Thoughts on the Early Part of the Season

#1
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Wise-Vol

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#1
1. We finally play some outstanding half-court defense. Something has happened with this team over the last couple of seasons on the defensive end of the court. We are a defensive nightmare for Big East teams. Like Nova, Pitt and UConn also rely heavily on the guard positions. I still don't like us winning at Pitt, but the match-ups with Pitt and UConn are good for us.

2. Hopson was all flash against the cupcakes last season before collapsing when the big boyz showed. Not this time. In the Garden, Hopson took it up a notch. We had incredibly solid games today from Hopson, Harris, Tatum, Goins, Williams, and Pearl. And Golden was super impressive as a backup PG before this game. To get that production out of the PG spot without Golden is impressive.

3. When Tatum and Hopson are hitting outside shots, we can beat anyone. Harris will only get better. And this team is going to replace one of our low post guys (probably Woolridge) with a better player when Maymon is eligible. This team just got a huge early season win and has a lot of room to get a lot better as a squad. One gets the sense that Goins, Golden, Harris, and Fields still have a lot of improvement in front of them over the next several weeks.

4. The Pitt game is a huge game for this team. We get 11 days to prepare for Pitt. I expect this team to show a lot of improvement between the MTSU game and the Pitt game. With UConn shocking everyone, our schedule got that much better.

5. We dominated Nova the entire game. If not for the Villanova loving black official, we would have blown Nova out. That guy was clueless. He called a couple of horrible calls on Hopson and Tatum -- some of the worst you'll see all season.

6. Can't wait to see this team at home against Memphis if we can finally get our guys healthy (Goins/Golden) and add Maymon. This is a very deep and divers basketball team.

It won't be easy to maintain the poise at Pitt or in Hartford against the Huskies or in games where Pearl won't be on the sidelines -- then again that may be the best development for our focus for the entire season. This team could enter February undefeated with some serious focus and controlled play.

I wonder if after 6 games some pundits want to change their prediction for the SEC East.:dance2:
 
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#2
#2
Wise-Vol said:
1. We finally play some outstanding half-court defense. Something has happened with this team over the last couple of seasons on the defensive end of the court. We are a defensive nightmare for Big East teams. Like Nova, Pitt and UConn also rely heavily on the guard positions. I still don't like us winning at Pitt, but the match-ups with Pitt and UConn are good for us.

2. Hopson was all flash against the cupcakes last season before collapsing when the big boyz showed. Not this time. In the Garden, Hopson took it up a notch. We had incredibly solid games today from Hopson, Harris, Tatum, Goins, Williams, and Pearl. And Golden was super impressive as a backup PG before this game. To get that production out of the PG spot without Golden is impressive.

3. When Tatum and Hopson are hitting outside shots, we can beat anyone. Harris will only get better. And this team is going to replace one of our low post guys (probably Woolridge) with a better player when Maymon is eligible. This team just got a huge early season win and has a lot of room to get a lot better as a squad. One gets the sense that Goins, Golden, Harris, and Fields still have a lot of improvement in front of them over the next several weeks.

4. The Pitt game is a huge game for this team. We get 11 games to prepare for Pitt. I expect this team to show a lot of improvement between the MTSU game and the Pitt game. With UConn shocking everyone, our schedule got that much better.

5. We dominated Nova the entire game. If not for the Villanova loving black official, we would have blown Nova out. That guy was clueless. He called a couple of horrible calls on Hopson and Tatum -- some of the worst you'll see all season.

6. Can't wait to see this team at home against Memphis if we can finally get our guys healthy (Goins/Golden) and add Maymon. This is a very deep and divers basketball team.

It won't be easy to maintain the poise at Pitt or in Hartford against the Huskies or in games where Pearl won't be on the sidelines -- then again that may be the best development for our focus for the entire season. This team could enter February undefeated with some serious focus and controlled play.

I wonder if after 6 games some pundits want to change their prediction for the SEC East.:dance2:
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nice post and I agree
 
#5
#5
Great post. The past two games have been very encouraging. When Maymon takes Woolridges minutes, Bone gets healthy, and if McRae can develop enough to take Mcbee's minutes our Tennessee Vols will be even better.
 
#6
#6
vol4eva said:
When is Maymon eligible? I know it's in December, but I wasn't sure of the date.
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I have not seen anything definitive on this. When JP Prince was in the same situation in 2007, Commencement was on December 15 for the Fall Semester, but the first game Prince was eligible for was the 22nd at Xavier.

Commencement this year is on the 11th. My guess is that Maymon's first game will be either USC or Belmont with Charlotte an outside chance. :dunno:
 
#7
#7
I never thought I'd enjoy watching a half court defense...until now.

Pearl for prez
 
#9
#9
Wise-Vol said:
1. We finally play some outstanding half-court defense. Something has happened with this team over the last couple of seasons on the defensive end of the court. We are a defensive nightmare for Big East teams. Like Nova, Pitt and UConn also rely heavily on the guard positions. I still don't like us winning at Pitt, but the match-ups with Pitt and UConn are good for us.

2. Hopson was all flash against the cupcakes last season before collapsing when the big boyz showed. Not this time. In the Garden, Hopson took it up a notch. We had incredibly solid games today from Hopson, Harris, Tatum, Goins, Williams, and Pearl. And Golden was super impressive as a backup PG before this game. To get that production out of the PG spot without Golden is impressive.

3. When Tatum and Hopson are hitting outside shots, we can beat anyone. Harris will only get better. And this team is going to replace one of our low post guys (probably Woolridge) with a better player when Maymon is eligible. This team just got a huge early season win and has a lot of room to get a lot better as a squad. One gets the sense that Goins, Golden, Harris, and Fields still have a lot of improvement in front of them over the next several weeks.

4. The Pitt game is a huge game for this team. We get 11 days to prepare for Pitt. I expect this team to show a lot of improvement between the MTSU game and the Pitt game. With UConn shocking everyone, our schedule got that much better.

5. We dominated Nova the entire game. If not for the Villanova loving black official, we would have blown Nova out. That guy was clueless. He called a couple of horrible calls on Hopson and Tatum -- some of the worst you'll see all season.

6. Can't wait to see this team at home against Memphis if we can finally get our guys healthy (Goins/Golden) and add Maymon. This is a very deep and divers basketball team.

It won't be easy to maintain the poise at Pitt or in Hartford against the Huskies or in games where Pearl won't be on the sidelines -- then again that may be the best development for our focus for the entire season. This team could enter February undefeated with some serious focus and controlled play.

I wonder if after 6 games some pundits want to change their prediction for the SEC East.:dance2:
Click to expand...

The memphis game will be very emotional. Its Pearl last game before his exile. The team will be pumped and Motivated to win.
 
#10
#10
1. Scotty: Much Improvement. Amazing to the hole moves so far. The floater is sick.
2. Harris: Beastly. Smooth shot, makes it looks so easy. Once he gets use to college competition, he'll be avg. in the 20's easy.
3. Goins: Great decision making for a pg.
4. Fields: Causes defenders to alter shots. Huge +
5. Tatum: Looks focused.
6. Brian Williams: Still sloppy around the rim...but not as bad as last year. Hustle has continued to be a "+". Thank Tyler Smith for that improvement.
7. Skylar: Should be on the scout team.
8. Pearl: Wow, I actually like seeing him on the court. Knows not to shoot, and plays defense like a beast. Why? The other team knows he's not an offensive threat, why don't they focus more on him when he's on D? I don't understand why he's as good on D as he is.
9. Woolridge: Orange / White!
10. Golden: Like what I've seen so far.

Overall, I think our "D" and size will get us far! However, I miss the VCU type play of the Loften / Watson days.
 
#11
#11
Satchel said:
1. Scotty: Much Improvement. Amazing to the hole moves so far. The floater is sick.
2. Harris: Beastly. Smooth shot, makes it looks so easy. Once he gets use to college competition, he'll be avg. in the 20's easy.
3. Goins: Great decision making for a pg.
4. Fields: Causes defenders to alter shots. Huge +
5. Tatum: Looks focused.
6. Brian Williams: Still sloppy around the rim...but not as bad as last year. Hustle has continued to be a "+". Thank Tyler Smith for that improvement.
7. Skylar: Should be on the scout team.
8. Pearl: Wow, I actually like seeing him on the court. Knows not to shoot, and plays defense like a beast. Why? The other team knows he's not an offensive threat, why don't they focus more on him when he's on D? I don't understand why he's as good on D as he is.
9. Woolridge: Orange / White!
10. Golden: Like what I've seen so far.

Overall, I think our "D" and size will get us far! However, I miss the VCU type play of the Loften / Watson days.
Click to expand...

Pearl is a classic example that anyone can play great defense....It's nothing more than "HARD WORK" and passion! He has both.
 
#13
#13
atxvol2010 said:
Maymon is eligible on December 11th.
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After a bit of research, I found that Pearl said it depends on when his finals are finishedand grades turned in. So, part of it depends on others (professors, etc.). Hopefully, Maymon's finals are all in the early part of finals week and there are no academic delays.
 
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#14
#14
Best post of the young season by the most knowledgeable basketball poster on VolNation. Glad to see you back around, Wise. Right on!
 
#17
#17
United423 said:
I wouldn't get too excited over Maymon. Bone will help with guard depth when he gets back.
Click to expand...

Trust me on this, Maymon has seen from Jordan sitting
on the bench that defense and hustle will get him into
the game. It will help us greatly to have another Big in the game. Plus Maymon has great touch.

GBO
 
#20
#20
If skylar could ever get his shot to consistently fall, then we would be nearly unstoppable IMO. The only thing we really lack is a great three point shooter.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#21
#21
VoL BaLL 777 said:
And why shouldn't we get too excited over Maymon?
Posted via VolNation Mobile
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I just don't think he will fit well in the rotation... not quick enough on defense to play the 3 and doesn't contribute enough on the offensive end to take minutes from Pearl at the 4 (not a big fan of S. Pearl but his hustle and defense are helping the team right now)
 
#22
#22
Wise-Vol said:
3. When Tatum and Hopson are hitting outside shots, we can beat anyone. Harris will only get better. And this team is going to replace one of our low post guys (probably Woolridge) with a better player when Maymon is eligible. This team just got a huge early season win and has a lot of room to get a lot better as a squad. One gets the sense that Goins, Golden, Harris, and Fields still have a lot of improvement in front of them over the next several weeks.


I wonder if after 6 games some pundits want to change their prediction for the SEC East.:dance2:
Click to expand...

This season is certainly looking bright for us. I hope the 8 game stretch is just a change of pace.
 
#23
#23
Not as astute as some of you nor have I seen as many games, but I actually think Brian Williams is one of the keys to long term success. I think he has picked up his game, he's obviously in great shape and against VCU, he battled with some pretty decent post players. If he can average 10/10 and hit FT's late, he'll be very useful. Steven Pearl has been impressive in that I no longer break out in a cold sweat when he's in the game. Great steal late in the game against 'Nova. Hustle and hard work do pay off. Tobias has not played like a freshman and Scotty has elevated his game a level nearing the expectations. Goins has been a lock-down defender and appears to have bought in. Cameron Tatum has been solid and hit key shots. McBee has hustled and not been the defensive liability that he was last year, although at times, he still seems to be overmatched. This team is deep enough to use him for instant offense and spell Melvin and he should be an asset as well. This team could be very, very good by the end of the season.
 
#24
#24
jw0595 said:
Not as astute as some of you nor have I seen as many games, but I actually think Brian Williams is one of the keys to long term success. I think he has picked up his game, he's obviously in great shape and against VCU, he battled with some pretty decent post players. If he can average 10/10 and hit FT's late, he'll be very useful. Steven Pearl has been impressive in that I no longer break out in a cold sweat when he's in the game. Great steal late in the game against 'Nova. Hustle and hard work do pay off. Tobias has not played like a freshman and Scotty has elevated his game a level nearing the expectations. Goins has been a lock-down defender and appears to have bought in. Cameron Tatum has been solid and hit key shots. McBee has hustled and not been the defensive liability that he was last year, although at times, he still seems to be overmatched. This team is deep enough to use him for instant offense and spell Melvin and he should be an asset as well. This team could be very, very good by the end of the season.
Click to expand...

If Brian Williams provides toughness in the paint, and Scotty continues to play like he is, we have a good chance for the Final Four.
 
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