The Official “Regular Posters of the Basketball Forum” Thread

[omghulkhands]

Lost in all this was the fact that we ran the two best out of bounds plays I’ve seen from us all Season in this game.

 

[Delmar]

Lost in all this was the fact that we ran the two best out of bounds plays I’ve seen from us all Season in this game.

Definitely. And Ole Miss had one of their best ones too when they got that layup near the end of the game after the refs put the extra half second back in the clock. That one was a killer. And again, we didn’t corral the rebound when Ole Miss missed their first shot.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

This team when on can hold Florida to 44 points...or go into Auburn and hold them to 53

But this same team gave Vandy 76 twice, and let Missouri hang 81 in TBA and also Kentucky 78 with 2 starters missing for them.

Just a different type of team than we normally see. I don't think most of us would expect a Rick Barnes squad to lose any game where they score 73 or more, but half our losses have come scoring that much.

Feels like each of those team plays a smaller style that spreads you out, obviously Auburn & Florida are just damn good teams, but your other 4 losses (Vandy, Ole Miss and Kentucky x2) feels like stylistically are somewhat similar, and hurt you in similar ways, beating guys off the bounce and then good ball movement. As I said obviously Auburn & Florida are damn good teams, but worth noting our other 4 losses came to Top 25 offenses…might be something worth looking at when it comes to matchups in the dance.

 

[05_never_again]

We lost to South Carolina with arguably the best scorer in Tennessee basketball history on our roster last season. Do we just forget that?

That team also finished 13-5 in SEC play (T-2 in the conference) and the game was in Columbia. This South Carolina team is 2-15 and the game is in Knoxville.

You could knock me over with a feather if we lose Saturday, especially with it being a lot of these guys' last home game.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

The loss reminds me a lot of the Vanderbilt one, we were very good offensively, actually near our best from an efficiency standpoint. It was our defense (rebounding) that lost us that game, not even remotely close to anything from an offensive standpoint, which is a different way for us to lose. On the season we were 24-1 when shooting 25%+ from 3, last night and against Vandy we manage to shoot 39%+ from deep and lose. We were also 17-0 when Gainey scores 9+ points, he had 17, like everything about that game from an offensive standpoint suggests we win that game, and probably fairly easily.

It sucks because our 1 seed chances took a massive shot, and obviously that’s what we all wanted and were hoping for and following, but big picture, that was another nice offensive showing which is what we’ve all been calling for. Have to have some faith that they figure out some defensive and rebounding issues and come out more focused going forward, again it sucks because of what you were playing for, but outside of that it’s hard to be too down imo.

Vols were always just 'in the mix' for that last #1 seed with FL and others teams. That opportunity was gone when FL beat Bama at Bama. The Ole Miss game did not lose that seeding, it was lost before the game even started.

 

[cncchris33]

Because we had 4 times that we got up to 7-8 point leads and we went stupid on offense. I can buy it’s a game of runs but come on, it went the same way every time.

I can tip the cap but at the same time curse that our offense went bye bye again when we should have built leads

Yeah, the lack of killer instinct from our offense is mildly concerning to say the least. Great teams who get up 8 early in the 2nd half and then have 3 straight possessions to extend that lead to double digits, they find a way to flex their muscle and put a team like Ole Miss away. It's just frustrating knowing what was on the line and seeing how predictable this loss was coming off of the Bama win. You'd just think they would have been ultra-heightened to the chances of a letdown with everything considered.

I don't blame it entirely on the offense, either. Lots of other areas which contributed to the loss, but I'd just love to see us put the pedal down when we had the chance.

 

[Chaz-Vol]

This team when on can hold Florida to 44 points...or go into Auburn and hold them to 53

But this same team gave Vandy 76 twice, and let Missouri hang 81 in TBA and also Kentucky 78 with 2 starters missing for them.

Just a different type of team than we normally see. I don't think most of us would expect a Rick Barnes squad to lose any game where they score 73 or more, but half our losses have come scoring that much.

Yesterday's game was partly vols depth haunting them. When they got hammered on offensive rebounds, Felix getting picked on defense you wonder could someone like Estrella change the complexion and bring energy when other guys don't have it. Especially Barnes not trusting Cade yesterday and only playing him 6 minutes.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Yeah, the lack of killer instinct from our offense is mildly concerning to say the least. Great teams who get up 8 early in the 2nd half and then have 3 straight possessions to extend that lead to double digits, they find a way to flex their muscle and put a team like Ole Miss away. It's just frustrating knowing what was on the line and seeing how predictable this loss was coming off of the Bama win. You'd just think they would have been ultra-heightened to the chances of a letdown with everything considered.

I think this has been a fantastic season considering our record, but as has been well-documented I’ve just had a weird hot/cold relationship with this team this year compared to last year. I can’t really place the reasoning why, maybe it simply was the fact we had Knecht. But my trust factor for this team in March is just a lot lower. I guess Knecht was just such a massive safety blanket that it always felt like when things got bad I didn’t have to stress because he’d pull something ridiculous out of nowhere to save us.

I still believe this team can make a run, my confidence level is just lower than last year. I feel like this roster still has a lot of flaws that Barnes has done an exceptional job coaching around for most of the season, but I just worry those flaws will cost us in the tournament.

 

[sami]

Ole Miss did not “want it more.” We played hard and a fine game on both ends - well enough to win on 99% of nights. But Brakefield went for that 1% tonight. He basically did to us what Knecht did to Auburn last season. Sometimes a team gets hot and doesn’t miss, no matter how good the defense is.

100%. This idea that any time we lose it is an indictment of our effort, of Barnes' philosophies of recruiting, scheme, and everything else, that we suddenly once again have a ceiling in March, or more typically any combination of the above, is pure butthurt and people taking all of this way too personally.

Yes, the Vols were sloppy with the ball, allowed too many second chance opportunities, and couldn't find an answer for Brakefield, if any adjustments were even going to work last night, but as you said it was still a game we win 99% of the time.

Ole Miss is a tough, scrappy group that plays incredibly hard and they found a matchup they liked and had a kid who had one of those nights. We stole the Bama game on Saturday and Ole Miss did it to us tonight. UT played hard and lost a tough road game against a good team in a great league - it happens.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Lost in all this was the fact that we ran the two best out of bounds plays I’ve seen from us all Season in this game.

I was just thinking about that this morning while rehashing the last few minutes in my head.

 

[OrangeInKy]

100%. This idea that any time we lose it is an indictment of our effort, of Barnes' philosophies of recruiting, scheme, and everything else, that we suddenly once again have a ceiling in March, or more typically any combination of the above, is pure butthurt and people taking all of this way too personally.

Yes, the Vols were sloppy with the ball, allowed too many second chance opportunities, and couldn't find an answer for Brakefield, if any adjustments were even going to work last night, but as you said it was still a game we win 99% of the time.

Ole Miss is a tough, scrappy group that plays incredibly hard and they found a matchup they liked and had a kid who had one of those nights. We stole the Bama game on Saturday and Ole Miss did it to us tonight. UT played hard and lost a tough road game against a good team in a great league - it happens.

They were number 27 in KenPom rankings, but you’d think we lost to a sub 500 team.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

The loss reminds me a lot of the Vanderbilt one, we were very good offensively, actually near our best from an efficiency standpoint. It was our defense (rebounding) that lost us that game, not even remotely close to anything from an offensive standpoint, which is a different way for us to lose. On the season we were 24-1 when shooting 25%+ from 3, last night and against Vandy we manage to shoot 39%+ from deep and lose. We were also 17-0 when Gainey scores 9+ points, he had 17, like everything about that game from an offensive standpoint suggests we win that game, and probably fairly easily.

It sucks because our 1 seed chances took a massive shot, and obviously that’s what we all wanted and were hoping for and following, but big picture, that was another nice offensive showing which is what we’ve all been calling for. Have to have some faith that they figure out some defensive and rebounding issues and come out more focused going forward, again it sucks because of what you were playing for, but outside of that it’s hard to be too down imo.

Also in both games a 6'8" Forward who was able to dribble drive had a big day offensively in both games. Carey for Vandy scored 14, Brakefield for Ole Miss scored 19

 

[Chaz-Vol]

I think this has been a fantastic season considering our record, but as has been well-documented I’ve just had a weird hot/cold relationship with this team this year compared to last year. I can’t really place the reasoning why, maybe it simply was the fact we had Knecht. But my trust factor for this team in March is just a lot lower. I guess Knecht was just such a massive safety blanket that it always felt like when things got bad I didn’t have to stress because he’d pull something ridiculous out of nowhere to save us.

I still believe this team can make a run, my confidence level is just lower than last year. I feel like this roster still has a lot of flaws that Barnes has done an exceptional job coaching around for most of the season, but I just worry those flaws will cost us in the tournament.

Vols can get bounced early with hot shooting team in round of 32 but there's also no truly dominant team like UConn or a dominant force like Edey. This team has played 3 top 6 teams and beaten 2 of them so if playing well they can beat anyone.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Feels like each of those team plays a smaller style that spreads you out, obviously Auburn & Florida are just damn good teams, but your other 4 losses (Vandy, Ole Miss and Kentucky x2) feels like stylistically are somewhat similar, and hurt you in similar ways, beating guys off the bounce and then good ball movement. As I said obviously Auburn & Florida are damn good teams, but worth noting our other 4 losses came to Top 25 offenses…might be something worth looking at when it comes to matchups in the dance.

It's the fact those 3 teams have size that can beat you off the bounce.

Vandy with McGlockton (6'7"), Carey (6'8"), and Manon (6'5") if our best on balls are focused on Edwards and Hoggard that leaves those other guys facing Chaz, Igor, Felix in a lot of one on ones and they can go by them.

Ole Miss it was Dia (6'9") in the first half then Brakefield (6'8") even Brown-Jones (6'8")

Kentucky a bit of "pick your poison" but Brea (6'6") Robinson (6'7") Williams (6'10") Almonor (6'7")

Not like those guys are constant attack the rim options, but they can do it well enough that if Igor or Felix get stuck in isolation on them in space they can get to the rim.

Agree though, I think against top offensive teams we tend to get sucked into trying to keep pace and lose sight of defense at times.

Our losses and ratings on Kenpom:
Auburn #1 offensive rating
Florida #4 offensive rating
Kentucky #6 offensive rating
Vanderbilt #22 offensive rating
Ole Miss #24 offensive rating

We have beaten some high rated teams though
Bama #3
Florida #4
Missouri #5
Illinois #14
Oklahoma #23
Louisville #26

 

[berryvol]

The loss reminds me a lot of the Vanderbilt one, we were very good offensively, actually near our best from an efficiency standpoint. It was our defense (rebounding) that lost us that game, not even remotely close to anything from an offensive standpoint, which is a different way for us to lose. On the season we were 24-1 when shooting 25%+ from 3, last night and against Vandy we manage to shoot 39%+ from deep and lose. We were also 17-0 when Gainey scores 9+ points, he had 17, like everything about that game from an offensive standpoint suggests we win that game, and probably fairly easily.

It sucks because our 1 seed chances took a massive shot, and obviously that’s what we all wanted and were hoping for and following, but big picture, that was another nice offensive showing which is what we’ve all been calling for. Have to have some faith that they figure out some defensive and rebounding issues and come out more focused going forward, again it sucks because of what you were playing for, but outside of that it’s hard to be too down imo.

The offense seems to be peaking at the right time, to me. 4 of our last 5 and 9 out of our last 7 games we have shot the ball very well and scored more than enough to win. Per KP, this is Barnes’ second best offense of his tenure here. A lot of people seem to be forgetting that we’re coupling it with the, far and away, number 1 defense in the country, just because we were bad on the glass and ole miss made an infinite amount of tough shots last night.

I’m as annoyed as anyone that our shot at the elusive 1 seed is gone, but I’m very optimistic in this team’s chances to make a run in a couple of weeks. They’re the most well rounded group we’ve had here, maybe ever, when you look at the numbers.

 

[Col_Cathcart]

I wonder if switching to a zone for a couple possessions might have made a difference when that one dude was just cooking?

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Ultimately a Final Four run from the 2 seed would erase missing on the 1 seed. This team is good enough that playing their best for 4 games = Final Four team...

Our play against non Quad 1 has me feeling positive we won't be a first weekend early exit team, but it's March Madness so anything can happen.


Take care of South Carolina Saturday and make sure we get our double bye so the team can get healthy for SECT. That's the main goal right now

 

[sami]

The offense seems to be peaking at the right time, to me. 4 of our last 5 and 9 out of our last 7 games we have shot the ball very well and scored more than enough to win. Per KP, this is Barnes’ second best offense of his tenure here. A lot of people seem to be forgetting that we’re coupling it with the, far and away, number 1 defense in the country, just because we were bad on the glass and ole miss made an infinite amount of tough shots last night.

I’m as annoyed as anyone that our shot at the elusive 1 seed is gone, but I’m very optimistic in this team’s chances to make a run in a couple of weeks. They’re the most well rounded group we’ve had here, maybe ever, when you look at the numbers.

I've felt the same way pretty much all season. To me, this is the best and most well rounded group that Barnes has had here, and if Estrella hadn't gotten hurt and Carr had stayed and become even a decent rotational player it would have been the deepest as well.

The NCAA's are not the best test of who is the best team any given year, it is more about matchups, and who has a hot hand or a scheme that is tough to deal with in a one game win or go home scenario, and we get the occasional FAU, George Mason, and St. Peter's for this reason.

I believe this group is built to make a deep run, but like last year the fear is running into that one matchup you can't win for whatever reason. Last year's team was a final four group that ran into that one team and the whole "physical" garbage that was used against us. Let's hope we get a manageable draw this time around.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

Yeah, the lack of killer instinct from our offense is mildly concerning to say the least. Great teams who get up 8 early in the 2nd half and then have 3 straight possessions to extend that lead to double digits, they find a way to flex their muscle and put a team like Ole Miss away. It's just frustrating knowing what was on the line and seeing how predictable this loss was coming off of the Bama win. You'd just think they would have been ultra-heightened to the chances of a letdown with everything considered.

I don't blame it entirely on the offense, either. Lots of other areas which contributed to the loss, but I'd just love to see us put the pedal down when we had the chance.

The first 2 leads I forgive becuase a 7-8 lead in the first half is pretty much nothing, but the other 2 were in the second half, and one like you said we had several chances to extend the lead and didn't. And it seemed like we would then every time give up a 3 point play. Also frustrating because we've had games where the killer instinct kicked in and we put teams away.

I don't have a problem with the effort but Okpara had a good 3 times at least that he watched the ball instead of blocking out, including the game winner for Ole Miss but I won't totally single him out for that because the defensive rebounding was poor in general.

 

[VolCalls]

Vols were always just 'in the mix' for that last #1 seed with FL and others teams. That opportunity was gone when FL beat Bama at Bama. The Ole Miss game did not lose that seeding, it was lost before the game even started.

Bull. This is nothing but BVS.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

Ultimately a Final Four run from the 2 seed would erase missing on the 1 seed. This team is good enough that playing their best for 4 games = Final Four team...

Our play against non Quad 1 has me feeling positive we won't be a first weekend early exit team, but it's March Madness so anything can happen.


Take care of South Carolina Saturday and make sure we get our double bye so the team can get healthy for SECT. That's the main goal right now

Honestly for me an EE appearance will. I know everyone wants that FF and I do too but we still only have 2 EEs so 2 back to back would still be pretty amazing for us. I think a S16 is the bare minimum we need to get to that wouldn't be a disappointment, like a real one. Obviously if we "just" got there I would be disappointed but to me at least there's a difference between disappointment from not getting further and disappointment because we underachieved. I know that's a fine line but it makes sense in my head.

 

[VolCalls]

The first 2 leads I forgive becuase a 7-8 lead in the first half is pretty much nothing, but the other 2 were in the second half, and one like you said we had several chances to extend the lead and didn't. And it seemed like we would then every time give up a 3 point play. Also frustrating because we've had games where the killer instinct kicked in and we put teams away.

I don't have a problem with the effort but Okpara had a good 3 times at least that he watched the ball instead of blocking out, including the game winner for Ole Miss but I won't totally single him out for that because the defensive rebounding was poor in general.

I've noticed Okpara seems to often mis-time his jump when in rebounding position. This leads to tipping the ball on his way down as opposed to being able to grab it at its apex - as was the case on the final basket last night. He also does this on the offensive end quite a bit when someone throws him a lob.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

Bull. This is nothing but BVS.

The part about UF getting it when they won at Bama isn't true IMO but the rest is now. UF is in the driver's seat and there's not much we can do other than hope they lose against OM Saturday, which probably won't happen.

 

[VolCalls]

The part about UF getting it when they won at Bama isn't true IMO but the rest is now. UF is in the driver's seat and there's not much we can do other than hope they lose against OM Saturday, which probably won't happen.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Anyone cashing in their chips before our game was even played, just because Florida beat Alabama, is a glass half empty type of fan.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Honestly for me an EE appearance will. I know everyone wants that FF and I do too but we still only have 2 EEs so 2 back to back would still be pretty amazing for us. I think a S16 is the bare minimum we need to get to that wouldn't be a disappointment, like a real one. Obviously if we "just" got there I would be disappointed but to me at least there's a difference between disappointment from not getting further and disappointment because we underachieved. I know that's a fine line but it makes sense in my head.

Truthfully for me any 20+ win season that ends in a sweet sixteen is a successful season...EE or more is always above my expectations, just saying this team is good enough to be in the Final Four when they play their best.