So what happens when we stink next year.

[Press]

I totally disagree with the statement about the out of bounds play at the end of the game being a good play. It really wasn't even a play. I have seen better plays drawn up in that situation in men's league games at the YMCA. First of all why would you give Stokes the ball that far away from the basket and expect him to create something in that situation? If you are going to go to Stokes in that situation you have to get it to him in the paint. Louisville was in that situation at the end of the UK game down by 2 and they got a shot right under the basket and drew a foul. The guy only made 1 of the free throws so they eventually lost but it was a much better play to run with the game on the line.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

McRae cuts to the goal when his man goes to double (instead of standing clueless 18 feet away), Stokes hits him for a dunk or a foul, and everybody shuts up about the play call.

End game in college basketball has become a lost art. 4 out of 5 close games end with an ugly forced shot, often using the toss it to so-and-so and let him go one-on-one mentality.

Personally, I liked getting it to the big guy who can either take it to the hole or dish to McRae or Richardson. (He may well be our best passer in the half-court.) It opened up beautifully, and even with McRae not cutting Stokes probably should have dished to him anyway. I suspect he would've dished once he had the double beat. The set wasn't the problem. The problem was: a) McRae standing flat footed, b) Stokes trying to split the double team, c) horrendous call.

This.

 

[k-town_king]

I totally disagree with the statement about the out of bounds play at the end of the game being a good play. It really wasn't even a play. I have seen better plays drawn up in that situation in men's league games at the YMCA. First of all why would you give Stokes the ball that far away from the basket and expect him to create something in that situation? If you are going to go to Stokes in that situation you have to get it to him in the paint. Louisville was in that situation at the end of the UK game down by 2 and they got a shot right under the basket and drew a foul. The guy only made 1 of the free throws so they eventually lost but it was a much better play to run with the game on the line.

Through the season and tourney that is how Stokes has scored or assisted a lot. He isn't catching it on the block five feet out. Teams won't allow it. He has been great making a play dishing or scoring in those situations. You let him score or draw the foul or dish to McRae. That way the best player has the ball with a chance to score or get the second best player a wide open shot. Like they said if McRae cuts he has a lay up. Or if Stokes didn't have the drive and foul which he did but got hosed on he is wide open for the jumper. Not hard to understand.

 

[JoeVols]

Not with ten seconds left, though. It was a pathetic play call, and is exactly why we lose close games. Cuonzo honestly doesn't know what to do in those situations.

Through the season and tourney that is how Stokes has scored or assisted a lot. He isn't catching it on the block five feet out. Teams won't allow it. He has been great making a play dishing or scoring in those situations. You let him score or draw the foul or dish to McRae. That way the best player has the ball with a chance to score or get the second best player a wide open shot. Like they said if McRae cuts he has a lay up. Or if Stokes didn't have the drive and foul which he did but got hosed on he is wide open for the jumper. Not hard to understand.

 

[k-town_king]

Not with ten seconds left, though. It was a pathetic play call, and is exactly why we lose close games. Cuonzo honestly doesn't know what to do in those situations.

So how we have been scoring all during the tourney and streak with the ball moving between your two best players with 10 seconds is horrible? I guess he should have done like you and the others want and thrown it directly in to McRae or Richardson for a contested jumper.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

So how we have been scoring all during the tourney and streak with the ball moving between your two best players with 10 seconds is horrible? I guess he should have done like you and the others want and thrown it directly in to McRae or Richardson for a contested jumper.

It doesn't matter what they would have done, if the shot didn't go in, they'd blame Martin. It's pretty simple.

I'm still amazed how some of these people are so much more "outraged" at the play call than the horrible call by the ref. If he's going to call a foul, it should have been a block and Stokes would have been at the line.

 

[omghulkhands]

It doesn't matter what they would have done, if the shot didn't go in, they'd blame Martin. It's pretty simple.

I'm still amazed how some of these people are so much more "outraged" at the play call than the horrible call by the ref. If he's going to call a foul, it should have been a block and Stokes would have been at the line.

Pretty much this. If I told you "we need two points" then who do you give the ball to? I think the overwhelming answer would be Stokes.

In that spot I like two plays, let Stokes make a move to the basket or let Richardson shoot a 15 footer that he almost never misses. I think the play call was fine. Especially considering how much attention Stokes draws for an opportunity to make a good pass.

 

[k-town_king]

It doesn't matter what they would have done, if the shot didn't go in, they'd blame Martin. It's pretty simple.

I'm still amazed how some of these people are so much more "outraged" at the play call than the horrible call by the ref. If he's going to call a foul, it should have been a block and Stokes would have been at the line.

I know. I wonder what they think was gonna happen throwing it in to a guard in the corner or the elbow with ten seconds left. I guess they think they would let them drive uncontested or give them a open jumper. Maybe they wanted a miracle like Lofton hit for Pearl to hold off the mighty 15 seed Winthrop.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

I know. I wonder what they think was gonna happen throwing it in to a guard in the corner or the elbow with ten seconds left. I guess they think they would let them drive uncontested or give them a open jumper. Maybe they wanted a miracle like Lofton hit for Pearl to hold off the might 15 seed Winthrop.

Not sure.

That's another thing I don't get. The last possession good shot problems are hardly a Martin only thing. It's like a tradition at UT, just like bad free throw shooting.

 

[SGMVols]

Under-rated, accurate post IMO.

Which begs the question - who did not know to do that besides Zo? If not Jordy get it to Josh. Both of them can create offense and draw fouls.

Yeah, let's inbound to McRae so he can airball a contested 25-footer.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Why don't you clowns go cheer for another team

Who do you pull for, the University of Cuonzo's?

Phil Fulmer State?

Lane Kiffin CC?

Most real fans wants what is best for the program.

Not ending up with another 3 years of a guy who won't get off his ass and coach until his job is on the line who also has thin enough skin that a petition bothers him and he tries to bolt for another job only to do the walk of shame back to Knoxville from Milwaukee of all places.

 

[TNnative]

the ones that jumped back on the martin train will be signing another petition.

Di it ever occur to you that most of the folks on the "Martin train" may have never even considered signing that petition? It amazes me how a small group of loudmouths believe they represent the opinions and desires of the entire fan base. You can't fix stupid.

 

[volholio]

The problem is we are expected to be bad next year, and we had the talent to be good this year. Yes, we tightened up and played to our ability at the tourney, but this season was an emotional soap opera of underachieving kids the coach was a big reason. I don't think many will expect much unfortunately until two seasons from now and then we will suck again when we are not supposed to.... then hopefully we will do the buy-out and start over.

Our record disappointed but we had some bad luck. The numbers say we played one of the best seasons in UT history. We finished top ten in Moneyball categories. Unfortunately, we play a short season and bad breaks get amplified. We beat some really good teams this year badly and we lost to some really great teams barely and, yes, we had a four losses that were shoulda/coulda been wins but they were close games . . . unlucky breaks . . . in my book, we had one bad loss and that was UTEP, but sometimes you just get beat because those other guys also got scholarships, too.

:hi:

 

[TNnative]

Who do you pull for, the University of Cuonzo's?

Phil Fulmer State?

Lane Kiffin CC?

Most real fans wants what is best for the program.

Not ending up with another 3 years of a guy who won't get off his ass and coach until his job is on the line who also has thin enough skin that a petition bothers him and he tries to bolt for another job only to do the walk of shame back to Knoxville from Milwaukee of all places.

This real fan let's the AD decide what is best for the program.

As to Cuonzo talking with Marquette or any other program, remember this. There is a policy ( I believe it is a part of affirmative action) that during a coaching search that a minority candidate be interviewed and considered for the job. Can you name a minority candidate out there other than Cuonzo that had a better year? I can't.

As to your assessment of his performance, it seems to be the opinion of someone who just wants a change, or who's true loyalty may lie with another program. I don't know what you are seeing, but I did not see what you described this season.

It is clear that you are one of these folks who believe that if you and others complain long enough, someone will listen and give you what you want. And thanks to the internet, all you will do is distract the players who might come on here and read it. I seriously doubt Jimmy Cheek, Dave Hart, or any member of the board of regents will even bother to come on here.

You want the Vols to win? Then get behind them, and say something constructive for a change. Because believe it or not, the petition did nothing but discourage the team. If fans affect performance in a positive way, it is the ones who stick with them through the wins and the losses. Those are the ones that fire them up to play better. Not you nagging Nancies.

 

[VolAllen]

This real fan let's the AD decide what is best for the program.

As to Cuonzo talking with Marquette or any other program, remember this. There is a policy ( I believe it is a part of affirmative action) that during a coaching search that a minority candidate be interviewed and considered for the job. Can you name a minority candidate out there other than Cuonzo that had a better year? I can't.

As to your assessment of his performance, it seems to be the opinion of someone who just wants a change, or who's true loyalty may lie with another program. I don't know what you are seeing, but I did not see what you described this season.

It is clear that you are one of these folks who believe that if you and others complain long enough, someone will listen and give you what you want. And thanks to the internet, all you will do is distract the players who might come on here and read it. I seriously doubt Jimmy Cheek, Dave Hart, or any member of the board of regents will even bother to come on here.

You want the Vols to win? Then get behind them, and say something constructive for a change. Because believe it or not, the petition did nothing but discourage the team. If fans affect performance in a positive way, it is the ones who stick with them through the wins and the losses. Those are the ones that fire them up to play better. Not you nagging Nancies.

I GUARANTEE that I've been a UT fan much longer than our AD. So I think the fans want what's best for the T. Sure, the CEO of Walmart wants what is best for Walmart...but only until Target comes knocking at the door with more $$$. Point being...our AD is there for the money, the fans are not.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

This real fan let's the AD decide what is best for the program.

As to Cuonzo talking with Marquette or any other program, remember this. There is a policy ( I believe it is a part of affirmative action) that during a coaching search that a minority candidate be interviewed and considered for the job. Can you name a minority candidate out there other than Cuonzo that had a better year? I can't.

As to your assessment of his performance, it seems to be the opinion of someone who just wants a change, or who's true loyalty may lie with another program. I don't know what you are seeing, but I did not see what you described this season.

It is clear that you are one of these folks who believe that if you and others complain long enough, someone will listen and give you what you want. And thanks to the internet, all you will do is distract the players who might come on here and read it. I seriously doubt Jimmy Cheek, Dave Hart, or any member of the board of regents will even bother to come on here.

You want the Vols to win? Then get behind them, and say something constructive for a change. Because believe it or not, the petition did nothing but discourage the team. If fans affect performance in a positive way, it is the ones who stick with them through the wins and the losses. Those are the ones that fire them up to play better. Not you nagging Nancies.

Marquette is a private school.

 

[drewtigeralum]

This real fan let's the AD decide what is best for the program.

As to Cuonzo talking with Marquette or any other program, remember this. There is a policy ( I believe it is a part of affirmative action) that during a coaching search that a minority candidate be interviewed and considered for the job. Can you name a minority candidate out there other than Cuonzo that had a better year? I can't.

There is no such policy. You are thinking of the Rooney rule in the NFL. A private Catholic college can decide who they do or do not want to interview.

 

[drewtigeralum]

Marquette is a private school.

Even if it was a public school, this policy doesn't exist in NCAA athletics. Do you think Va Tech interviewed a minority coach before signing Buzz out from under Marquette?

 

[BruisedOrange]

Who do you pull for, the University of Cuonzo's?
Phil Fulmer State?
Lane Kiffin CC?

Most real fans wants what is best for the program.

Check the date; deal with the facts. For at least the next several years Cuonzo Martin IS the program.

So what do "real" fans like you do now?
Chum the negative recruiting waters with endless complaints?
Influence potential recruits by demonstrating what a supportive fanbase they'll be expected to "give their all for" at Tennessee?

And who do you pull for (along with the rest of the Cuonzo Critique-clique)?

The University of WhatMightHaveBeen?

NoOneListensToMe State?

Auburn?

 

[TNnative]

I GUARANTEE that I've been a UT fan much longer than our AD. So I think the fans want what's best for the T. Sure, the CEO of Walmart wants what is best for Walmart...but only until Target comes knocking at the door with more $$$. Point being...our AD is there for the money, the fans are not.

I have been a fan longer than he has as well. However, the fans are not in a position to make the decisions. No matter how much they nag. I get your point. Now get mine. We can either back the team and build them up, or distract them with immature moanings and tear them down. I choose to back them. And when I meet them at the airport to congratulate them, they can look in my eyes and know I am not one of the idiots.

 

[fall2hb86]

The only thing that trips me out about our fanbase is that people talk like UT Men's basketball was ever anywhere near the top as one of the most successful programs out there, and that this staff will ruin what we have...It's the Lady Vols that have a legacy folks..

 

[TNnative]

This real fan let's the AD decide what is best for the program.

As to Cuonzo talking with Marquette or any other program, remember this. There is a policy ( I believe it is a part of affirmative action) that during a coaching search that a minority candidate be interviewed and considered for the job. Can you name a minority candidate out there other than Cuonzo that had a better year? I can't.

There is no such policy. You are thinking of the Rooney rule in the NFL. A private Catholic college can decide who they do or do not want to interview.

OK, maybe I heard wrong. My bad.

 

[JoeVols]

What legacy did UF have when Donovan took over? Hasn't stopped him from winning titles.

As for UT, we had a legacy of 6-6 NCAAs, 2 Sweet 16's, an elite 8, an SEC title. And that's gone straight downhill, despite the Umass and mercer wins.

The only thing that trips me out about our fanbase is that people talk like UT Men's basketball was ever anywhere near the top as one of the most successful programs out there, and that this staff will ruin what we have...It's the Lady Vols that have a legacy folks..

 

[EZE]

Trust me Im not defending CCM I was just taking a stab at what was going through DH head at the time. I dont think Martin withdrew his name from contention at MU, I honestly think the boosters overruled the current sit in AD(Martins buddy) and MU withdrew Martins name from the job. Now hes at the mercy of Tennessee and its fan base, which Im not sure how hes going to recruit or coach here. I mean what do you tell a recruit "I dont know if I'll be here next year or not, you know I tried like hell to get out of here this past spring but that didnt work out so Im stuck here but I would love for you to come share the misery with me"

Wow, that one took a lot of thought. I'm surprised you didn't work in the grassy knoll and aliens at Roswell into your theory.

 

[iKrager]

What legacy did UF have when Donovan took over? Hasn't stopped him from winning titles.

As for UT, we had a legacy of 6-6 NCAAs, 2 Sweet 16's, an elite 8, an SEC title. And that's gone straight downhill, despite the Umass and mercer wins.

Yes a 24-13 and a Sweet Sixteen win is "going straight downhill" :good!: