Posted by Phowell23 on January 12, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game overall we just overpowerded them with our depth. You could tell in the 2nd half USC was worn out. Lofton's shots (the few he took) looked bad. Hopefully, he'll catch on soon as we'll need him to get deep in the tournaments.

Go VOLS beat VANDY!

Posted by 55Vol on January 12, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win Vols....Chris, your overall play was very good but dude, we need those pretty shots to fall for later on in the schedule when normal season fatigue sets in. Whatever it takes to find your confidence and stroke, please keep working hard at it. Great win.

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Atta boys!! Whipped up some gamecock put it in the oven and had some roasted chicken!! Along with some pounded fritter!! LOL Great game guys!!

Posted by cdldoc on January 12, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OIL MISS files complaint about Tennessee game.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/...

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc - Does Kennedy want to file that with the bajillion missed calls that we didn't get as well?? What a sore loser!! Bottome line W-Tenn L-Ole Miss!!!

Posted by VolBall on January 12, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Great road win. The Colonial Center was whisper quiet thanks to the Vol thumpin. Tyler Smith is unassuming, unselfish....unreal! The comradery of the team is clearly evident. Bruce Pearl deserves all the credit and recognition he is receiving.

Posted by fundamentals83 on January 12, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kudos to Ramar 8-8 from free throw line. I love the way Brian Williams runs the court on defense. He really gets back quickly on D. Coulda won by 40 tonight. Go Vols.

Posted by Hunter on January 12, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best balance IMO of the season so far. Every body in an orange jersey contributed something of value - even ole' Stevie Pearl off the bench with some defensive intensity at the end. Keep waiting for Lofton to get on track, but at this point (as I said 3 days ago) I am not really expecting it to happen.

Wayne Chism - if you read this: REBOUND = GOOD; LONG SHOTS = BAD; HAMBURGER = GOOD; GATORS = BAD; PRETTY GIRL = GOOD; 3-POINTERS = BAD.......Do you catch my drift??????

Posted by VolBall on January 12, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We did a much better job in the 2nd half stopping the dribble drives. Like an earlier post stated, I think our depth wore them down. Prince is silky smooth. Good things happen through T. Smith. And, J. Smith continues to be our leader.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on January 12, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win. Don't anyone take this the wrong way, but, with us up by 26 with 5:00 left, why not clear the bench? All those kids riding the pine would have appreciated some minutes.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 12, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like we'll be going up two spots in the polls with Michigan State and Washington State losing.

I have to give it to Ramar Smith. Whatever happened after that horrendous 0-12 showing at the line earlier in the year, he's done a great job redeeming himself since. He's 37-61 after tonight, so 37-49 without that game. That makes him one of our better FT shooters.

And it looks like we outrebounded the Gamecocks tonight 43-26. Nice road win.

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought with us being up by 26 we could give Chris Lofton the ball and try to let him sort through his issues. Give him the ball and let em fly!! Chris I really do hope you get this worked out!! You have carried this team for the last couple of years and you don't deserve for your last year to go this way!! However, no matter what happens with your game we Vol fans love ya man!! Go Vols!!

Posted by bshell12 on January 12, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jajuan 8 rebounds, pretty good for a guard. Bruce said they were gonna work on guards hittin the boards

Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 12, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some red shirts are in order, and we are also playing for seeding. 20 points is kind of the cut off for a major blow out.

Lofton is still working hard for the looks he is getting. Eventually somebody will realize that he is the one you can afford to let shoot. They will just give him the 3(like Tyler versus Ole Miss). He will hit a shot or two and get his confidence back. It will be too late for everybody else on the schedule.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 12, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris is playing some good defense, looking for the open man, drawing the defender out to him. His only "flaw" is that he isn't taking enough shots. As far as I'm concerned, if he scores 6 PPG and we win, that's fine with me.

I would, however, like to see him shoot from somewhere other than the left wing. He seems to hit more from the top or the right wing.

Posted by daddyaxe on January 12, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good overall game...But it is time to face the fact that Loften needs the bench...Let someone else start and wake this guy up...He can come off the bench some and see how his all american status fills then. I love what coach Pearl has done but Lofton just stands without the ball. Let him ride the pine coach. He will respond or get some game time with your future players. I don't see him working for a shot too often.

Posted by Hacksaw57 on January 12, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Missed most of the game. Was watching the NFL Playoff game and forgot to listen to the live stream broadcast on UTSports.com. but caught the last 5 minutes. From all accounts of the posted comments, I didn't miss much. Good SEC win. I can't help but get anxious thinking ahead to us meeting Memphis. We need to "WHUP SOME BUTT" with those guys and hang their first loss on 'em. It’s going to be a tall order to do so but I really think if we play OUR game and put pressure on THEM unlike they’ve never seen yet we can do it.
I was hoping that Vandy would be still undefeated when we met them but the Big Blue got them first in 3 OT's. Things must be kinda different in Lexington, now. Those Ruppies acted as if they won another NC after the game.
Sure must be hard on them being a break-even team under Gillespie who was suppose to be the answer to Tubby's "inability to win consistently". Bet they wished they had him back.
WE got THE MAN! BRUCE ALL-MIGHTY! GO VOLS!!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 12, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

everyone stop already with the Lofton worship and excusemaking and belief hes going to get it back ---no improvement in weeks and its not going to happen it appears----quit wanting him to jack it up more shots at 25-30%----he needs to find his shot if its to be found in practice and not in games ---I'm glad hes been missing less by shooting less--mayhe should try some 2s for a change to make a few and help his confidence

Posted by Ironcity on January 12, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Grat game and as a team we seem to be able to win in so many ways this year in comparison to last year. I am no expert, but Lofton just doesn't look comfortable in his play on offense. He looks like he has to think about what he is doing. Its a classic problem when you are in a slump. He ends up passing up good opportunities and taking bad ones. He really just needs one good game and I think he will be back. I am starting to believe that the absence of Dane (who always passed to Lofton where he wanted it) has hurt him more then I would have thought.

Posted by scvolalum on January 12, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree, alfrizzle097. Chris, why don't you just concentrate on your overall game, as you obviously do anyways, enjoy yourself and allow your gift of the magic 3's to relentlessly swoosh away----as we know you will. Ain't Bruce somethin'?

Posted by SFOrange on January 12, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Next 3 games are huge and nationally televised (Vandy, Ohio State, @ UK)...this team still has not reached its potential..if Lofton gets his shot back watch out.

Posted by VolBall on January 12, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton obviously serves a different role with this team. We have all seen him take over games in past years and carry the team on his shoulders, often times with forced three pointers heavily contested. This year, while he is still taking some forced shots, there are several talented team mates to look to.

Lofton still stretches the defense. His shooting slump is obvious, but you'd better get a hand in his face if you're an opposing defense.

Lofton seems to be a great young man. He is a winner, and I believe he will display senior leadership and make big shots (within the offense) in the remaining games in the season. He will always have a green light from Coach Pearl.

Nothing like a game against his home state, Kentucky, to get his juices flowing the 3's dropping like gum drops.

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on January 12, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win on the road!! No matter who you play, a road win in the SEC, especially by this much, is hard to get!
Can't wait to see them on TV against Vandy (who lost in 2OT @UK).

Posted by jevolball7 on January 12, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice game! This team is getting better game by game. SLOWLY climbing the ladder,rung by rung. Which is exactly what we should want. Not too fast or slow,just progressing. March is starting to smell mighty good!!We could have beat them by 40 if Bruce wanted. Get off CL,his PIECE of the PUZZLE fits just fine this year!

Posted by VolBall on January 13, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In my life time... Coach DeVoe had some nice years with Dale Ellis, but the shot clock and 3 point line were changes to which he was slow to adjust.

Wade Houston...Just plain terrible years. Tennessee was blown away on so many occassions. Bell, Weisman, Griffin, Swarragen(sp?), one-eyed Roth...Only the company of his son, Allan Houston, can be looked back on as a plus during his tenure.

Jerry Greene....no discipline, but some talent with players like Victor and Heislip,

Kevin O'Neal....players scared to shoot beyond 12 feet from the basket, run the offense deep into the shot clock or else. Slow the tempo, curse the refs (which they deserve)

Buzz Peterson...the Jimmy Carter of coaches-too nice, players not tough enough, uninspired.

Then comes Bruce Pearl. Instant energy. Instant accoutability. Never flinched at "football school label" or "lady bball school". He established instatnly an environment and system that players and fans feed off of. Players take the court with the same demeanor he displays on the sidelines; sheer confidence and healthy swagger.

UT simply must butter his bread as heavily as it takes to keep him in Knoxville and allow him to solidify his legacy in orange.

Posted by johnlg00 on January 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto, jevolball7. Can't believe all the negative posts about Chris! I haven't seen the stats yet, but I'm pretty sure he had a few marks in every box of the stat line. Had to wince at a couple of his passes, but I do the same with JaJuan. I REALLY want to see Chris get the SEC career 3-pt record, but until the shot starts dropping, I'm happy that he is contributing and that the team is winning. I'm sure he feels the same way, classy guy that he is.

Posted by EastTennVol on January 13, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good road win for the Big Orange!!! Hey Bruce... C-Lo needs to get back in the groove if we want to get that much needed win against the Commode-doors next week.

Posted by dfreeman on January 13, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've actually only seen one negative Chris remark, and that's the guy that said to bench him!! Everyone else wants him to get his shot back!!

Posted by andy112382 on January 13, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Got to go to the game, first Tennessee basketball game I ever attended, good one to make my first! Great win! Those SC fans were dead quiet and left with 11+ minutes left, Vol fans were the majority at that point.

Posted by dowdpat on January 13, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As crazy as this would have sounded at the begining of the season, The vols would be better served with Lofton being the 6th man and Prince taking his spot in the starting five. Jujuan is really the spark plug of this team and Tyler's shot has really come on. He is looking more and more NBA ready each game. This isn't an anti-lofton post, love the guy, but 15 games out of 28 is not a slump it's looking more like an off year. I compare it to baseball when a guy like Tony Gwynn had one sub .300 season, it happens to the best sometimes.

Posted by rbatten9 on January 13, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton is a victim of the SI cover curse I guess. Is there anyway we could get the whole Vandy team on the cover for next week?

Posted by DekanGator on January 13, 2008 at 1:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol Fans... As much as this pains me to say, It looks like UT must carry the load this year for the SEC.. We (gators) have carried to torch for the last 2 years. We are to young this year but we will be back..Take care of Kentucky this year... I love to see them whine.

Posted by weedbreath on January 13, 2008 at 2:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a little puzzled at the lack of confidence in Chris. As everyone that has followed Chris since he came to Tennessee should know this guy can shoot the basketball. The slump he is in right now is just that, a slump. It will not last all season and it may be a good thing that he is getting it out of the way now instead of slumping when it's crunch time.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep marching, Pearl. Chris, keep firing, the basket hasn't gotten smaller.

Posted by fencevol on January 13, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are 14-1, and most likely to be ranked 6th or 7th in the country. If Chris is averaging 25 per game, I, really believe we would be 11-4 +/-. With the players we have now, Coach has built this team to be a 6-7 headed monster, not a 1. If Chris were to go down(and believe me,I hope he NEVER does),I guarantee we don't lose 3 in a row. Chris's leadership on the floor would be sorely missed, but this is a completely different TEAM from last year. I completely agree with alfrizze097 and scvolaium,get off Chris, this year is a whole new ballgame. Chris brings a hell of alot more than points to this team. Go vols!! Win the next 3 and this team will REALLY be special.

Posted by rwagner42 on January 13, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win, I really feel this team can compete with anyone when they are on their game. I believe the Lofton slump is a mixture of two things:
(1) Bruce's offense is designed for playmakers to make their play. In previous years plays were designed to set Lofton up, get him in a rhythm, come off designed pick plays, etc. Now we run that shell offense where Lofton stands at his spot behind the 3 point arc and having run the base version of that offense myself before it is very difficult for a pure shooter to get in a rhythm running that particular position he is playing.
(2) Lofton is playing "New England Patriots" style game... meaning he is taking one for the team. Being a decoy to open up lanes pull a defender out, etc. and he knows this, not forcing things.

I think that down the stretch we'll see Lofton being set up for shots on designed pick plays, especially when we need it most.

Posted by TurboFan on January 13, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CLo should call CJ Watson (see other article on this site) or he won't be drafted by the NBA. The NBA wants scorers.

TDTN, if I am the opposing coach I let CLo shoot and tell the guy guarding him to sprint to the other end of the court for a fastbreak layup. We don't rebound consistently or defend the fast break very well.

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny as hell how so many who would kiss the feet of Chris Lofton if they ever got within 30 feet of him have so much to say. Best advice for all of you is to STFU about him and get off his ass because when the truth is known you will all feel like the fools you are. Bottom line 14-1!

Posted by james on January 13, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A game that concerned me. I again was concerned that SC was able to climb back into the game in the first half. My son said that SC was dead at half. He could see them holding their knees during free throws. He said the second half would belong to the VOLS. He was right. He was at the KY-Vandy game in Lexington and says both those teams SUCK. I hope he is right again.

Posted by Plasticman on January 13, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris is a Team player. He could care less if he scores alot of points (only shot 6 times yesterday) and only wants to win. I still think when we need him to fill it up, he will be able to. We are a better team when everyone is scoring 10-15 points and we don't rely on 1 player. I guarantee Lofty will win some games for us before the season is over....

Posted by jh43 on January 13, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris Lofton has carried us on his back to many victories over the years. I hurt for him to have this bad shooting year, but he still does a lot to help us win. We need him in there even when he is not hitting.

Just watch, he will hit some very critical shots. Meantime, Chris, just keep giving it all you have. Most Vol fans really appreciate all you have done for Vol basketball.

Posted by iowavol on January 13, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - Ramar 8-8 at the line, shooting 77% at the stripe since the 0-12 game. That 0-fer had to be a nightmare for him. Nice work coming back.

What a team. Agree with posts to get off Lofton's back. He has hit 40% of his shots the last few weeks and everyone saying he's still in a slump. The whole team is playing as a team rather than sitting around waiting for Lofton to do his thing. His standing around - that someone earlier complained about - is bringing the defense out to him and opening the middle so Tyler, JP and Jujuan can do their thing driving the middle. Well, Jujuan is doing his thing all over the place and really is the MVP do date on this team. This whole team is playing with confidence which is great. Keep it up.

Any chance of getting Duke Crews back this year?

Posted by Basketball_Jones on January 13, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone needs to get off of Lofton. This team is playing very well, we have like 4 guys averaging double figures and each night we might have a different leading scorer, sound familiar (Florida the last 2 years). Lofton won't play the 2 at the next level if he gets there, he will be a PG. All Americans don't ball hog unless they have to, Lofton is a team guy and knows he doesn't need 25 a night for this team to win. Get off his a^^.

Secondly why can't Jajuan make the simple pass? Last night they were running the break and he loads up his arm and throws a one handed bounce pass behind Lofton that goes out of bounds? WTH??? He makes bonehead plays like this at least 2x's a game. He's playing well right now but just make the pass for the easy bukct. Lofton was filling the wing for a 3 and an easy pass would have been in transition for what would hav been a nice play. There are people who make the difficult look easy and Jajuan isn't one those

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL, I cant tell if thats addressed to the CL excuse-makers or to those whose patience has run out and lost belief in him. CL is not contributing in other ways any more than a Josh Tabb would and prob less--last nite 0 assists, 0 steals, 4 TOs and not to the line at all cause he wants to jack rather than take in to the basket as he did some last year. His bad shooting has affected his entire game---we would be getting more out of a Tabb.I would never second guess our great coach but if its a confidence thing he needs to start by shooting 2's instead of 3s to try to get it back.
NOW TELL US THE_vOL WHAT IS THIS TRUTH YOU KNOW THAT THE REST OF US DON'T SO WE CAN FEEL LIKE A FOOL?

Posted by kiddtigger on January 13, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't watched the whole game yet. Had to record it, but I did see Lofton make a 3 in the second half that kind of sparked a nice run. He's still clutch when you need him. He's a team player, no doubt.

Posted by txvolsfan on January 13, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You got to love Coach Pearl encouraging guys to be individuals, even though if he tried that in a close game the conversation may go differently!!! Great team, they seem to be jelling now. Get well soon Duke so we can get you in the mix.
GO VOLS!!!
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by Ironcity on January 13, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris just needs one big game to get his mind back in sync. His timing is way off. It goes with a lack of confidence. Do I want to see him play less? Heck no. Teams still overplay on him, he is still able to demand a double team. I would hope that teams would start leaving him open because that would be the easiest way for him to break out of his slump. I hope that the next time we need a big hoop that its Lofton taking the shot and making it rather then one of the other guys. He is still my favorite player of all time and he always will be. He is still the guy I want shooting the ball with the game on the line or shot clock winding down (not Ramar).

Posted by johnlg00 on January 13, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We all love you, Chris! Thanks for what you have brought and are bringing to this team. Keep doing what you are doing in other ways to help the team win, and just RELAX!
TDTN, I haven't actually studied Chris's form as closely as you seem to have, especially with the tape comparisons to last year, but it seems to me that his form is not as consistent as it used to be. On at least one shot last night, it looked like he was really trying to AIM the ball by staying with his follow-through too long. Also, his launch angle varies from shot to shot, some higher, some flatter.
dowdpat, I'm starting to lean your way about the 6th man bit. As many have said, Chris brings much more than shooting to the game, but it blows my mind when I compare his shooting this year with the way he looked against Texas and Memphis, especially, last year. The only question in my mind is whether going to a 6th-man role will help his confidence or kill it for good!

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jw...no I don't care to share it.

yabababble...were you born stupid or did you grow into it? My comments were addressed to all fyi...however those with as little knowledge about this game in general and this team in particular as you consistently display should pay very close attention to them.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By no means am I a CL hater, hes a good kid and I'd like to see him get it back too but not by jacking 20 3 attempts a game as so many here suggest. Yes, its long beyond what could be considered a slump--BP has shown proper respect for 15 games for what CL has done in the past but now is the time to reaccess. Its lost of confidence magnified by the pressure in a starting role of the expectation hes not delivering on. At this point if we dont change how we use him no reason to believe his shooting is going to change. I'd hope BP would consider letting him come in as the 6th man and see if that takes some pressure off----more PT for Prince or a Tabb( who I think has skills) cant be a bad thing snd may give CL a way to relieve some weight and clear his head some

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE__VOL, and what makes you the so-called expert around here whose opionion should be considered gospel--lmao. You arent sharing it because you have nothing to share--you're full of crap!

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabababble --- Congrats! You are what makes America so great! In many countries, people of your level of ignorance and stupidity would be banned to desolate outpost. But here you can actually express your dumbass thoughts no matter how wrong they are! Get back to us with your ridiculous CLo crap when you've actually been within maybe 50 feet of him.

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on January 13, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of Lofton discussion. I still think there's going to be a night where he goes 8-10 from three land and drops in about 30 to get him going. Personally, I hope it is against Ohio State in a week.

What a great team, and nobody playing much more than 30 minutes a game. Shouldn't be worn down for the tourney like some teams will be.

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on January 13, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, I went to Vandy for grad school (from Knoxville and UT undergrad) and live in Columbus, OH. This is a big week for me!!!!! ***16-1***

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jw - are you related to yabababble? Shouldn't Tabb crack the SECOND FIVE before you have him replace a starter??? You two along with WD40 and numerous others are truly fools on this subject (and most others)!

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JW - GET THIS STRAIGHT YOU FRIGGING MORON - FOURTEEN WINS, ONE LOSS!!!! Lofton has done absolutely nothing to affect this team's chances at doing ANYTHING BUT WINNING! You a$$holes want to come on here and put BP in some damned cult zone for giving this program what it has never had and in the same breath question who he's playing???? I'm sure you've each been to more practices, had more conversations with players, and know more about what going on in these kids lives than he does, right? Keep posting fellas cause you just continue to prove how ignorant and foolish you really are.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL I'm not an idol-worshipper of anyone so I dont have to get within 50 ft of any so called celebrity---continue with the namecalling and personal insults cause thats all you got--me and jwraymond both gave you last nites line which you choose to ignore in your worship--CL is getting worse rather than better and something has to change to maybe turn him around---I thank him for what he's done the previous 3 years but everyone has to be accountable for how they are performing now and earn playing time---I want him to get it back but no reason to think its going to change without some changes to help it happen--Mr.Authority so you claim, this is about team 1st and not about CL .

Posted by THE_VOL on January 13, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabababble...you are right in that this isn't about idol-worship. It's about knowing what the hell you're talking about before you start calling out a 22 year old kid who you have absolutely no personal knowledge of. As usual though you want to take a stat line from one game that THE TEAM won by 24 points and make it fit your ridiculous argument. I'm through with you and your cyber twin JW as it just makes no sense to debate mental midgets.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE__VOL---you have nothing to debate with, insults just dont make a point. It makes absolutely no difference why CL is struggling-- you claim you have the secret answer but dont want to share it--lmao. Still thats immaterial--and something needs to change. Obviouly we have not needed his scoring so far and may not but you want to suggest 14-1 largely because of him when it could be argued in spite of him. It's not just about last nites stats---even worshipper Bert said late nite "chris is really struggling." In the absence of his scoring more minutes for Prince or Tabb will provide even more contribution that we get from CL now in a starting role. Of course other coaches are going to very soon have no respect for his shot and his value becomes even less as they back off, Mr. Authority

Posted by cjraney on January 13, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I havent seen Tabb or Tatum play at all lately. Seems like Pearl said he was going to make some redshirt decisions a few games back. Did I just miss these guys in the lineup or what? If they havent even seen the court lately then redshirts would seem likely and also explain Steven Pearl's cameo the other night.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've liked what I've seen of Tabb--on top of D and maybe some additional boards he's athletic and will take it to the basket some--a good assist/TO ratio too. He had a real good game against one of our lesser opponent 4 weeks ago and BP spoke well of his play so I'm a bit mystified why hes sitting though IN BRUCE WE TRUST. I'd like to see him get more PT---I sure hope THE_VOL wouldn't object too much but Mr. Authority might suggest we take it from Tylers time instead.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl, you go boy, smite Vanderbush. That'll keep part of the heat lamps off of Clawson and our late push for those recruits. Vols rock, so far.

Posted by iowavol on January 13, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The-Vol, I may not agree with your approach, but I support your points 100%. We're probably leading the conference in most offensive categories, we are #8 and moving up and more than likely we are one of the national leaders in creating turnovers. Yet people come on here and start blasting Lofton because, well, because he's not doing the same stuff as the previous 3 years. Heck, they are even saying something has to change, we should put in a 3rd stringer for him. One poster says all he does is jack up the shot from outside, yet 2 of his 4 turnovers were off drives to the basket and questionable charging calls. The other 2 were passes trying to get others involved. And the notion that opposing defenses might not pay as much attention will probably do more to get Lofton more involved than anything else. Bottom line, I believe in the Pearl and so should the rest of us.

Posted by Plasticman on January 13, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton is capable of scoring 30 points any night out. He only took 6 shots. Everyone needs to realize this is a TEAM, not a one or 2 player team as it has been in the past. Every player on the floor can score and we don't need Lofton scoring 30 points each game. His time will come when needed. 14-1 record, good wins over Xavier, West VA., Gonzaga, Ole Miss, Western Ky. Enough said!Keep rolling VOls!

Posted by mcbrim1998 on January 13, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do Vols players wear halos? No one else wears them. They look dorky...oops, maybe I just answered my own question.

Never mind.

Posted by ncvol17 on January 13, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Q: What's the deal with Lofton this year?

Posted by TurboFan on January 13, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted on January 10 at 7:57 p.m. On Tyler Smith lifts Vols, 85-83

"Mcbrim, they're honoring Pearl's jewish heritage by wearing reverse yarmulka. J/K
Keeps the sweat out their eyes Mcbrim. Nothing more."

Mcbrim, if you aren't going to read answers given to you, stop asking.

Posted by mcbrim1998 on January 13, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40. Normally I would agree with you when head-bands are worn over over the brows. But when the Vols players wear them, they are way back on their heads, just like a halo.

If you don't know the reason they do this, let someone else answer.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gentlemen, ck out The State.com and click onto USC BB. You will see some happy, happy campers with Odom. Hope he has cast iron drawers to wear.

Posted by etvolfan on January 13, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The point is that CL doesn't have to jack up a lot of threes. We have enough players to jack up threes so WAYNE YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHOOT THEM!!!!

Posted by Ironcity on January 13, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Raymond Coach Raymond!! We all want to know on press row why you decided to take your best defender off the best player on UT and maybe the conference? He lights you up for 30 tonight and we lose by 2. Please explain why you took a sample of 10 games instead of the sample of 100 games like every other coach in the country to determine your strategy. Your answer coach?

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, a great weekend to be a Gamecock fan. Was it necessary for Pat to dose them again on Sunday?

A double helping of Orange BB should hold them for a while.

Posted by inswhiz on January 13, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols looked so dominant in SC it was scary. On some nights SC can play some really good basketball but we were so dominant that it made them flat in a hurry. Just another step to hit our peak come March and take on the really big teams of NC and Memphis

Posted by ajbake on January 13, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

think lofton regrets not going into the draft last year? he'll come around... i hope

Posted by Ironcity on January 13, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So Ray, You are suggesting you would have benched Michael Jordan when he slumped in a 10 game stretch. Sounds pretty stupid to me. Bottom line, UT does not get to the final four if CLO doesn't get it going. He draws a lot of attention from the defense. The reason Tyler was able to go one on one the other night was because of the attention CLO was getting. He is still vaulable and if UT makes a run at the NC, IT will be because CLO got it going. I just don't believe making him a 6th man, benching him or reducing his minutes would be smart or get him started. I also believe Coach Pearl agrees.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 13, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fred Flintstone: Go back to Mr. Slate,work harder,get a Bronto burger,and ask Barney for some tips on "stone in bucket ball". I am sure you could also tutor CLo on shooting. Pound the Pteradactyl egg!!

Posted by Plasticman on January 13, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with Ironcity as far as VOls getting to Final 4. C Lo will have to become more of a factor to beat the top tier teams. Again, I don't think we'll need 25 points a game from him, but him scoring 15-20 points consistently definitely gives us a shot at the Final 4 as well as the SEC Tourney Championship. I have complete confidence that C Lo will get it going.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 13, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IronCity, your analogy is faulty. Michael Jordan trending down over 10 games of an approx 70 game season is not the same as CL over 15 games of approx 30 game season. As has been said--this is not a slump since he hasnt had it working since the beginning of the season. If changes are going to be made they need to be made early enough to get it all working before tourney time--can't wait to the week before if CL is still ice cold then. You think we cant go deep without him shooting well but if hes still not shooting well by time we get to the tourney by then he will be getting no respect for his shot by opposing coaches and this value hes still having no as you content will no longer be the case. Reduced minutes shouldnt impact him from being able to get his shot back--thats what practice is for if you are a shooter. JMO but of course BP knows best.

Posted by VolFan32 on January 13, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone back off Lofton. He is probably the nicest guy on the team and definitely the hardest worker (trust me, I would know) he just needs to keep shooting the ball, and he will get out of this slump. He is too good of a player. He will come through when we need him.

Posted by Ironcity on January 13, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing wrong with Tyler. He is a great player. So is CLO. Once the confidence comes back everything will fall in place. Only look at what happened last year when he got hurt. This teams needs Lofton. Raymond you have made some valid points. CLO is really struggling but he is still your best shooter. He is stil your best contested shooter and in my mind I still want him to have the ball at the end of the game. I often wonder what the outcome would have been against Ohio State on BOTH occasions had Ramar given up the ball to CLO. I have got to believe at least once the outcome would have been different. Oh and one other thing, every team we play will scheme to shut him down no matter how bad he has performed shooting the ball. They know as all of us know that when the light comes on (hopefully this season) he is the heart and soul of this team.

Posted by auttat on January 13, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought that the "what have you done for me lately" attitude wouldn't be implied in basketball quite this early, but guess what? It takes all of half of a season.

Let me get this straight, though. You want a person to gain confidence, so you bench him? It seriously makes perfect sense!

Chris Lofton is the heart and soul of this basketball team. Case in point, he passed on a 3 in the Ole Miss game, and went nuts when JaJuan nailed the 3, instead. The guy is all about winning!

Two words, SHUT UP!!

Posted by gmccown007 on January 15, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"daddyaxe"
Man, you are, without doubt, the greatest FOOL I have EVER encountered. CHRIS LOFTON is not trying? He deserves to ride the pine? In the name of God, just where have you been for the past 3 plus years? Clearly, you have NOT truly been WATCHING the games! Furthermore, you do not genuinely know even 1 single thing about the game of BASKETBALL! In the past 50 years, TENESSEE has never had a greater TEAM player. I wonder. Does a jerk off like you even know what that statement "MEANS"? Much less the CONCEPT these words NECESSARILY INCLUDE?
Not a chance! Why? Because it simply, inevitably follows that such "words" are way beyond any such fool as you.