Unimane
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Maybe a bit premature, especially considering recruiting is not over, but, here goes:
1. We will not be as good next year, just as a warning. Losing 4 seniors that played and led will be a big issue.
2. Losing Wayne and JP will hurt big time, in particular. Chism, I will miss the most because he was the first to believe in Tennessee under Pearl and was the only left standing from his class. That, and he was a warrior you don't often find. JP is a unique type of player we won't have until Kevin Ware arrives on campus, in my opinion.
3. Bobby will be missed, although Melvin has proven to be the equal of Bobby in many respects. The depth will be missed and bringing in a freshman to work Melvin's role will be difficult (Unless that freshman is Josh Selby, however much a pipe dream that may be).
4. Brian Williams matured more than any player I've ever seen in a two month window. I love the way he got on Scotty for not manning up on a rebound during the second half. He is now a legit low post threat and, more importantly, seems ready to take the senior leadership role from JP and Wayne.
5. Tobias will need to be as good as he's hyped. He's got Wayne's big shoes to fill and is just a freshman.
6. We will be less physical, but more talented next year. Harris brings a different style than Wayne. He's more skilled and fluid, but not as physically imposing. I think this means more of a return to the pressing, full court game of Pearl's other teams. Here's to hoping that Maymon will be an effecive bruiser.
7. Golden and McRae should make us more effective from the perimeter, depending on how much they play.
8. Hopson must grow some balls in the off-season. I believe he lacks a killer instinct, which you can't teach. However, I also think he lacks a certain amount of confidence, which can be gained. He sure as hell has enough talent to be the primary scorer for next year.
9. Renaldo and Scotty must step up significantly next year. I love little Pearl's hustle, but, if he's playing the same amount of minutes on next year's team, we are screwed.
10. Expectations? The SEC East will be tough next year. Florida returns nearly everyone, Vandy only loses Beal and Kentucky will surely have a bushel of WWW-delivered blue chippers (Although, I don't see this year having anyone as good as Wall and Cousins).
The NCAA Tournament should always be an expectation. Advancing, as we've seen here, is totally dependent on match ups. Another Sweet 16 is a good goal for a young, but talented team, who will likely look like the team of Chism's freshman year with their struggles. Then, we'll see what happens there.
1. We will not be as good next year, just as a warning. Losing 4 seniors that played and led will be a big issue.
2. Losing Wayne and JP will hurt big time, in particular. Chism, I will miss the most because he was the first to believe in Tennessee under Pearl and was the only left standing from his class. That, and he was a warrior you don't often find. JP is a unique type of player we won't have until Kevin Ware arrives on campus, in my opinion.
3. Bobby will be missed, although Melvin has proven to be the equal of Bobby in many respects. The depth will be missed and bringing in a freshman to work Melvin's role will be difficult (Unless that freshman is Josh Selby, however much a pipe dream that may be).
4. Brian Williams matured more than any player I've ever seen in a two month window. I love the way he got on Scotty for not manning up on a rebound during the second half. He is now a legit low post threat and, more importantly, seems ready to take the senior leadership role from JP and Wayne.
5. Tobias will need to be as good as he's hyped. He's got Wayne's big shoes to fill and is just a freshman.
6. We will be less physical, but more talented next year. Harris brings a different style than Wayne. He's more skilled and fluid, but not as physically imposing. I think this means more of a return to the pressing, full court game of Pearl's other teams. Here's to hoping that Maymon will be an effecive bruiser.
7. Golden and McRae should make us more effective from the perimeter, depending on how much they play.
8. Hopson must grow some balls in the off-season. I believe he lacks a killer instinct, which you can't teach. However, I also think he lacks a certain amount of confidence, which can be gained. He sure as hell has enough talent to be the primary scorer for next year.
9. Renaldo and Scotty must step up significantly next year. I love little Pearl's hustle, but, if he's playing the same amount of minutes on next year's team, we are screwed.
10. Expectations? The SEC East will be tough next year. Florida returns nearly everyone, Vandy only loses Beal and Kentucky will surely have a bushel of WWW-delivered blue chippers (Although, I don't see this year having anyone as good as Wall and Cousins).
The NCAA Tournament should always be an expectation. Advancing, as we've seen here, is totally dependent on match ups. Another Sweet 16 is a good goal for a young, but talented team, who will likely look like the team of Chism's freshman year with their struggles. Then, we'll see what happens there.
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