I don’t think we are “slow”. We are just slower than the two teams we just played. I don’t think that will be the case most nights in the SEC. Our first 7 games, which included an SEC team, no one was saying anything about the Vols being slow.
You’re right. A lot of bball outcomes can be attributed to matchups. Same thing happened in the Bama game. Pons got in early foul trouble which meant more PT for EJ and Pember. Bama went to work on those 2. If Pons plays his normal 32 minutes, instead of 21, we maybe pull that one out. He was the only guy that was positive in the +/- stat and clearly effected Bama’s offense. Overall, I don’t think team speed and quickness will be an issue for this team, we just need to adjust how to defend teams that play like Bama/Ark.I don’t even know if we are slower than the last 2. Bama has long athletes. Herb Jones is a 6’8” guard playing at the 4 and was guarded by Fulky. Just a mismatch. Long athletes can use positioning to make plays on offense.
People just don’t realize that the last 2 opponents have 4/5 stars all over the court too.
I think we have a very good basketball team with some very good depth. However, there are ares where we can put a much better team on the court. We do not have a real position 5 player on the court. Despite Ponds, we do not have another player to protect the rim and get offensive and defensive rebound. We are an average teams shooting from the beyond the 3 point line and at defending the 3 point shot. Improvement in these ares would make us a real National Championship contender. I still think we can be a final 4 team. if we can improve in the areas mentioned a move. Recruiting an athletic 6-10 or taller player is essential if we are to become contenders in the future. We also need consistent threat from beyond the 3 point line.You’re right. A lot of bball outcomes can be attributed to matchups. Same thing happened in the Bama game. Pons got in early foul trouble which meant more PT for EJ and Pember. Bama went to work on those 2. If Pons plays his normal 32 minutes, instead of 21, we maybe pull that one out. He was the only guy that was positive in the +/- stat and clearly effected Bama’s offense. Overall, I don’t think team speed and quickness will be an issue for this team, we just need to adjust how to defend teams that play like Bama/Ark.
Slow? I don't agree with that assessment. CRB even said post game he made our team slow down so they could see what the inside out game looks like. Of course they already know but his point was well taken. I do think Alabama and Arkansas are going to be really strong in the SEC this year. O I do hope the stupidity from the football forum doesn't infect the basketball forum. The BB forum for the most part has been an intelligent discussion without the hate and childish name calling. I hope it can continue to be that way in the BB forum.
I think we have a very good basketball team with some very good depth. However, there are ares where we can put a much better team on the court. We do not have a real position 5 player on the court. Despite Ponds, we do not have another player to protect the rim and get offensive and defensive rebound. We are an average teams shooting from the beyond the 3 point line and at defending the 3 point shot. Improvement in these ares would make us a real National Championship contender. I still think we can be a final 4 team. if we can improve in the areas mentioned a move. Recruiting an athletic 6-10 or taller player is essential if we are to become contenders in the future. We also need consistent threat from beyond the 3 point line.
6'10 is great if you can scratch your ankles without bending over. Then your shot cant be blocked.They did recruit Banchero and were in the final 2/3, but I don't think you have to have taller players than 6'9"/6'10". But as you indicated, we aren't great at hitting three's. You can play a lineup of 5 "short" guys as long as the 4 or 5 position (or both) can stretch the floor with their shots. I hope Pons can improve on his three's this year because that will help our offense.
Villanova's second championship team had their tallest player at 6'9", but they had 5 guys who could shoot. I believe their worst 3 point shooter (as a starter) was 35%, and all of the starters have played in the NBA.