The Official #8 Tennessee vs. #12 Kentucky Game Thread, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN

[The Tall Gguy]

Can't see this team going .500 in conference play. As much of a meat grinder as this league is, I see 2-8, maybe 3-7 finish. So much talent in the SEC, but I don't know that I have watched another team that is as challenged from the 3 as TN, unless maybe Ark. Uros could be leading scorer on this team.

Back to the Doug Roth days!

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

It's unimaginable how people spin L's.

It would actually be hilarious if it weren’t a comment made in earnest

 

[hUTch2002]

The real shame for Kentucky comes in March, where that style of basketball will not win you anything. They can beat anyone and lose to anyone.

Losing this game sucks, but it doesn't change anything about what I think.this team is capable of during March. This team can win shooting poorly. They always have a chance. Butbif we catch fire and start hitting we are unstoppable.

Now that I do agree with.

 

[Lefteye]

Terrible defense

Top of page 3 at 7:07 summed this one up, with a lot of bricks sprinkled in

 

[Vols till I fall]

I think people are overlooking how much the Auburn game took out of us. Really wish this game would have been on Wednesday. Call it making excuses but that was an intense and physical game against Auburn. If we don’t shoot better against Florida then it will be very worrisome.

That's a good point. That game was very physical and draining

Although, a performance like this tonight at home was unacceptable.

I'd hate to be in the locker room, they going to get chewed out

 

[SGMVols]

I love Barnes but the criticism is earned right now. No one can suggest the decision to not fill out the roster with the remaining scholarship spots was a good one. The lack of adapting on the offensive end, late game management. There’s valid reasons for criticism right now.

If we used the last 2 spots they were just going to be warm bodies. There was nobody left in HS or the portal who was going to help us this year.

 

[Volizona]

Like Caldwell, but have you seen their offense? They have a playground ball in halfcourt offense. They score when they get turnovers and score in transition to be sure. But many of the Lady Vols don't know what a "good shot" even means.

Ok. Point taken, but it seems like Kim is more of an offensive minded coach, maybe not?

 

[The Tall Gguy]

I have a feeling he's going tk retire, but if ZZ gets another year, I think Barnes is going to stay 1 more year.

Even though we are going through a rough stretch, seriously, cherish these days. We are 17-4 and have been spoiled rotten with Coach Barnes. I hope we can find someone remotely as good.

Don't tell me, I know. That is what I'm trying to get everyone to see.

 

[Freak]

Losing to Bruce and then losing to Kentucky is about more than I can handle in a single week.

 

[hUTch2002]

Well I feel all better now. Im not sure what you’ve seen recently to inspire such confidence. A mediocre team with no point guard just walked in here beating our team when they couldn’t defend or rebound , so Im not sure why they should feel shame. Im the one embarrassed.

We played horribly and still almost beat a top 10 team. It’s January. If this were March I’d be more concerned. We have time still to work out the kinks. These guys have played together 20-ish games. We’re capable of making a run, it just won’t be as a 1 or 2 seed most likely.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Well, they seem to be scoring a lot of points from what I’ve seen? I’m guessing they have a better 3 pt % than the men.

3-5 in SEC, haven’t scored over 76 in last 3 games (all losses)

2-5 in last 7 games

Kim is a pace offense, terribly inefficient though. But she hasn’t gotten enough talent yet to run it the way she wants.

 

[Vols till I fall]

Losing to Bruce and then losing to Kentucky is about more than I can handle in a single week.

Imagine saying this 10 years ago lol.

 

[walkenvol]

Pope did it.

As did the Vandy coach

 

[vol94]

Agree with you, but still. Losing both Estrella and Carr was unexpected. Especially for a coach who really only plays 7-8 guys. He probably didn't think he needed anyone else. It was a mistake nevertheless.

Carr leaving this team killed our depth. 15 min goes a long way with the grind of sec

 

[jtdavis]

Losing to Bruce and then losing to Kentucky is about more than I can handle in a single week.

get ready for a beatdown at home by Florida Saturday.

 

[Freak]

Anyone want to try and guess what the line will be on Saturday?

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Yeah it’s not like Barnes has stressed the importance of defense and his desire to have a defensive identity for the entire time he has been here. How could any presume to know anything he thinks when all you have are 10 years of consistent messaging from the man?

The absolute fact guys have come here to learn defense? Teams that have been winning 25+ games a year? Literally taking advantage of a scoring prodigy just last year? A guy who made first team AA because he was much of the time, unstoppable? Your narrative against Barnes can't hold up

 

[SGMVols]

I have a feeling he's going tk retire, but if ZZ gets another year, I think Barnes is going to stay 1 more year.

Even though we are going through a rough stretch, seriously, cherish these days. We are 17-4 and have been spoiled rotten with Coach Barnes. I hope we can find someone remotely as good.

If he does leave this year fans need to be prepared to be patient with the next guy because he’s likely going to have to throw together a team from scratch. I would not expect any of the signees or eligible returnees to stay. We could be Wade Houston bad next year.

 

[GBO18]

Anyone want to try and guess what the line will be on Saturday?

TN -6.5

 

[D3Athlete]

I have a feeling he's going tk retire, but if ZZ gets another year, I think Barnes is going to stay 1 more year.

Even though we are going through a rough stretch, seriously, cherish these days. We are 17-4 and have been spoiled rotten with Coach Barnes. I hope we can find someone remotely as good.

5th year isn’t happening after what got reported today

 

[Namorto1]

Ok. Point taken, but it seems like Kim is more of an offensive minded coach, maybe not?

Kim is a breath of fresh air for the LV. Don't get me wrong, I like her. I think she knows she has a bit of a mulligan this year and is committed to her style of play and what he wants to accomplish long term. This year it's messy on offense. It is going to be an attractive style of play for many recruits, however and more talent is on the way. She demands hard work but she allows alot of freedom. She really needs to coach Cooper in particular alot more.

 

[VolsRule]

March is all that matters

 

[Vol737]

TN -6.5

Should be FLA - 8.5

 

[Vols till I fall]

If he does leave this year fans need to be prepared to be patient with the next guy because he’s likely going to have to throw together a team from scratch. I would not expect any of the signees or eligible returnees to stay. We could be Wade Houston bad next year.

Yep, and you know very well we are probably downgrading

How many times have I seen people chanting Kim English? While a good man, what's his track record and what has he actually accomplished?

When Barnes does retire, I think you first go after Pearl.

After that? Things get very suspect. Do you go after a Will Wade type? Not too many qualified candidates out there with Tennessee ties.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

If he does leave this year fans need to be prepared to be patient with the next guy because he’s likely going to have to throw together a team from scratch. I would not expect any of the signees or eligible returnees to stay. We could be Wade Houston bad next year.

Huh?

If Byington can throw a good team together in 15 minutes at Vandy then so should we.