Jonboy
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2007
- Messages
- 2,263
- Likes
- 610
As many of you know, I live in Lexington. Went to the game tonight. Don't want to overshadow or steal the thunder from the other postgame reports, but I always think it's interesting to read someone's thoughts who hasn't been reading the board during the game thread. Sometimes gives a different perspective.
There is no such thing as a moral victory, but that was the best overall game Tennessee has played all year. Sucks that a few mental lapses cost us. If we make free throws and layups? We win. Really that simple. This victory would have meant a lot for this team. Here are my overall thoughts.
-Jordan McRae is officially the leader of this team. The guy made tough shot after tough shot. The thing I love is the sense of urgency and tenacity he's starting to develop. He was fearless in an incredibly hostile environment. Offensively, he attacked the basket continuously. Nothing but respect for the kid.
-Jarnell Stokes, time to join Trae Golden on the bench. He's being outplayed by pretty much everyone right now. I'll just say this...we never know what these guys are going through outside basketball so I hesitate to be too hard on them. After what happened with Chris Lofton's health his senior year, I'll never question a player's heart or toughness. I don't think they'd be playing for Martin if they didn't have heart. Hopefully, it's nothing near as serious as what Chris went through, but something just isn't right with both Stokes and Golden. School? Family? Health? I have no idea, but there's something there.
-Armani Moore deserves more playing time. The guy made a phenomenal move to get to the bucket that had quite a few UK fans around me impressed.
-Same for Derek Reese. I could see he and Moore starting by year's end. I'd much rather see him than McBee.
-Josh Richardson. Dude...work on your free throws. I felt so bad for the kid. The crowd was really letting him have it. Those two free throws would have made the game winnable. His defense was solid though, as usual.
-Yemi had some bright spots this game, especially defensively. He fouled out, but really held his own.
-Truth be told, I thought the officiating was as good as you're gonna get in Rupp. UK just got the calls at the right times. Frankly, they didn't contest at the basket near as much as UT did. I was surprised at Noel's lack of "presence" underneath. He had a few good blocks, but this guy is clearly nowhere close to Anthony Davis (even defensively).
-At this point, with our record, I'd like to see another lineup change. Let's roll with McRae, Moore, Reese, Richardson and Hall. See if Stokes steps up in the 6th man role.
Lastly, if the Vols bring that kind of effort when we play them at home, we win. Try and stay positive folks; I know it's hard. If Stokes and Golden can ever get hot, we'll get on a roll.
There is no such thing as a moral victory, but that was the best overall game Tennessee has played all year. Sucks that a few mental lapses cost us. If we make free throws and layups? We win. Really that simple. This victory would have meant a lot for this team. Here are my overall thoughts.
-Jordan McRae is officially the leader of this team. The guy made tough shot after tough shot. The thing I love is the sense of urgency and tenacity he's starting to develop. He was fearless in an incredibly hostile environment. Offensively, he attacked the basket continuously. Nothing but respect for the kid.
-Jarnell Stokes, time to join Trae Golden on the bench. He's being outplayed by pretty much everyone right now. I'll just say this...we never know what these guys are going through outside basketball so I hesitate to be too hard on them. After what happened with Chris Lofton's health his senior year, I'll never question a player's heart or toughness. I don't think they'd be playing for Martin if they didn't have heart. Hopefully, it's nothing near as serious as what Chris went through, but something just isn't right with both Stokes and Golden. School? Family? Health? I have no idea, but there's something there.
-Armani Moore deserves more playing time. The guy made a phenomenal move to get to the bucket that had quite a few UK fans around me impressed.
-Same for Derek Reese. I could see he and Moore starting by year's end. I'd much rather see him than McBee.
-Josh Richardson. Dude...work on your free throws. I felt so bad for the kid. The crowd was really letting him have it. Those two free throws would have made the game winnable. His defense was solid though, as usual.
-Yemi had some bright spots this game, especially defensively. He fouled out, but really held his own.
-Truth be told, I thought the officiating was as good as you're gonna get in Rupp. UK just got the calls at the right times. Frankly, they didn't contest at the basket near as much as UT did. I was surprised at Noel's lack of "presence" underneath. He had a few good blocks, but this guy is clearly nowhere close to Anthony Davis (even defensively).
-At this point, with our record, I'd like to see another lineup change. Let's roll with McRae, Moore, Reese, Richardson and Hall. See if Stokes steps up in the 6th man role.
Lastly, if the Vols bring that kind of effort when we play them at home, we win. Try and stay positive folks; I know it's hard. If Stokes and Golden can ever get hot, we'll get on a roll.
Last edited: