Team News (current roster)

[Dallasbowlin]

My starting five would be Santi, Key, JJJ, Phillips, ORN.

 

[NighthawkVol]

My starting five would be Santi, Key, JJJ, Phillips, ORN.

You’re not going to start a true PG and leave the only true PG on the roster (who is a star) on the bench? Don’t see that happening.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

You’re not going to start a true PG and leave the only true PG on the roster (who is a star) on the bench? Don’t see that happening.

Not what I think will happen. I wouldn't call Zakai a “true” PG, either.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Not what I think will happen. I wouldn't call Zakai a “true” PG, either.

Uhm what? He’s literally the definition of a true PG.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

Uhm what? He’s literally the definition of a true PG.

I wouldn't say Zakai is a pass-first guy. That’s not a knock on him. Of course, his assists are going to be down because of KC, but he averaged 2.7 assists last year compared to Chandler’s 4.7. I guess it depends on your definition of a true PG.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I wouldn't say Zakai is a pass-first guy. That’s not a knock on him. Of course, his assists are going to be down because of KC, but he averaged 2.7 assists last year compared to Chandler’s 4.7. I guess it depends on your definition of a true PG.

He also played fewer minutes, I’m guessing he’s over 4.7 this year…you mention starting Vescovi, not like he’s thrown up big assist numbers.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

He also played fewer minutes, I’m guessing he’s over 4.7 this year…you mention starting Vescovi, not like he’s thrown up big assist numbers.

I’m not saying he is. Greg just mentioned not starting the “only true pg” on the roster.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

My starting five would be Santi, Key, JJJ, Phillips, ORN.

We tried the Santi at the 1 experiment. Zakai is starting. That isn't even up for debate at this point. We're at our best when Santi is off ball. You don't start him at PG.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

We tried the Santi at the 1 experiment. Zakai is starting. That isn't even up for debate at this point. We're at our best when Santi is off ball. You don't start him at PG.

What if you give Key the PG position and move Santi to the two?

 

[TheMookieMonster]

What if you give Key the PG position and move Santi to the two?

Key is also an off ball guy. So, no. I know we'll run sets without Zakai obviously. But, he is your starting PG. That is not in question at this point. You don't start your guys at positions that aren't their natural spot.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

Key is also an off ball guy. So, no. I know we'll run sets without Zakai obviously. But, he is your starting PG. That is not in question at this point. You don't start your guys at positions that aren't their natural spot.

This team would just be so much better with Zakai as the sixth man. It would be much better for Zakai too. in my opinion.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

This team would just be so much better with Zakai as the sixth man. It would be much better for Zakai too. in my opinion.

I mean that would be fine if we had a PG. He is the only PG with experience on this roster. You can't keep him on the bench. Not possible.

 

[Dallasbowlin]

I mean that would be fine if we had a PG. He is the only PG with experience on this roster. You can't keep him on the bench. Not possible.

And we won’t. Unless BJ is a revelation.

 

[AngryButchJones]

Imagine calling Zakai "not a true PG" lol

 

[therickbol]

Imagine calling Zakai "not a true PG" lol

Well I mean it is kinda obvious he is a traditional European stretch 4

 

[Helton1]

The issue with Santi at the 1 vs Zakai at the 1 doesn’t have a ton to do with assist numbers. Santi simply couldn’t get to spots on the floor that he needed to get to in order to get the offense running. Zakai gets to where he needs to.

 

[volball57]

I wouldn't say Zakai is a pass-first guy. That’s not a knock on him. Of course, his assists are going to be down because of KC, but he averaged 2.7 assists last year compared to Chandler’s 4.7. I guess it depends on your definition of a true PG.

I agree. Zakai did not arrive on campus a true PG. Zakai was a shooter and a hardnosed defender. His work ethic, drive, and Barnes coaching is what will turn him into a PG.
I wasn't impressed early on in the season of him offensively, but he continued to get better and has a legitmate shot at being an all-time favorite for Vol fans. I can't remember how many highlights I showed my son of him this year of his fearlessness.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

This team would just be so much better with Zakai as the sixth man. It would be much better for Zakai too. in my opinion.

With the current roster, absolutely not…if you had Chandler still sure, but we don’t.

 

[Col_Cathcart]

You know what would be awesome? If we magically had someone better at their position than all of our starters and then our current starters could come off the bench! That’d be a great second unit, don’t you think??

 

[youcancallmeAl]

I wouldn't say Zakai is a pass-first guy. That’s not a knock on him. Of course, his assists are going to be down because of KC, but he averaged 2.7 assists last year compared to Chandler’s 4.7. I guess it depends on your definition of a true PG.

KC had 4.7 assists in 30.8 min per game on average, or .153 Assists per minute. ZZ had 2.7 APG in 22.1 mpg, for .122 APM.

If ZZ had played 30.8 mpg, his assists would have been 3.8 per game. That's not elite but not bad for a true freshman learning the position and coming off the bench.

 

[NighthawkVol]

So anyway, ZZ is our starting PG.

Is Key the backup?

 

[bleedingTNorange]

So anyway, ZZ is our starting PG.

Is Key the backup?

I would say that’s TBD…Edwards, Santi and Key will all get some run there I would guess, the staff would like for it to be Edwards.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Some good comments by JJJ about new guys and the team.

Josiah James on new-look Vols: This is 'the most talented team I’ve been on'

 

[Willy14]

Some good comments by JJJ about new guys and the team.

Josiah James on new-look Vols: This is 'the most talented team I’ve been on'

That’s saying something considering the last two teams he was on

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

That’s saying something considering the last two teams he was on

Yeah I was a little surprised by that comment to but he should know.