What would you say is the team's biggest weakness?

#26
#26
i2amavol said:
Wow. It is hard for me to believe that 3 point shooting might be our biggest weakness, but if I were the opposing coach, I would play a zone, and make Tennessee prove they could beat it.

I wonder if we might have trouble with depth in the paint. If Fulky and Anosike get into foul trouble, do our subs there help keep us in the game against a top 20 team? We might be forced to go with a smaller lineup (not a terrible option), and beat them with quickness. Our guards are mostly tall anyway. So, it covers up for this weekness to some extent.

That's all I got. We look pretty strong everywhere else.
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This team reminds me a lot of those Villanova championship teams. Guard heavy, lots of 6-5 to 6-8 guys who could play multiple positions, nice blend of upperclassmen and young guys, etc.

The key to that team is that they were an elite outside shooting team. We aren’t that, at least not yet. We might not need to be elite, either. We do need to be able to be a threat from outside, though.
 
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#27
#27
I think through 3 games it’s hard to make any real definitive claims, I would point towards perimeter shooting but teams around the country have struggled early from deep after layoffs, so is that what’s going on here or is that who we are as a team? Hard for me to think that Bailey shoots 27%, Pons 16% and Keon 0% on the year.
 
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#28
#28
bleedingTNorange said:
I think through 3 games it’s hard to make any real definitive claims, I would point towards perimeter shooting but teams around the country have struggled early from deep after layoffs, so is that what’s going on here or is that who we are as a team? Hard for me to think that Bailey shoots 27%, Pons 16% and Keon 0% on the year.
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15 shots is hardly a legitimate sample size. Had 2 of Bailey’s misses fallen he’d be a 40% 3-point shooter.
 
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#29
#29
1. Rebounding

So far is much improved, and I would look for that to continue. Pons has improved, Fulk will be fine, Anosike will certainly help, and I think James will be more available.....not to mention other athletic players who should help.

2. 3 pt shooting

Tennessee lost Bowden, but gained Bailey, Springer, and Johnson, who should all help in the shooting department. Each have also shown they “can” hit 3’s at a decent to good level......we can’t be “certain” this will translate the same in college or at Tennessee; however it should given the talent of each player.

Add in Vescovi, James and a much improved Pons and I wouldn’t be overly concerned about the “lack” of 3point shooting thus far.

3. Point guard

I’m prob in the minority here, but I think Vescovi does and will be just fine. Heck we gots to remember he is basically still in his first year (games, practice and everything). James “can” run the point, then you add in Springer and Johnson who also “could” run the point and add in Bailey (whom 247 once had as the 19th best PG prospect - although most had him as a shooting guard in college) and I also wouldn’t be too concerned about the PG position as well.

Sure Tennessee needs to continue to rebound the ball. I think they will....for the most part....I mean I’m sure there will be games where they are out matched in rebounding. However if they continue to improve, and with their additions they should be “much” improved from last year.
Sure they need to start hitting their shots at a more consistent level, but I think they will. It’s still early, they young guys are still very young (in age and on the floor), they “should” all improve.....for the most part.

4. Other

The only thing I’m really worried about.....and for me it’s a big one.........Rona.

Seriously, I could see things getting bad or Tennessee (again) or other teams. Then canceling games, moving and shifting games or who knows.

I just hope the basketball season gets to be played out in full.

Not saying this Tennessee team will definitely win the SEC and be like final four......I think they have the capability.......what I am saying is I’m not too worried about the “team” or their shortcomings.
 
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#30
#30
The inability to get open shots from 3 point land. We don’t have a true drive and dish guy plus the offense isn’t designed to get open 3’s so it’s a problem.

I’d say the other issue is we run into a 7 footer who dominates but of his size but...that’s a tournament issue.
 
#31
#31
I don’t know if 3 point shooting will be an issue or not. We’ve hardly taken any. And for whatever reason it seems like it’s been difficult for us to get open looks at the 3. Maybe that’s by design. But I doubt it. Vescovi, Bailey, and Pons (and maybe 3J) are all capable outside shooters. Need to run some sets to get them open looks instead last second shot clocking winding down shots. Vescovi and Bailey are averaging 4 attempts a game but most seem to rushed, with a man in their face.
 
#32
#32
TMvol10 said:
I don’t know if 3 point shooting will be an issue or not. We’ve hardly taken any. And for whatever reason it seems like it’s been difficult for us to get open looks at the 3. Maybe that’s by design. But I doubt it. Vescovi, Bailey, and Pons (and maybe 3J) are all capable outside shooters. Need to run some sets to get them open looks instead last second shot clocking winding down shots. Vescovi and Bailey are averaging 4 attempts a game but most seem to rushed, with a man in their face.
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If you’re not taking enough it’s still a problem.

If we go 8-16 from 3 that’s an awesome percentage but if the other team goes goes 12-30 from 3...that’s a plus 12 advantage against you. Obviously that’s not the end all of winning and other factors matter. But we need to up the number of 3’s we take.
 
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#33
#33
bleedingTNorange said:
I think through 3 games it’s hard to make any real definitive claims, I would point towards perimeter shooting but teams around the country have struggled early from deep after layoffs, so is that what’s going on here or is that who we are as a team? Hard for me to think that Bailey shoots 27%, Pons 16% and Keon 0% on the year.
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Gonna be very intriguing to see Keon's jumper evolve throughout the season. If he can hit the three at low-mid 30%s that would be massive for his draft stock, not to mention our team this season.
 
#35
#35
Unconditional Surrender said:
1. Rebounding?
2. 3-point?
3. No dynamo running the show at PG?
4. Other?

I know that lack of post presence gobbling up boards is probably what most would say, but I think the lack of a great 3 point shooter or two may ultimately keep us from winning a championship.
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We actually have really, really good 3 pt shooters imo - teams are aware and have tried to limit that and we don't run enough stuff and or pass well enough to free up the three point shooters. We also should never let Pons or Fulky shoot another 3. Yes they might make one - but not very likely and if they could just screen for and open up one of the outside shooters we would be in business. To free up guys for 3's requires some inside out and we haven't seen any. It doesn't get in that often and very versy seldom does it come back out. Slashers and penetrators that are looking for their shots as they slash - have not been going back out - partially because they can still get up a good shot and partially because it is all new to them to a degree. Pick your poison. Cover our 3 pt shooters -which opens driving lanes or cover our slashers - opening up 3 pt shots.

My biggest concern is injury or illness ... and who we lose at the end of this year. This year will be a great season imho - wish most would hang around another year.
 
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#36
#36
OffTackleVol said:
I'm actually more concerned with keeping everybody happy with the number of minutes on the floor. As a former basketball coach myself, IMO, a rotation of 9 players is about right (no injuries of course). We've actually got 11-12 guys who could give quality minutes.
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Yeah, one guy seemed to think we were gonna have an 11 or 12 man rotation. Just not gonna happen. There will be unhappy players transferring out at the end of the season. As a coach its not your job to make everyone happy. It's your job to play the guys that win games.
 
#37
#37
Live with what you got for now the 3 will come with time.

Unless your Duke the 3 doesn’t come naturally it takes time
 
#38
#38
VFLCodyGBO said:
For me, it’s our 3 point game. If we play another elite defensive team with talented players over 6’10 and they take our inside away, I’m not confident we have the horses to keep up in a 3 point shooting contest.
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Mid range. We have a few guys who are money from the mid range.
 
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#39
#39
Really, 2 guys are ice cold with a handful of 3s and that has really hurt the team average. Keon is 0-6 and Pons is 1-6. If they continue to miss then they won’t be taking them very often. Vescovi and Bailey are very good perimeter shooters. If Springer, Johnson, and JJJ are reliable enough to at least hit 33% we’ll be fine.

I’m probably most worried about breaking a press in close games. At least opposing crowds won’t be as intense in critical situations. Plus we might have 3 or 4 underclass men on the court at the end of close games. They’ll get better with experience.
 
#41
#41
Unconditional Surrender said:
1. Rebounding?
2. 3-point?
3. No dynamo running the show at PG?
4. Other?

I know that lack of post presence gobbling up boards is probably what most would say, but I think the lack of a great 3 point shooter or two may ultimately keep us from winning a championship.
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Rebounding and depth behind Fulkerson as if he were to go down we'd have to change how we play. Big strong physical teams with efficient guards will be our toughest type opponents. Small and quick is not going to do much against this bunch.
 
#43
#43
Dallasbowlin said:
Why when you can hit them? I don’t discriminate against where the points come from lol
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Because it’s an inefficient shot and mucks up your offense. It’s impossible to eliminate completely and I’m not talking about anything in the paint. But if you’re gonna take an 18 footer I’d rather you take two steps back and attempt a 3.
 
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#46
#46
zjcvols said:
The inability to get open shots from 3 point land. We don’t have a true drive and dish guy plus the offense isn’t designed to get open 3’s so it’s a problem.

I’d say the other issue is we run into a 7 footer who dominates but of his size but...that’s a tournament issue.
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I feel like we get quite a few open looks from 3, maybe in wrong, I haven’t tracked it.
 
#47
#47
zjcvols said:
Because it’s an inefficient shot and mucks up your offense. It’s impossible to eliminate completely and I’m not talking about anything in the paint. But if you’re gonna take an 18 footer I’d rather you take two steps back and attempt a 3.
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Id be willing to bet we’ve made more mid range shots than we have threes. If it’s inefficient then how do guys like Chris Paul and Kyrie almost live off it?
 
#49
#49
zjcvols said:
If you’re not taking enough it’s still a problem.

If we go 8-16 from 3 that’s an awesome percentage but if the other team goes goes 12-30 from 3...that’s a plus 12 advantage against you. Obviously that’s not the end all of winning and other factors matter. But we need to up the number of 3’s we take.
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Our 3pt numbers are almost identical to those of the #1 team in that nation 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
#50
#50
Dallasbowlin said:
Id be willing to bet we’ve made more mid range shots than we have threes. If it’s inefficient then how do guys like Chris Paul and Kyrie almost live off it?
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Cause those are two hall of fame NBA players that can do whatever they want on the basketball court.
 
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