The Pembroke Postgame Report.

[hatvol96]

1. There is nothing sweeter than winning in that drafty airplane hangar masquerading as a gym. Watching the pretentious gasbags that make up the Vanderbilt fan base hit the exits early is pure joy.
2. It's becoming apparent that Wayne Chism plays to the perceived level of his competition. He's fine against the Aldriches, Pattersons, and Ogilvys of the world, it's the stiffs who are giving him trouble.
3. The defense was improved. Of course, a portion of that was due to the fact Vanderbilt has no offense to speak of.
4. Not a great night for the point guards. To win against quality opponents, Maze and Tabb must be far more effective.
5. Tyler Smith may not be the best player in the country. He is certainly as valuable to his team as anyone else.
6. Scotty Hopson made some more strides. He still has miles and miles to go defensively.
7. Illinois is the most underrated team in the country right now. They are clearly the second best team in the Big 10 at this point.
8. Michigan's joyride appears over. Getting blown out by Penn State is always a sign of serious trouble.
9. Anyone who thought the Tennessee game was ugly should be watching Air Force-Colorado State. This game is as attractive as Dianne Feinstein in a thong.
10. UT now hits a three game mega homestand. A sweep of Memphis, LSU, and Florida would herald that this team has hit its stride.

 

[tidwell]

With the direction UT seems to be going, at least in parts of the last two games, you think that sweep is possible?

 

[NYYVol]

Thanks for the mental image that #9 has burned into my brain...
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[kiddiedoc]

Thanks, as always, Hat. Glad you enjoyed the game. Wish it were at a better time for me. . . .no way to travel Westward during a work-week.

 

[Sabanocchio]

Well done as always, Hat. I think much of Chism's trouble has to do with foul trouble. He plays timidly when he knows he's in trouble.

 

[kiddiedoc]

With the direction UT seems to be going, at least in parts of the last two games, you think that sweep is possible?

It's definitely possible. None of the three has the talent of the past. I really think that we showed signs of improvement tonight and will be eager to show the home crowd.

 

[Bassmanbruno]

What's up with Tatum? He has the worst defense, save Prince, on the team - but even Prince didn't play as bad defensively as Tatum did... and when he's not hitting 3s he's just not effective at all... he got beat on the baseline several times and just fouled the guy and picked up 4 quick.

People say Hopson's defense is bad - but Tatum's is just as bad and he's turning it over quite a bit too.

 

[allvol123]

Hold up, I thought Ogilvy was a stiff. Nevermind you said perceived.

 

[lidderer]

there is no better lane-driver/finisher than j.p. prince on this team; unfortunately he does nothing else right

cameron tatum is perhaps the least effective defender I've ever seen in an orange uniform

Illinois has been the most underrated team in this country for about 8 weeks.

 

[jcolli30]

It just seemed like the team went out there with a swagger I haven't seen this year. Hopefully it continues.

 

[Jonboy]

With the direction UT seems to be going, at least in parts of the last two games, you think that sweep is possible?

I too am wondering how likely Hat thinks it is that we win all three.

 

[hatvol96]

there is no better lane-driver/finisher than j.p. prince on this team; unfortunately he does nothing else right

cameron tatum is perhaps the least effective defender I've ever seen in an orange uniform

Illinois has been the most underrated team in this country for about 8 weeks.

You obviously never saw Mark Griffin try to play defense.

 

[BigPapaVol]

there is no better lane-driver/finisher than j.p. prince on this team; unfortunately he does nothing else right

cameron tatum is perhaps the least effective defender I've ever seen in an orange uniform

Illinois has been the most underrated team in this country for about 8 weeks.

No better driver or finisher that JP? That's ridiculous. Tyler is light years better. It's not even close.
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[Oldblood]

Well done as always, Hat. I think much of Chism's trouble has to do with foul trouble. He plays timidly when he knows he's in trouble.

Could be. His production tonight tailed off once he picked up a few fouls.
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[hatvol96]

I too am wondering how likely Hat thinks it is that we win all three.

More likely than not.

 

[Oldblood]

Interesting that as the season rolls on, PG play is showing up as a weakness again. I'd love to have CJ Watson back. Too bad he only had one year with Pearl.
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[lidderer]

No better driver or finisher that JP? That's ridiculous. Tyler is light years better. It's not even close.
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I've seen tyler drive to the hoop about 11 times this year, unless you're talking about outmoded definitions of 'driving' the ball. We're talking about heading in from a wing spot here and penetrating two areas of the defensive court, not tyler's typical drifts. This is fundamentals 101.

 

[Midfielder10]

Interesting that as the season rolls on, PG play is showing up as a weakness again. I'd love to have CJ Watson back. Too bad he only had one year with Pearl.
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Selby is on the way.

 

[lidderer]

You obviously never saw Mark Griffin try to play defense.

guilty as charged.

 

[BigPapaVol]

I've seen tyler drive to the hoop about 11 times this year, unless you're talking about outmoded definitions of 'driving' the ball. We're talking about heading in from a wing spot here and penetrating two areas of the defensive court, not tyler's typical drifts. This is fundamentals 101.

I'm talking about taking the ball to the hole, which Prince is way too weak to do with any regularity. I take hopson over him all day long as the slasher you're trying to describe.
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[lidderer]

I'm talking about taking the ball to the hole, which Prince is way too weak to do with any regularity. I take hopson over him all day long as the slasher you're trying to describe.
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And I'll take prince, who finishes with a regularity that hopson just does not have yet--but likely will. Scotty is gonna grow beyond JP, but for now I'm more than content with prince being the go-to on inside drives and cutters.

 

[NationofVols]

No better driver or finisher that JP? That's ridiculous. Tyler is light years better. It's not even close.
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Although I believe the JP part of this question is debatable, I don't think Tyler is as good at it as JP. Tyler has good moves until he gets 5 feet away. Once he's int he paint, he takes crazy shots. Granted his body control is fantastic and he can finish and draw the foul, he isn't as good around the basket I don't believe. JP can create down there well, but is terribly inconsistent.

 

[Volsguy12]

great as always hat.

 

[Hardwood_fanatic]

With the direction UT seems to be going, at least in parts of the last two games, you think that sweep is possible?

I definately think its possible. I think it would be more than acceptable to go 2 out of 3 during this swing, but its not out of the question that UT could win all 3 games. Its obviously no secret to anyone on this board that UT has to play SOLID defense against Memphis and Florida. Calathes can hit you up for several points just like Meeks, if he is not checked. Memphis is struggling a bit offensively, but they run like crazy. If you can't get back in transition, your gonna watch alot of lay-ups. I really don't see a huge issue with LSU. I have not seen them play yet, but it seems that their record is due to a cupcake schedule in the pre-conference portion. (Much like UK). As long as the offense is running on all cylinders, should be a W.

 

[NYYVol]

And I'll take prince, who finishes with a regularity that hopson just does not have yet--but likely will. Scotty is gonna grow beyond JP, but for now I'm more than content with prince being the go-to on inside drives and cutters.

Have you seen the 5000 missed layups from Prince this year?

I'll gladly take anyone over Prince slashing...and yes that even includes Stevie Ray Pearl.

Prince's poor attitude and laziness is two main reasons I wouldn't mind if he ever stepped foot on the floor again.
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