Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
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UT's Wayne Chism goes for a lay up as Tusculum players look on during an exhibition game on Friday at Thompson Boling Arena.
Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
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UT's Tyler Smith pressures Tusculum's Robert Troutman as he looks to pass the ball during an exhibition game on Friday at Thompson Boling Arena.
Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
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UT head coach Bruce Pearl reacts along with players Tyler Smith, J.P. Prince and Josh Tabb from the bench during an exhibition game against Tusculum on Friday at Thompson Boling Arena.
Tennessee basketball - the Bruce Pearl way - returned to Thompson-Boling Arena for 14 minutes Friday night.
Most of the 20,421 on hand for the final exhibition game were on their feet, the pep band was blowing its horns and the student section danced to the tune of a 40-2 lead over Tusculum.
But the final 26 minutes served as a reminder the young Vols aren't close to where Pearl believes they need to be if they're to defend their SEC title.
Tennessee won 82-51 over the Division II Pioneers, but the score was academic. Teaching points - not margin of victory - were on Pearl's mind when he exited The Summitt court.
"Second-half defense ... the list is too long,'' Pearl said, asked where the Vols need to improve before next Saturday's home opener with Chattanooga. "We've got to get a lot better to beat Chattanooga.''
Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism posted double-doubles; Chism had 13 points and 10 rebounds while Smith had 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Junior College point guard transfer Bobby Maze had six points to go with nine assists in 28 minutes.
But it was Tusculum's Kyle Moore, a preseason first-team All-South Atlantic Conference selection, who took game-high scoring honors with 23 points.
Moore, however, had just five points in the first half on 1-of-8 shooting as the Vols came out pressing through the first 15 minutes.
"What you saw, especially in the first half, was Tennessee basketball,'' Pearl said. "I thought we saw a lot of improvement.
"Obviously it was a tale of two halves. We played with great energy and passion in the first half.''
Pearl said he backed off the press because the Vols won't be able to press all their opponents, and the team's half-court defense needs work.
"The team has to learn to keep the tempo up without the press,'' Pearl said. "It exposes your half-court (defense) and that's what I wanted to do.
"When it came to a half-court game, we lost by six.''
The Vols were still without Daniel West (test accreditation issue) and Josh Tabb (team academic suspension), and sophomore post Brian Williams was a late scratch.
"He's (Williams) been battling tendinitis (knee) and he tweaked it pretty good in warm ups,'' Pearl said. "I don't know his status the rest of the week, but obviously not too good if he wasn't good to go.''
Pearl said there's a chance junior wing J.P. Prince (shoulder) could be ready to play by Saturday's opener, but West and Tabb remain questionable.
Freshman wing Renaldo Woolridge provided an early lift, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the opening 13 minutes after getting the start in place of Williams.
"I knew what I had to do,'' said Woolridge, who connected on 6 of 12 shots and got three rebounds in 20 minutes. "I had to step in and play with aggression.''
Freshman post Phillip Jurick saw his first action of the season but failed to score or get a rebound in his six minutes of action.
The Pioneers out-rebounded the Vols 43-41 and hit 16 of 22 free throws (72.7 percent) while UT connected on 14 of 22 (63.6 percent) from the free-throw line.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 54
BillVol writes:
20,500 for an exhibition game. Against Tusculum. Just wow.
ladivolfan writes:
many games are won, or lost, strictly because of the free throw ability of a team.
THE_VOL writes:
BP is right to be pi$$ed about the half court D because it was pretty horrible. This team has still not committed to playing defense. They actually got beat by the SCOUT team in practice earlier this week. I guess it will take a butt whippin' by a real team to actually wake them up and make the young guys realize this ain't HS! They better understand UTC beat us the last time they played here and nearly got us again last year in Chattanooga.
And another thing, this team does not need to be launching 15-20 treys per game. They don't have any pure shooters and do much better driving the ball. Launching 3s are basically going to be wasted possessions.
Finally, how the hell do you get outrebounded by Tusculum????? I don't care if it was an exhibition, rebounding, like defense, is pure desire. We were much bigger yet the opponents got us on the boards because our wings didn't crash. That won't work.
Consider all this negative if you want but it's actually just more REALITY!
Oh and one personal note - if Tabb is gonna be on the bench, put his arse in a warm-up or a suit! T-shirts and jeans???? C'mon Bruce....
billwall writes:
Does anyone know what has happened to Ryan Childress? He is not in the box score.
vol88 writes:
I cannot even comment on the last sentence. I thought I could but I can't.
wallandhiker writes:
I'd say it is time to fire the coach. He has obviously lost control of the team and the game has passed him by. It was somewhere in the second half of that exhibition game. We have the facilities and the tradition; all we need is a younger coach with fresh ideas to turn this thing around.
Alumni_06 writes:
lmao
dvols writes:
free throws not important? ask derrick rose!
grvol writes:
Look how Tabb is dressed. Not good on the discipline front. Don't go back to the Jerry Green/Tony Harris embarrassments. Put some decent clothes on when you sit out. Don't dress like a thug.
eduardo writes:
Childress is on the shelf until mid year had surgery and is trying to get back into shape. To all those doubters wait till the conference starts and see this team really get going. Pearl knows what he wants out of his teams and will get it, unlike some other teams on the hill.
jimr07 writes:
it is going to be interesting if this team does not live up to the hype like another tennessee sports team if it gets the same treatment.
THE_VOL writes:
Childress is finished.
THE_VOL writes:
You FOOLmer apologists just don't get it do you? Being envious and spiteful toward a coach that has won championships THIS CENTURY is the same mindset that kept your boy from doing the same.
THE_VOL writes:
Actually you FOOLmer kool-aid drinkers are once again trying to compare apples to oranges - okay, maybe it's PUMPKINS to oranges. REMEMBER FOOLS - this coach WON A SEC CHAMPIONSHIP last year and will contend for another this season. YOUR coach has not won one in a decade and is DEAD F**KING LAST this year. REMEMBER FOOLS - all the hype is not coming from THIS COACH. Quite the contrary actually and very much unlike YOUR coach who ran his mouth off in 2005 about a NC and then tanked a whole season. REMEMBER FOOLS - THIS COACH has actually REVIVED a dead program while YOUR COACH actually KILLED a live one. It's obvious that the FOOL's loyalists would love to see BP and Co. go over the cliff this year but it ain't gonna happen so try REAL hard to REMEMBER what winning is really like and enjoy another good hoops season after that debacle that you've supported all fall!
THE_VOL writes:
Being more than a bit racist don't ya think???? I didn't like the appearance either but it was FAR from being thuggish. Would you have made the thug comment if he had a McLame t-shirt on??? Doubt it!
THE_VOL writes:
What else is there for the sports fans in Knoxville this weekend?????
mlbrown5454 writes:
My thoughts exactly.
mlbrown5454 writes:
memphis hasn't been much of a problem lately, have they?
CatScratchFever writes:
Kentucky. 103 tentsites camped out for 3 days just to get tickets for a practice.
Kentucky. 24,302 in attendance, for a practice.
Kentucky. Bigger Wow.
tnsportrac469 writes:
where in the world are normal people supposed to park for games. the people who dont have season tickets or parking passes.. i decided at the last minute to take my son to his first game last night and ended up driving around over an hour trying to find some place to park..
mparker writes:
"Well..hello in utenn (UT is in Austin) land; for amusement and measurement precison"
precision??
Precision is repeatability of results. Perhaps you meant 'accuracy', which as a compariosn to an accepted standard??
Just curious what your intentions are with the use or misuse of 'measurement precision', which seems to have no bearing on the remainder fo your post.
mparker writes:
great comments. just a thought for you: sometimes your 'stuff' gets lost in your 'attitude'.
Most likely you don't give a rip, but maybe someday you might.
Anyway, as far as THIS post, its really nice to read some firsthand stuff. It is really good when you are far away (over 1,000 miles) to read the thins the reporters DON'T say.
Good work, the_vol.
ctexorange writes:
Did I miss something last year? I know we won the SEC regular season crown but isn't that like winning the SEC east? I hears it don't mean anything until you win it all. How many SEC tourney cahmpionships have we won?
mparker writes:
catscratch,
this is one UT fan you won't find dissing Uk or UF. I like both programs, they just fall 2nd behind UT (for me).
Who are the 'big dgos', or, I guess, 'big cats' this year??
alfrizzle097 writes:
Everyone is pretty down on them considering they got out to a 40-2 lead after about 15 minutes.
At that point don't you kind of call off the dogs? I've gotta think that is the reason we got out-rebounded. What was the free throw percentage in the first game? It was actually pretty good.
We've got all the pieces. They just need experience before they can learn to play consistently.
TooLegit2Quit writes:
Just park in the AG Campus and take the buses they offer to the game.
tnsportrac469 writes:
ok where is the AG Campus?
murrayvol writes:
Calipari didn't care about free throws either and in all honesty they didn't matter much......until the final 2 minutes of the NC game.
I'll bet he wakes up at night thinking about them now.
murrayvol writes:
I suspect he has left the building.
murrayvol writes:
It will also be disappointing.
murrayvol writes:
Get ready to accept that 3rd Place Trophy....for the SEC East.
How long before Billy does a "Got Beer" commercial.
murrayvol writes:
Go to Ag Campus, ride big bus, exit @ front door of TBA. Reverse process after the game.
It's the only way to go unless you're up for a substantial contribution.
murrayvol writes:
Sorry Legit. Didn't get to your post before responding.
murrayvol writes:
Exit off Alcoa Highway. A campus map should suffice.
MrBamSeydu writes:
This is one of those "good news / bad news" deals:
Bad news: Scotty Hopson plays defense like a blind kid plays Xbox.
Good news: There's no way he's ready for the NBA after this season. At least we'll have his offense for 2 or 3 years and hopefully he'll pick up on how to play defense over that time. Renaldo Woolridge is actually better than him all-around right now. I doubt it will end up that way, but as of now he is better and that's just a fact.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
kosmo...you must be around 12 years old ...yes?
mparker writes:
sorry dude, I don't play that game. Most fans know we are young AND new. Jajuan and Chris where big losses. Even Ramar and Duke, as they knew the system.
CBP has a talented team, lots of potential, but lots of roadblocks as as well.
ON PAPER, we look more like a 'top-tier' team, as we have lots of 'length'. That is on paper. Can we shoot, pass, rebound, play D, keep the ball???
Any time you want to discuss rationally, I'm up for it. I'm not up for the pissy garbabe.
Okay?
CapitolC writes:
itsme - how is everything this week at college of texas in austin CO-TEX ? UT is in knoxville. Well, tough weekend in little lubbock - it appears you finally hitched a ride home after the smackdown
musta lost your edsel on the bet
drop in anytime so we can take another whack at you
48orangenation48 writes:
Now you know how bad our football team is. And you know how good our basketball team is. Go Vols!
CatScratchFever writes:
Hello mparker, Yeah, I just like to tease a little.
Looking at Kentucky for this year, they look very good thusfar. In the Blue/White game and the two exhibitions, they have looked great. Part of the difference is just how long the roster is. We have 20 players this season and many of the bench players are very good.
The big names for this year will be Patrick Patterson of course and an unbelievable Jodie Meeks. Meeks who was injured most of last year is a scoring machine. Blazing speed and can hit the midrange jumper as well as the three with the best of em. Another big surprize this year will be JUCO transfer Josh Harrellson. He is a 6-10 250 PF who can shoot from the outside. Point guard duties will be shared by a much improved Michael Porter, freshman 6-6 Deandre Liggins and JUCO transfer Kevin Galloway.
Honestly, IMO, this team looks very strong. I will have a much better idea about them in the Carolina game in a couple of weeks, but feel they will compete for the SEC East with Tennessee.
I think you will notice a much faster pace to them too. Last year, we were so short on players we had to run a slow down game to have a chance. I look for much more defensive pressure and uptempo offense.
I think you will enjoy watching them....when not playing Tennessee of course :-)
Take care.
CatScratchFever writes:
Probably about the same time Pearl's girlfriend graduates high school.
salute_to_the_hill writes:
You are an idiot. If you remember we were in Atlanta last year playing for a title and we won 10 games. I love Bruce Pearl but we need to get passed the sweet sixteen
asleep#212036 writes:
Since the expansion of the conference in 1992, that number would be a big zero. I may be wrong but of all the SEC teams I think we have gone the longest without an outright championship, probably back into the 70's with Ernie and Bernie. Need a statistician to be sure. Go Vols!!!
THE_VOL writes:
Sounds like you're bragging BUT aren't people living in tents the NORM in Kentucky?????
THE_VOL writes:
Tell me you are NOT serious???? Better yet, come back and post something intelligent after you do your homework.
THE_VOL writes:
Like I said basketball WON THE TITLE LAST YEAR. That's a bit different than PLAYING for it I believe. And yeah, winning the SEC and only being in the TOP 16 ANNUALLY is a big problem isn't it???? I bet if your FAT BUDDY had done that sometime IN THIS CENTURY he'd still have a job now wouldn't he?????
THE_VOL writes:
Before you question my intellect you should LEARN TO READ!!!! I never said TN will win the SEC this year - only that they will CONTEND. Second, what the hell do you know about this team being selfish or reading press clippings???? How many practices you been too? How many conversations have you had with these players??? Like I expected ZERO! Maybe YOU are the one reading too many press clippings. And what the hell does Lofton/JaJuan/Bradshaw have to do with THIS team????? Oh, as I thought - NOTHING. You my friend should go back and finish your pitcher of FOOLMERAID!
mparker writes:
sorry about the typos, no proofing abilities.
yes, agree about the accountability. as for Rose, I was a big fan of his, don't think I'd go for 'once in a generation', but he was special.
My guess is UT will run and gun just fine, but struggle mightily wiht half-court sets. Now, we don't have Chris aor Jajuan to bail us out.
I think it'll work out, but as a fan I'm ready to take a few hits we haven't taknn the last couple of years.
mparker writes:
Thanks;
I thought last season the cats spent half the season moping over Tubby.
Patterson is a stud, so is Meeks. The cats finally accepted Billy G in the 2nd half of the season, and it paid off.
Gotta go, good luck!
salute_to_the_hill writes:
You may be right, but if I remember we won a regular season championship last year. we choked in the SEC tourney like always. Don't get me wrong I love Pearl, but you, my friend, are harsh.
God Bless
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