The Official “Regular Posters of the Basketball Forum” Thread

#21,728
#21,728
After the season opener and the Indiana scrimmage, here are are my thoughts on each player, and overall. (obviously small sample size)

Zakai - Overall disappointed with his offense so far. Lots of sloppy plays, failed oop attempts (some of this can be chemistry) and his bad habit of forcing that step-back three in times where we need a higher efficiency shot remains (although it didn't happen in this game. was apparent in the IU game). His defense looks disruptive as ever.

Jahmai - Seems to be same player with an even better set shot (and it was good enough last year). When he shoots, I feel confident it is going in. Would like to see him be more aggressive on offense.

Gainey - Loved what I've seen from him. Looks physically stronger. Playing with confidence. He flashed against weaker competition last year and then kinda sunk down the stretch as we got into SEC play at times. I'd like to see him play at this level consistently. I feel good about him.

Chaz - Real deal. Even in the IU games when the shots weren't always going in, you could just tell. He is a lethal shooter. He isn't gun-shy. He gets his shot off super fast and easy. Need to play more offense through him IMO. Not actively looking for him enough.

Okpara - Not been impressed. He was so hyped coming out of the summer by the media and those who saw the team. coaches love him. But I see a guy who chases blocks, hasn't shown an offensive skillset outside athleticism, and has not positioned himself properly to rebound. Without looking, I bet his +/- was worst on the team in this game.

Igor - Playing fine. Feels like he has the potential to be a bigger threat on offense than he has shown. Seems apprehensive right now. Might take time to gel. Would like to see what he is capable of as a shooter more, but that opportunity just has not happened. We don't seem to be scheming to get him looks from 3, which is surprising. So far, my instincts tell me he will be a bit like ORN (and that isn't a knock. ORN was a fine player).

Cade - high Effort and energy player. Wish he had a real offensive skillet outside athleticism.

JP - Looks like the superior option at the 5 IMO. Been struggling with injury and working his way back, and the team just flat out played better when he was on the floor. Again, without looking, I bet his +/- was really good. He isn't stuffing the stat sheet, but he is screening, boxing out, and just making all the little plays if you pay attention.

Carr - Not really formed much of an opinion on Carr yet.



Overall - We've been sloppy. Could be chemistry and lack of experience playing together (especially with all the little bumps and bruises everyone took that disrupted that in the summer etc..)

Interested to see how the rotation evolves from here. I think we can shoot the ball well. I have not seen the ability to dribble penetrate much at all, and that is gonna bite us in the butt and stagnate the offense against better defenses.

Been a big emphasis on trying to score in the post and it hasn't really worked. And in this game, it didn't work against weak competition.

I am not dripping with optimism. But I think we have a lot of room for improvement and will improve by leaps and bounds. Might just require us taking some licks first.
 
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#21,729
#21,729
One thing that stood out, rebounding by guards. Santi, JJJ, & DK were all really good.

Tonight we got 5 total rebounds from Lanier, Gainey, ZZ, & Carr. Need more from them.

Shack had a great game imo, do that every night and we’ll be in good shape. 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals

I also think JP shows the best promise, it’s obvious he’s very aware of how to play Barnes style on both ends. Just needs to get & stay healthy. Hopefully Felix starts to figure things out. He’s a specimen with his size, strength & athleticism could really become a special big if he can figure things out like JP has.
 
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#21,731
#21,731
I think more-so than any team in recent memory, I have no idea how to feel about them. Through 2 games, there has been some good, some bad, some surprises, and a lot of questions.

I agree with basically @omghulkhands entire player-by-player assessment. Disappointed in the erratic nature of Zakai’s offense so far. He’s the most experienced player on the team, at this point in his career he shouldn’t be as volatile as he still is. 0-6 from 3? Can’t have that.

I think this team is going to grow a lot this year. I said it in the off-season, but if this team gets a double-bye in the SECT and makes the 2nd weekend of the NCAAT it’s one of the best coaching jobs that Barnes has done at Tennessee.

I’m not overly optimistic about our chances on Saturday in a true road game this early in the season with this many new faces and question marks. It will be a pretty good and immediate barometer for how good we can be. You know Louisville is going to play with their hair on fire trying to make a statement in Year 1 of their new coaching regime.
 
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#21,733
#21,733
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#21,735
#21,735
TrippieRedd said:
To me, I was most impressed with Cade.

Same stat like as Igor but without the fouls and no turnovers.

Played well tonight.
Click to expand...

Yeah Cade & Igor were the more productive bigs offensively.

Felix did rebound well & I think he’s our best defender even if he chases blocks a bit instead of positioning for rebounds.
 
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#21,736
#21,736
TheMookieMonster said:
I think more-so than any team in recent memory, I have no idea how to feel about them. Through 2 games, there has been some good, some bad, some surprises, and a lot of questions.

I agree with basically @omghulkhands entire player-by-player assessment. Disappointed in the erratic nature of Zakai’s offense so far. He’s the most experienced player on the team, at this point in his career he shouldn’t be as volatile as he still is. 0-6 from 3? Can’t have that.

I think this team is going to grow a lot this year. I said it in the off-season, but if this team gets a double-bye in the SECT and makes the 2nd weekend of the NCAAT it’s one of the best coaching jobs that Barnes has done at Tennessee.

I’m not overly optimistic about our chances on Saturday in a true road game this early in the season with this many new faces and question marks. It will be a pretty good and immediate barometer for how good we can be. You know Louisville is going to play with their hair on fire trying to make a statement in Year 1 of their new coaching regime.
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A stat that I find worrisome: in his last six games, Zakai is shooting 20% from three. 9-43.
 
#21,739
#21,739
I know the chances aren’t high, if at all, but with Dubar questionable to return with no timetable. What are the chances Barnes targets a SF/PF like Santi his freshman year? I assume that’s not going to happen but just wanted to see if there were any prospects worth it.
 
#21,740
#21,740
Luke Joiner said:
I know the chances aren’t high, if at all, but with Dubar questionable to return with no timetable. What are the chances Barnes targets a SF/PF like Santi his freshman year? I assume that’s not going to happen but just wanted to see if there were any prospects worth it.
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I mean at this point we've got 2 open scholarships already. I think most of us feel like there will be an additional player or two added this January. Whether or not they will be a plug and play type or not is the question.

I think with Cade playing as well as he does we've got a good rotation. Just need Felix and JP to get healthy before SEC play opens up.
 
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#21,741
#21,741
Is that Warley kid that’s leaving UVA any good?? Believe he is a Forward, and would have another year after this one.


Edit: Last two seasons playing starter minutes (25+ minutes, didn’t play much his freshman year)
7.15ppg / 2.75rpg / 3apg
1.3 steals per game

19 points, 3 assists, and 1 board against Colorado

9 points, 3 assist , and 3 boards against GT

23 points, 3 assist and 6 boards against Louisville

10 points, 3 assist and 3 boards against UNC
 
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#21,742
#21,742
Think it’s going to be tough to gauge this team early on in terms of what they’ll be come conference play. So many new faces. I do think the unfortunate part about this team is that these guys, as BTO referenced after the exhibition game, are likely going to have to shoot the ball well from beyond the arc to be a really successful team offensively. Not going to be a lot of back to basket scoring and frankly not sure if there are any perimeter guys who possess the skill and physicality to get to and finish around the rim consistently against good competition. Perhaps that won’t end up being the case. Like I said, hard to know for sure as of right now.

Plenty of good athletes, though, so I think this can and will be a good defensive team which will keep them in games. Ultimately, this team is going to have to bank on solid perimeter shooting and sound, reliable defense. They’ll have the latter as the season progresses imo. Just a matter of whether they’ll be able to generate enough offense. GBO
 
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#21,744
#21,744
BisonVol said:
Think it’s going to be tough to gauge this team early on in terms of what they’ll be come conference play. So many new faces. I do think the unfortunate part about this team is that these guys, as BTO referenced after the exhibition game, are likely going to have to shoot the ball well from beyond the arc to be a really successful team offensively. Not going to be a lot of back to basket scoring and frankly not sure if there are any perimeter guys who possess the skill and physicality to get to and finish around the rim consistently against good competition. Perhaps that won’t end up being the case. Like I said, hard to know for sure as of right now.

Plenty of good athletes, though, so I think this can and will be a good defensive team which will keep them in games. Ultimately, this team is going to have to bank on solid perimeter shooting and sound, reliable defense. They’ll have the latter as the season progresses imo. Just a matter of whether they’ll be able to generate enough offense. GBO
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Saturday @ Louisville will be a good test for them.
 
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#21,750
#21,750
MoCo_Vol said:
Damn...someone started a whole thread about it lol

Sucks he's hurt, but hopefully gets healthy in time for Felix to smoke his ass!
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I talk **** about players because I’m usually mad and just throw my thoughts on here.

If we could take him back, I’d gladly do it. Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener….for BOTH parties
 
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