Right decision? Crown sought with Prince in guard rotation

  • By Mike Griffith
  • Posted March 22, 2008 at 7:49 p.m., updated March 22, 2008 at 7:49 p.m.

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Tennessee Men's Basketball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Tennessee sophomore Duke Crews conducted a TV interview wearing a borrowed beach hat and sunglasses Saturday afternoon.

It was only appropriate.

The Vols are searching for a new look on the court, too, with hopes of advancing past the second round of the NCAA tournament today (TV: WVLT, 2:30 p.m.).

Tennessee (30-4) plays Horizon League champion Butler (30-3) at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex with a trip to the Sweet 16 in Charlotte, N.C., on the line.

The meeting between the East Region's No. 2-seed Vols and No. 7-seed Bulldogs marks the first time in NCAA tournament history two 30-win teams have met in second-round play.

Today marks the first time UT coach Bruce Pearl has entered into a game with Ramar Smith and J.P. Prince as his primary point guard rotation.

"It is an interesting time of year to be doing it,'' Pearl said, in reference to the unusual timing. "Getting my best players on the floor is really why J.P. is playing some at the point.

"And I'm hoping that it was the right decision.''

Prince played point guard at White Station High School in Memphis, in the AAU ranks and at Arizona before transferring to UT.

But since coming to the Vols and sitting out last season, the 6-foot-7 sophomore has been used almost exclusively at small forward.

"I'll do whatever coach wants me to do to help the team,'' said Prince, who will continue to see time on the wing. "I was a point guard before, an All-American (high school) point guard. It's my natural position. I've played point guard my whole life.''

Pearl tried Prince at point guard before this season started, again against Kentucky on March 2 and in Friday's 72-57 win over American in the first round.

"J.P. had only one assist and three turnovers (against American),'' Pearl said of Prince's 21-minute outing, "(but) he made some plays defensively, he took some charges, he actually had a couple of other balls that could have counted as assists, but somebody may have put the ball down on the floor.''

Ramar Smith, who is expected to start today after being benched the first half of Friday's game, had two assists, no turnovers and scored four points in 14 minutes against American.

Smith said he doesn't know how many minutes he'll be asked to play against Butler.

"There's so much being switched up, but it's really best for the team,'' Smith said. "Things happen, what can I say? Ain't too much I can say. If we win, that's what I'm about.''

Jordan Howell said that's what he's about, too, and that's why the senior is keeping his head up.

"I know coach Pearl is just trying to find the best combination on the floor,'' said Howell, who started at point guard against American but has missed his last 14 shots over the past four games. "I'd like to be out there, of course, but it's really about what's best for the team.

"I don't know what's going to happen next, but I know I have to stay up and stay ready.''

First-year Butler coach Brad Stevens, who was an assistant when the Bulldogs defeated UT 56-44 in last season's preseason NIT, said the Vols' multiplicity at the point creates a challenge.

"They all bring different strengths to the table, they all play different ways and Tennessee's a great team with all of them on the floor,'' Stevens said. "As far as Prince goes, obviously he's a tremendous athlete, a guy that brings a lot of energy, a guy that makes plays in transition, can make plays on second chances, can make plays off the drive.''

UT senior JaJuan Smith said the team can handle the point guard adjustments.

"When they're at the point, they know what they got to do and we can read them,'' he said. "We know how to play with all three, and we have just been working on that all season long.

"I think coach is going to put the best point guard on the floor for our opponent."

Orange Slices: Pearl is 6-4 all-time against Butler, including his games as head coach at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. … Chris Lofton's 106 points in the NCAA tournament rank second in UT history to Dale Ellis 116 set from 1980-83. … JaJuan Smith is averaging 19.2 points and hitting .486 from beyond the 3-point line over the past five games. … UT is 3-0 in NCAA tournament games played in Birmingham, Butler is 4-1. … Both teams have set their respective school's single-season record with 30 wins.

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Comments » 129

tenuscvol writes:

If Prince and the rest of the team can work the ball and not try so much globetrotter phooey (and Lofton is on) then we'll defeat Butler...otherwise it will be a hard fought contest and Butler can beat Tennessee....GoVols!

thesavageorange writes:

I'm no arm chair point guard so I'll leave this up to Bruce.I posted the adress below on another thread ,but I think it is worth reposting.Very good column about Uncle Bruce.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/column...

VolFan_stuck_in_FL writes:

i guess i'm just partial because i bleed orange through and through or maybe it's the 6 pack that i've had, but i think we are going to rip Buttler a new one.

GO VOLS prove all the naysayers wrong and kick some arse.

Razzle writes:

Id love to see that plasticman. GO VOLS!

bpvol#216873 writes:

Been a while since I posted but here's my opinion;

BP knows what he is doing....At the beginning of the season Jordan was leading the team and knocking down open 3's very confidently...and consistently.

Suddenly, mid season rolls around and it becomes expected to hit the 3's..... pressure takes it toll and all of a sudden he goes into a slump, the shooting slump shakes that confidence and moves into an overall leadership issue....

This year, Ramar never has gained last years poise or swagger....not sure about him...

Either way, whats the best thing for pressure...relieve it....Jordan's not the starter, he comes off the bench....Mark my words, before this game/tourney is over, Jordan Howell will show up big....

We have nothing to lose and everything to gain...so what....do you think that if JP really stinks that BP won't sub....now either Ramar or Jordan, come off the bench and have no expectations....so to speak...

I think its a great idea and will work wonders for Jordan...not sure about Ramar.

Pearl is a master at doing what it takes to keep the team motivated...

Win or lose...this teams accomplishments
cannot be disputed...

DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:

Everybody who trusts Bruce Pearl, raise your hand.

I'll start.

utchris writes:

Have to trust BP. Like some have said, he has most often pushed the right buttons over his past three years. As fans, we only get to see the team in game settings. BP and the coaching staff get to see these kids day in and day out so they are going to see a lot of things that we might never see.

GO VOLS

VolCane7979 writes:

How do you know JP isn't even close to being a PG? Have you been scouting practices?

phillyvol writes:

bpvol -- I think you're on to something. BP is starting a new configuration going out. That may work, then again it might not. Let's say UT is doing well, hanging in there. Second half rolls around and he can put in his original PGs fairly fresh. This might be a pretty good strategy -- start with a new and potentially good lineup and see how things go. Either way he can always put in the original guys as things progress. Good move Bruce!!!

GerryOP writes:

In Bruce we trust! Amen!

Ironcity writes:

I wish Howell would come into a game and make a big shot but the reality is he can't hit the broad side of a barn. This is not a favorable move but it is a necessary move. Howell's poor play has lead UT to some average ball over the last 3 weeks. It was time. I hope UT utilizes Prince down low and post up Graves and some of the shorter Butler players.

bencrazyvolhoopsfan writes:

I trust the coach. He would not make a decision just for the sake of making one. I'm sure it has more to do with match-ups than anything else. Let's do this thing and win it all!!!

1974Vol writes:

This move probably has as much to do about getting a bigger more atheletic player out on D on the 3 line than about Jordon's 3 shooting or Ramar's lack of scoring. This game will be a low scoring grinder. We need someone out front that can smack a few 3 balls back in the shooter's face and JP can jump like I used to (in my dreams).

anthony writes:

This is the time to turn it on, to do your thing, play like heck and as a team. Beat Butler!!!

lscott414#347645 writes:

If vols don't create opportunities with defense it will be a long day. Anyone know where to watch the game in Dallas?

redneckerson writes:

Tammy, what's with the shot at CHS???

redneckerson writes:

Tammy, what's with the shot at CHS???

trl_x writes:

I know it’s heresy to question Bruce but this a dangerous move at this juncture of the season. Hopefully it works out and if it doesn’t we’ll know by halftime and adjust. One thing though is that J.P. can create matchup problems with his length and athleticism. That’s never a bad thing.

I personally think it’s outrageous that two 30 win teams are playing in the 2nd round. It’s not fair to us or Butler.

Go Vols!!

yabadabadoo1026 writes:

1974Vol what you said makes sense, hes had his problems staying with drivers without fouling but if he can stay in front of these 3 shooters they definitely will have to alter there stroke to get it over him and get out of their comfort zone

jcorange98 writes:

watched a ton of ball this year, ut will throw games, think back against american(basically a good high school team)lost to UMBC by 15, ut up 3 or 4 dump it in low easy bucket on bad players, defensive rebound late, look right at american player and throw him a perfect chest pass, then foul him, lofton missed a couple free throws late, passes on 3-1 breaks behind the back or out of bounds, too many athletes to look that bad, watch first half lines, i know conspiracy theories, sorry it does happen, a 30 point win against american and line on butler would be 7 or 8, now it's 4, ut will cover, win by 8 or 9, lofton will have 20 make all FTs, jordan howell is not a good bball player, R smith will run show, sorry cbp is on take too

lscott414#347645 writes:

I've watched a lot of games to and the vols can beat anyone an lose to a lot of teams with their style of play. Pretty bold statement to say BP is on the take.

MemphisVol writes:

headed down in the morning. GO VOLS!!!

jcorange98 writes:

yeah, beat south car by at least 24 each time, then shoot 56.5 percent and win by 2, ut goes 10 or 11 deep, averages 80 points and R smith plays limited mins, if j howell ever plays again we will all know cbp is not straight

utchris writes:

Or it could have been the fact of playing SC a third time, and the second time in five days, when SC played inspired for their coach. To suggest that BP or anyone on this team is on the take or fixing games is ludacris and you are a disgrace to VOL Fans nationwide

VOLS85 writes:

Sorry jc rook,

Your input is negligent and boldly incorrect. It wasn't us "throwing the spread" so the spread can be reduced for Butler. But I assume you'd say the same thing for dook as they eeked out a win against belmont but blew that and screwed up BADLY against WVU today.

This same American team played and beat Maryland at the comcast center this year. They were playing for their lives and we just weren't as motivated because we viewed an inferior opponent as they are, inferior, a common trend if you look back at the past month since beating Tiger High.

The only motivated game we have played is against SC, and it was because it was senior day...a very emotional and inspiring day for anyone who was there, against a mediocre team.

Your mom must have blamed you for a lot when you were little to be thinking conspiracy here.

Oh and just a little fyi, Oswald killed Kennedy and the vols will take care of Butler tomorrow.

Mark it
GO VOLS

Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:

ucla was VERY fortunate to win. the basket that made the diff was absolutley a moving screen, like a fullback lead block.

A&M hits free throws, the game is different.

Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:

I'll tell you the one thing that concerns me with Butler:
all the fans, the media, maybe even the team are treating Butler as the gods of basketball. I mean, I believe in respecting your opponent, but a lot of this seems to border on fear.

Look, I went back and read some of Butler's losses/closs games. Basically, How Graves goes dictates how they play. Stop Graves, and they are in trouble.

IMHO, we need to NOT run the ball, but instead greind it out, use Tyler and Wayne. If Chris and Jajuan are hitting, great.

Something else: no press, no steals, just play man up and take away the easy 3-pt looks.

Sounds simplistic, right?? Well, to me that is how you play a team that doesn't make many mistakes on its own.

Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:

How Butler did not end up being a higher seed is so odd. You look at some of the poor efforts turned in by some high seeds, then you look at UGA or Butler, and you just shake your head.

lpelleg1#634551 writes:

Not to beat a dead horse, but nothing in this story stood out more to me than this:

"The meeting between the East Region's No. 2-seed Vols and No. 7-seed Bulldogs marks the first time in NCAA tournament history two 30-win teams have met in second-round play."

Forget about getting stuck with Louisville and North Carolina, that's exhibit A when it comes to the evidence of the Vols getting hosed.

IBleedOrange444 writes:

From above:

"The meeting between the East Region's No. 2-seed Vols and No. 7-seed Bulldogs marks the first time in NCAA tournament history two 30-win teams have met in second-round play."

Wow, talk about making history. Come on UT give it everything you've got!!! Let's go want it more than them!

MTConcrete08 writes:

I trust BP but Prince at Point Guard??? Can he use he right hand whatsoever? GO VOLS

calivol writes:

jcorange98, is it really possible you're that stupid? please tell me you're just a degenerate that's drunk because you're a bad gambler and can't come up with any other reason as to why you keep losing money.

richvol writes:

This is a brilliant move by Pearl. Prince is capable of so much more than Howell athleticly and poses matchup problems for Butler that they just now have to come up with answers for.

Unless Prince starts carelessly throwing the ball away we should be better. J.P. is a threat to score and can defend.

Stopping Graves is the key to beating Butler...his passing and shooting killed us last year. Prince and Josh Tabb are plenty able to shut him down.

VOLinDAWGland writes:

If Howell can't find his shot then might as well replace him with a better athlete. Howell doesn't drive and dish, he just rotates the ball around the back court. J.P. doesn't look very natural as a point, but he's at least a superior athlete who can make things happen offensively and defend...given the PG challenge this team has had all year, this move makes sense.

Now Lofton needs to move more without the ball and fight for his shot. He does way too much standing around.

King53 writes:

This move by CBP is all about getting your five most athletic guys on the floor for the most minutes. I'm sorry but the upside between JP and Jordan is not even close. JP averages about 8 points a game and Jordan may be lucky to get a couple of free throws. Also, someone else pointed out the fact that with Butler's 3-pt shooters that JP's wing span will help defensively on the perimeter. For all you out there saying JP dousn't know anything about being a point guard, do you realize this is the first year he hasn't played point guard for his team??? All through high school, AAU, and at Arizona he played the point. CBP had him play forward this year b/c of our depth at the guard position. So are you going to tell me that after 7 plus years, he is just going to forget how to play the position??? give me a break. get behind this team, this coach, and watch what transpires. GO VOLS!!!

THE_VOL writes:

Mike Griffith needs to show some guts and put the TRUTH out here for everybody! TRUTH:

1. Ramar and Brian Williams were SUSPENDED for the first half on Thursday for a violation of team rules. It wasn't just a DNP-coaches decision but privacy laws prevent any official talk of "medical" conditions.

2. Howell took HIMSELF out of Thursday's game at the half. BP merely made it for the ENTIRE half and beyond cause he's tired of the lack of competiveness. Essentially JH quit.

3. Prince has NO CLUE what he's doing at the point. Many times on Thursday he was up top and guys were pointing and telling him where to go. He is NOT a PG. PG's not only KNOW what they are doing but what everybody else is doing as well. The best thing that could happen today is for Ramar to go 40 minutes regardless of how he might play. At least he knows where to go and won't screw up ALL the rhythm for everybody else.

Bottom line - the Vols will still beat Butler today. But what should be a steamroller team busting through the tourney has become a train wreck trying to find a way to make it back to the station without blowing up. One big time Memphis-like performance would sure help cure alot

GerryOP writes:

Nice article on Pearl:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

volnknox writes:

Don't you think BP should have kept playing/starting JP a little more of a secret.
I mean it would have thrown off Butler, especially if they were preparing to see Jordan H. or Ramar at point?
I applaude BP decision to remove Jordan, It something that should have been done a ways back.

EDis4UT writes:

mparker:

No pressing? BP should start off the game with it. If it is not working (i.e. throwing the ball over the top) I say pull the plug on it quickly.

Playing slow down will definitely play into Butler's hands. Although, it should cut down on turnovers and sloppy play. We can't afford that today.

Butler is 30-3 and I don't think it is no fluke. BP & Co. better be poised and focused or we will be looking at another Wichita St exit.

I don't have a problem if Prince started at guard. First miss slam - bench him.

THE_VOL writes:

Excuuuuuuuuuse me Tammy Hall! I stand corrected. Now, is THAT the best you have to offer here???? If so, get your sorry fat a$$ in the kitchen and cook me some breakfast!

ED: I tend to agree with you about pressing early but I also seriously doubt that Butler will be effected much by it. They are a very experience and intelligent team that knows how to adjust. I believe our success today rests with our half-court defense and rebounding. Must minimize the open looks and deny second chances. Force the ball out of Green's hands and deny Graves. Must also keep Green from rebounding - at 6'1 he's their top rebounder! Make the others beat us if they can. Tyler/Chism/Crews should own Howard and Streicher inside. JMO

JohnnyU writes:

Good morning and Happy Easter to all. I am in the Navy and stationed up here in the DC area and there is a really good article on Bruce Pearl on the front page of the sports section of the Washington Post. He is certainly putting UT on the basketball map, and folks are watching us. Its fun to see this, I hope we can shake our recent funk and keep it going, it would be a disappointment to have us fall short of the round of 8, but its great to have such a dynamic coach in charge of the program. The article gives an insight to him tells me the program will keep getting better and better. If I knew how to link it to you all I'd do it maybe later.

pupvol writes:

cbp should have had ramar coached up by now! just letting players freelance on offense doesn"t develop any continuity.point guard problems didn"t start just now!

rockyknox writes:

I think todays game is more about our other two guards than it is about our point guard. Butler will slow the tempo so we won't be running as usual. Like Butler with Campbell and Graves we need Lofton and JuJuan Smith playing as many minutes as possible. The slower pace will allow this to happen. If CL and JS get the additional minutes guess who doesn't? Prince of course. This may be a one game experiment based upon the opponent. If we win, look for business as usual against Louisville with 10 fresh set of legs in the rotation.

Madkels writes:

Let's face it. Howell has lost confidence as of late. So BP has to shake it up a little. But the key's to this game will be defense, rebounding, and FT%. Take care of these three and we move on to the Sweet 16. American killed us on the boards. I just hope that all the media hype making us look like the underdog, will motivate us to play loose and take it to them. It's win or go home. See you in Charlotte!

Kwitcherbellyachin writes:

In other news, here's a terrific article in the Washington Post about Coach Bruce Pearl:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

dopedawg writes:

Please, no more NBA wanna be stuff--just play ball. Maybe the switch in pg will mess with Butler some. Dont take any un-necessary risks. Take the good 2's and dont take chances on iffy treys. Folks, keep up the faith for our guys!!! What is this conspiracy stuff? Are you crazy??? Why ruin a good career, and the good raise BP will get? Crazy!!!!!

EDis4UT writes:

THE_VOL:

I doubt the press will be very effective vs. Butler, but we least have to try it. Rebounding is definitely the key for this game. We will obviously have to better than we did against American.

"get your sorry fat a$$ in the kitchen and cook me some breakfast!" LOL!!

EDis4UT writes:

FROM: thesportsnetwork.com {part 1}
________________________________________________________________________________

Butler (30-3) vs. Tennessee (30-4)

Sunday, March 23rd, 2:30 p.m. (et).
The Sports Network

By Pat Taggart, Associate College Basketball Editor

FACTS & STATS: Site: BJCC Arena (16,266) -- Birmingham, Alabama. Television: CBS. NCAA Tournament Record: Butler 8-7, Tennessee 12-16. Series Record: Butler leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers avoided a major upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and they will be tested again today by the seventh-seeded Butler Bulldogs as East Region action continues. The winner of this contest will take on either third-seeded Louisville or a sixth-seeded Oklahoma in the Sweet 16. Butler was extremely impressive in its 81-61 romp over South Alabama on Friday, and the program has now won its first-round game in its last four NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs captured their first Horizon League Tournament title since 2001 with a 70-55 victory over Cleveland State on March 11th, and their seven seed in this tournament is the second-highest in program history, as last year's club earned a five seed. As for Tennessee, it ended up beating American University by a 72-57 final in the first round, but that game was much closer than the final score suggests. There is reason for concern among fans of the program, as the Vols entered this event fresh off a heartbreaking 92-91 loss to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament semifinals last Saturday. Still, the Vols' 30 wins this season have eclipsed the previous school record of 26 set in 1999-2000. They are making their 16th NCAA Tournament appearance, and while a 12-16 record in this event isn't exactly impressive, last year's squad did reach the Sweet 16. Butler owns a 2-0 edge in the all-time series with Tennessee, including a 56-44 victory over the Vols last season.

EDis4UT writes:

FROM: thesportsnetwork.com {part 2}

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Butler is a strong defensive team that limits its opponents to 57.8 ppg on 42.9 percent shooting from the floor. The Bulldogs are generating 68.3 ppg, and they have racked up over 100 more assists than their foes while committing more than 100 fewer turnovers. Point guard Mike Green continues to play outstanding basketball for Butler as he is scoring 14.9 ppg to go with 6.6 rpg and 164 assists. A.J. Graves is netting 13.3 ppg, but it is hard to get too excited about his 37.5 percent shooting from the field. Matt Howard adds 12.6 ppg to the mix, and Pete Campbell provides 11.2 ppg. In the first-round victory over South Alabama, Campbell exploded for 26 points off the bench on 8-of-10 shooting from three-point range. He did his damage in only 20 minutes of action, clearly one of the most impressive performances we have seen thus far in the tournament. Graves scored 18 points against the Jaguars and Howard added 11, helping to overshadow the fact that Green was limited to just five points and three assists. Butler connected on 50.9 percent of its field goal attempts, including a 15-of-28 showing from beyond the arc.

Not until late in the second half against American University could Tennessee breathe a sigh of relief. The Vols were outrebounded in the contest by a 39-27 margin, including 18-6 on the offensive glass. So how were they able to win by double figures? Well, it certainly helped that they forced 22 turnovers and limited their upset-minded opponent to a mere 36.2 percent shooting from the floor. Also, Tennessee earned a 22-6 edge in points from the foul line. JaJuan Smith paced UT in scoring with 19 points. Wayne Chism added 16 points to the cause, and Tyler Smith finished with 14 points. Both Chris Lofton and Tyler Smith were recently named First Team All-SEC performers, while JaJuan Smith earned Second Team honors. J.P. Prince was tabbed the SEC Sixth Man of the Year, so there is a wealth of talent on the roster. Tyler Smith is undoubtedly the team's most versatile performer, and he is posting 13.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.6 apg. Lofton is generating a team-high 15.7 ppg, and JaJuan Smith is netting 14.6 ppg.

Expect Tennessee to take care of business in this clash. Butler will certainly keep things close, but the Vols are simply too athletic for the Bulldogs.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Tennessee 70, Butler 63

03/23 10:23:05 ET
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hope they are right on the score prediction!

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