Tobe Awaka NY Coach Interview

[knox73]

I have always been impressed with the quality people Barnes has recruited.

I ran across this terrific interview with the coach of Cardinal Hays High School in New York talking about Tobe Awaka.

The coach nailed it saying that Awaka is a rebounding machine and a unique young man in work ethic and brains.

This is fun to watch as the coach has a great personality.

 

[Just a VolinTears]

Barnes has a culture built around high-energy, coachable, high-character guys and that has really set a standard here at Tennessee. I just hope one of these "high-character" guys can put the ball in the hoop when we need a bucket!

 

[OrangeInKy]

let's hope we can hang onto him. I'd guess he wasn't thrilled about watching those guys get out-rebounded for 40minutes while he sat there.

 

[Pride85]

let's hope we can hang onto him. I'd guess he wasn't thrilled about watching those guys get out-rebounded for 40minutes while he sat there.

He has gotten quite a bit of playing time this year and knows he will get more. There may be something we don't know about behind his lack of play against FAU. I don't see him leaving.

 

[savannahfan]

You are not looking very closely. Many guys across the college scene are leaving for a lot less. (or should I say more money)

 

[Sudden Impact]

Is he a Grant Williams prototype?

 

[HalfullVol]

Is he a Grant Williams prototype?

if he becomes a scoring threat in the paint then maybe.

 

[white65]

Hope Barnes had a good reason for not playing him in his home town.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Hope Barnes had a good reason for not playing him in his home town.

I am sure he does, but you may not be able/willing to accept it.
Bottom Line we may never know.

 

[JCP201]

He only played a minute and he didn't look good, but never got another chance. I find that puzzling. (and I doubt it's anything with discipline--as others have said, he's a Grant Williams type--not the kind who makes trouble)

 

[tennrich1]

Not saying this statement was intended for Tobe at all...But Rick said post game we did have a couple of players that simply were not locked in for whatever reason and we couldn't depend on them down the stretch (that's a paraphrase of course). Maybe Tobe fell in that category...IDK...but when he develops his offense more....he'll be a treasure.

 

[jarnol32]

He has gotten quite a bit of playing time this year and knows he will get more. There may be something we don't know about behind his lack of play against FAU. I don't see him leaving.

Did you watch the duke game? Awaka looked like a deer in the headlights. I’d say that and the fact that Aidoo and Plasvic both were playing pretty good was why he didn’t get minutes. Most of the offensive boards we gave up was from the guards having to scramble, and not boxing out.

 

[tennrich1]

Did you watch the duke game? Awaka looked like a deer in the headlights. I’d say that and the fact that Aidoo and Plasvic both were playing pretty good was why he didn’t get minutes. Most of the offensive boards we gave up was from the guards having to scramble, and not boxing out.

I’d agree. I really like Awaka future but there were many games he was simply outplayed by …usually …a veteran player. Some were calling for more playing time but Rick knows what he’s doing with that. But I like the kid and LOVE his desire to rebound!

 

[Pride85]

Did you watch the duke game? Awaka looked like a deer in the headlights. I’d say that and the fact that Aidoo and Plasvic both were playing pretty good was why he didn’t get minutes. Most of the offensive boards we gave up was from the guards having to scramble, and not boxing out.

Yes I did. Don't see why he suddenly got cold feet. He hasn't blinked in big games all season. He only had 6 total rebounds in the first two rounds. Very much unlike how he has played all year long. Still think there can be more to the story.

 

[jarnol32]

Yes I did. Don't see why he suddenly got cold feet. He hasn't blinked in big games all season. He only had 6 total rebounds in the first two rounds. Very much unlike how he has played all year long. Still think there can be more to the story.

Ahh either way Awaka is line for big minutes next season. Hopefully he can develop a little mid range game to complement his already good low post game. I think before he is done he will be an all-sec type player.

 

[jarnol32]

I’d agree. I really like Awaka future but there were many games he was simply outplayed by …usually …a veteran player. Some were calling for more playing time but Rick knows what he’s doing with that. But I like the kid and LOVE his desire to rebound!

Awaka has the desire to rebound, and he has exceptionally strong hands. Once he touches it it’s his. I think he will develop into an all sec type player before he is done at Tennessee.

 

[VolGee4]

I am sure he does, but you may not be able/willing to accept it.
Bottom Line we may never know.

I don’t recall his one minute, but someone said he made two mistakes. Wasn’t his kind of game because FAU played 4 guards. He can struggle on defense, and his offense is still limited.

If he continues to work on his offense, then he will get plenty of playing time.

 

[knox73]

Tobe Awaka is another Oscar Tshiebwe in the making. A key question is what he will do with major college level strength and conditioning and his maniacal work ethic. Barnes' younger Vols may really surprise next season.

 

[Dougie_D]

Hope Barnes had a good reason for not playing him in his home town.

He’s not a great defender. You can’t get a rebound if the guy you guard layups against you

 

[knox73]

Bumping this thread back up. The high school coach was absolutely correct about Tobe and Rick Barnes certainly brings in some high quality players with enormous heart and upside. The coach interview is fabulous.

 

[volpack2]

Bumping this thread back up. The high school coach was absolutely correct about Tobe and Rick Barnes certainly brings in some high quality players with enormous heart and upside. The coach interview is fabulous.

Thanks for bumping this thread. It is clear that Tobe has an incredible motor and work but understanding his character, intelligence, and loyalty are also tremendous traits that have been lost in the limited spotlight that is slow to come to emerging young players that were not highlighted blue chip players coming out of high school. You can also put a lot of stock coming from a coach that spent four years with him and a history of coach other quality players over the years.

 

[Volfan1000]

I have always been impressed with the quality people Barnes has recruited.

I ran across this terrific interview with the coach of Cardinal Hays High School in New York talking about Tobe Awaka.

The coach nailed it saying that Awaka is a rebounding machine and a unique young man in work ethic and brains.

This is fun to watch as the coach has a great personality.

Tennessee has had a lot of success historically recruiting basketball players from New York.