kamoshika
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The turnovers have been the biggest improvement from Vescovi’s debut to now. Vescovi credits a focus on fundamentals in addition to adjustments in speed. “I think my biggest problem was I was jumping all the time to pass the ball,” Vescovi said. “It cost me a lot of turnovers, so I think, first of all, it was playing off two feet and just trying to read the situation and not jumping, wondering if someone is open.”
"A lot of things have adjusted for him, I think,” Barnes said. “For one, he has gotten himself into better shape, that's where it started. There's no doubt he can shoot the ball, he has a great feel for the game, he's competitive, he sees everything really well, he knows he's going to have to get better defensively.”
There aren’t many stories in college basketball this season more impressive than what Vescovi is doing. Playing for a coach that is famously known for being hard on point guards, Vescovi has been able to learn a new offense and run it at a high level in just seven weeks.
“It’s crazy,” Nkamhoua said. “I didn’t really understand how crazy it was until we were in the film room one time and coach Barnes said, ‘What do you guys think is really special that’s happening on our team right now?’ and he said, ‘You guys realize Santi (Vescovi) has been here for three weeks, and he’s doing what he’s doing.’ That’s when I realize[d] noticed it.” For Barnes, it’s Vescovi’s mature approach and ability to learn on the fly, both from things Barnes and defenses throw at him, and from his mistakes.
Breaking down Vescovi’s ‘phenomenal’ adjustments to life in SEC
After Turner was shut down, Tennessee didn’t have an aggressor. Jordan Bowden was kind of forced into that role, but that’s not who he is. Vescovi has become that guy for Tennessee, getting into the paint and either getting a shot up or finding someone else. The offense looks drastically different than it did in late December.
While the win column isn’t exactly showing that progress, his development is clear. On Tuesday though, Tennessee cruised to a 21 point win over Arkansas. Vescovi’s effort was recognized by Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman after the game. “I thought he was phenomenal,” Musselman said of Vescovi. “He’s a very entertaining player to watch on tape. It’s a great find for their coaching staff, to be able to find a point guard who comes in and plays with great intelligence, a guy that can knock down the three, make his foul shots. His composure, for a freshman -- phenomenal.”
Santiago Vescovi was thrown into the fire — and he’s already better for it
"A lot of things have adjusted for him, I think,” Barnes said. “For one, he has gotten himself into better shape, that's where it started. There's no doubt he can shoot the ball, he has a great feel for the game, he's competitive, he sees everything really well, he knows he's going to have to get better defensively.”
There aren’t many stories in college basketball this season more impressive than what Vescovi is doing. Playing for a coach that is famously known for being hard on point guards, Vescovi has been able to learn a new offense and run it at a high level in just seven weeks.
“It’s crazy,” Nkamhoua said. “I didn’t really understand how crazy it was until we were in the film room one time and coach Barnes said, ‘What do you guys think is really special that’s happening on our team right now?’ and he said, ‘You guys realize Santi (Vescovi) has been here for three weeks, and he’s doing what he’s doing.’ That’s when I realize[d] noticed it.” For Barnes, it’s Vescovi’s mature approach and ability to learn on the fly, both from things Barnes and defenses throw at him, and from his mistakes.
Breaking down Vescovi’s ‘phenomenal’ adjustments to life in SEC
After Turner was shut down, Tennessee didn’t have an aggressor. Jordan Bowden was kind of forced into that role, but that’s not who he is. Vescovi has become that guy for Tennessee, getting into the paint and either getting a shot up or finding someone else. The offense looks drastically different than it did in late December.
While the win column isn’t exactly showing that progress, his development is clear. On Tuesday though, Tennessee cruised to a 21 point win over Arkansas. Vescovi’s effort was recognized by Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman after the game. “I thought he was phenomenal,” Musselman said of Vescovi. “He’s a very entertaining player to watch on tape. It’s a great find for their coaching staff, to be able to find a point guard who comes in and plays with great intelligence, a guy that can knock down the three, make his foul shots. His composure, for a freshman -- phenomenal.”
Santiago Vescovi was thrown into the fire — and he’s already better for it