BTO’s Vanderbilt Postgame Report

[screenthis]

I'll add that once again, Santi may be our key to success. Loved his fight tonight. He doesn't back down. Great progress from when he first got here.

 

[zjcvols]

Solid win. Anytime you win in Vandy is good. SEC road wins are nice.

Uros has played really well the last month. Got to give it up to him.

Unfortunately it’s the same problems and this team is what they are at this point sadly. They aren’t showing me anything that makes me think they’ll turn a corner. Shooting 34% against this Vandy team is quite sad. It was literally just KC creating something or Uros doing the dirty work. It’s gonna be a lot of ugly basketball, ugly wins, ugly losses and probably not much in March that will be accomplished.

But that’s why they play the game. You never know.

 

[Volle]

We don't win that game without Uros, his put-back under two minutes was crucial. He cemented his starting role tonight.
ZZ stepped at the foul line and that steal sealed the deal.
It says something that Uros and ZZ finished the game-- maybe our 5*s really aren't 5*s?

 

[rdk4121]

Didn't get to watch the game but I would have to wager it isn't often a player gets into double digits without making a shot, but that's what Zeigler did today.

 

[1985Vols]

If Barnes would admit it we have…

Zeigler
Chandler
Vescovi/Powell
James
Plav/Fulk/ON/BHH

Our best “5” is all the guards, you don’t know what you’re going to get on a given night from the posts…for that reason alone I’m going small and JJJ at the 4 and just riding hot hand at the 5. If that results in a 7 man rotation on a night ok, if it’s 9 because I gotta try a few different posts then ok.

You and I actually agree on something. I feel like we play our best, at least offensively, when both Chandler and ZZ are on the court. First time was in the UNC game which is still one of our best games this season. I’m all for the 4 guards and 1 post

 

[Lankykong]

Fulky’s stat line:
0-4 FG, 2-2 FT, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, and 4 fouls in 17 mins.

Should have had one assist at least. One of those shots was really a good pass to Plavsic.

Also, Plavsic played great which was awesome, but him fouling Pippen at the end of the first half for 3 FTs almost killed us. Luckily he made up for it, but that was rough.

 

[CAVPUT]

Solid win. Anytime you win in Vandy is good. SEC road wins are nice.

Uros has played really well the last month. Got to give it up to him.

Unfortunately it’s the same problems and this team is what they are at this point sadly. They aren’t showing me anything that makes me think they’ll turn a corner. Shooting 34% against this Vandy team is quite sad. It was literally just KC creating something or Uros doing the dirty work. It’s gonna be a lot of ugly basketball, ugly wins, ugly losses and probably not much in March that will be accomplished.

But that’s why they play the game. You never know.

Who'd a thunk it? While I've been hoping BHH has the light come on and he becomes a presence in the paint, right under my nose, Plavi....PLAVI...seems to have found his game. Hell, I'll take it. Start the big fella and let him get comfortable and grow. Gawd knows we need something, anything in the paint going forward. He and ZZtop are THE surprises of the season for me so far. Speaking of ZZ, I've seen a lot of very good point guards in 60+ years. By the time this kid graduates, he might become my favorite of them all. Kid has some pit bull in him. I like that kind of player. Wonder if he can play corner for the football team?

 

[AirForceVol74]

I think that Fulk was benched after picking up his 2nd first half foul. More likely that Fulk benched himself rather than a coach’s decision. BHH sure didn’t show much… maybe showed that he’s more likely to miss a corner 3 than be productive in the paint.

Plavsic started the game over Fulk. He was benched in the beginning. GBO

 

[SalVolinus]

Plav has progressed a ton in the last month. And about 80% of it is just focused hussle.

 

[therealitytheory]

I was surprised to see that we're 5th in the SEC in 3pt-shooting pct. (32.5%). Take out Bailey's stats and we're probably near the top.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Plavsic started the game over Fulk. He was benched in the beginning. GBO

I know. I was the first to post it in the in-game thread.

 

[NighthawkVol]

1. You find a way to win, that was the theme heading into the game, and what was still the theme with 5 minutes remaining…that’s not a great Vanderbilt team, it’s a decent squad, but road conference wins are never gimmies. It’s a funky gym, they’ve got a guard that can get hot and light it up, they play the little brother role, and we lost our jack of all trades and defensive cog early in the game, but found a way to win…obviously beats the alternative.

2. The offense took a step back tonight from the UK game, but I won’t harp too much on it, I saw some good things and I’m not sure how missing JJJ impacted it. Defensively they went right back to where they seemed to be pre-UK, which makes that look like even more of an anomaly now, especially considering this game was mostly played without our “best” defender in JJJ. Offensively Chandler/Ziegler/Nkahmoua combined to go 0/10 from deep, while Vescovi and Powell combined to go 5/10 from deep…considering the first 3 are combined 41% from deep on the year you are good with those looks and expect 4 of them to drop which gives you 12 more points obviously, so mostly I’m pretty happy with who was taking the shots tonight.

3. Barnes benched Fulky, I don’t think many thought they would see the day but it happened…I’m sure many would have rather seen them go with BHH or Zeigler and go small, but he opted for Plavsic alongside Nkahmoua, with the game now over it may be hard to criticize that move too much, Plavsic was great, Nkamhoua was serviceable, and BHH didn’t exactly look like he was ready…with that said, I think the debate of going small and JJJ at the 4 is still present and something Barnes will have to fight with going forward.

4. Everyone has talked about Grant and Admiral, how fun the 3 star that developed was, how those guys had fight and fire and these Barnes teams lack that…it might be time to welcome Zeigler to that club. That dude is scared of nothing, his fight is unquestioned, he will back down from nobody, and he leaves it all out there…oftentimes you forget he’s a true freshman, but damn, if he can continue to find his shot from the perimeter he’s going to be something here for quite awhile.

5. By god has this team been shooting free throws??? On a night we shot 34%fg and 22%3ptfg, both of which Vanderbilt beat, we go 25/29 from the line for 86%, and only turn it over 14 times compared to their 21…that was literally the difference in the game, and such a great sight to see. Ziegler was absolutely welcoming those free throws, Vescovi seemed to take a bit more time, was so nice to see that and hopefully it continues.

6. I’m not sure we got a ton of answers on what this team needs going forward, we bench Fulk and he played small minutes, Plavsic played well, but James got hurt early and we didn’t get to see much small ball unless we went Powell at the 4, which we actually did some…would a healthy James have meant less time for Fulk? Or would it result in less time for Powell? That will be something to watch going forward…Bailey got in early but then didn’t see the court again which has been a trend, why keep doing that? Mashack didn’t bring much tonight, and while I would continue to give BHH chances he didn’t exactly take advantage tonight. Still lots of questions.

7. That was a game Tennessee needed to win, had to find a way to win, and they did…Vanderbilt isn’t great, not really even good, but they’re better than Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina which are 3 teams we are going to travel to their place to play, that makes you feel a bit better that we can snag some road wins. Tennessee now comes back to Knoxville to face off against LSU, that’s a big matchup, and then follow it up with Florida before heading to Austin to take on a Texas team that suddenly looks a bit more beatable. I said heading into this stretch that 2-2 would be the floor they need to reach and 3-1 would be reason for some optimism and momentum and I maintain that, starting off that stretch with a W feels great.


GBO!!!!

Very good assessment. I was at the game and will add this:

1) Good to see a good UT crowd there. It seemed about 50/50 from where I sat. Obviously more then that at the end.

2) Plavcic not only played well, but he really seemed to take on a big leadership role. Maybe this isn’t new, but I noticed it a lot more last night in person. Even getting a tech (as part of the double tech) was an example of more fire and more leadership. He seemed to really be encouraging and pushing teammates more than anyone else. Maybe starting him wasn’t just about trying to get Fulk on track.

3) This team plays hard. That’s obvious in person. They are so frustrating offensively and play so ugly most of the time on that end, but their effort is fantastic. Vandy plays hard too, for that matter. I just wish we could figure out offense.

4) I was shocked to learn that ZZ didn’t hit a shot from the field. He had such an impact on the game without hitting a field goal. Very few players can do that. By the time he’s a Junior, he’s really going to be something.

 

[TMvol10]

It was @ the other end of the court but I didn’t understand the technical on Vescovi. The refs can call a foul on any given play as the game is more physical than I realized from watching on tv or further up in nosebleeds. But they were slapping Vescovi’s arm(s) all night and reaching in. Plus they were talking smack to him all game.

I don't understand how Vescovi hasn't lost his temper yet this season. For whatever reason, officials let the opposing teams do whatever they want to him. Push, hold, hack, body check. And its all game. It makes what Vescovi is able to accomplish in games more impressive because he's having to fight through that all game.

 

[Vols8086]

A win is a win but much like SC, its hard to take much from this game other than Plav continues to earn more minutes and playing time. I never saw him contributing here and will happily eat crow based on his recent play.

Other than that, its pretty much the same story. Great defense and poor offense. They just don't have a Batman so everyone is essentially moved up a role or two higher than they should be. Unless someone just has a Fulky like 2nd half breakout from a couple years ago, I think this is the product you'll see the rest of the year.

 

[Golf freak]

Plavcic is the ultimate teammate,even when he wasn't playing much he was always cheering hard for his guys.Love his effort and hustle, glad good things are happening for him.

 

[Vols8086]

Double post.

 

[HalfullVol]

Mashack should be getting Bailey's minutes.

Plavsic can build on this solid performance.

Vescovi was a baller tonight and did not take any crap from the Vanderbilt players.

Free throws and solid defense won this game for us.

THIS and bring Fulky off the bench. Heck start BHH if you want over UP ( UP only started due to the Vandy big man being a plodder like him ). Fulky brings energy off the bench and he still isn't what we've become accustomed to athletically.

Bailey has played himself out of the rotation.

Still desparately need a consistent low post scoring threat. Who is that if not Fulky?

 

[savannahfan]

Aaron Torres made a good point on Twtitter after the game, one that many of us have noted. It's time to trim the rotation. We can't continue to play 11 guys a game. I know we haven't found the right mix yet in Barnes' mind, but it's time to make a decision and stick with it.

Why play Bailey for a handful of minutes? That seems like a waste and he continues to provide nothing for the team. Give those to Powell or Vescovi. Mashack will be good eventually, but I'd probably even trim his minutes entirely if JJJ can stay healthy. I think it's fine to keep giving BHH some run and hope he can learn and it pays off in the end, as we don't have much help in the post.

We absolutely should NOT be playing more than 9 players moving forward unless there is an injury.

Start:
Chandler
Vescovi
James
ON
Plavsic

Bench:
Zeiglar
Fulky
Powell
BHH

Stick with that moving forward. And, come tournament time, you trim the minutes even more if BHH still hasn't shown up and you go to 8 players.

I just wonder if the new reality of college sports has anything to do with this approach? Meaning if you get playing time are you less likely to inter the "portal"? I know we are still searching for to performance peak, but I just wonder..

 

[golfballs]

ZZ is looking Grant-like in terms of an overlooked talent making an immediate impact due to grit and hustle.

 

[golfballs]

Mashack should be getting Bailey's minutes.

So 2?

He gets 2 min, if he doesn't score he gets benched. If he scores he might get a few more minutes. Lol

Mashack isn't that great right now. I don't think either should see any minutes so long as we have someone hitting 3s. If we're cold at least let Bailey try one to see if he might get it going. Mashack just doesn't provide enough right now.

 

[walkenvol]

If Barnes would admit it we have…

Zeigler
Chandler
Vescovi/Powell
James
Plav/Fulk/ON/BHH

Our best “5” is all the guards, you don’t know what you’re going to get on a given night from the posts…for that reason alone I’m going small and JJJ at the 4 and just riding hot hand at the 5. If that results in a 7 man rotation on a night ok, if it’s 9 because I gotta try a few different posts then ok.

From my perspective, Powell has not proven himself to be one of the best 5 on the squad as he completely disappears in too many games.

I like giving Fulky limited minutes unless he fully recovers and can play up to his ability like against Arizona pre- Covid. He’s proven over and over that he’s a border all SEC type player at his best and we can’t afford to just toss his aside if we want to go deep this season.

Plav is finding his role and building confidence. There’s several squads where we will need his size like Florida. Can’t just play him a few minutes here and there and expect him to come up big when needed.

I’d rain in ON’s 3 point shooting to only a trailing 3 from the top of the key and have him focus even more energy on rebounding. His mistakes seem to happen when he’s trying to force a basket.

I’d keep throwing BHH some minutes to see where they lead as he’s clearly talented.

If we’re going to play a super high level of energy type of defense then I don’t think it’s a must to cut the rotation to match other teams JMO

 

[golfballs]

Offensively I think they wanted to really try and push the ball but we looked sloppy. Despite not having a reliable post presence, we still seem to be more efficient slowing it down, which is a bit of a problem. They've got to get better in transition and pushing tempo.

 

[walkenvol]

I don't understand how Vescovi hasn't lost his temper yet this season. For whatever reason, officials let the opposing teams do whatever they want to him. Push, hold, hack, body check. And its all game. It makes what Vescovi is able to accomplish in games more impressive because he's having to fight through that all game.

If Pippen was guarded the same as SV he’s shoot 30 ft’s a game.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I was surprised to see that we're 5th in the SEC in 3pt-shooting pct. (32.5%). Take out Bailey's stats and we're probably near the top.

In conference play Vescovi & Powell are combining for 10 attempts a game and shooting a combined 41% from 3…rest of the team is putting about at 15 3’s a game and combining to shoot 23%, Ziegler/Chandler/Nkahmoua are the big 3 in conference play struggling, they’re taking 8 3’s combined and shooting 20%.

 

[wtmvol]

In conference play Vescovi & Powell are combining for 10 attempts a game and shooting a combined 41% from 3…rest of the team is putting about at 15 3’s a game and combining to shoot 23%, Ziegler/Chandler/Nkahmoua are the big 3 in conference play struggling, they’re taking 8 3’s combined and shooting 20%.

Outside of a trailing 3 or off an offensive rebound that ends up in Nkamhoua's hands at the top of the key, he probably should be red lighted from 3's. Most of ZZ's shots are within the flow of the offense (if you can even say our offense has a flow); he's just struggling.