Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Tennessee senior Jordan Howell watches from the bench as the Volunteers fell 92-91 to Arkansas at Georgia Tech's Alexander Memorial Coliseum on Saturday in Atlanta.
American Stats
Tennessee Men's Basketball
Ramar Smith and Jordan Howell get the point.
Both Tennessee point guards are aware they need to step up for the Vols to make a run in the NCAA tournament.
Smith has scored in double figures just once in the past 16 games while sinking only 10 of 19 free throws (.526), including two clutch misses in the 92-91 SEC tournament semifinal loss to Arkansas last Saturday.
Howell, meanwhile, is 0 for 12 from the field in UT's past three games and 8 of 52 (.154) over the past 14 contests.
The second-seeded Vols open the first round Friday (TV: WVLT, 12:15 p.m.) against Patriot League champion American (21-11) at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
Howell, a senior, is hoping it will be sweet home Alabama after the slump he has suffered dating back to a Jan. 29 trip to the Heart of Dixie to play the Crimson Tide.
"I have played three games in that (BJCC) building, one in the state tournament Final Four as a freshman, and we played for the state championship game my senior year,'' said Howell, who averaged about 20 points as a senior at Bob Jones High School in Auburn, Ala. "It's going to be nice to play where I kind of made a name for myself.''
Howell said he doesn't like the way he would remember his senior season if it were to end today.
"A lot of people were taking the blame after the Arkansas game, but it was all my fault, because if I make a couple of those shots, it's a totally different game,'' said Howell, who was 0-for-4 shooting against the Razorbacks. "I broke down after the game because this is the end of my career, and I feel like I'm not doing enough to help my team.
"I was crying big time in the locker room; this isn't how I envisioned it. The way I look at it, I have six games left to re-write the story.''
The way Smith looks at it, the NCAA tournament is in itself a whole new story.
"The season is over now, and this is a brand-new season as far as tournament-wise,'' said Smith, a sophomore who has started the past 15 games after losing the starting job to Howell three games into the season. "I don't think I've played as good as I did last year, but it's time to put that behind me.''
UT coach Bruce Pearl said "people want to smash our point guard play,'' but he doesn't believe that's a completely accurate assessment.
"They're playing good, not great,'' Pearl said. "They're not scoring as much, but they're playing good defense and not turning the ball over.''
A closer look at the numbers backs up Pearl's sentiments.
It's easier to understand how Smith's scoring has dropped from 10.7 points per game last year to 7.5 this season when one notes his playing time has decreased proportionately, from 27 minutes to 21 minutes.
Smith's free throw shooting percentage has dipped from .662 as a freshman to .615 as a sophomore, but he's shooting a better percentage from the floor this season (.443) than last (.437), and he has more assists and steals per game this year.
Howell, meanwhile, might have spoiled UT coaches and fans by getting off to a hot start this season, connecting on 29 of 66 (.439) of his 3-point attempts through the first 16 games.
Howell like Smith, has dropped off in free throw shooting the past year (.684 to .667), but he's averaging more points, assists and steals while playing the same number of minutes per game (18.3) that he did as a junior.
"The last however many games, I haven't provided what I can provide for our team,'' Howell said. "I'm not turning the ball over, but I'm still not contributing enough offensively. It has been weighing heavily on me, eating me up inside.
"The bottom line is me and Ramar know we need to play better.''
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Comments » 81
anthony writes:
At the first of the season, would have a number 2 seed been acceptable? Would have winning the SEC outright been acceptable? Would of winning one in the SEC tourney and losing one by one been acceptable.? Enough said. Just go out and play the rest of the games like it's a new season.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I hope Jordan doesn't keep beating himself about the past. Every athlete has slumps. I hope he has seen enough tape of himself shooting in games to pick up on the fact that he has been shooting on a much flatter arc for the past month than he was earlier in the season when he was hitting. That is usually a case of trying to guide the ball into the basket instead of just letting it fly. His release point is several inches lower than it ought to be. His shots are mostly on line, but he doesn't give it enough arc to drop through the basket. He is also leaning into the shot instead of going up straight. And yes, I am (or at least was) a coach. I have made a study of shooting. As a player in high school, I improved my outside shooting percentage from about 30% to 60% over one summer by studying my shot and practicing incessantly. What I think about it won't make any difference, but I can hope that he figures it out for himself. GO VOLS!!! GO JORDAN!!! MAKE US AND YOURSELF PROUD!!!
rabidvol1998 writes:
Relax Ramar and Jordan. Enjoy the ride, count on your team, play great defense and the rest will come.
No lack of accountability for these two fine guys.
Go Vols, Elite Eight or bust.
Hunter writes:
All the posters are on their game tonight baby! It's tourney time! Let's get after it and REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!!!!!
LargeOrange writes:
I hope no one, who is a Vol fan, I can't expect this from the Memphis and Gator interlopers, but I hope no Vol posters jumps on the fact the JH admitted that he broke down and cried over his lack of performance. I played sports at a pretty high level, but no where near the level these guys are on, but I know when we lost their were tears in the eyes of the men on that team that were the toughest and wanted it the most. I think Howell has been killing us recently, but I know it is not due to a lack of effort, I really hope he hits his rhythm and gets back into an offensively productive role. Good luck men and play with the heart and emotion that it takes to win championships.
redneckerson writes:
johnlg, send your resume to CBP and explain to him how you can fix a guy's shooting problems by watching on tv or from the stands - then stay close to the phone waiting on his call. Do us a favor though when you get hired and stay away from Lofton and Jajuan.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Redneck .. I would agree with johnlg somewhat on Jordan. He's hit 31% of his 3's. I bet he's hit 15% when off the dribble and 45% when catching and shooting. Just something I noticed (i think) while watching him.
Huntingdonvol writes:
Just play like its your last game of your life?No take your open shots and open up lanes and get fluid!No one blames you son your a vol and always will be!Just leave your guts on the floor and play ever position likes it your last !go jordan and go vols!
Lofton4three___MONEY writes:
Just don't put so much pressure on yourself that you play tight, guys. We're at our best when we're relaxed and having fun. The last few weeks, the guys seem like they're not having as much fun. Enjoy the ride and let's go as far as these seniors can possibly go!
VolBall writes:
Buckle up! It's going to be interesting. At a minimum, it's very refreshing for Vol fans to put on the court a very competitive, well-coached team. The loss to Arkansas and struggle with SC is a concern. If we better defend the post and dribble drives, make our share of our shots and turn teams over as we are accustomed to doing with a renewed sense of defensive intensity, we have the depth and senior leadership to go all the way. Point gaurd play clearly has to improve. Teams will continue to sluff off Howell and dare him to shoot. It should be an interesting tourny.
Ironcity writes:
Heck I didn't realize Howell was shooting that good.
trl_x writes:
Well my observation would be that Jordan seems to rush his shot quite a bit. I’d like to see him break himself down more before he shoots.
As for Ramar, his mechanics are such that I don’t think he’ll ever be a good shooter. But he can really penetrate. He just needs to find the open man a little better.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Not to distract from the wonderful basketball goings on....but go read the baseball story if you get the chance....We might have another good coach on our hands......he seems to know what he's talking about. Stay tuned...
eb502us#225637 writes:
Point guard play has been poor no doubt, and could be our ultimate downfall. Neither of these guys are long term answers (Jordan's gone next year anyhow and Ramar should really take Jordan's spot as a role/bench player for hopefully a real point guard that can shoot) But for now, we have to live with these guys, so lets just hope that they can occasionally hit a few shots (Howell)and play under control, not turning the ball over (Ramar)
iowavol writes:
Dang Largeorange, there's eight I's in that post. Re: the emotions, good to see he cares enough. Now let's get er done.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Proud of all the posters here today!! you guys could have piled on the poor kid, but chose to support him instead. Good job. oh and Bob Jones is in Madison Alabama not Auburn. GO get em fellas!! GO VOLS!
VolJunkie writes:
IMHO, points from either Ramar or Jordon are a bonus; there are plenty of other guys who can score. Their value lies in their ability to generate offensive opportunities and TAKE CARE OF THE BALL. It's that pesky assist/turnover ratio. If they can do that, the rest will take care of itself.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong ...
Go VOLS!!!
wjackson#226202 writes:
Check out this link. It is nice to see love thrown our way. Bill Simmons has Tennessee making it to the NCAA Championship game with UCLA. Unfortunatley he has us losing to them. Nice to see some believers though. Time will tell.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/...
GreerVol22 writes:
The fact is Ramar is becoming a liability and Howell's D keeps him in the game. They had better step it up 'cause relying on Chris and Jajuan to keep bailing you out has become standard these past few months.
PennVol writes:
Let's keep the right players on the floor in the tournament. We have a lot of depth - let's use it. Defense wins championships! GO VOLS!
wjackson#226202 writes:
If anyone has not read this. Please check it out. It is the story of Bruce and how he got to Tennessee. Very interesting. He already has a street named after him. We have picked up what I believe will be a great coaching legend.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/column...
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Believe it or not, redneckerson, an experienced player or coach who knows what he is looking at can indeed tell at a glance who is or is not a shooter, and if he is not, then why he is not. To such a one, the difference in the way Jordan shoots when he is hitting and the way he has shot lately is as obvious as if a golfer suddenly started hitting the ball with the back of the club instead of the face. I don't have such an impressive resume that CBP should automatically give me a job as a shooting coach, but I would love--though I won't get--a chance to talk to him about it for a bit. Shooting isn't rocket science, but it IS a science, or at least an art, that can be studied, dissected, and improved with the right practice. I like Jordan and I hope he can get it going again in the tournament. Goodness knows we need contributions from everyone on the roster if the team is to make a deep run. GO VOLS!!! FINAL FOUR OR BUST!!!
volwalk writes:
I would say to these two guys---play up to your strengths, defend well, distribute the ball, call the plays--Ramar quit running into double and triple teams--you've got to see it by now and Jordan if they give you the wide open "j" shoot it. If you miss--play hard defense and get the turnover. We have so many weapons on this team--there shouldn't be any pressure on the point. Look for your teammates first and get the assist---if their not open and you are shoot the rock...Have fun its March Madness!!
GO VOLS!!!!
CoverOrange writes:
Too bad Dane Bradshaw didn't take a redshirt his freshman year under Buzz. He would be our starting PG now (unless some strange malady afflicted him as usual). Though no where near the driver that Ramar is Dane could dish to the open man and hit the open shot (even with tendinitus) better than Ramar or Jordan.
1974Vol writes:
We don't need points out of the Point Guards. We need what they're giving us (as far as assists to TO ratio) and for them to play better defense and hit their free throws. Offense is not a problem for this team. Lately they aren't defending anyone. When you score 91 and lose, the problems not offense. Unless they all start "playing defense" instead of being "on" defense, including hitting the defensive boards (the Hogs owned their offensive boards) this team is 2 and done. "Play ground" offense is fine with me, "Play Ground" defense is a prescription for losing.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
sounds like they just thought they would win the sec tourney and when they lost OMG what's wrong.... attitude was the problem in the sec tourney.. change the attitude to I'm going to win no matter what and we'll be ok....
I thought they had a great chance of gettting to the CG but with the loss in the tourney and where they were placed its going to be super hard to get there.. GO VOLS!!!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well said, 1974Vol. There is lots more to good point guard than just shooting the ball, though that is a nice bonus. Like you, I am really more concerned about the defense and the assist-to-turnover ratio than I am about the point guards scoring. NCAA tourney history shows that nearly all champion teams had great point guard play. At the least, we must ensure that point guard play is not a distinct disadvantage for us.
brad2235951 writes:
I know this a little off the subject, but has BP made any comments about the rumors going around about the IU job?
Volchaz writes:
Forget Screech outshooting your sister, he just needs to cut back on the turnovers, and I'll be happy. Ramar just needs to find a shot. He'll have all next year to jack them from deep.
Volgrad777 writes:
Johnlg00, where did you coach at and what level did you play at , just curious?
drjcreative#516390 writes:
johnlg00 is absolutely correct. I've seen the same thing in Howell's shot. When he was shooting well, he went straight up and stroked the shot at the top...squared and smooth like a high pitch shot. Then, all of a sudden he starts pushing the ball, sticking his butt out and delivering it on an incredibly flatter plane which is going to decrease its chances of going in dramatically. Then, there goes the confidence and he's compensated by shooting and hoping. He also, to give us options, needs to drive and dish every once in a while. Right now, he gives the opposition little to worry about. Straight up, squared up and stroke it at the top. Go out with a bang, Justin. We need that from you and Ramar just needs to be a better decision maker when he does drive the basket.
brad2235951 writes:
BP might change it some and go with c3 and jj at the guards and have combonation of chism, tyler and prince or maybe go bigger with c3, jj, tyler, chism and duke. what u think?
the_comeback writes:
Are you guys serious? These comments are all pep talks to the players like they are going to read them before they take the floor. How about some substance? How about some jokes? Step it up. This is boring.
wjackson#226202 writes:
So is the vice president there Fritter. lmao
volmattna writes:
A point guard is supposed to lead the team. And that is what they are not doing. When you really need a bucket a good point will create somthing and these guys cant create anything but a bad shot or a turnover. I think we will go deep soley on the guard play of jajuan and lofton i dont think jordan is a point guard but if he would hit that open three it would help us. Ramar has the potential but im afraid he is just a street baller. And he is not agressive and hungry enough to play on this team. But if we had a true point on this team he wouldnt be playing at all. GO VOLS! Take it 1 game at a time
UTByrd writes:
It is always amazing how a much a good cry can do for a person's mentality. There is no telling how much pressure JH has put on himself the last several weeks. I feel in my heart that this cry will not only do wonders for JH, it will also have a positive effect on the entire team.
How about the cushy bracket that UCLA is in. If I'm UNC, I would be asking the selection committee, "What's up with that?"
UNC will not make the Elite 8. Arkansas will take care of them.
Beware of any SEC team. Most of the teams did not have a complete team until the end of the regular season. After the tourney, the SEC will once again prove that they are one of the top conferences this year.
Go Vols !!!!!
VolCane7979 writes:
"Posted by zanebreeding on March 20, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnlg00, where did you coach at and what level did you play at , just curious?"
???????????????????????????????????????
rightcolorofOrangenupstateSC writes:
How about...ummmmm...forget what is written and said and go play ball boys...it's time. 6 games for the rest of your lives....GO VOLS!!!! Bring on Carolina [if they can fit their heads into the gym]
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
bossvol:
I pull for SEC teams against outsiders. Kinda sucks from my view:
1) UGA placed as a 14-seed, and then having to play 3 days after the b/s weekend
2) Xaviar shot 28 FT's, UGA 5?? Hope that's not what is going to happen to all SEC teams this year. UGA outshot them from the field.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
g_F,
from what I've read X got a pretty nice 'helping hand' in this game.
sheesh, 33 free throws to UGA's 5??? that is hard to cvercome.
overatedvols writes:
One team from the might SEC has played so far and.......well.......one loss. Second SEC team is now playing and losing. It just can't be. The SEC is so mighty and teams from little ole conferences like C-USA would get beat constantly if in that conf. It must be a fluke.. bad referees or just maybe ........bad SEC teams in a very very overrated conference. Georgia won the SEC tournament and out in their first game. This speaks for itself. When this tourney starts you can't hide behind a conf. and claim all your losses were due to in conferences losses because your conf. is so good. This tournament is an equal opportunity tourney and it always exposes the weak and overrated conf. This year.. it's the SEC. In just over 48 hours the SEC will go from having 6 teams in it to a max of 2. Who knows what Tenn. will do in their second round game. There is a possibility there could be less than 2 after Sunday. You guys certainly aren't worried about your second round matchup..are you? Butler, South Alabama. What a laugher. You should beat them by 50..right????
Now Memphis has to play a mighty SEC team.. Miss. State. ..whew..shiver..shiver.. We are terrified.. ha ha..
Bottom line..SEC = overrated.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Mark ward;
a rehash; doesn't matter how you spin it. the more you prattle on, the worse you make your team look.
-----------------------------------------------
I would suggest you look at your team at least a bit in the context of the UT game.
1) Rose had a great game against UT; however, every point guard UT has faced since then has lit them up. So, while many of us think Rose is 'the real deal', it is hard to say HOW real.
2) CDR wasn't much of a factor. However, he has shown over time that he is a good player.
3) Here is the real worry: your insdie players are low-quality, and are your team's biggest weakeness, IMHO.
4) FT's. yes, just like UT, you choke when the pressure is truly on.
5) You've asseted that UT is no good, and an NIT team. Yet, you couldn't hold them off and put them away in spite of playing at home.
6) UT didn't play very well in the UMem game. So, in essence you lost to an NIT team that wasn't playing well. There is not doubt that UMem can play great, but you would want to be careful about letting down against 'lesser' teams such as UTenn.
You have an ideal bracket to go the final four. If UTex makes it, you should match up well with them. The key will be how well Augistine (sp) is playing, and whether Atchley plays like a man or forgets to show up.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
its been agreat ride this season, I thank the coaches and the guys for a heck of a season.
If anyone ever suggests they dont hustle out there, then they don't watch many games. win or lose, wer'e behind you.
Best of luck in tournament, you all deserve it for all the work you put in, go Vols...
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
mark ward, P. II;
It must just really roast your nuts that UMem lost to the "NIT" vols. Not just lost, but were beaten.
I kind of skim thru your obtuse, lengthy posts, so maybe I've missed where you have pointed out why?? MEM was at home was rested, was in the middle of a cupcake schedule, had more talnet, a better coach, better fans, better everything....why did they lose??
Did UT cheat and I just missed it??
Pleas educate me, I'm waiting.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
boss;
We don't have very favorable matchups for the SEC this year.
I thought UGA would battle X, but didn't think they'd have a chance to win with so little rest.
They did well.
invisiblekid writes:
"A lot of people were taking the blame after the Arkansas game, but it was all my fault, because if I make a couple of those shots, it's a totally different game,'' said Howell, who was 0-for-4 shooting against the Razorbacks. "I broke down after the game because this is the end of my career, and I feel like I'm not doing enough to help my team.
"I was crying big time in the locker room; this isn't how I envisioned it. The way I look at it, I have six games left to re-write the story.''
Howell is absolutely right, he was a big part of that loss to the Hogs. However, there is no shame in admitting he broke down. He also has the right attitude going into the tournament. My suggestion to him would be to just stop thinking and rely on the technique developed from all those hours in the gym. There is a reason the term "unconscious" is sometimes used to describe the hot shooter.
VolJunkie writes:
General -
I think UNC has a tough road as well with ARK and ND, it is not a given that they will make the regional final ... IMO.
Go VOLS!!!
IMAVOL2 writes:
howell seems like a nice enough kid , but he should not be given another chance to go 0-fer again . enough is enough . his shooting has been......... well, TERRIBLE !! (sorta like ut's defence) . give someone else a chance , how worse could the next kid in line be as far as scoring some critical points !!??
invisiblekid writes:
I'd rather be one of the "bad SEC teams in a very very overrated conference" than a very very bad team in an underwhelming conference. At least the SEC teams are playing today. And it won't take long to expose a weak conference like CUSA, only one loss needed.
VolJunkie writes:
General - agreed, Pitt and TX could easily win the NC. I've seen ND a couple of times this year and Louisville once, the Big East is unbelievably tough. After watching the ACC tourney I just think UNC is beatable.
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