The Official #12 Tennessee vs. Gardner-Webb Game Thread, 7:00 PM ET, SEC Network+

[BowlBrother85]

Every time we play Kentucky at the SEC tournament, in our own state, we are outnumbered 4-1.

I can't to speak to any other games, but that was definitely not the case when we played them in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament in 2019. A game that Tennessee won 82-78. They probably did have more fans in attendance than we did, but it was nowhere near 4-1.

 

[feathersax]

Lots to work on with this new team. Playing connected offensively and defensively going to take longer because of so much inexperience in system but talent is there and we will get there. We had mid twenties lead let up some and ZZ getting outplayed tonight is attention getter and he will be better Saturday. Go Vols. Acts 4:11-12

ZZ outplayed? Did we watch the same game? Anyhow, it'll be interesting & exciting to see how this young group develops under CRB & his staff. I'm excited about 'em.

 

[UTK]

TBA is never 10% the environment Neyland is even in the height of basketball season.

It was built to mimic Rupp. Just be as big as possible and forget everything else.

the difference is UK fans actually love basketball while ours see it as a fun football offseason hobby.

I think the younger generation actually quite love basketball. And I’m sure some older peeps do as well. While I do love football more, Bruce Pearl and the basket Vols were the first college sports team I truly became fans of. That carried on over to football of course. Sure it’ll always be behind football, but I think you underestimate a portion of the fanbase just a bit

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I’m pretty glass half full on all Barnes enterprises, but I’ll note we have some problems understanding offensive flow and chemistry right now. The team worked all week on inside to inside passing, movement inside, and shot creation for bigs. The only lineup with any flow in the paint was Cade and JP playing together. Each of them did a good job feeling a double and passing to the other big. Felix played a lot in no man’s land and brought the ball down or dribbled to close space. He was better against more substantial defenders against IU than the GW guys. Igor is a very good offensive player, but he seems paralyzed in this system right now. Our motion patterns and screening seem to fizzle after the first run through of a set. ZZ is forcing his own offense more than normal and obviously feels pressure to create. Mashack is still tentative when he has an open lane or a less than perfect look. His shot is improved. Shoot please. Lanier is a gift on offense, but we’re drifting into that dangerous place where we turn and look for him to shoot instead of running our offense. That was a team weakness with DK. When we hit dry spots, we were afraid to do anything, but let him dig us out. Lanier can create, but he needs to fit in what we do. Our defense and rebounding are still very lumpy. Again, we were better with defensive and rebounding assignments with Cade and JP than Igor and Felix. ZZ playing 35 plus minutes is a necessary risk in big games, but spending him that heavily on teams like Garner Webb is going to take a toll. Whatever our backup point plan is, we need to test drive it now. This team has a medium to high ceiling, but we desperately need to find the rhythm that comes from playing together and trusting others to do their job. When motion offense freezes, it’s a very ugly thing. It’s a bit of a trick setting expectations after the loss of the experience of JJJ and Santi, and the talent of DK, but we do need to play the hand we’ve been dealt. I’m a believer in the team, and the coaches’ ability to adapt to strengths and hide weaknesses, but this team has quite a climb before we face teams like Alabama and Auburn.

 

[CAVPUT]

I’m pretty glass half full on all Barnes enterprises, but I’ll note we have some problems understanding offensive flow and chemistry right now. The team worked all week on inside to inside passing, movement inside, and shot creation for bigs. The only lineup with any flow in the paint was Cade and JP playing together. Each of them did a good job feeling a double and passing to the other big. Felix played a lot in no man’s land and brought the ball down or dribbled to close space. He was better against more substantial defenders against IU than the GW guys. Igor is a very good offensive player, but he seems paralyzed in this system right now. Our motion patterns and screening seem to fizzle after the first run through of a set. ZZ is forcing his own offense more than normal and obviously feels pressure to create. Mashack is still tentative when he has an open lane or a less than perfect look. His shot is improved. Shoot please. Lanier is a gift on offense, but we’re drifting into that dangerous place where we turn and look for him to shoot instead of running our offense. That was a team weakness with DK. When we hit dry spots, we were afraid to do anything, but let him dig us out. Lanier can create, but he needs to fit in what we do. Our defense and rebounding are still very lumpy. Again, we were better with defensive and rebounding assignments with Cade and JP than Igor and Felix. ZZ playing 35 plus minutes is a necessary risk in big games, but spending him that heavily on teams like Garner Webb is going to take a toll. Whatever our backup point plan is, we need to test drive it now. This team has a medium to high ceiling, but we desperately need to find the rhythm that comes from playing together and trusting others to do their job. When motion offense freezes, it’s a very ugly thing. It’s a bit of a trick setting expectations after the loss of the experience of JJJ and Santi, and the talent of DK, but we do need to play the hand we’ve been dealt. I’m a believer in the team, and the coaches’ ability to adapt to strengths and hide weaknesses, but this team has quite a climb before we face teams like Alabama and Auburn.

I agree with everything you just posted. I don't think it's a coincidence that our offense flows better when we had Cade and JP playing together. They've been in the system. For the others, it's going to take time. On top of that, they've not had to commit to defense the way Barnes demands. That's only going to add to the slope of the mountain they have to climb. It's kind of like an offensive player transferring in to Heupel's system. You can see it and practice it, but it takes time to really adjust to it. It's why I don't get that excited about an offensive transfer in football. Same for hoops. Lot of new pieces learning each other plus the physical demands of playing Rick Barnes defense. Gonna be a rough road this season....at least early on. One other point of agreement and it's something I've harped on before, but we're a sprained ankle to ZZ from being in the soup. If Boswell is the heir apparent, Barnes had better give him all the minutes he can handle especially early on.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

We're breaking in 4 new starters basically and I'm not surprised ZZ is playing as much as he is, this year more than any other will be about building chemistry as the season plays on.

We shot 50.9% FG, 34.8% 3PT, & 76.2% FT all better than our averages last season.

Getting out rebounded and ZZ shooting 0-6 from deep were really the biggest negatives last night to me.

 

[Chaz-Vol]

I’m pretty glass half full on all Barnes enterprises, but I’ll note we have some problems understanding offensive flow and chemistry right now. The team worked all week on inside to inside passing, movement inside, and shot creation for bigs. The only lineup with any flow in the paint was Cade and JP playing together. Each of them did a good job feeling a double and passing to the other big. Felix played a lot in no man’s land and brought the ball down or dribbled to close space. He was better against more substantial defenders against IU than the GW guys. Igor is a very good offensive player, but he seems paralyzed in this system right now. Our motion patterns and screening seem to fizzle after the first run through of a set. ZZ is forcing his own offense more than normal and obviously feels pressure to create. Mashack is still tentative when he has an open lane or a less than perfect look. His shot is improved. Shoot please. Lanier is a gift on offense, but we’re drifting into that dangerous place where we turn and look for him to shoot instead of running our offense. That was a team weakness with DK. When we hit dry spots, we were afraid to do anything, but let him dig us out. Lanier can create, but he needs to fit in what we do. Our defense and rebounding are still very lumpy. Again, we were better with defensive and rebounding assignments with Cade and JP than Igor and Felix. ZZ playing 35 plus minutes is a necessary risk in big games, but spending him that heavily on teams like Garner Webb is going to take a toll. Whatever our backup point plan is, we need to test drive it now. This team has a medium to high ceiling, but we desperately need to find the rhythm that comes from playing together and trusting others to do their job. When motion offense freezes, it’s a very ugly thing. It’s a bit of a trick setting expectations after the loss of the experience of JJJ and Santi, and the talent of DK, but we do need to play the hand we’ve been dealt. I’m a believer in the team, and the coaches’ ability to adapt to strengths and hide weaknesses, but this team has quite a climb before we face teams like Alabama and Auburn.

This would have been a year to have a 2 weeks of cupcakes before going to play on the road at Louisville. Chemistry and rhythm are biggest challenges it seems like for this team.

As you said Felix and Igor just don't have much rhythm or know where they're suppose to be. One thing I liked about last nights game is have Lanier, Mashack, and Gainey all on the floor when ZZ is out.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

We're breaking in 4 new starters basically and I'm not surprised ZZ is playing as much as he is, this year more than any other will be about building chemistry as the season plays on.

We shot 50.9% FG, 34.8% 3PT, & 76.2% FT all better than our averages last season.

Getting out rebounded and ZZ shooting 0-6 from deep were really the biggest negatives last night to me.

I’m not surprised he’s playing 35 + minutes. I’m surprised he’s playing that much vs GW. I agree that shooting percentage was solid, and that ZZ’s shooting drought was an anomaly. We just need more trust, which will come with time.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

ZZ outplayed? Did we watch the same game? Anyhow, it'll be interesting & exciting to see how this young group develops under CRB & his staff. I'm excited about 'em.

I mean Simmons for GW scored 22 points to ZZ's 13. But I'm not sure I'd say he was outplayed either. Simmons didn't do anything else but score, ZZ had 9 assists and 2 steals.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I’m not surprised he’s playing 35 + minutes. I’m surprised he’s playing that much vs GW. I agree that shooting percentage was solid, and that ZZ’s shooting drought was an anomaly. We just need more trust, which will come with time.

I think Gainey's improvement could be big. Last night he wasn't just a volume shooter. He made high IQ plays and decisions, scoring 16 on just 9 shots is a damn impressive night. Also added 3 steals, 1 assist and 2 rebounds with 0 turnovers or fouls.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Its just going to take some time for Barnes to figure out his rotation. It took DK some games to finally get to the D level Barnes demands. These players are learning that playing minuets and playing good D are related in Barnes system. We will probably take a few losses early on but doesn't mean its a disaster. The talent is there, the coaches will get it together.

And I'm sure the lack of rebounding will be addressed at next practice.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I’m pretty glass half full on all Barnes enterprises, but I’ll note we have some problems understanding offensive flow and chemistry right now. The team worked all week on inside to inside passing, movement inside, and shot creation for bigs. The only lineup with any flow in the paint was Cade and JP playing together. Each of them did a good job feeling a double and passing to the other big. Felix played a lot in no man’s land and brought the ball down or dribbled to close space. He was better against more substantial defenders against IU than the GW guys. Igor is a very good offensive player, but he seems paralyzed in this system right now. Our motion patterns and screening seem to fizzle after the first run through of a set. ZZ is forcing his own offense more than normal and obviously feels pressure to create. Mashack is still tentative when he has an open lane or a less than perfect look. His shot is improved. Shoot please. Lanier is a gift on offense, but we’re drifting into that dangerous place where we turn and look for him to shoot instead of running our offense. That was a team weakness with DK. When we hit dry spots, we were afraid to do anything, but let him dig us out. Lanier can create, but he needs to fit in what we do. Our defense and rebounding are still very lumpy. Again, we were better with defensive and rebounding assignments with Cade and JP than Igor and Felix. ZZ playing 35 plus minutes is a necessary risk in big games, but spending him that heavily on teams like Garner Webb is going to take a toll. Whatever our backup point plan is, we need to test drive it now. This team has a medium to high ceiling, but we desperately need to find the rhythm that comes from playing together and trusting others to do their job. When motion offense freezes, it’s a very ugly thing. It’s a bit of a trick setting expectations after the loss of the experience of JJJ and Santi, and the talent of DK, but we do need to play the hand we’ve been dealt. I’m a believer in the team, and the coaches’ ability to adapt to strengths and hide weaknesses, but this team has quite a climb before we face teams like Alabama and Auburn.

Thanks for the insight, SF. Great stuff.

I think for me the biggest concern out of last night was Okpara. His performance was jarring. He looked very uncomfortable out there on both ends of the court. He wasn’t terrible on defense, but he got beat down low by the GW center more than I expected him to which is concerning. I’m sure he is still acclimating to this new team, but we brought him in to be an enforcer down low and be physical and disruptive, something Aidoo wasn’t.

If he can’t manage that, then we’re losing Aidoo’s offense for little improvement on defense. We’ll see how things go from here. Just a concern I wasn’t anticipating.

Estrella looked great though. Felt like our best lineups all night were the ones with Okpara on the bench. If Felix isn’t careful, JP might snap his starter spot once he gets healthy.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I think Gainey's improvement could be big. Last night he wasn't just a volume shooter. He made high IQ plays and decisions, scoring 16 on just 9 shots is a damn impressive night. Also added 3 steals, 1 assist and 2 rebounds with 0 turnovers or fouls.

Very true. He’s significantly calmer than last year. Great to see.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Thanks for the insight, SF. Great stuff.

I think for me the biggest concern out of last night was Okpara. His performance was jarring. He looked very uncomfortable out there on both ends of the court. He wasn’t terrible on defense, but he got beat down low by the GW center more than I expected him to which is concerning. I’m sure he is still acclimating to this new team, but we brought him in to be an enforcer down low and be physical and disruptive, something Aidoo wasn’t.

If he can’t manage that, then we’re losing Aidoo’s offense for little improvement on defense. We’ll see how things go from here. Just a concern I wasn’t anticipating.

Estrella looked great though. Felt like our best lineups all night were the ones with Okpara on the bench. If Felix isn’t careful, JP might snap his starter spot once he gets healthy.

Agree. Prior to the foot injury, it would’ve been 1/2 JP/Felix. Felix was better against Indiana playing with Igor out of the box. Last night, he kept getting lost when he was out there with Cade. Again, it’s all flow and trust, but that takes playing together in a consistent lineup. JP worked with an NBA offensive coach from the end of the tournament until he hurt his foot. I think everyone will be impressed once he feels a little more comfortable with his recovery. He has a whole new toolbox for creating shots.

 

[feathersax]

I mean Simmons for GW scored 22 points to ZZ's 13. But I'm not sure I'd say he was outplayed either. Simmons didn't do anything else but score, ZZ had 9 assists and 2 steals.

OK, "points" not so much, but ZZ brings much more.

 

[VolGee4]

Thanks for the insight, SF. Great stuff.

I think for me the biggest concern out of last night was Okpara. His performance was jarring. He looked very uncomfortable out there on both ends of the court. He wasn’t terrible on defense, but he got beat down low by the GW center more than I expected him to which is concerning. I’m sure he is still acclimating to this new team, but we brought him in to be an enforcer down low and be physical and disruptive, something Aidoo wasn’t.

If he can’t manage that, then we’re losing Aidoo’s offense for little improvement on defense. We’ll see how things go from here. Just a concern I wasn’t anticipating.

Estrella looked great though. Felt like our best lineups all night were the ones with Okpara on the bench. If Felix isn’t careful, JP might snap his starter spot once he gets healthy.

While I don’t expect Okpara to be Aidoo offensively, Barnes said he is hurt. He said he won’t sit and that last night was one of the worst days he seen him play offensively. Give him some time to see if he can heal and get better. They like Okpara’s upside.

 

[chuckiepoo]

We will have our hands full at Louisville on Saturday.

Yes. Yes we will. Tough roadie, like suck starting a Harley at the tail pipe rough.

 

[chuckiepoo]

If Felix isn’t careful, JP might snap his starter spot once he gets healthy.

Which would be fine, fine. Must allow the cream to rise then keep churning!