Vols set to go game-like

The split-squad scrimmage is open to the public.

"People are going to get to show what they've got in game frame, with referees and uniforms,'' UT junior JaJuan Smith said. "This is where people can earn their spots.''

Smith, at 6-foot-4, is the projected starter at small forward on an undersized front line with 6-9 Wayne Chism at center and 6-4 Dane Bradshaw at power forward.

Smith said being smaller has its advantages, though.

"It can be a positive because I'm also quicker, and I can beat my man to spots,'' Smith said. "I worked hard in the offseason to get stronger while also improving my accuracy and consistency shooting the ball.''

Smith's biggest strength gain came in his legs, as he has a 37-inch standing vertical jump and can leap 43 inches off the run.

"I'm going to do some things that will surprise some people this season,'' Smith said. "But this scrimmage is about knowing what the coaches are looking for and showing them what we can do within the system.''

UT coach Bruce Pearl said he's still "in the evaluation'' stage heading into today's scrimmage, and indicated he might change the teams up after a half of play as he looks for the team to improve in key areas.

"I know a lot of these guys are playing faster than they've ever played before,'' Pearl said. "But we're still turning the ball over way too much.''

Pearl also has harped on the Vols' defensive rebounding and ball movement.

The ball movement figures to come, as freshmen point guards Ramar Smith and Marques Johnson have displayed a great deal of upside. The pair will be going head-to-head in today's scrimmage.

"I know I can score, but I know when I drive some people will be looking to take charges from me,'' Ramar Smith said. "There are times I'll have to kick it out.''

Johnson, conversely, is a pass-first, drive-second type of player who also likes to use his 6-6 frame to post up smaller players.

As for the rebounding, Chism and fellow freshman Duke Crews (6-7, 240) will be matched up at center, both making a bid for starting honors. Crews will play both center and power forward, as will 6-9 sophomore Ryan Childress.

Three Things To Look For: Can Chris Lofton shake Josh Tabb and score? Tabb has given Lofton fits in practice. Who wins the rebound battle between the Chism/Dane Bradshaw combo and the Crews/Childress duo? Are the Vols better with Johnson running the point, or Ramar Smith?

Injury Report: Junior point guard Jordan Howell had the cast on his hand removed Friday but he will be held out of this morning's scrimmage. Walk-on forward Rick Daniels-Mulholland also is expected to be out with a sprained ankle.

Crews will have his left thumb immobilized for two more weeks after spraining it last week. Crews has yet to miss any practice time and isn't expected to.