1. As far as March wins against a team that is in a "must win" situation, that was pretty impressive today. Gonzaga didn't get it done when they had the chance. Neither did Pitt. Wisconsin did not -- less than a week after going to Illinois and beating them, Wisconsin let's them hand an "L" on them today. Those are three teams who we were surely battling for seeding in that 4th seed level.
2. Wayne Chism is playing like a guy who knows this is his last time around the dance floor. Chism is a man. Other than his FT shooting, which was not quite as good as he is capable of, Chism was nothing short of phenomenal. Sometimes you have to look beyond the stats. A guy like Cousins can foul everyone in the low post (with no whistle), get the rebound and put back while the talking heads cream themselves over him. But show me another 6'9 245 pounder who can pick Chris Warren's pocket -- twice.
3. I'm now convinced that the Vols have a new consultant -- Dr. Frankenstein. He laid Cannington and Prince on a table 2 weeks ago and switched their brains. Prince has been as steady and impressive the last 6 games as any player under Pearl in that kind of stretch since Lofton. And it is not to be understated how important it is to have two guys -- one 6'9 and the other 6'8 -- who can handle the ball like a good 2G and generally knock down their FTs in the clutch. And where did JP's freaking 3 point stroke come from all the sudden? Okay, did someone do a switch and give us Tayshawn instead?
4. While I'm at it, let's shout out to Bobby Maze. I'm still convinced that if he -- and not Ramar Smith -- had taken that last shot against Ohio State in the Sweet 16, we win. I've never seen a guy hit so may 150 mph layups from 8 feet away from the goal. Is that still a layup? And Bobby is money on the FT line and with the ball in his hands.
5. Tatum deserves the start tomorrow for Scotty. That guy lit up Ole Miss from deep. Reminded me of Jajuan Smith against Memphis a couple of years ago when they were lighting it up from downtown and he single-handedly kept answering to keep the game close early.
6. Scotty needs to stop trying so hard on offense and focus on rebounding and defense. This arena is in his head at this point. Pearl should let him come off the bench tomorrow to calm him down.
7. Our length is so tough on teams trying to come back late. Warren didn't get a single three point attempt off under 4 minutes when we extended the lead. He simply couldn't get anywhere close with Hopson, Maze, Tatum, and JP patrolling the perimeter. And I have to say that Chism must have made himself some money today. That guy was guarding Warren like a PG when he got switched to him. I've never seen a switch from a 6'3 PG to a 6'9 PF guarding a 5'11 PG where it was not a mismatch for the defense -- until today.
8. We are in the fortunate position now of seeing a lot of guys starting to play their roles. JP is under control, Bobby is not looking to do too much, Wayne is the leader and go-to guy, Tatum is hitting the outside shots, and Williams is hammering the boards. Woolridge and Pearl made cameo appearances to do their thing and Goins at least gave Maze some rest. Melvin can play better.
9. We are now in the enviable position of having nowhere to go but up. The Vols locked a #4 seed today, especially with Wisconsin, Gonzaga, and Pitt losing early in their tourneys. I think a win over Kentucky puts us in line for a #3 seed and a win of the SEC tourney, especially if it is over Vandy, gives us a shot at a #2 seed, but some other teams would probably have to lose today or tomorrow, like Michigan State, Kansas State, New Mexico, and Purdue. If we lose a good game to KY tomorrow and don't get a #4, something is wrong.
7. BTW, shout out to the Vols for winning this one at the FT line as much as anywhere else. Brian Williams, in particular, needs some love in that regard. And, on the same topic, congrats to Doug Shows for ensuring he doesn't get to call the Championship Game after one of the worst calls I have ever witnessed when two Ole Miss foul each other and Bobby Maze gets left with the tab.
2. Wayne Chism is playing like a guy who knows this is his last time around the dance floor. Chism is a man. Other than his FT shooting, which was not quite as good as he is capable of, Chism was nothing short of phenomenal. Sometimes you have to look beyond the stats. A guy like Cousins can foul everyone in the low post (with no whistle), get the rebound and put back while the talking heads cream themselves over him. But show me another 6'9 245 pounder who can pick Chris Warren's pocket -- twice.
3. I'm now convinced that the Vols have a new consultant -- Dr. Frankenstein. He laid Cannington and Prince on a table 2 weeks ago and switched their brains. Prince has been as steady and impressive the last 6 games as any player under Pearl in that kind of stretch since Lofton. And it is not to be understated how important it is to have two guys -- one 6'9 and the other 6'8 -- who can handle the ball like a good 2G and generally knock down their FTs in the clutch. And where did JP's freaking 3 point stroke come from all the sudden? Okay, did someone do a switch and give us Tayshawn instead?
4. While I'm at it, let's shout out to Bobby Maze. I'm still convinced that if he -- and not Ramar Smith -- had taken that last shot against Ohio State in the Sweet 16, we win. I've never seen a guy hit so may 150 mph layups from 8 feet away from the goal. Is that still a layup? And Bobby is money on the FT line and with the ball in his hands.
5. Tatum deserves the start tomorrow for Scotty. That guy lit up Ole Miss from deep. Reminded me of Jajuan Smith against Memphis a couple of years ago when they were lighting it up from downtown and he single-handedly kept answering to keep the game close early.
6. Scotty needs to stop trying so hard on offense and focus on rebounding and defense. This arena is in his head at this point. Pearl should let him come off the bench tomorrow to calm him down.
7. Our length is so tough on teams trying to come back late. Warren didn't get a single three point attempt off under 4 minutes when we extended the lead. He simply couldn't get anywhere close with Hopson, Maze, Tatum, and JP patrolling the perimeter. And I have to say that Chism must have made himself some money today. That guy was guarding Warren like a PG when he got switched to him. I've never seen a switch from a 6'3 PG to a 6'9 PF guarding a 5'11 PG where it was not a mismatch for the defense -- until today.
8. We are in the fortunate position now of seeing a lot of guys starting to play their roles. JP is under control, Bobby is not looking to do too much, Wayne is the leader and go-to guy, Tatum is hitting the outside shots, and Williams is hammering the boards. Woolridge and Pearl made cameo appearances to do their thing and Goins at least gave Maze some rest. Melvin can play better.
9. We are now in the enviable position of having nowhere to go but up. The Vols locked a #4 seed today, especially with Wisconsin, Gonzaga, and Pitt losing early in their tourneys. I think a win over Kentucky puts us in line for a #3 seed and a win of the SEC tourney, especially if it is over Vandy, gives us a shot at a #2 seed, but some other teams would probably have to lose today or tomorrow, like Michigan State, Kansas State, New Mexico, and Purdue. If we lose a good game to KY tomorrow and don't get a #4, something is wrong.
7. BTW, shout out to the Vols for winning this one at the FT line as much as anywhere else. Brian Williams, in particular, needs some love in that regard. And, on the same topic, congrats to Doug Shows for ensuring he doesn't get to call the Championship Game after one of the worst calls I have ever witnessed when two Ole Miss foul each other and Bobby Maze gets left with the tab.
