The Official #5 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Game Thread, 6:00 PM ET, SEC Network

[rgvol]

South Carolina game Tuesday night is gonna be a good one. I can't wait! Go Big Orange!!

 

[vol94]

Love hearing our crowd take over.

Yeah, it was awesome. Vandy fans around me were a bit agitated, but I still stood up and cheered for the Vols w/o being obnoxious.

 

[vol94]

Agree. The Ernie-Bernie years were amazing. I was in school at that time, and one night, I snuck down with my old 35mm camera with black and white film (Tri-x-Pan), and sat with the real photographers, awaiting the boot, which I never got, so I just took pictures. Here is a few from that night. On that last picture, if you look in the rafters and you will see a catwalk. That's where John Ward called the games from.
View attachment 615525

View attachment 615526

View attachment 615527


View attachment 615529
STOKELY
View attachment 615531

Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

 

[wmcovol]

I'm always amazed that something as simple as a basketball gym could be designed so ridiculous. I went to one game there, and was amazed at the coaches having to coach from under the basket, and the pit around the floor. It's unique for sure - a signature Vandy thing.

I'm surprised that other schools haven't adopted it.

It’s an old opera house they converted into a gym. No reasonable person would ever design a basketball facility like that.

That gym is one reason why they’ll never get back to having full arenas. It sucks for spectators

 

[walkenvol]

He is different for sure. Loved me some Ernie and Bernie, but Special K would have been generational and unstoppable in that time as well. BK’s quick and high elevation from mid range was unstoppable too. But DK’s handle and range are so much stronger and allows him to create his own shot, where BK had to get position and receive the ball or rebound and go back up.

The ability to bring the ball up and initiate the new high ball screen offense has really added to our reduction in droughts. His movement without the ball pulls defenders away from their covers and creates passing lanes in to cutting bigs and out to 3 ball ops.

Don’t think his game will translate to lead dog status at the next level like a healthy BK, but is wonderful in today’s college game. I am going to enjoy it.

A one year stay will PROBABLY not allow matching BK’s status in the hearts of Vol nation, but can be recognized as an alternate great story. A deep run MIGHT Elevate his place in history for a hungry fan base. We are a fickle lot.

If DK can lead us to the pinnacle, he will be beloved as much as any player we’ve ever had!

 

[BigorangeBoy]

Agree. The Ernie-Bernie years were amazing. I was in school at that time, and one night, I snuck down with my old 35mm camera with black and white film (Tri-x-Pan), and sat with the real photographers, awaiting the boot, which I never got, so I just took pictures. Here is a few from that night. On that last picture, if you look in the rafters and you will see a catwalk. That's where John Ward called the games from.
View attachment 615525

View attachment 615526

View attachment 615527


View attachment 615529
STOKELY
View attachment 615531

Thanks for the pics, this brought back memories of one of John Ward’s calls when ( I assume) the Vols were on the road - as he was calling the game from court side:

”The ball goes out of bounds, and now King comes crashing into the scorer’s table not three feet to my left! King at 6’6 205 and Ward at 5’8 145 - I think I’ll adjourn this meeting!”

 

[TennesseeFan07]

Since, the Mississippi State game, Knecht and Taylor are head and shoulders above everyone else. In fact, the gap from Knecht to Pullin (3rd) is closer than Pullin to 38th place. On the other end, any guesses on who is dead last in the conference for points above replacement? Hint: He is a five year player for Tennessee.

 

[ColinS]

JJJ’s frequency of fouling is one of the best on the team while he is also arguably the best defender. And his turnover frequency is also one of the team’s best.

He might not have pretty stats but he passes the eye test and is filling his role very well. You won’t win many games with just ZZ, 2 Knechts, and 2 Aidoos. You also need a few that do the less noticeable things well. Do they keep stats for keeping your defensive assignments from getting offensive rebounds and how well your defense is at helping out when a teammate blows their defensive assignment? Also, if one player deflects a pass and a different player picks up the loose ball, both aren’t credited with steals. The staff keeps track of those things and that’s why he plays the most minutes. Dilione or the other freshman might harm the team more in their couple of minutes than JJJ does during an entire game.

He should be in the 20 to 25 minute range. He just isn't that good overall. He is good defensively and that's why he is out there. At this point the opponents defense can play 5 on 4 and practically ignore him. I'm all for him hitting another hot streak if he is game. I'm not suggesting he give minutes to those freshman you mentioned. The team got better when he left the game last night. This was also the case in the Georgia game.

 

[volmanNC]

Such good vision!

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

He should be in the 20 to 25 minute range. He just isn't that good overall. He is good defensively and that's why he is out there. At this point the opponents defense can play 5 on 4 and practically ignore him. I'm all for him hitting another hot streak if he is game. I'm not suggesting he give minutes to those freshman you mentioned. The team got better when he left the game last night. This was also the case in the Georgia game.

In the first half, Vandy did not have an offensive rebound until JJJ sat down with about 4 minutes left.

JJJ inbounds the ball after opponents made baskets, does it quickly, and rarely turns it over. JJJ is often guarding the opponents inbounder, which takes away a lot of opportunities for easy baskets because his length is disruptive to them getting the ball inbounds - let alone run a successful scoring play.

When Aidoo had an open lane resulting in a slam in the first half, JJJ was on the low block drawing a double team which created the open lane for Aidoo.

When DK made the dagger 3 pointer from the corner with about 3 minutes left, taking UT’s lead from 10-13, it was JJJ’s pic on that inbounds play that got DK the look.

A little earlier, JJJ found Aidoo cutting to the lane for an easy basket. Aidoo was fouled on the play and went to the FT line. JJJ created the opportunity, but because Aidoo was fouled instead of making a basket, JJJ was not credited with an assist.

Another late play, JJJ knocked a ball loose (after a UT miss) which a teammate grabbed in the scramble.,JJ kept the ball alive - but wasn’t credited with a steal.

On defense, JJJ’s assigned players weren’t doing anything. In fact JJJ was able to slack off enough to help out others while still keeping his man from scoring.

JJJ can switch defensively on every screen.

JJJ on the floor with DK presents a matchup dilema for many opponents. They can’t put a guard on him as they can with Mashack. Therefore a bigger defender has to be on JJJ to prevent him from posting up a smaller guard. This means one fewer player with length is available to guard or double up on DK.

It doesn’t show up in the box scores, but JJJ’s contributions are a critical part of this team’s success.

 

[volman128]

All the fights you could be fighting and you woke up and choose this one?

I said what I said. We clearly have different standards for the term “elite”.

 

[OrangeInKy]

I said what I said. We clearly have different standards for the term “elite”.

Clearly

 

[VolsSportsFan]

One of the few great memories I have of Kevin O'Neill is when we won at Memorial and he stood on his chair and celebrated. Back then us winning at Memorial was a very big deal.

 

[cardvolfan]

Yeah, it was awesome. Vandy fans around me were a bit agitated, but I still stood up and cheered for the Vols w/o being obnoxious.

Being classy is always a good thing.

 

[knoxvol52]

Overcame a really sloppy 1st half and pulled out a double digit victory..

 

[cardvolfan]

Overcame a really sloppy 1st half and pulled out a double digit victory..

Vanderbilt was incredibly physical that first half. Refs allowed rugby play by Vanderbilt which gave Vandy the advantage. I say all that to say they played hard and took us out of our game. We made a nice adjustment the 2nd half.

 

[VolGee4]

In the first half, Vandy did not have an offensive rebound until JJJ sat down with about 4 minutes left.

JJJ inbounds the ball after opponents made baskets, does it quickly, and rarely turns it over. JJJ is often guarding the opponents inbounder, which takes away a lot of opportunities for easy baskets because his length is disruptive to them getting the ball inbounds - let alone run a successful scoring play.

When Aidoo had an open lane resulting in a slam in the first half, JJJ was on the low block drawing a double team which created the open lane for Aidoo.

When DK made the dagger 3 pointer from the corner with about 3 minutes left, taking UT’s lead from 10-13, it was JJJ’s pic on that inbounds play that got DK the look.

A little earlier, JJJ found Aidoo cutting to the lane for an easy basket. Aidoo was fouled on the play and went to the FT line. JJJ created the opportunity, but because Aidoo was fouled instead of making a basket, JJJ was not credited with an assist.

Another late play, JJJ knocked a ball loose (after a UT miss) which a teammate grabbed in the scramble.,JJ kept the ball alive - but wasn’t credited with a steal.

On defense, JJJ’s assigned players weren’t doing anything. In fact JJJ was able to slack off enough to help out others while still keeping his man from scoring.

JJJ can switch defensively on every screen.

JJJ on the floor with DK presents a matchup dilema for many opponents. They can’t put a guard on him as they can with Mashack. Therefore a bigger defender has to be on JJJ to prevent him from posting up a smaller guard. This means one fewer player with length is available to guard or double up on DK.

It doesn’t show up in the box scores, but JJJ’s contributions are a critical part of this team’s success.

He was also just 0-2 last night. So, it’s not like he shot us out of a game. If he was given open looks, he will mostly take them. He does a bunch of things that don’t show up on paper.

 

[Ft. Loudon Vol]

No DECENT coach would give JJJ's minutes to Awaka.

Except JJJ has not made it a full year without being banged up come tournament time. A little less wear and tear during the regular season while others develop a little more might pay dividends in March.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Except JJJ has not made it a full year without being banged up come tournament time. A little less wear and tear during the regular season while others develop a little more might pay dividends in March.

Good point

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

In the first half, Vandy did not have an offensive rebound until JJJ sat down with about 4 minutes left.

JJJ inbounds the ball after opponents made baskets, does it quickly, and rarely turns it over. JJJ is often guarding the opponents inbounder, which takes away a lot of opportunities for easy baskets because his length is disruptive to them getting the ball inbounds - let alone run a successful scoring play.

When Aidoo had an open lane resulting in a slam in the first half, JJJ was on the low block drawing a double team which created the open lane for Aidoo.

When DK made the dagger 3 pointer from the corner with about 3 minutes left, taking UT’s lead from 10-13, it was JJJ’s pic on that inbounds play that got DK the look.

A little earlier, JJJ found Aidoo cutting to the lane for an easy basket. Aidoo was fouled on the play and went to the FT line. JJJ created the opportunity, but because Aidoo was fouled instead of making a basket, JJJ was not credited with an assist.

Another late play, JJJ knocked a ball loose (after a UT miss) which a teammate grabbed in the scramble.,JJ kept the ball alive - but wasn’t credited with a steal.

On defense, JJJ’s assigned players weren’t doing anything. In fact JJJ was able to slack off enough to help out others while still keeping his man from scoring.

JJJ can switch defensively on every screen.

JJJ on the floor with DK presents a matchup dilema for many opponents. They can’t put a guard on him as they can with Mashack. Therefore a bigger defender has to be on JJJ to prevent him from posting up a smaller guard. This means one fewer player with length is available to guard or double up on DK.

It doesn’t show up in the box scores, but JJJ’s contributions are a critical part of this team’s success.

Very nice. One of your most insightful posts! This post deserves 100 likes! Can I get an assist from Freak???
JJJ is doing exactly what it takes for this team to win games.
Lest we forget, "This is a team game." He is making the game easier and better for everyone around him on BOTH ends of the court.
Having said that, I am watching to see what changes when the bandage comes off his hand.

 

[Dr H Lecter]

Grant willed us to a tough victory against Vandy in 2019. Knecht willed UT to a tough victory in Nashville yesterday. We have been missing that player that could carry a team to victory since Grant left. Then KNECHT arrived.

 

[LibertyVol]

Vanderbilt was incredibly physical that first half. Refs allowed rugby play by Vanderbilt which gave Vandy the advantage. I say all that to say they played hard and took us out of our game. We made a nice adjustment the 2nd half.

Somebody posted during the game that Barnes technical would pay dividends the second half. Dang good observation!

 

[Delmar]

In the first half, Vandy did not have an offensive rebound until JJJ sat down with about 4 minutes left.

JJJ inbounds the ball after opponents made baskets, does it quickly, and rarely turns it over. JJJ is often guarding the opponents inbounder, which takes away a lot of opportunities for easy baskets because his length is disruptive to them getting the ball inbounds - let alone run a successful scoring play.

When Aidoo had an open lane resulting in a slam in the first half, JJJ was on the low block drawing a double team which created the open lane for Aidoo.

When DK made the dagger 3 pointer from the corner with about 3 minutes left, taking UT’s lead from 10-13, it was JJJ’s pic on that inbounds play that got DK the look.

A little earlier, JJJ found Aidoo cutting to the lane for an easy basket. Aidoo was fouled on the play and went to the FT line. JJJ created the opportunity, but because Aidoo was fouled instead of making a basket, JJJ was not credited with an assist.

Another late play, JJJ knocked a ball loose (after a UT miss) which a teammate grabbed in the scramble.,JJ kept the ball alive - but wasn’t credited with a steal.

On defense, JJJ’s assigned players weren’t doing anything. In fact JJJ was able to slack off enough to help out others while still keeping his man from scoring.

JJJ can switch defensively on every screen.

JJJ on the floor with DK presents a matchup dilema for many opponents. They can’t put a guard on him as they can with Mashack. Therefore a bigger defender has to be on JJJ to prevent him from posting up a smaller guard. This means one fewer player with length is available to guard or double up on DK.

It doesn’t show up in the box scores, but JJJ’s contributions are a critical part of this team’s success.

Excellent post. A lot of folks don’t understand the game past “How many points did he score?” There’s a lot more to it. I think I’ll let Barnes decide who is contributing rather than our couch coaches.

 

[Mikevol1964]

Very nice. One of your most insightful posts! This post deserves 100 likes! Can I get an assist from Freak???
JJJ is doing exactly what it takes for this team to win games.
Lest we forget, "This is a team game." He is making the game easier and better for everyone around him on BOTH ends of the court.
Having said that, I am watching to see what changes when the bandage comes off his hand.

Agreed !!!

 

[kckempf]

It’s an old opera house they converted into a gym. No reasonable person would ever design a basketball facility like that.

That gym is one reason why they’ll never get back to having full arenas. It sucks for spectators

It was never an opera house. It was designed to be usable for other more highbrow purposes, as there was debate in the Vanderbilt community about whether they should de-emphasize collegiate athletics (in my opinion they should be D-III like Emory and stop wasting their tuition funds on a quixotic quest for relevance).

At the time of its construction, there was a serious discussion within the Vanderbilt community about whether the school should de-emphasize intercollegiate athletics. As a compromise, the gymnasium was built to hold only about 8,000 seats, and it would be readily adaptable to other uses.

Memorial Gymnasium (Vanderbilt University) - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org