
#635
#635
The Dog said:
I agree with a lot of this, except that part about Vescovi being a weak rebounder. Weak defender, yes, weak rebounder, no
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He was sneaky in that department last season but I don't see him bettering his 3 a game, might even drop if he loses minutes this year. He's a good player I just think that his role this season is going to be much different than what his role was last year and we'll be a better team because of it.
 
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#636
#636
therickbol said:
I think this is fairly spot on. However, we haven't seen Vescovi in quite some time. He was thrown in under less than ideal circumstances. Reports say he is greatly improved. His body definitely looks like it has transformed some. So that could change things if he moves better and makes better decisions.
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He handled himself great last season I thought and looks like he can improve a bunch. I just think his role changes a bit now that Keon/Springer are here and JJJ is seemingly healthy.
 
#637
#637
PulaskiVolFan said:
He was sneaky in that department last season but I don't see him bettering his 3 a game, might even drop if he loses minutes this year. He's a good player I just think that his role this season is going to be much different than what his role was last year and we'll be a better team because of it.
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Once again, I agree with most of that. If Vescovi's 3 point shooting improves and he was above average last year, it will open everything up for, well, everybody
 
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#638
#638
I hope this is the year that Barnes builds some depth for the postseason and doesn't just play 7 guys 30 minutes plus each game.
 
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#639
#639
volfaninpa said:
I hope this is the year that Barnes builds some depth for the postseason and doesn't just play 7 guys 30 minutes plus each game.
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Me 2. It would seem like a wasted opportunity not to take advantage of our depth. If not press, at least do a Bruce Pearl and pressure the in-bounds and try to trap, if not fall back and pick 'em back up at half court. I would love to see 10 guys average around 15-25 minutes a game, with a 90s Arkansas, 40 minutes of Hell.
 
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#640
#640
It looks like we'll go 9 deep this year. 6 "starters" with Fulk, Yves, Keon, Jaden, JJJ, and Santi and 3 firm rotation pieces in ON, EJ, and VJ.

I think I'm more interested in seeing who closes games out. Unless Vescovi improves on defense I can see Josiah getting the nod there. I'm sure Vescovi could just as easily replace Keon or Jaden if they struggle.

Don't see Gaines getting that many minutes this year unless he really improves on offense. I think he can be a very good player for us one day, but he isn't ready yet, not with the depth we have. Pember will get his much needed RS year. I think he's got a chance to be a good player here as well.
 
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#641
#641
PulaskiVolFan said:
I'll take that bet, zero chance that JJJ only plays 20 mpg.
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There’s 120 guard/wing minutes available. Maybe JJJ gets 25, but right now he seems to be behind Johnson and Springer and tied with Vescovi based off recent reports. But even if I’m conservative and don’t give Gaines any minutes...there’s still only 25 mpg left

Springer- 25
Johnson- 25
Vescovi- 20
Bailey- 15

More than likely Vescovi will play around 25 and Gaines/Pons gets a few minutes at the 3. That leaves JJJ with about 20 maximum. Now his defense and rebounding will let him play but with Springer and Johnson being more drivers, Vescovi and Bailey make more sense surrounding them since they’re better shooters. And Vescovi is definitively better than JJJ on offense.
 
#644
#644
zjcvols said:
There’s 120 guard/wing minutes available. Maybe JJJ gets 25, but right now he seems to be behind Johnson and Springer and tied with Vescovi based off recent reports. But even if I’m conservative and don’t give Gaines any minutes...there’s still only 25 mpg left

Springer- 25
Johnson- 25
Vescovi- 20
Bailey- 15

More than likely Vescovi will play around 25 and Gaines/Pons gets a few minutes at the 3. That leaves JJJ with about 20 maximum. Now his defense and rebounding will let him play but with Springer and Johnson being more drivers, Vescovi and Bailey make more sense surrounding them since they’re better shooters. And Vescovi is definitively better than JJJ on offense.
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JJJ will see minutes 1-4 per reports
 
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#646
#646
I see something like...

Vescovi 25/Bailey 15
Springer 25/Johnson 10/Bailey 5
Johnson 15/James 25
Pons 30/Anosike 10
Fulky 30/Anosike 10

Gaines & ORN getting wing/post minutes on game to game basis/foul trouble.
 
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#647
#647
bleedingTNorange said:
I see something like...

Vescovi 25/Bailey 15
Springer 25/Johnson 10/Bailey 5
Johnson 15/James 25
Pons 30/Anosike 10
Fulky 30/Anosike 10

Gaines & ORN getting wing/post minutes on game to game basis/foul trouble.
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I think that Walker gradually builds up his mpg. But since there’s just one basketball he may rarely see more than 5-7 in any single game unless there’s an injury or dismissal due to grades or discipline. I’ll be shocked if the latter happens to any of this group. Probably won’t be buy games this year so we’re going to need a bunch of blowouts versus SEC opponents to get minutes for the entire roster.
 
#648
#648
rdk4121 said:
It looks like we'll go 9 deep this year. 6 "starters" with Fulk, Yves, Keon, Jaden, JJJ, and Santi and 3 firm rotation pieces in ON, EJ, and VJ.

I think I'm more interested in seeing who closes games out. Unless Vescovi improves on defense I can see Josiah getting the nod there. I'm sure Vescovi could just as easily replace Keon or Jaden if they struggle.

Don't see Gaines getting that many minutes this year unless he really improves on offense. I think he can be a very good player for us one day, but he isn't ready yet, not with the depth we have. Pember will get his much needed RS year. I think he's got a chance to be a good player here as well.
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Isn't it great to have so many really good players that we can't decide who should be playing at different phases of the game. I remember not too long ago, we were happy to find five players who contribute to the success of the team. We are so fortunate to have Rick Barns as our coach and that Texas was stupid enough to fire him.
 
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#649
#649
bleedingTNorange said:
Well there’s only 200 minutes available so not sure how he’d ever play 7 guys 30+mpg?
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My bad on the math. How about putting it this way? I hope Barnes doesn't play such a short bench that it hurts in the postseason as I really believe this team could make as deep or a deeper run than any team before them.
 
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