This team is fun to watch

[CDB]

I admit that I am defensive regarding critical comments of Igor. But when you say “he will figure it out,” what specifically do you think he hasn’t figured out in two games?

I am defensive of all our players, but do you really think anybody has figured it out in two games?

 

[Lefteye]

You can sort of tell that Igor is struggling to figure out where he fits in within the scheme. He's only attempted two 3s thru two games, and he didn't shoot many vs Indiana, either. Hard to tell how much of all of that is due to the adjustment process, the early fouls, determining the pecking order, etc. He is rebounding pretty well, and has been efficient scoring despite the limited minutes. It's almost like he doesn't know whether to play in the paint or play along the perimeter and he's sort of stuck trying to figure out where he's best utilized. It will get figured out and he's going to be a big part of our team's success.

We see it differently again, CN. lol I feel like he looks fairly comfortable in the system, his role and his shot, especially with limited attempts and minutes as you mentioned. That one 3 ball he stepped into in the 2nd was shot with confidence. I just don’t think he’s gonna be a player to wow in any one stat column. He’s gonna wow over multiple things he does well.

 

[cncchris33]

We see it differently again, CN. lol I feel like he looks fairly comfortable in the system, his role and his shot, especially with limited attempts and minutes as you mentioned. That one 3 ball he stepped into in the 2nd was shot with confidence. I just don’t think he’s gonna be a player to wow in any one stat column. He’s gonna wow over multiple things he does well.

And I guess it's difficult to really get a grip on things in 2 games, especially when he's only played 29 total minutes. I don't mean to insinuate he's not playing with confidence. Just that he still seems to be trying to figure out where he fits best, feeling out what his role is within the context of the team. And again, that disconnect may be due to the lack of consistent PT due to the early fouls. Probably not fair to form a legitimate opinion until there's more data.

 

[Lefteye]

And I guess it's difficult to really get a grip on things in 2 games, especially when he's only played 29 total minutes. I don't mean to insinuate he's not playing with confidence. Just that he still seems to be trying to figure out where he fits best, feeling out what his role is within the context of the team. And again, that disconnect may be due to the lack of consistent PT due to the early fouls. Probably not fair to form a legitimate opinion until there's more data.

Nah I didn’t take it even as your opinion just first impressions really. Let’s revisit after the holidays. Then we’ll opinion our tails off.

 

[pimo1]

You can sort of tell that Igor is struggling to figure out where he fits in within the scheme. He's only attempted two 3s thru two games, and he didn't shoot many vs Indiana, either. Hard to tell how much of all of that is due to the adjustment process, the early fouls, determining the pecking order, etc. He is rebounding pretty well, and has been efficient scoring despite the limited minutes. It's almost like he doesn't know whether to play in the paint or play along the perimeter and he's sort of stuck trying to figure out where he's best utilized. It will get figured out and he's going to be a big part of our team's success.

Maybe he is focusing on the defensive side first knowing the offense will come. Hence the quick fouls. Once he gets comfortable with his defensive responsibilities the other side unlocks because its clear on tape his offensive game is good.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Maybe he is focusing on the defensive side first knowing the offense will come. Hence the quick fouls. Once he gets comfortable with his defensive responsibilities the other side unlocks because its clear on tape his offensive game is good.

 

[Rrcox1951]

Nah I didn’t take it even as your opinion just first impressions really. Let’s revisit after the holidays. Then we’ll opinion our tails off.

 

[Franklin_Vol09]

I know it’s super early but with this team looking extremely deep, what are the thoughts on rotation, starting 5 now vs later in the year, and the starting 5 if we play small ball?

Looks like we have 10 guys that could play at any time.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I know it’s super early but with this team looking extremely deep, what are the thoughts on rotation, starting 5 now vs later in the year, and the starting 5 if we play small ball?

Looks like we have 10 guys that could play at any time.

I think that Barnes sticks with the current starting 5 most of the season. Going with experience avoids digging a deep hole if they come out cold. Plus Gainey is a great option as a 6th man. The 3 sophomores and Boswell are way behind IMO. Things aren’t going well for Dubar ATM, but there’s a lot of season left.

Phillips might emerge. I’ve like what I’ve seen. Plus he can add more size off of the bench (along with JP) if UT wants to play bigger. I’d like to see Carr go off in some of the upcoming buy games to get his confidence on track.

All bets are off if a mid-season, plug and play transfer appears after fall classes end.

 

[Berry4Heisman14]

I forgot to mention Gainey. He’s electric off the bench, his shot looks fantastic

 

[Stoked]

I forgot to mention Gainey. He’s electric off the bench, his shot looks fantastic

He shot 41% combined his freshman and sophomore year before he came to UT. I was shocked when he dropped to 29% last year.

This year he's shooting near 43% so far. I think he'll average close to his 38% career percentage this year compared to a putrid 29% he was last year.

His shot does look better, but I think it's because he's looking more confident. I'm more impressed with his aggressiveness driving to the basket this year!

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

He shot 41% combined his freshman and sophomore year before he came to UT. I was shocked when he dropped to 29% last year.

This year he's shooting near 43% so far. I think he'll average close to his 38% career percentage this year compared to a putrid 29% he was last year.

His shot does look better, but I think it's because he's looking more confident. I'm more impressed with his aggressiveness driving to the basket this year!

Gainey’s spot up looks really good. When he doesn’t have to rush his shot and sets up with his right foot slightly in front of his left, it’s going in.

 

[griffdog14]

.

 

[pimo1]

He shot 41% combined his freshman and sophomore year before he came to UT. I was shocked when he dropped to 29% last year.

This year he's shooting near 43% so far. I think he'll average close to his 38% career percentage this year compared to a putrid 29% he was last year.

His shot does look better, but I think it's because he's looking more confident. I'm more impressed with his aggressiveness driving to the basket this year!

I think having a real role will help Gainey. Last year he was at best a backup option to the backup option. Now he's pretty much the 6th man. I know last year he played 6th man minutes but he was really like the 8th with Mashack and Awaka being the real guys. Last year as far as role he was like the 5th shooter even with Santi having an off year (JJJ, Santi and Gainey all had very similar shooting numbers last year). A lot of his role was eaten by DK's emergence. Now there are a lot of shots to be had with really only ZZ and Lanier to feed ahead of him. I think he will come into his own this season because there is no question he is a shooter. I think much like we see a lot of guys coming into this system that first year of getting playing D down took away. Now he is settled in and knows his responsibilities he can settle into his role. Its really hard to play lockdown defense and be a shooter and guards on this team are expected to play high level D. Even at the NBA levels there are not many high-volume scorers at guard that are much more than good defenders because of the amount of energy defense takes out of you.

 

[CLT MAN]

I think Milicic got a little too hyped up in the offseason. Who knows, maybe he will eventually be the best or one of the best players on the team, but I don't see how you can look at his stats and assume he will waltz into the SEC and be a dominating force. More likely is that he will be a very serviceable stretch 4 type and give us something like 10 & 6 per game with maybe a couple 20+ points games imo. All of that being said, I think he has the physical tools and skillset to outperform what I'm outlining. If he can put it all together, I think he can be like a truly elite version of JJ James with consistent offense.

I think Milicic got a little too hyped up in the offseason. Who knows, maybe he will eventually be the best or one of the best players on the team, but I don't see how you can look at his stats and assume he will waltz into the SEC and be a dominating force. More likely is that he will be a very serviceable stretch 4 type and give us something like 10 & 6 per game with maybe a couple 20+ points games imo. All of that being said, I think he has the physical tools and skillset to outperform what I'm outlining. If he can put it all together, I think he can be like a truly elite version of JJ James with consistent offense.

I think Milicic got a little too hyped up in the offseason. Who knows, maybe he will eventually be the best or one of the best players on the team, but I don't see how you can look at his stats and assume he will waltz into the SEC and be a dominating force. More likely is that he will be a very serviceable stretch 4 type and give us something like 10 & 6 per game with maybe a couple 20+ points games imo. All of that being said, I think he has the physical tools and skillset to outperform what I'm outlining. If he can put it all together, I think he can be like a truly elite version of JJ James with consistent offense.

 

[CLT MAN]

Think Igor looked at little “too hyped” tonight? Ok, it was against Montana. I get it. But tonight was just a small glimpse of what I’ve seen in him the last two years. Granted, the American Conference is not the SEC. But Vol fans will not have to worry about whether this man contributes the way he should, even when the conference schedule starts. You’ll see.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

Think Igor looked at little “too hyped” tonight? Ok, it was against Montana. I get it. But tonight was just a small glimpse of what I’ve seen in him the last two years. Granted, the American Conference is not the SEC. But Vol fans will not have to worry about whether this man contributes the way he should, even when the conference schedule starts. You’ll see.

He was really good tonight for sure!! Def my favorite of the night personally.

 

[cncchris33]

Think Igor looked at little “too hyped” tonight? Ok, it was against Montana. I get it. But tonight was just a small glimpse of what I’ve seen in him the last two years. Granted, the American Conference is not the SEC. But Vol fans will not have to worry about whether this man contributes the way he should, even when the conference schedule starts. You’ll see.

Don't get too bent out of shape over the "too hyped" comment. You have to understand the Tennessee media culture as it pertains to summer basketball reports. Every year, someone is made to seem like a future all-American by the local media. More often than not, it's overblown.

 

[CLT MAN]

He had a couple of defensive lapses, but in addition to his 10 Rebs, he had a few deflections…that was encouraging.

 

[CLT MAN]

Don't get too bent out of shape over the "too hyped" comment. You have to understand the Tennessee media culture as it pertains to summer basketball reports. Every year, someone is made to seem like a future all-American by the local media. More often than not, it's overblown.

Don't get too bent out of shape over the "too hyped" comment. You have to understand the Tennessee media culture as it pertains to summer basketball reports. Every year, someone is made to seem like a future all-American by the local media. More often than not, it's overblown.

Don't get too bent out of shape over the "too hyped" comment. You have to understand the Tennessee media culture as it pertains to summer basketball reports. Every year, someone is made to seem like a future all-American by the local media. More often than not, it's overblown.

Don't get too bent out of shape over the "too hyped" comment. You have to understand the Tennessee media culture as it pertains to summer basketball reports. Every year, someone is made to seem like a future all-American by the local media. More often than not, it's overblown.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

He had a couple of defensive lapses, but in addition to his 10 Rebs, he had a few deflections…that was encouraging.

He really had a very good game, even considering the competition imo. 6-10 FG, 4-4 FT, no turnovers, no fouls in 33 minutes. That's impressive, not even considering the rebounds and assists.

 

[KnoxCentral92]

To many experts here. Is that why espn is laying off? Social media and podcasts spread the truth with expertise. Lmao. Wake up volmacrats. It's a new world

 

[cncchris33]

Nah I didn’t take it even as your opinion just first impressions really. Let’s revisit after the holidays. Then we’ll opinion our tails off.

Tonight, he looked more comfortable, more assertive. I don't say that simply because he was our leading scorer. He was more certain of his role and expectations it felt like. Still too early to make any logical conclusions, but obviously we all want this version of him every night. I liked how confident he played tonight.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

To many experts here. Is that why espn is laying off? Social media and podcasts spread the truth with expertise. Lmao. Wake up volmacrats. It's a new world

* too.

Unless it’s a toast.