Where was the emotion?

[Jackjon90]

Was it just me, or did we really seem out of it? Like we didn’t want to be there.

Totally agree. Saw the exact same thing. Although he made some mistakes, John Fulkerson was the only one that seemed to play with heart and emotion, particularly the last part of the game. The others seemed like they didn’t want to be there. Bottom line, the appearance was that Memphis wanted that game more than we did. From the head coach all the way down, Memphis did a better job all the way around than we did. I hate admitting that, but it’s true. I question some of the guys Barnes had on the floor at certain times. Some of our younger guys are just not physically or mentally ready yet. Quite frankly, we don’t have the depth needed, and if we don’t get at least some point production from our senior guards, we’re gonna have problems.

 

[sport3500]

Even though Memphis was giving us the 3 ball, 23 threes is too many for a game. 15-20 three point attempts per game is plenty while Tennessee needs to work the ball inside out and drive the ball to the basket more.

 

[vol94]

Yeah but memphis had 9 freashman on the road in front of the biggest crowd they have faced, with 2 sophmore backups as veterans, 1 second year senior, and 2 starters missing who combine for 30ppg 10rpg.

Completely understand. They had better athletes than we did. We were tight and looked nervous when they pressed our freshmen in the 1st half.

 

[kiddiedoc]

Even though Memphis was giving us the 3 ball, 23 threes is too many for a game. 15-20 three point attempts per game is plenty while Tennessee needs to work the ball inside out and drive the ball to the basket more.

Another problem is that we don't really have an inside threat to work with.

 

[Volfan574]

Just finished watching a recording of the game. I kept thinking to myself that we didn’t miss this many shots when I played little league basketball. Seemed like some players thought it was okay to lose this game is how it felt to me, some were trying some weren’t.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

From the head coach all the way down, Memphis did a better job all the way around than we did. I hate admitting that, but it’s true. I question some of the guys Barnes had on the floor at certain times. Some of our younger guys are just not physically or mentally ready yet.

2 upper classmen were in foul trouble and 3 of the 4 on the bench are freshmen.

 

[Jackjon90]

I’m wondering why Barnes didn’t play Pember more. I think he can be a guy to get the team out of these emotional slumps.
Pons and JJJ seem naturally calm. We definitely need more fiery attitudes.

Funny, I wondered why Pember was playing as much as we was at times. I didn’t see him do much of anything. Seems like a good kid, but he’s got a long way to go. Lacks athleticism and quickness.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Funny, I wondered why Pember was playing as much as we was at times. I didn’t see him do much of anything. Seems like a good kid, but he’s got a long way to go. Lacks athleticism and quickness.

Because Bowden and Pons were sitting with 2 fouls and Johnson is struggling to fill a role. And you didn't see Pember do much of anything? Did you watch the game?

 

[TNBV]

It has nothing to do with attitude, or "wanting it more than we did", it is about talent. Did Turner "dribble around too much"? sure, because no one else wants the ball. 90% of the passes he makes get passed right back to him. We do not have anyone who can truly create their own shot. Nothing against our guys, just what it is. We can't play an "inside out" game because we have no one that is a threat underneath. No one. Fulkerson is great at hustle plays and second chance baskets but he is not a threat as a down low one on one guy. Turner cannot penetrate when the D is sagging on everyone. Bowden and Turner are both excellent when someone else can draw attention, like Bone or Williams, but we no longer have that type of player on the team. We just don't have an offensive presence. When Turner or Bowden get hot from outside, then we have options and things will open up. But other than getting hot from the 3, what options does this team have against athletic, tall teams? We are already playing above expectations with what we have.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

It has nothing to do with attitude, or "wanting it more than we did", it is about talent. Did Turner "dribble around too much"? sure, because no one else wants the ball. 90% of the passes he makes get passed right back to him. We do not have anyone who can truly create their own shot. Nothing against our guys, just what it is. We can't play an "inside out" game because we have no one that is a threat underneath. No one. Fulkerson is great at hustle plays and second chance baskets but he is not a threat as a down low one on one guy. Turner cannot penetrate when the D is sagging on everyone. Bowden and Turner are both excellent when someone else can draw attention, like Bone or Williams, but we no longer have that type of player on the team. We just don't have an offensive presence. When Turner or Bowden get hot from outside, then we have options and things will open up. But other than getting hot from the 3, what options does this team have against athletic, tall teams? We are already playing above expectations with what we have.

Fulkerson has a really nice move underneath the rim with his left hand. Last night he went to his right several times but still put up the shot with his left. If he could finish comfortably with his right hand he'd be a solid, inside scoring threat. But it's his right wrist that's surgically repaired and his right elbow that was dislocated.

 

[calban]

Because Bowden and Pons were sitting with 2 fouls and Johnson is struggling to fill a role. And you didn't see Pember do much of anything? Did you watch the game?

Certainly had no fear of going to the rim when inserted. did you see Bowden's expression on that move? like to see him(Pember) get more early minutes at the 3 and work on his D. Think he'll be fun on O.

 

[Jax_Vol]

It has nothing to do with attitude, or "wanting it more than we did", it is about talent. Did Turner "dribble around too much"? sure, because no one else wants the ball. 90% of the passes he makes get passed right back to him. We do not have anyone who can truly create their own shot. Nothing against our guys, just what it is. We can't play an "inside out" game because we have no one that is a threat underneath. No one. Fulkerson is great at hustle plays and second chance baskets but he is not a threat as a down low one on one guy. Turner cannot penetrate when the D is sagging on everyone. Bowden and Turner are both excellent when someone else can draw attention, like Bone or Williams, but we no longer have that type of player on the team. We just don't have an offensive presence. When Turner or Bowden get hot from outside, then we have options and things will open up. But other than getting hot from the 3, what options does this team have against athletic, tall teams? We are already playing above expectations with what we have.

Yes! The Vols, and the Lady Vols, are both offensively challenged this year. To win a few games, they will have to hang their hats on D and ride the hot hand for scoring.

 

[RollerVol]

I hope our footVols will remember it was the goons at ncaa HQ in Indianapolis who denied us the services of Uros Plavsic when we meet Indiana in the Gator Bowl.

close enough...

GO BIG ORANGE!

 

[wmcovol]

Team played with lack of confidence on offense. Heck, JJJ and Pember appeared to be the only ones not scared to handle the ball in first half. Fulky hustled like crazy but he’s like the ball is a bomb about to explore when someone throws it to him. He got better as Pons did in 2nd half. They just shot too many 3s for as bad as they were shooting yesterday. If they’d attacked the basket more, they’d most likely won.

 

[jeff1vol]

Unless we have above avg leadership... this team will take on Barnes personality. Hes NEVER been a rah rah guy. He depends on leaders to do the motivation stuff. Which is not going to work this year.

 

[troyntn71]

Totally agree. Saw the exact same thing. Although he made some mistakes, John Fulkerson was the only one that seemed to play with heart and emotion, particularly the last part of the game. The others seemed like they didn’t want to be there. Bottom line, the appearance was that Memphis wanted that game more than we did. From the head coach all the way down, Memphis did a better job all the way around than we did. I hate admitting that, but it’s true. I question some of the guys Barnes had on the floor at certain times. Some of our younger guys are just not physically or mentally ready yet. Quite frankly, we don’t have the depth needed, and if we don’t get at least some point production from our senior guards, we’re gonna have problems.

And Barnes has put more pressure on himself to get it together because he's a top five highest paid coach in America. Thanks to his debacle with UCLA last year he Is the highest paid coach in America that has not won a national championship or a conference Championship at his current School. He will still get a lot of patience from the fans but he would have gotten a lot more had he not demanded the huge salary increase.

 

[Vol49er]

And Barnes has put more pressure on himself to get it together because he's a top five highest paid coach in America. Thanks to his debacle with UCLA last year he Is the highest paid coach in America that has not won a national championship or a conference Championship at his current School. He will still get a lot of patience from the fans but he would have gotten a lot more had he not demanded the huge salary increase.

He has won a conference championship at his current school, and only an annoyingly vocal minority are still hung up about the UCLA thing

 

[LibertyVolance]

I saw plenty of effort and intensity. They looked like they played with emotion to me. Just didn't score much, but neither did Memphis. I think the coaches may have to urge these young freshmen to mature a little faster than normally they might like. Some passed up some open shots because of being unsure of themselves just yet. That's why Turner and Bowden had to shoot. Someone had to. James scored 14 so he sure tried to step up getting 30% of our point total. Got to get more guys into the flow, taking their shots. Turner and Bowden have never been able to carry a team individually consistently and Turner has the shoulder issues. Looks like this transition year will have some growing pains, but there's no time better than the present for this young team to create its' own identity and win some games. Stop thinking NCAA and start thinking getting more minutes for these guys who need to gain experience and meld into a team as the season gets long in the sec grind.

 

[troyntn71]

He has won a conference championship at his current school, and only an annoyingly vocal minority are still hung up about the UCLA thing

Yes he has won a regular-season. I was referring to a conference Championship. The tournament. Outright without sharing.

 

[tricitiesvolsfan]

25% shooting from the floor, missed FT's down the stretch, and turning the ball over under Memphis basket for an easy layup with drown out the oxygen out of the building. This team will struggle in conference and it will be a major rebuilding year. Can't help to be one when you lose your starting 5 from last year. Barnes wanted out after last season. He will probably leave for sure after this season.

 

[VEKZY]

25% shooting from the floor, missed FT's down the stretch, and turning the ball over under Memphis basket for an easy layup with drown out the oxygen out of the building. This team will struggle in conference and it will be a major rebuilding year. Can't help to be one when you lose your starting 5 from last year. Barnes wanted out after last season. He will probably leave for sure after this season.

lol no

 

[calban]

25% shooting from the floor, missed FT's down the stretch, and turning the ball over under Memphis basket for an easy layup with drown out the oxygen out of the building. This team will struggle in conference and it will be a major rebuilding year. Can't help to be one when you lose your starting 5 from last year. Barnes wanted out after last season. He will probably leave for sure after this season.

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back no mo........