Calling Ramar and Wayne!

Last year, Wayne Chism and Ramar Smith both played a role in the final play of the Vols NCAA Tournament game against Ohio State. Chism was to set a screen at half court to free up Ramar for a drive to the basket. Screen missed, shot blocked, game over. It was a hard loss to swallow, but it had been a successful season and both true freshman had been a big part of that. The future was bright.

Fast forward to this season. Here are Coach Pearl’s comments after the game with UNC Asheville: “I would like to see more progress by Ramar Smith and Wayne Chism. They will play better, but why they are not playing better right now, I just do not know. It’s probably a matter of being able to handle success.”

Could it be the dreaded sophomore slump?

Ramar Smith

Not sure many would have predicted Jordan Howell would be the starting point guard for Tennessee this season but that’s what has happened. I don’t mean that as a knock on Jordan. He’s has done a nice job and been a solid contributor for the Vols but the bottom line is that he is not our best defensive option and I think we would all agree that Ramar has a greater upside.

Ramar’s troubles have not been difficult to see. Fans have posed about it here at VolNation and I’ve seen countless media articles trying to make some sense of it. However, the numbers don’t look quite as bad when you compare this seasons stats versus Ramar’s stats through 12 games last season.

2006 through 12 games:
6.3 points, and 2.7 assists

2007 to date:
9.1 points, and 2.8 assists

The good news is that many, including myself, thought Ramar showed some signs of life in Tennessee’s win at Xavier this past week. Ramar’s scrappy defensive play in the final minutes of the game showed fire…something I had not seen this season.

Interestingly, Coach Pearl noted after the game that it was about this time last season when Smith emerged and had 23 points, 9 assists and 0 turnovers in the Vols win over Texas. My first thought was that is an unfair comparison since Ramar was actually a true freshman last season, however, he could just be a slow starter I suppose.

Wayne Chism

2006 through 12 games:
8.7 points 6 rebounds

2007 to date:
8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds

To me the play of Wayne Chism is even more concerning. You’ve got Tennessee’s starting center who believes he’s a guard. I know that Pearl likes to play his big guys away from the basket at times and I understand that but Chism has been no help on the inside this year. His points and rebounds are both down and too many of his shots are coming from beyond the arc.

At this point in the season I don’t believe that many opponents are concerned about stopping Wayne’s power post game or finding a way to keep him off the board and I’m sure they would rather see him shooting three’s rather than Lofton or JaJuan Smith.

Is it a matter of toughness? Chism needs to remember that he’s playing the five spot and not be afraid to get in there and get nasty.

Next up for the Vols: Saturday at 4:00 on ESPN2 against Gonzaga.