Should JuJuan Smith come off the bench? - Page 2

roswellvol · 01-15-2007, 04:56 PM

Didn't see the Vandy game, but against OSU I noticed what JaJuan's two main faults are that cause him to have off games. First, he took way too many off balance 3 point shots. Some shooters are better that way (i.e. Lofton), but if he doesn't have his shoulders square and his legs up under him his shooting percentage is less than 10%. Second, when his first shot or two doesn't fall, his mental game is done for the rest of the game. I may have seen him bounce back in the second half once or twice in his career.

PineyBluff Vol · 01-15-2007, 09:38 PM

If it wasn't for the last two games, this conversation would not be happening. He has played great in the prior games and if he hadn't been hitting those threes when Chris was covered up, there would be a few more Ls in the Loss side of the ledger. He doing a good job, but right now I think he is applying a little too much pressure to himself. JuJuan just needs to relax a little bit and let the game come to him, instead of him trying to make something happen.

UTLCA · 01-15-2007, 10:19 PM

Jujuan isn't playing worse than last year, as most of the stats have shown that he is a little better than last year actually. However, at this point Tabb would get exposed if he were to start and play major minutes. He isn't a better scorer and he isn't that much of a better defender. Jujuan has a lot more experience than Tabb and I don't see who else would start over him. Also, if Jujuan were demoted, I really doubt that he would play much better after being embarassed and he would be even more of a liability for us.

**vol_freak** · 01-16-2007, 12:56 AM

JuJuan Vows to Get Back in Groove

KNS subscription article on JuJuan just out.

roswellvol · 01-16-2007, 01:04 AM

Mind paraphrasing the article?

**vol_freak** · 01-16-2007, 01:07 AM

basically just some comments from JuJuan acknowledging that if he hits his average the past two games, we win. His teammates are still behind him, he just needs his confidnce back.

roswellvol · 01-16-2007, 01:17 AM

As I posted earlier, he just seems to be pressing to create too much. I think he'll come around, but he has got to be more consistent for the team to do any damage the rest of the year.

Thanks for the reply.

**OWB** · 01-16-2007, 02:13 AM

Jujuan also mentioned that he thought it was his duty to play well so he can "free up Chris, the best shooter in American and get him more open looks."

Some have mentioned that Jujuan has been playing like he wants to show Chris up. Could it be that he's actually trying to draw some attention and take some defensive pressure off of Chris? I could see how one could be mistaken for the other.

roswellvol · 01-16-2007, 02:32 AM

As could I, but he needs to realize that his game is not taking off balance perimeter shots. He's not the best finisher, but kick outs on drives may just free up Lofton a little more. Always play to your strengths and against other team's weaknesses. Take what the game gives you.

volhoopsfan001 · 01-16-2007, 09:43 AM

I think that JuJuan needs to continue to start. As bad as his shooting has been in the last two games, he did hit a three late in the Vandy game (before that shot he was 1 for 9) that at the time looked like it was going to be huge for Tennessee - I think it put them up by 3 after the team had battled back from being behind by double digits. He just needs to regain his confidence and maybe take some better shots.

**vol_freak** · 01-16-2007, 10:02 AM

My suggestion of JuJuan not starting is not a punishment in any way and I am not suggesting someone else get his minutes. I just think it might help him settle in by watching the first few minutes from the bench like he did last season.

**orange+white=heaven** · 01-16-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vol_freak

My suggestion of JuJuan not starting is not a punishment in any way and I am not suggesting someone else get his minutes. I just think it might help him settle in by watching the first few minutes from the bench like he did last season.

I totally get what you're saying Freak, it's just that, as a veteran, I kind of feel like his greatest value to the game is those early minutes. That is when everyone is trying to decipher the defenses and run set offense, and that is exactly what a veteran should be best at doing. Also, it seems to me the poor looks he takes shots from come more when the offense is into it's free form motion type stuff.

Maybe somebody will introduce him to Stella, so he can get his groove back....cause man when he's got it going, whew....

**GAVol** · 01-16-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vol_freak

My suggestion of JuJuan not starting is not a punishment in any way and I am not suggesting someone else get his minutes. I just think it might help him settle in by watching the first few minutes from the bench like he did last season.

It was years ago . . . but I think I remember us doing the same thing with Dyron Nix. It gave him a chance to settle in (and gave his hair activator a chance to work).

**orange+white=heaven** · 01-16-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAVol

It gave him a chance to settle in (and gave his hair activator a chance to work).