Vescovi needs to step up

[Pride85]

I've said it all season, Vescovi's biggest issue I feel like is his need to that dumb ass pump fake about 492921 times a game. Just stop pump faking every time he touches the ball and actually shoot it.

I am sure your very valuable will go far. Please go to either Vescovy or Barnes and tell them your opinion of the DA pump fake. LOTM unite!

 

[white65]

His 3 point percentage is at 34.2, the worst since his freshman year when he shot 37.3.

I was hoping him embracing the "3 & D" role would lead to a career high in percentage...

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

Vescovi and James are the key to this team being able to make a run in the tournament. They combined for 8 points yesterday (0 by SV) They combined for 37 against UK the first time we played them. They don't have to get 37 between them every game, but around 20 would be nice.

I know people don’t wanna admit it, but if Tennessee goes up against a team that’s shooting like Kentucky did. We’re in trouble if someone besides Knecht,ZZ, and aidoo ain’t scoring.. we’re not asking for James and Santi to take over, just start with hitting your open shots and quit passing them up.

 

[MinisterofDef#92]

How many points is the person he is guarding scoring per game? You can play AWESOME defense and not have a single stat stand out. If your man doesn't have any stats that stand out, you have done your job. It is a TEAM sport, remember?

First, we need more than defense from our shooting guard. Second, we could give more minutes to Mashack if we only want to shut down the opposing team's guard.

 

[HalfullVol]

I don’t know if it has to do with another player being in the spotlight this season, but Santi has probably had his worst season of offensive production. Let me be clear, he has played outstanding defense, and has been able to force turnovers and get steals, but having zero points yesterday is unacceptable..

yeah, last night is fresh but this is like the 100th thread about SV not being offensively productive this season.

hope u feel better now.

 

[Pride85]

First, we need more than defense from our shooting guard. Second, we could give more minutes to Mashack if we only want to shut down the opposing team's guard.

In case you haven't noticed, HE ISNT OUR SHOOTING GUARD THIS YEAR!. KNECHT is the shooting guard this year. Please satisfy your need to have something to complain about. I already have mine

 

[Yeiser10]

Not to introduce information into your home, but Santi averaged 14 points a game on 40% shooting over the last two seasons, and was a two time All SEC performer. No one will deny he’s struggling this year shooting, but that profile isn’t one you typically try to replace from the portal.

Without going into great detail, is there something going on Mentally with Santi or physically? I know you have alluded in the past to something, just curious if you could/would share a little bit so that people can get off his back.

 

[rickyyrs]

I’m glad you started this thread because I’m sure Santi was very thrilled about having no points. Now he knows.

If Santi and JJJ don't get it going and score a lot more, the Vols will not last long in the in the big dance.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Without going into great detail, is there something going on Mentally with Santi or physically? I know you have alluded in the past to something, just curious if you could/would share a little bit so that people can get off his back.

Earlier in the season he had an injury on his shooting hand/arm. He couldn’t follow through with his wrist. I’ve heard that he’s better, but he never recovered his accuracy for some reason. Injuries are tricky and can affect confidence. I really don’t know anything beyond that.

 

[Yeiser10]

Earlier in the season he had an injury on his shooting hand/arm. He couldn’t follow through with his wrist. I’ve heard that he’s better, but he never recovered his accuracy for some reason. Injuries are tricky and can affect confidence. I really don’t know anything beyond that.

Thanks for the response. I think people overreact somewhat. He does a lot of things well in all games, also hit 2 big threes vs Bama. He will hit a couple in the SEC tourney to get going. Teams don’t help off of him as is now.

 

[tennesseeduke]

I don’t know if it has to do with another player being in the spotlight this season, but Santi has probably had his worst season of offensive production. Let me be clear, he has played outstanding defense, and has been able to force turnovers and get steals, but having zero points yesterday is unacceptable..

He has a different role now. Just need 8 or so a game from him.

 

[BigOrangePhoenix]

If he is open, he needs to shoot. No hesitation. Just shoot.

 

[aWhiteLoftonChism]

I know in previous years he has had half a dozen plays designed just to get him the ball. Now those plays go to DK, as they should. Also as someone who has been the guy on a few teams, with the green light to shoot whenever, I’ve also been on teams where there was an absolute DAWG on the team and I would do everything I could to get him the ball. Even passing up open shots, because if I missed I’d get it in my head that the Dawg would’ve made it and I should defer to him.
Maybe this is what’s happened to SV? Or maybe he was having a tough day with it being senior night and all his family being there. Self inflicted pressure?
Idk but I love watching him play!
Gonna miss him and JJJ

 

[volfeeva]

Not to introduce information into your home, but Santi averaged 14 points a game on 40% shooting over the last two seasons, and was a two time All SEC performer. No one will deny he’s struggling this year shooting, but that profile isn’t one you typically try to replace from the portal.

He's been here forever and he's never been the caliber player that will win a game for you. How far has the teams he's played on gone in the play offs? I know he's got a fan base here out of this world,(we love to reward a guy for just sticking around ?) but I just don't see it. In any event, I hope he balls out for the rest of his time here and proves me wrong. Go Vols.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Lol well done sir!

Which is why I ignore some posters.

 

[Prayivm3rcy]

How many points is the person he is guarding scoring per game? You can play AWESOME defense and not have a single stat stand out. If your man doesn't have any stats that stand out, you have done your job. It is a TEAM sport, remember?

His defense this year hasn't been nearly good enough to overcome the lack of production on offense. Honestly he is a little overrated on defense because he has elite hands but he does struggle often staying in front of athletic guards.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Based on tourney history, I'm not confident that will happen. Probably need Aidoo and Awaka to be the Key.

I have a little more confidence in JJJ. He can hit an occasional three and he still rebounds.

Vescovi has been lost all year with a couple of exceptions.

As I have stated many times, and gotten rebuttals & rebukes, ---but I still say something is wrong with Vescovi. (Physically or mentally or as is usually the case, both) You don't go from being the top scorer or #2 to being a non contributor on offense. It just does not happen. The Man has completely changed, and there IS a reason. I don't know it, (theories abound) but anyone with an ounce of common sense knows something is amiss. The vescovi I remember should be good for 15 a night.

 

[BigOrangeFanatic]

I know people don’t wanna admit it, but if Tennessee goes up against a team that’s shooting like Kentucky did. We’re in trouble if someone besides Knecht,ZZ, and aidoo ain’t scoring.. we’re not asking for James and Santi to take over, just start with hitting your open shots and quit passing them up.

Yeah, UK shot lights out yesterday. They played a lot like we did in Rupp. They made some runs, cut our lead down some, but just kept making shots and we didn't make enough to give ourselves a chance to win. Free throws are still killing us too.

 

[BreatheUT]

Based on tourney history, I'm not confident that will happen. Probably need Aidoo and Awaka to be the Key.

I have a little more confidence in JJJ. He can hit an occasional three and he still rebounds.

Vescovi has been lost all year with a couple of exceptions.

His offense has fallen off a cliff. It's stunning.

 

[Eastknox865]

I don’t know if it has to do with another player being in the spotlight this season, but Santi has probably had his worst season of offensive production. Let me be clear, he has played outstanding defense, and has been able to force turnovers and get steals, but having zero points yesterday is unacceptable..

I've been saying this all season about JJ and Santi. I just can't understand why they can't score points in year 5. Most games they give the team less than 10 combined.

 

[walkenvol]

I’ve been a huge supporter of Vescovi’s play the prior 3.5 years as were the other SEC coaches who voted him to the all conference team. But, something is off with his shot and it’s really holding this team back from reaching their full potential. Every game I get my hopes up that he will rediscover his stroke and it will look good in random games only to disappear again in subsequent games. He’s clearly a competitor and it will be a true shame if he goes out on a low note. This team will become another level of dangerous with an outside sharp shooter to complement DK, and I’m still hoping it’s SV.

 

[Orangeslide]

I’ve been a huge supporter of Vescovi’s play the prior 3.5 years as were the other SEC coaches who voted him to the all conference team. But, something is off with his shot and it’s really holding this team back from reaching their full potential. Every game I get my hopes up that he will rediscover his stroke and it will look good in random games only to disappear again in subsequent games. He’s clearly a competitor and it will be a true shame if he goes out on a low note. This team will become another level of dangerous with an outside sharp shooter to complement DK, and I’m still hoping it’s SV.

And I keep thinking Gainey will step up consistently. But I was wrong. I’m the biggest vol basketball supporter, but it’s just going to be so hard to get past the sweet 16 unless either JJJ, SV, or JG step up and start giving us a lift on offense. They have to score something for us to be effective in my humble opinion.

 

[Tnphil]

His last 10 games offensively he is averaging 4 ppg, 2 assists, and 1 turnover. On what planet is that even remotely good for a starting guard on top 10 team in the nation? Defensively he is averaging 1 steal and two fouls per game in that same stretch. Those are abysmal numbers for a player with his experience

Definitely need some points out of him going forward. I don't think he or Barnes thought he'd come back for another season to not score. Really puzzling.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I know people don’t wanna admit it, but if Tennessee goes up against a team that’s shooting like Kentucky did. We’re in trouble if someone besides Knecht,ZZ, and aidoo ain’t scoring.. we’re not asking for James and Santi to take over, just start with hitting your open shots and quit passing them up.

Any team would be in trouble

 

[mackievol]

One of his shots recently was a 3 in the corner, it was long and left and a complete airball. Not really sure he could throw a ball in the ocean right now and his confidence being low is why he doesn't take shots.