@GrantRamey ‏@GrantRamey
Barnes: "If we get the right guys, we won't have (open) scholarships."
Barnes on grad transfer: "This is the first one I can remember ever having. I don't think it's something we'll count on every year."
Barnes: "The fact is, we weren't a very good team last year. I don't think we would've lost 19 games if KP stayed healthy."
Barnes on Lew Evans, continued: "We do think his experience will help us early ... games here and then in Maui."
Barnes on Lew Evans: "He understands how to play. The big thing right now is getting himself in the shape he needs to be in to play."
Hubbs asked Barnes 350 NBA 3's?
Barnes: "Well, if you're as good as you think you are it won't take very long."
Barnes told Hubbs he needed to get in the gym everyday and make 350 NBA 3's. Said he didn't care how he did it.
Barnes told Hubbs he would have to increase his love, passion for the game. Can't just come in and go through motions. Needs pro mindset.
Barnes on Hubbs again, his progress: "It started at the end of last season, when I sat down with him." Told him they're not waiting on him.
Barnes said Lew Evans "has to guard better" and has to "defend better, in terms of what we want." Said he's been good setting ball-screens.
Lew Evans told Barnes this is "most definitely" the hardest he's ever had to work in his college basketball career.
Barnes: "The way we can open up the court, we're expecting our guards to do a lot as well."
Barnes: "John Fulkerson has impressed us because he does the dirty work. Terrific rebounder, can block shots, he can run."
Barnes on the 5 spot: "I look at all (the forwards). Admiral has had some good days. He can score around the basketball."
Barnes: "Between Jordan and Lamonte, I think (point guard) is what everyone thought it would be." Lamonte also playing off ball at times
Barnes on Kwe Parker: "He's probably surprised us as much as anyone, with his ability to play (point guard)."
Barnes on his point guard play: "We're more settled there because we have more players that can play it." (Lamonte, Jordan Bone, Kwe Parker)
Barnes: "This year we think we have a chance to be a much, much better team defensively."
Barnes: We think we can be a good defensive team this year. Last year we told KP and Armani to be good defensively, but you can't foul.
Barnes: "I think we're a better defensive team right now. But that's not saying a lot. I didn't think we were very good last year."
Barnes talking football: "The SEC is getting kind of like the NFL. Whoever has the ball last wins."
Barnes kind of throwing shade at Georgia: "Without that extra 15 yards, I'm not sure (Tennessee) can get it to the end zone"
Barnes on Tennessee's Hail Mary: "That's the way they draw it up. I don't think I've ever seen two teams score like that, in 10 seconds."
Barnes joked that he's in a sling because of his Hail Mary situation.
Barnes said outside of Robert Hubbs, every player on roster is looking for day in and day out consistency in practice.
Barnes: "I think we have a good group of players, but we need some guys that really separate themselves."
Barnes said Grant Williams has learned how to channel his energy in the correct way, in terms of on and off the floor.
Barnes on his six freshmen: "I do think some are ahead of others. Grant Williams has lost 25 pounds since he got here."
Barnes: "That's the biggest thing when you have a young group, teaching them how to work and work efficiently."
Barnes: "We've got some guys in the program that can lead." Names Admial, Kyle Alexander, Detrick Mostella as gym rats.
Barnes: "We have a terrific environment here because guys want to work, they've bought in."
Barnes on Robert Hubbs: "We believe if he can truly stay healthy, he'll have a great year for us."
Barnes: "It won't be as big of a drop off when we go to the bench as a year ago."
Barnes: "We're going to be a different team, just simply because I think we're more talented. But we're young."
Barnes on this preseason: More numbers, more depth, move quicker, more understanding from the get go.
Barnes on Admiral: "We're trying to make him understand he doesn't have to hit 3-point shots."
Barnes: "We need five, six guys to separate themselves and be consistent. One of those guys has been Robert Hubbs"
