Update (0-3) when Springer doesn’t play

#26
#26
This team still has a chance to be special. They won't win the SEC regular season, but they still have the pieces to win the SEC Tournament and make a deep run in March.

To make that happen though, they NEED to find some leadership on the court. If there is one thing I never thought I'd say, it's that a Rick Barnes coached team doesn't have a leader. Fulky and Pons have been timid this year in regards to leadership. They don't seem to be confident enough to be that leader right now.

We need a Grant. We need an Admiral. We need a Lamonte. We need someone that will grasp your soul and whip your butt if you don't bring the energy night in and night out.

If we find that in the next few weeks, we can still meet our goals. If we don't? Maybe next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Woodlawn VOL and VOLnVANDYland
#27
#27
TheMookieMonster said:
This team still has a chance to be special. They won't win the SEC regular season, but they still have the pieces to win the SEC Tournament and make a deep run in March.

To make that happen though, they NEED to find some leadership on the court. If there is one thing I never thought I'd say, it's that a Rick Barnes coached team doesn't have a leader. Fulky and Pons have been timid this year in regards to leadership. They don't seem to be confident enough to be that leader right now.

We need a Grant. We need an Admiral. We need a Lamonte. We need someone that will grasp your soul and whip your butt if you don't bring the energy night in and night out.

If we find that in the next few weeks, we can still meet our goals. If we don't? Maybe next year.
Click to expand...
I hope they will emerge this year. Fulkerson brought a ton of energy to the team last year and I figured it would have carried over. But he’s getting in these positions where he is hesistant to work his defender (unlike last year). So strange.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HalfullVol and 08Vol
#28
#28
cardvolfan said:
A ’little better than average’ is comical. Last year they were 17-14 and played .500 ball in conference play....a little better than average. This year makes your statement quite absurd.
Click to expand...
Last I checked, .500 is the definition of average. This team may overachieve, but history tells us otherwise. Barnes is super stubborn and he isn't going to change his ways. Its defense first with him. Its his MO.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 08Vol
#29
#29
I noticed that also. Springer seems to be the oil that makes the machine turn. I have lost some of my confidence for a couple of the players getting as many minutes as they are getting. Our inside game needs help ASAP.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Woodlawn VOL
#30
#30
Seems like we are only a top 10 team if Springer is healthy and plays. Hopefully we beat Florida in Knoxville to get even and play Bama in Sec championship. I don’t want to not play Bama again, if we lose to them again we don’t deserve the championship.
 
#31
#31
Certainly produced a couple of stinkers this year. No one guy that just takes over. Seems to be a by committee deal and the committee doesn't always show up.
 
#32
#32
Mose Phillip's Watch said:
Pons & Fulk I think gave their all last year. They seem burnt out. No improvement like the year before. Just going thru the motions.
We will win a few more & probably beat UK one time like usual lately. We need to be happy with a top 25 team.


Be happy & just wait our baseball team will be great this year. Best coach on campus
Click to expand...
Agreed. Love watching some vol baseball.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chuckiepoo
#35
#35
jeff1vol said:
Last I checked, .500 is the definition of average. This team may overachieve, but history tells us otherwise. Barnes is super stubborn and he isn't going to change his ways. Its defense first with him. Its his MO.
Click to expand...
I think that was the point. It was a down year by all accounts and we were still slightly above average. When your down years are average, the claim that average is what we can expect is pretty absurd.
 
#36
#36
TheMookieMonster said:
This team still has a chance to be special. They won't win the SEC regular season, but they still have the pieces to win the SEC Tournament and make a deep run in March.

To make that happen though, they NEED to find some leadership on the court. If there is one thing I never thought I'd say, it's that a Rick Barnes coached team doesn't have a leader. Fulky and Pons have been timid this year in regards to leadership. They don't seem to be confident enough to be that leader right now.

We need a Grant. We need an Admiral. We need a Lamonte. We need someone that will grasp your soul and whip your butt if you don't bring the energy night in and night out.

If we find that in the next few weeks, we can still meet our goals. If we don't? Maybe next year.
Click to expand...
JJJ?
 
#37
#37
Hate to say this, but if this squad is that dependent on a true freshman no matter how talented, it does not bode well for our prospects this season. Maybe I can see losing to Bama at home the way we did seeing what they've done to everyone else, but to put on such a display against UF....well...that speaks to what's inside a player(s). I didn't see a lot of fight or pride for that matter. There was some quit and giving up on display if I'm being honest. If there's an alpha on this roster, it's going to be one or both of the freshmen. Makes for an up and down year I suspect.
 
#38
#38
CAVPUT said:
Hate to say this, but if this squad is that dependent on a true freshman no matter how talented, it does not bode well for our prospects this season. Maybe I can see losing to Bama at home the way we did seeing what they've done to everyone else, but to put on such a display against UF....well...that speaks to what's inside a player(s). I didn't see a lot of fight or pride for that matter. There was some quit and giving up on display if I'm being honest. If there's an alpha on this roster, it's going to be one or both of the freshmen. Makes for an up and down year I suspect.
Click to expand...

I wouldn’t say that it is so much depending on him as it is far easier to have a game plan to defend TN without him. Individually and collectively TN is nearly one-dimensional right now minus Springer. We need two or three others to add something to their offense. Bailey, Vescovi, EJA, and Olivier really only do one thing each. JJJ needs to be scoring inside and out. Keon flashes multi-dimensional threats. Fulkerson can run the court, cut to the basket, and post up at times. We need guys getting to the free throw line. We need guys like SV and VJ more consistent on the perimeter to open up opportunities for others. Bailey needs to find open teammates. Vescovi needs to find another attack since his play when getting to the basket is ineffective. EJA and ORN really only add scoring off of put backs and they both have missed too many of those. We’re too slow to get transition points.

JJJ and Keon are keys if Springer doesn’t bounce back quickly. The complaint on JJJ from day 1 is that he needs to be more selfish. I think that Keon is improving. It helps his game to have Springer on the court getting a lot of attention from defenses. JJJ and Keon have the potential to be impactful, especially if Bailey or Vescovi can create problems on the perimeter for defenses. Pons has really been the most disappointing IMO. I don’t like seeing him hanging out so much beyond the 3-PL. His quickness and explosiveness should be helping us more if he’s close to the basket.
 
  • Like
Reactions: marvin616 and CAVPUT
#39
#39
Thunder Good-Oil said:
I wouldn’t say that it is so much depending on him as it is far easier to have a game plan to defend TN without him. Individually and collectively TN is nearly one-dimensional right now minus Springer. We need two or three others to add something to their offense. Bailey, Vescovi, EJA, and Olivier really only do one thing each. JJJ needs to be scoring inside and out. Keon flashes multi-dimensional threats. Fulkerson can run the court, cut to the basket, and post up at times. We need guys getting to the free throw line. We need guys like SV and VJ more consistent on the perimeter to open up opportunities for others. Bailey needs to find open teammates. Vescovi needs to find another attack since his play when getting to the basket is ineffective. EJA and ORN really only add scoring off of put backs and they both have missed too many of those. We’re too slow to get transition points.

JJJ and Keon are keys if Springer doesn’t bounce back quickly. The complaint on JJJ from day 1 is that he needs to be more selfish. I think that Keon is improving. It helps his game to have Springer on the court getting a lot of attention from defenses. JJJ and Keon have the potential to be impactful, especially if Bailey or Vescovi can create problems on the perimeter for defenses. Pons has really been the most disappointing IMO. I don’t like seeing him hanging out so much beyond the 3-PL. His quickness and explosiveness should be helping us more if he’s close to the basket.
Click to expand...
What blows my mind is how limited we are offensively. Going into the season we were convinced we had too many options for teams to shut us down. We had so much depth that we weren't sure how the minutes would be divided to keep everyone happy. Getting Bailey was going to let Vescovi move off the ball and he was going to be Lofton-like. Reportedly his game had really progressed in the off season. Now it's hard to see a threat offensively outside of Keon and Springer. I'm likely over reacting, but when I think about the outlook going into the season vs where we are now...well...it's hard to comprehend. I'm hoping the team is just struggling with chemistry and we know freshmen hit that wall at some point during their freshmen years. Maybe things can still come together and it clicks come tournament time. My biggest worry is leadership and having that will to win. Disturbing to see how we had very little fight vs UF. Knowing that this team is capable of that kind of let down if a big red flag for me.
 
#40
#40
Springer is the best ball handler and point guard we got. Vescovi is okay and with Springer is fine, but Vescovi needs to be the 2 guard with Springer at point. Springer is not your average freshman, he can handle it. Without Springer our guard play can be exploited by the better defenses. We need Keon and James getting the ball on the flanks where they can penetrate and slash to the basket or pull up jumpshot. They are good ballhandlers but not guards. Bailey is a good shooter but plays better at forward or maybe off guard. Not good enough to be bringing the ball up the floor against the best teams. But we will be okay, things are gonna be fine. GBO!!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: HalfullVol
#41
#41
CAVPUT said:
What blows my mind is how limited we are offensively. Going into the season we were convinced we had too many options for teams to shut us down. We had so much depth that we weren't sure how the minutes would be divided to keep everyone happy. Getting Bailey was going to let Vescovi move off the ball and he was going to be Lofton-like. Reportedly his game had really progressed in the off season. Now it's hard to see a threat offensively outside of Keon and Springer. I'm likely over reacting, but when I think about the outlook going into the season vs where we are now...well...it's hard to comprehend. I'm hoping the team is just struggling with chemistry and we know freshmen hit that wall at some point during their freshmen years. Maybe things can still come together and it clicks come tournament time. My biggest worry is leadership and having that will to win. Disturbing to see how we had very little fight vs UF. Knowing that this team is capable of that kind of let down if a big red flag for me.
Click to expand...

Bailey, Vescovi, ORN, EJA, and now even Pons are just too easy to scout. If Bailey could either drive and draw fouls or have more PG like skills then he’d be so much more helpful on offense. If the guards could push the pace in transition then Fulkerson running the floor becomes a weapon. Even with 2 or 3 skills each the game prep becomes exponentially more difficult for opposing defenses.

Vescovi: a threat to knock down open 3s
Bailey: an outside threat
ORN: might get a few put backs of missed shots
Pons: opponents should let him roam the perimeter
Fulk: double or triple team him when he gets the ball near the basket

JJJ, KJ, and JS need to be multi-dimensional to get the offense clicking. Pons needs to hit the 10-12 footer. Fulk needs to find open teammates when defenses collapse on him. Vescovi and Bailey need to get to the free throw line.

Too bad Walker can’t get up to speed and get in the mix.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: CAVPUT
#42
#42
PEPPERJAX said:
Springer is a good player, but I doubt he would have made that much of a difference last night. The team would have needed at least 20 or more points from him.
Click to expand...
He would have made a huge difference. Point guard is important. We might not have won due to overall play but they got turnovers that they would have never gotten if Springer had been bringing the ball up the floor. He is also one of our best if not the best shooters. GBO!
 
#43
#43
Woodlawn VOL said:
Springer is the best ball handler and point guard we got. Vescovi is okay and with Springer is fine, but Vescovi needs to be the 2 guard with Springer at point. Springer is not your average freshman, he can handle it. Without Springer our guard play can be exploited by the better defenses. We need Keon and James getting the ball on the flanks where they can penetrate and slash to the basket or pull up jumpshot. They are good ballhandlers but not guards. Bailey is a good shooter but plays better at forward or maybe off guard. Not good enough to be bringing the ball up the floor against the best teams. But we will be okay, things are gonna be fine. GBO!!!!!
Click to expand...

I’m really disappointed in Bailey. I thought his game was going to resemble Lamonte Turner somewhat. They’re really nothing alike.
 
#44
#44
Springer is the type of player that makes those playing alongside of him better. Keon and JJJ have that potential. Bailey and Vescovi seem to be limited to outside shooting and Bailey especially failed at that versus Florida.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Woodlawn VOL
#45
#45
The team is very one dimensional as well. Take away the fast break... don’t let TN score in transition. Force them into half court sets.

Don’t give Bailey or Vescovi uncontested outside shots.

Give Pons the perimeter.

Help out when Fulk receives the ball down low.

Too easy to prepare to defend TN.

We will sink or swim with JJJ, KJ, and JS come tourney time.
 
#46
#46
Woodlawn VOL said:
He would have made a huge difference. Point guard is important. We might not have won due to overall play but they got turnovers that they would have never gotten if Springer had been bringing the ball up the floor. He is also one of our best if not the best shooters. GBO!
Click to expand...
Also didn’t help that SV got injured and Bailey played his worst game of the season
 
  • Like
Reactions: chuckiepoo and Woodlawn VOL
#47
#47
Bailey has a bad game, but mainly in my opinion it was playing out of position. Bailey has a great jumpshot but he also has the ability to take it to the basket but he doesn't do it enough. He is better suited for small forward that can play at the 2 if needed. He is not a point guard and was having to play it too much against a good defensive team. We have lost 2 games and have things to work on, but we have a very good team that will get better. Bailey is a good player that will help this team. Fulk and Pons have to play like they are capable and we need Springer healthy and at point. It's too early to panic, This team actually overall has meshed better and quicker than thought. Just imagine when we get Chandler to go with Springer, then our guard play will be something to contend with. We had a bad game I expect to see a inspired Tennessee team tomorrow! GBO!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: HalfullVol
#48
#48
Thunder Good-Oil said:
Bailey, Vescovi, ORN, EJA, and now even Pons are just too easy to scout. If Bailey could either drive and draw fouls or have more PG like skills then he’d be so much more helpful on offense. If the guards could push the pace in transition then Fulkerson running the floor becomes a weapon. Even with 2 or 3 skills each the game prep becomes exponentially more difficult for opposing defenses.

Vescovi: a threat to knock down open 3s
Bailey: an outside threat
ORN: might get a few put backs of missed shots
Pons: opponents should let him roam the perimeter
Fulk: double or triple team him when he gets the ball near the basket

JJJ, KJ, and JS need to be multi-dimensional to get the offense clicking. Pons needs to hit the 10-12 footer. Fulk needs to find open teammates when defenses collapse on him. Vescovi and Bailey need to get to the free throw line.

Too bad Walker can’t get up to speed and get in the mix.
Click to expand...
Some days Bailey is a world changer for the good but, other days he is a World changer for the bad. if his hot, he really hot. If he is cold, he is really cold keeps throwing up the threes. One for eleven won't win many games in the SEC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chuckiepoo, walkenvol and HalfullVol
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top