The Missing Element For UT: Joy.

[hatvol96]

Talked to a friend of mine today who works in the NBA. I mentioned my belief that UT has become the Denver Nuggets of college basketball, being drained and dragged down by off court issues. He reminded me how much fun Denver was obviously having as they ran to the Western Conference finals a couple of years ago. That's what the Vols have lost. The energy and esprit de corps that were hallmarks of Pearl's early years have been replaced by grim faces and a sense of impending doom around TBA. It doesn't have to be that way. This team can't do anything about Bruce Pearl's situation. Further, the 'AA isn't going to do anything that affects this season. It's time to get the fun back into UT basketball. Saturday in Hartford is a good starting point. The team needs to get back to the loose, joyous play they exhibited at Pitt. There's still plenty of time to make this a great season.

 

[utman47]

Good observations hat. I completely agree
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[crusse10]

in before comments about Hatvol's lack of negativity

 

[BigOrange15]

Good post.

 

[ole_orange]

I agree, although it is easier said than done. Onlookers can preach all they want, but that will not erase the impending storm that is looming in their heads. It would be very difficult for me to play relaxed if my collegiate livlihood was at stake.
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[TooLegit2Quit]

There's no reason for us to lack motivation/effort/desire to win this Saturday against a Top 10 team in their place. I expect them to play like they did against Pittsburgh. It's those games against the SEC West where we need to play with passion. For some reason this team just isn't able to to get up for every game. I do agree somewhat.

I hope it's not weird for the team having Bruce back for just this one game.

 

[govols120]

Good observations hat. I completely agree
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+1. Great post, hat.

 

[jspvol76]

Wonderful post. All sports should be played this way, but along the way sometimes we forget.
:good!:

 

[n_gerard07]

I still have plenty of hope for this season. even if we lose to uconn. all is not lost. that's the beauty of the tournament.

 

[ole_orange]

I still have plenty of hope for this season. even if we lose to uconn. all is not lost. that's the beauty of the tournament.

The Uconn game is by no means do or die
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[hatvol96]

It would be very difficult for me to play relaxed if my collegiate livlihood was at stake.
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That's the thing, the kids aren't in the crosshairs. Nobody's about to jerk their scholarships or pull them out of this year's tournament. Be kids. Live in the moment. What's going to happen this summer is way too far off to concern yourself with right now. I guarantee this, playing with a sense of dread and slogging through the rest of the season certainly doesn't help Pearl's situation going forward.

 

[SamRebel35]

The Uconn game is by no means do or die
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But it would be a great time to showcase a team that is having more fun and being more energetic. Talk about bringing back some joy, a win would be huge for this team's confidence and their spirit.

 

[punkcat]

False title, I thought it was going to be a pic of a hot chick in a thong named Joy.

 

[BigPapaVol]

False title, I thought it was going to be a pic of a hot chick in a thong named Joy.

Who names they thong?
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[OrangeVol79]

You hit the nail on the head, Hat!
Too much pressure on the team- need to play ball and have fun!

 

[Trotwood82]

Absolutely, have fun out there that's what Vol basketballs all about. Great post.

 

[95 Vol Alum]

I thought it was leadership. Or better guard play. Or focus. Or consistency. Or good coaching.

 

[mtt2d]

Let's don't pretend that Uconn is going to roll over.
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[govols120]

Let's don't pretend that Uconn is going to roll over.
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It feels a lot like the Sweet 16 OSU game to me - UConn's a good team that's made great by this one spectacular player (Turner for OSU, Walker for UConn) and the team goes as he goes. Once again, we're the underdog and no one (outside of the UT fan base) is picking us to win.

 

[hmanvolfan]

The key, like you said, is convincing the players that the NCAA investigation won't affect this season. Maybe a little together time off the court would help (of course I don't really know how close the players are to each other but it seems to me there's not a lot of camaraderie on this team).

 

[Velo Vol]

I thought it was leadership. Or better guard play. Or focus. Or consistency. Or good coaching.

All of the above.

I think if the team was playing well instead of struggling against the Charlottes of the world, most of this would take care of itself. But I'm not the team psychologist.

Maybe they need to hire a comedian or clown or something.

 

[hmanvolfan]

Good idea. Maybe Krusty the Klown would work cheap.. Whenever somebody screws up a play he could yell...
http://www.rpi.edu/~markhn/sounds/whatthe.wav

 

[volger]

Who names they thong?
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I lol'd

 

[supersmo18]

I agree with you hat, but since when are you one for pep talks?

 

[skyhawk_vol]

The Uconn game is by no means do or die
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It may not be a do or die, but it sure as hell would help...

Great post, hat...