bleedingTNorange
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1. That’s a solid win that should pay dividends come March, don’t think Virginia is likely to be a powerhouse this year or anything but should be a nice Q1/Q2 game on our resume. Obviously the first half was ugly and a close game, but pretty much led it wire to wire and completely dominated the 2nd half out scoring Virginia 42-21 in the 2nd half.
2. The defense was great yet again, there was uncertainty as to how quickly Barnes would have all these new faces playing defense at the level he wanted but it sure seems like this group has bought in very quickly. Again Virginia isn’t elite on offense by any stretch of the imagination, but analytics account for that and after last nights game the Vols now have the #1 defense nationally per KenPom, a feat that Houston has seemingly had on lock the last few years.
3. The offense obviously struggled in the first half to get things going and allowed Virginia to drag them down into the mud and slow the pace down, they did a much better job in the 2nd half playing with pace and getting some easier looks as well as crashing the offensive glass and all around just generating better offense, also a much better job of taking care of the ball in the 2nd half it felt like. Oh and Chaz caught fire as well, more on that…
4. He’s not Dalton Knecht and I’ve said that since Day 1, don’t ask him or expect him to be, however he’s a great shooter and carries some of that same moxy and swagger that Knecht possessed in that he can get going and seemingly catch fire at any given moment. He doesn’t have the athleticism of Knecht to finish at the rim like he was able to, or to rise and fire, however he has an incredibly quick release that allows him to get his shot and the more that continues to go in the more it should create some driving opportunities, he’s had at least 2 almost would be highlight reel dunks, he’s showed some aggression. Even without that though he’s shown to be as good of a shooter as advertised, currently 50% at 16/32 through 5 games, that’s pretty incredible.
5. As impressive as Lanier has been another newcomer, Igor Milicic has been equally if not even more impressive and had yet another good game, quietly notching 14 & 8 on the night. I watch him play and move and can’t help but think there’s more there, he drives better than many expect and he’s got a physicality he can use when he wants to but often doesn’t, he also has a beautiful stroke and needs to let that thing fly, I mentioned the other day but he really looks like a guy that could mess around and get himself drafted.
6. We got our first glimpse at another newcomer, Darlinstone Dubar and it came at the right time given we are without Carr & Estrella currently. I thought he looked good, didn’t do anything bad to stand out, and obviously the offensive putback dunk within 30 seconds of entering was impressive. His physicality really stands on the court and looks like a guy that can definitely fill that role of a small ball 4 along with Mashack at various times depending on the opponents. Not sure he’ll be able to play a ton of 3 and guard smaller/quicker guys at that spot, but definitely feels like he will have a good chance to carve out a role on this team, again especially considering the injuries, and look forward to watching him get more comfortable out there.
7. So the Vols move to 5-0 on the young season and face Baylor in what’s a “house money” type game imo, yes we are favored but winning against Louisville and Virginia affords you a bit of luxury against a Top 15 at a neutral site imo. A win would be yet another resume booster for this squad and would have them really deserving of a Top 5 ranking imo, haven’t looked around but not sure how many undefeated teams there would be with 3 Top 75 wins away from home already on the season, guessing not many. A loss and you’re still right on track with projections, won’t be a bad loss by any stretch and nobody would bat an eye at it come March, but hopefully we can be on the winning end of things and really start to build some excitement and momentum.
GBO!!!
2. The defense was great yet again, there was uncertainty as to how quickly Barnes would have all these new faces playing defense at the level he wanted but it sure seems like this group has bought in very quickly. Again Virginia isn’t elite on offense by any stretch of the imagination, but analytics account for that and after last nights game the Vols now have the #1 defense nationally per KenPom, a feat that Houston has seemingly had on lock the last few years.
3. The offense obviously struggled in the first half to get things going and allowed Virginia to drag them down into the mud and slow the pace down, they did a much better job in the 2nd half playing with pace and getting some easier looks as well as crashing the offensive glass and all around just generating better offense, also a much better job of taking care of the ball in the 2nd half it felt like. Oh and Chaz caught fire as well, more on that…
4. He’s not Dalton Knecht and I’ve said that since Day 1, don’t ask him or expect him to be, however he’s a great shooter and carries some of that same moxy and swagger that Knecht possessed in that he can get going and seemingly catch fire at any given moment. He doesn’t have the athleticism of Knecht to finish at the rim like he was able to, or to rise and fire, however he has an incredibly quick release that allows him to get his shot and the more that continues to go in the more it should create some driving opportunities, he’s had at least 2 almost would be highlight reel dunks, he’s showed some aggression. Even without that though he’s shown to be as good of a shooter as advertised, currently 50% at 16/32 through 5 games, that’s pretty incredible.
5. As impressive as Lanier has been another newcomer, Igor Milicic has been equally if not even more impressive and had yet another good game, quietly notching 14 & 8 on the night. I watch him play and move and can’t help but think there’s more there, he drives better than many expect and he’s got a physicality he can use when he wants to but often doesn’t, he also has a beautiful stroke and needs to let that thing fly, I mentioned the other day but he really looks like a guy that could mess around and get himself drafted.
6. We got our first glimpse at another newcomer, Darlinstone Dubar and it came at the right time given we are without Carr & Estrella currently. I thought he looked good, didn’t do anything bad to stand out, and obviously the offensive putback dunk within 30 seconds of entering was impressive. His physicality really stands on the court and looks like a guy that can definitely fill that role of a small ball 4 along with Mashack at various times depending on the opponents. Not sure he’ll be able to play a ton of 3 and guard smaller/quicker guys at that spot, but definitely feels like he will have a good chance to carve out a role on this team, again especially considering the injuries, and look forward to watching him get more comfortable out there.
7. So the Vols move to 5-0 on the young season and face Baylor in what’s a “house money” type game imo, yes we are favored but winning against Louisville and Virginia affords you a bit of luxury against a Top 15 at a neutral site imo. A win would be yet another resume booster for this squad and would have them really deserving of a Top 5 ranking imo, haven’t looked around but not sure how many undefeated teams there would be with 3 Top 75 wins away from home already on the season, guessing not many. A loss and you’re still right on track with projections, won’t be a bad loss by any stretch and nobody would bat an eye at it come March, but hopefully we can be on the winning end of things and really start to build some excitement and momentum.
GBO!!!
