Proud of the Team--Future Looks Bright

#1
VolFann9

VolFann9

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#1
I try to be level-headed when it comes to my evaluations of Tennessee's programs and its coaches. As a passionate fan, that can be extremely difficult. I did not go so far as to sign the Bruce Pearl petition (though I wanted to many a time), yet I did not go so far to say that Martin is hall of fame bound after our great run (though I wanted to many a time). Having said that, we played a heck of a game tonight against one of the best coached teams in the country. While I would say that we were slightly out-coached, that does not mean Martin did a bad job. In fact, he did a very good job tonight. One noticeable difference between us and most of their players was our tenacity. It's discouraging when it looks like a team is throwing rocks in a pond despite your best efforts. Confidence is believing in what you do. That doesn't mean you don't make adjustments, but you don't lose your identity. I really think we deserved to win it.

Jordy Mac, Barton, Maymon, and Edwards--you will be missed. Best of luck to you guys. As for next year, we obviously need some inside guys. I think Stokes will return. NBADraft.net, who I think is fairly reliable, unfortunately does not have him drafted. I say unfortunately as I hope he makes it in the league, though I selfishly want him here! While this incoming recruiting class isn't bad, it isn't that great either. The great thing about basketball, though, is that many prospects get missed. Plus, you can take a super athletic, 6'5-6'7" guy like Amani Moore and develop him into a stud. Well, here's a look at next year:

Projected Starters
PG Thompson 6'5"
SG Hubbs 6'6"
SF Richardson 6'6"
PF AJ Davis/Derek Reese 6'9"/6'7"
C Jarnell Stokes 6'8"

Bench
G/F Armani Moore 6'5" (but mad hops)
F AJ Davis/Derek Reese
C Rawane Ndiaye 6'10"
G Lopez 6'1"
G Chievous 6'5"

Incoming Freshman (Natl. Rank & Size)
PG Larry Austin (111 & 6'1")
PF Phil Cofer (113 & 6'8")
SG Jordan Cornish (NR & 6'4")
C C.J. Turman (NR & only 6'8 but 250 lbs)

*Possible Transfer: M.J. Rhett from TSU. Rhett is ~6'9" and averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds a game. Furthermore, he put up good numbers against great competition. He's graduated early, so he could come in and play like Barton. I think if Stokes stays we have a good chance of landing him, as he said he is excited about playing with Stokes. He probably thinks he could shine as he plays off of Stokes like Maymon did. I have a friend on the team at TSU. Maybe I'll find out something soon.

*I would like to add a disclaimer: the future looks bright if Stokes stays, Martin continues to develop as a coach (particularly game management) as well as he is developing players, and we can find someone to step up at the PF spot next season. I know, a lot of ifs there.
 
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#3
#3
That all sounds good. But it word be nice to have at least two guys who can consistantly hit the three at at least 40%.
 
#5
#5
If Stokes returns I think it's a NCAAT team. If in addition to that we land Rhett, I think it's a legitimate top 20-30 team. If Hubbs becomes what he was hyped as next year, we could be even better.

A lot hinges on Stokes decision obviously.
 
#6
#6
bleedingTNorange said:
If Stokes returns I think it's a NCAAT team. If in addition to that we land Rhett, I think it's a legitimate top 20-30 team. If Hubbs becomes what he was hyped as next year, we could be even better.

A lot hinges on Stokes decision obviously.
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I agree. I think a lot hinges on Hubbs as well, and his ability to fill Mcrae's shoes. If you look at it this way, we lose Maymon, Mcrae, and Barton (assuming Stokes stays).

Maymon was one of my favorite guys on the team, and he produced well with 10 pts and 8 boards a game. I think his leadership we will miss the most. Still, his injury hindered him at times (which is completely understandable), and I think he can be replaced with Rhett or Davis if he really steps up.

I think Thompson will be a better PG than Barton in the long run. In fact, you saw that Thompson played more minutes last night. Also, Austin could really be something. We'll miss Barton's 3 pt shooting, but he was streaky at that.

The x factor is Hubbs in replacing Mcrae. While there is surely no way he will be able to slice, dice, and glide to the hoop like Mcrae, perhaps with a healthy shoulder he can shoot the 3-ball better. I can't wait to see, personally.
 
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#7
#7
VolFann9 said:
I agree. I think a lot hinges on Hubbs as well, and his ability to fill Mcrae's shoes. If you look at it this way, we lose Maymon, Mcrae, and Barton (assuming Stokes stays).

Maymon was one of my favorite guys on the team, and he produced well with 10 pts and 8 boards a game. I think his leadership we will miss the most. Still, his injury hindered him at times (which is completely understandable), and I think he can be replaced with Rhett or Davis if he really steps up.

I think Thompson will be a better PG than Barton in the long run. In fact, you saw that Thompson played more minutes last night. Also, Austin could really be something. We'll miss Barton's 3 pt shooting, but he was streaky at that.

The x factor is Hubbs in replacing Mcrae. While there is surely no way he will be able to slice, dice, and glide to the hoop like Mcrae, perhaps with a healthy shoulder he can shoot the 3-ball better. I can't wait to see, personally.
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I think next year is much more balanced offensively, and better defensively.
 
#8
#8
It doesn't really matter, but why doesn't Cuonzo have any white players? Kind of bothers me.
 
#17
#17
Big Orange#1 said:
Does it matter? I don't care about skin color at all.
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Doesn't matter. I just find it odd that we don't have a single one. If I were black and we had an all white team, I would wonder why we didn't have a black player.
 
#22
#22
Chris4Vols22 said:
You were the one that asked due to your ineptitude. It was a pretty obvious answer. I don't know how you couldn't come to it on your own.
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I am well aware that "it happens." It has currently happened to us. My question was deriving of the fact that we don't have a single player on our team now. He hasn't signed any since he's been here for 3 years. And none of our signees coming in are.

It is a fair question to ask. The fact that you have to drop a stupid answer and call names shows your mental acuity.
 
#23
#23
SDV said:
I am well aware that "it happens." It has currently happened to us. My question was deriving of the fact that we don't have a single player on our team now. He hasn't signed any since he's been here for 3 years. And none of our signees coming in are.

It is a fair question to ask. The fact that you have to drop a stupid answer and call names shows your mental acuity.
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It's a really simple concept: NONE OF THE WHITE PLAYERS THAT MARTIN RECRUITED SIGNED WITH UT.

Evidently I gave you wayyyyy too much credit for thinking you could figure that out.

My answer was not stupid, it was concise, and are you seriously complaining about name calling? At least I can come up with something better than "mental midget."
 
#24
#24
You're a good poster SDV, but you really opened yourself up for backlash. Your original post even contradicted itself.
 
#25
#25
Chris4Vols22 said:
It's a really simple concept: NONE OF THE WHITE PLAYERS THAT MARTIN RECRUITED SIGNED WITH UT.

Evidently I gave you wayyyyy too much credit for thinking you could figure that out.

My answer was not stupid, it was concise, and are you seriously complaining about name calling? At least I can come up with something better than "mental midget."
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Sorry I hurt your feelings
 
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